The Daily for Friday 01/14/2022

[XBGuy]

Calendar Check

 

Mrs. XBGuy's Christmas Cactus did not start blossoming until well into January.

 

 

As you can see, there are still quite a few blossoms that are yet to open.

[cat shepard]

1 hour ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Good morning, all! I can’t seem to write above the top quote, so there we are. I agree with the above with dressing up pets. They never seem happy about it, either.

Although, when the DD’s were young, we had a Springer Spaniel who viewed her collar as a fashion accessory and was quite vain about it. We had a selection of them for her, plus collars for our German Shepherd and from past pets. We had also trained Lucy to bow if she wanted something. One of the girls would hold out a selection of collars, and ask Lucy if she wanted a ‘pretty’. She would bow frantically until one by one she had all the collars hanging around her neck. Eventually she would be decked out like Mr. T. Then she would strut around the house in her finery as proud as punch. Later when I  took everything but her own collar off, she would be quite distressed.

 

 

Thank you for sharing word from Jacqui. We are all very concerned about her, Jose, and the fur babies. @kazu prayers for strength and healing to you all.

 

I’m with you on that! Add to that being raised on English novels where Uncles or Grandfathers were mentioned as having passed after eating ‘a surfeit of eels’ and I stay well clear of them.

Well, the gingerbread mansion is finished! The front is traditionally done gingerbread style, the back and sides are Tudor style. It has six bedrooms upstairs, plus a maids apartment in the attic.

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, Happy Friday, with thoughts of our beloved BHB’s!

 

Wow Laura! Just wow!

[srdancer]

@aliaschiefso sorry on the loss of your sister. May her memory be a blessing. With omicron everywhere you were wise not to travel.

 

@Horizon chaser 1957. I love the gingerbread house. I could never make one but would love to eat one! We had a German candy store in our neighborhood which had very elaborate, and pricey, gingerbread houses in their window around Christmas.  I would look in the window and drool over them.

 

Love the cat and owl photos!

 

Prayers for the care list and joy to the celebration list.

[ger_77]

@aliaschief adding my condolences on the loss of your sister, but knowing you've made the right decision to stay home and be safe.  May your good memories of her bring you comfort.  

 

@lazey1 bless you for being there to support Kakalina as she made the final preparations to leave her home.  My heart goes out to her, having to close this chapter of her life, but am hopeful she will be more comfortable knowing her family is nearby, and that she has happier and pain free days ahead of her.

 

@Horizon chaser 1957 your creativity knows no bounds, does it?  I remember last year's Chinese pagodas that blew us all away - and this year you've created a huge gingerbread house that could hold a small family!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, all.  It is only 11:34 here, so I can still say Good Morning...  Chief, I am very sorry about your sister, but I think you made the correct decision to not attend her Memorial.  You can remember her wherever you are, and better to stay safe.  Hope your DSIL is better.  

 

Lots of lovely pictures today, places, pets, plants, birds and what a gorgeous gingerbread house.  You won't dare eat it now will you, @Horizon chaser 1957?

 

Praying for Jacqui, Jose, and of course, Tana and Roy.  @StLouisCruisers, maybe your DD should get that swelling checked?  When I had surgery on my elbow, I was put in a cast, and a few days later my hand got really swollen and discoloured.  My cousin, a nurse, said to go straight to Emergency, and they immediately cut off the cast and put me in a more comfortable 2-piece splint, evidently the cast was doing bad things!

 

Nothing much happening here.  I am trying to organize my stamp collections.  That will keep me occupied for a while.  I am riding my bike before I read CC!

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

2 hours ago, lazey1 said:

Good morning all. I have been busy the past 3 days helping Kakalena get ready to move from Az. to La. to be near her son. Actually more giving her some companionship and morale support than actually working with the exception of yesterday. Her home here is closing today at 11AM, she will stay 2 nights in a hotel then fly to La. on Sunday.  She is heartbroken to be leaving the home that has been in her family for 3 generations. She hopefully will cheer up as soon as she gets settled near her son and grandchildren. 

