The Fleet Report and Daily for Tuesday July 19th, 2022

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

We're having a slow warming trend after a couple cool drizzly days.  It's supposed to get up to the mid 80's F by next week.  

 

I like to make new friends, especially on a BHB.  Raspberry cake sounds delicious, and our local berries are ripe right now.  Have never played Words with Friends.  Both the drink and wine sound great, but will pass on the meal.  Thai food doesn't agree with me 😞  Love the quote.

 

We have been to Saguenay several times and will be there again in October.  I do hope they're continuing their amazing greeting of costumed dancers, blueberry pie, chocolates, etc.

 

@smitty34877Terry thank you for the adorable photo of Camilla -- she's as cute as ever and growing so fast!  Very good news that her Grandpa is expected to leave the hospital today.

 

Some photos from 2012 and 2016.

 

Love their old-time costumed greeting! This fellow was riding a unicycle.

 

 

And their generous helpings of blueberry pie 🙂  I also didn't turn down their gifts of chocolates as we returned to the ship later that day.

 

One visit we rented a car and drove to the National Park.

 

An uphill hike but beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Aluminum bridge

A few churches

 

 

And even costumed locals in a gift shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[irishjim]

2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Sorry to hear that Carol.

Prayers 🙏 he is a lot better for his birthday.

Graham.

+1

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from sunny, windy and hot central Texas.

 

New Friends Day will be celebrated with the new friends I've made here on the Daily.  Not normally fond of raspberries, but would try a slice of raspberry cake.  I do not play Words with Friends.

 

The Albert Einstein quote is very true, and I try to treat everyone the same.

 

The meal sounds interesting, but I don't have most of the ingredients.  We'll pass on the drink and the wine.

 

In 2004 on the old Regal Princess we sailed part way up the Saguenay River.  In 2013 on the Veendam, while docked for three days in Quebec City, we rented a car and drove to Saguenay, but for some reason I did not take many pictures.  

 

Yesterday, I read an article that Princess Cruises was likely to open bookings for unvaccinated passengers.  With the new variants, I hope HAL does not follow Princess any time soon. 

 

@MISTER 67  Another good day on the golf course shooting one better than your age.

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, I'm glad you made it to Williamsburg safely.  Enjoy your visit with your friends.

@dobiemom  Welcome home.  I'm glad you finally made it home yesterday.

@grapau27  Graham, thanks for the pictures of your flowers.

@smitty34877  Terry, thanks for the new picture of Camilla.  She isn't a baby any more.  I'm glad her grandpa will be going home today.  Glad you both are not having a bad reaction from your booster.

@0106  Tina, I enjoyed learning more about Thai cuisine.

@mamaofami  Carol, I hope you son feels better soon and can enjoy his birthday.

 

Lenda

 

 

[irishjim]

1 hour ago, kplady said:

Good morning everyone!

 

I would love raspberry cake, never played Words with Friends or Wordle (but do crosswords on my phone), and love all the new friends I have here on the Daily.

 

We were in Saguenay in September 2010 on the Eurodam.  It was lovely to see the welcome we received at the pier:

 

We visited the old Pulp Mill - very interesting to visit:

 

After that, we went to Ha-Ha Park, lots of interesting sculptures:

 

We really enjoyed the day there!

 

Hope everyone will have a good day.  Prayers and cheers for all our Daily friends.  Stay safe!

Laura

Thank  you for  posting  the  photos and  you  both  look great.

                                                                                                             Jim.

[StLouisCruisers]

51 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you Sandi.

Paulines late lovely dad died of prostate cancer after 11 years in remission as it spread into his bones in July 2008.

Paulines dear mam lived another 10 years sharing 6 cruises in our cabin before Dementia took her aged 96 in October 2018.

Paulines sister never saw her mam for 4 years before she died.

They went to the church funeral service where her husband was making sarcastic comments while Father David was reading Ruth's life story.

They did not come to the crematorium or the lovely hotel lunch which was laid on for all the mourners.

 

It's bad enough Pauline's sister didn't see her Mother for 4 years, but her DH making sarcastic comments at the church during Father David's service for her is inexcusable.  🤬   You are all better off without them cluttering up your life with negativity.

[kb4683]

@richwmnand @lindaler

I think if you go here     https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/frequently-asked-questions.html   then follow the links for your specific departure area, you will find the "current" answers.

 

Hope this helps!

 

[Live4cruises]

Hello everyone,

@StLouisCruisers, Sandi, the a/c we just replaced at 28 years pre-dated us owning the house.  I think it was a Carrier.  The new monster is a Lennox.  I hope your next door neighbor was just a sad anomaly!

