The Fleet Report and Daily for Monday July 18th, 2022

[irishjim]

47 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good morning from hot central Texas.  Enough said about that.

 

We have been to Kodiak 14 times, and all but two of those were on BHBS.  Our first time was in 1992, pre-digital, when we put out motorhome on the Tustemena, one of the fleet of the Alaska Marine Highway, for an overnight trip to Kodiak.  The motorhome fare cost way more than the fares for both of us and our DDs, and a room for four with a bath.  Since our first dachshund, Brandy, was with us, we had to take the motorhome for her to stay in.  Also, on the return trip, we left the Trusty Tusty in Seward.  We were only in Kodiak one night due to the ferry schedule, but we packed a lot of sightseeing into that day.

 

We did the 14-day out of Seattle 12 times by doing b2b2bs in 2010 and 2012 on Amsterdam, 2015 on Statendam and 2018 on Zaandam.  Also 9n 2018, we stopped in Kodiak on Coral Princess on the Circle the Northern Pacific cruise.  We have had great weather on several of the stops, cloudy, misty weather on other stops, and pouring rain on a few stops.  When it was pouring rain, we just stayed on the ship and watch the people trying to stay dry waiting for their tours.

 

On December 5, 2012, while we were on Koningsdam, this is what I posted about Kodiak.

 

I found a few different pictures of Kodiak on DH's tablet.  They are from our various trips except the one in 1992 in the pre-digital age.

 

@rafinmd, Roy, this first picture is for you.  I didn't find a good picture of the Tustemena in Kodiak, but this was her sailing out of Homer, bound for Kodiak.  I guess that counts.  For those who have never sailed on her or seen her, the tall structure near the stern is how vehicles are loaded on the ferry.  You drive onto the platform between the uprights, and are then lowered to the parking deck.  Once on that deck, a turntable rotates the vehicle so it can be driven to its parking spot.

 

A Kodiak bear looking for salmon in a stream.

 

Eagles near town looking for fish 

 

A WWII bunker and remnants of guns in Fort Abercrombie State Park.  This bunker is a museum that is worth a visit.

 

Another bunker 

 

The plaque marking the high water level reached by the tidal wave after the March 27, 1964, earthquake.  The plaque is near the fire station near McDonalds, quite a way above sea level.

 

Finally, the small boat harbor downtown 

 

Lenda

 

 Really  love the  photos.

                                           Jim.

[irishjim]

31 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

These are pictures taken in 2010 and 2012 on Kodiak.

 

The Orthodox Church on a sunny day, and some of the broken bells from the church.

 

 

 

 

 

In 2012, as usual, we rented a car.  This time we were in port long enough to drive out of town to the Pacific Spaceport Complex.  On the way back to town, we drove to Chiniak where we found an inn and café at the end of the road.

 

I found this explanation of the spaceport on line, and this is how it looked when I copied it.  The Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island provides responsive, flexible, and low-cost access to space for small- and light-lift vertical rockets and stratospheric balloons.  PSCA has been launching rockets since 1998 and was the first FAA-licensed spaceport not co-located on a federal range.

 

The coast near the spaceport

 

Part of the spaceport in the distance

 

Some of the animals near the spaceport who did not seem to mind the weather

 

What awaited us at the end of the road to Chiniak

 

 

 

Lenda

 

Thank  you  picks.

[StLouisCruisers]

17 minutes ago, dobiemom said:

Hey everyone, I hope you’ve been following @LAFFNVEGAS “Live From.” We flew from AMS-LHR-PHX together, but then parted ways. Here’s my story on my last leg home: 

 

I had a bad feeling. While at the American Airlines lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, I received a text that the gate for my 8:12pm flight had changed. No problem. I arrived to my “new” gate at 7:40pm. Boarding was to start at 7:42. Flight attendants/crew were waiting at the door to board. Then about 7:50 they left. 🤔  Inbound flight arrived/disembarked at 8pm. 

 

Got a text notice a few min later that my flight delayed until 9pm. No crew. 

 

At 8:45pm the flight was delayed until 10pm. We were told a captain was on his way. AA offered folks to reschedule to Monday (today) and would put us up in a hotel (and meal voucher). But flights to my airport were mostly full and would have to fly standby or go to another airport. (There were seats in the 8:12pm flight.) I decided to take my chances and wait. 

 

A few minutes later we were updated that the capt was flying in. A few min after that we were told the capt was on a maintenance flight (not a scheduled/passenger flight) and it had not been cleared yet. 