Now I need to go back and read the posts for the pasts couple of days to catch up, but before I do that I thank everyone who posted the photos of their beautiful pets.

Jane

 

Jane, Kakalina is very lucky to have you as her friend.  Your're being there the last three days must have made the difficult task of leaving her family home a little easier.  I hope she finds comfort in being near her son and granddaughter.  Also, hoping her days are pain free and comfortable.

 

1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

Stornoway.

 

Graham, thank you for the pictures.  Pauline's stuffed friend wearing her father's clothes is a nice way to have him close.

 

1 hour ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Good morning, all! I can’t seem to write above the top quote, so there we are. I agree with the above with dressing up pets. They never seem happy about it, either.

Although, when the DD’s were young, we had a Springer Spaniel who viewed her collar as a fashion accessory and was quite vain about it. We had a selection of them for her, plus collars for our German Shepherd and from past pets. We had also trained Lucy to bow if she wanted something. One of the girls would hold out a selection of collars, and ask Lucy if she wanted a ‘pretty’. She would bow frantically until one by one she had all the collars hanging around her neck. Eventually she would be decked out like Mr. T. Then she would strut around the house in her finery as proud as punch. Later when I  took everything but her own collar off, she would be quite distressed.

 

 

Thank you for sharing word from Jacqui. We are all very concerned about her, Jose, and the fur babies. @kazu prayers for strength and healing to you all.

 

I’m with you on that! Add to that being raised on English novels where Uncles or Grandfathers were mentioned as having passed after eating ‘a surfeit of eels’ and I stay well clear of them.

Well, the gingerbread mansion is finished! The front is traditionally done gingerbread style, the back and sides are Tudor style. It has six bedrooms upstairs, plus a maids apartment in the attic.

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, Happy Friday, with thoughts of our beloved BHB’s!

 

 

Laura, first, I finally figured out last week how to write above the top quoted post.  I write what I want to say above the post, then add the quoted posts under it. What I write above the posts is usually unrelated to the quoted posts, and my responses to the posts are below the posts.

 

Your finished gingerbread mansion blew me away.  It is lovely and shows how much work you and DH put into it.

 

1 hour ago, GeorgeCharlie said:

I'm going to be lazy and just re-post my July 22/21 posting.😉

 

 

We visited Stornoway in May 2019 while on a Highlands cruise on the Zuiderdam. Apparently, it is not a port HAL visits all that often. We were told that the Zuiderdam was the largest cruise ship to have been there and with no suitable dock - meant it was a tender port. 

 

Zuiderdam at anchor.

 

 

The tenders docked at the Ferry Terminal.

 

The Ferry Terminal is behind the statue

 

 

There were limited shore excursions available, so we did a brief walk about the town.

 

We first visited the Lews Castle which is a modest walk up the hill from the downtown area. It dates from the mid-1800’s and was the country home for Sir James Matheson who had bought the island with the fortune he made from the Chinese Opium trade. In 1918 it was bought by a Lord Leverhulme from the Matheson family and in 1923 he gave the castle to the people of Stornoway parish. 

 

 

It is now owned by the local council and is in the process of being converted into a museum/cultural centre. The ground floor of the building is open to the public, including a restored ballroom and a café.

Ballroom.

 

Entry door.

 

Entryway/hall Ceiling.

 

 

Natural Retreats, a luxury holiday property company has apartments for rent on the upper floors.

 

Stairway to upper floors. Access was restricted to renters and staff.

 

The castle is work in progress so there’s not all that much to see as far as furnishing, or artifacts. The café is fairly large and had a good selection for food. Plus, it had free Wi-Fi - so it was a popular spot.

 

On the way back to the dock we did a loop through part of the town, including passing by the local golf course.

 

Apparently it has been around since 1890. 

 

 

 

Past several wooden statues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Town Hall.

 

It was midweek when we were there so most businesses were open, but on the whole, we found the local people seemed unfriendly when we approached them to talk about their town. At the local culture/art/info centre when I asked one of the staff about information/souvenirs, all I got was a stiff nose-in-the-air remark “You’re from the cruise ship” as she walked away to talk to some of the other staff. 