Thanks to all who posted about Saguenay (sorry if that’s misspelled, and I dare not navigate away from this page!).  We are planning DIY when we’re there in October.

DH and I enjoy Words with Friends and Wordle.  My SIL also introduced us to WORLDLE, which I expect some of this group would excel at!  We find it mostly humbling. . .  

https://worldle.teuteuf.fr 

Today is supposed to be the hottest, at least so far, in the neighborhood of 110.  Then we’re back to 10(something) for as far as the eye can see.  One of the local weather people reports that there are no storm systems or fronts in what he sees trending.  Crazy.

@marshhawk, I don’t think I’ve specifically commented, but I am really excited for you on planning your huge trip!  

Be safe and cool, and have a good Tuesday!

[Suslor]

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Good morning  everyone. I will salute new friends and would eat a raspberry  cake if someone  else did the baking.We have not been to the port and I like the quote.

My executive chef has picked the second recipe.I even have the ingredients  in the house.It will be a nice dinner with a separate soup pot for my two vegetarians. Thanks so much Tina @0106!

@grapau27,Graham, your gardens are beautiful . I loved the hydrangeas. The town of Orleans in Cape Cod, MA had a hydrangea festival when  we were there.It seemed every house had huge bushes in full bloom. The high temps yesterday  that you had were alarming.Please be careful!

So far,I have a little soreness  in my arm from the booster yesterday. DH  seems to be OK as well.I did notice most people were wearing masks inside again now.NYC rates are at 15%.

 

My niece  sent a picture  of Camilla looking like a big girl these days.Her grandpa  is expected to leave the hospital today,thank goodness.

 

 

My goodness, how quickly she is growing. Does she know she has so many virtual friends?  So glad her Grandpa is out of the hospital. Susan 

[grapau27]

28 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

We're having a slow warming trend after a couple cool drizzly days.  It's supposed to get up to the mid 80's F by next week.  

 

I like to make new friends, especially on a BHB.  Raspberry cake sounds delicious, and our local berries are ripe right now.  Have never played Words with Friends.  Both the drink and wine sound great, but will pass on the meal.  Thai food doesn't agree with me 😞  Love the quote.

 

We have been to Saguenay several times and will be there again in October.  I do hope they're continuing their amazing greeting of costumed dancers, blueberry pie, chocolates, etc.

 

@smitty34877Terry thank you for the adorable photo of Camilla -- she's as cute as ever and growing so fast!  Very good news that her Grandpa is expected to leave the hospital today.

 

Some photos from 2012 and 2016.

 

Love their old-time costumed greeting! This fellow was riding a unicycle.

 

 

And their generous helpings of blueberry pie 🙂  I also didn't turn down their gifts of chocolates as we returned to the ship later that day.

 

One visit we rented a car and drove to the National Park.

 

An uphill hike but beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Aluminum bridge

A few churches

 

 

And even costumed locals in a gift shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love your photos.

Graham.

[Suslor]

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Today is Primary Day in Maryland.  I took advantage of early voting but look forward now to a few days respite from all the political ads.  Not sure how long the respite will be but there appears to be a huge mail in vote that will take a couple weeks to count so the ads should be gone at least until we know who has survived for the November election.

 

Roy

We agree Roy @rafinmd, living in the DMV we get all the election adds for Maryland, Virginia and DC, and since their primaries are spaced out it’s a never ending parade of “Vote for me and not my terrible opponent “. Glad we get a reprieve for a month or so before the election ads start. Glad we’ll be on a BHB during most of it 🤪. Susan 

[grapau27]

23 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

It's bad enough Pauline's sister didn't see her Mother for 4 years, but her DH making sarcastic comments at the church during Father David's service for her is inexcusable.  🤬   You are all better off without them cluttering up your life with negativity.

Thank you Sandi.

Our Sarah does not like her mam and dad too after 7 years of no contact by them.

Ruth was extremely kind to them as she was for us especially after we both were married making dinners every night,doing our washing and ironing giving money etc for all 4 of us.

There are givers and Takers in this world.

This thread is full of givers and lovely people and why I love being here even though I sometimes post too much.

Graham.

[Suslor]

3 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning. Meds are working and feeling much better. I don’t believe I have ever had a raspberry cake but you wouldn’t have to ask twice. Sounds yummy. I have been to Saguenay, Quebec several times and they always have a very special welcoming for cruise ships. Folks in various costumes, maple syrup on snow samples, blueberry pie, log rollers etc. Here’s a link to their web cam. https://tourisme.saguenay.ca/en/camera-live-from-the-fjord
Roy I read you rode the Rovos train. We have watched various trips on You Tube and it appears to be a wonderful experience. Did you enjoy?

