rafinmd

Today's sunrise is from my 2019 Prinsendam Grand South America cruise. On February 14 we visited Puerto Madryn: Roy

Missed it today. Thanks Dave, Leanne, and fellow addicts. Roy

Valentine's day is a sad day in my family, It was 3 years ago today that my brother died. He was doing well after back surgery and while I never heard any official cause of death I think it was from a blood clot. I'll post more when I get back from my errands. Roy

Valentines Day maps: Roy

Nothing unexpected from the pulmonologist. See him again in 6 months. Roy

Today's sunrise is from my 2015 Maasdam cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rio. February 13 was a sea day from Vitoria to Ilhabela: Roy

Today's sunrise is from my 2015 Maasdam cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rio. February 13 was a sea day from Vitoria to Ilhabela: Roy

I particularly remember his weekly conversations with the late Red Barber. In the likely words of Red, Rest In Peace, Colonel Bob. Roy

Never even thought of cable. Most of my TV's are now digital but find the converter box gets some different channels. Roy

Ouch! Just glad there did not appear to be major damage to the station. Is this operated by the county or volunteers. We are a largely county station with additional help from volunteers and the county has reserve apparatus that can be brought in when something is broken. I hope there's a reserve available as the ordering time for a new fire engine is probably a year or more. The alternative is to go on the used equipment market where there is a chance of getting a very nice engine for a pretty decent price. Praying that the coverage from nearby stations is not too far away. Roy

Happy Mardi Gras to those who celebrate it. Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Ann, Paul, and Eva. I think I'll take a pass on the other 2 days. Not sure about today's quote. Two interesting days in British history, although it is interesting that the Bill of Rights may not have given rights to ordinary citizens. I have not been to Abu Dhabi although close, disembarking Silver Whisper there in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010. I'll pass on the meal. My alternative is Chilled Strawberry Bisque, Citrus Compote with Honey and Raisins, Veal Medallion with Creamy Porcini Sauce, and Cherry Crisp as served on MS Zaandam February 13, 2012. A busy week with Pulminologist today, Podiatrist tomorrow, Fire Department photo and church AV rehearsal Thursday, and Drivers License Renewal Friday. Roy

Today's maps: Roy

I expect Ukraine may have some staying power since HAL was actually involved in the effort. On my Eurodam November 22 walk one of the staff coordinating the walk had actually served on the Volendam when it was housing refugees so it is a part of HAL history. Roy

While there have been a number of photos of Normandy sites I don't remember much about Cherbourg itself. These are from the Nieuw Statendam in 2019: City Hall Interior and exterior views of the Basilica: On my walk I found a nice little Patisserie that just had to be saved for part of my lunch: Near the cruise terminal there was a maritime museum with a fisherman's memorial out front: And, finally, an overview of the city from one of Nieuw Statendam's top decks: Roy

Today's sunrise is from my 2018 Crystal World Cruise. On February 12 Crystal Serenity visited Noumea. Roy

Today's sunrise is from my 2018 Crystal World Cruise. On February 12 Crystal Serenity visited Noumea. Roy

Happy birthday to @MISTER 67 and happy heavenly birthday to @seagarsmoker DD and Honest Abe. Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Ann, Paul, and Eva. I'll celebrate all three of these days and like the Lao Tzu quote. I've been to Cherbourg twice, first in 2010 on Queen Mary 2 and again in 2019 on Nieuw Statendam. My WW2 battlefield tour was from the Elegant Explorer out of LeHavre. Two interesting days in history and what a gem Wayne Gretzky was. I'll pass on the meal. My alternative is Assorted Garden Greens and Prime Rib of Beef au jus as served on MS Zaandam February 12, 2012. Roy

Today's maps: Roy

Today's alternate maps. I think I mostly got it except a ship icon for Vision and a shortened name or two: Roy

No toots but a great view. Thanks Dave, Leanne, and fellow addicts. Roy

I have a sunset today rather than a sunrise. It's from my 2015 Maasdam cruise Fort Lauderdale to Rio. February 11 was a sea day from Maceio to Vitoria: Roy

I have a sunset today rather than a sunrise. It's from my 2015 Maasdam cruise Fort Lauderdale to Rio. February 11 was a sea day from Maceio to Vitoria: Roy

Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Ann, Eva, Paul, and Graham/Father David. I like the days with a special emphasis on Autism Sunday. I also like the Rowling quote. I have not been to Taormina, and I don't think to any of Sicily. Three interesting days in history. I was privileged on one of my visits to Cape Town to step into Mandella's actual cell. Bon Voyage Karen @quilty964. I'll pass on the meal. My alternative is Classic Caesar Salad, Lamb Shank, and Apple Crumble Tart as served on MS Prinsendam February 11, 2019: Off to walk and church soon, hoping I can avoid getting caught in rain. Roy

Today's maps: Roy

I will add that from my experience the crews on the luxury lines work largely the same hours as their mainstream compatriots. In many cases there are no gratuities but of course the prices are a lot higher. I think originally Crystal had a compensation package structured the same way although probably at higher levels. When the change was made they were concerned that they would not get enough extra pay to cover the lost gratuities and extra taxes but it did work out. I priced Explora and wow on the fares compared to HAL. MSC has the same HSC as HAL so I'm not sure what the attraction was there. When Crystal went all inclusive I stopped tipping but started making a very similar contribution to the crew welfare fund. @Crazy For Cats when I was on Rotterdam I was able to increase the HSC without any need for justification but that may vary by ship or even individual at the front desk. I didn't realize HAL had a crew fund but I like it. Roy