 

The lack of local interest in cruise ship business was also evident at the pier. Usually there are a number of people promoting tours and local goods/souvenirs. All we saw was a young guy playing a bagpipe.

 

Although, I must say the staff we talked to at Lews Castle were very informative and a pleasure to deal with.

 

Thank you for the picrues and write-up about today's port.

 

Lenda

[JazzyV]

@lazey1 Wonderful of you to being there for Kakalena.

@Horizon chaser 1957 Oh my, what a wonderful gingerbread house! 

@GeorgeCharlie Thanks for the pictures.

@XBGuy Wow on that Christmas cactus! Mine is puny and didn't bloom. I think I need to repot it with fresh material and feed it.

 

[Norseh2o]

Condolences to @Aliaschief.  DH and I were oceans away (on a cruise) December 2019 when one of my sister died.  DBIL arranged the funeral in order for his children and grands to be able to attend and to not interfere with December festivities.  The wonderful service with so many attending, plus a video make  a good memory.  I keep a package of seeds (with her photo) from the service  above my computer = 🥰

 

Thanks @ger_77 for the updates and to so many for sharing comfort and joy.  

[StLouisCruisers]

2 hours ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Good morning, all! I can’t seem to write above the top quote, so there we are. I agree with the above with dressing up pets. They never seem happy about it, either.

Although, when the DD’s were young, we had a Springer Spaniel who viewed her collar as a fashion accessory and was quite vain about it. We had a selection of them for her, plus collars for our German Shepherd and from past pets. We had also trained Lucy to bow if she wanted something. One of the girls would hold out a selection of collars, and ask Lucy if she wanted a ‘pretty’. She would bow frantically until one by one she had all the collars hanging around her neck. Eventually she would be decked out like Mr. T. Then she would strut around the house in her finery as proud as punch. Later when I  took everything but her own collar off, she would be quite distressed.

 

 

Thank you for sharing word from Jacqui. We are all very concerned about her, Jose, and the fur babies. @kazu prayers for strength and healing to you all.

 

I’m with you on that! Add to that being raised on English novels where Uncles or Grandfathers were mentioned as having passed after eating ‘a surfeit of eels’ and I stay well clear of them.

Well, the gingerbread mansion is finished! The front is traditionally done gingerbread style, the back and sides are Tudor style. It has six bedrooms upstairs, plus a maids apartment in the attic.

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, Happy Friday, with thoughts of our beloved BHB’s!

 

 

I really love the gingerbread houses!  You two must have a great time coming up with all the ideas.  Thanks for sharing!

 

My thanks to @grapau27and @GeorgeCharliefor the Stornoway pictures.  I enjoy all the U.K. ports so would enjoy a stop there.

 

I spoke with DD and the doctor's office isn't concerned with the swelling as long as it isn't red.  She sent me a pic of the swelling today and it seems to have reduced some.  She will continue ice and elevating it while lying down.  She says the pain is tolerable.  

 

Yesterday's swelling photo

 

This afternoon's swelling.  I can see a reduction in the puffiness.

 

And luckily she doesn't have a cast, just bandages which she can adjust.  

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

I really love the gingerbread houses!  You two must have a great time coming up with all the ideas.  Thanks for sharing!

 

My thanks to @grapau27and @GeorgeCharliefor the Stornoway pictures.  I enjoy all the U.K. ports so would enjoy a stop there.

 

I spoke with DD and the doctor's office isn't concerned with the swelling as long as it isn't red.  She sent me a pic of the swelling today and it seems to have reduced some.  She will continue ice and elevating it while lying down.  She says the pain is tolerable.  

 

Yesterday's swelling photo

 

This afternoon's swelling.  I can see a reduction in the puffiness.

 

And luckily she doesn't have a cast, just bandages which she can adjust.  

The swelling on your daughter's hand has definitely gone down Sandi.

