The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday October 27th, 2023

[smitty34877]

@Cruzin TerriTerri, I am so sorry Jim fell the night before last.I agree with Joy @Seasick Sailor and Tina @0106 that rugs are a true hazard and the motion sensor lights are very useful.

I hope the doctor is able to help.

[Cruzin Terri]

An Expensive Lesson Learned.

 

I feel that you are all my friends and therefore should share with you what happened when I tried to claim insurance reimbursement from AMEX through my Platinum Card.  

Hope this helps anyone who has a Plantinum Card and plans to rely on it for trip insurance.

i posted this both on the insurance forum and the Oceania Forum.

Here goes:

 

Let me start by saying that I am not blaming AMEX.  i did not do due diligence by reading and understanding all the terms and conditions of the insurance so I blame no one but myself.

This post is only so that anyone else who may be thinking of using the insurance provided by the AMEX Platinum Card understand when and how they may be able to get reimbursed.

Here is my story:

We were planning a trip to Italy and then a cruise from Rome back to Miami.  We booked our airfare with Chase Points and paid for our cruise with the AMEX Platinum Card.  The cruise was under $10,000 so I figured that in the event we had to cancel for a covered reason, we were insured.  

Well, two days before we were to leave for Italy, my husband became ill and we were unable to go.  My airline tickets to Italy (purchased using Chase Points) were fully refundable.  So that was refunded and the points re deposited in my Chase Ultimate Rewards account.  I had opted to pay for the hotel stays at the time we stayed rather than the early, non-refundable rate.  So I canceled in time.  The only money we stood to lose was the cruise fare. So I felt we had a shot at getting that back with AMEX.  So I called them to file a clam.

 

Not so easy.

What I failed to notice was that AMEX says that a Covered Trip is a period of round trip travel 1) to one or more destinations other than an Eligible Traveler’s city of residence at the time of departure where 2) the period of round-trip trave ends when the Eligible Traveler returns by Common Carrier to the city of departure: 3) the trip does not exceed 365 days away from the the Eligible Travelers city of residence and 4) The Eligible Traveler charges the full amount of the cost of the the transportation by Common Carrier(s) to your Eligible Card.  The period of round trip may consist of round trip, one-way, or combinations of round trip, one-way tickets with Common Carriers.

 

So the very first question, after verifying my identity, was how did I pay for the tickets to get to Italy.  As soon as I told her I used the Chase Ultimate Rewards, she let me know the terms and conditions of the insurance and immediately went on to inform me that my claim was most likely to be declined due to the fact that I did not pay for all my transportation by common carrier with the Platinum Card.

 

It was a lesson for me and I share it with you so that you do not make the same mistake I did.

Please don’t flame me for not reading the T&C’s.  i already know I made a mistake.  I write this as a helpful hint for others who may be thinking of doing likewise.

Terri

[tupper10]

22 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

An Expensive Lesson Learned.

 

I feel that you are all my friends and therefore should share with you what happened when I tried to claim insurance reimbursement from AMEX through my Platinum Card.  

Hope this helps anyone who has a Plantinum Card and plans to rely on it for trip insurance.

i posted this both on the insurance forum and the Oceania Forum.

Here goes:

 

Let me start by saying that I am not blaming AMEX.  i did not do due diligence by reading and understanding all the terms and conditions of the insurance so I blame no one but myself.

This post is only so that anyone else who may be thinking of using the insurance provided by the AMEX Platinum Card understand when and how they may be able to get reimbursed.

Here is my story:

We were planning a trip to Italy and then a cruise from Rome back to Miami.  We booked our airfare with Chase Points and paid for our cruise with the AMEX Platinum Card.  The cruise was under $10,000 so I figured that in the event we had to cancel for a covered reason, we were insured.  

Well, two days before we were to leave for Italy, my husband became ill and we were unable to go.  My airline tickets to Italy (purchased using Chase Points) were fully refundable.  So that was refunded and the points re deposited in my Chase Ultimate Rewards account.  I had opted to pay for the hotel stays at the time we stayed rather than the early, non-refundable rate.  So I canceled in time.  The only money we stood to lose was the cruise fare. So I felt we had a shot at getting that back with AMEX.  So I called them to file a clam.