 

At 9:45pm I got a text from AA saying: “Sorry for the change in travel plans. A complimentary hotel room and meal vouchers are available for everyone in your reservation.” So my gamble didn’t pay off. Sigh. 

 

As I mentioned, flights to my airport were mostly full and would have to fly standby or fly to another city. There were seats on the 8:12pm flight, but I elected to fly into a nearby airport leaving at 2pm today. 

 

I was given a choice of 3 hotels. The agent recommended TownPlace Suites by Marriot so I choose that. I received 2 taxi vouchers (no shuttle) and a $12 meal voucher to use at the airport, which I’ll use today since most places were closed by the time we was finished. 

 

So I’m getting ready to go back to the airport and use my food voucher and relax in the lounge (Good thing I also took today off work.) Talk to you later!

So sorry to hear of all the uncertainty of getting home.  These airlines!  Things need to get back to normal soon because people won't stand for this kind of service long. Keep us updated.

 

 

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiserthanks for all your photos today.  It's great when you can go back to a port a few times because sometimes that weather just doesn't cooperate.

[grapau27]

59 minutes ago, Live4cruises said:

Good morning, everyone!

Congratulations to those of you seeing rain; our long stretch of days over 100 is expected to continue for all the days of the extended forecast.  While 100 is not unusual for us for a few days in the summers, I have never seen it this hot for so very long.  Fortunately, our new a/c system is a champ!  I think the last step in that process will be today when the electric company will come out to determine that the installers did everything correctly, and the system does meet the requirements for their rebate.

We’ve been staying close to home, and exceptionally lazy.  My steps have dropped precipitously, and I am in NEED of some cooler weather to get out and walk.  @grapau27, I hope the heat in UK and Europe breaks soon.

@0106, thank you for the wonderful instructions for fried chicken yesterday, especially the tip about a buttermilk soak.  Our chicken enjoyed the buttermilk bath before becoming Orange Marmalade Chicken last night.  Yum!

@kazu, I’ve been excited to read about your new Shadow!  I know we’re all looking forward to pictures and stories.

In two weeks, we travel to hoped-for cooler weather in the mountains of north Georgia for a visit with DS & DDIL. When we get home from that, it will be time to get serious about our October cruise!  As long as I have a cruise to look forward to, I can endure the heat.  Speaking of October, @richwmn, I want to be sure we are on the list for the Daily Pinnacle dinner.  My record still shows that we still have all our dinner perks available.  

Be well, be kind, take good care!

 

Thank you.

It was 102°F in the car when I went to pick Pauline up from work.

Fortunately I had the air con on in the car.

Graham.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

These are pictures taken in 2010 and 2012 on Kodiak.

 

The Orthodox Church on a sunny day, and some of the broken bells from the church.

 

 

 

 

 

In 2012, as usual, we rented a car.  This time we were in port long enough to drive out of town to the Pacific Spaceport Complex.  On the way back to town, we drove to Chiniak where we found an inn and café at the end of the road.

 

I found this explanation of the spaceport on line, and this is how it looked when I copied it.  The Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island provides responsive, flexible, and low-cost access to space for small- and light-lift vertical rockets and stratospheric balloons.  PSCA has been launching rockets since 1998 and was the first FAA-licensed spaceport not co-located on a federal range.

 

The coast near the spaceport

 

Part of the spaceport in the distance

 

Some of the animals near the spaceport who did not seem to mind the weather

 

What awaited us at the end of the road to Chiniak

 

 

 

Lenda

 

Thank you Lenda for your amazing selection of photos.

Graham.

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by grapau27

[marshhawk]

Good Monday afternoon!  I am so late, but I did get that walk in this morning.  When we climbed down from the forest section (full of fallen trees and mushrooms) there was a young stag in the meadow. How beautiful!  When we got to the second meadow, it was full of butterflies, and bumblebees and other flying insects.  What an excellent morning walk!

 

Got two errands done, mailed my bills, bought stamps, came home, started reading  the Daily (love Guacamole) made lunch, and now am off to walk the neighbors dog.   Tomorrow I will have guacamole at lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant.  

 

DH got his biopsy date- next Tuesday the 26th at 10:10 am at the Emory Clinic.

 

 

Every one- stay cool if you can, stay hydrated, turn off all things that you dont need, and try to keep cool.  It's currently 86 and I heard the weatherperson talking about severe thunderstorms,  hope for us.

