The Daily for Wednesday October 20, 2021

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  Still chilly this morning but today is a workout at home day so not so bad.  Still our house is chilly because we try not to turn on the furnace until Nov. 1.  First let me say welcome to the Rotterdam!  Very exciting to have four ships at sea with guests.  All spread out too - Amsterdam, the Adriatic, the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.  As for the port of the day, we've been to Grand Turk a time or two and once even a medical evacuation at about 10 pm and we were only there about 30 minutes.  DH hadn't been there before (I had with DD's family cruise one year), so he stepped outside to "see what he could see".  Absolutely nothing.  Just a long pier.  

 

Interesting group of days today.  No thanks to brandied fruit, but big cheers to our chefs and waiters.  I especially enjoy them on a ship!  Love that quote!!  The beet reuben is not my dish, sorry!  Instead I'll take @rafinmd's selection on the Amsterdam.  I hope your visit today at the oncologist getting your scan results goes well, Roy.  @cat shepardgood luck at the dermatologist today.  @Mr. Bostonhope the tooth is repaired quickly and with little pain.  @smitty34877 hope you brought something to read while waiting for Tana and that her appointment goes well.  It's nice to hear @dfish's recipes are such a hit in your house.  @HeartgroveSam the malamute is huge!  Nice to hear he's more at home now.  @grapau27thank you for the photos today.  Where were you yesterday?  I thought you might have gone off on another cruise!  Maybe for your birthday instead!  I just heard this morning Queen Elizabeth has been put on rest by her doctors.  I do hope it isn't serious but we have to remember the poor woman is 95 years old and has such a busy schedule.   I don't know how she does it!  @kazulove the memes today.  Good luck with your plants and leaf cleanup.  

 

Prayers for all on our Care list.  Maybe we should say a few prayers for an improvement on CC, and for the MDR menus on our BHBs!  Cheers for all celebrating.🥂   Have a wonderful day!

[kazu]

@Cruising-alongWelcome home 🙂 

[grapau27]

3 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  Still chilly this morning but today is a workout at home day so not so bad.  Still our house is chilly because we try not to turn on the furnace until Nov. 1.  First let me say welcome to the Rotterdam!  Very exciting to have four ships at sea with guests.  All spread out too - Amsterdam, the Adriatic, the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.  As for the port of the day, we've been to Grand Turk a time or two and once even a medical evacuation at about 10 pm and we were only there about 30 minutes.  DH hadn't been there before (I had with DD's family cruise one year), so he stepped outside to "see what he could see".  Absolutely nothing.  Just a long pier.  

 

Interesting group of days today.  No thanks to brandied fruit, but big cheers to our chefs and waiters.  I especially enjoy them on a ship!  Love that quote!!  The beet reuben is not my dish, sorry!  Instead I'll take @rafinmd's selection on the Amsterdam.  I hope your visit today at the oncologist getting your scan results goes well, Roy.  @cat shepardgood luck at the dermatologist today.  @Mr. Bostonhope the tooth is repaired quickly and with little pain.  @smitty34877 hope you brought something to read while waiting for Tana and that her appointment goes well.  It's nice to hear @dfish's recipes are such a hit in your house.  @HeartgroveSam the malamute is huge!  Nice to hear he's more at home now.  @grapau27thank you for the photos today.  Where were you yesterday?  I thought you might have gone off on another cruise!  Maybe for your birthday instead!  I just heard this morning Queen Elizabeth has been put on rest by her doctors.  I do hope it isn't serious but we have to remember the poor woman is 95 years old and has such a busy schedule.   I don't know how she does it!  @kazulove the memes today.  Good luck with your plants and leaf cleanup.  

 

Prayers for all on our Care list.  Maybe we should say a few prayers for an improvement on CC, and for the MDR menus on our BHBs!  Cheers for all celebrating.🥂   Have a wonderful day!

Thanks Sandi.

Pauline was working from home yesterday.

Graham.

