wdw1972

Good morning - three nice days, and a great quote to start off the work week. I can't imagine butternut squash in mac & cheese, and will leave that to others. The drink looks pretty, but I'll pass. The wine would be worth trying. Haven't been to Brazil, but hopefully some day. Our cool morning yesterday was replaced by warmer temps and some fog. We're watching the potential/probably hurricane by the Gulf of Mexico. Hopefully it will move as quickly as they're saying now, as lingering would only make it stronger/worse. Being in Gainesville right now I don't worry about the hurricanes impacting us. I am glad it's not likely to affect my home in Ft Myers and of course feel badly for anyone near wherever it makes landfall 😞 Ft Myers still isn't 100% recovered after Ian a couple years ago. Sincerely hope the many people here struggling with health, sewer, family issues, etc see some relief and a turn towards brighter days soon. Sue/WDW1972

I booked my excursions for May 2025 in March of 2024 - at that time one was already sold out. I waitlisted, and I think they added a second tour because I cleared the waitlist & booked in late May 2024 and it's still not sold out. Sue/WDW1972

Happy Sunday everyone! DH & I did walk early this morning (6:30am) and I was thrilled to feel a cooler temperature. It was 68, going up to 90 but even a brief period of coolness is appreciated. Today will be a car free day, but I typically go car free 5 of the 7 days each week unless there's a medical appointment or random "out to eat" decision. Since we live where I work, my commute is via golf cart or by foot. I can pass on the chainmail & diary - likewise the cocktail and this particular wine. Grilled chicken sandwiches are delicious, and I also prefer someone else make them. Dive In used to do a good job with them, but the last time I ordered one you could barely spot the skinny little chicken breast (much smaller than the bun). I thought it was just a fluke, but later a friend ordered one (on a subsequent cruise I think) and it was the same way - absolutely ridiculous! Haven't ordered one since. Looking forward to more port photos, as anything in Australia makes my list of places I'd like to see. Growing up next door to Salem, the witch trials period of time is an embarrassment. It's terrible that people were so ignorant and caused such hysteria and harm to others. Hope everyone has a pleasant rest of the day, and (if applicable) your teams play well. Sue/WDW1972

Three good days, although I've never tried chai. I agree with the quote, but have not tried the meal, drink, wine or visited the port. The drink sounds possible, but most likely only if I happen to see it on a menu somewhere and recall back to this daily 😉 Sending positive thoughts to @kazu and @rafinmd - sorry you're struggling with these health problems and possibly disrupting future plans. Hope @Denise T is having a great time at the wedding, and @Haljo1935 & DH do something fun to celebrate their anniversary. It's been fairly quiet here. This morning I finished Christmas shopping for the 2 grandkids in Maryland. DH is talking about possibly going up for some games if the Orioles make it to the playoffs, and if that happens I'll take advantage of sending all the gifts with him instead of paying to have them shipped. We'll probably walk tomorrow morning, and DH will watch football and baseball while I watch some HGTV and work on a jigsaw puzzle - and continue counting down to Zuiderdam in 62 days. Sue/WDW1972

Wow - thanks for all the photos! I pretty much hate all seafood, and especially shellfish and raw things. I can eat the Dover sole at Rudi's but that's about it. Also not a vegetable fan, although I eat salads. I've followed blogs of several world & other long voyage cruisers and frankly when they describe or show what they're eating (typically lunch stops on excursions) I cringe! However, you've opened my eyes to see there ARE some choices for boring ole me, and of course primarily eating on the ship is always an option. So, I'm not ruling it out - but there are still other regions that are higher up on the bucket list 😉 Soft serve ice cream is always a plus! Sue/WDW1972

Another hot day in Florida, but at least it's Friday. All 3 days are good, although I don't eat string cheese these days. Fried rice is delicious but eaten rarely due to the calories! I do wish everyone who had kids cared for them properly. They're our future. Hard no to the meal, drink and wine. I remember Billie Jean King winning that match - great moment in history! I've never been to Japan, and really don't have an interest, primarily out of concern there's nothing I'd eat! Seems enjoying the local cuisine is a big part of being there, and it does not appeal to me at all. But, never say never 😉 My DH has been to Japan once, back in the days when he was a Baltimore Oriole. They played some series of games over there and the hotel they were staying at laundered their uniforms. In the morning (after playing the game the day before, and then no doubt drinking/eating/carousing afterwards) he & his team woke up to find their uniforms were not in their rooms. A call to the front desk was made & they learned the uniforms had been placed hanging from the outside of their hotel room doors. DH immediately thought no way would they still be there, but every single one was. He was amazed nobody had stolen them, and still tells that story today! No doubt some (or all) would have disappeared if left out in the US! Sue/WDW1972

