smitty34877

Both sets of grandparents came through Ellis Island. My father’s family was from Ireland and mom’s was from Sweden. My brother and I agree that our parents were strongly influenced by their own parents journey. Both grandmothers were 18 at the time. They both worked as maids prior to having their own families. It was quite emotional to see their names on ship manifests. My mother told me stories of translating for her mother in stores and at school until English improved.

Good morning. It is presently sunny and cool at 47 going to 60. A shower may sneak in later. I will give my pie to someone else and have been to Messina. I remember that it was a beautiful day to be in a beautiful place but no longer have pictures. @kazu, Jacqui, I am so sorry about the foot causing so much trouble. I hope the doctor can help this morning. @marshhawk, Annie, your fall sounds terrible and I hope you are doing better this morning. @Haljo1935, Elizabeth, I hope the MRI’s can help with your pain. We have only a small plan in place for today as fish is requested for dinner. I will head out to the fish store in a bit to see what looks good. A neighbor told me that the fish is freshest on Wednesdays and Thursday at this shop. He used to manage a restaurant so I think he is knowledgeable. It is expensive to buy the fresh fish but the taste is fantastic. Have a great day everyone.

I just showed her the picture! Sweet. Sorry about the headache and nausea.

Good morning. It is another beautiful day here with temperatures ranging from 48 to 68. Lots of pollen in the air, on the cars and outdoor furniture. The flowering trees are stunning against the clear blue sky. The quote is a powerful one. I have not been to the port and would like the recipe if I had any ambition to make it. Emancipation day is to be celebrated everywhere. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I am glad Linda got through the rotator cuff repair. It is a long rehab but the results will be worth it. I had quite a few patients with total shoulder procedures done and they usually did very well. The PT involved is painful for both procedures. DD told me recently that she thought her shoulder surgery was harder to tolerate than her cervical spine fusion. It was very hard to sleep and she often ended up sleeping in a recliner. If Linda has access to the ice machine used after knee and shoulder surgeries it is well worth it for control of pain and edema. @marshhawk, congratulations on the grand kitties! I hope mom and babies are doing well this morning. Things feel less anxious here but I find myself just exhausted. I think it is similar to the after effects of constant adrenaline pumping through the body. Tana and I had a good laugh earlier when I asked what she had planned for the day. She usually has a small goal she sets for herself. Today she wanted to “be a vegetable” and watch something silly on TV. That will be easy to accomodate. Have a great day everyone

@Quartzsite Cruiser, Lenda, I was happy to read about the shunt valve adjustment. I hope your DH feels the difference soon. @kochleffel, Paul, sorry about your ankle. i hope the others who had treatments and appointments are doing well. @Mr. Boston,condolences on the passing of your friend and colleague Lauren.

Thank you Joy.

My son lives in Amherst, right next door. It is a lovely area with a farm within walking distance. I am happy to hear you had such a good recovery from your back surgery.

Good morning. It will be 70 later and it is beautiful and 57 now. Thunderstorms are maybe coming later. I won’t celebrate my ex but I do have DS and DGC’s as a result.I like the soup recipes, thanks Debbie @dfish. i have not been to Japan but would love to go someday. @DeniseT, I am sorry to hear about the neighbors. I echo New Hampshire for consideration. My DS and family enjoy their area and also a summer home on a lake only an hour away. They are Celtics fans and often go to the Garden for games. The tax savings are good for the Northeast too. @kochleffel, Paul, thanks for sharing your excellent feedback from the professor. I also like the waterfall pictures. @StLouisCruisers,Sandi, this tree is so cheerful! I was in a funk when I woke up but had to smile at the sombrero. Thanks

So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Condolences and prayers for her and her family.

@AncientWanderer, Maxine, Bon Voyage! @Cruzin Terri, my condolences on the loss of your friend Anita. @atexsix, Bruno, Condolences on the loss of your father.

Good morning. It is cloudy and 47 with wind and rain expected later. The production company has been disassembling their lights and sound equipment since 6 am. The actors kept filming until 2 am as expected. It was so interesting to watch the many workers it takes to do this sort of thing. We were invited to the fancy ice cream truck last night and had fun talking to everyone. I only saw the “stars” from my window. The teenager told me he would like to do that sort of work as a summer job. We do have a big new studio in downtown Yonkers…maybe he will be able to as he turns 16 soon. Thank you Graham @grapau27 for the information about the Puerto Rican vets. I always make lunch count. In my working days, like many of us, I ate on the fly or standing up and had to learn how to be civilized at lunchtime these days. I like the recipe but I am not sure about the others in the group. DD DH and I were fortunate to go to Aruba twice on a land vacation and we loved it. Thanks for the pictures Sandi. @StLouisCruisers. The hospice nurse was coming yesterday and the filming halted for her walk down the street to our house. We called the producer so that she could get back to her car without incident. The police car at the top of the hill told her she had to leave her car and walk. He then relented and said he would “watch” the car for her. She thought Tana looked a little better but did not change meds or O2 levels. We are grateful for any positive change these days.

@marshhawk, thank you for the incredible pictures. The Cape holds a big place in my heart too. @RMLincoln, Maureen, I think you will really enjoy the Cape. We have stayed most recently in Orleans and found it great for beaches, restaurants and hiking trails. The traffic is , shall we say, interesting.