[StLouisCruisers]

I'm back!  I failed to mention a few things.  First @Seasick Sailoryour new shower is coming along nicely!  They're going to have to work faster to finish by tomorrow.  @aliaschiefyour filet looks yummy!  I miss those on a BHB!  @Cruising-alongwelcome home!  Same to @Quartzsite Cruiseras she settles in at her Arizona home.  @Crazy For Catsyou'd think those mice would have heard about Jasper by now and stay away.  Maybe this is the last one.

 

If I've forgotten anyone else I'll be back later.😉

[dfish]

@Crazy For Cats Maybe it is time to inspect around the outside of the house and find out where those critters are getting in.   Years ago I did that and we caulked up a bunch of potential sites.  Then I went around the foundation from inside where the cement block meets the sill plate and stuffed some steel wool in there.  That kept them out for a good 10 years until they found the weak spot in the front porch.  

 

I forgot to mention that I like a B&B after dinner occasionally.  I haven't  had one in decades, but they are good!

[richwmn]

for Sail-A-Way fans -- don't miss this

 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  First of all, welcome to the fleet, Rotterdam; may you have many years of wonderful experiences for all.  I just clicked on the live cam link and my heart skipped a beat, as I saw people going through the gangway to board.  Oh, how I wish I was one of them !!!

 

I haven't had brandied fruit since the 70's, but I remember enjoying it.  The one thing I didn't enjoy was trying to find friends to keep giving it to.  Bless the chefs and waiters who do their best to keep everyone happy with their service.  I like today's quote, but when on a cruise, it flies right out the window.  

 

I'm going to pass on today's menu suggestion, as neither DH nor I are fans of beets.  I haven't had a B & B for many years - perhaps when we're on a BHB next year it'll be time to order one.  

 

We've been to today's port a few times on Caribbean cruises; it's got great swimming, many bars, some shops, and not a lot else.  We like to get off the ship, wander through the shops, stop at Margaritaville for lunch and the requisite beer in every port, and return to the mother ship.

 

@smitty34877I think you're going to need a nap this afternoon!  To those having medical/dental appointments, good luck to you today.

 

The evenings are coming sooner and getting cooler, so last night we began eating dinner inside for the first time in months.  It's still warm enough to have lunch on the deck, but unless you're wearing a jacket, it's just not comfortable for dinner.  DH asked if we could have salmon again, so I'm going to make the mustard salmon from a few days ago - it's easy and so yummy.  I'll toss some tater tots into the air fryer and serve a dish of crudites as well for our dinner tonight.  And wine.   Speaking of wine, this came up on my FB memories today - 4 years ago we were in Athens on a cruise where we took a private tour to Delphi; along the way our driver stopped so we could have lunch at this sweet little restaurant perched on the edge of a mountain.  As we walked in past the bar, my heart did a little flip-flop as I saw the largest Cardboardeaux of my life.

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Clinking the glasses together to celebrate all on the happy list and sending a fond Bon Voyage to all on the Rotterdam.  Stay well, wear your masks, be well, and wash your hands.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[Crazy For Cats]

CC now appears to be working again on my iPad.

@dfish we will be checking for the weak spots that we can find.  The house is a slab and our addition has a small crawl space that we can not access but the critters can.  The water line comes in that location.  Will try to better block where it comes into a closet.

[durangoscots]

Just checking in quickly to check out for a few days. I am off to help with some dog shows and will be away from Durango and the computer for a few days. Would much rather be cruising. The Bandit is staying a home with a pet sitter. It is too hard for me to deal him at the shows and then in a motel room.

 

Back on the weekend.

 

 

[Lady Hudson]

Thank you, Roy, for keeping me on the Celebrations list.  Having a wonderful time -- Oasis is a marvelous ship.  Catching up with "sailing" friends from previous cruises.  Good to see that all are well.  Lots of "thank you for coming back" from crew and officers alike.

 

Thoughts and prayers for all who are in need.  Katherine

[KirkNC]

Happy Wednesday!  My the week is flying bye.

[St Pete Cruiser]

Welcome Rotterdam VII to the "active with guests" fleet!  Like many of you, I wish I was onboard today along with the festivities.