My son grew up cruising HAL starting around age 11, so that's what he knew. He's an only child and was used to being around adult company. I always rented the tux package for him so on formal nights he was properly dressed. On land I made him order from the kids' menu but on a cruise he could eat whatever he wanted, and that ended up including escargot, jumbo shrimp, lobster, steaks, etc - all the adult stuff. He enjoyed Club HAL, with the limited # of kids generally meaning they got to decide each day what the activities would be. Before dinner we'd sit in the Ocean Bar and watch the couples dancing - me enjoying the cocktail of the day, him the mocktail of the day. After dinner we went to whatever show was in the World Stage. He loved it all. I was younger then too (almost 30 years ago) and we really enjoyed the older passengers. At age 13 I threw a Disney cruise into the mix - I remember him asking me if his future cruises could please be on HAL. His reason - too many kids! As a young adult he did a Carnival cruise with a bunch of buddies. I assumed he'd love it - drinking, eating, partying - he was in the demographic. He came back saying it sucked - lousy food, drunk/obnoxious passengers, just really tacky overall. A couple years later he & his girlfriend booked a 7-day Eurodam cruise, where he proposed at the Pinnacle Grill. They'll be on Nieuw Amsterdam in Alaska next year to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Other than a couple Disney cruises they've done with their son (he's 8 now), they seem to be fine with HAL! Sue/WDW1972

Happy Thursday everyone! Interesting days - don't know much about pirates beyond riding Pirates of the Caribbean countless times, and I definitely would prefer chocolate pudding rather than butterscotch. Rita Rudner is very funny - great quote! I'll pass on the meal, would consider trying the cocktail, and like @StLouisCruisers would try the wine if that was the only white available! I'm not a chardonnay fan at all, but hate red wine much more! Never been to Valdez - maybe some day if I do the 28 day itinerary after retiring. Not much going on here - another warm humid day, storms expected later (Florida normal). My son's 38th birthday is today and yesterday was the 37th anniversary of starting my current employment. Not sure how my son can be 38 when I can't believe I'm that old (& more) 😉 @cunnorl Hoping for good results on your colonoscopy @Cruzin Terri Ugh - sorry you & DH have to make that drive to Jax. Incompetent people are infuriating! Sue/aka Jean Claw of the Sea

After I visited their website & made a reservation I started seeing their ads on Facebook. I also signed up for their free loyalty program, so perhaps it was that. Sue/WDW1972

Wow - seems odd that a "swimmer" would also dangle from a helicopter, but thank goodness there are people willing to do that! Hopefully none of us will need that assistance some day. Thanks for the photo @Copper10-8! Sue/WDW1972

Yes, that's correct. Sue/WDW1972

I booked it May 28, 2024. Last time I checked (week or so ago) it had not changed. Any ads I'm seeing for Pan Pacific now are for stays through 3/31/25 so I'm hoping once they start promos for beyond that it might include something better for my stay (5/16/25 for 2 nights). Sue/WDW1972

Happy Tuesday - it was a pleasant shock for the temp to be 68 or 69 early this morning. The "coolness" didn't last long, but it's a sign better days are coming down here! I never knew there was a Constitution day but agree it's important. Not a fan of country music and it's been years since my last NYC visit. We enjoyed it then, but not sure we'd enjoy it today based on reports of increased crime around Times Square (where we always stayed). Pass on the meal & cocktail (although it's pretty). There's no Matua on the wine rack right now but I've had my share and order it in some restaurants. I look forward to visiting Stanley one day, and thank everyone for the gorgeous photos! Yesterday down home (SW Florida) a shrimp boat ran into the Matanzas Pass Bridge. That's the big bridge that connects the mainland to Ft Myers Beach. It took 3 hours to get the boat dislodged from the bridge, and then make repairs to the bridge, so it was shut down most of the day. This morning I got an alert from the local news station - the bridge was hit again this morning, by the SAME shrimp boat!! This time there was no damage, but my goodness - there may be a shrimp boat captain looking for another job 😉 @Denise T Definitely don't cater to those lazy students. You're not expecting too much! It amazes me how people who have graduated from good schools/colleges can't put a simple sentence together. @0106 What a scary situation for you and DH. Glad he got good care and is on the mend! Sue/WDW1972

On all the non-pinnacle ships Rolling Stone Lounge is a completely separate area from Billboard. Remember the old Queens Lounge? That's now Rolling Stone Lounge on those ships.Billboard is further forward, not connected to RS at all. Sue/WDW1972

Most of the happy hours lately have been simply 50% off. You don't have to buy 2 drinks. Also, I've been seeing 3:30-4:30 and even once 3-4. The traditional time for years was 4-5. Sue/WDW1972

That's wonderful news!! Curious - did she have a sentinel node procedure, which found those 10 nodes were the ones to test? I've had breast cancer 3 times and the last 2 times they did the sentinel node thing - injecting material that will glow/light up in an xray to indicate which nodes carry cells from the area of the tumor to other parts of the body. They then took me to surgery and biopsied just that node or nodes - but don't think they necessarily removed the entire node as I have no restrictions that are common with people who have lymph nodes removed. I wish your sister the best going forward - this has to be a huge relief for her and all the people who love her! Sue/WDW1972