 

Not so easy.

What I failed to notice was that AMEX says that a Covered Trip is a period of round trip travel 1) to one or more destinations other than an Eligible Traveler’s city of residence at the time of departure where 2) the period of round-trip trave ends when the Eligible Traveler returns by Common Carrier to the city of departure: 3) the trip does not exceed 365 days away from the the Eligible Travelers city of residence and 4) The Eligible Traveler charges the full amount of the cost of the the transportation by Common Carrier(s) to your Eligible Card.  The period of round trip may consist of round trip, one-way, or combinations of round trip, one-way tickets with Common Carriers.

 

So the very first question, after verifying my identity, was how did I pay for the tickets to get to Italy.  As soon as I told her I used the Chase Ultimate Rewards, she let me know the terms and conditions of the insurance and immediately went on to inform me that my claim was most likely to be declined due to the fact that I did not pay for all my transportation by common carrier with the Platinum Card.

 

It was a lesson for me and I share it with you so that you do not make the same mistake I did.

Please don’t flame me for not reading the T&C’s.  i already know I made a mistake.  I write this as a helpful hint for others who may be thinking of doing likewise.

Terri

Terri given that you paid in full for the cruise with your Amex I would say that you paid the total amount using your Amex card.  I would NOT take the decision of the customer service person as the final answer. Please go to Elliot.org to get the names and email for the corporat office of Amex. I would politely tell them that you used the card to charge the entire cruise and therefore want the travel insurance to be honored.  Sorry I couldn't just email you but it doesn't work for me when I click it.

 

Graham-  Have a wonderful birthday today!!

 

Glad to hear that Sam is back home and hopefully now for a long while.

 

@JazzyV  I know what you are going through. Last year I had to cancel our cruise due to back pain. I finally gave up trying PT, shots etc and had the surgery. Though I did have nerve pain after it due to the manipulation, for about a month, it was gone after this, and I have been pain free for months now. Sometimes unfortunately surgery is the only answer. I hope the PA at the neurosurgeon can give you an answer to your issue which will allow you to live pain free.

 

Happy cruising to so many here - glad everyone got to go away.  

 

Sad for what is going on in our world. I always think of the song Where have all the flowers gone - and the line 'when will we ever learn' - it seems never.  I hope this is not too political.  

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!  Really appreciate all the wonderful photos of the port,  although some aren’t loading for some reason.  
@grapau27 happy birthday, Graham! 
@tupper10 agree with your sentiments and that song.  I also echo your suggestion to: @Cruzin Terriyears ago, we had a similar response from Amex when they said a flight cancellation due to a fire in the Rome airport would not be covered.  DH insisted they send us the forms and surprise they paid our claim. Sometimes it’s worth pursuing as the first answer of no is designed to put people off.  
 

The eagles and swans are back on the river, hope to get some closeups later with the big camera.
 

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from my 2016 transatlantic on Alllure of the Seas.  On October 27 Allure visited Malaga:

 

 

Roy

[lazey1]

My DD DH and I cruised on the Statendam South American Explorer 31 day r/t San Diego with a 3 night stay in Callao/Lima and I totally agree that no-one should try to drive in Lima. We saw the Miraflores area and did the dinner, Paso show. The horses were magnificient, the dinner was lovely and the Pisco Sour was interesting. Thank you for posting the lovely photos. That cruise was both very good and very bad in that my DH got very ill. Our cruise mates were Kakalina and her husband Virgil . Virgil also was very ill. That was the final cruise for both husbands.

I love califlower and the meal for today sounds wonderful especially if it was lunch on a Blue Hulled Beauty. I would pass on the drink, much to sweet, and the wind as I prefer a white or rose.

I am feeling much better, half way through my Paxlovid prescription, my nose is no longer running like a fire hose, I am not sneezing very much and the coughing, although still painful, is not as often or as severe. I believe I could be taken off the care list. My poor son apparently caught my Covid as 2 days after he got home he went in the work feeling okay then 5 hours later was so sick he was sent home. He went to Dr. testing confirmed Covid but at least no flu with it. I don't understand why he wasn't given an Rx for Paxlovid as he is over 60 and has COPD. 