Edited July 18, 2022 by marshhawk

[Mr. Boston]

Good afternoon everyone.  Thanks for the daily report, lists & recipes.  I’ll pass on the first two days as I don’t have kids and hate sour candy.  I will celebrate World Listening Day as I feel like I should be a better listener.  I totally agree with today’s quote.  I love guacamole but wouldn’t make a meal of it.  The sangria sound very nice.  I haven’t been to Kodiak and look forward to the photos.  Prayers for all on our prayer list.  Cheers to all of you celebrating happy events today!

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites. Thanks to all our friends for their contributions. 

 

Another gorgeous morning in Kaanapali. I heard from our neighbor taking care of our home in Texas that our grasses are dying due to the water restrictions. 100's into the next 10 days. How crazy!

 

After breakfast we are taking a northern ride, then having lunch in Kapalua. Other than a dip in the ocean later that's our schedule. 

 

Prayers lifted for all on Roy's care list. Sandi I hope the compression socks help you. Prayers, blessings and cheers.

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!  That peach sangria sounds great and love the idea of adding corn and beans to the guacamole!   And a nice wine!  Love the photos of Alaska,  we’ve been twice but haven’t been to Kodiak.   Prayers for quick recovery for all those dealing with Covid.

 

@TiogaCruiser sorry for your adventures, seems sadly the new normal with flying! 
@Vict0riann lovely photo, glad you made it safe and sound.  Wise advise about the turmeric,  my oncologist was fine with me adding the spice to any food but not the pills.   Everything has side effects and it’s a balancing act for sure, so yes best to check with your doctor.  

we are recovering from intense heat with rain today, thankfully.   

 

 
 

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily. The website went down while I was trying to post!

No kids to hug. I like some sour lemon candies. I will try to listen today. Good quote.

I like guac. The drink sounds good. Pass on the wine.

I haven't been to Kodiak. Thanks for the pictures.

 

We've had rain here since yesterday afternoon (we need it!). Last I checked my rain gauge was at about 1.75". I'm waiting for the garage door opener repair people; my window was 1-3 pm. 

 

@luvteaching Welcome home!

@grapau27 I've been hearing how hot it is in London and France. Stay cool!

@smitty34877 I'm glad to hear Camilla's DGF is starting to improve. Hopefully you and DH don't have too many side effects from the booster today. I'm sure Tana is happy to have you home again.

@1ANGELCAT I hope the hand specialist is able to help you.

@aliaschief Good that you're going to see about your sinuses. Interesting about turmeric.

@Vict0riann Nice picture of you two.

@HAL Sailer Congrats to DN on his race finish! Great news that DB is improving and might race again! Sorry to hear DSIL tested positive; hopefully a mild case. 

@mamaofami I hope DS feels better soon. Good luck at the dentist.

@StLouisCruisers I hope the leg continues to improve. Good move on the compression stockings.

@dobiemom Ugh on the flight issues! Safe trip home.

@marshhawk Good job on getting the walk in. Prayers that DH's biopsy is negative.

@bennybear Lovely flowers.

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast for the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

Edited July 18, 2022 by JazzyV

[Horizon chaser 1957]

Good morning (just), all! Let’s see if the gremlins let me post this time. Peach sangria and guacamole sound like a wonderful combination for a summer afternoon. We have been to Kodiak on a trans Pacific crossing on the Westerdam with DS and BIL. We wandered town and stopped for coffee and sat by the harbour chatting with one of the locals for a while. Just a nice, easy, enjoyable day. No idea where the pictures are now.

Saturday we went to Victoria for a memorial service for family friends our generation. The wife had ALS and in her final months when the husband suddenly passed from a heart attack. Their daughter moved in to care for her for her final weeks. It was a terrible shock. The family was braced to lose a parent, but not both. The memorial was for them both, and very moving.

Luckily we got back to salt Spring without incident. Yesterday, BOTH routes to Salt Spring were cancelled for the afternoon due to staffing shortages. We are reserved to go back to the mainland this afternoon. DH was just notified that the sailing is at risk for cancellation due to a staffing shortage. Transport Canada has laws governing the minimum number of crew a vessel must have to transport passengers at all. BC Ferries has always operated on what’s called ‘minimum compliance’. This means that if they are unable to back fill even one employee who’s off sick, the vessel cannot leave the dock. Back when there were huge numbers of casual employees on call, this was not a problem. In today’s labour market it has become a major issue and cancelling sailings for an entire shift is becoming common.

