The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday February 2nd, 2023

[StLouisCruisers]

Today is Candlemas, Ground Hog Day, and National Sweater Day (Canada)
 

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day. - E. B. White

Meal Suggestion for today - Curried Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash
Drink of the Day - Gin Basil Smash
Wine of the Day - Elk Cove Vineyards Mt Richmond Pinot Noir, Oregon
Destination of the Day - Santorini Island, Thira, Greece
 

Eurodam

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 06:30 - 16:00
 

Koningsdam

At Sea Destination Nawiliwili, Lihue, Kauai Island, Hawaii eta 2-06
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

San Juan, Puerto Rico 08:00 - 23:00
 

Nieuw Statendam

At Sea Destination Half Moon Cay, Bahamas eta 2-03
 

Oosterdam

Buenos Aires, Argentina - 16:00
 

Rotterdam

Ocho Rios, Jamaica 07:00 - 16:00
 

Volendam

At Sea Destination Port Stanley, East Falkland Island eta 2-06
 

Zaandam

At Sea Destination Half Moon Cay, Bahamas eta 2-03

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

Dunedin, Port Chalmers, New Zealand 08:00 - 18:00
 

Westerdam

Singapore 16:00
 

Zuiderdam

Tauranga, Rotorua, New Zealand 07:00 - 17:00

 

Volendam sailing in Antarctica waters

[StLouisCruisers]

Thursday's Care and Celebration lists

 

Today’s care list:

Roy recovering at home but still weak

Luvteaching DH in hospital making progress
Dental procedures for Cruising-along
Texas ice storm woes

Jacqui still with splint on problem elbow

From the rotation:
Rowsby in need of shoulder replacement

Ominous scan for Marshhawk

Status of Scrapnana
Status of St. Louis Sal (7/1) and JAM37 (7/7)

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Aliaschief in Cancun until 2/14?
Welcome home Redneck Bob

3 days for Dobiemom (Norwegian Encore 2/5 to 2/12)
2 days for 0106 (Rotterdam 2/4 to 2/15)

5 days for Cruzin Terri (Oceania Sirena 2/7 to 2/19)

5 days for Norseh2o (Oceania Marina 2/7 to 4/6)

Kochleffel (Norwegian Getaway to 2/6), Cruising sister (Disney Dream to 2/4), Lindaler and Ottahand7 (Volendam  to 3/18), and Cat in My Lap, Gail&Marty ,Richwmn and HorizonChaser1957 (Zuiderdam  to 5/12) at sea

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  Here in north central Georgia we have begun to rain again, 49F with a high of only 53 later.  A good day to stay inside cuddled up with a good book and some comfort food.

 

Today we celebrate Candlemas, Groundhog Day and National Sweater Day in Canada.  Candlemas is a Christian holiday and a day of light.  We all know about Groundhog Day and awaiting the word whether spring is just around the corner or still a long way off.  I haven't heard any word on that because the groundhogs are probably all still asleep.  Congrats to any Canadians celebrating their sweaters today.  You will probably need one!

 

No thanks to the menu suggestion because I don't care for curry, chickpeas or acorn squash!  I'll also pass on the drink and red wine.  A nice quote I think we can agree on.  Port of the day is on Santorini, Thira.  If you don't mind donkeys or gondolas you'll do all right there.  Rich presented us with that port on October 24, 2021 and March 12, 2022.  We've enjoyed that port 3 times.  Here are the links to Rich's posts to retrieve your photos.

 

 

Here are my photos from Oct. 2021.  I only posted photos from our first time there because they would probably all be the same.  In fact the third time we stayed on the ship.  I believe the weather wasn't great that day.

 

In 2012 we stopped at Santorini for the first time on Crown Princess.  Once we made our way to the top using the gondolas, we walked to the local bus station and boarded a bus headed to Oia.

 

This stop was in late November so the crowds weren't terrible.  Along the way the view of the island and coastline.

 

Once in Oia we did what we all do, walk around and take photos.  Here is the blindingly white church.  Everything there is blindingly white!

 

Anything not white seems to be Santorini blue.

 

 

I like to take photos of doorways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't figured out what this is.  What do you think?

