Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[DaniDanielle]

Enjoy Greg.  You will be fine!!!!

[helen haywood]

@Sea Dog If you need a respite from friends who can’t avoid sensitive topics…tell them you need to get in touch with your stock broker (or whatever) and leave the room and come back here (your other home…😉)

[Sea Dog]

1 minute ago, helen haywood said:

@Sea Dog If you need a respite from friends who can’t avoid sensitive topics…tell them you need to get in touch with your stock broker (or whatever) and leave the room and come back here (your other home…😉)

I’ve already told Linda if it gets bad I will leave early and come home.

[akcruz]

@Sea Dog enjoy your trip, I hear you with differing opinions.  I have a few in my life that swing wide both ways, told them not discussing with you.  So far all still good, hoping your friends can be the same.  Love Hilton Head, lots of great places to visit.

[dpostman]

2 hours ago, h20skibum said:

Do any of you have a true home theater setup, and if so, what remote do you use?

 

I have an Onkyo 7.1 receiver (center channel, front L&R, side L&R, rear L&R, plus subwoofer). My Sony tv is connected to it, as is a dvd player, Apple TV box, and Roku box.  I have been controlling everything with a Logitech Harmony 650 programmable remote.  

 

The thing I liked about the Harmony is it made everything a one button operation.  Press watch a movie, and it would turn on the tv, change the source to the dvd, turn on the dvd player, turn on the surround receiver, and it would be ready to go.  Same with everything else, it would automatically switch inputs and power devices on and off. 

 

It always worked great when I had a cable box, but since switching to Roku and using the cable provider app, the remote occasionally gets confused.  I started looking for a new programmable remote, but it appears Harmony stopped making them.  Maybe with so many going with sound bars and smart tvs, there wasn’t a big enough market for programmable remotes.  

 

Just curious what others use.  

 

On our main floor TV, I'm still mostly using my Logitech Harmony One since 2012.  But I do have to use the Amazon FireStick's own remote since it is RF and not Infrared.  But that is only when we are streaming.  In our down stairs old school home theatre, we still have a working Harmony 800.  I will be very sad when they finally give up.  They were such a great remote.  I've recommend them to so many of my friends and co-workers.  I would tell them that these remotes could save a marriage 😉 

 

Too bad Logitech discontinued them a while back.  Nothing really compares.  There are other options, but none that I found were usable for regular non-techie folks.

 

The harmony one had the perfect mix of soft buttons (Touch Screen) and hard buttons.

 

dp

[Keksie]

54 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Well starting this Thursday I am going on a little adventure. Thursday morning I leave for Hilton Head Island SC to visit my life long best friend from high school and the best man at my wedding.  He is a great musician, singer and entertainer who plays at the Salty Dog cafe for over 25 years. Dave @Ozark_Kid has seen him and knows who I am talking about my best friend Dave Kemmerly.

 

What makes this trip interesting and a I'm little nervous is that I will be there 5 days with 7 other friends who I went to high school with. Two of which Mary and Steve lived on my street growing up and I have known for over 50 years. Two couples, one of which were in my class and got married right after high school and another couple a year behind us. 

 

 

We are staying a a great VRBO in Sea Pines a short distance from the Salty Dog. It's a six bedroom house so plenty of room.  Here are some of the pictures of it as it looks wonderful. And it should because it is also for sale for over $3 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I mentioned that I was a little nervous. Most of these people while friends I have not seen in over 5 years. A few of us have spent time together but none for 5 days. I like these people but they are extremely different from me in my view on most  things. I stated the only way I would go is that we not discuss politics or religion as I have had a couple of run ins with one of the guys over the years. Maybe as I gotten older, I don't put up with BS and I just rather cruise with my wife than do anything else.

 

Linda is going to stay home with the dogs and said go have fun with your high school friends. I hope it will be that way. I may not be around later in the week as much but I will try and post some pictures of our adventures. Wish me luck and as they say "Can't we all just get along?"

 

 

Beautiful house.  That is our rule for our knitting group and it works 98% of the time.  When it doesn't work I knit faster and tell myself.that these are my friends and I don't want to burn bridges and lose these times with them and pretty soon it blows over and someone asks about a different yarn or something.

