The Daily for Monday 04/04/2022

[cunnorl]

Good Morning from a bright and sunny day at the beach

   Nice to see the sun for a change! 

    We are not TV watchers. It could go days without eb=ven being turned on. We are readers. 

    Have not been to todays port.

     Not much on the agenda here today. Water aerobics this AM. It will be great to get back in the pool, rained out all last week. 

      @Cruzin Terri Safe and happy travels to you. Hope you have a wonderful time.

 

Stay safe and enjoy today

     

[ottahand7]

Terrie, have a wonderful trip and cruise.  

 

I agree with Terrie I am missing Rachel Maddow while she in on hiatus.   I always walk around my kitchen island it seems it requires a walk to get one thing I need.  I love it when it is time to bake though.  School librarians are important and often caught between a rock and a hard place with parents that take offense to certain books.  I think TV has gotten a lot better since Groucho made that comment.  A lot can be learned from TV especially with the array of channels cable offers.  I love Pico but I wouldn't want to have a bag of chips to have it serve as dinner.  Just plain no on the drink but a 100% go on the Barolo for a special occasion.   I look forward to the pictures of the Egyptian port. 

 

Prayers for all on Roy's care list and for the people in Ukraine especially with the inhumane slaughter seen lately on the news.   🙏

 

It is a lousy day here, 40s, dark and hard rain.   I am really ready for spring here in Michigan.   

 

Think Spring!   All American Selections Zinnias grown from seed last year.   

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  While I don't know any newsmen/women personally, I'm in the camp who would like to hug Rachel Maddow.  She's a bright, articulate woman and I look forward to her return.   I tend to walk around things, but have been known to walk into them when I'm in a hurry, a few times with broken toes as a result.  School Librarians are important keepers of the learning resources in schools - sadly, their importance is often overlooked at budget time.

 

Groucho Marx wasn't wrong - there's so much junk on television these days.  I don't care to spend my leisure time watching dysfunctional families/couples, and since when are ghosts and the supernatural an actual part of travel (the Travel Channel)?

 

A nice day in the offing here; right now we're at +2 and our expected high is +13, so that will help take down the glaciers that still dominate our back yard.  It would be nice to get a good solid rain to wash the streets down, as folks with dust allergies are suffering now.  It won't get better for a while because the city is starting it's street sweeping efforts to get rid of all the sand and salt that was tossed down over the winter.

 

@Cruzin Terrisafe travels today and wishing you a Bon Voyage for tomorrow!

@aliaschief glad you're home safe and sound - congratulations to Sue on her upcoming retirement!

Has anyone else noticed that @msmayorhasn't been around for quite a while?  She went to her daughter's to wait for the grandbaby, but hasn't reported back.  Hopefully she's just super busy helping out with the new family and doesn't have the time or energy to check in here.

 

I like today's menu suggestion, but haven't made Pico de Gallo for a long time.  For us it seems more like a summer dish than one we'd normally have in the winter.  I think it's time to make a batch and hopefully that will bring on summer . . .   For us though, we've got leftover ham from yesterday so I think I'll be making Monte Cristo sandwiches and will serve them along with air fryer chips and coleslaw.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Extra prayers for Ukraine and all who are providing aid, and for our Daily family who are struggling.  We'll clink our glasses together to cheer all who make up the celebration list.  Stay safe, get your boosters, wash your hands, wear your masks when you need to, and be well.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[0106]

1 hour ago, summer slope said:

School Librarian's are so important, in my opinion, but many schools are not replacing them as they retire. 

The Latin root of librarian is liber, "book".  The person who works in my school's library is called a "media specialist" instead of a librarian because he assists students with books and online resources.  I cannot imagine how a library would operate without someone to order books, check them in, check them out, reseshelf, make recommendations.

 

All libraries are important.  I feel very lucky to have a great one near my home.  During the pandemic, I could order books online and pick them up at the drive through window!

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

32 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning from home and my wonderful recliner. We had an uneventful flight home. Fort Lauderdale airport was an absolute zoo. Between all the storm driven flight delays and thousands of cruisers headed home it was the Perfect Storm!

 

Good to be home after three weeks of cruising which included our days of confinement! We felt the Rotterdam to feel more crowded then our other two Pinnacle Class ship cruises. I think some of it has to do with their lack of use of the World Stage! Everything just felt overly congested in the Music Walk venues. How many times do we want to see the same dance shows and how long will we have to endure watching the snakes chase down the lizards in Planet Earth?😩 
 

So today we will start the unpacking process and shop to replenish the pantry and fridge. My Sue will officially retire at the end of this month. After 26 years military service the Colonel is going to retire from her other successful  careers in the civilian sector.Then we will be on the move. Next trip, April 27 we fly to Honolulu and spend three days at the military Hale Koa resort and then we hop over to Kauai for three weeks at our time share villa on Poipu Beach.

