The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday February 22nd, 2023

[StLouisCruisers]

 

30 minutes ago, ocean sounds said:

@StLouisCruisers , thanks for today’s Daily and Fleet report.  I hope both you and @rafinmd can start getting deep, restful sleep 😴.  All that you do for the Daily is appreciated.
 

 

Thank you.  A deep, restful sleep sure sounds good.  It's nice to have some new Dailyites onboard.  👋

 

 

 

27 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Morning. Forgot to turn on the air purifier in our bedroom last night and woke up early all stuffed up. Tis the season for my allergies. Looks like another pretty day with temps in high seventies. We’ll go to church at noon to attend Ash Wednesday Services.

Like today’s quote and I would like to sample today’s Bordeaux.

I have enjoyed following all the World Cruise Blogs of cruisers on the Zuiderdam. Sounds like the Hal of old and the crew is making it an extra special experience.

Thank you Sandi for getting the Daily started. May all of you have a great Hump Day.

 

Love the memes today, Bruce!  Sorry about the congestion but hopefully you have a beautiful day today and enjoy your nice weather.🌞

 

 

 

 

22 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

Thank you for getting us started, Sandi. I see that you were up super early this morning.  Rich, thank you for making it so easy for us to continue while you are enjoying the World!

 

Vanessa, thank you for making sure our lists include all our happenings!

 

It is a very foggy morning here this more, but once it burns off - it should be another gorgeous day. Today is paver cleaning day, Bindi walks, meeting with a local group that offers pre-paid cremation/burial services and then my HIIT. I also need to do a bit more prep for my out-of-town family.  I should sleep well tonight. 
 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone!

 

***********

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, St.Julien, Bordeaux, France 2014

An amazing sounding Bordeaux blend that has a low critic score of 95! But those ratings come at a hefty price. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $194.89.

 

Winemaker Notes

Intense garnet red color. An elegant bouquet very Ducru-Beaucaillou! Cedar at the start then notes of black pepper with a hint of vanilla. With airing, it evolves towards subtle hints of fine spices and notes of black cherry. Gorgeous palate with a beautiful tannin grain and perfect harmony. A neat and polished wine with excellent definition. Great freshness. Amazing purity. A succulent wine, vibrant, brilliant, wonderfully balanced.

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot

JS99 James Suckling

Fabulous aromas of crushed berries such as blackberries and blackcurrants, not to mention spices. Wet earth and cedar, too. Complex. Full-bodied, yet agile and complete. A dense center palate. Ultra-round tannins. Everything in the right balance. Wonderful to taste but better to drink in 2022.

D97 Decanter

We are now in the realm of truly young wines, and also in the realm of Ducru just totally hitting its stride and celebrating it potential. This is young and inky in colour, fresh with plenty of St Julien signature: real menthol freshness and cigar box seduction - great Cabernet flavours. This is barely getting going and is a wine that you want to know what happens next. Excellent stuff, spicy, powerful and juicy. 100% new oak.

WE96 Wine Enthusiast

This powerful wine has a superb mix of the crispest fruit and great structure. Blackberries and black currants shine through the tannins, expressing the liveliness of the vintage. It is so well delineated with everything in its place. The wine is certainly going to age for decades. Drink from 2027. 
Cellar Selection

JD96 Jeb Dunnuck

I just love the style of this estate and the 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou is an undeniable success in the vintage. Made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot brought up in 100% new French oak, it offers a deep purple color as well as both elegance and power in its crème de cassis, raspberries, cedarwood, graphite, and floral bouquet, with its background oak smothered in fruit. Possessing a classic elegance, full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, and stunning length, it one of the wines of the vintage and will drink nicely for another two to three decades.

RP95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Very deep garnet in color, the 2014 Ducru-Beaucaillou springs from the glass, offering vibrant notions of fresh black currants, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of spice box, licorice and fragrant soil plus a waft of lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate bursts with lively, crunchy black fruits, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering spicy note.

WS95 Wine Spectator

Opulent, with layers of warmed fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture that loll along, yet are kept going by a terrific graphite note that is well-buried throughout. Alluring black tea, singed mesquite and bittersweet cocoa accents add to the panache. A head-turner. Best from 2020 through 2040.

