The Daily for Friday 01/21/2022

[HAL4NOW]

5 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

We're headed for 6 straight days of dry weather, hooray!!  I may get out the portable fire pit and invite some neighbors over one of these sunnier days.

I took advantage of the lack of rain today and cut a path through the snow and ice to our propane tank. I noticed an earthworm that seems to want it to be spring already.

             

[Lady Hudson]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

I've had a busy couple of days with some at least moderately good news.  I think @NextOne yesterday had indicated that our expected snow did not materialize and I got to my eye exam without a hitch.  I was a bit surprised to see that the glasses I've been wearing were 3 years old (cant figure out what happened to the newer  ones) but when I had the exam things had not changed enough to warrant a new prescription.   I was still expecting to need to buy new glasses because the nose pads on the old ones had disappeared, but no, they were replaced on the spot.  I was also told that there had been no deterioration in my eye health.

 

It was a brutally cold day and I pretty much hunkered down in the afternoon.  I checked in for my 2/17 cruise on Enchantment of the Seas and installed the Royal Caribbean app on my IPAD and smart phone.  I despise the smart phone but have it for emergencies but it looks like everything will work on the IPAD while connected to the ship's wifi.

 

I also completed the renewal application for my NEXUS card yesterday.

 

Another brutally cold day but the roads were dry so no icing and i got to the mall early for about a half hour walk.

 

I started the transition last fall at the fire house from Treasurer to Treasurer Emeritus.  I'm still pretty much effectively Treasurer because the new one is very active on the ambulance and is dearly needed there with the Covid surge.  This afternoon I was able to finish the end of the year federal tax reports and all I need to do on the state tax reports.  It feels good to have all this out of the way.

 

I got an email from my oncology practice this afternoon about more test results coming in.  My cancer progress is measured by my PSA:

 

21 Apr 0.93

21 Jul 1.07

20 Oct 1.56

That was the point where they decided to add radiology to the mix.  My next PSA was for my annual physical 11 Dec.  I think without the radiology and with the spike I would have expected the PSA to be about 1.8 to 2.0.

After starting the radiology:

11 Dec 1.40

19 Jan 0.84

 

While the oncologist wants me to continue the hormone treatments for at least 18 months the side effects of that are minimal.

 

I like the trend.

 

Roy

All good news, Roy, congratulations.  Regarding the RC app — you will want to sign up for any shows soon after you board.  Can be found on the app.  You may need a wifi connection or ask at guest services if there is a ship extension you can call.  Since you last sailed and in the age of Covid, there are no walkins.  I had no problem doing this in November — and if I can use the app — anybody can.  You may set up or check your dining time with the head waiter.  Of course, numbers maybe so low that there will be no difficulty.

 

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Katherine 

[rafinmd]

13 minutes ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

Another perk of the Nexus card is a dedicated car lane at border crossings (or at least some of them) which speeds you through much quicker. The line-up at the Peace Arch going to Blaine, WA can be quite long and we sped through the Nexus lane with 2 cars in front of us.

You reminded me.  I usually cross the border at rural entry points but did once at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, NY.  I saw the NEXUS line with nobody in it and assumed it was the wrong lane until I saw some cars passing me and had to cross a couple of lines to get in the right lane.  I was astounded at how much difference there was.

 

Roy

[StLouisCruisers]

@JazzyVVanessa, I don't know what's wrong with some people these days either.  What a horrible thing to happen to that innocent child!

 

@dfishDebbie, maybe I should call the insurance company and ask what they think of a hygienist at one dental practice and a dentist at another (for repairs like fillings and crowns).  Only thing is I HATE calling insurance companies.  They get me all confused!  I'll think about it.  Thanks for your point of view.

[bdrcole]

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I've had a busy couple of days with some at least moderately good news.  I think @NextOne yesterday had indicated that our expected snow did not materialize and I got to my eye exam without a hitch.  I was a bit surprised to see that the glasses I've been wearing were 3 years old (cant figure out what happened to the newer  ones) but when I had the exam things had not changed enough to warrant a new prescription.   I was still expecting to need to buy new glasses because the nose pads on the old ones had disappeared, but no, they were replaced on the spot.  I was also told that there had been no deterioration in my eye health.