Happy Monday - although I imagine it would be happier if I was retired or on a cruise ship 😉 I've never been a fan of guacamole, so others can have my share! Both DH & I are step parents, but had it easy from the standpoint of the "kids" being pretty much young adults rather than children. A "step" shouldn't be any different from a biological or adopted kid in my opinion. The meal sounds good, pass on the cocktail & wine, and Christchurch (and all of New Zealand) is on the bucket list. Thanks for the many photos! It's hot, humid, gray & cloudy here in "sunny" Florida. This morning's excitement came when one of our residents' body (he passed before dinner Friday at the hospital) was on its way to Jacksonville rather than one of the funeral homes we use here in Gainesville. The brother/guardian set that in motion, not realizing by doing so leaves him 100% responsible for the final arrangement costs. After many frantic calls, the transport company with the body sitting on the side of the road awaiting further instruction, we got it resolved and the resident delivered to the appropriate funeral home. Once they've done their part he'll be transported to the cemetary in Jacksonville to be buried next to his parents. Warm thoughts to those struggling with ailments/issues - hope the day also has bright spots mixed in with the not-so-good stuff. Sue/WDW1972

This is how I plan to "go" - I've already informed my son & DIL. Hopefully that's decades away, but I can't think of a more fitting way to honor someone who loves to cruise. The ceremony for your husband sounded very nice - thank you for sharing it here. Sue/WDW1972

@ger_77 WOW Gerry - that birdhouse is amazing! You both did an exceptional job 🙂 Sue/WDW1972

Happy Sunday morning - like the days but not the meal, cocktail or wine. I've never been to Turkey, so looking forward to any port photos. The quote is odd to me - but thankfully I can't imagine feeling seasick. Yesterday DH went to the Florida football game with a friend of ours and as usual it was brutally hot/humid. Why they schedule games in the afternoon when it's like this is beyond me. Anyway, by the end of the 1st quarter he was not feeling well, despite gatorade, dumping cold water on himself, using ice cubes on his wrist, etc (the usual stuff there it seems) our friend called for a medic. Some tests (checking heart - he has no heart issues though) and a bag of IV fluids later he was fine. They left at that point - the game was in a lightning delay and evidently had been playing poorly. When the IV came out blood spurted quite a bit, leaving DH with a big round blood spot on his shirt, and smaller spots scattered. He said "you should have seen the looks we got as we were leaving" - no doubt (these days) he looked like perhaps he'd been shot. He's fine today - next time he goes to a game it will be a night game! @StLouisCruisers beautiful bride & handsome groom - thanks for sharing Sue/WDW1972

Hopefully the wonderful hospice people can get Sam's pain under control, and provide support to you both during this difficult time. Hugs to you both. Sue/WDW1972

Good morning everyone - another humid day here in FL. DH & I did some walking around 6:30 and my hair was wet from the fog by the time we got home. Today he's off to the Gator football game with a friend of ours w/season tickets. I'll do some shopping and have the caprese w/fresh burrata at Carrabbas while he's gone. I've always been an unfilled donut type person, but rarely eat donuts these days. Wine will be in my future so not sure about sober day - although I won't be at the opposite end of the spectrum (drunk) either! Thank you to the US Marshals for their service. Agree with the quote, and regarding IBM it's hard to imagine those gigantic computers of the past! I wonder if that original computer's capacity can now be obtained on a thumb drive! I'll pass on the meal and cocktail - love caprese, but not with pasta. HAL does a great caprese panini on the room service menu, but I mainly eat caprese simply as tomato, mozzarella/burrata & some onions/basil. The wine I'd consider, and Mahogany Bay is a port I've visited several times but long ago. When HAL ran a ship out of Tampa that would frequently be on the itinerary, and it's a nice "easy" port. Riding the Magical Flying Beach Chair was always fun! Sue/WDW1972

You're correct - there's not movie screen by the pool on Noordam - only the Pinnacle Class ships. I didn't care for evening movies there due to the humidity (even with the roof closed). Sue/WDW1972

I did the same for May 2025. I'll keep watching for a better rate and will also check HAL's rate when they release it. Sue/WDW1972

Another 3 wonderful days - especially chocolate! I also don't want to be bald, but do suffer from thin/thinning hair. I'll pass on the meal and cocktail but have had the wine and visited the port. We'll see if posting pictures works - have never tried before. My first visit was in 2021 on Rotterdam, back when people still had to wear masks (even outside on excursions). We did the trolley tour, as there wasn't much to pick from back then and it was a way to see a little of a new port. We saw the school bus that had been crushed by a tree in a hurricane (nobody was injured), some mangroves, and the catholic church.