I am sorry to hear about Charles and his wife. It is very hard. I love the kitty pictures I love the pict

I am in love with Oliver! And I find YOU to be amazing.

Good morning. It will rain on and off all day today and will get up to sixty later. I have fond memories of dancing to “Louie Louie “ at Catholic school dances.It is always Pet Day here. I often look at the kitchen cabinets and think”I should clean that”…..then I shut the door. The production company is back today to prepare for the day and night shoot starting tomorrow. This time we are being compensated as the front of our house and sidewalk area will be in the action. I was going to bring the dogs to the groomer but it will be too involved getting in and out of here so we will wait until next week. Tana seems a little better today and I hope the latest crisis is dwindling down. I only got up once when the coughing was more problematic than it should be. We hope to be able to manage at night without the expensive help. One woman kindly told me she could come on short notice if she was needed. @JazzyV, I hope all goes well with BFF’s MOHS surgery and that you can manage with your leg pain. @Haljo1935, Happy Birthday to your DH

My mother took all of us on a cruise from NY on the Queen Mary. She was already very sick but really wanted to go. My sisters in law were unenthusiastic initially but we have all continued to cruise. She started a dangerous habit!

Good morning. It will be 68 later today and the rain is expected to return for the next four days. Thank you Sandi, @StLouisCruisers for the fabulous pictures of Petra. I like the quote and love stuffed cabbage any way it is made by someone else. I will celebrate my only remaining sibling . I have seen most farm animals at a distance only. That is ok, they are rather large. Today will be challenging as the aide had a previous appointment and we were unable to find another person to cover. We had a mixed night with sleep interrupted after three am. I wasn’t able to return to sleep and feel the need for more caffeine. We have discussed dinner plans and the executive chef wants quiche which is an easy fix. @marshhawk, Annie, I wish the two of you could be cruising everyday if it brings pain relief. @kazu, Jacqui, I wish you didn’t have the pain but I was happy to read that your foot was travel approved. @grapau27, Graham, I hope the custom orthotic helps your foot pain. Take care everyone

Good morning. It will be 75 later today! And sunny. Yesterday DD called all who could do so outside to view the eclipse with a colander and white paper.Please don’t laugh at my picture which I will put at the end. it was a great experience as we were at ninety something percent of totality. I loved seeing all my neighbors outside on their stoops and sidewalks. We were amazed by the birds being so quiet and the coolness in the air all of a sudden. Thanks to everyone who posted such fabulous pictures yesterday. Poor Mr Jenkins. I like antiques but have none to cherish. Mr Hancock was ahead of the others. I would love to see Denali and return to Alaska. The muffins sound tasty. @ger_77, Happy Anniversary to you both! @luvteaching, Karen, Happy Birthday. Thinking of you today.

Karen, I am so glad that your son was able to come over and visit with you yesterday. I am surrounded by people but still go through that awful overwhelming grief when I least expect it. I am often surprised by the silliest things that set it off. Anniversaries and birthdays are much harder. Sending hugs your way. Terry

@StLouisCruisers, Sandi, a very Happy Birthday to you and your twin Linda.! @erewhon, Happy Anniversary to both of you! @Overhead Fred, Happy Anniversary to you and Mitzi!

Good morning. The sun is out with beautiful blue skies. Beavers are interesting animals . I have not been to the port. I make a good potato salad and wonder how the yogurt tastes in the healthful recipe. Bon Voyage to @Vict0riann, @Overhead Fred and the DW and DSIL of @Heartgrove! @dfish,I am sorry the eye problems persist. Do you return to the Dr? @JazzyV, I think of you often with your very limited sleep. So sorry the pain is back . @kazu, Has the acupuncture helped? Your weather is dreadful . @grapau27, love the pictures, thanks! We are on our own during the day today and at night. Our teenager has been helping me with vacuuming and floor washing. I am grateful and have to tone down expectations…Tana is feeling better by this morning but sleep was elusive last night. Enjoy the day!

Sharon, I tried the mashed potatoes with the Boursin cheese and made everyone very happy. Thanks !

Good morning. It is breezy and will get up to 50 later. Thank you to Tina @0106 for explaining rejection and the perseverance we encounter in life. I will celebrate that and watch out for drowsy drivers. My brothers and I would buy twinkies and eat them outside the house as they were not allowed. Such bad children! We managed last night fairly well and Tana seems to feel less anxious. That of course helps everyone else to lower their anxiety. Today I am on a cooking spree in order to have things more manageable. So far,chicken is baking, soup is bubbling and there is a pot of vegetarian chili in my crackpot. Welcome home to all the Grand Australia cruisers!

Sandi, from what I remember he felt symptoms decrease quickly but was tired the next day. He no longer has the allergy at age 13. Terry

@StLouisCruisers, Sandi, My DGS had a tree nut allergy when he was younger. I had to use the epi pen twice and it so scary. I am so sorry this happened to Austin and required the ER. I hope he feels better soon. @Quartzsite Cruiser, Lenda, Times Square was always an “ interesting “ place but it seems so soulless to me in its’ present state. The first time my DDiL came to New York she insisted she had to see it. She was happier with the Empire State Building and MOMA. So far the aide from Wednesday will be here tonight.It is very helpful. @marshhawk, Annie, The new kitty is so beautiful and looks happy!