Prayers for all those in need and hurrahs for all who are celebrating.

Jane

 

[grapau27]

Birthday dinner.

Potato skins starter.

Calzone Pizza main for me.

Pauline had Brie Palma ham and Pasta.

Sarah had goats cheese then Pasta.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon from central Texas.  It seems to go between cloudy to sunny and back.  If I'd realized that it would be better weather today, I would have gotten out and mowed the yard.  The rain is predicted for 5pm now, so there is still time for yard work.  Two things sort of keeping me from doing it, are it's 83F and feels like 92F because of the 77% humidity, and the batteries for the trimmer and mower are not fully charged.  The next chance for yard work will be Tuesday or Wednesday when the highs will be in the 50s and the lows in the 30s.  Not a great choice weather-wise.  If I can get the batteries charged in time, I'll head out there when I finish here.

 

4 hours ago, AroundWithMAPTravels said:

I “second” the thought of DO NOT DRIVE IN LIMA!   I can honestly say that it is the only place that I have been in an accident whilst in a taxi (in the traffic circle in front of hotel we were staying at).  The two drivers got out, exchanged “words” and everyone went on their way.   Thankfully no injuries.   Stop signs are ignored totally everywhere in Peru.   Red lights are merely a “suggestion “ to slow down.  The only thing that seemed to have any effect were the speed bumps (or risk being thrown from car)

Happened to be there on a land (volunteer) trip, so Callao port was not on the agenda.  
today’s meal sounds like a “need to try”.   
wine a maybe (prefer white, but it IS wine)

I do believe I heard the quote “in person” at a stand-up show many, many moons ago….interesting…

 

 

While we have rented cars in many ports, there are some where we will not rent cars, and that includes Central America, most of South America and Asia.  In those places, we either chose a tour or hire a taxi.

 

4 hours ago, Lady Hudson said:

Happy Birthday to Graham, one of our many kind and thoughtful posters.  🎂

 

Last day for my birthday cruise with my sister.  Lots of fun!  This was a “freebie” cruise for her and she invited me along.  DH and I actually have a cruise on Anthem of the Seas on 11/5.  This was booked long before the birthday cruise came about or I wouldn’t have booked so close together.  I will evaluate DH Bill when I get home.  I keep on hearing from home that “all is well” but I will want to see for myself.  
 

Prayers for our country and all individuals/families in need.  Times are tough right now but I know, with God’s help, we will persevere.  Katherine 

 

Katherine, I'm glad the birthday cruise was fun.  I hope your DH is doing well and will get to enjoy the cruise on November 11.

 

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

It's a foggy morning here and frost on the rooftops.  Only 30 F this morning, but heading to 50.  Hard to believe our warm weather is over!

I love all black cats, prefer Guinness over American beer, and will salute the Navy (DH is retired Supply Corps). Funny quote, will pass on the meal.  We'll be having chicken gyros tonight.  The drink sounds good, I do like rum, but will pass on the red wine.  We've been to Lima -- we sailed out of Lima in 2015 on the Statendam for a South America cruise.  We had a hotel near the Miraflores area, many of the photos posted look so familiar!

 

DH and I are itching to start packing for the GA, we'll leave for San Diego in 65 days.  But our luggage will be picked up in 49 days and since we have unlimited luggage forwarding, I'm bringing a lot 😉  But the grandsons will be sleeping in the guest room (our packing room) a couple times before then, and HAL hasn't let us know what the theme nights will be, so we have to wait.  I'm not feeling very patient LOL.  

 

Happy Birthday Graham @grapau27!

Bon Voyage @Norseh2o!

@Cruzin Terri I'm so sorry to hear about your DH's fall last night.  Happy there are no broken bones, but he must hurt all over.  I agree about the 8:00 phone call, I wouldn't like that.  Around here companies aren't allowed to call before 9:00.  

 

This is also DS and DDIL's 22nd wedding anniversary.  I know they're both working today, I hope they have something special planned for the weekend.

 

Some black cats in my life.  All but 1 have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  All very much loved.

 

The one black cat we owned ourselves, our sweet Ebony.  Lived to be 17.