 

After our nice visit to Oia we rode the bus back along the two lane winding road to Fira.  Another ride down on the gondolas and a tender over to the ship.  A beautiful stop on our Greek Isles cruise.😎

 

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Prayers today for our friend Roy @rafinmd who was finally allowed to go home yesterday from the hospital.  I hope he is resting well at home and has someone to come in and check on him.  I'm sure it will take a while to get his strength back after suffering from pneumonia and low sodium.  Prayers also to all on the Care list and anyone I may have missed.  We still haven't heard from Kathi @Scrapnanabut hope she is receiving treatment and will let us know later how she is faring.  Prayers also for Tana, Jacqui, the Ukraine people, everyone hit with ice storms, freezing temps, frozen pipes, and icy roads.  Please take care!

 

DS is still in Dallas with the snow and ice and I bet he's thinking I could have stayed home in Michigan to experience this type of weather!  The restaurants are mostly closed so they got groceries and are eating in.  Also noticed besides using the hot tub they are watching Mexican soccer matches on the big screen.  The boys had another 90 minute training session yesterday, but no idea what today holds.  They are supposed to fly home tonight.  Who knows if any flights will be going out of Dallas this evening. 

 

Cheers to our list of Celebration people.  Many are preparing to go on cruises and some of you are already there.  Hope it's a nice warm place!  If it's Antarctica it may not be warm right now but it is spectacular and well worth the effort.  🥂

 

Late for the treadmill.  Have a good day everyone!

 

 

[aliaschief]

Good morning! After a relaxing and beautiful day by the pool we walked to a very popular restaurant called efishetangas and dined Al fresco. Had a light meal of soft shell crab tacos and enjoyed a fireball sunset. Today more beach/pool time and tonight we will prepare our own dinner.

Santorini is beautiful but always crowded and a little too touristy but is still a special place to visit.

Sandi thanks for starting the Daily. Hope you enjoy it because it can become a full time job. Sometimes I question how many visits do I make to this blog!😱 Me thinks it may be addictive!

Roy I do hope you had a restful night and that you are properly able to take care of yourself.

Life is good. Have a great day!

Bruce

 

 

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone from a cold (and getting colder) Boston.  Thanks @StLouisCruisersfor the daily report and lists, we appreciate the stellar job that you are doing in @rafinmd’s absence.  While I don’t love chick peas I do like acorn squash so the jury’s out on the meal suggestion, the drink sounds tasty.  Interesting quote, I always wake up seeking coffee before all else.  I haven’t been to today’s port yet but really enjoyed the photos, we’ll be visiting this fall on the Oosterdam.  Prayers for all on our prayer list, I hope your recoveries are quick. Cheers to those of you celebrating happy events!

[seagarsmoker]

Thanks for the Daily Report and I have everyone has a great day! 

[kazu]

Thanks for our Thursday Daily, Sandi and our Care & Celebration list 🙂 

 

It is Ground Hog day and we are all waiting anxiously to hear the prognostications - no guarantees of course but the odds are it will be 6 more weeks of winter 😉

 

It sure is sweater day here.  It’s f-f-f-freezing outside and even in.  Can’t get warm.  Brrrr.   There’s bound to be some cars that can’t/won’t start this morning or tomorrow when it goes to -45 C. - Brrrr

 

 

Smiled at the E,B, White quote - so true !  Santorini is a nice spot with some great sights.  Don’t care for the cable car/gondola but we had to take one up to get there.  I refuse to use the donkeys as they are abused frequently.  The gondola/cable car and donkeys were not choices I wanted again so…. We walked down to return to the ship.  Didn’t take that long at all 😉

 

Hospital yesterday - X-Ray and the technician asked if he was removing the key wire today.  I told her not yet - we have some time to go….and it may be longer than I thought.

 

Elbow is back in a splint.  My specialist wants it easy to access in case of infection of the pin/screw making it’s way out.  (We are hoping it doesn’t),  It looks “ok” in the X-Ray so far but as I was told yesterday - There was a lot of damage and a lot of pieces.  It’s going a lot of time and you will be one armed for possibly months.  I wasn’t prepared for that at all 😢 

Pain is going to be part of this for a while - quizzed on it and told what to watch for, but no more potent pain killers 😞 Have 3 left and they have to do until next week. Weekly returns to see him scheduled - like it or lump it. 