 

It was a brutally cold day and I pretty much hunkered down in the afternoon.  I checked in for my 2/17 cruise on Enchantment of the Seas and installed the Royal Caribbean app on my IPAD and smart phone.  I despise the smart phone but have it for emergencies but it looks like everything will work on the IPAD while connected to the ship's wifi.

 

I also completed the renewal application for my NEXUS card yesterday.

 

Another brutally cold day but the roads were dry so no icing and i got to the mall early for about a half hour walk.

 

I started the transition last fall at the fire house from Treasurer to Treasurer Emeritus.  I'm still pretty much effectively Treasurer because the new one is very active on the ambulance and is dearly needed there with the Covid surge.  This afternoon I was able to finish the end of the year federal tax reports and all I need to do on the state tax reports.  It feels good to have all this out of the way.

 

I got an email from my oncology practice this afternoon about more test results coming in.  My cancer progress is measured by my PSA:

 

21 Apr 0.93

21 Jul 1.07

20 Oct 1.56

That was the point where they decided to add radiology to the mix.  My next PSA was for my annual physical 11 Dec.  I think without the radiology and with the spike I would have expected the PSA to be about 1.8 to 2.0.

After starting the radiology:

11 Dec 1.40

19 Jan 0.84

 

While the oncologist wants me to continue the hormone treatments for at least 18 months the side effects of that are minimal.

 

I like the trend.

 

Roy

Congrats on the downward trend Roy.

[Cruising-along]

1 hour ago, HAL4NOW said:

I took advantage of the lack of rain today and cut a path through the snow and ice to our propane tank. I noticed an earthworm that seems to want it to be spring already.

             

Holy cow!  You must be up high, I can't believe how much snow you still have!

[*Miss G*]

Was reading another thread.  Neither my husband nor I are comfortable flying long distances sitting next to a covid-positive person.  Just sayin’.  😜

[*Miss G*]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

You reminded me.  I usually cross the border at rural entry points but did once at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, NY.  I saw the NEXUS line with nobody in it and assumed it was the wrong lane until I saw some cars passing me and had to cross a couple of lines to get in the right lane.  I was astounded at how much difference there was.

 

Roy

 

It’s also nice to bypass passport control at your arrival airport and be fast-tracked upon departure as well as arrivals at cruise terminals, where applicable.

[richwmn]

Our forecast was for winter mix starting at 4pm. It actually started about 6. The air temperature here is 33F but the ground must be colder since it is getting white outside.

[marshhawk]

It never got warmer than 37 outside today, but it never really got warm in the house either.  I did go out this morning, to the bank, to the gas station, to the grocery store, to Dollar tree where things are mostly 1.25 now, got an early lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant, and got some cheese dip and guacamole to go, so I "made" nachos with black beans.  Yummy, and I have enough chips now to feed a thousand squirrels.

 

Except for Tana, and the Covid, others news has been very uplifting today, and I hope it's a beginning of a new trend.  Poor DH is asked by his brother to come home and visit with Mom, and Mom has been doing her own thing, and not spending any time with DH.  And the brother, except for picking him up at the airport, has been a no show for two days.  I know he is lonely, no car, and no one to talk with all day.

Me, I'm on the phone all day with strangers...making new friends, but no sales.  Well, it's late, and I still have the chores to do, so sweet dreams, all....oh, and @grapau27  big smooch, thanks for the food porn.

[*Miss G*]

2 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

I did go out this morning, to the bank, to the gas station, to the grocery store, to Dollar tree 

where things are mostly 1.25 now,

 

 

The first time a dollar store opened in our town, my BFF and I went during lunch one day.    I remember picking up a hat and not being able to find a price.  I said to my friend “I really like this hat but I don’t know how much it is.”  She looked at me like I had two heads.  Good times.

[marshhawk]

I wonder if they pay a dollar an hour?  Every Dollar Tree store around here is hiring, with signs on the door that say, may pay up to 10 dollars an hour.  I guess you start at 1.00, well now 1.25 and work your way up to the big bucks.

[ger_77]

9 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

I wonder if they pay a dollar an hour?  Every Dollar Tree store around here is hiring, with signs on the door that say, may pay up to 10 dollars an hour.  I guess you start at 1.00, well now 1.25 and work your way up to the big bucks.

Everything at Dollar Tree in Canada has been $1.25 since they opened.  Now there are many items that are priced at $1.50.