Prayers 🙏 that the pain goes quickly and her hand returns to normal.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Norseh2o said:

Condolences to @Aliaschief.  DH and I were oceans away (on a cruise) December 2019 when one of my sister died.  DBIL arranged the funeral in order for his children and grands to be able to attend and to not interfere with December festivities.  The wonderful service with so many attending, plus a video make  a good memory.  I keep a package of seeds (with her photo) from the service  above my computer = 🥰

 

Thanks @ger_77 for the updates and to so many for sharing comfort and joy.  

Condolences to you for the loss of your dear sister.

Graham.

[StLouisCruisers]

3 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

The swelling on your daughter's hand has definitely gone down Sandi.

Prayers 🙏 that the pain goes quickly and her hand returns to normal.

 

Thank you Graham.  At least she's been sleeping well, and off the pain meds, just taking ibuprofen (Motril or Advil brand names).

[Cruzin Terri]

7 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning to all. It’s a sad but celebratory day for me as today is my dear sister’s memorial service. With the surge of Covid, airline cancellations and unknown weather conditions I elected not to attend. At first I was pretty guilt ridden but I have come to accept my decision and so has my nephew. If it had been me neither my sister or recently departed BIL would have been able to attend my service. So today I celebrate my sister’s wonderful life and the many contributions she endowed here on earth. I’m the last of my family and every day I count my Blessings for the wonderful family I grew up in. RIP Sis!❤️
 

It’s a cool 45 this morning but Alexus tells me it will reach a scorching 65 today!

 

I have eaten the whole eel while I was stationed in Europe. Good!

 

Continued prayers for all and thanks Rich and all contributors.

 

Have a grand weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

My condolences on your Sister’s passing.  May she Rest In Peace!

Terri

[Seasick Sailor]

Sandi, thinking of your DD and hoping the swelling subsides!

 

Joy

[dfish]

5 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

 

Never been to Scotland, smoked fish especially eels not too appealing but probably would be easier for me to eat than brussels sprouts or liver.   

 

Oh, my gosh!  And you live in the land of smoked whitefish!   I love loading up on smoked fish when I am in Michigan.  

 

5 hours ago, sailingdutchy said:

 

Thank you very much for these pictures today @dfish like you said we love smoked eel , if they come out of the fridge or cooler just warm them up a little bit so the eel fat melts a little ................mmmmmm delicious . Hard to get here but if you are near a "Dutch store " in North America they most likely have them , but be prepared to pay big $$$ 's

 

I can taste them already in my mind .............

 

Tony 😍

 

 

It is all what we're used to.  I think we tend to dismiss food we haven't tried as no good.  This one looked good to me.  Just dab is with some mayo and I'm ready to go.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Yes, very late today.  Those rapid covid tests I was given yesterday turned out to be very frustrating and a big waste of time.  They require an app that was virtually impossible to complete on my phone (I had to scroll month by month for well over 700 months to get to my date of birth).  I never did get it installed there.  IPAD was FINALLY successful but very little feedback on what I was entering and the slightest mistake took me back to square one.  I probably wasted about 4 hours on the app from hell.

 

Roy

 

Utter frustration!   

 

2 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

 

Lots of lovely pictures today, places, pets, plants, birds and what a gorgeous gingerbread house.  You won't dare eat it now will you, @Horizon chaser 1957?

 

Praying for Jacqui, Jose, and of course, Tana and Roy.  @StLouisCruisers, maybe your DD should get that swelling checked?  When I had surgery on my elbow, I was put in a cast, and a few days later my hand got really swollen and discoloured.  My cousin, a nurse, said to go straight to Emergency, and they immediately cut off the cast and put me in a more comfortable 2-piece splint, evidently the cast was doing bad things!

 

 

I agree about the Gingerbread House.   Way to beautiful to eat.

 

Also, I was concerned about the swelling, especially when you mentioned her face was swollen.  That reminded me of an allergic reaction I had to a medication.  Itchy and swollen face.  I'm glad she's off those meds.  Wishing her a very rapid recovery.

[cat shepard]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

I really love the gingerbread houses!  You two must have a great time coming up with all the ideas.  Thanks for sharing!

 

My thanks to @grapau27and @GeorgeCharliefor the Stornoway pictures.  I enjoy all the U.K. ports so would enjoy a stop there.