[lenquixote66]

9 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Good morning.

It is partly sunny and 46°F here at 09.16am.

I hope everyone is safe and well and y'all had a great weekend and looking forward to a nice day today.

77 and sunny here today 

[lenquixote66]

3 hours ago, HBE4 said:

 

 

That happens to me occasionally when using my laptop.  Then it'll correct itself after a few hours.

 

I don't think I noticed it on my phone.

 

I know you are very happy this morning 

[lenquixote66]

3 hours ago, HBE4 said:

Off to Atlantic City for a few nights. Will be thinking of @DaniDanielle as I know she loves it there and will also be thinking of @Lionesss and hoping to channel her gambling luck "virtually" 🙂

Don’t forget to take a wheelbarrow for your winnings

[lenquixote66]

55 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

I’ve already told Linda if it gets bad I will leave early and come home.

Have a wonderful time on your trip,Greg.There is nothing better than getting together with good friends who you have known many years.

Al,a guy who I have been friends with since 1947 came to visit me last year .He lives in Oregon.

[Jimbo]

Last night we had dinner at Fishy Fishy Cafe,sat at one of tables they have outside on a deck.

 

I had the Stuffed  Bacon Wrapped Shrimp,my Wife had the Fried Combo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture below is for @Ocean Boy not sure if you can see but it's a light house...does this count as a lighthouse picture? You can just see Overton the green canopy on the boat on the island across the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning I went and got what they called a gallon of fresh just picked North Carolina Strawberries,the sweetest Strawberries I have ever eaten.

Really good.

 

Edited April 29 by Jimbo

[NHProud]

@bobmacliberty @HBE4 @dani negreanu

 

Thank you for your help regarding TV’s .  We bought a 55” LG at Costco . It will be installed tomorrow by a Best Buy geek squad guy.  Hurray ! 
 

@Sea Dog My friend has the same issue with her son so certain topics are off the table however when she visited him at his home he showed up for dinner in a tee shirt that she found offensive. She and her daughter just left the room . He has been warned for their next visit in June.  No reason for you to leave your friends and shorten your vacation because somebody can’t abide by the house rules . 

[George C]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

Well starting this Thursday I am going on a little adventure. Thursday morning I leave for Hilton Head Island SC to visit my life long best friend from high school and the best man at my wedding.  He is a great musician, singer and entertainer who plays at the Salty Dog cafe for over 25 years. Dave @Ozark_Kid has seen him and knows who I am talking about my best friend Dave Kemmerly.

 

What makes this trip interesting and a I'm little nervous is that I will be there 5 days with 7 other friends who I went to high school with. Two of which Mary and Steve lived on my street growing up and I have known for over 50 years. Two couples, one of which were in my class and got married right after high school and another couple a year behind us. 

 

 

We are staying a a great VRBO in Sea Pines a short distance from the Salty Dog. It's a six bedroom house so plenty of room.  Here are some of the pictures of it as it looks wonderful. And it should because it is also for sale for over $3 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I mentioned that I was a little nervous. Most of these people while friends I have not seen in over 5 years. A few of us have spent time together but none for 5 days. I like these people but they are extremely different from me in my view on most  things. I stated the only way I would go is that we not discuss politics or religion as I have had a couple of run ins with one of the guys over the years. Maybe as I gotten older, I don't put up with BS and I just rather cruise with my wife than do anything else.

 

Linda is going to stay home with the dogs and said go have fun with your high school friends. I hope it will be that way. I may not be around later in the week as much but I will try and post some pictures of our adventures. Wish me luck and as they say "Can't we all just get along?"

 

 

Have a great time , place looks great , the older I have gotten the less BS I am willing to put up with and I am almost a decade older . 

[Sea Dog]

Just now, George C said:

Have a great time , place looks great , the older I have gotten the less BS I am willing to put up with and I am almost a decade older . 

Yeah I have been a curmudgeon in my old age. I only come out and am social when I am on a cruise.

[Ozark_Kid]

15 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Love the color Larry. It looks similar to out living room color which is a Sherwin Williams color. It looks lighter in this picture but we love it.

