The Daily for Friday 12/31/2021

[rafinmd]

37 minutes ago, kazu said:

Well, I am sorry to say that my New Year is off to a bad start.  Jose’s lumbar puncture results are back and there is NOTHING there to help.  He’s being started on O.T. & physio to determine his “baseline”.  They think it’s metabolic encephalopathy.  Still working on it.  This does not bode well. 😢. I hope and pray that I am wrong.
 

I am so sorry to hear this.  Prayers that they can find a cause and appropriate treatmen.

 

Roy

[cat shepard]

37 minutes ago, kazu said:

Well, I am sorry to say that my New Year is off to a bad start.  Jose’s lumbar puncture results are back and there is NOTHING there to help.  He’s being started on O.T. & physio to determine his “baseline”.  They think it’s metabolic encephalopathy.  Still working on it.  This does not bode well. 😢. I hope and pray that I am wrong.
 

 

Jacqui, I am praying that the medical team discovers the underlying cause quickly, if it is metabolic encephalopathy.  
 

A cousin had a pancreatic chemical imbalance that caused his bout of ME. His wife was quick to notice a problem and get him medical attention. His team said her quick reaction resulted in 100% recovery - once they figured out the problem and treated it.  
 

If it is not ME, I pray the team figures out the problem fast! Praying that you  take care of yourself. 

[Suslor]

Joining all in wishing everyone a happy new year. May 2022 be one of good or improved health, safe travel, time with family and friends and peace on earth. 
 

Thanks to all who make this board happen every single day. Thanks to those who share the ups and downs of their lives, their pets lives and the lives of their family, friends and community. 
 

Happy New Year 🎆🎊🎈 

[Overhead Fred]

@kazu - 

 

Best of luck dealing with your difficult times. Hopefully, good news about Jose and Marley is just around the corner...

[Overhead Fred]

This is our son Niall and his girlfriend Emilee at the MDR during our recent Nieuw Amsterdam cruise -

 

[Seasick Sailor]

@richwmn where are you? Trivia at 2:00 Exp..

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from Quartzsite where the sun is beginning to break through the clouds.  We got about 5/100ths of an inch of rain overnight, which is a good amount for us.

 

@daisybertie and @erewhon

 

🥂 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🍾

 

To the Dailyites in the northern hemisphere:

 

🎆 ✨ HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉🎈

 

Sometimes it's easier to make up your mind than other times.  I will not be celebrating unlucky day.

 

We are having lobster tails, but not the really good ones in New England or the Maritime Provinces, for dinner tonight along with Asti sparkling wine.  We'll save some of the wine to usher in the New Year.  Most years we manage to make it up to midnight.

 

I like the Jack Benny quote.

 

We'll pass on the drink of the day, but the wine sounds nice.

 

We have not been to Tauranga, New Zealand, but it is still on the bucket list.

 

@kazu  Hope the new antibiotics help Marley recover quickly.

 

@grapau27 Graham, is that shopping center the one between the pier for Newcastle and the train station?  We looked around the stores there in 2017.

 

@cunnorl Charlene, hope 2022 is a much better year for your family.

 

@bdrcole  I just might join your gym, maybe in March.  🤣

 

@cat shepard Enjoyed the pictures of the light show.

 

@NCTribeFan  Go for it!  A five-day cruise is not long enough.

 

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, thanks for the pictures of NYE on the ship and the pictures of the port.

 

 @Sharon in AZ  Very pretty sunrise.  Enjoy your Pinnacle dinner.

 

@ger_77  What a mess bad drivers can cause.  Glad you were only delayed and not involved in any accidents.  I loved the home stretch meme.  It describes the past two year perfectly.

 

@msmayor Like the meme

 

@ottahand7 Beautiful cat.  We had a white Maine Coon and our DD had a Maine coon that looked a lot like your cat.

 

@durangoscotsSusan, your dinner sounds like what a friend calls a CORN dinner -- Clean Out the Refrigerator Night!  😉

 

@Horizon chaser 1957  I liked your NYE post.  It's something to think about.

 

@Cruising-alongGreat picture of your grandson and the snowman.

 

@Overhead FredThanks for the picture.

 

2021 was a better year for us than 2020, but it still left a lot to be desired.  We were fortunate to be able to spend four weeks on the Koningsdam when we did.  We felt entirely comfortable and safe during our cruise, but now with the Omivcron variant, we will probably wait awhile to cruise.  We were also very fortunate to be able to spend time with both DDs and their guys.

