The Daily for Tuesday Jul 06, 2021

[arzz]

Photos are from our Seabourn Antarctica cruise in January 2019. 

[arzz]

[grapau27]

57 minutes ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Good morning, all. I spent nearly an hour loading Antarctica pictures. Just as I went to post, my iPad dumped the whole thing! Aaaargh!
I have kissed DH this morning, but will do so again. Fried chicken is good in the summer, especially if cooked in someone else’s kitchen. G&T has become my go to cocktail, and will be appearing on the patio later. I look forward to visiting wineries in Tasmania in 2023. The wines are rumoured to be fabulous! And then there’s Antarctica…..

 

Antarctica is amazing. The problem with pictures is that they just can’t give you the full depth of the vastness of it all. Other than a fringe along the shore in summer, Antarctica has no plant or animal life. There are no indigenous birds or animals here. All the wildlife live elsewhere. They come to Antarctica for a few short months to raise their young along the shores before heading home again. Rather like Canadians in Florida for Spring Break. Even just looking from the coast, most of Antarctica is pristine, barren of life, and beautiful on an immense scale. The suns angle through our atmosphere does interesting things to the air and water colour. The ocean is an impossible true blue near the equator. As you go north, it appears greener and greener. As you go south, the ocean appears slightly purple and eventually violet. In Antarctica, the light has taken an actual pink cast that gives land and water an actual pink look. 
The photos don’t do it justice, but I’ll try.

The pink of the light fights with the bright blue of the ice. It is pinker to the eye than the lense. I think the camera tries to compensate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a Tabular Iceberg. It is the size of several football fields, and not even close to being a large example.

In contrast, this is Brash Ice. These are fist size pieces of ancient glacial ice. As they slowly melt, thousands of tiny high pressure air bubbles are released with a popping and fizzing sound. The experience is like sailing through a sea of champagne, and is unforgettable.

 

Even in the height of summer, and at the warmer northern edges, the continent is buried in snow and ice. Most of us have seen glaciers flowing through the valleys between mountain peaks. Here the ice is so predominant that the glaciers actually flow OVER the mountains, and you can see chunks calving off the crest and crashing hundreds of feet down a rock face. Did I mention it is overwhelming to the senses here?

 

 

And now the summer residents. This is a raft of penguins. They travel in groups, half swimming, half leaping through the water. They are trying find fish while avoiding Orcas and Leopard Seals.

On the beach, the sight and noise and party atmosphere is very much like Florida at Spring Break. The smell is slightly worse, though.

 

And a Leopard Seal sunning on an iceberg trying to look harmless. It is not.

And finally, Happy Tuesday, which is best experienced on a BHB!

Nice photos.

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

For @rafinmd, volunteer firefighter Sean DeMuynck made the ultimate sacrifice on Sunday night in  a house fire in Montgomery county PA . He was. a Canadian who was preparing to return home to Canada . He was 35 years old .💔🙏

Very sad news about a very brave man.

Prayers 🙏 to his family and friends.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

Thank you for that.  A double dose of sad news for me today.  A couple of days ago I snuck in a note about one of my scouts who was hospitalized with kidney failure.  He was home briefly while they worked on a definitive plan, but he is reported back in the hospital.

 

Roy

Very sorry to hear about one of your scouts Kidney failure Roy.

I hope things work out for him and the hospital can make him better.

Graham.

[grapau27]

45 minutes ago, sailingdutchy said:

Having been to Antarctica on the Zaandam was one of my most amazing experience of our cruise history with the BHB’s even though we did not get on shore in Antarctica . But we spend most of our 3 days circling around on deck not to miss anything and taking it all in ! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the second day the Captain and the special Antarctica guide on board told all of  us what was happening in the water very close to us , about a dozen Orca’s had cornered and caught a baby Humpback whale about a hundred meters from the Zaandam , the Captain stopped our forward movement and we were just floating for about an hour  near this while it was getting closer and closer  and they were feasting on their catch . The ships photographer happened to be out on deck and took an amazing Video which we and many many others later purchased . The Captain mentioned he himself had never seen anything like this either ............ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BTW this was during the second week of February 2015 we had expected it to be really really cold bought all kind of special underwear , heating pads etc etc and it was colder in Toronto Canada than those days in Antarctica  !!!!!! 

 

 

Tony😍

 

Awesome photos.

It looks amazing.

Graham.

[Sharon in AZ]

1 hour ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

The photos don’t do it justice, but I’ll try.