 

Smooth Sailing! 🙂🙂🙂

[HAL4NOW]

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Holy cow!  You must be up high, I can't believe how much snow you still have!

Skykomish is just under 1,000 feet above sea level. 

We have had rain off and on for the past week and the snow in the yard has dissipated quite a bit. We had well over four feet standing (with up to 10-foot banks beside where we shovel). The snow standing in the yard is down to just about 30 inches and the piles of snow are mostly down to six feet or less (except a few piles that measure up to ten feet where the town backhoe has been able to stack it).

Seeing six days in the forecast without precipitation is very welcome. The snow has become ice, so moving it requires cutting it into blocks and then finding places to pile it. I have not run out of places that require paths cut. Normally, I can go out the back door and walk a few hundred feet to the Post Office (no home delivery in Skykomish). Until I cut a path through the back yard, I will continue having to walk three blocks to pick up the mail. So far, the three block walk each way has been easier than tackling that back-yard path. 🙂 

[Cruzin Terri]

Hello all.

I actually intended to post this morning and was about to do so when the phone rang.  I never got back here until now.

I love to hug and be hugged.  Not really fond of squirrels or sweatpants. 

Like the quote and would sure like to have the drink.

 

Changed the dressing on DH’s leg.  Right now it looks gross, but I guess it will look better over time.  He has to take antibiotics for 5 days.

The weather was cold and rainy.  Yesterday it was 70 and sunny.  What a difference.  Tomorrow the low is forecasted for 28 degrees and freezing rain.  This is not why I moved here.

Spent the day working on taxes.  Can’t do everything yet, but started to get the deductions in order.  It will save time later if I have that part all done.

@mamaofamiI have a suggestion about the burnt on food on your pots. Have you tried Barkeepers Friend?  It really works wonders.  I know I was never happy when we would go away and leave the caregiver with my DBIL. Things were never the same.  

@kazu.  Glad to see you have some good news for a change.

@rafinmdIt looks like things are looking better for you.  Hope that trend continues.

We have been to Argostoli.  It was on a Sunday and everything was closed but it did look like a pretty place. Walked around a while and then went back to the ship.

Hope everyone is keeping warm and safe and that you all had a Good Friday.

God Bless,

Terri

[AncientWanderer]

12 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

I'm a little late again today, it was a restless night.  

We're headed for 6 straight days of dry weather, hooray!!  I may get out the portable fire pit and invite some neighbors over one of these sunnier days.

 

Everyone in my family are big huggers, and the grandsons give the best hugs ever.  Since we have woods behind us, we see squirrels constantly in the trees, running along the top of our fence, etc. They're cute to watch.  They haven't bothered my plants, and seem to stay in the woods.  I wish I could find it (I tried) but I have a great close-up of a squirrel in Yellowstone holding a red sucker that he found on the ground.  

 

I have 2 pairs of sweat pants that I sometimes will put on and wear around the house on a chilly day.  The meal sounds good (with all the choices Debbie @dfishposted there has to be something there for most people).  But I think tonight will be beef stew.  Will pass on the red wine, the drink sounds good but more as dessert.  Great quote.  I thought we'd been to Argostoli, it sounds so familiar, but apparently not.  Looking forward to any photos.

 

Call us crazy, but we're thinking seriously of booking a 93-day Grand Voyage in 2024.  We would cancel two other cruises in 2023 to be able to make it happen.  We've sent a message to our PCC and waiting to hear....the reason I can't get this one out of my mind is it's all Australia, New Zealand, S. Pacific and Hawaii.  The first cruise we had canceled because of Covid was Australia, we've never been there.  And the thought of being able to go round trip San Diego and no overseas flights --- I'm almost drooling.  

 

@ger_77I'm so sorry to hear that your DGS has Covid and pray it will be very mild and that his 2-year-old brother can stay Covid-free.  

 

 

 

I'm super excited for you about this Grand Voyage.  What a joyous itinerary!  We sailed San Diego to Auckland, 35 days, with a few stops in Australia, and then five days in Auckland, and it was simply magical.  The thought of all the other stuff added on just makes my head explode.  It's like three amazing cruises rolled into one.