 

My neighbor's cat Jinx, my buddy.  He passed last December.

 

Spek, a previous cat of DD's

 

and Soot, DD's black kitty now.

 

We went to a fabulous horse show near Lima and drank Pisco 😉  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carolyn, please wish your DS and DDIL a VERY HAPPY 22ND ANNIVERSARY for us.  

 

19 minutes ago, lazey1 said:

My DD DH and I cruised on the Statendam South American Explorer 31 day r/t San Diego with a 3 night stay in Callao/Lima and I totally agree that no-one should try to drive in Lima. We saw the Miraflores area and did the dinner, Paso show. The horses were magnificient, the dinner was lovely and the Pisco Sour was interesting. Thank you for posting the lovely photos. That cruise was both very good and very bad in that my DH got very ill. Our cruise mates were Kakalina and her husband Virgil . Virgil also was very ill. That was the final cruise for both husbands.

I love califlower and the meal for today sounds wonderful especially if it was lunch on a Blue Hulled Beauty. I would pass on the drink, much to sweet, and the wind as I prefer a white or rose.

I am feeling much better, half way through my Paxlovid prescription, my nose is no longer running like a fire hose, I am not sneezing very much and the coughing, although still painful, is not as often or as severe. I believe I could be taken off the care list. My poor son apparently caught my Covid as 2 days after he got home he went in the work feeling okay then 5 hours later was so sick he was sent home. He went to Dr. testing confirmed Covid but at least no flu with it. I don't understand why he wasn't given an Rx for Paxlovid as he is over 60 and has COPD. 

Prayers for all those in need and hurrahs for all who are celebrating.

Jane

 

 

Jane, I'm glad you are feeling better and hope you are well soon.  I'm sorry your DS now has Covid, and I hope he is better very soon.

 

Thank you to all who have posted pictures of Lima today.  I have enjoyed seeing what everyone did there.

 

Lenda

[aliaschief]

Today is a rather dreary sea day with a little motion. We just returned from a great lecture. A PHD Marine Biologist who presented one of the most interesting lectures on sea life. Yesterday he gave a great lecture on water and tomorrow’s lecture will be on sea turtles.

Dinner starts at 7:00 PM so that could be an issue for those that like to eat early. The service has been fantastic and the food has been very good. One could get very use to cruising at this level. The complimentary wine, spirits have been very good.

At last nights’s welcoming for new Seabourn cruisers was very nice. The trio band (great group) performed and instead of officers introducing themselves they had regular workers from various department going around and introducing themselves. Bartender, dancer, a couple of spa ladies, Future Cruise Consultant, Housekeeper. A very nice get together.

Tonight will go to Observation Lounge for pre dinner libations and to listen to the pianist with a great voice and song selections. After dinner the singers and dancers will take the stage again in the Grand Salon. They are so talented.

In comparison to our regular BHB venues every venue here is miniature compared to Crow’s Nest, Lido, MDR, Casino etc.

Like the old saying. We are having a grand time and wish you were here.

Enjoy your weekend. Bruce

 

[ottahand7]

5 hours ago, AroundWithMAPTravels said:

I “second” the thought of DO NOT DRIVE IN LIMA!   I can honestly say that it is the only place that I have been in an accident whilst in a taxi (in the traffic circle in front of hotel we were staying at).  The two drivers got out, exchanged “words” and everyone went on their way.   Thankfully no injuries.   Stop signs are ignored totally everywhere in Peru.   Red lights are merely a “suggestion “ to slow down.  The only thing that seemed to have any effect were the speed bumps (or risk being thrown from car)

Happened to be there on a land (volunteer) trip, so Callao port was not on the agenda.  
today’s meal sounds like a “need to try”.   
wine a maybe (prefer white, but it IS wine)

I do believe I heard the quote “in person” at a stand-up show many, many moons ago….interesting…

 

 

 

 

We had an accident on our HA tour bus.  Fender bender for the little vehicle and a scratch for the bus.  

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Happy Birthday to my dear friend and Daily-ite Graham! God keep you in His presence. 

 

Thank you Joy for your lovely birthday message.

