The Daily for Monday May 31, 2021

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing and caring😀.

 

 

 

Prayers for all.

 

Happy Memorial Day. Thank you to all who have served.

[cricketcj1]

On 5/15/2021 at 4:18 PM, GeorgesGal said:

to which I've written a letter to Gov Desantis today re his tying his opposition to the vaccination passport to HIPPA regulations:

Dear Gov. Desantis:

 

While I can understand your position re: HIPPA rules on privacy of health matters, since we have encountered, endured and experienced this pandemic called COVID19 for more than a year, and vaccinations have proven successful in stopping/slowing its spread, I cannot for the life of me understand your opposition to the so-called vaccine  passports.  You have not opposed the proof of being COVID19 negative to anyone entering the United States of America as a violation of HIPPA, so why this discrepancy?

 

I have been vaccinated and travelled out of the Country last month, had my COVID19 test which was negative, and presented it to American Airlines - a publicly traded corporation - as proof of my negative status in order to board the plane.  Did I worry that my  HIPPA rights were violated?  NO, I did not.

 

I currently have a cruise booked for January on Oceania Cruise Line, which is requiring 100% of crew and passengers to be vaccinated prior to boarding here in Florida, with proof thereof.  I will provide to the cruise line proof of vaccination, just as I provided American Airlines proof I was tested and found negative for infection with COVID19, and again, I will not worry about my HIPPA rights.  If I was, I would not cruise, would I?!

 

It is my firm belief that this cruise line and its parent holding company, NCLH, are acting in the best interest of their passengers and crew by requiring such proof of vaccination, and I will GLADLY COMPLY with their terms.

 

Please reconsider your ban on vaccine passports; it just doesn't make any sense.

 

Sincerely,

 

Donna J Clasen

Palm City, FL

 

 

[kazu]

Marseille continued...

 

Views from the old port

 

 

 

 

[kochleffel]

It's not raining today but the ground is too wet to dig without damaging the soil structure, so I'll start with maintenance and hardscape, including sealing some split-bamboo fencing. It's intended as a backing for the pseudo-woodland garden, which is in front of a neighbor's junk heap. Planting only later in the day, and on sunny days I plant as late as possible anyway.

 

I haven't been to Marseille. Cannes is my only French port, and my familiarity with it is limited to the peculiar street plan since we rented a car and drove north to Vence to see the Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse near the end of his life.

 

Burgers are possible tonight, but not on the grill since they would be vegan burgers that would require a nonstick grill, which I don't have. I am not totally vegan, but my home cooking is vegan most days. The link is to the best vegan burger that I've found. Maybe Pinot Noir from the box again.

[kazu]

Marseille continued...

 

The famous basilica from a distance - a must visit!

 

 

 

 

 

Tons of places to eat at the old port - a lot of seafood and of course, it’s all fresh

 

[rafinmd]

17 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

We have good  news  today  as  DD's  half  sister Tana  has  been  released  from  the  hospital  and  is  recovering  at  home. She  will  have  one  more  diagnostic  test  this  week  and  from  there  the  specialists will be  able  to  make  a  plan  for  treatment. We  don't  know  exactly  what  the  lung  issue  is yet  but  her  fevers have  stopped  and  she  is  responding  well  to  antibiotics  for  the  pneumonia  they  found.We  are  all  so  relieved  that  she  is  home.

So glad to hear this.  It still sounds like a long,tough road ahead but at least real progress.

 

Roy

[cricketcj1]

Thanks for posting this ,We are also in Fl. We love our gov. but are at a loss to comprehend his choice on the cruise lines. Lets hope they come up with quick remedy.

[cat shepard]

21 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

Good  morning  to  all  and  thank you  to  Rich  for  the  Daily. I  appreciate  the  list  keepers  and  the food  and  beverage department(!) . DD  has  the  baking  skills  to  try  the  French  macarons. I  stick  to  making  the  entrees  and  side  dishes. It works  well  in  our  2  family  home.

 

Memorial  Day  is  so  important and  I  salute  all  of  those  who  never  made  it  home. I  especially liked  the  beach meme, Jacqui.

We have good  news  today  as  DD's  half  sister Tana  has  been  released  from  the  hospital  and  is  recovering  at  home. She  will  have  one  more  diagnostic  test  this  week  and  from  there  the  specialists will be  able  to  make  a  plan  for  treatment. We  don't  know  exactly  what  the  lung  issue  is yet  but  her  fevers have  stopped  and  she  is  responding  well  to  antibiotics  for  the  pneumonia  they  found.We  are  all  so  relieved  that  she  is  home.

 

Today  we  will  hopefully  grill outside  as  the  rain  has  stopped after  3  days of  duck  like  weather.

It  is  still  to  cool  to  sit  outside  comfortably. I  am  looking  forward  to  burgers.