The pink of the light fights with the bright blue of the ice. It is pinker to the eye than the lense. I think the camera tries to compensate.

 

These are absolutely beautiful!  And I did see the pink that you were talking about.

[atexsix]

3 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

This morning we have a refreshing fog and 55 degrees, heading for a pleasant 77.  I will kiss DH as always, love fried chicken, and do appreciate air traffic controllers for keeping us safe. Will pass on the meal, we're going to have steak tacos tonight with some steak left from the bbq yesterday.  

 

@kazuyour flowers are lovely.  That looks like a Nelly Moser Clematis?  I love Malvo, I need to try planting it again.  For some reason it doesn't like my yard!!

 

@mamaofamiwonderful news that your DH will be coming home and  that your children are helping you so much.

 

On a smaller scale of help but still very much appreciated, our big brawny DSIL came by yesterday and single-handedly carried our new portable A/C upstairs to the bedroom.  It weighs 80+ pounds so we are so thankful he did that.  DH and I probably could have done it, but definitely not as easily as Ryan did.  It's supposed to cool up to 700 square feet, so I think we're ready for any future heat waves.

 

A huge thank you to all who have and will be posting photos of the Antarctic!  We're booked on the Oosterdam in '23 and seeing these photos is really adding to the excitement.

 

 

 

 

How on God's green earth did he do it?  Is he a wrestler or something?!

 

Dear Mom's husband is also brawny, he's coming by to install our window AC units at the end of the month.  Since I'm a victim of Murphy's Law, I told Mom summer will end for sure on August 2nd.

[Cruising-along]

33 minutes ago, atexsix said:

How on God's green earth did he do it?  Is he a wrestler or something?!

 

Dear Mom's husband is also brawny, he's coming by to install our window AC units at the end of the month.  Since I'm a victim of Murphy's Law, I told Mom summer will end for sure on August 2nd.

He could be, but he's actually a Physician's Assistant in Seattle. 😀

Nope, just a big, strong guy.  He carried it upstairs like it was nothing.  His oldest son is taking after him too, he's only 8 and the size of a 10-year-old at least.  

 

For your sake and mine, I sure hope summer doesn't end in early August!  😅 (but no more heat waves!)

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily.

Good days. No one here to kiss today. I like fried chicken, but rarely eat it. Air Traffic Control is to be saluted.

Excellent quote.

I like the meal, but too many carbs for me. I'll pass on the gin and tonic, but maybe take the wine.

I have been to Antarctica on the Zaandam in 2018.

 

Another hot and humid day here. I went out early to the big box store for groceries and was dripping loading the car.

 

@mamaofami Good news that Sam is coming home. Hopefully it won't be too hard to find an aide. You're so fortunate to have children willing to help out.

 

Prayers for the care list and cheers for the celebration list. Any in the path of the storm, stay safe!

 

It was hard to pick from so many pictures.

 

 

Tabular iceberg with caves

 

Me on the promenade

 

 

Penguins on icebergs

 

 

 

Silverseas Silver Cloud

 

At the Zaandam bell

 

Sunset at 11:30PM

 

Whale tail

Thank you for posting another set of fabulous photos of Antarctica.

[smitty34877]

Very late to the party today.We drove to Brewster Mass and found DS and family on the beach.I tried to get into the water at Nauset Beach but it was quite cold today. The grandchildren  were able to  ride boogie boards and enjoy the waves.

We are grilling burgers tonight with salads and corn and I for one will fall into bed. 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

1 minute ago, smitty34877 said:

Very late to the party today.We drove to Brewster Mass and found DS and family on the beach.I tried to get into the water at Nauset Beach but it was quite cold today. The grandchildren  were able to  ride boogie boards and enjoy the waves.

We are grilling burgers tonight with salads and corn and I for one will fall into bed. 

 

 

Honestly, except for the cold water, it sounds like a perfect day!  

[Horizon chaser 1957]

1 hour ago, Sharon in AZ said:

 

These are absolutely beautiful!  And I did see the pink that you were talking about.

Thank you! If I’d been thinking, I would have tried some shots of the pink air and water on the sunset setting. That captures pinks closer to what the eye is registering.

[Sharon in AZ]

Good afternoon everyone and Happy Tuesday !  Thank you for the Daily Rich and thank you for your lists Roy. 
 

I have been enjoying all of the pictures today. Thanks to everyone who posted. 
 