[57redbird]

6 hours ago, Nickelpenny said:

Happy Friday to All! Thanks for the daily and fleet reports.  Three fantastic days as I love cats, beer and my parents were both in the Navy!!  A chuckle on the quote (it is true!!), I am sure I would like the meal and wine but will pass on the drink.  I will be in Peru next year.  I have seen Rebel Without A Cause and a big thanks to Pinckney!!

 

It is funny to wake up and it is so dark and cool.  The duvet is now on my bed and the portable fans have been turned off.  Ceiling fans are always on.

 

Nice day yesterday with students who I have had in other classes greet me with smiles on their faces.  Boy, I have to go back and study my algebra again; I have forgotten how to do it!!  Today it is with middle schoolers for choir and theatre!!  I had a nice pat on the back from a student (said "you need to be our sub always as you help us) and a teacher requested me but unfortunately I wasn't available.  I think my "dance card" is all full for November as I leave Nov 22nd.  

 

Happy Birthday @grapau27 Thoughts for the entire world as it is needed urgently now and for those on the care list.  Cheers to those celebrating.

 

Have a great start to the weekend.

 

 

Do the teachers you're subbing for leave you a 'lesson plan'?  I don't know how you can sub for so many different subjects.....

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info. 

[ottahand7]

Our new oven was installed yesterday and it works great.  I had gone to Costco for my eye exam and found they had $2.99 briskets so I bought one to christen the new oven.    It is already done resting in foil.  

Since I was bothered about not seeing my GSA photos I pulled out my little Toshiba backup drive and they were there so that is a big relief.   This is my favorite.  Two of these coupes in the photos became our specialty dinner buddies for a lot of the cruise.   

[57redbird]

@grapau27  Wishing you the best birthday ever!  Enjoy YOUR day!

[Nickelpenny]

32 minutes ago, 57redbird said:

Do the teachers you're subbing for leave you a 'lesson plan'?  I don't know how you can sub for so many different subjects.....

Yes. Many times I am not actually teaching new material; I am supervising them reviewing things they have already been taught. Though they do ask questions on how to do some of their work. If I don’t know how to do it I will ask another student. I try to stay away from subjects I have no clue about - ie machine shop, any language etc. 

[tjcox9]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

Today is a rather dreary sea day with a little motion. We just returned from a great lecture. A PHD Marine Biologist who presented one of the most interesting lectures on sea life. Yesterday he gave a great lecture on water and tomorrow’s lecture will be on sea turtles.

Dinner starts at 7:00 PM so that could be an issue for those that like to eat early. The service has been fantastic and the food has been very good. One could get very use to cruising at this level. The complimentary wine, spirits have been very good.

At last nights’s welcoming for new Seabourn cruisers was very nice. The trio band (great group) performed and instead of officers introducing themselves they had regular workers from various department going around and introducing themselves. Bartender, dancer, a couple of spa ladies, Future Cruise Consultant, Housekeeper. A very nice get together.

Tonight will go to Observation Lounge for pre dinner libations and to listen to the pianist with a great voice and song selections. After dinner the singers and dancers will take the stage again in the Grand Salon. They are so talented.

In comparison to our regular BHB venues every venue here is miniature compared to Crow’s Nest, Lido, MDR, Casino etc.

Like the old saying. We are having a grand time and wish you were here.

Enjoy your weekend. Bruce

 

Bruce, I'm just curious who your captain is. I ask because we've done five Seabourn cruises and more HAL than I can count. But, on four of our five SB cruises, our captains were previous or "on loan" HAL captains. We did have the same one twice. The only one we remembered or had cruised with was Tim Roberts though.

 

Glad you are enjoying yourself.............

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

Black cats are pretty, but I've never had one. I may have to have a Yuengling (America's oldest brewery and based in PA). I salute all who serve or served in the Navy. Interesting quote. Maybe on the meal, yes to the drink and wine. I have not been to Callao-Lima. I'll salute the treaty. I know of, but have never seen Rebel Without a Cause. 