 

I spoke with DD and the doctor's office isn't concerned with the swelling as long as it isn't red.  She sent me a pic of the swelling today and it seems to have reduced some.  She will continue ice and elevating it while lying down.  She says the pain is tolerable.  

 

Yesterday's swelling photo

 

This afternoon's swelling.  I can see a reduction in the puffiness.

 

And luckily she doesn't have a cast, just bandages which she can adjust.  

Sandi I can definitely see the improvement! Happy she isn’t in too much pain. 
 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

I really love the gingerbread houses!  You two must have a great time coming up with all the ideas.  Thanks for sharing!

 

My thanks to @grapau27and @GeorgeCharliefor the Stornoway pictures.  I enjoy all the U.K. ports so would enjoy a stop there.

 

I spoke with DD and the doctor's office isn't concerned with the swelling as long as it isn't red.  She sent me a pic of the swelling today and it seems to have reduced some.  She will continue ice and elevating it while lying down.  She says the pain is tolerable.  

 

Yesterday's swelling photo

 

This afternoon's swelling.  I can see a reduction in the puffiness.

 

And luckily she doesn't have a cast, just bandages which she can adjust.  

 

Sandi, I glad your DD's swelling is going down and that she off the heavy pain meds.  Sending good thoughs for quick healing and minimal discomfort.  Glad is is able to sleep.

 

Lenda

[Live4cruises]

Good evening everyone,

Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures of creatures, love them all!  I also very much enjoyed the pictures of Stornaway.  We have friends who B.C. went nearly annually to see extended family there.

There are some NO, thank you's for today's posts.  1.  Eel, makes me shudder to think about it, I apologize. 2.  Clothing the cats.  I asked them, and from the tone of the collective ears, I think not.

@Horizon chaser 1957, the gingerbread house is unbelievable!  Bravo to you and DH for having the creativity and patience to create it.

@ger_77, Sochi is just beautiful.  Our Mykonos might be in love.

Thank you for staying in contact with Jacqui; I know you shared all the love and caring from this group.

@kazuI'm adding my hugs to give you strength.

[cunnorl]

Good Evening Everyone from a cool night at the beach

   I am very late today, it has been a little crazy around here, nothing bad, just busy!

    @aliaschief I am so sorry to learn of your sisters passing.  It is never easy, treasure your memories.

      @Horizon chaser 1957 The Gingerbread house is beautiful. You are very creative.

      @kazu You and Jose remain in my thoughts and prayers.

         @StLouisCruisers  Hope your daughter is feeling better.

@lazey1 You are a wonderful friend. Hope it will be a smooth transition for Kakalena 

      Was at the hair salon today when the lady beside me received a call from her daughter stating that her cruise had been cancelled for tomorrow. She went hysterical, crying and screaming obscenties. I have never seen   or heard such a reaction !

 The hairdresser and the owner tried to calm her down and she finally just stormed out. Hair was not completed.  Her over reaction really shook up everyone there. I can understand being upset but really???

   Going to play golf in the very early AM tomorrow. We have some bad weather coming in on Sunday.

 

Stay safe and have a quiet night.

[erewhon]

Thanks for all the daily reports, recipes, humour and photos......love seeing the beautiful cats.

@Horizon chaser 1957 thanks for sharing the photos of your fabulous Gingerbread House. 

@lazey1 Kakalena will  appreciate your support, it must be very difficult for her, but hopefully she will soon settle in her new home close to her family.

@ger_77  I appreciate you speaking with Jacqui, @kazu and reporting back to us. Cyber hugs to her.   Your Sochi is such a beautiful cat.

 

It's another warm sunny summer day.

Stay safe, take care everyone.

[marshhawk]

@Horizon chaser 1957  The mansion is stupendous!  Fantastic!  And I who eat everything (except liver and eels, so far) would not eat the house, because it is beautiful art!

 

@ger_77 Thank you for the update from @kazu. 

 

It's been a day of work, store, walking and cooking and doing dishes for three meals.  I'm doing a Harry Potter marathon, so back to the movie.  Hugs to all!