I am super tired today, didn’t sleep well at all. I’m really worried about my DM. I took her to the doctor today as a follow up from a lung CT she had and it looks very suspicious for cancer. Turns out it was found on a X-ray during her bowel surgery back in February (first I’ve heard about it though) and her doctor wants her to see a surgeon. She is scheduled for a CT biopsy tomorrow also. I truly believe she tries to think she can take care of herself and wants to be independent but with her hearing problem she can’t. She even admitted to me after today’s appointment that she only heard half of what the doctor said. She doesn’t want surgery at almost 92 but it’s the best option right now since it’s small and caught sooner. 
 

Roy, @rafinmd, it’s okay to have her on the Care list tomorrow but not everyday. I’ll keep you posted. We won’t know the results for a bit. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

[Sharon in AZ]

12 minutes ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Thank you! If I’d been thinking, I would have tried some shots of the pink air and water on the sunset setting. That captures pinks closer to what the eye is registering.

Well blue is my favorite color and pink is a close second. I only wish I could take pictures this great. Did you use a special camera?

[AncientWanderer]

9 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good afternoon everyone and Happy Tuesday !  Thank you for the Daily Rich and thank you for your lists Roy. 
 

I have been enjoying all of the pictures today. Thanks to everyone who posted. 
 

I am super tired today, didn’t sleep well at all. I’m really worried about my DM. I took her to the doctor today as a follow up from a lung CT she had and it looks very suspicious for cancer. Turns out it was found on a X-ray during her bowel surgery back in February (first I’ve heard about it though) and her doctor wants her to see a surgeon. She is scheduled for a CT biopsy tomorrow also. I truly believe she tries to think she can take care of herself and wants to be independent but with her hearing problem she can’t. She even admitted to me after today’s appointment that she only heard half of what the doctor said. She doesn’t want surgery at almost 92 but it’s the best option right now since it’s small and caught sooner. 
 

Roy, @rafinmd, it’s okay to have her on the Care list tomorrow but not everyday. I’ll keep you posted. We won’t know the results for a bit. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

 

Prayers coming your way, Sharon.  🙏

 You've posted lovely photos of travel with your mom, and you look so sweet together...and clearly are very close to one another.  All best wishes to you and your family.  

[bobpatj]

Thanks for the Daily, Rich and for all the Antarctica photos!  We enjoyed the Antarctica experience in January, 2005, onboard Amsterdam.  Our weather was perfect and the scenery was breathtaking.  

[lindaler]

Thanks everyone, I am very late to the party today but it took a while to ready through all of them. I have been busy getting ready for a visit from my daughter and two grandkids.  It feels funny calling them grand "kids" when the oldest is just turning 18. The heat should continue to be normal summer so they should have fun swimming and kayaking. They have never been to my cabin so it will be interesting. 

[jimgev]

So many beautiful photos of Antactica. Thanks to all who contributed.

It's been a wet day here in SW Florida with lots more to come. Fortunately, there has been little damage and folks are being careful.

 

[AncientWanderer]

My goodness, the photos of Antarctica are wonderful today.  So much natural beauty.  Hopefully some day...

 

Fried chicken is something delightful that I almost never have.  The exception was that from Ridley's Grocery Store in Idaho when we used to spend summers there.  It was sooooo good.

And speaking of summers in Idaho... @bennybear, I think it was you who posted a photo of pedal boats the other day.  I used to have one of my very own in Idaho -- fulfillment of a childhood dream -- and am still pouting after seeing your pictures.  Who needs a cruise ship when you can pedal and see baby ducks!

 

@rafinmd, that is sad news about your Scout friend.  Hopefully things will head in a better direction there.  Scary stuff.

 

To all our Daily family, have a good afternoon/evening.  The long summer days are nice! 😊

 

 

 

[grapau27]

35 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good afternoon everyone and Happy Tuesday !  Thank you for the Daily Rich and thank you for your lists Roy. 
 

I have been enjoying all of the pictures today. Thanks to everyone who posted. 
 

I am super tired today, didn’t sleep well at all. I’m really worried about my DM. I took her to the doctor today as a follow up from a lung CT she had and it looks very suspicious for cancer. Turns out it was found on a X-ray during her bowel surgery back in February (first I’ve heard about it though) and her doctor wants her to see a surgeon. She is scheduled for a CT biopsy tomorrow also. I truly believe she tries to think she can take care of herself and wants to be independent but with her hearing problem she can’t. She even admitted to me after today’s appointment that she only heard half of what the doctor said. She doesn’t want surgery at almost 92 but it’s the best option right now since it’s small and caught sooner. 
 

