The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday September 16th, 2023

[Heartgrove]

Thank you Rich, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work. And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Sitting in our stateroom reading the Daily after returning from our excursion to Edinburgh. Up at 6:30 for breakfast as our excursion left at 8:15. Rain with temps around 50 F but cleared early afternoon. Tomorrow's port is Kirkwall. I'm including a photo of the famous Firth of Forth bridge from our balcony.

 

Stay Safe, and prayers for all in need of them!

 

- Jack

 

 

[Sharon in AZ]

I think it’s best we don’t talk about why our Daily is locked. The hosts have been locking it since September 6th and I’m sure most know what happened that day and it wasn’t because of sermons. I still feel bad about contributing to that conversation. 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning and Happy Saturday from sunny Tucson. Supposed to be 97F today but our overnights have been cooler, in the high 60’s. Tucson is high desert so we cool off more at night. 
 

Yesterday I saw a cornea specialist for cataract evaluation and am now scheduled for surgery on November 30 and December 7th. She wants to do them a week apart so I don’t suffer too much from not seeing well in between. I have very bad vision so that makes sense to me. Not sure what I’ll do during that time, reading and watching TV will be very difficult. Also I need to see a retina specialist beforehand because I am at high risk for a retina tear. This is something I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while so I’m excited to get this scheduled. 
 

I might like the mushroom “scallops” but agree that they should be called by what they are. My favorite way to eat real scallops is with polenta and sometimes corn. 
 

I’m thinking about making a new bread recipe today for French bread but might wait until tomorrow. I am making chicken wings today similar to the way Debbie makes hers but with a dry rub. 
 

Prayers for all on the Care List especially Lou and Baby Murphy. Glad to hear Gerry’s DH came through surgery so well. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

[lazey1]

29 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

I think it’s best we don’t talk about why our Daily is locked. The hosts have been locking it since September 6th and I’m sure most know what happened that day and it wasn’t because of sermons. I still feel bad about contributing to that conversation. 

Hoping that I am not a thyphoid Mary for the Daily; I totally agree with you @Sharon in AZ

Jane

Edited September 16, 2023 by lazey1

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Maybe we shouldn't talk about sermons for a while.  We seem to have a target on our backs.

 

Roy

Sermon from Father David is on Sunday only.

If we all continue to be nice we will all be happy.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

@Haljo1935  I hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

 

Lenda

 

+1 @Haljo1935.

Graham 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, luvteaching said:

We're doing DH's Celebration of Life/Family Picnic today and the weather is supposed to be mid-70's and sun! I have several friends/family coming down from Canada which I'm very appreciative of. We're doing hamburgers, salmon burgers, hot dogs, etc. and my job was the sweets DH loved - chocolate chip cookies, Nanaimo Bars, and Oreo Cookie fudge. We're going from 11-3 in a very casual park venue and I've counted at least 40 so far who are coming. Should be a fun time. I just hope it all ebb and flows nicely. DS came yesterday afternoon and loaded up his vehicle and mine with tablecloths, etc. My job is now to get DH's urn in as well as a few last minute items. I'll update later or tomorrow.

 

Oh Karen, I so hope it is a fun time and you can enjoy it 🙏 

 

If your eyes end up leaking, it’s ok, honest.  Mine did.  Best wishes for it.

 

 

 

47 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Yesterday I saw a cornea specialist for cataract evaluation and am now scheduled for surgery on November 30 and December 7th. She wants to do them a week apart so I don’t suffer too much from not seeing well in between. I have very bad vision so that makes sense to me. Not sure what I’ll do during that time, reading and watching TV will be very difficult. Also I need to see a retina specialist beforehand because I am at high risk for a retina tear. This is something I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while so I’m excited to get this scheduled. 

 

Best wishes with the surgery, Sharon.  I am glad you finally have the appointments you want 👍 

 

 

37 minutes ago, lazey1 said:

Hoping that I am not a thyphoid Mary for the Daily; I totally agree with you @Sharon in AZ

Jane

 

You are definitely NOT a Typhoid Mary, Jane 😉 

[Tbay]

52 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Not sure what I’ll do during that time, reading and watching TV will be very difficult.

My daughter recently had laser surgery and couldn't read or watch tv. She listened to audio books from the library and signed up for free trials from some sites. 

[Seasick Sailor]

 @Sharon in AZ Sharon hoping all goes well with your cataract appointment. 

 

Allen had his surgeries 2 weeks apart. Had a toric lens put in his left eye. Everything went perfectly and he has not needed glasses in 10 years.

 

I hope you are as successful!! 🥰

[durangoscots]

Just a little bragging from this non-techical elderly lady. I managed to get my Australia eTA this morning. My techie friend and I tried yesterday and were successful with New Zealand, but Australia kept refusing my photo (I don't think I look that awful). We gave up. This morning I got up early and thought I would just give it a try and it went straight through with a confirmation in about 15 minutes. I think yesterday it was them, not me. Anyway.... that is one major hurdle out of the way. Bet my hair was a mess.