 

Though we have been cleared safe to be around we still have some remaining cold symptoms from Covid. We will continue safe distancing and masking around folks for a few more days.

 

During our quarantine the Daily was a very special part of our time spent. Thanks to all of you and especially Rich.

Rich, Has the experience of being  in quarantine changed your views on cruising. I am curious. Thanks. Barbara

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  I didn't tell DH it was 39F today and we set out for a walk before dawn.  He says he will go if 40 but sets that as a limit and I knew he'd be fine in his jacket and warm hat.  We accomplished that task and "walked around" a fox who seemed more scared of us than we were of him.  I wish we would see more deer like Ann is!  Especially the fawns.  Nothing happening special here today so I will read, and yes, watch TV.  I do watch news everyday but won't be hugging any newsmen.  I wish I hadn't heard that one particular newsperson's name three times today and will try to forget it.  😳  I salute all school librarians because I volunteered alongside some very good ones.  We enjoy pico de gallo but only as a salsa not as a meal.  I think the quote is pretty funny.  

 

Thanks Rich @richwmnfor the wonderful Daily.  Also thanks to Roy @rafinmdfor the extensive lists you keep for us.  Prayers said for all listed, my family members and recently departed family and friends.  I especially pray for help for Ukraine as we see more atrocities on our screens every day.  Peace for them and our appreciation to those who are assisting them.

 

We have not been to Safaga, Egypt yet but will go if we ever get going on the Grand Africa.  The port was last listed here on Oct. 16, 2021.  Thanks in advance for any photos posted.  

 

Cheers to all on the celebration list and safe travels to those coming or going from their cruises.  

[AncientWanderer]

Well, I read today's day as "Hug a Newman" and thought it was a Seinfeld joke, so I better go back to bed.  🥴

Edited April 4, 2022 by AncientWanderer

[aliaschief]

19 minutes ago, SJSULIBRARIAN said:

Rich, Has the experience of being  in quarantine changed your views on cruising. I am curious. Thanks. Barbara

I presume you meant moi Bruce. No we still have several booked cruises including a world cruise. With all our cruises we have had some days that we self quarantined ourselves due to colds or other ailments. 
 

Like the annual flu, Covid will be around for years. At my age I realize that active travel is something that can end in a flash. As long as we have our health and mobility we are going to continue our love of travel and cruising. We are saving some local river cruises such as Mississippi River for days when long flights are no longer bearable.

 

In the meantime, along with duct tape, flashlights, over counter meds etc. that we include in packing we definitely will be packing a set of utensils for eating if quarantined. Eating out of styrofoam is one things but those wooden utensils were unacceptable. Fortunately we took the advice from someone here on the Daily and grabbed some before being confined.

 

Was it fun? Nope! But we had a great time for most of our cruise. We loved Azamara. We normally spend a lot of time on our balconies so having the balcony quarantined cabins made the confinement bearable. Would have gone bonkers in an inside cabin.

 

So yes, we will cruise again. Next one is back on the Rotterdam for two weeks of cruising around Norway in August.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

22 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

I presume you meant moi Bruce. No we still have several booked cruises including a world cruise. With all our cruises we have had some days that we self quarantined ourselves due to colds or other ailments. 
 

Like the annual flu, Covid will be around for years. At my age I realize that active travel is something that can end in a flash. As long as we have our health and mobility we are going to continue our love of travel and cruising. We are saving some local river cruises such as Mississippi River for days when long flights are no longer bearable.

 

In the meantime, along with duct tape, flashlights, over counter meds etc. that we include in packing we definitely will be packing a set of utensils for eating if quarantined. Eating out of styrofoam is one things but those wooden utensils were unacceptable. Fortunately we took the advice from someone here on the Daily and grabbed some before being confined.

 

Was it fun? Nope! But we had a great time for most of our cruise. We loved Azamara. We normally spend a lot of time on our balconies so having the balcony quarantined cabins made the confinement bearable. Would have gone bonkers in an inside cabin.

 

So yes, we will cruise again. Next one is back on the Rotterdam for two weeks of cruising around Norway in August.

Apologies Bruce on the name issue. I know you are an avid cruiser so was interested in your thoughts. I am on a West Coastal and Alaska out of Vancouver at the end of this month and arriving/ departing Canada has its own interesting challenges. I have added utensils as well as extra things to do (books, crossword puzzles, etc.) to my packing list, just in case. Thanks.

