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

[grapau27]

34 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Monday morning DW and I left the area I have been working in SoCal and drove home to be with our daughter, SIL and the kids. We’ve been on the road for almost 3months so it was a very welcome reunion for me. They got a new kitten so my wife was able to become enamored with another fur baby and it took all my grinch powers to keep from becoming cat parent again. I will again some day but not for a couple of years when I get to retire I think. We travel to much and it’s just and it just isn’t as easy. 

 

 

The highlight of the week so far was going to see Frozen, the Musical in San Francisco.  My oldest grand daughter was dying to go so it was my treat to take her.  I have missed so much of their lives with all my traveling that they could ask anything and I’d say yes and do it.  This one has me wrapped  around her finger.  Thankfully, she doesn’t realize it and try and take advantage of me.

 

I have to say that it was one of the best musicals I have ever seen.  Ive had the privilege to see quite a few over the years and this was the most surprising of them all.  Some of the best and most iconic.  However, this was a fabulous production.  I’d gladly go again. I know I’m not the typical demographic but it was a fantastic production.

 

We had a little excitement.  3/4 of the way through the first act strobe lights began flashing and a voice came over a loud speaker that advised us that we “must immediately evacuate the building.”  and so out we all went.  It was a remarkably orderly exit.  Loads of emergency vehicles showed up while we all stood there on the sidewalk not knowing what was happening and then 15 minutes later they reopened the emergency doors and let us all back in.  You’d have thought that might ruin the experience but honestly it just made it a little more unique. The actors just restarted at the begging of the scene that was interrupted and everything carried on as expected.

 

We ate at Benihana’s afterwords.  Fantastic hibachi!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We left Thanksgiving morning and drove back to SoCal and had thanksgiving dinner at a shelter I’ve had opportunity to spend some time and work at over the last couple months. It was in Pomona which is an area with a lot of gang activity, prostitution and homelessness. It was a fabulous event. We had a couple hundred folks come through for dinner. We were able to feed everyone and send home extra with some who wanted it at the end. It was a remarkably festive event and the local organizers, whom i have gotten to know over the last little while did an amazing event.  I will not be posting pictures out of respect for the privacy of those who were in attendance but if I could I’m everyone would be just amazed. This will be my most memorable thanksgiving ever.

 

We had two kinds of turkey and ham as well as all the usual Thanksgiving accompaniments, including dessert.  A local Costco donated pumpkin pies and and enough spraycan whip cream to feed double what we had.

 

This brings a close to my time in Southern California for now but I can’t wait to get back next year sometime.  

 

Today we boarded our flight to Hawaii and we embark NCL’s Pride of America tomorrow.  I almost feel guilty after yesterday but my wife puts up with a lot so she deserves this.  I scored and exit row seat and have no sitting in the middle seat so I almost feel like I’m in business class.  My first Bloody Mary has been ordered and vacation has officially commenced.  

 

To all my fellow Royal loyalists I apologize for my adulterous fling with NCL.  There was a special personal circumstance, that i wont bore you with, that precipitated canceling Allure of the seas and choosing this one. I hope you will forgive me.  I’m back on Royal in Jan, Mar, Aug, and Dec… I’m hoping that is enough prove my fidelity.  🙂 

 

I’m not doing a live since I haven’t really posted much on the NCL board and it would seem weird sharing the experience with folks I haven’t really interacted with.  If no one minds, I’ll drop in from time to time here and post pictures and experiences.

 

Sorry for such a long post… There was a lot to catch up on.

 

mele kalikimaka

 

 

 

 

 

Wishing you both an awesome cruise.

[Momof3gurlz]

5 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Sea Dog Christmas Decorations Are Finally UP !

 

After 3 weeks I finally got all the decorations up. The house feels very cozy. Since I did not want to post a ton of pictures I decided to put together a slide show of everything with music from the great Jackie Gleason Orchestra.

Fun Facts.

* 5 inside trees with 3, I did not set up. One being my vintage aluminum tree in the living room because of new furniture and the basement tree since we don't use the basement as much now a days. And 3 Jonathan's bedroom tree as he has it know at his house.

* All the tree toppers, mantle swags, garland, little displays and table settings were designed by my wife Linda. She is quite crafty and I love her ideas.

*The tree in the upstairs master is my parents original tree which is over 55 years old. It has over two hundred ornaments some of which are over 70 years old. There are over 200 ornaments on the tree.

*The Santa Collection was started by my mom. Most of the Santas are hand carved from wood and some of them are over 70 years old.

* Also from Linda's mom's house was the Jewelry Tree and the Ceramic Christmas Tree both over 60 years old.

* Outside has 3 Christmas trees, one on the front porch and the 3 animated trees in the back with 5 zones of 3 colors each with over 20 extension cords for each tree.