 

On another issue, the airline has changed my flight time for departure to 5:30 in the morning!!! Come on.... no one flies out of Durango at that hour in December. I am sure there will be several more changes. Fortunately I have a good deal of time in Phoenix before my connecting flight.... even with my original schedule. Ah the joys of travel. I must be sure to carry some good reading with me.

 

Susan

[St Pete Cruiser]

Happy Saturday everyone. 

We enjoyed Shucked last night. Not serious theater,  but it is  very much a fun and laughable performance.  New York was very busy last night and we enjoyed our 4 days there. Nice to visit, but I don't want to live there. 

As we left this morning I could see two cruise ships anchored just inside the Verrazano Bridge. Not tendering it appeared.  It is the Seven Seas Mariner and a big Norwegian ship.  Looks like SS Mariner hurried into NYC as it was completing a transatlantic ahead of Hurricane Lee arriving a day early. 

 

[rafinmd]

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

[kazu]

19 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

 

This is JMO but I think it will do you a world of good.

 

You love cruising and you love Crystal and you have the Grills.  You’ll be pampered and cooked for.  You don’t have to be 100% to cruise and it might just give you the pick up you need.

 

Do what’s right for you, Roy.  But, I think you will be glad you did it if you go 🤞 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon.  We got a little light rain about an hour ago, but not enough to measure.

 

3 hours ago, luvteaching said:

Good morning, 

 

Quick check-in today. We're doing DH's Celebration of Life/Family Picnic today and the weather is supposed to be mid-70's and sun! I have several friends/family coming down from Canada which I'm very appreciative of. We're doing hamburgers, salmon burgers, hot dogs, etc. and my job was the sweets DH loved - chocolate chip cookies, Nanaimo Bars, and Oreo Cookie fudge. We're going from 11-3 in a very casual park venue and I've counted at least 40 so far who are coming. Should be a fun time. I just hope it all ebb and flows nicely. DS came yesterday afternoon and loaded up his vehicle and mine with tablecloths, etc. My job is now to get DH's urn in as well as a few last minute items. I'll update later or tomorrow.

 

Karen

 

Karen, the Celebration of Life and family picnic sounds like a nice relaxed why to pay tribute to your DH.  I'm glad so many family members from Canada will be there.  

 

3 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning. Awakening to dense fog but most likely will clear. Our last full day will be quiet and getting ready to travel tomorrow. It has been a great vacation surrounded by family and the beautiful state of Oregon. We just enjoyed eggs Benedict and that will be the last of the cooking. Tonight’s wood oven baked pizzas from the brewery up the road. 
Haven’t had time to read our Daily post. 
Time for a second cup of coffee. Thanks Rich and all who contribute to the Daily. Bruce

 

 

Enjoy your last day at the beach with your family, Bruce.  Safe travels tomorrow.

 

2 hours ago, cunnorl said:

Pictures from Picton . Really pretty little town 

 

Charlene, thank you for your pictures from Picton.

 

1 hour ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good morning and Happy Saturday from sunny Tucson. Supposed to be 97F today but our overnights have been cooler, in the high 60’s. Tucson is high desert so we cool off more at night. 
 

Yesterday I saw a cornea specialist for cataract evaluation and am now scheduled for surgery on November 30 and December 7th. She wants to do them a week apart so I don’t suffer too much from not seeing well in between. I have very bad vision so that makes sense to me. Not sure what I’ll do during that time, reading and watching TV will be very difficult. Also I need to see a retina specialist beforehand because I am at high risk for a retina tear. This is something I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while so I’m excited to get this scheduled. 
 

I might like the mushroom “scallops” but agree that they should be called by what they are. My favorite way to eat real scallops is with polenta and sometimes corn. 
 

I’m thinking about making a new bread recipe today for French bread but might wait until tomorrow. I am making chicken wings today similar to the way Debbie makes hers but with a dry rub. 
 

Prayers for all on the Care List especially Lou and Baby Murphy. Glad to hear Gerry’s DH came through surgery so well. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

 

Sharon, I'm glad you have dates for your cataract surgery.  

 

30 minutes ago, durangoscots said:

Just a little bragging from this non-techical elderly lady. I managed to get my Australia eTA this morning. My techie friend and I tried yesterday and were successful with New Zealand, but Australia kept refusing my photo (I don't think I look that awful). We gave up. This morning I got up early and thought I would just give it a try and it went straight through with a confirmation in about 15 minutes. I think yesterday it was them, not me. Anyway.... that is one major hurdle out of the way. Bet my hair was a mess.

 

On another issue, the airline has changed my flight time for departure to 5:30 in the morning!!! Come on.... no one flies out of Durango at that hour in December. I am sure there will be several more changes. Fortunately I have a good deal of time in Phoenix before my connecting flight.... even with my original schedule. Ah the joys of travel. I must be sure to carry some good reading with me.