Yup, always up early.  Great memes from you too!  I knew that French wine might be expensive but that's above most of our price points.  I agree with @ocean sounds, can we get a pic of your Bindi?🐕

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

 

Today’s care list:

Roy recovering from pneumonia; more tests

Graham’s Sarah losing a close friend

Those in the path of snowstorms and ice

All our sleep deprived Dailyites

New earthquake in Turkey 2/20; 46,000+ deaths after Feb 3 earthquake

New Zealand affected by cyclone/flooding, with deaths and many missing people

Citizens of Ukraine

From the rotation:

Tana’s pulmonary issues

Scrapnana undergoing chemotherapy

Former President Jimmy Carter in home hospice care

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

 

Celebrations and Shout outs:

Kochleffel feeling better

StLouisCruiser’s numbness improved

Luvteaching’s DH’s continued slow improvement

 

1 days for Lady Hudson (Enchantment of the Seas 2/23 to 3/3)

3 days for RMLincoln family cruise (Rotterdam 2/25 to 3/8)

3 days for SusieKIslandGirl (Noordam 2/25 to 3/11) 

3 days for Cruisercl (NCL Bliss 2/25 to 3/12)

3 days for Mr. Boston (Celebrity Millennium 2/25 to 3/4)

 

ottahand7 and Lindaler (Volendam to 3/18), Seasick Sailor and 57redbird (Koningsdam to 3/25), Norseh2o (Oceania Marina to 4/6), and Cat in My Lap, Gail&Marty, Richwmn and HorizonChaser1957 (Zuiderdam to 5/12) at sea

 

Thanks Vanessa for the great list keeping.  We really have a lot of cruisers starting out on the 25th and on 4 different ships!  

 

 

Debbie @dfishthanks for the recipes and photos today.  Except for the curry I'd like any of them.  I hope the storm isn't as bad as predicted.  My DS is in San Francisco at an engineering conference and coming home late Thursday night.  Hopefully the Detroit airport and Ann Arbor don't get hit to hard with the ice and snow so he can get home okay.  I remember you mentioned you had surgery coming up around the first week of March.  What is the date?

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone.  Everyone I talked to it seemed had complaints about sketchy situations in Salvador del Bahia yesterday.  Even when we were talking photos in a public park two women came and wanted money.  I waved them off with my "no understand" . The crew in the Lido were complaining too. I imagine it will get worse as we get to the Amazon.  We have a HA tour tomorrow in Recife. 

Thanks for starting our Daily for us Sandi and Vanessa for our Care list. Prayers for all on our Care list, the people of Ukraine and anyone needing them.   

I went to the Medical center just now to pick my weekly refrigerated medicine and rounded the corner and mentally went Ugh.  The chairs were full.  I grabbed a mask and stood near the door.  Thankfully I wasn't in there long.  I am heading off to the gym early and will enjoy the breeze on the balcony.   

Food porn from last night and this morning.  Grilled Corvina, short ribs and John's beautiful Lido breakfast. I am fasting so eating lunch and dinner only to try to control my weight. Nancy 

 

 

 

 

[grapau27]

32 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

 

Today’s care list:

Roy recovering from pneumonia; more tests

Graham’s Sarah losing a close friend

Those in the path of snowstorms and ice

All our sleep deprived Dailyites

New earthquake in Turkey 2/20; 46,000+ deaths after Feb 3 earthquake

New Zealand affected by cyclone/flooding, with deaths and many missing people

Citizens of Ukraine

From the rotation:

Tana’s pulmonary issues

Scrapnana undergoing chemotherapy

Former President Jimmy Carter in home hospice care

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

 

Celebrations and Shout outs:

Kochleffel feeling better

StLouisCruiser’s numbness improved

Luvteaching’s DH’s continued slow improvement

 

1 days for Lady Hudson (Enchantment of the Seas 2/23 to 3/3)

3 days for RMLincoln family cruise (Rotterdam 2/25 to 3/8)

3 days for SusieKIslandGirl (Noordam 2/25 to 3/11) 

3 days for Cruisercl (NCL Bliss 2/25 to 3/12)

3 days for Mr. Boston (Celebrity Millennium 2/25 to 3/4)

 

ottahand7 and Lindaler (Volendam to 3/18), Seasick Sailor and 57redbird (Koningsdam to 3/25), Norseh2o (Oceania Marina to 4/6), and Cat in My Lap, Gail&Marty, Richwmn and HorizonChaser1957 (Zuiderdam to 5/12) at sea

 

Thank you for today's lists Vanessa and Sarah's mention.

Graham.