 

 

 

As I was catching up on post I noticed we have the same clock and similar color wall!

 

As for Hilton Head,  I loved it there!  Lots to do. Have you been there?  Looking forward to pics.  Tell our friend I said hi.  He seems like a great person. 

 

As for your concerns, here is what helps me.  

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.   This has kept me from playing monopoly a few times.  Arguing rarely changes anything so why waste time.

Consider renting a bike while there.  We loved riding bikes there.  Easy to get around.  Also if a topic comes up and you want to avoid it say, Be back in awhile and go jump on the bike!  Try to enjoy the 5 days.  Lots to see and enjoy. 

Have a safe trip!

[bobmacliberty]

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Well starting this Thursday I am going on a little adventure. Thursday morning I leave for Hilton Head Island SC to visit my life long best friend from high school and the best man at my wedding.  He is a great musician, singer and entertainer who plays at the Salty Dog cafe for over 25 years. Dave @Ozark_Kid has seen him and knows who I am talking about my best friend Dave Kemmerly.

 

What makes this trip interesting and a I'm little nervous is that I will be there 5 days with 7 other friends who I went to high school with. Two of which Mary and Steve lived on my street growing up and I have known for over 50 years. Two couples, one of which were in my class and got married right after high school and another couple a year behind us. 

 

 

We are staying a a great VRBO in Sea Pines a short distance from the Salty Dog. It's a six bedroom house so plenty of room.  Here are some of the pictures of it as it looks wonderful. And it should because it is also for sale for over $3 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I mentioned that I was a little nervous. Most of these people while friends I have not seen in over 5 years. A few of us have spent time together but none for 5 days. I like these people but they are extremely different from me in my view on most  things. I stated the only way I would go is that we not discuss politics or religion as I have had a couple of run ins with one of the guys over the years. Maybe as I gotten older, I don't put up with BS and I just rather cruise with my wife than do anything else.

 

Linda is going to stay home with the dogs and said go have fun with your high school friends. I hope it will be that way. I may not be around later in the week as much but I will try and post some pictures of our adventures. Wish me luck and as they say "Can't we all just get along?"

 

 

 

That place looks fantastic!  Why rent when you can buy? 😜  It's a much closer drive to PC from there (think of the airfare that you'll save), better year round weather, and if anyone misbehaves, you can kick them out. 🤣

[bobmacliberty]

1 hour ago, Jimbo said:

Last night we had dinner at Fishy Fishy Cafe,sat at one of tables they have outside on a deck.

 

I had the Stuffed  Bacon Wrapped Shrimp,my Wife had the Fried Combo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture below is for @Ocean Boy not sure if you can see but it's a light house...does this count as a lighthouse picture? You can just see Overton the green canopy on the boat on the island across the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning I went and got what they called a gallon of fresh just picked North Carolina Strawberries,the sweetest Strawberries I have ever eaten.

Really good.

 

 

I love these kinds of restaurants.  Sometimes, fried fish and hush puppies really hit the spot!

[Coralc]

7 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

You don't want to hear a saw cutting through your bone?

I was thinking more of them pounding the spike in. 😗

[Momof3gurlz]

@Sea Dog Greg your vacation rental is beautiful. What a great opportunity to get together with old friends and relive “the good old days” (at least that’s what happens when I’m with my high school friends).  Try not to let one person spoil the trip for you; why should your vacation be cut short because of one bad apple?  I like Ozark’s idea to be slow to anger, although that’s easier said than done.  Maybe just say you’ll have to agree to disagree on those topics and leave the room for a while.  I hope you have a great 5 days. 

Edited April 29 by Momof3gurlz

[Sea Dog]

58 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

 

As I was catching up on post I noticed we have the same clock and similar color wall!

 

As for Hilton Head,  I loved it there!  Lots to do. Have you been there?  Looking forward to pics.  Tell our friend I said hi.  He seems like a great person. 

 

As for your concerns, here is what helps me.  

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.   This has kept me from playing monopoly a few times.  Arguing rarely changes anything so why waste time.