At least the weather is cool, and there are far worse fates than having to stay on the island for an extra day or two!

@ger_77 and @grapau27, stay safe in that heat! Same message to those back east, down south, and anywhere in Europe. Next week it’s supposed to get hot here, but still not that extreme!

Happy Monday (yes, I double checked the day😄). If I was on a BHB, I really wouldn’t care what day it was, but at least I’d know!

[1ANGELCAT]

Eurodam is now arriving in Juneau.

[grapau27]

It is currently 82°F at 21.03pm.

It has never ever been this hot at night in North East England.

Graham.

Edited July 18, 2022 by grapau27

[TiogaCruiser]

2 hours ago, bennybear said:

 

@TiogaCruiser sorry for your adventures, seems sadly the new normal with flying! 
 

 

I think you might mean @dobiemom

 

(I understand the resemblance. Tioga was believed to be a mix of Dobie and Lab. He did both well: He could give strangers the Dobie “I’m not going to let you know what I’m thinking” look, loving on his family and having fun.)

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by TiogaCruiser

[Cruising-along]

Good afternoon all!

I'm late getting here today, I was waiting for the results to come in for my A1C.  Blood was drawn at 9 am, I had the results 3 hours later -- not bad!  But more importantly, I'm thrilled.....instead of being worse, my number went down from 6.7 to 6.4!  I'm in shock.  Under 6.5 is ideal.  Waiting on some other tests, but this is the one I was worried about. I think I'll celebrate with that ice cream I put off yesterday!

 

I'd love to hug my kids, but won't be seeing any of them today.  Will pass on the sour candy, and we all need to try to listen more.  Will pass on the Guacamole too, it's the texture of avocado that turns me off.  The wine sounds good but pricey, and the drink sounds very good.  Have never been to Kodiak -- thanks to all for sharing photos!

 

I'm happy to see that so many are getting some much-needed rain.  We had some sprinkles here this morning (no huge surprise for us, but it has been dry for at least a week) 😉 

 

@aliaschiefBruce thanks for the tip about Turmeric, my hands are getting worse and worse so I'm always looking for something.   Ann @Vict0riannthank you for letting us know it can make acid reflux worse.  I already am prone to that, so better not try the Turmeric. 😞  

 

@Vict0rianngreat photo of you and Pat!

 

@HAL SailerGreat news that your DB is improving, but sorry to hear that your DSIL has now tested positive.  Congrats to your nephew on his race finish.

 

@dobiemomI'm so sorry you've gotten caught up in all the airline mess and hope you can get home soon.

 

@bennybearthank you for the photos of your lovely flowers.

 

 

 

 

[MISTER 67]

22 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

It is currently 82°F at 21.03pm.

It has never ever been this hot at night in North East England.

Graham.

You should move to Florida for the cooler temperatures.

Edited July 18, 2022 by MISTER 67

[MISTER 67]

7 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Good morning, everyone!  It is mid afternoon here in Norway!  Pat has gone to the gym to try to work off the last two days’ meals, I should have gone, too, but perhaps next time…

 

I love guacamole, but like to make it myself, then it can be properly lumpy, only  avocado, with a little salt and fresh lime juice, and just before serving, some tomato, carefully cubed, for colour.  There’s never any left over for storing, but if I get a lot of avocados I can prepare it without the tomato, and it freezes beautifully in plastic bags.  Half an avocado is the equivalent of a whole banana for potassium, so good for leg cramps. 
 

We’ve been to kodiak, but I’m having a hard time getting my photos from the cloud.

 

At lunch time, we were walking through the Lido, and someone said ”Madame Ann”?  I couldn’t remember her, but she said she remembered us from the Zaandam in South America in 2017.  Tony, @sailingdutchy, do you remember Dian?  My heavens, what great memories they have.  We got hugs today from our old friend Apinya too.  They both work in Tamarind.  

 

From “dressy” night, last night.
 

Very nice photo, great to see people dressed up.

[kazu]

5 hours ago, Live4cruises said:

 

@kazu, I’ve been excited to read about your new Shadow!  I know we’re all looking forward to pictures and stories.

 

Oh thanks for the reminder - I need to message our co-ordinator with some questions - it won’t change the decision but I need to know more about her fear and some basics - like bed preference, is she currently crated, walked, toys, current food, etc?  