[grapau27]

I wish HAL would sail from Southampton England.

I just booked my second P&O cruise this week from Southampton England.

Graham.

[HAL Sailer]

Just back from my DSIL's memorial service weekend. I need to catch up with The Daily from last Thursday forward. But first, a story from the weekend:

 

At Saturday's service luncheon, an elderly lady named Pearl came to me asking, "Are you Melisa?" Since DSIL's grandson's wife is also a Melissa, I answered, "Yes, I'm the Melisa married to DSIL's brother."

 

Pearl responded, "I thought so. Well, I wanted you to know we prayed for you again." 

 

I was very puzzled and my face surely betrayed me.

 

Pearl added, "You know, we prayed for your driving. You know, your DSIL called me at Christmas when you were driving down to see her in that horrid Christmas storm and asked me to start the Prayer Chain for your safe travels."

 

I had not known that DSIL had done that, but I thanked Pearl.

 

Then Pearl added, "I started the chain again on Thursday because I guessed you'd be bringing her brother down for the memorial either in that big Thursday storm or on bad roads Friday. And, since your DSIL could no longer ask me to do it, I just started the Prayer Chain for her. I didn't think she'd mind."

 

I thanked Pearl again and told her I was sure DSIL would be in complete agreement.

 

(And, we had safe travels at Christmas and for the memorial. Plus we arrived home last night ahead of the incoming storm. Thanks Pearl and DSIL!)

 

Now, to rest up and catch up...

-Melisa

[grapau27]

5 minutes ago, ottahand7 said:

Good morning everyone.  Everyone I talked to it seemed had complaints about sketchy situations in Salvador del Bahia yesterday.  Even when we were talking photos in a public park two women came and wanted money.  I waved them off with my "no understand" . The crew in the Lido were complaining too. I imagine it will get worse as we get to the Amazon.  We have a HA tour tomorrow in Recife. 

Thanks for starting our Daily for us Sandi and Vanessa for our Care list. Prayers for all on our Care list, the people of Ukraine and anyone needing them.   

I went to the Medical center just now to pick my weekly refrigerated medicine and rounded the corner and mentally went Ugh.  The chairs were full.  I grabbed a mask and stood near the door.  Thankfully I wasn't in there long.  I am heading off to the gym early and will enjoy the breeze on the balcony.   

Food porn from last night and this morning.  Grilled Corvina, short ribs and John's beautiful Lido breakfast. I am fasting so eating lunch and dinner only to try to control my weight. Nancy 

 

 

 

 

Your meal looks delicious.

Graham.

[smitty34877]

Good morning to all. It is chilly with rain coming later this afternoon. The storm marching across the country sounds fierce and I hope everyone stays safe and the power is not lost.

I am a long standing member of the insomnia brigade and have had two very long nights. I always hope I get to sleep the following night and at least feel human. DH sleeps next to me like a reliable rock. It is maddening but at least he is not tired. DD has started to experience sleeplessness as well and  attributes it to menopause. I won’t tell her that it does indeed get worse when one gets older!

My DGD was telling me about her vacation plans with her friends for the week and I told her that we would get the individual days off for Lincoln’s birthday and for Washington’s as well. She thought that was interesting but certainly enjoyed a week off from school instead. 
 

@rafinmd, Roy, I am hoping the monitor arrives swiftly and the night is not problematic for you. Maybe this will tell the MD why you are still fatigued and not sleeping well.

@Seasick Sailor, Joy, my what a cranky person you encountered in the elevator. I hope you don’t have to see that person often around the ship. I hope you are both enjoying your cruise.

 

Yesterday DH and I were waiting in a doctors office for one of his appointments.The nurse came out to tell us that the doctor was delayed due to an  emergency. An ambulance arrived and a rather young woman was taken out through the waiting room complaining of chest pain. I could not believe the other patients who grumbled and complained that they had to wait so long. Sometimes I just want to give up on humans and just be with the dogs and cats…….

 

[cat shepard]

1 hour ago, ocean sounds said:

@cat shepard , Thanks for your daily wine 🍷 Information.

I’m a recent Daily follower.  I don’t think I’ve seen a picture of your Bindi.

 

thanks for your Daily contributions!

 

 

 

Bindi is my avatar.  Here is the entire pic. I took it her adoption day - almost 7 years ago. A lot more grey around the muzzle. 

 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  I remember as a child, our whole school trooping off to church for a special Ash Wednesday service.  I try to be humble every day.  Did you know it’s also Margarita Day?  Woo hoo!