Roy, @rafinmd, it’s okay to have her on the Care list tomorrow but not everyday. I’ll keep you posted. We won’t know the results for a bit. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

Sorry to hear about your mam Sharon.

Sending you our prayers 🙏 and best wishes that she will be okay and if she needs an op it  will clear any cancer that is present.

Take care.

Graham.

[Horizon chaser 1957]

42 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Well blue is my favorite color and pink is a close second. I only wish I could take pictures this great. Did you use a special camera?

It’s a Nikon B700. No special lense, just on the basic point and shoot landscape setting.

[USN59-79]

We are having beautiful Summer weather; cool cloudy mornings and sunny afternoons.  We did our walk this morning and then we both had dental appointments for cleaning and check up.  I am fine, but DW has to go back for a filling in a couple of weeks.  I very much enjoyed the Antarctica pictures.  We were there on the Amsterdam December 2003/January 2004 on the Amsterdam.  Probably with @durangoscots.  I think it was the best cruise we have taken.  The weather was calm with blue skies.  Sun went down about midnight and came back up about 20 minutes later.  Icebergs in shades of blue we have never seen before or since.   I hesitated to recommend Antarctica to others because I knew they would probably not experience such nice weather and not have such a beautiful experience.  The only problem with that cruise was when we got to Rio to disembark the authorities there messed with us.  First they had us all go to one end of the ship to get finger printed.  Then we had to go to the other end to get our pictures taken.  As a result all the morning excursions were cancelled and a lot of people missed early flights.  I asked one of the Brazilians why they were doing that to us.  He replied that the U.S. was fingerprinting and photographing Brazilians when they arrive at U.S. airports so they had to reciprocate.  A fallout of 9/11.

[Vict0riann]

Good afternoon, I'm late to the party today, we have been busy doing errands.  First we went to the church office to find out what is going on on Sundays now - evidently everything is back to normal:  no having to have a reservation, no signing in in case of contact tracing, and masks recommended but not required.   I'm not sure how it will go, but we will see.  The church was almost empty last Sunday at the on line Mass, so we will had back on Sunday, I think. 

 

Then we went for a coffee, and I made a quick foray into the grocery store at the mall.  Everyone was being good!

 

Then we went downtown to look for some needlepoint kits for me to take on cruises.   They are hard to find nowadays.  We went to our usual parkade near  the shop, and it was as if there had never been a pandemic, it was full up right up to level 5.  There were lots of people on the streets where we walked, mostly masked,  but a few not.  The last time we were down there, a few months ago now, all we saw were the street people hanging out.  A big change!

 

I have sent an email to DD in Gander, congratulating her on being an air traffic controller, and asking if NavCanada is starting to hire back the controllers they let go during the pandemic.  Haven't heard back.

 

Congratulations to our new Governor General, Mary Simon, an indigenous woman.  

 

Our son is having his second jab today, and DD here is having hers tomorrow.  Soon we'll be hugging!

 

We went to Antarctica in 2012 for our 50th anniversary, with our younger DD (Quark's Sea Adventurer).  I had broken my wrist on South Georgia Island, so I didn't stay long on the continent, but Pat and Cathy climbed the hill and spent a few hours.  We were supposed to have three landings on Antartica, but only made one, as the weather and ice did not cooperate.  But we loved the whole experience.  I would certainly do it again, preferably as a cruise, not an expedition.

 

 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

A very late  good evening.  It was another busy day, but the port, driveway and house {at least the outside) are clean.  All the vehicles and outdoor furniture are back in place, and just in time.  Shortly after I finished, we had a thunderstorm.  All that is left for tomorrow is to get everything I stored in DH's shop back in the outside cabinets and I’m done for another year.  🙂 

 

@rafinmd. Roy, I'm  sorry your young scout friend is having so many problems.  Hoping for the best outcome.

@Sharon in AZ. Sorry to hear about your DM, latest health issue.  Hope she consents to the surgery, and they can get it all with not problem. You both are in our thoughts. 

 

Sorry to hear about the Canadian first responder who gave his life for others in Maryland.

 

I've enjoyed all the pictures of Antarctica.  Ever since we flew over the area, I've wanted to do a cruise there.

 

Lenda