 

A very special thank you to all those who make the Daily what it is -- a sharing, caring, calm port to visit during the rough times the past two years.   Thank you @richwmn Rich for the Daily, @rafinmd Roy for keeping track of us and for the lists, @summer slope Dixie for the drink recipes, @cat shepardAnn for the wine reviews and @dfish Debbie for the recipes and pictures of the meal suggestions.  And thank you all who post every day or whenever you have time.  Everyone helps make this such a special place to spend some time each day.

 

Here's hoping 2022 is a better year for all of us.

 

Lenda

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily @richwmn.

Happy New Year's Eve! I've made up my mind to start walking more; mainly on the treadmill, as I'm a bit unsteady at times. If I'm ever to get back to traveling at some point, I need to increase my conditioning. I won't like Unlucky Day. Interesting quote.

The meal sounds good, but not for today. I'm making black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread today. Tomorrow will be pork with sauerkraut.  I like the wine.

I have been to Tauranga. I'll post pictures separately.

 

@kazu I'm glad the vet is on top of things for Marley; hoping the antibiotics do the trick. Prayers for Jose and you. I hope you get to visit him soon. So sorry the LP results weren't helpful.

@rafinmd I pray for a better 2022 for you.

@grapau27 Those pizzas look marvelous, as do you two!

@StLouisCruisers Good to hear that your sister's SIL is doing better.

@GeorgeCharlie Thanks for the great video link.

@ger_77 Oh my on the roads yesterday. Just hearing about the driving conditions would make me want to stay home if possible; although in my work days I had to go in no matter what. I have about 12 gallons of distilled water here for my CPAP! Every time I went to the grocery in summer I got one, to tide me over the bad weather in winter (which we haven't had so far, knock wood).

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

 

NYE in Antarctica on the Zaandam, with the sun setting at 10:13 PM

 

Counting down to 2019. We'd seen them taking down the bell off the bow and didn't know why. Then we saw it on stage for the NYE gala. The Captain rang it.

 

New Year's Advice

Edited December 31, 2021 by JazzyV

[aliaschief]

@kazuPraying harder! 

[durangoscots]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Jacqui, I so very sorry the results of the lumbar puncture are not what you wanted to hear.  And what they are thinking may be the problem is not that great either.  I looked it up, and it seems there are various causes and ways to handle it.  Sending very good thoughts that his medical team can figure things out quickly and find a way to help Jose improve.  I wish there was better news coming from the doctors.

 

Take care of yourself so you can be strong for Jose.  Huge ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) to both of you as you begin the journey of overcoming whatever challenges the future holds.  And remember, you have a big family here pulling for both of you.

 

Lenda

This says it all for me too. Definitely not the news you or we wanted to hear. Sending even stronger positive thoughts and prayers for you both.

 

Susan

[dfish]

@kazu  I'm so sorry the results of the LP are not helpful to figuring out Jose's case.   The frustration of not knowing is as hard as the illness.   Hugs and warm thoughts for you both.

[bennybear]

Wishing everyone a happy new year!  Weird CC morning, I could react, then I couldn’t and couldn’t post!  Hoping we can visit this port in the upcoming year or two.  DS won two free airline tickets, but we can’t travel right now. 

I’m sending extra prayers and hugs to Jacqui,  hoping they can find a cause and treatment for Jose,  glad they found out about Marley!  Hope your year goes better than this one!  
 

suggestion from years prior,  for garden club

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by bennybear

[HAL Sailer]

🎉Happy New Years Eve, all!🎉

 

Tonight, we (or, probably just I, as DH will likely be fast asleep) will watch the cherry drop from our downtown condo. (When you live in an area proclaimed the 'Cherry Capital of the World', a crystal ball just wouldn't do!)

And, as the cherry drops, I will be offering up prayers and wishes for all to have happiness and health in 2022 -- and a cruise on a BHB in our future!

 

🎉Happy 2022 to you all!🎉

-Melisa

 

[NCTribeFan]

Jacqui, so sorry you're having to deal with this.  Hope things improve soon.

 

As for today's port, I neglected to mention that I'm still so sad that I won't be taking my quasi B2B OZ/NZ sailings in February.  I don't know if they'll ever happen.  I'm just not sure I could manage the flights and, sadly, I don't think my finances can manage sailings from the US to that region.  But who knows?  I may just book something again one day and decide that I'll just make it happen.  Rather than agonize that I can't do something, just make plans for it and do what you can to make it a reality.