 

Well it’s a cold one here on the “frozen tundra”; we’re currently sitting at -34C (-29F) and with the wind it feel like -43C (-45F).  As usual, we should just hunker down and stay home, but life carries on as normal.  DH has a lunch meeting today, then a coffee with the guys from his band, and I have to visit the dentist at noon to see what can be done about my tooth.  Both vehicles are plugged in, and DH will start mine this morning just to warm it up for a while since it hasn’t been driven in over a week.  

 

Yesterday we took our PC over to Staples so they could transfer all the files and set up our new one, so I’m working on my little iPad mini and a portable Bluetooth keyboard, so please forgive any typos I might have today.

 

I hope those of our Daily family who are in the path of storms are safe, and that the power stays on.  At least here, the power rarely goes off, even during our worst blizzards.  I believe that’s because we usually get dry, powdery type snow, instead of the wet, heavy stuff that brings down trees and power lines.  

 

Not a lot going on here other than regular day to day stuff, but that means I’ll have time to work on more blankets.  I finished another yesterday and started making a camping blanket for one of our grandsons.  I deconstructed an afghan that was in very dark colours and thought it would be great for camping, as it wouldn’t show the dirt from being dragged around the campfire, etc.  The afghan was large enough that I should be able to get 2 smaller ones out of it.  I’m crocheting them in a simple pattern that can be added to as they grow, so they aren’’t stuck with tiny little ones as teenagers or adults.

 

I’d love to try today’s wine selection but don’t think that’ll ever happen.  LOL. I like today’s menu suggestion and will add it to my file, but because it’s Ash Wednesday, I think we’ll have fish for dinner tonight.  Friends of ours gave us a couple of packages of fish fillets from their lake that I’ve got thawing in the fridge.  I’ll coat them in panko crumbs and put them in the air fryer and serve fish along with some steamed vegetables and baked potatoes a the kitchen table tonight .  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, especially those suffering through natural and man-made disasters.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

 

 

[JazzyV]

Good morning on this Ash Wednesday.

HBD GW and I try to be humble. Nice quote. I'll pass on the meal (no coconut due to a texture issue), maybe on the punch and yes to the wine if someone else buys it.

I've never been to Djupivogur, and look forward to pictures.

 

It's raining here, but above freezing, so hopefully no sleet. Crazy weather continues with 72F tomorrow, then 37 on Friday! I'm heading out to the hospital for my PET stress test shortly; I'll go a bit early due to rain and there's always an accident at my highway exit.

 

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for starting us up. 

@Crazy For Cats Sorry work is being difficult!

@rafinmd Have you talked to your doctor about your sleep issues? I hope it improves. I hope the people come soon to put on the monitor.

@GTVCRUISER Thanks for mentioning margarita day!

@dfish Stay safe during the storm!

@ottahand7 Thanks for the food porn. I ordered a special fridge and a sharps container for my TA cruise, for my medication, so hopefully that works out.

@HAL Sailer Welcome back. So wonderful of Pearl to have been praying for you and DH the first time at DSIL's request and on her own this time.

@ger_77 Good luck at the dentist.

 

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

Stay well Everyone.

Gotta run!

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, ottahand7 said:

Good morning everyone.  Everyone I talked to it seemed had complaints about sketchy situations in Salvador del Bahia yesterday.  Even when we were talking photos in a public park two women came and wanted money.  I waved them off with my "no understand" . The crew in the Lido were complaining too. I imagine it will get worse as we get to the Amazon.  We have a HA tour tomorrow in Recife. 

Thanks for starting our Daily for us Sandi and Vanessa for our Care list. Prayers for all on our Care list, the people of Ukraine and anyone needing them.   

I went to the Medical center just now to pick my weekly refrigerated medicine and rounded the corner and mentally went Ugh.  The chairs were full.  I grabbed a mask and stood near the door.  Thankfully I wasn't in there long.  I am heading off to the gym early and will enjoy the breeze on the balcony.   