Grand Turk pics from my Westerdam cruise.  The nearby town is mildly interesting, the salt flats less so, and the beach is nice although not as good as Half Moon.  The pier was built by Carnival and their ships have priority.  It is an easy port call.  Large pool and bar and restaurant area.  Certainly appeals to the younger and less traveled cruisers than most of us!  

Enjoy your day wherever and however you may.

[St Pete Cruiser]

Pics don't want to load today.

[St Pete Cruiser]

[Divi]

Thank you for the Daily and all who post. It’s a welcoming, spirit lifting thread every day.

We were supposed to be on the Rotterdam today but had to cancel because of restrictions against non Americans. Felt pretty down about it but yesterday we booked a February cruise on the Rotterdam. 🥳 So happy to have a vacation plan that should actually happen.

The sun is shining, forecast high of 20c before it plummets to a high of 8c on Friday. Best news of all, our health unit is at 92% FULLY VACCINATED!!

 

[TiogaCruiser]

Good Morning All,

We have the makings of a nice fall day. Received an estimate from one landscape contractor! There was no contract or schedule of payments -yet. So I’m trying to clear up the confusion. It almost looks like he wants to be paid in full in advance- which is not legal here, and is certainly NOT going to happen. Maybe I’m reading into it wrong… Meanwhile I have an appointment with another today. (If there had been a contract with schedule of progress payments, we would have been signed already and not still looking.)
 

Yay on another ship starting to sail! 

CC has intermittently not been allowing me to react and/or post the past few days, so I can’t now remember whose comments I wanted to reply or react to. At least I can read.

 

Have a great day everyone!

[VennDiagram]

4 hours ago, richwmn said:

Drink of the Day - B & B

 

At one time, B&B was available pre-mixed in the Liqueur section of the liquor store.  I know this because I used to buy it.

One night, at a hall party, a friend had a terrible cough, so we decided that some B&B would help.  (Yeah, young and dumb!) I had a recently-purchased bottle of it in the trunk of my car.  So we stood in the parking lot taking turns swigging from the bottle.  In the dark and cold.  For the record, B&B is not an effective cough syrup.  Nor is it a good idea to cut one's hair after drinking B&B. (reminder, we were young and dumb 😉 )

 

Thanks for that memory!

 

And thanks to everyone who posts in this thread, the best thread on CC.  ❤️ I read it faithfully, though I seldom say anything.

Edited October 20, 2021 by VennDiagram

[atexsix]

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

We were so sad to leave the Eurodam on the 18th after a perfect cruise (in many ways it exceeded our expectations).  As has already been said, the crew and officers are SO happy and excited to be sailing again, and make it clear that it's because of us, who are booking and sailing, that they are back to work.  All of our excursion guides said the same.  After more than 25 cruises on 2 lines, we had 2 of the best cabin stewards we've ever had.  Probably the only disappointment was the MDR menus, so we dined there only 4 times during the 24-day cruise.  Every other dining venue was wonderful.

 

After spending one night in Venice, we flew home early yesterday morning and arrived home last night.  After being up for 24 hours (no sleep on the plane again) we slept 10 hours last night. Good to be home, but missing the Eurodam too!

 

It was very frustrating to try to keep up with the Daily while we were gone.  Most of the time I couldn't react to posts much less post anything myself.  Even though CC showed I was signed in, it said I had to be signed in to post.  But when I tried to "sign out" to sign back in, it wouldn't let me do that either.  Needless to say, I've felt cut off from all of you lol.  I had no problem with any other site, only CC -- and in my case, the ship internet worked very well.

 

I'm excited to start planning our next cruise (July 3 Midnight Sun/Northern Capitals).  

Welcome back.  And glad you had a great time.  Sorry the MDR strikes again!  You must have brought the rain with you too. 

[Cruising-along]

1 minute ago, atexsix said:

Welcome back.  And glad you had a great time.  Sorry the MDR strikes again!  You must have brought the rain with you too. 

Yes, even though it was bright sunshine through the Med 99% of the time, we did have drizzle the day we left Venice, and it was raining just like this in Frankfurt, our layover.  It's really coming down here!  