[irishjim]

6 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Graham & Pauline ❤️

Thank  you both  very  much  and the the same to you  and  your  lovely  wife.

                   Jim  and  Sheila.

[grapau27]

We have been out for Dinner tonight.

Graham.

[lazey1]

55 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

 

55 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

A very special thank you to all those who make the Daily what it is -- a sharing, caring, calm port to visit during the rough times the past two years.   Thank you @richwmn Rich for the Daily, @rafinmd Roy for keeping track of us and for the lists, @summer slope Dixie for the drink recipes, @cat shepardAnn for the wine reviews and @dfish Debbie for the recipes and pictures of the meal suggestions.  And thank you all who post every day or whenever you have time.  Everyone helps make this such a special place to spend some time each day.

 

Here's hoping 2022 is a better year for all of us.

 

Lenda

 

Lenda this says it all and far better that I could have.

Jane

Edited December 31, 2021 by lazey1

[summer slope]

@grapau27that dinner looks fantastic.

[JazzyV]

A few pictures from Tauranga

Arrival to Mt. Maunganui, Tauranga

 

Lake Karapiro and the dam

 

 

Waitomo Caves Totem

 

Coming out of the caves. I didn't get any good pictures inside.

 

We stopped at a private home for lunch

 

 

Their birdhouse

 

The gardens

 

Scenery as we left; it was so green

 

Otorohanga Kiwi House

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by JazzyV

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good morning from Quartzsite where the sun is beginning to break through the clouds.  We got about 5/100ths of an inch of rain overnight, which is a good amount for us.

 

@daisybertie and @erewhon

 

🥂 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🍾

 

To the Dailyites in the northern hemisphere:

 

🎆 ✨ HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉🎈

 

Sometimes it's easier to make up your mind than other times.  I will not be celebrating unlucky day.

 

We are having lobster tails, but not the really good ones in New England or the Maritime Provinces, for dinner tonight along with Asti sparkling wine.  We'll save some of the wine to usher in the New Year.  Most years we manage to make it up to midnight.

 

I like the Jack Benny quote.

 

We'll pass on the drink of the day, but the wine sounds nice.

 

We have not been to Tauranga, New Zealand, but it is still on the bucket list.

 

@kazu  Hope the new antibiotics help Marley recover quickly.

 

@grapau27 Graham, is that shopping center the one between the pier for Newcastle and the train station?  We looked around the stores there in 2017.

 

@cunnorl Charlene, hope 2022 is a much better year for your family.

 

@bdrcole  I just might join your gym, maybe in March.  🤣

 

@cat shepard Enjoyed the pictures of the light show.

 

@NCTribeFan  Go for it!  A five-day cruise is not long enough.

 

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, thanks for the pictures of NYE on the ship and the pictures of the port.

 

 @Sharon in AZ  Very pretty sunrise.  Enjoy your Pinnacle dinner.

 

@ger_77  What a mess bad drivers can cause.  Glad you were only delayed and not involved in any accidents.  I loved the home stretch meme.  It describes the past two year perfectly.

 

@msmayor Like the meme

 

@ottahand7 Beautiful cat.  We had a white Maine Coon and our DD had a Maine coon that looked a lot like your cat.

 

@durangoscotsSusan, your dinner sounds like what a friend calls a CORN dinner -- Clean Out the Refrigerator Night!  😉

 

@Horizon chaser 1957  I liked your NYE post.  It's something to think about.

 

@Cruising-alongGreat picture of your grandson and the snowman.

 

@Overhead FredThanks for the picture.

 

2021 was a better year for us than 2020, but it still left a lot to be desired.  We were fortunate to be able to spend four weeks on the Koningsdam when we did.  We felt entirely comfortable and safe during our cruise, but now with the Omivcron variant, we will probably wait awhile to cruise.  We were also very fortunate to be able to spend time with both DDs and their guys.

 

A very special thank you to all those who make the Daily what it is -- a sharing, caring, calm port to visit during the rough times the past two years.   Thank you @richwmn Rich for the Daily, @rafinmd Roy for keeping track of us and for the lists, @summer slope Dixie for the drink recipes, @cat shepardAnn for the wine reviews and @dfish Debbie for the recipes and pictures of the meal suggestions.  And thank you all who post every day or whenever you have time.  Everyone helps make this such a special place to spend some time each day.

 

Here's hoping 2022 is a better year for all of us.