Going to a French bistro overlooking the inter coastal water way today. A beautiful setting and great food. Our kitchen is closing down for a month!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
So far🤞🤞🤞all reservations are a go. 
Yesterday’s CDC announcement has us wondering what the cruise lines will do if anything, now that protocols are more or less back in their jurisdiction.

So we sit and wait with just a few things to do. Definitely don’t need to water the outdoor plants as we have had pop up rain every day. I can hear thunder in the distance.

Thanks for the report and to all of our contributors. Have a great day everyone.

@aliaschief, like Roy @rafinmdwe did the Rovos Rail Pride of Africa train trip from CapeTown to Dar es Salaam and it was an adventure of a lifetime. We’ve considered taking the Africa World Cruise but are opting to take another Rovos Rail trip. It takes you right into the heart of the towns and you really get to see the people going about their daily lives. Our TA promised it would be an adventure and it was more than we could have imagined. 

[aliaschief]

55 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

We're having a slow warming trend after a couple cool drizzly days.  It's supposed to get up to the mid 80's F by next week.  

 

I like to make new friends, especially on a BHB.  Raspberry cake sounds delicious, and our local berries are ripe right now.  Have never played Words with Friends.  Both the drink and wine sound great, but will pass on the meal.  Thai food doesn't agree with me 😞  Love the quote.

 

We have been to Saguenay several times and will be there again in October.  I do hope they're continuing their amazing greeting of costumed dancers, blueberry pie, chocolates, etc.

 

@smitty34877Terry thank you for the adorable photo of Camilla -- she's as cute as ever and growing so fast!  Very good news that her Grandpa is expected to leave the hospital today.

 

Some photos from 2012 and 2016.

 

Love their old-time costumed greeting! This fellow was riding a unicycle.

 

 

And their generous helpings of blueberry pie 🙂  I also didn't turn down their gifts of chocolates as we returned to the ship later that day.

 

One visit we rented a car and drove to the National Park.

 

An uphill hike but beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Aluminum bridge

A few churches

 

 

And even costumed locals in a gift shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great pics full of memories of our visits there. I always enjoyed the costumed friar and nuns dancing. Per viewing the Saguenay web cam I posted earlier it’s still a pretty gloomy day there.

Edited July 19, 2022 by aliaschief

[happywandering]

4 hours ago, summer slope said:

Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail:

Ingredients
1 1/2 parts DeKuyper® Sloe Gin
1 1/2 parts Gin
1 part Lemon Juice
3 parts Soda Water

Instructions
Build over ice, stir gently, and serve.

 

This was my college drink of choice.  Now I don't want any drinks made with gin.  No accounting for youthful habits!

[kochleffel]

54 minutes ago, kb4683 said:

"current" answers.

 

And check frequently, because it could change eleventy-seven times before your embarkation day.

[StLouisCruisers]

I have some news from the soccer nationals in Orlando this morning.  DS texted that the mighty Tigers won 2-0!!  The next game is tomorrow morning.  DGS Ren scored both goals with an assist both times from his teammate Colton.  The first score was 30 seconds into the game. The boys on the team are growing older and going to be moving on to new teams this fall.  Ren and two other excellent players are moving to the Jags (Jaguars).  The Tigers will have to rebuild the team so had better start looking for players now.  ⚽

 

 

 

40 minutes ago, Live4cruises said:

Hello everyone,

@StLouisCruisers, Sandi, the a/c we just replaced at 28 years pre-dated us owning the house.  I think it was a Carrier.  The new monster is a Lennox.  I hope your next door neighbor was just a sad anomaly!

Thanks to all who posted about Saguenay (sorry if that’s misspelled, and I dare not navigate away from this page!).  We are planning DIY when we’re there in October.

DH and I enjoy Words with Friends and Wordle.  My SIL also introduced us to WORLDLE, which I expect some of this group would excel at!  We find it mostly humbling. . .  

https://worldle.teuteuf.fr 

Today is supposed to be the hottest, at least so far, in the neighborhood of 110.  Then we’re back to 10(something) for as far as the eye can see.  One of the local weather people reports that there are no storm systems or fronts in what he sees trending.  Crazy.

@marshhawk, I don’t think I’ve specifically commented, but I am really excited for you on planning your huge trip!  

Be safe and cool, and have a good Tuesday!

 

It would be amazing to not have to replace an AC unit for 28 years!  We've never lived in a house prior to this for more than 7-8 years.  We are now at 11 years.  I see the old unit is going onto the truck.  DH reminded me that yesterday morning when we went for our early morning walk we saw our neighbors had windows open which is unusual here in the summer months so it appears the main floor AC unit is the one that quit on them.  