 

I’ve been too depressed trying to deal with stuff here.  It sounds stupid but every time I donate or put things in bags, it’s very hard and sad.  Dumb, I know.  But it is what it is.;

 

5 hours ago, dobiemom said:

Hey everyone, I hope you’ve been following @LAFFNVEGAS “Live From.” We flew from AMS-LHR-PHX together, but then parted ways. Here’s my story on my last leg home: 

 

I had a bad feeling. While at the American Airlines lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, I received a text that the gate for my 8:12pm flight had changed. No problem. I arrived to my “new” gate at 7:40pm. Boarding was to start at 7:42. Flight attendants/crew were waiting at the door to board. Then about 7:50 they left. 🤔  Inbound flight arrived/disembarked at 8pm. 

 

Got a text notice a few min later that my flight delayed until 9pm. No crew. 

 

At 8:45pm the flight was delayed until 10pm. We were told a captain was on his way. AA offered folks to reschedule to Monday (today) and would put us up in a hotel (and meal voucher). But flights to my airport were mostly full and would have to fly standby or go to another airport. (There were seats in the 8:12pm flight.) I decided to take my chances and wait. 

 

A few minutes later we were updated that the capt was flying in. A few min after that we were told the capt was on a maintenance flight (not a scheduled/passenger flight) and it had not been cleared yet. 

 

At 9:45pm I got a text from AA saying: “Sorry for the change in travel plans. A complimentary hotel room and meal vouchers are available for everyone in your reservation.” So my gamble didn’t pay off. Sigh. 

 

As I mentioned, flights to my airport were mostly full and would have to fly standby or fly to another city. There were seats on the 8:12pm flight, but I elected to fly into a nearby airport leaving at 2pm today. 

 

I was given a choice of 3 hotels. The agent recommended TownPlace Suites by Marriot so I choose that. I received 2 taxi vouchers (no shuttle) and a $12 meal voucher to use at the airport, which I’ll use today since most places were closed by the time we was finished. 

 

So I’m getting ready to go back to the airport and use my food voucher and relax in the lounge (Good thing I also took today off work.) Talk to you later!

 

Oh dear Marcia - shades of my attempt to get home a couple of weeks ago.  So sorry you are dealing with this. 😔  

 

I hope your meal vouchers were better than mine ($10).  And glad at least you got a choice of hotels.

 

Prayers that things go smoothly today and you get home. 🙏 

[aliaschief]

It turned out my doctor is on vacation this week so I went to one of our local medical care units.I was very impressed with service, staff friendliness and most of all treatment. Was out in 40 minutes with antibiotics, prednisone and the relief and satisfaction that I should be good to go for the trip.

 

Yeah.

[1ANGELCAT]

Good afternoon all, well the Dr appointment went good, He wants another nerve test done and then will go from there. He said Botox could be done there or possibly Cortisone and then physical therapy with the PT I already saw. The test is Thursday morning.

The car doesn’t look better in daylight. The rear left quarter panel is gone and there is front end damage. Brother is hoping they call it totaled. Nationwide has to send a claim adjuster out next . He cleaned out the car, just in case. 
Some good news regarding my expensive prescription. When I went to CVS the clerk asked if I was aware of the price, I said yes and she said I should be able to get it cheaper. She checked her phone and said she can transfer the prescription to the grocery store next door . CVS was $167.00 , the grocery store is $55.00. Transfer done and refill picked up.  I need to compliment her to management.

[grapau27]

9 minutes ago, MISTER 67 said:

You should move to Florida for the cooler temperatures.

I would but Pauline won't.

We usually only have a couple of humid nights a year here on the North East coast of England so I don't know anyone who has AC.

We have been to Florida 30 times and tonight feels like a Florida night.

[grapau27]

33 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good afternoon all!

I'm late getting here today, I was waiting for the results to come in for my A1C.  Blood was drawn at 9 am, I had the results 3 hours later -- not bad!  But more importantly, I'm thrilled.....instead of being worse, my number went down from 6.7 to 6.4!  I'm in shock.  Under 6.5 is ideal.  Waiting on some other tests, but this is the one I was worried about. I think I'll celebrate with that ice cream I put off yesterday!

 

I'd love to hug my kids, but won't be seeing any of them today.  Will pass on the sour candy, and we all need to try to listen more.  Will pass on the Guacamole too, it's the texture of avocado that turns me off.  The wine sounds good but pricey, and the drink sounds very good.  Have never been to Kodiak -- thanks to all for sharing photos!