 

We  have  not  been  to  the  port  of  the  day  and  look  forward  to  seeing pictures.

Hearing  loss  is  very  personal  for  our   family. DH  has  worn  bilateral  hearing  aids  for  15  years and they  provide  very  little  assistance  for  him. His  hearing  has  worsened  with  time.  He  used  to  say it  was  years  of  Rock  concerts that  caused  it....           Terry

 

Wonderful news, Terry!

 

I somehow confused your relationship with Tana. I thought her son was your grandson. The fact that you supported him during this scary time makes it all the more special. Bless you. 

[TiogaCruiser]

Do we have 2 threads that are accidentally getting intermingled here?

(posts 27 and 32)

[KirkNC]

Happy Memorial Day Monday to all.

 

Never cared much for macaroons, taste like styrofoam to me.

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  Happy Memorial Day to all - a day to reflect on those who gave everything for us to enjoy what we have today.  I love macaroons - my mother used to make them from time to time - what a treat!  Not in love with macarons, though.  I think DH's hearing is starting to suffer from all the performing he's done over the years - either that or maybe it's just wife deafness, not sure.  LOL

 

Unlike Mr. Henry, my life seems to have been made up of mostly smiles - thankfully not a lot of sobs.  I was intrigued just by the name of today's cocktail, but when it was described . . . wow!  I'm going to let @kazu go ahead and try it for us; I'm not a fan of caviar.

 

Yesterday was a beautiful Sunday so we took a drive out into the country and ended up near the North Saskatchewan river about 1.25 hours north of us.  We wandered around the area to where there was a nice picnic table set out at an area overlooking the river when we came upon these amazing footprints - a mama bear and her baby.  These prints were from a few days ago when we had a good rain . . . 

@smitty34877 what great news this is!  I'm so happy for Tana's family; I'm sure there was a great reunion when she returned home.    @VictOriann Happy Birthday to your DH!

I love today's menu suggestion - how appropriate for a long weekend.  We haven't had hot dogs in quite a while, so I think I'll get DH to grill some up for us tonight.  Accompanied by all the fixings and a potato salad, that's what will be on our dinner table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Raising the glasses to toast all on the celebration list.  Be well, stay safe, wash your hands, wear your masks and get your jabs!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry 

[rafinmd]

19 minutes ago, cricketcj1 said:

Thanks for posting this ,We are also in Fl. We love our gov. but are at a loss to comprehend his choice on the cruise lines. Lets hope they come up with quick remedy.

I'm not sure you intende dto post this here but welcome to the Daily.

 

Roy

[StLouisCruisers]

In looking back on our visits to Marseille I see that we've spent a lot of time outside the city of Marseille visiting the countryside of Provence and the little villages.  On our last visit we did see some of Marseille itself so I will share more of those than the other 2 visits.  

 

In 2008 we took of tour of Provence that included Lourmarin.  I remember the typical pale blue shutters on the stone houses.  

 

A street in Lourmarin

 

Next was a drive through Bonnieux.  I recall the narrow road along a cliff.  Lovely views from there.

 

Waiting for someone to get out of our way.

 

On our way to our next village we passed this bridge called Pont Julien which has stood for nearly two thousand years.  

 

Next was Gordes which also on a hillside.  It was really beautiful in person.  I hope these photos do it justice.

 

 

This area is known for their stone walls and olive trees, too.  Both are seen here.

 

From there we headed to L'Isle-sur-Sorgue which is known for its waterways and antique shops.

 

 

In 2012 I took a tour of Cassis, the fishing village near Marseille.  Along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

In 2019 on our family cruise stop in Marseille some of us went to Aix-en-Provence and back to Marseille to tour Notre Dame de la Garde.  The remainder went on a boat trip to Calanques National Park where they could swim and go snorkeling.  Then they went to Vieux-Port in Marseille for a little lunch at a restaurant of their choice.

 

Aix-en-Provence was a lot bigger than I normally like.  There were some nice places there to tour though.

 

 

 

Heading back to Marseille for our tour of the cathedral.  This is the way up so beware if you can't do steps!

 

Almost there.

 

The cathedral is at the top of the tallest hill so there are stellar views of Marseille.

 

 

 

Views inside Notre-Dame de la Garde

 

 

 

Our next stop would be at Vieux-Port or Old Port seen below from the cathedral.

 

Once at the port we strolled the streets and marina in the hot, hot sun for a while, then stopped at a covered patio and had cold drinks at a cafe.  There's Notre-Dame up on the hill.

 

 

The family members who went on the boat tour of the Calanques National Park, they were able to dip into the water to cool off!  

 

 

 

 

Then they ended up back at the Vieux-Port for lunch.

 

 

Here is the grandson who broke his collarbone playing soccer.  He was 12 years old there.  That's quite a pizza for one kid but you know how boys eat!