 

Just very happy for you and really hope it's a go.  😊

[AncientWanderer]

@rafinmdRoy, I'm kind of hopping around the Daily lately because our house is a bit chaotic just now, but gotta comment...your PSA numbers are inspiring.  You've buckled down and complied with the treatment and the doctors have delivered.  Team work!  Very happy news.  Congratulations, sir.  👍  

Maxine

[cruzn single]

Such wonderful news @kazu!  Definitely steps in the right direction.  
@rafinmd, great numbers.  A downward trend is ideal.

 

@smitty34877, my sincere prayers for Tana and her son.  Bless you for all you are doing.

 

Just got news today that my niece’s youngest DS has COVID and guess he is having real problems as he is asthmatic.  I worry so much about all these little ones in distress.

 

@ger_77, are you and your DH still planning on the Zuiderdam on January. 30.  I have been able to schedule my test here in Hawaii on January 28 and timing is great for 48 hours prior.
 

Will leave you with tonight’s sunset on Waikiki Beach.

 

 

[erewhon]

Am very late posting today.

No  squirrels in this country.

@smitty34877 hoping for better days for Tana.

@kazu so pleased that you have had some good news, hopefully more will be coming your way.

@*Miss G*Thanks for the video,  have often shopped  in  Myers  when we have visited Sydney.

@grapau27 the Villa Maria is a very popular wine.

Sorry to read of the  children  becoming infected wtih covid, hope that they have mild symptoms and  soon recover.

Stay safe, take care everyone.

[kazu]

12 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I'm pretty sure insurance companies would not allow us to go to one place for cleanings, and another place for fillings and crowns.🦷

 

 

Like @dfishI have been going to two different providers for years.  One for cleaning and one for regular dental.  My insurance company couldn’t care less.

 

9 hours ago, marshhawk said:

 

Poor DH is asked by his brother to come home and visit with Mom, and Mom has been doing her own thing, and not spending any time with DH.  And the brother, except for picking him up at the airport, has been a no show for two days.  I know he is lonely, no car, and no one to talk with all day.

 

Oh dear 😔 Poor him - hope he can escape and come home soon 🤞

 

[puppycanducruise]

@rafinmdGood numbers, I hope the trend continues.

 

@kazuGood news about Jose and Marley.  Continued prayers.

[JAM37]

6 hours ago, cruzn single said:

Such wonderful news @kazu!  Definitely steps in the right direction.  
@rafinmd, great numbers.  A downward trend is ideal.

 

@smitty34877, my sincere prayers for Tana and her son.  Bless you for all you are doing.

 

Just got news today that my niece’s youngest DS has COVID and guess he is having real problems as he is asthmatic.  I worry so much about all these little ones in distress.

 

@ger_77, are you and your DH still planning on the Zuiderdam on January. 30.  I have been able to schedule my test here in Hawaii on January 28 and timing is great for 48 hours prior.
 

Will leave you with tonight’s sunset on Waikiki Beach.

 

 

I to worry about the little ones and then to add complications such as asthma. 😔 Praying your niece's DS gets some relief soon. May God strengthen his body and heal him.

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

 

Like @dfishI have been going to two different providers for years.  One for cleaning and one for regular dental.  My insurance company couldn’t care less.

 

 

Oh dear 😔 Poor him - hope he can escape and come home soon 🤞

 

 

Thanks Jacqui.  You and Debbie have given me hope.  I may try that too.

[dfish]

55 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Thanks Jacqui.  You and Debbie have given me hope.  I may try that too.

Seriously, the only thing your insurance company cares about is receiving your monthly premium.  Just make sure the dentist is part of your plan in his new practice.

[Cruising-along]

11 hours ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

I'm super excited for you about this Grand Voyage.  What a joyous itinerary!  We sailed San Diego to Auckland, 35 days, with a few stops in Australia, and then five days in Auckland, and it was simply magical.  The thought of all the other stuff added on just makes my head explode.  It's like three amazing cruises rolled into one.

 

Just very happy for you and really hope it's a go.  😊

Thank you Maxine!  I'm very excited and hope it happens. Two years is a long time, but hoping things will be better by then!

I had pretty much accepted I would never get to Australia and NZ.  It took a lot for me to book that cruise for 2020 (long flight) and I just couldn't get excited about it again.  Then I saw this.....and just couldn't get it out of my mind. We figure that by canceling our 2 cruises booked for 2023 that pays for half of this one LOL.