 

I'm happy to see that so many are getting some much-needed rain.  We had some sprinkles here this morning (no huge surprise for us, but it has been dry for at least a week) 😉 

 

@aliaschiefBruce thanks for the tip about Turmeric, my hands are getting worse and worse so I'm always looking for something.   Ann @Vict0riannthank you for letting us know it can make acid reflux worse.  I already am prone to that, so better not try the Turmeric. 😞  

 

@Vict0rianngreat photo of you and Pat!

 

@HAL SailerGreat news that your DB is improving, but sorry to hear that your DSIL has now tested positive.  Congrats to your nephew on his race finish.

 

@dobiemomI'm so sorry you've gotten caught up in all the airline mess and hope you can get home soon.

 

@bennybearthank you for the photos of your lovely flowers.

 

 

 

 

Your news is excellent.

I'm really pleased for you.

Graham 

[StLouisCruisers]

3 minutes ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

Good afternoon all, well the Dr appointment went good, He wants another nerve test done and then will go from there. He said Botox could be done there or possibly Cortisone and then physical therapy with the PT I already saw. The test is Thursday morning.

The car doesn’t look better in daylight. The rear left quarter panel is gone and there is front end damage. Brother is hoping they call it totaled. Nationwide has to send a claim adjuster out next . He cleaned out the car, just in case. 
Some good news regarding my expensive prescription. When I went to CVS the clerk asked if I was aware of the price, I said yes and she said I should be able to get it cheaper. She checked her phone and said she can transfer the prescription to the grocery store next door . CVS was $167.00 , the grocery store is $55.00. Transfer done and refill picked up.  I need to compliment her to management.

 

That is awesome news about the lower cost at the grocery store!  You definitely need to let management know she is a prize employee (although I hope they don't mind the loss of business!!).

[Live4cruises]

@kazu, no doubt your chores are depressing and heart wrenching.  I hope they bring some bittersweet happy memories too.  Feel all the caring that this group sends you.  ❤️

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon from at very hot, dry central Texas.  Currently, it is 105F, but as they say, it's a dry heat since our humidity is 24% and the dew point is 61F.  With a dry heat the air doesn't feel heavy, but it feels like you are walking in an oven, even with our breeze.

 

@irishjim  Thank you for both your nice comments about my pictures.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, since we like to do longer cruises, doing b2b2b2bs is not a hardship.  It is especially nice in Alaska since the weather is so changeable.  We can usually count on at least one good day, and that's a day with clouds and no rain in each port.  Sunshine and warm weather are an added bonus.

@grapau27  Graham, thank you for your nice comments about today's pictures.  Lately, our temperatures at about the same time in the evening are between 87F and 93F.  I still don't know how we made it growing up in Texas without central a/c, but I don't think our highs were this high most of the summer. 

@marshhawk Good you got a nice walk in this morning, with the bonus of seeing a stag and butterflies.  Hope your DH has good results from the biopsy next week.  Love the cat meme.

@Seasick Sailor  Joy, I don't know what type of grass you have in your yard, but we planted Bermuda.  It tolerates the dry weather better than St. Augustine.  Right now, it is dormant and brown along with the rest of the lot that is native grasses (mostly weeds).  We are under water restrictions to twice a week, and right now, I'm not even doing that unless the bushes need water.  Once we get rain, 🤞 the grass should turn green again.  The up side is I don't have to mow very often in this heat.  Enjoy the good weather in Maui while you can.

@bennybear  Thanks for my flower fix today.

@JazzyV  Vanessa. I'm glad someone is getting much needed rain.

@Horizon chaser 1957  Sorry to hear about the ferry problems.  What happens if there is an emergency?

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, great news on the A1C numbers.

@kazu  Jacqui, it's not dumb to feel sad and for it to be hard to donate the things you are.  You are in the process of giving physical reminders of your life with Jose to people who need them.  Naturally, it is a sad chore, but think how much people will benefit from your efforts.  And we are here anytime you need cheering up.

@aliaschief  Bruce, that is good news that the walk in clinic was able to help your.  Now, you can enjoy your trip.

@1ANGELCAT   That is good news that the hand doctor could help you and could schedule the test so soon.  It sounds like he has plans in place depending on the outcome of the test.  That was good news that CVS would transfer the prescription.  BTW, have you ever checked out Good Rx.  It's not an insurance program, but they will let you see what different pharmacies are charging for a drug.  They have discount coupons that will get lower prices at the pharmacies.  We use it all the time for drugs that are not on the so called $4/$10 lists.  Unless you join their premium plan, it doesn't cost anything.

 

Lenda