 

Lenda

 

There is a retail park called Royal quays about half a mile from Newcastle ( North Shields).

We were at Gretna Retail outlet today which is 70 miles away just over the border in Scotland.

Graham.

[superoma]

@kazuso sorry the lp didn’t have answers. I hope whatever course the doctors take that they are on the right track and Jose is able  to go home soon. Hugs and prayers for you both.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Overhead Fred said:

This is our son Niall and his girlfriend Emilee at the MDR during our recent Nieuw Amsterdam cruise -

 

Nice looking.couple.

[grapau27]

56 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily @richwmn.

Happy New Year's Eve! I've made up my mind to start walking more; mainly on the treadmill, as I'm a bit unsteady at times. If I'm ever to get back to traveling at some point, I need to increase my conditioning. I won't like Unlucky Day. Interesting quote.

The meal sounds good, but not for today. I'm making black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread today. Tomorrow will be pork with sauerkraut.  I like the wine.

I have been to Tauranga. I'll post pictures separately.

 

@kazu I'm glad the vet is on top of things for Marley; hoping the antibiotics do the trick. Prayers for Jose and you. I hope you get to visit him soon. So sorry the LP results weren't helpful.

@rafinmd I pray for a better 2022 for you.

@grapau27 Those pizzas look marvelous, as do you two!

@StLouisCruisers Good to hear that your sister's SIL is doing better.

@GeorgeCharlie Thanks for the great video link.

@ger_77 Oh my on the roads yesterday. Just hearing about the driving conditions would make me want to stay home if possible; although in my work days I had to go in no matter what. I have about 12 gallons of distilled water here for my CPAP! Every time I went to the grocery in summer I got one, to tide me over the bad weather in winter (which we haven't had so far, knock wood).

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

 

NYE in Antarctica on the Zaandam, with the sun setting at 10:13 PM

 

Counting down to 2019. We'd seen them taking down the bell off the bow and didn't know why. Then we saw it on stage for the NYE gala. The Captain rang it.

 

New Year's Advice

Thank you Vanessa for your lovely words.

Graham.

[sailingdutchy]

We had a wonderful  day and I had an amazing experience while on a tour with Jim Archer in Tauranga , New Zealand .

 

On April 1st  2013 while on the Oosterdam on a cruise from Auckland to Sydney to Hawaii and ending in Vancouver we landed in Tauranga and with a small group  we first stopped at one of the beautiful beaches , than went to a Kiwi farm to do some fruit and honey tasting  and from there went to Rotorua where we witnessed all of the geothermal activity in the Te Puia Whakarewarewa Valley and to the indigenous Maori Village .

 

 

The kiwis are grown about 5 or 6 feet off the ground ,they keep the branches tied down for easy picking of the fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

This is Jim Archer a wonderful guide who is of Maori ancestry.

 Just try to pronounce this Maori word in one breath ..............

 

 

 

Before we were allowed to enter the Maori Village we , the  strange looking people from a different world, had to go through a special ceremony and Jim had made me Chief of  about 100 visitors , to meet the Chief of the village .

I was guided by an older lady a village elder and I had to convince the real Chief that we had come in Peace . They had first tried to scare me with their spears , loud voices and wild dances. Everybody even DW had to be at least 5 paces behind me and than  I had to pick up a small evergreen branch off the ground after which we were than allowed to enter the Community Hall and witness a number of dances and of coarse the Haka and once I had to touched noses with all of the Haka dancers in stocking feet we were all treated to more wonderful with smiling dancers performing their routines .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the ceremony was over we saw  and smelled the spewing and bubbling earth activity all around us 

 

 

 

 

Before leaving the village we saw the hall where they still make all of the beautiful pieces for their homes , ceremonies and for the tourists .

 

 

 

I will never forget this honour Jim bestowed on me and for a long time on that cruise I was called Chief by  a number of other guests who toured Rotorua that same day. 

So I can really recommend Jim for a wonderful day in Tauranga  / Rotorua 

 

Tony 😍

[irishjim]

5 hours ago, GeorgeCharlie said:

 

Happy New Year everyone and hopefully we're all looking at an enjoyable cruise-filled 2022.

 

Had the following video sent to me by some Australian friends - where it's already 2022.

 

AULD LANG SYNE by Sissel - YouTube (youtube-nocookie.com)

 

Cheers,

Bill & Lynne

Thank for  the  beautiful  video. 

                                                       Jim,