Food porn from last night and this morning.  Grilled Corvina, short ribs and John's beautiful Lido breakfast. I am fasting so eating lunch and dinner only to try to control my weight. Nancy 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your food photos Nancy.  Sorry about the sketchy situations in port yesterday.  I don't recall too much begging in the Amazon.  Of course in Boca de Valeria, the small village where the children take you by the hand and escort you around could be considered a begging situation.  However, they don't ask for money or hold out their hand for it.  They were very calm, and since we don't speak their language and vice versa it was a quiet walk there.  At the end they just stand near you and wait to see if you will give them a dollar or two.  Then they hurry over to the welcome line and wait for their next chance to show someone around.  Make sure you go into shore when you are there because it's one of the more interesting stops.  Also Devil's Island, French Guiana on the S. American north coast is one of our favorite days on the cruise we took.  We just enjoyed walking around on our own exploring there.  Thanks for reporting in each day and keeping us updated.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

I wish HAL would sail from Southampton England.

I just booked my second P&O cruise this week from Southampton England.

Graham.

I wish HAL sailed from there too.  I guess you could fly to Amsterdam or Rotterdam if you would like to try out HAL.  Something to consider next time.  I've cruised into and out of Southampton only on Princess ships.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, HAL Sailer said:

Just back from my DSIL's memorial service weekend. I need to catch up with The Daily from last Thursday forward. But first, a story from the weekend:

 

At Saturday's service luncheon, an elderly lady named Pearl came to me asking, "Are you Melisa?" Since DSIL's grandson's wife is also a Melissa, I answered, "Yes, I'm the Melisa married to DSIL's brother."

 

Pearl responded, "I thought so. Well, I wanted you to know we prayed for you again." 

 

I was very puzzled and my face surely betrayed me.

 

Pearl added, "You know, we prayed for your driving. You know, your DSIL called me at Christmas when you were driving down to see her in that horrid Christmas storm and asked me to start the Prayer Chain for your safe travels."

 

I had not known that DSIL had done that, but I thanked Pearl.

 

Then Pearl added, "I started the chain again on Thursday because I guessed you'd be bringing her brother down for the memorial either in that big Thursday storm or on bad roads Friday. And, since your DSIL could no longer ask me to do it, I just started the Prayer Chain for her. I didn't think she'd mind."

 

I thanked Pearl again and told her I was sure DSIL would be in complete agreement.

 

(And, we had safe travels at Christmas and for the memorial. Plus we arrived home last night ahead of the incoming storm. Thanks Pearl and DSIL!)

 

Now, to rest up and catch up...

-Melisa

That is a very nice story about dear Pearl and your DSIL.  I'm sure you were relieved that the weather wasn't a problem on those long drives.  It's not easy keeping up with the Daily or CC when gone for a period of time.  I'm still trying to catch up from our 8 days away!

 

 

 

1 hour ago, smitty34877 said:

Good morning to all. It is chilly with rain coming later this afternoon. The storm marching across the country sounds fierce and I hope everyone stays safe and the power is not lost.

I am a long standing member of the insomnia brigade and have had two very long nights. I always hope I get to sleep the following night and at least feel human. DH sleeps next to me like a reliable rock. It is maddening but at least he is not tired. DD has started to experience sleeplessness as well and  attributes it to menopause. I won’t tell her that it does indeed get worse when one gets older!

My DGD was telling me about her vacation plans with her friends for the week and I told her that we would get the individual days off for Lincoln’s birthday and for Washington’s as well. She thought that was interesting but certainly enjoyed a week off from school instead. 
 

@rafinmd, Roy, I am hoping the monitor arrives swiftly and the night is not problematic for you. Maybe this will tell the MD why you are still fatigued and not sleeping well.

@Seasick Sailor, Joy, my what a cranky person you encountered in the elevator. I hope you don’t have to see that person often around the ship. I hope you are both enjoying your cruise.

 

Yesterday DH and I were waiting in a doctors office for one of his appointments.The nurse came out to tell us that the doctor was delayed due to an  emergency. An ambulance arrived and a rather young woman was taken out through the waiting room complaining of chest pain. I could not believe the other patients who grumbled and complained that they had to wait so long. Sometimes I just want to give up on humans and just be with the dogs and cats…….

 

Good grief!  An emergency patient is not a good enough excuse for the doctor's delay?  Especially seeing the person right in front of them and still no empathy.  I don't blame you for wanting to give up on humans.

 

 

32 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

 

 

Bindi is my avatar.  Here is the entire pic. I took it her adoption day - almost 7 years ago. A lot more grey around the muzzle. 

 

Oh, that's much better than the tiny avatar photo.  She's a cutie?  What breed is she?  Sort of reminds me of a Basenji's face shape.  A neighbor had one once.  I remember because she was barkless which is so unusual.  