 

 

 

25 minutes ago, Suslor said:

We agree Roy @rafinmd, living in the DMV we get all the election adds for Maryland, Virginia and DC, and since their primaries are spaced out it’s a never ending parade of “Vote for me and not my terrible opponent “. Glad we get a reprieve for a month or so before the election ads start. Glad we’ll be on a BHB during most of it 🤪. Susan 

 

OMG, our next election in Georgia is November mid terms and we have ads every day over and over for Senate and Governor.  It's a long, long time until November!

 

 

 

 

17 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you Sandi.

Our Sarah does not like her mam and dad too after 7 years of no contact by them.

Ruth was extremely kind to them as she was for us especially after we both were married making dinners every night,doing our washing and ironing giving money etc for all 4 of us.

There are givers and Takers in this world.

This thread is full of givers and lovely people and why I love being here even though I sometimes post too much.

Graham.

 

Your comment, there are givers and takers in this world is so, so true!  I'm glad you are happy here, and please don't say you post too much.  I know I appreciate your kind remarks and spirit every day.

 

 

[Live4cruises]

@happywandering, same here!!  Although I have yet to outgrow my youthful taste for rum.

[kazu]

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

My niece  sent a picture  of Camilla looking like a big girl these days.Her grandpa  is expected to leave the hospital today,thank goodness.

 

Good news!

 

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

 

 

 

What a sweet pic!  She has really grown!

 

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

 

 

Roy

 

That is so cool, Roy!

 

2 hours ago, richwmn said:

Quick question. I have verified that I can schedule another Covid-19 booster shot. Is there any requirement that it be within a time frame before the cruise or is it even required?

Thanks

 

 

the only time frame is for the two vaccinations in certain countries - 270 days and a booster is required.

 

The cruise protocols have been dropped by CDC effective yesterday.  HAL hasn’t updated their site yet but from other reports, testing is being eliminated.  I’ll wait until I see it on the HAL site to believe it 😉 

 

The 3 cruises sailing right now in Norway that have waived testing require the passengers to fully vaccinated - which includes at least one booster.  If these test cruises work out, it might be an indicator of the future.

 

As long as you have one booster, you should be fine under current rules.

 

Myself?  When I was eligible for the 2nd booster, I got it.  Too many months at the hospital and seeing what covid has done to staffing and chatting with them as we cared for DH, I am following the medical advice and keeping my immunization up to help protect my friends, neighbours, community & myself.

 

1 hour ago, lindaler said:

I would like to know this too. What is the official call on cruising?

 

I replied to Rich above but I think the official call is about to change with the release of the CDC guidelines on the ships and the difficulty in getting tested in some countries.  I think new rules will be revealed very shortly.

[USN59-79]

1 hour ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

We're having a slow warming trend after a couple cool drizzly days.  It's supposed to get up to the mid 80's F by next week.  

 

I like to make new friends, especially on a BHB.  Raspberry cake sounds delicious, and our local berries are ripe right now.  Have never played Words with Friends.  Both the drink and wine sound great, but will pass on the meal.  Thai food doesn't agree with me 😞  Love the quote.

 

We have been to Saguenay several times and will be there again in October.  I do hope they're continuing their amazing greeting of costumed dancers, blueberry pie, chocolates, etc.

 

@smitty34877Terry thank you for the adorable photo of Camilla -- she's as cute as ever and growing so fast!  Very good news that her Grandpa is expected to leave the hospital today.

 

Some photos from 2012 and 2016.

 

Love their old-time costumed greeting! This fellow was riding a unicycle.

 

 

And their generous helpings of blueberry pie 🙂  I also didn't turn down their gifts of chocolates as we returned to the ship later that day.

 

One visit we rented a car and drove to the National Park.

 

An uphill hike but beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Aluminum bridge

A few churches

 

 

And even costumed locals in a gift shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great pictures!  One minor correction:  A unicycle has only one wheel.  The cycle shown is known as a penny farthing, with a large front wheel and a tiny rear one.  Apparently, in the 1800s the English penny was much larger than the farthing, thus the name.

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I'm thankful for the new friends made on the Daily! I haven't had raspberry cake nor played words with friends. Excellent quote.

I like the soup. Pass on the drink and wine.

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

 

It's hot and steamy here. I'm happy I got almost 2" of rain yesterday. I'm waiting for the garage door people. Yesterday after an evaluation, I decided to get a new opener, rather than trying just a new receiver on the old current one. It's 30+ years old and very old technology. He didn't have one on the truck, so coming this afternoon. I'll get the electric eye (now mandatory), a keypad in addition to the remote, and the opener has wifi! 