[aliaschief]

Thanks for all your kind words, thought’s and support.

[dobiemom]

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

A word of warning about flying business class, especially if they have the lay flat seats, -- you will be spoiled and want to fly business on overnight flghts from then on.  The good news is we've found the cruise lines can get very good deals, compared to what we could get ourselves,  At least, that was the case pre-covid, and I hope will be the case again soon.

 

Lenda

 

12 minutes ago, bennybear said:

@Quartzsite Cruiser   So true!  Kind of like taking a Neptune upgrade🤷‍♀️😂

I decided that at my age I am NOT going to sit in coach for an overseas flight. I know that a business/first class flight might cost as much as the cruise but I’ll just budget for that. I’m worth it. 😉
 

12 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning to all. It’s a sad but celebratory day for me as today is my dear sister’s memorial service. With the surge of Covid, airline cancellations and unknown weather conditions I elected not to attend. At first I was pretty guilt ridden but I have come to accept my decision and so has my nephew. If it had been me neither my sister or recently departed BIL would have been able to attend my service. So today I celebrate my sister’s wonderful life and the many contributions she endowed here on earth. I’m the last of my family and every day I count my Blessings for the wonderful family I grew up in. RIP Sis!❤️

May the memories of your sister help you through today and always. 🙏❤️
 

9 hours ago, lazey1 said:

Good morning all. I have been busy the past 3 days helping Kakalena get ready to move from Az. to La. to be near her son. Actually more giving her some companionship and morale support than actually working with the exception of yesterday. Her home here is closing today at 11AM, she will stay 2 nights in a hotel then fly to La. on Sunday.  She is heartbroken to be leaving the home that has been in her family for 3 generations. She hopefully will cheer up as soon as she gets settled near her son and grandchildren. 

Now I need to go back and read the posts for the pasts couple of days to catch up, but before I do that I thank everyone who posted the photos of their beautiful pets.

Jane

Thank you for the update and helping Kakalena. Please give her a hug. 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good evening everyone. DM had an appointment today and we went to lunch afterward at BJ’s. Our friend Kim met us there (Crawford, Kim Crawford as in Bond, James Bond). 
 

@Horizon chaser 1957 I love your gingerbread house!  I remember the one you did last year. You must plan weeks in advance!

 

Gerry @ger_77 thank you for the update on Jacqui @kazu. Prayers for her, Jose and the pups. 
 

Bruce @aliaschief I also agree about your decision to not attend your Sister’s memorial. I am so sorry for your loss. 
 

Craig’s DS has covid for the second time. I’m sure most here will remember that she was very ill in July/August 2020 with covid (Roy diligently kept her on the Care list then) and she really struggled and was close to not recovering. So, to say the least, Craig is very concerned about her. She was released from the ER and will have treatments and meds but I would really appreciate my Daily family saying a prayer for her. Because of her previous problems with covid and the damage to her lungs this has hit her hard. 
 

I hope everyone had a great day today. 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

48 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good evening everyone. DM had an appointment today and we went to lunch afterward at BJ’s. Our friend Kim met us there (Crawford, Kim Crawford as in Bond, James Bond). 
 

@Horizon chaser 1957 I love your gingerbread house!  I remember the one you did last year. You must plan weeks in advance!

 

Gerry @ger_77 thank you for the update on Jacqui @kazu. Prayers for her, Jose and the pups. 
 

Bruce @aliaschief I also agree about your decision to not attend your Sister’s memorial. I am so sorry for your loss. 
 

Craig’s DS has covid for the second time. I’m sure most here will remember that she was very ill in July/August 2020 with covid (Roy diligently kept her on the Care list then) and she really struggled and was close to not recovering. So, to say the least, Craig is very concerned about her. She was released from the ER and will have treatments and meds but I would really appreciate my Daily family saying a prayer for her. Because of her previous problems with covid and the damage to her lungs this has hit her hard. 
 

I hope everyone had a great day today. 

 

Sharon, sorry to see Craig's DS has Covid again.  Sending positive thoughts that she has a milder case this time and recovers quickly.

 

Lenda