Consider renting a bike while there.  We loved riding bikes there.  Easy to get around.  Also if a topic comes up and you want to avoid it say, Be back in awhile and go jump on the bike!  Try to enjoy the 5 days.  Lots to see and enjoy. 

Have a safe trip!

 

Great minds think alike. Love our clock. Also great advice for me. 
 

 

43 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

That place looks fantastic!  Why rent when you can buy? 😜  It's a much closer drive to PC from there (think of the airfare that you'll save), better year round weather, and if anyone misbehaves, you can kick them out. 🤣

 

If only we can win that lottery!

 

 

31 minutes ago, Momof3gurlz said:

@Sea Dog Greg your vacation rental is beautiful. What a great opportunity to get together with old friends and relive “the good old days” (at least that’s what happens when I’m with my high school friends).  Try not to let one person spoil the trip for you; why should your vacation be cut short because of one bad apple?  I like Ozark’s idea to be slow to anger, although that’s easier said than done.  Maybe just say you’ll have to agree to disagree on those topics and leave the room for a while.  I hope you have a great 5 days. 

 

Thanks Deb! Great advice.

[jmh2006]

2 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Great minds think alike. Love our clock. Also great advice for me. 
 

 

 

If only we can win that lottery!

 

 

 

Thanks Deb! Great advice.

Greg, I agree with everything that has been said.  Have a great time and don't let anyone "ruin" it for you.  

[jmh2006]

Hi CC friends!  It has been a rough 10 days.  As some already know from that other site that shall remain nameless, I lost my dear father very unexpectedly on April 18th.  He was in good health up to the very end and would have been 88 this August.  I returned home today after a week down in North Carolina, where he lived, to help my sister take care of all the "things".  My sister moved down there from NJ last summer.  While I am still a little bit in shock that he is gone (my mother died in 2014), I am so thankful he was living life to the fullest up to the very end and we were all together the first weekend of April for a fun filled time.  My father had moved into a lovely independent living community in the fall of 2022 so he had downsized quite a bit which was very helpful this past week as were emptying his apartment.  I also urge everyone to have all their important papers organized in a file for your loved ones, should anything happen unexpectedly as did for us.  Even though we knew where all the "stuff" was he still had little post it notes all over his desk of passwords for his computer.  😃  We will be having a Celebration of Life in the summer down in NC for him.  

[George C]

Got my car back from the shop , it was under 500 so I am happy , planning on keeping car , only 38k miles and I haven’t had a car payment in a decade . Only 24 days to New York City 😁 still meet some friends from more than 60 years ago although not many left.

[dani negreanu]

30 minutes ago, jmh2006 said:

Greg, I agree with everything that has been said.  Have a great time and don't let anyone "ruin" it for you.  

 

+ 1 Greg, @Sea Dog

 

16 minutes ago, jmh2006 said:

Hi CC friends!  It has been a rough 10 days.   I lost my dear father very unexpectedly on April 18th.  

 

Dear Jennifer, heartfelt condolences on your loss. May your father RIP 😢

[Sea Dog]

29 minutes ago, jmh2006 said:

Hi CC friends!  It has been a rough 10 days.  As some already know from that other site that shall remain nameless, I lost my dear father very unexpectedly on April 18th.  He was in good health up to the very end and would have been 88 this August.  I returned home today after a week down in North Carolina, where he lived, to help my sister take care of all the "things".  My sister moved down there from NJ last summer.  While I am still a little bit in shock that he is gone (my mother died in 2014), I am so thankful he was living life to the fullest up to the very end and we were all together the first weekend of April for a fun filled time.  My father had moved into a lovely independent living community in the fall of 2022 so he had downsized quite a bit which was very helpful this past week as were emptying his apartment.  I also urge everyone to have all their important papers organized in a file for your loved ones, should anything happen unexpectedly as did for us.  Even though we knew where all the "stuff" was he still had little post it notes all over his desk of passwords for his computer.  😃  We will be having a Celebration of Life in the summer down in NC for him.  

Oh Jennifer my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved father. Though it sudden I hope he did not have to suffer. I have no doubt that even though he may be physically gone his spirit will remain deep in your heart along with a lifetime of memories. Peace be with you!