 

 

My excitement today is to see what Punxsutawaney  Phil has to say although I put more faith in Shubenacadie Sam 😉 

 

Prayers for everyone on the Care list & for those that need them and cheers for those celebrating.

 

 

Have a great Thursday everyone !!!

[MISTER 67]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  Here in north central Georgia we have begun to rain again, 49F with a high of only 53 later.  A good day to stay inside cuddled up with a good book and some comfort food.

 

Today we celebrate Candlemas, Groundhog Day and National Sweater Day in Canada.  Candlemas is a Christian holiday and a day of light.  We all know about Groundhog Day and awaiting the word whether spring is just around the corner or still a long way off.  I haven't heard any word on that because the groundhogs are probably all still asleep.  Congrats to any Canadians celebrating their sweaters today.  You will probably need one!

 

No thanks to the menu suggestion because I don't care for curry, chickpeas or acorn squash!  I'll also pass on the drink and red wine.  A nice quote I think we can agree on.  Port of the day is on Santorini, Thira.  If you don't mind donkeys or gondolas you'll do all right there.  Rich presented us with that port on October 24, 2021 and March 12, 2022.  We've enjoyed that port 3 times.  Here are the links to Rich's posts to retrieve your photos.

 

 

Here are my photos from Oct. 2021.  I only posted photos from our first time there because they would probably all be the same.  In fact the third time we stayed on the ship.  I believe the weather wasn't great that day.

 

In 2012 we stopped at Santorini for the first time on Crown Princess.  Once we made our way to the top using the gondolas, we walked to the local bus station and boarded a bus headed to Oia.

 

This stop was in late November so the crowds weren't terrible.  Along the way the view of the island and coastline.

 

Once in Oia we did what we all do, walk around and take photos.  Here is the blindingly white church.  Everything there is blindingly white!

 

Anything not white seems to be Santorini blue.

 

 

I like to take photos of doorways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't figured out what this is.  What do you think?

 

After our nice visit to Oia we rode the bus back along the two lane winding road to Fira.  Another ride down on the gondolas and a tender over to the ship.  A beautiful stop on our Greek Isles cruise.😎

 

 

 

Great photos, brings back some wonderful memories of our cruise to Greece, Turkey and the Greek Islands in 1999.

Edited February 2, 2023 by MISTER 67

[MISTER 67]

1 minute ago, MISTER 67 said:

Delete

 

Edited February 2, 2023 by MISTER 67

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Report.

 

We've got a snow squall watch and very cold temperatures in the forecast.  It could get to -23°C overnight.   I'll need more than a sweater. 

 

I'm glad to hear that Roy is home.  Rest well, I hope you feel better soon.

I hope Jacqui can bear the pain while her elbow heals.

 

I'll pass on the meal suggestion, not a fan of curry but I do like squash.

I loved our visit to Santorini several years ago on the Eurodam. 

 

Prayers for everyone.

Stay safe.

 

[grapau27]

Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers for posting today's fleet report's,daily and the care list's.

Santorini is one of our favourite Greek islands and your photos capture it perfectly.

3 good days today.

I will pass on the food and drink today.

Prayers for Roy @rafinmdin his recovery and for everyone else who is unwell.

I Hope everyone has a lovely day.

Graham.

[1ANGELCAT]

live from Punxsutawney Phil says 6 more weeks of winter.

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily fleet report.  I’ll pass on today’s meal suggestion, not a fan of squash.  Tomorrow we are expecting the coldest temperatures of the season and some we haven’t seen in years as they dip below zero.  I may need that sweater.  I hope everyone has a good day today.

Six more weeks of winter.  If it was like January I’d be ok since it was warm and had little snow.

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone.

 

It is a cold start here in mid-Michigan.  Today is supposed to warm up a bit, but tomorrow is going to be downright cold all day with a forecast high of 12F.  But, light at the end of the tunnel as next week gets up in the 40s.  Today we are meeting both brothers for lunch and we'll have our weekly Farkle tournament this afternoon.  Tomorrow Sue and I are going to brave the cold and go to a show at the planetarium.  We may not be in Canada, but we will embrace our sweaters.  