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning,  thanks for the daily report.   Today is a sea day and we have no real agenda.  

I did walk on the promenade deck.

 

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning from a blustery, rainy PNW.  My "walking around" today will be on the treadmill, the predicted storms today would make outside walking miserable.  

I don't watch the news on TV and don't have any favorite newsperson, so no hugs from me. 😉 

My sister was a school librarian during her working years, she loved it.

I like Pico de Gallo -- much more than salsa -- but as a condiment, not a meal. I really like Debbie's suggestion of putting it on baked fish!  Tonight we'll be having Sweet and Sour Chicken again, the little bit left from our dinner last night. 

We've been to Egypt but not this port, I'm hoping there will be some photos today.  Will pass on the wine and drink.  

 

@Cruzin Terrisafe travels and Bon Voyage!

 

I wonder if I could make a request.  Sometimes there are photos posted with no labels and I always wonder where these wonderful photos were taken (not photos of the port of the day).  

 

I hope everyone has a great beginning to the week and stay safe and healthy. 🙂  

[StLouisCruisers]

52 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning from a blustery, rainy PNW.  My "walking around" today will be on the treadmill, the predicted storms today would make outside walking miserable.  

I don't watch the news on TV and don't have any favorite newsperson, so no hugs from me. 😉 

My sister was a school librarian during her working years, she loved it.

I like Pico de Gallo -- much more than salsa -- but as a condiment, not a meal. I really like Debbie's suggestion of putting it on baked fish!  Tonight we'll be having Sweet and Sour Chicken again, the little bit left from our dinner last night. 

We've been to Egypt but not this port, I'm hoping there will be some photos today.  Will pass on the wine and drink.  

 

@Cruzin Terrisafe travels and Bon Voyage!

 

I wonder if I could make a request.  Sometimes there are photos posted with no labels and I always wonder where these wonderful photos were taken (not photos of the port of the day).  

 

I hope everyone has a great beginning to the week and stay safe and healthy. 🙂  

 

I was thinking the same thing this morning about photos of places not labeled, for instance @seagarsmoker's Caribbean island pictures.  I'm not sure which one!  

 

Also, I forgot to comment when @ger_77Gerry asked if anyone was wondering about @msmayorConnie not checking in...yes, I've been asking about her for a while now.  I sure hope she's so busy with her new grandbaby she doesn't have time.  Hope you are well Connie!

Edited April 4, 2022 by StLouisCruisers

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from sunny Quartzsite.  Spring has arrived in the desert.  It was 59F when I woke up about 7:20, and is now 69F and warming to 91F this afternoon.  Right now I have the house opened up and a fan helping to bring the cool air inside so we won't need the a/c until later today.  The temperatures are heading toward 99F Saturday before a week of cooler weather next week (meaning 70s and  80s).

 

As a journalism major and a former reporter during the early years of our marriage, I hope DH hugs this newsman today.  I try to walk around things, but am not always successful.  School librarians are important, and my best friend was an elementary school librarian for many years.

 

Fortunately, now days, tv can be educational.

 

We'll pass on the drink, meal and wine today.  

 

We were in Safaga in 2003 on our mystery cruise on the old Regal Princess.  Due to lingering effects from Delhi belly on our overland trip in India, we had to cancel our tour to Luxor.  We did get off the ship in Safag,a but not off the dock.  We were a ways from town, and it looked like there was not much to see.

 

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, safe travels today and a safe flight to Spain tomorrow.  Enjoy your time in Spain and your cruise.

 

@smitty34877  Terry, keeping my fingers crossed 🤞 that your DD and DSIL stay safe when commuting into the big city.

 

These are a few of the pictures of Safaga we took from the dock and from the Regal Princess.

 

 

 

These pictures of Safaga were taken as we entered the Suez Canal after we departed Safaga.

 

 

 

Lenda
 

[Horizon chaser 1957]

Good morning, all! Heaven knows I frequently walk around things - especially the thing I am searching for at the time! I’ve been known to scoop a small bowl of fresh Pico de Gallo as a lunch, but it’s normally a condiment. I am now only 6 1/2 months away from visiting today’s port on the Grand Africa!