 

Gerry @ger_77hope the dentist appointment goes okay!

 

Vanessa @JazzyVgood luck at your PET stress test today, and safe driving.

Edited February 22, 2023 by StLouisCruisers

[ocean sounds]

21 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

 

 

Bindi is my avatar.  Here is the entire pic. I took it her adoption day - almost 7 years ago. A lot more grey around the muzzle. 

 

Thank you! Bindi and you are lucky to have found each other !

 

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

 

Have a great day.

[grapau27]

4 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Thanks for your food photos Nancy.  Sorry about the sketchy situations in port yesterday.  I don't recall too much begging in the Amazon.  Of course in Boca de Valeria, the small village where the children take you by the hand and escort you around could be considered a begging situation.  However, they don't ask for money or hold our their hand for it.  They were very calm, and since we don't speak their language and vice versa it was a quiet walk there.  At the end they just stand near you and wait to see if you will give them a dollar or two.  Then they hurry over to the welcome line and wait for their next chance to show someone around.  Make sure you go into shore when you are there because it's one of the more interesting stops.  Also Devil's Island, French Guiana on the S. American north coast is one of our favorite days on the cruise we took.  We just enjoyed walking around on our own exploring there.  Thanks for reporting in each day and keeping us updated.

 

 

 

I wish HAL sailed from there too.  I guess you could fly to Amsterdam or Rotterdam if you would like to try out HAL.  Something to consider next time.  I've cruised into and out of Southampton only on Princess ships.

 

 

 

That is a very nice story about dear Pearl and your DSIL.  I'm sure you were relieved that the weather wasn't a problem on those long drives.  It's not easy keeping up with the Daily or CC when gone for a period of time.  I'm still trying to catch up from our 8 days away!

 

 

 

Good grief!  An emergency patient is not a good enough excuse for the doctor's delay?  Especially seeing the person right in front of them and still no empathy.  I don't blame you for wanting to give up on humans.

 

 

Oh, that's much better than the tiny avatar photo.  She's a cutie?  What breed is she?  Sort of reminds me of a Basenji's face shape.  A neighbor had one once.  I remember because she was barkless which is so unusual.  

 

Gerry @ger_77hope the dentist appointment goes okay!

 

Vanessa @JazzyVgood luck at your PET stress test today, and safe driving.

Thank you Sandi.

Although Southampton is a 315 mile drive it is convenient for us because Pauline is not keen on flying and we can carry a lot more luggage on board.

We stay overnight in a Southampton hotel pre cruise and the cruise terminals are only 5-10 minutes taxi ride away.

We also have a first time MSC cruise from Southampton (Pauline's choice).

Graham.

[cruising sister]

Wow, everyone is up early. I guess we are not the age group to party late into the night. 
 

Thanks Sandi for starting us out this morning. I can’t believe how much work this must have been for Rich to prepare this ahead of time. 
 

I am allergic to shellfish so will pass on the delicious looking recipes. My DH would have loved them. 
 

Our new airport opens next week. My hope is we will get more direct flights and even some overseas flights. It was long overdue but debated for several years. Living smack dab on the middle of the country makes it a connecting flight if going anywhere of great distance. 
 

I over did it yesterday so I will try to slow down today. 
 

Prayers and well wishes to all. 

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning from Bluffton, SC where it is overcast, but the sun promises to shine later and the temps rise to 80 degrees.

Thank you to Sandi for the Daily and Fleet Report and to Vanessa for the Cares and Celebration List.

Appreciate the receipts for the drink and food. And thank you to all who contribute to make this thread a special place.

 

Happy birthday to George.  As we mark the beginning of Lent, may those who observe Ash Wednesday find some blessings during this holy season.  We all try to practice some humility.

 

I will pass on the meal as I do not eat curry and the wine, while it looks lovely, is way above our budget.

I like the quote.

I have not been to the destination.

 

Prayers to all who need them and to those who are celebrating—Cheers!

 

Today is more of the same for us.  We keep trying to put things back in place.  I just can’t seem to remember where everything goes.  

 

Work continues on the bathroom.

Have a good day everyone and God Bless,

Terri

 

[Rowsby]

I am also in the "3:00 AM" club...!!

 

It started a year ago when my DH was in the hospital....and I'm still waking at 3:00 if I'm lucky..........sometimes it's 1:00..........and on very rare nights I make it clear to 4:00....