 

I am hoping @rafinmd Roy had a peaceful sleep last night and wakes up feeling a bit better.  I hope he checks in soon.  @kazu Jacqui, I am disappointed for you that the elbow is still in a splint and will take longer to heal than you thought.  Hang in there!

 

Today's meal is a good one for the vegetarians in our families.  I would pass because I don't like to spend all my carbs on one dish and this would do that.   It sounds good to me, though.   This first one looks really good.   https://www.aheadofthyme.com/curried-chickpea-stuffed-acorn-squash/

 

 

This next one includes quinoa and claims to have 18 grams of protein.  When obvious choices for protein are left out, it is a concern that food provide the protein needed.  https://choosingchia.com/curried-chickpea-and-quinoa-stuffed-acorn-squash/

 

 

Here's a recipe for the pressure cooker, aka instant pot.   https://www.veganricha.com/pressure-cooker-curried-chickpea-stuffed-acorn-squash/

 

 

I hope everyone is staying warm and has a wonderful day.  Healing thoughts out to all who are ailing or injured.  Cheers to those who are celebrating, especially on a BHB.

 

 

 

 

[cat shepard]

Thank you for taking care of us, Sandi!  I really appreciate what you have done. It is a lovely morning though last night’s fog and and this morning’s marine layer have squashed my hopes of catching a glimpse of the Green Comet. Did anyone catch a glimpse of it?

 

This morning I have a Zumba class. Bindi walks, yard work and chores will round out my day. 

We are currently in the middle of Fake Spring here. It is a real season here in Florida. I seem to remember the “January thaw” as being somewhat similar up North.  

 

 

 

I have always suspected that Bindi has some cat genes, she is quite adept at ignoring me until I get in her face.

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support: Jacqui, Tana, Kathi & Roy especially. Cheers to all who are celebrating - especially Roy for being home, and Sarah for being ready to get out and enjoy life again. 
 

Get well & stay well everyone!

 

*******

Elk Cove Vineyards Mt Richmond Pinot Noir, Oregon

Elk Cove is my current “go to” vintner for a white blend. They make a wonderful Viognier/Chenin Blanc blend, so I would love to see what they do with a Pinot Noir. I used the 2019 vintage info, in hopes that it would be easier to find and fairly reasonably priced. Available from several online distributors with prices starting at $39.99.

 

Winemaker Notes

Elk Cove Mount Richmond Pinot Noir is deep and brooding with aromas of dark chocolate and ripe Italian plum, its dusty tannins lend structure to lush black currant and blackberry compote flavors. Finishes earthy with dried fig, black tea and pinesap.

JS93 James Suckling

Aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries and vanilla bean with sweet spices. Medium-bodied with powdery tannins and lively acidity. Racy and textured. Long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

WE92 Wine Enthusiast

2019 is an excellent vintage for Elk Cove, despite whatever fire-related weather and smoke issues the Willamette Valley was suffering. Perhaps the northwest corner location was spared the smoke; in any event the estate grown Pinots are fruit-driven, beautifully ripened, clean and textured and immediately delicious. The Mount Richmond adds a touch of leather to its blackberry fruit, along with refreshing minerality and a neat streak of espresso. Trailing out the finish is a note of clean straw. Drink now and through the middle of the decade.

V92 Vinous

Shimmering ruby-red. Powerful cherry cola, black raspberry, candied licorice and exotic spices on the fragrant nose. Appealingly sweet and pliant in texture, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors, a touch of succulent herbs and a spicy flourish that builds on the back half. Finishes long and smoky, with a repeating cherry note and subtle tannic grip. Best after 2024.

[mamaofami]

Good morning everyone. Getting ready for the cold weather expected tomorrow night when it goes down to 9 degrees. The quote is very true. I don’t need the groundhog to tell me it’s cold, but so far we e only had a sprinkling of snow.

Hoping Roy has an easy recovery and that Jacqui keeps healing and improving in the right direction.

Dental appointment this afternoon and then I have an appointment with the TV.