[atexsix]

Good morning from a damp and sloppy Washington State.  Heavy rain moved in overnight right on schedule, it's always about the 3rd week in October that the rainy season begins and the forecast is predicting rain as far out as they can predict, no complaints here, but driving in it can sometimes be a challenge when it starts to pool on the roads.  

 

Nothing going on today other than to take in our abundant moisture and admire the fog/mist covered mountains.

 

Prayers and thoughts to all; thanks for all the contributions.  I was once in a culinary arts program, I quickly realized it wasn't for me, as others have pointed out, restaurant work is hard, thankless, and you have to be able to do about 50 things at once.  I did like the desserts department though, the pace there is a bit more relaxed.

 

Have a great Wednesday!

[atexsix]

5 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Yes, even though it was bright sunshine through the Med 99% of the time, we did have drizzle the day we left Venice, and it was raining just like this in Frankfurt, our layover.  It's really coming down here!  

The good news is the Canadian border opened in your absence, maybe we can finally do our casino meeting with Carol, although this is not the best weather to be driving in.

[atexsix]

54 minutes ago, durangoscots said:

Just checking in quickly to check out for a few days. I am off to help with some dog shows and will be away from Durango and the computer for a few days. Would much rather be cruising. The Bandit is staying a home with a pet sitter. It is too hard for me to deal him at the shows and then in a motel room.

 

Back on the weekend.

 

 

Have a safe trip! 

[cruiseguy56]

48 minutes ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Grand Turk pics from my Westerdam cruise.  The nearby town is mildly interesting, the salt flats less so, and the beach is nice although not as good as Half Moon.  The pier was built by Carnival and their ships have priority.  It is an easy port call.  Large pool and bar and restaurant area.  Certainly appeals to the younger and less traveled cruisers than most of us!  

Enjoy your day wherever and however you may.

While we are NOT younger, and not really less-traveled, We seem to be part of only a small handful that visited the conch shell graveyard and the tip of the island for seashell hunting. For both, you take a right when you reach the end of the pier at the cruise center, then keep walking down the beach. It's not a very long walk, but wear water shoes as you will encounter urchins in several spots along the way.

[atexsix]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  Still chilly this morning but today is a workout at home day so not so bad.  Still our house is chilly because we try not to turn on the furnace until Nov. 1.  First let me say welcome to the Rotterdam!  Very exciting to have four ships at sea with guests.  All spread out too - Amsterdam, the Adriatic, the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.  As for the port of the day, we've been to Grand Turk a time or two and once even a medical evacuation at about 10 pm and we were only there about 30 minutes.  DH hadn't been there before (I had with DD's family cruise one year), so he stepped outside to "see what he could see".  Absolutely nothing.  Just a long pier.  

 

Interesting group of days today.  No thanks to brandied fruit, but big cheers to our chefs and waiters.  I especially enjoy them on a ship!  Love that quote!!  The beet reuben is not my dish, sorry!  Instead I'll take @rafinmd's selection on the Amsterdam.  I hope your visit today at the oncologist getting your scan results goes well, Roy.  @cat shepardgood luck at the dermatologist today.  @Mr. Bostonhope the tooth is repaired quickly and with little pain.  @smitty34877 hope you brought something to read while waiting for Tana and that her appointment goes well.  It's nice to hear @dfish's recipes are such a hit in your house.  @HeartgroveSam the malamute is huge!  Nice to hear he's more at home now.  @grapau27thank you for the photos today.  Where were you yesterday?  I thought you might have gone off on another cruise!  Maybe for your birthday instead!  I just heard this morning Queen Elizabeth has been put on rest by her doctors.  I do hope it isn't serious but we have to remember the poor woman is 95 years old and has such a busy schedule.   I don't know how she does it!  @kazulove the memes today.  Good luck with your plants and leaf cleanup.  

 

Prayers for all on our Care list.  Maybe we should say a few prayers for an improvement on CC, and for the MDR menus on our BHBs!  Cheers for all celebrating.🥂   Have a wonderful day!

Grand Turk is one of the places I've always wanted to fly to and spend a couple of weeks there.  I will begin praying for the MDR menus, lol, good idea!  

[atexsix]

48 minutes ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Yikes!  I don't remember that beach being THAT crowded.