Jim_Iain Apex Key West, TansAtlantic and British Isle with a Week in Amsterdam

[Ipeeinthepools]

5 hours ago, ProfMHC said:

Walked out of Luminae tonight. Sat there from 5:30 till 6:35 and other than the amuse bouche , rolls, and appetizers, we were served NOTHING. Sommelier did top off the wine. THST WAS IT. Grabbed a supervisor who announced entrees would be right out. Waited another fifteen minutes. NOTHING. Except that the all the folks around us — some who came in well after 6 pm — had been served their entrees. I can hardly wait for the surveys. NEVER (in over 15 cruises) did we experience anything like this on Princess. Inexplicable and unacceptable. 

 

Sure sounds like the wheels have come off in Luminae.  I can only imagine what it must be like in the MDR.

[Lena11033]

8 hours ago, hcat said:

which one had slow service?

we prefer Tuscan and Cyprus..they are smaller..service seemed better!

Cosmopolitan. Everyone there seemed to be struggling compared to Tuscan and Cyprus. I ended up after trying all four staying with Cyprus. I mean the sommelier never turned up but at least the food did 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Great service in MDR , even with a table of ten on the Reflection TA 

 

Jim , the Biggest disappointed is no apple turnover at Bacio 🤣

Edited April 25, 2023 by Ex-Airbalancer

[TeeRick]

7 hours ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

Sure sounds like the wheels have come off in Luminae.  I can only imagine what it must be like in the MDR.

This has not been the norm for Luminae - in our recent experience and in may posts here from other suite passengers as well.  The wheels have come off?  Maybe just a bad experience on one night on one ship.  The poster said others had received their dinners around them in a reasonable time.

[Jim_Iain]

 

13 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

We’ve had the beef, lamb, fish, and chicken all on Millie so far and not a bad meal yet.  
 

We eat a lot of fish normally but do not hesitate to order other protein as our taste buds sway us. 
 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

The day I picked him up

Edited April 25, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[TeeRick]

On 4/24/2023 at 7:33 AM, terrydtx said:

I tried his chicken on the Equinox in 2021  and it was totally inedible and gave it a second chance on the Reflection last year and it was even worse. Can't believe that Chef Boulud keeps his name on this, it keeps me from ever trying one of his land restaurants. Of all the Luminae dishes this probably gets more complaints on CC than anything.

I have had the Luminae chicken a number of times.  A couple of times the roasted half chicken was very overcooked and inedible.

[TeeRick]

2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

When I first met him

Very good story!  It is hard not to get close to our dogs who are lifelong faithful friends!

[terrydtx]

22 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

My wife raves about the Branzino on the embarkation lunch so, on our upcoming Equinox cruise I think I will try it instead of the Lobster Roll. My last lobster roll was missing the lobster as it was impossible to find. I had Branzino on other days in the past in Luminae and it was excellently done. I agree with you the Luminae fish chefs do a great job. I always hesitate to order steak on cruise ships or even in land restaurants as I have a local butcher shop that sells the best beef anywhere and I can grill perfect steaks anytime at home. When we travel and since we are always close to the sea, I prefer to try local fish and am seldom disappointed. One exception was last year in Greece I tried fresh grilled sardines for the first time, don't think I would again.

Edited April 25, 2023 by terrydtx

[Jim_Iain]

18 hours ago, Mike981 said:

 

That is crazy! I have an acquaintance that moved to that area a couple years ago and sold his snowblower before the move. I should reach out and see if he ever replaced it.

I actually have two snowblowers in my garage at the moment. I purchased a newer one from a guy who repairs them and had him service my old one, now I'll store the older one until next fall and sell it then.

Before college my parents moved to Lake Placid near Montreal.  We were above the 100 inch belt.  When snow started in November the ground would stay covered until Spring. 
 

Only time school was cancelled was if temperatures dropped below -30 F.     Snow was totally different.    I was the snow blower until my father finally got me one when  the snow on both sides got so high I couldn’t throw any higher.  It as fluffy as opposed to heavy wet snow and was like shoveling pillows. 
 

After moving to California I hadn’t even visited snow but have enjoyed the Glaciers. 
 

 

[ecslady]

Great story about your golden retriever. 

[terrydtx]

25 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

I have had the Luminae chicken a number of times.  A couple of times the roasted half chicken was very overcooked and inedible.