My sister is safely home and taking her likely broken wrist to the doctor this morning. She tripped over her suitcase and fell heavily onto concrete on their drive home from Palm Springs. My nephew in Edmonton and his wife both have Covid. They are triple vaccinated, which is good. Unfortunately, they both have a wealth of comorbidities combined with an unhealthy lifestyle. I’m more worried about their outcome than I was when DH and I had Covid in January! 
Prayers for all who need them. I hope the refugees from the Ukraine staying aboard the Volendam find comfort and safety there. The atrocities being discovered in the wake of the Russian army’s retreat is unbearable. I’m glad the ship that made me fall in love with HAL is able to offer shelter to some of those who escaped.

Happy Monday, everyone! Best wishes of comfort and safety for all aboard a BHB today, whatever the reason.

 

[bennybear]

Good morning and Thanks all! That wine sound wonderful.   Thanks for the port  photos.   
DS had a tough day yesterday with Covid, seems better today so I hope the worst is over.  Please be careful and stay home if you have any symptoms.    
Waiting for spring green to come! 

[Cruising-along]

40 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I was thinking the same thing this morning about photos of places not labeled, for instance @seagarsmoker's Caribbean island pictures.  I'm not sure which one!  

Thank you Sandi, glad to know I'm not the only one. 🙂  I love seeing the photos, but was starting to think I'm the only one who doesn't recognize where they were taken. 😉  Especially places where I've never been.

[marshhawk]

Good morning...now afternoon...just back from DH's latest doctor, and it seems tht the radiation, and chemo has caused a nerve situation...and the nerve is causing the pain, more meds, more follow ups, and hopefully the new meds which are to stop the nerves from feeling will stop the pain from happening.  Was warned they will make him loopy, and he is already loopy.  today especially.  Every thing else is good, weight, oxygen level, blood pressure...I'm jealous.  I will try to catch up later today. I hope everyone is having a great day!

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily and to all who make this the place to be!

No newsperson around to hug. I'll walk around the house I guess. A salute to school librarians.

Funny Groucho quote. I like pico de gallo with tortilla chips, although it's not really a meal. Pass on the drink. I like the wine but too much $$$ for me.

I haven't been to Egypt, mainly due to safety reasons. Thanks for the pictures.

 

I'm finally feeling better today. Yesterday I continued to have stomach issues and ate little and tried to keep it bland. I was thinking maybe diverticulitis. I'll just take it easy today. My neurologist's office called this morning, wanting to move my appointment for the 4th time (original one in Feb), and not until August! Unacceptable. Apparently he's stretched thin. I asked if there was someone else I could see. They also suggested I complain to the health system as he's an employed physician; now to find out who to send an email to.

 

@Cruzin Terri Safe travels and have a wonderful time!

 @smitty34877 Prayers that DD and DSIL stay safe in commuting to work. Prayers for Tana.

@mamaofami Good wishes for Sam at his balance evaluation. Oh my on your friend's and her family's Covid situation. Hopefully they're not very ill.

@aliaschief I'm glad you made it home safely. Congratulations to Sue on retiring soon. Now you can travel as you please.

@Horizon chaser 1957 I hope DS isn't in too much pain and maybe it's not broken!  Prayers for your nephew and his wife that they don't get too ill.

@bennybear I'm glad to hear DS is feeling better today.

@marshhawk Did they give DH Gabapentin for the nerve damage? Whatever they gave him, I hope it helps.

@kazu Continued prayers for Jose and you. 

 

Prayers for the Care List and Ukraine. The atrocities being brought to light are horrific. 

A toast to the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning everyone and Happy Monday!  I admit that I’d rather watch TV than read. If I read it’s either a magazine or a cookbook. I watch mostly cooking related shows and DVR them. I have some new favorite ones from the Magnolia Network like The Lost Kitchen. I like to collect multiple episodes and then binge watch.  And I only watch local news just to keep up with community happenings and the weather. I find I’m happier not watching national news. Doesn’t mean that I don’t know what is going on in the world though. So I’d hug our local weather person if I ever had the chance. 
 

I agree with Sandi and Gerry about @msmayor, it’s been almost a month since we last heard from her. Does anyone have her email?  
 

Bruce @aliaschief — congratulations to your DW on her retirement. Also, it’s refreshing to read your positive attitude about getting ill on a cruise. Things can happen anywhere anytime and it’s how you deal with it that creates your experience.  In other words—Thank you for not being negative. 
 

Terri @Cruzin Terri — Safe travels 🛫🌎 and enjoy Barcelona. We will be there in 8 weeks. May I ask where you are staying?  We decided to do a HAL hotel and are staying at the Hotel Claris. With the uncertainty of travel I wanted something that would be easier for us especially with DH back problems. Also enjoy your cruise, I believe you said it starts on the 11th. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

 

[StLouisCruisers]

3 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good morning everyone and Happy Monday!  I admit that I’d rather watch TV than read. If I read it’s either a magazine or a cookbook. I watch mostly cooking related shows and DVR them. I have some new favorite ones from the Magnolia Network like The Lost Kitchen. I like to collect multiple episodes and then binge watch.  And I only watch local news just to keep up with community happenings and the weather. I find I’m happier not watching national news. Doesn’t mean that I don’t know what is going on in the world though. So I’d hug our local weather person if I ever had the chance. 
 