 

Susan

 

Susan, I'm glad the Australian ETA went through quickly this morning.

 

Lenda

[kazu]

2 hours ago, durangoscots said:

Just a little bragging from this non-techical elderly lady. I managed to get my Australia eTA this morning. My techie friend and I tried yesterday and were successful with New Zealand, but Australia kept refusing my photo (I don't think I look that awful). We gave up. This morning I got up early and thought I would just give it a try and it went straight through with a confirmation in about 15 minutes. I think yesterday it was them, not me. Anyway.... that is one major hurdle out of the way. Bet my hair was a mess.

 

 

YAY 👏. Good for you Susan 👏 👏 

 

 

2 hours ago, durangoscots said:

 

On another issue, the airline has changed my flight time for departure to 5:30 in the morning!!! Come on.... no one flies out of Durango at that hour in December. I am sure there will be several more changes. Fortunately I have a good deal of time in Phoenix before my connecting flight.... even with my original schedule. Ah the joys of travel. I must be sure to carry some good reading with me.

 

Oh ugh, Susan.  Good reading material is a good idea.  I have a 7 hour layover on my flight to Amsterdam.  DD DH and I could barely do one of those on the way home but at least it’s on the way there.  I might be blabbing on the Daily that day 😂 

 

 

CRAP!  I don’t want use a swear word and I hope no one is offended by that.

 

WTH did I turn on the news?  We haven’t even reached the peak of Lee yet (and there are already trees down and flooding). It’s dragging and moving slowly.  I thought this was it - it’s not.

Landfall now predicted near Yarmouth Nova Scotia (western side of Nova Scotia) but probably a bit higher there and a second land fall predicted for….

 

yup the Fundy coast.  I KNEW it.  DAM.  (I don’t want to swear so that’s the HAL DAM)

[rafinmd]

@Haljo1935 is on the way:

 

 

Roy

[AncientWanderer]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

 

I can't think of a nicer way to recuperate and heal than what you have planned, Roy.  

I hope you get the steam up to send that bag off.  😊

[1ANGELCAT]

Good sunny afternoon. @kazu, I hope they are wrong about the 2nd landfall.🤞

  @Heartgrove, enjoy Kirkwall.My favorite jewelry designer is there. Sheila Fleet 

Are you doing a tour?

 I hope everyone has a good evening.

[dfish]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

I want to echo what @kazu Jacqui and @AncientWanderer Maxine said.  If you're feeling sluggish one day, take it easy and just relax.  Cruising is the one vacation where you can do as little as you want or as much as you want.  I hope you go.

[aliaschief]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

Hope you go Roy. Just have some trip insurance and enjoy being waited on hand and foot. Bruce

[StLouisCruisers]

2 hours ago, kazu said:

 

This is JMO but I think it will do you a world of good.

 

You love cruising and you love Crystal and you have the Grills.  You’ll be pampered and cooked for.  You don’t have to be 100% to cruise and it might just give you the pick up you need.

 

Do what’s right for you, Roy.  But, I think you will be glad you did it if you go 🤞 

 

 

 

Roy @rafinmd I think Jacqui gave you great advice.  Please think about it because I think you'll have an enjoyable, relaxing cruise.

 

 

 

31 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

 

YAY 👏. Good for you Susan 👏 👏 

 

 

 

Oh ugh, Susan.  Good reading material is a good idea.  I have a 7 hour layover on my flight to Amsterdam.  DD DH and I could barely do one of those on the way home but at least it’s on the way there.  I might be blabbing on the Daily that day 😂 

 

 

CRAP!  I don’t want use a swear word and I hope no one is offended by that.

 

WTH did I turn on the news?  We haven’t even reached the peak of Lee yet (and there are already trees down and flooding). It’s dragging and moving slowly.  I thought this was it - it’s not.

Landfall now predicted near Yarmouth Nova Scotia (western side of Nova Scotia) but probably a bit higher there and a second land fall predicted for….

 

yup the Fundy coast.  I KNEW it.  DAM.  (I don’t want to swear so that’s the HAL DAM)

 

Hope you and Ivan are doing okay and things pass by as quickly as possible.  

[Tbay]

@Heartgrovevisiting Kirkwall in May. Hope you post some pictures. 

[Sharon in AZ]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

Roy , I personally think you should go. What better way to relax and recoup after having covid!  You won’t have to worry about meals and can do as much or as little as you want. I didn’t feel very well for about a week during my last cruise. I ended up canceling two excursions but I never missed dinner. I took a lot of naps and throughly enjoyed the down time. Live your dream!

[kochleffel]

11 hours ago, richwmn said:

Destination of the Day - Picton, New Zealand

 

Picton, NZ, is a Holland America port, but I haven't been there.

 

The only other thing I can post that would not be off topic is that I've been looking at Greenland cruises for 2025, but only on aNother Cruise Line because that's where I have a credit to use. I'm stunned by the prices, although HAL's are higher for similar itineraries.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

Good luck Roy.