Other than the Boulud chicken, I do not think I have tried any other chicken in Luminae or in MDR's. I am a very adventurous eater so I like to try things I can't cook at home. Nothing worse than over cooked chicken

[Spikedr]

28 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

The day I picked him up

Ugh. you have me in tears. Amazing you found each other.

[terrydtx]

2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 I was the snow blower until my father finally got me one when  the snow on both sides got so high I couldn’t throw any higher.

My wife grew up in Eastern Oregon in Klamath Falls and she and her brothers were also the official snow blowers for their home. Once they were out of the house her dad installed a hot water system that melted the snow on their driveway and front walk way. They lived on top of a geothermal well that they used to heat their house, so they had an unlimited hot water supply that they ran through pipes under the driveway and walkway. Many of the over passes in their town also used geothermal wells to keep ice melted in the winter too.

[Jim_Iain]

14 hours ago, ProfMHC said:

Walked out of Luminae tonight. Sat there from 5:30 till 6:35 and other than the amuse bouche , rolls, and appetizers, we were served NOTHING. Sommelier did top off the wine. THST WAS IT. Grabbed a supervisor who announced entrees would be right out. Waited another fifteen minutes. NOTHING. Except that the all the folks around us — some who came in well after 6 pm — had been served their entrees. I can hardly wait for the surveys. NEVER (in over 15 cruises) did we experience anything like this on Princess. Inexplicable and unacceptable. 

So sorry to hear.    Please even now bring it up with the MD.   If uncomfortable just jot home a short not.   I can often be the same and not want to ruffle the waters and stew inside instead 

 

I can tell you that our MD, Yuksel, would immediately address and then discuss with entire dining room staff at daily meeting.   While I personally think he is one of the best in the fleet, I was watching him on first night handle a disturbed passenger on the first night.  He was good at listening which helped come the visibly angry guy.   
 

No excuses for their failure, first nights are really tough for both the crew and passengers.   So may people are figuring things out and getting used to the new crew and passengers. 
 

I’m sure if you drop by and chat with MD you will develop a friendship that will last a lifetime.   You will also find 180 difference in service. 
 

As he told me while I mentioned my problem.  If he doesn’t know another passenger may also having same problem. 

 

 

[DaKahuna]

46 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

what a wonderful story and I am exactly the same way.  That is the primary reason that I try to avoid the buffets on ships and ashore.  I spend a lot of time at my computer desks or recliner in the basement because there are little things to nibble on all over the main floor, kitchen and islad countertops, dining room china cabinet.  I catch my self simply grabbing something every time i go up the stairs for something to drink.

This sailing was unusual in that lobster roll was served day 2 not embarkation day.  First formal night was day 3.

 

However aside from formal night Luminae has been wonderful.  Formal night was very busy and we had to wait 10 minutes to be seated.

 

[cabogal]

15 hours ago, ProfMHC said:

Walked out of Luminae tonight. Sat there from 5:30 till 6:35 and other than the amuse bouche , rolls, and appetizers, we were served NOTHING. Sommelier did top off the wine. THST WAS IT. Grabbed a supervisor who announced entrees would be right out. Waited another fifteen minutes. NOTHING. Except that the all the folks around us — some who came in well after 6 pm — had been served their entrees. I can hardly wait for the surveys. NEVER (in over 15 cruises) did we experience anything like this on Princess. Inexplicable and unacceptable. 

We had a similar experience last night at Luminae. We arrived at 6:15 and finished at 8:15. The wait staff was doing their timely job so I think the kitchen was the problem. The halibut was good but over cooked. We addressed the issue with the restaurant manager.

[ProfMHC]

42 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

So sorry to hear.    Please even now bring it up with the MD.   If uncomfortable just jot home a short not.   I can often be the same and not want to ruffle the waters and stew inside instead 

 

I can tell you that our MD, Yuksel, would immediately address and then discuss with entire dining room staff at daily meeting.   While I personally think he is one of the best in the fleet, I was watching him on first night handle a disturbed passenger on the first night.  He was good at listening which helped come the visibly angry guy.   
 

No excuses for their failure, first nights are really tough for both the crew and passengers.   So may people are figuring things out and getting used to the new crew and passengers. 
 

I’m sure if you drop by and chat with MD you will develop a friendship that will last a lifetime.   You will also find 180 difference in service. 
 