Stay safe and warm everyone,

Carol

[dobiemom]

Good morning Daily family. @StLouisCruisers Thanks for the locations of the Holland America Line fleet and all the daily information, and for keeping up our Care and Celebration lists. 😘

 

Well, I didn’t get as much done yesterday as planned. For some reason after my eye appt I was really tired so I took a nap. My eyes were dilated and cleared up just in time for my weekly babysitting time (I’m not going to say “duty” because any time with grandkids is a blessing 🥰). Afterwards the suitcases came out and I do have a packing list. Just need to get it in all in. 😜

 

Today is my last day of work. We’re babysitting tonight so DD and her DH can go to bible study. Then tomorrow is running last minute errands (have to be sure my DH has food in the house) and finish packing. I need to be finished early as I need to be up at 3am. 

 

Prayers for those the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List. Thank you all for caring and sharing. 

[ocean sounds]

Good morning, Daily friends.  Thank you, @StLouisCruisers for your great commentary and keeping the Daily going.  
 

Prayers for healing and lessening of pain for @kazu, healing and strength for @rafinmd, and for all on the care list. 
 

@cat shepard and @dfish, I enjoy the detailed input on wine and meal recipies.   Thanks to you, and to all the Dailyites who chime in.

 

Fun fact - near Beaumont, Tx is an alligator preserve - Gator Country, which has its own twist on Groundhog Day.   They use one of their bigger gators, Big Al, a 1000 lb, 90+ year old Gator, to predict upcoming winter or spring .    Strange but true.  Also true - I’m scared of alligators 🐊 😂

 

Stay warm, hug your families, share a smile with a stranger, and have a wonderful day.

 

Edited February 2, 2023 by ocean sounds
Typos

[ottahand7]

Good morning from the Neumyaer Channel. We had a break in the weather so we got a brief glimpse of some of the fabulous peaks surrounding us.  Several Humpbacks and hundred of Gentoo Penguins alongside but no Crab eater seals yet.

Roy I am glad you are home from the hospital.  Wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.  Prayers for all on our Care list and for Jacqui, Kathi and I hope Tana gets over her GI bug.  Prayers for the people of Ukraine. 

Edited February 2, 2023 by ottahand7

[4966and556]

There isn't any sunshine in our area, so I say spring will begin on March 20. 

 

Thank you to everyone who helps make this Daily report happen.   I will pass on the food and the drinks today. 

[Heartgrove]

Double-thank you Sandi, thank you Debbie, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for your daily contribution! And thank you all for being here!

 

On Tuesday, DSIL and Sue went to our Urgent Care for a PCR test. DSIL saw the doctor and because she had tested positive with the Rapid Test, they didn't bother to do a PCR test. Sue received her results yesterday - and she is positive as well. So far, I have remained well as I may have enough antibodies remaining since I had COVID in November. I plan on doing another Rapid test tomorrowThankfully our house is big enough that the three of us can have our own space. DSIL is actually beginning to feel better. The three of us had the vacine and are triple-boosted. I guess we should have heeded the Carnival suggestion to still wear masks in large gatherings on our cruise last week. The possibility of an infection is still out there.

 

Stay Safe!

 

- Jack 

 

[superoma]

Good morning all. Minus 19 here this morning, sweaters are out for sure along with fuzzy socks, etc. I have no email from Roy @rafinmdthis morning so I assume he will post himself. I hope he had a good night. If I do hear I will post. Will be home all day.

 

prayers for all that need them. Will raise a glass later for those celebrating.

[smitty34877]

Good morning  to all.We have been celebrating  sweater day here by adding a other sweater layer.Early morning dog walking was remarkable for the winter fashions of  hat,scarf,gloves and even the lined jeans.I wasn't  outside long because the dogs were very efficient. 

We live adjacent to a large Bronx park which has become a tent refuge for the homeless.It is heartbreaking and the predicted  windchill for tomorrow  is unusual  for our area. I did see city workers yesterday entering the park.I would hope they are  able to persuade  people to go to a shelter.

The recipes look tasty but we are making soup here. I think we will  start with potato leek and then try a new lentil recipe which is more of a stew. 

Tana ate very little yesterday but will hopefully manage something in a little  while.

I was happy to read that Roy made it home and very much hope he has folks looking in on him.

@StLouisCruisers, Sandi, I hope your family members are able to come home tonight.It is too bad the weather interfered with the soccer program.

@kazu, Jacqui, oh no on the prolonged time required for healing.I hope at least the pain is less.

Take care everyone. 

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.