 

I wouldn't have minded being on their tour at all.  Looks like fun!

[smitty34877]

@cat shepard, I  realize  the  connections  are  confusing but  we  have  always  considered  both  Tana  and  her  son as a  big  part  of  the  family.  You  are  so  kind,  thank  you. Elijah  has  always  called  us  "Grandma  and  Grandpa"  nd  we  treasure  that.

[StLouisCruisers]

@smitty34877what wonderful news about Tana going home.  I hope with her treatments she is fully recovered very soon.

 

DH informed me we are having hot dogs from the grill today for lunch.  Dinner will be a surprise.  Not a problem!!

 

@VictOriannHappy Birthday to your DH, Pat.  Enjoy your day Ann and Pat!

[cat shepard]

30 minutes ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Do we have 2 threads that are accidentally getting intermingled here?

(posts 27 and 32)

This was a test. You passed. 🙃

[AncientWanderer]

 

Good morning to all on this Memorial Day and many thanks to Rich and our other contributors here.  We've had a busy weekend with visitors, along with too much food and drink.  We gathered for two themed dinners, BBQ and Cajun, so I'm on serious overload and today will be quiet and contemplative, as it really should be.

 

We visited Marseille many years ago on a land tour -- not a cruise.  The photos bring back nice memories.   Macarons,  while very good, are sometimes too sweet for me.  Those are probably "Americanized" macarons.

 

Hearing...oh boy.   👂  I got hearing aides last year when masks became a thing and lip reading was of no help.  I'm "only" 63, but my ears are shot.  I'd encourage anyone to take that step if they are struggling with their hearing.  I bought mine from the big box store and they work great.  The television volume went from around 24 down to about 11.  Big difference and makes DH quite happy.   

 

Again, thanks to all for our Daily and wishing a pleasant and peaceful day to all.  Prayers for those who are struggling and a cheerful toast to those who are celebrating.   

 

 

[cat shepard]

18 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

@cat shepard, I  realize  the  connections  are  confusing but  we  have  always  considered  both  Tana  and  her  son as a  big  part  of  the  family.  You  are  so  kind,  thank  you. Elijah  has  always  called  us  "Grandma  and  Grandpa"  nd  we  treasure  that.

Very special, Terry! You are all blessed. 

[bdrcole]

I'm very hard of hearing and I have worn hearing aids since I was 40 years old.  I tell my wife these are the settings that come with my hearing aids.

 

[cat shepard]

4 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

Hearing...oh boy.   👂  I got hearing aides last year when masks became a thing and lip reading was of no help.  I'm "only" 63, but my ears are shot.  I'd encourage anyone to take that step if they are struggling with their hearing.  I bought mine from the big box store and they work great.  The television volume went from around 24 down to about 11.  Big difference and makes DH quite happy.   

 

I just got hearing aids too! Though I am a bit older. Never realized how much I depended on lip reading until masks! One ear is just below “normal”. The other is a bit worse. All those rock concerts!

[AncientWanderer]

4 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

I just got hearing aids too! Though I am a bit older. Never realized how much I depended on lip reading until masks! One ear is just below “normal”. The other is a bit worse. All those rock concerts!

 

They're tiny now.  Nobody even knows they are there.  Nothing like what's shown in post #44. lol

[kazu]

1 hour ago, smitty34877 said:

We have good  news  today  as  DD's  half  sister Tana  has  been  released  from  the  hospital  and  is  recovering  at  home. She  will  have  one  more  diagnostic  test  this  week  and  from  there  the  specialists will be  able  to  make  a  plan  for  treatment

 

That’s excellent news, indeed 👍 

[baltic17]

Thanks for the Daily. 

Looking forward to having a grilled meal today at our friends' house.

Another nice Oregon pinot!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday!

Our flight from Dulles to Albany NY was delayed multiple times so spent most of the day at the airport.  My creativity was pushed as there wasn't much to do but walk and read.  Made the best of the day anyway.

 

@kazuBelated Happy Birthday!

@Vict0riannHappy Birthday to Pat!

@smitty34877Good news about Tana!

 

Prayers for all those on the care list and those who need them.  Best wished to all.

 

[mamaofami]

Good morning everyone. Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all who have served to keep America free and strong.

 

Looks like today will be a nice day with temps in the 70s and no rain. 

Tomorrow is JUNE  1, my favorite day of the year and my favorite month.

 

Stay safe everyone.

 

Carol

[AncientWanderer]

@kazu , I just saw you had a birthday.   Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday.  Incidentally, I may have a chance to meet you in Norway next year around this time.  A friend called just this past week and coaxed us into booking.  No arm twisting required!  If the stars and moon align, we will be there.  (We traded our spring Japan for Norway, due to concerns that Japan won't "open up."  I've just about given up on ever seeing Japan.  Stupid Covid!  😢 )