As he told me while I mentioned my problem.  If he doesn’t know another passenger may also having same problem. 

 

 

Thanks for much! Our first Celebrity…. So no contacts. Will see Yuksel as you recommended today. 

[Lena11033]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

The day I picked him up

What a gorgeous dog.

 

Its amazing what dogs remember our oldest when she was 1 we had a friend stay with us and I had to go NYC for a work conference. I came home to find out our house guest hit her - I kicked him right out the house. Even now 11 years later she remembers because if she's not watching and you go to pet her head at a certain angle she flinches. We have 4 golden retrievers. the oldest doesn't eat as much now but if there is food she wants from my husband's plate she will sit doing little 'woofs' at him because he's a sucker. The boys are all just pigs that never stop eating and if something smells nice will even go through the rubbish (discovered that with wrapping for a lamb roast 🤦‍♀️)

[Mcgeneseo]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

The day I picked him up

Goldens are the best dog ever. My one (and only) dog was a golden, Bentley. He was named in honor of my dad, who collected English cars. Bentley was a perfect dog and when we lost him, I couldn't replace him. So I didn't.

[venicecruiser]

Jim - 

 

Thank you for sharing Luke's story with us.  Made me cry but at the same time was so very glad he knew he was very much loved before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  

 

Claudia

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Very good story!  It is hard not to get close to our dogs who are lifelong faithful friends!

 

Sorry for getting carried away.... OK.... I had a Triple Shot Cappuccino to start my morning.   Reminds me of College Where we would pop an Amphetamine the night before Finals and read  the entire text book and memorize in in ONE night.

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

what a wonderful story and I am exactly the same way.  That is the primary reason that I try to avoid the buffets on ships and ashore.  I spend a lot of time at my computer desks or recliner in the basement because there are little things to nibble on all over the main floor, kitchen and islad countertops, dining room china cabinet.  I catch my self simply grabbing something every time i go up the stairs for something to drink.

This sailing was unusual in that lobster roll was served day 2 not embarkation day.  First formal night was day 3.

 

However aside from formal night Luminae has been wonderful.  Formal night was very busy and we had to wait 10 minutes to be seated.

 

 

Interesting about the Lobster roll.   Yuksel was telling me that they have been altering the sequence of some menus like the Filet Night because so many people are worn out from traveling and they want them to have a more relaxed day to serve some of their traditional first night items and save them for the LONGER 6 sea days in a row. 

 

Chic night was also very busy on Apex.    Didn't bother us but even arriving at 5 minutes to 9 they had to quickly setup a table ---  the dining room was still very busy and for a rare occasion there were about 30 in the dining room when we finished. 

[Jim_Iain]

Noon Bermuda  -  we are finally going ashore for 1/2 hour to an hour.    Tada!!!!!!  or Toodles

 

[Barwick Cruiser]

Jim, first off I’m glad you’re enjoying your holiday and I hope that the weather and sea conditions and onboard experience continue to add to your travel enjoyment. 
 

Now to the Luke story…like others, it just about brought me to tears. DH and I are also dog lovers and I can’t imagine how that officer got accepted to the canine program with an attitude like that, just unthinkable. My DH was a K9 officer for most of his career, although German Shepherds are the most commonly used breeds around here. Although our dogs had outdoor houses and runs they had plenty of playtime when not working and enjoyed their “home” to catch some much needed rest after a shift. Their coats were so thick in the winter that indoor time just made them hot and they’d stand at the door to be let back out lol. The dogs (he trained and worked three separate dogs through his career) loved going to work and were similar to pets when at home. Never chained up, fortunately we had a large fenced backyard. As each got closer to retirement they became pets and lived in the house, relaxing on the couch and enjoying their chew toys. They were all well loved and well cared for. I’m disgusted with the original owner of Luke and am very grateful that you were able to give him the life that he so deserved. Fortunately Luke’s treatment by the callous officer is not typical and most police K9s are treated by their handlers as partners with respect, admiration and love. Thank you for taking Luke in and loving him! 

Edited April 25, 2023 by Barwick Cruiser

[NinnieNPookie]

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story about Luke. Not a dry eye here, nor lacking a few tugs on my heart. I am so grateful that baby came to know love and kindness in his lifetime, and all because of you.