I agree with Sandi and Gerry about @msmayor, it’s been almost a month since we last heard from her. Does anyone have her email?  
 

Bruce @aliaschief — congratulations to your DW on her retirement. Also, it’s refreshing to read your positive attitude about getting ill on a cruise. Things can happen anywhere anytime and it’s how you deal with it that creates your experience.  In other words—Thank you for not being negative. 
 

Terri @Cruzin Terri — Safe travels 🛫🌎 and enjoy Barcelona. We will be there in 8 weeks. May I ask where you are staying?  We decided to do a HAL hotel and are staying at the Hotel Claris. With the uncertainty of travel I wanted something that would be easier for us especially with DH back problems. Also enjoy your cruise, I believe you said it starts on the 11th. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

 

 

Sharon, I watch The Lost Kitchen too.  Seems like she must have super powers with the way the guests go on and on about her food.  I wouldn't last a second on her staff.  Do you also watch Joanna Gaines's Magnolia Table?  I like that show as well.  Everything looks so good!

[Sea Viewer]

Saw Erin French from the Lost Kitchen yesterday on Ina Garten`s new show on Food Network, it was interesting.

M

[Sharon in AZ]

1 minute ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Sharon, I watch The Lost Kitchen too.  Seems like she must have super powers with the way the guests go on and on about her food.  I wouldn't last a second on her staff.  Do you also watch Joanna Gaines's Magnolia Table?  I like that show as well.  Everything looks so good!

Yes I watch Joanna show too. I wish I had that kitchen!  I also watch Zoe Bakes but I’m not a baker. There’s also a new one called Ranch to Table that is really good. I’m not big on home improvement shows but I’m obsessed with Home Work, probably because they are historical renovations. 

[Horizon chaser 1957]

3 hours ago, SJSULIBRARIAN said:

Apologies Bruce on the name issue. I know you are an avid cruiser so was interested in your thoughts. I am on a West Coastal and Alaska out of Vancouver at the end of this month and arriving/ departing Canada has its own interesting challenges. I have added utensils as well as extra things to do (books, crossword puzzles, etc.) to my packing list, just in case. Thanks.

We’re on the Zuiderdam out of Vancouver on the 27th. Which sailing are you on?

[NextOne]

Thanks for today's Daily and to all who contribute! Bon voyage @Cruzin Terri!

I'd love to hug all the newspeople who take such huge risks to let let us know what's happening in Ukraine! My cats tend to lie in places that I have to walk around them.

Today's drink isn't appealing at all, and the wine is above my price point, but sounds good!

My doctor says I may have carpel tunnel and a trigger finger, so I'm now wearing a brace on my right hand. Makes it hard to type! My best friend and her daughter are taking me out to lunch tomorrow for my birthday and I hope I can handle the utensils okay...

May I request prayers for my niece? She got married two weeks ago, went back to work last Monday, and Friday morning she couldn't walk. She's been in the hospital since then and they are doing multiple scans and tests to figure out what happened. Very scary! Her name is Jackie. I know you'll surround her with prayers - thank you!

Edi

Edited April 4, 2022 by NextOne

[cat shepard]

5 minutes ago, NextOne said:

Thanks for today'd Daily and to all who contribute! Bon voyage @Cruzin Terri!

I'd love to hug all the newspeople who take such huge risks to let let us know what's happening in Ukraine! My cats tend to lie in places that I have to walk around them.

Today's drink isn't appealing at all, and the wine is above my price point, but sounds good!

My doctor says I may have carpel tunnel and a trigger finger, so I'm now wearing a brace on my right hand. Makes it hard to type! My best friend and her daughter are taking me out to lunch tomorrow for my birthday and I hope I can handle the utensils okay...

May I request prayers for my niece? She got married two weeks ago, went back to work last Monday, and Friday morning she couldn't walk. She's been in the hospital since then and they are doing multiple scans and tests to figure out what happened. Very scary! Her name is Jackie. I know you'll surround her with prayers - thank you!

Edi

 

Edi

 

Prayers winging their way for Jackie. Let’s hope her medical team can quickly diagnose the situation and come up with a solution that allows her to recover quickly.