 

I worried about it when I couldn't seem to get back in sync....but now I just roll with it and enjoy the early...very early....peace, quiet and the eventual sun coming up...

 

And...even tho I'm sitting on the west coast....I am usually one of the first to read the Daily.... 😅

[marshhawk]

Happy Wednesday Morning Dailyites!  The computer says 62 and cloudy.  It is cloudy.  I dont believe the temps.  

 

@dfishI love the look of the meal today.  This is a lot like what our Massaman curry looks like, the can of curry soup comes with some small potatoes, and then we add shrimp or shredded chicken to it. DH loves it on rice, but thanks to you and your veggie information, I put my curry on roasted cauliflower.  Yummy!  If there are left over veggies in the fridge, I throw them in too, and then serve with sliced avocado and a few cashews.  We  have this about once a week.  Easy peasy since our curry comes in a can. 

 

@HAL Sailer How nice of Pearl to start the Prayer chain for you.  This is like the man at the BBQ place last Saturday who prayed over DH to heal.  He said to me when we left that it is a time in the world for Christians to announce who they are,  by actions.  

 

DH and I have been having a hard week because we have had to make a hard decision about Neko.  She is hungry, but she cant eat, the gums are really bothering her, and the tumor in her throat is blocking her ability to swallow.  We knew that we would have to do something, but now it is sooner than later, and I dont believe any animal should suffer, so we called the vet yesterday and let them know our decision, and they still cant see her until  Friday morning.  Right now we are trying to get her to eat broth, but even that does not stay down.  So until Friday, she will be at my work desk demanding love, which i will give her, and tonight we will try a pure liquid meal for her.  

 

 

 

[rafinmd]

36 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I wish HAL sailed from there too.  I guess you could fly to Amsterdam or Rotterdam if you would like to try out HAL.  Something to consider next time.  I've cruised into and out of Southampton only on Princess ships.

Or the ferry

 

Roy

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone from the Admirals Club in Charlotte awaiting the connection to San Juan. I think that we awoke at the same time as @StLouisCruiserstoday!  Seems strange to be traveling on Ash Wednesday but it is what it is.  Happy birthday to George Washington.  It’s always good to be humble. I like the quote very much, why waste precious time on the negative.  The meal suggestion sounds tasty as does the wine.  I’ll enjoy the pictures of today’s port.  Prayers for all on our list.  Cheers to everyone celebrating happy events today 🥂

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a wet central Texas.  We received about 1/3 inch of rain, and could still get some more in the next hour or so.  It is 61F currently, but once the rain moves further east and the clouds disappear our high should reach about 78F.  I can already see a patch of blue sky.

 

Ash Wednesday begins a somber time on the Christian calendar.  We'll celebrate George Washington's birthday.  I try to be humble.

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote is very true.

 

Since neither of us are fond of curry, we'll pass on the meal and the drink.  I would love to try the wine, but it is rather pricey.

 

We have not been to Djupivogur, and I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of the port.

 

@puppycanducruise  I hope you do not lose power during the coming storm.

@rafinmd  Roy, I hope you don't have to wait all day for the monitor.  I'm glad you slept well last night, but wish it had been a longer sleep.

@dfish  Debbie, I hope you get to the gym and the pedicure done and are safely home before the storm really hits your area.

@ottahand7  Nancy, I guess we were lucky in Salvador de Bahia since we did not encounter any begging.  However, in 2015, we took a city tour that we picked up in the cruise terminal.  We paid for the three hour tour, but somehow, the lady put us on the bus for the six hour tour.  We'd realize it until the first stop.  BTW, we did no see any begging when we did the Amazon cruise, but we were told not to give money to the children in Boca de Valeria since they'd give it to their parents who would use it to buy beer or booze.  It was recommended to donate to the school or the church instead.  We enjoyed our visit to Boca de Valeria and meeting the friendly residents.

@HAL Sailer  Melissa, I'm glad your drive to DSIL's memorial service went well.  How nice of Pearl to restart the prayer chain, and that was a nice way to honor your DSIL's memory.

@smitty34877  Terry, I think there are some people who will grumble about anything.  Yes, dogs and cats are much better behaved than many humans.

@cat shepard  Ann, thanks for the picture of Bindi.

@ger_77  Gerry, I hope the dentist appointment goes well and you can get a new crown soon.

@JazzyV  Vanessa, I hope the PET stress tests results show no surprises.