 

@Cruzin Terri Enjoy your time in Williamsburg.

@grapau27 Stay cool! And hydrate. Lovely garden and flowers.

@0106 Great recipes today. Thanks!

@smitty34877 Good to hear you and DH aren't having many effects from the shots. Oh my, Camilla is getting so big! And good news that her GF is going home today.

@kazu Thanks for the memes.

@rafinmd Thanks for the video; cool about that echo.

@aliaschief It's good that you're feeling better.

@mamaofami Prayers for DS that he feels better soon.

@marshhawk Good luck with the boosters.

@StLouisCruisers Congrats to Ren and the mighty Tigers! My AC is about 24 years old. I have 2 separate units, one for the first floor and a second bigger one for the 2nd and 3rd floors. All I've had done is a capacitor replaced on the larger one last year (fingers crossed). 

 

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

Stay safe everyone.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I have some news from the soccer nationals in Orlando this morning.  DS texted that the mighty Tigers won 2-0!!  The next game is tomorrow morning.  DGS Ren scored both goals with an assist both times from his teammate Colton.  The first score was 30 seconds into the game. The boys on the team are growing older and going to be moving on to new teams this fall.  Ren and two other excellent players are moving to the Jags (Jaguars).  The Tigers will have to rebuild the team so had better start looking for players now.  ⚽

 

 

 

 

It would be amazing to not have to replace an AC unit for 28 years!  We've never lived in a house prior to this for more than 7-8 years.  We are now at 11 years.  I see the old unit is going onto the truck.  DH reminded me that yesterday morning when we went for our early morning walk we saw our neighbors had windows open which is unusual here in the summer months so it appears the main floor AC unit is the one that quit on them.  

 

 

 

 

OMG, our next election in Georgia is November mid terms and we have ads every day over and over for Senate and Governor.  It's a long, long time until November!

 

 

 

 

 

Your comment, there are givers and takers in this world is so, so true!  I'm glad you are happy here, and please don't say you post too much.  I know I appreciate your kind remarks and spirit every day.

 

 

Thank you for your kind comments Sandi.

That is fantastic news about your grandson Ren who sounds like he could go far and be excellent for the Jaguars.

Apparently only 1°of homes in London have AC

I don't think anyone has AC further North as our weather does not warrant it except for last night and tonight.

It was 104°F in the car on the 15 minutes drive to Pauline's office tonight.

Our house is 47 years old and we have lived here over 40 years next door to Paulines sister.

Our Sarah is 40 years old.

Graham.

Edited July 19, 2022 by grapau27

[Cruising-along]

4 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

Great pictures!  One minor correction:  A unicycle has only one wheel.  The cycle shown is known as a penny farthing, with a large front wheel and a tiny rear one.  Apparently, in the 1800s the English penny was much larger than the farthing, thus the name.

Thank you for the correction, Ray!  I learned something 🙂  

[USN59-79]

3 hours ago, richwmn said:

Quick question. I have verified that I can schedule another Covid-19 booster shot. Is there any requirement that it be within a time frame before the cruise or is it even required?

Thanks

 

Are you saying that you have already received two booster shots and are considering a third?  That is the situation I am in.  Apparently booster shots start to lose their effectiveness after four months.  You won't need it as a requirement to board a cruise ship.  My understanding is that as covid strains change over time the vaccinations will also change.  Thus, there is a good chance that an improved booster will be available this Fall.  So I plan to wait until then before I will consider the third one.

However, if you have not received the first or second one and it has been four months since your last shot, you should consider one now.

Ray

[1ANGELCAT]

Good hot and sunny afternoon all, I really hope everyone is surviving this weather. The heat is supposed to last until Monday, with the forecast for Sunday to be 98. 
I haven’t had a Sloe gin fizz in years. 
The car has now been towed to Nationwide claim lot. Adjuster said should hear in 1 week at the latest. It’s time to start car looking and hope for the best. The neighbor across the street never heard all the commotion and said she will look at her door camera for video.
@smitty34877, love the picture of Camilla, has she had her birthday yet? 

Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

 

 

[richwmn]

7 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

Are you saying that you have already received two booster shots and are considering a third?  That is the situation I am in.  Apparently booster shots start to lose their effectiveness after four months.  You won't need it as a requirement to board a cruise ship.  My understanding is that as covid strains change over time the vaccinations will also change.  Thus, there is a good chance that an improved booster will be available this Fall.  So I plan to wait until then before I will consider the third one.

However, if you have not received the first or second one and it has been four months since your last shot, you should consider one now.

Ray

I have had 1 booster shot, I am considering the timing for the second since I have cruises in October and December.