* My studio tree above the garage has my pride and joy an official Christmas Story Leg Lamp.

I tried to include everything in the video but we have so much stuff. I hope this gets you in the mood for the holidays.

 

Happy Holidays from the Sea Dog family.

 

 

 

This is so impressive Greg.  Everything looks beautiful and your home is lovely.  I especially like the stars who appear at the beginning of your video, they’re adorable and a bit mischievous looking 😉!

[grapau27]

29 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

Today started at 6 am. Time to do the dining room. 
Waterford crystal and china cabinets washed and wood polished. 
Red globe light globe and all crystals cleaned. 
Floor washed. Cat hair removed. 
Christmas table clothe and dinner mats washed ironed and placed. 
Dining room chairs cleaned with Milsek than waxed. 
Center piece musical nativity globe cleaned and displayed. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lovely furniture Sue.

[Momof3gurlz]

35 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

  

 

 

I’m not doing a live since I haven’t really posted much on the NCL board and it would seem weird sharing the experience with folks I haven’t really interacted with.  If no one minds, I’ll drop in from time to time here and post pictures and experiences.

 

Sorry for such a long post… There was a lot to catch up on.

 

mele kalikimaka

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great vacation.  I look forward to hearing about it.  

[lenquixote66]

5 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Sea Dog Christmas Decorations Are Finally UP !

 

After 3 weeks I finally got all the decorations up. The house feels very cozy. Since I did not want to post a ton of pictures I decided to put together a slide show of everything with music from the great Jackie Gleason Orchestra.

Fun Facts.

* 5 inside trees with 3, I did not set up. One being my vintage aluminum tree in the living room because of new furniture and the basement tree since we don't use the basement as much now a days. And 3 Jonathan's bedroom tree as he has it know at his house.

* All the tree toppers, mantle swags, garland, little displays and table settings were designed by my wife Linda. She is quite crafty and I love her ideas.

*The tree in the upstairs master is my parents original tree which is over 55 years old. It has over two hundred ornaments some of which are over 70 years old. There are over 200 ornaments on the tree.

*The Santa Collection was started by my mom. Most of the Santas are hand carved from wood and some of them are over 70 years old.

* Also from Linda's mom's house was the Jewelry Tree and the Ceramic Christmas Tree both over 60 years old.

* Outside has 3 Christmas trees, one on the front porch and the 3 animated trees in the back with 5 zones of 3 colors each with over 20 extension cords for each tree.

* My studio tree above the garage has my pride and joy an official Christmas Story Leg Lamp.

I tried to include everything in the video but we have so much stuff. I hope this gets you in the mood for the holidays.

 

Happy Holidays from the Sea Dog family.

 

 

 

This is absolutely beautiful.Even though I do not celebrate the holiday I love the spirit of Christmas.

[lenquixote66]

5 hours ago, grapau27 said:

We had a nice day at the beach.

I hope everyone is well.

 

I had my annual complete physical this morning .After we came home my granddaughter who is going back to college tomorrow came for a visit and spent several hours here.

[Arzeena]

Just now, lenquixote66 said:

This is absolutely beautiful.Even though I do not celebrate the holiday I love the spirit of Christmas.

Since you love the spirit, I will have an extra slice at Sorrento in your honor. Going there in a short while to have a snack. Anthem had tree lighting ceremony ✨️ last night and it is looking lovely. I have lots of pictures but due to some technical issues cannot post them yet. 

[grapau27]

Just now, lenquixote66 said:

I had my annual complete physical this morning .After we came home my granddaughter who is going back to college tomorrow came for a visit and spent several hours here.

I hope your physical check up was good today Lenny.

Sounds like you had a great time with your granddaughter too.

[Momof3gurlz]

We had a traffic free drive to PA today, thankfully.  
But to keep myself occupied while Andy drove, I put a deposit on a cruise!  Found another repositioning from the Northeast to San Juan next November.  Interesting 9 night itinerary (and really nice rates, too) on Jewel of the Seas.  

11/9 - departs Bayonne NJ

11/10- at sea

11/11- Bermuda, noon arrival (with overnight)

11/12- departs Bermuda at noon

11/13- at sea

11/14- at sea

11/15- Curaçao 

11/16- Aruba

11/17- at sea

11/18- arrives San Juan

 

i recall some here having sailed on Jewel and really liked her. What in particular did you like?  

[jagsfan]

On 11/24/2022 at 12:20 PM, lenquixote66 said:

The husband of one of my friends from HS was an MD who also was an Author .He did a book signing at a Barnes and Noble in Manhattan and I was invited to attend.Even though the guy had written 10 books the only people who showed up were the co-workers of his sons,his wife and me 

I’ve been to a couple of those. It has  to be agonizing for the writer. 
Even Paul Prudhomme in his heyday had no line to get books signed, just people walking by and most stopped, looked to see him, and moved on. 