@grapau27  Graham, like Roy, @rafinmd I was wondering if you could take the ferry from Newcastle to IJmuiden to board a HAL cruise.

@cruising sister  Lorraine, I hope the new airport means more non-stop flights for you.

@Cruzin Terri  Terry, I hope the work on the bathroom can progress quickly.

@marshhawk  Annie, I'm sorry the decision about Neko had to be made sooner than expected.  It's never an easy decision even when you know it is for the best.

 

For those in the path of the winter storms, I hope everyone stays safe and does not lose power.

 

Lenda

 

[travelnap]

Snowing and blowing here today and tomorrow.  They shut down the interstates last night already and will not get much better until this weekend.  Hope you all have a good Ash Wednesday.  I do like today's quote, how true.  As far as Be Humble Day, it is always good to be humble.  

[smitty34877]

@Mr. Boston, Safe travels to San Juan and Bon Voyage to you both

 

@marshhawk,I am so sorry  about the kitty.Are there  other vets in the area? It is so hard to wait and watch your fur baby suffer.

@RMLincoln,safe travels to you both and Bon Voyage  for your family cruise.

@JazzyV, Vanessa, I hope the scan goes well today.

[durangoscots]

Good morning. While the predicted storm is still west of us, the snow is beginning and the wind is rising. And with it, the temperatures are falling. It is going to be a very good day to stay home. I have heard from some friends just out of town at higher elevations that they already have about 8 inches and one has lost power. It is going to be an interesting day. And another friend who moved here recently from California has discovered black ice. Fortunately nothing was broken.

 

@ottahand7I remember Salvadore de Bahia from several cruises and we were always given warning there. I stuck with ships tours. Going up the Amazon we encountered few problems.

 

@rafinmdHope you can get some rest and that the monitor gets set with no hassle. I think the worst part of not sleeping is that you begin to worry about it when you are ready to go to sleep and then of course, you really can't sleep. I am a member of the 3AM club but fortunately I have developed a routine of getting resettled that lets me go back at least for a few hours. My Sister is the same way.

 

Take today easy, everyone. With the widespread nasty weather, we may have no choice until it passes.

 

Susan

 

 

[kazu]

thanks for our Wednesday Daily, Sandi.

 

Good collection of days - especially Ash Wednesday & Be Humble Day although I do think “be humble” should be everyday.  Great Emerson quote and ever so true.

 

On the tardy side today - back from physio and weary.  Not sure it’s because I joined the 3 am wake up club (although it was really 4 AM) or from the physio session today.

 

4 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

We've got a winter storm warning.  A big bad storm is heading our way, ice pellets, freezing rain and lots of snow starting later today.  I hope the power stays on.

 

I hope you keep your power 🤞 Thinking of you and everyone caught in this huge storm.  Stay safe please.

 

 

3 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

Then Pearl added, "I started the chain again on Thursday because I guessed you'd be bringing her brother down for the memorial either in that big Thursday storm or on bad roads Friday. And, since your DSIL could no longer ask me to do it, I just started the Prayer Chain for her. I didn't think she'd mind."

 

I thanked Pearl again and told her I was sure DSIL would be in complete agreement.

 

that whole story is just lovely, Melisa 👍 

 

 

3 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Yesterday DH and I were waiting in a doctors office for one of his appointments.The nurse came out to tell us that the doctor was delayed due to an  emergency. An ambulance arrived and a rather young woman was taken out through the waiting room complaining of chest pain. I could not believe the other patients who grumbled and complained that they had to wait so long. Sometimes I just want to give up on humans and just be with the dogs and cats…….

 

 

Honestly - some people !!!  I completely agree - people like this make you want to just be with our furry friends.  

 

 

2 hours ago, ger_77 said:

I have to visit the dentist at noon to see what can be done about my tooth.

 

Good luck at the dentist, Gerry.  Hopefully something can be done easily 🤞 

 

2 hours ago, ger_77 said:

At least here, the power rarely goes off, even during our worst blizzards.  I believe that’s because we usually get dry, powdery type snow, instead of the wet, heavy stuff that brings down trees and power lines.  

 

that’s one small blessing on the ‘frozen tundra’.  It’s far too cold to be without heat for long.

 

 

Prayers for everyone on the Care list, people of Ukraine & New Zealand and all the earthquake victims.  And a big toast 🥂 to all those celebrating.

 

 

Have a great Wednesday everyone and stay safe in the storms.