[Arzeena]

Lenny

Either they are really good or all these people in line have bad taste!!!! 😆 

[lenquixote66]

3 minutes ago, Arzeena said:

Since you love the spirit, I will have an extra slice at Sorrento in your honor. Going there in a short while to have a snack. Anthem had tree lighting ceremony ✨️ last night and it is looking lovely. I have lots of pictures but due to some technical issues cannot post them yet. 

I have been on many December cruises including the Anthem .The ships were always beautifully decorated.

I hope you enjoy the pizza.

[lenquixote66]

8 minutes ago, Momof3gurlz said:

We had a traffic free drive to PA today, thankfully.  
But to keep myself occupied while Andy drove, I put a deposit on a cruise!  Found another repositioning from the Northeast to San Juan next November.  Interesting 9 night itinerary (and really nice rates, too) on Jewel of the Seas.  

11/9 - departs Bayonne NJ

11/10- at sea

11/11- Bermuda, noon arrival (with overnight)

11/12- departs Bermuda at noon

11/13- at sea

11/14- at sea

11/15- Curaçao 

11/16- Aruba

11/17- at sea

11/18- arrives San Juan

 

i recall some here having sailed on Jewel and really liked her. What in particular did you like?  

A very interesting itinerary Bermuda and Curaçao are two of my alltime favorite places to visit.I hope you will have a wonderful cruise.

[Sea Dog]

1 hour ago, Tree_skier said:

mele kalikimaka

 

 

Have a fantastic cruise. Please post your impressions here.

[Sea Dog]

@h20skibum I'm glad you are feeling better

Edited November 25, 2022 by Sea Dog

[lenquixote66]

12 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

I hope your physical check up was good today Lenny.

Sounds like you had a great time with your granddaughter too.

The EKG was perfect which was a happy surprise to me. I will get all the other results next week.I have a very close relationship with my granddaughters.Their other grand father passed away in 2017 and other grand mother in 2018.They are very protective of Toby and I .

Whenever I am depressed because of my medical problems they know how to cheer me up.

[lenquixote66]

19 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

I’ve been to a couple of those. It has  to be agonizing for the writer. 
Even Paul Prudhomme in his heyday had no line to get books signed, just people walking by and most stopped, looked to see him, and moved on. 

As I have posted previously I have had short stories and poems published.

From 1988 to 2003 I used to do poetry readings at libraries and restaurants .It was not just me but about twenty people a night.There were times that only a handful of people showed up and other times when the room was filled to capacity.

[lenquixote66]

20 minutes ago, Arzeena said:

Lenny

Either they are really good or all these people in line have bad taste!!!! 😆 

My guess is that it was very goof,Arzeena😀

[Arzeena]

[Arzeena]

She followed us in two ports.

[Arzeena]

36 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

I have been on many December cruises including the Anthem .The ships were always beautifully decorated.

I hope you enjoy the pizza.

I did. So did RJ. I had a slice of veggie and a slice meats with pineapple 🍍 

Edited November 25, 2022 by Arzeena

[lenquixote66]

8 minutes ago, Arzeena said:

I did. So did RJ. I had a slice of veggie and a slice meats with pineapple 🍍 

That sounds good to me. I only have regular cheese and pepperoni .Toby always gets the veggie.

[lenquixote66]

Has HBE4 posted recently ? It seems to me that it has been awhile .

 

 

[Jimbo]

5 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Thanks. Yeah I watch all those Hallmark movies. The first couple of years they were pretty corny. They have have gotten better with scripting and plots. They are still pretty formula driven and predictable but I'll still watch. They will have about 40 new movies this year. I can't even think of how many movies I've watched over the years. It's a yearly tradition.

Yes, I get hooked into watching with my Wife every year over and over again.

 

This was a new one this year, saw it a few days ago it was actually pretty good one of the best I have every seen on that channel.

Have you had a chance to see this one? if not it is a must see as far as the Hallmark Movies goes. At least it was for me.

 

https://www.al.com/life/2022/11/inventing-the-christmas-prince-hallmark-movie-premiere-how-to-watch-without-cable.html

[John&LaLa]

5 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Thanks. Yeah I watch all those Hallmark movies. The first couple of years they were pretty corny. They have have gotten better with scripting and plots. They are still pretty formula driven and predictable but I'll still watch. They will have about 40 new movies this year. I can't even think of how many movies I've watched over the years. It's a yearly tradition.

 

I can't recall ever watching a Hallmark movie🤣