 

It's 74F and cloudy. It's due to rain tomorrow and Sunday. I got somewhat better sleep, having taken a benadryl before bed. I woke up at 2 and then 6 with pain, numbness and tingling. In the shower my leg felt very numb and I was fearful of falling. It's a claw foot tub and I can't find a shower seat for it. Then I went to PT and did most of my routine. Next was a stop at the pharmacy for my flu and Covid vaccines, followed by a quick grocery store run. I then finished mowing the lawn, and that only took about 15 minutes as I'd done most of it yesterday. I'd like to do laundry, but I'm pooped. So tomorrow for that.

 

@grapau27 Happy Birthday! The dinner with Pauline and Sarah looks nice.

@Norseh2o Bon Voyage!

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for the photos. How nice that DS and DDIL will have a getaway during spring break. 

@Crazy For Cats Thanks for the photo of Mona.

@smitty34877 I hope Tana is starting to feel better.

@dfish I'm glad you're getting the money owed you. Persistence paid off! 

@Cruzin Terri I'm sorry to hear that DH fell, but glad he didn't break anything. What about having a few nightlights? I have them in the hall and bathroom, and don't need to turn on any big lights at night. 

@Quartzsite Cruiser Nice photos.

@ottahand7 Thanks for sharing your photos.

@Lady Hudson I do hope DH is doing well and that he'll be able to cruise.

@cruising sister Oh my on that Shanty town. I'm sure they appreciated the supplies and food.

@Denise T Sheldon is handsome!

@Mtn2Sea Great photos.

@Cruising-along Happy Anniversary to your DS and DDIL.

@Seasick Sailor You've been busy doing good deeds; brava!

@Vict0riann Cute photos of Pat with the horse.

@tupper10 Thanks for sharing your experience with back pain and your treatment. 

@lazey1 I'm glad you're feeling better. Sorry to here DS has Covid now.

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to those Celebrating.

 

Today is the 5th Anniversary of the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue here.

 

[aliaschief]

Just now, tjcox9 said:

Bruce, I'm just curious who your captain is. I ask because we've done five Seabourn cruises and more HAL than I can count. But, on four of our five SB cruises, our captains were previous or "on loan" HAL captains. We did have the same one twice. The only one we remembered or had cruised with was Tim Roberts though.

 

Glad you are enjoying yourself.............

Captain Alexander Golubiev

[quilty964]

Happy Friday, we've had a busy day here.  DGD came over to work on her lap quilt that she's making....she's doing a great job!  Soon we're going to DD and DSIL's house to carve pumpkins!  I'll take a beer, it's Oktoberfest season here!  

It's warm but dreary here, feels like it wants to rain, carving may be in the garage.  

@grapau27Happy Birthday, your food looks great!  

@Cruzin Terri sorry to hear that your DH fell, hoping he's feeling ok today.  

 

Thanks to all here who share and care.  Have a good evening, Karen

 

[rafinmd]

This was a sad day within my congregation with 3 funerals of interest to people there.  First we had in the church a funeral for a member who passed suddenly at age 96.

 

Of particular interest to me was laying to death Baltimore City firefighter Rodney Pitts III, who died in a row house fire October 19.  Another of our key members is a judge in the Maryland Circuit Court and a friend of Judge Andrew W Wilkerson of Hagerstown MD, gunned down October 19 in his driveway by a man upset by his decision in a child custody case.

 

A sad, sad day/

 

Roy

[Cruzin Terri]

12 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

@Cruzin Terri I'm sorry to hear that DH fell, but glad he didn't break anything. What about having a few nightlights? I have them in the hall and bathroom, and don't need to turn on any big lights at night. 

We have nightlights.  he just doesn't think we need to turn them on.  i usually do so.  I just hadn't done it yet.  i am so frustrated.

Terri

[Lady Hudson]

11 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

This was a sad day within my congregation with 3 funerals of interest to people there.  First we had in the church a funeral for a member who passed suddenly at age 96.

 

Of particular interest to me was laying to death Baltimore City firefighter Rodney Pitts III, who died in a row house fire October 19.  Another of our key members is a judge in the Maryland Circuit Court and a friend of Judge Andrew W Wilkerson of Hagerstown MD, gunned down October 19 in his driveway by a man upset by his decision in a child custody case.

 

A sad, sad day/

 

Roy

Roy, such sad news.  My condolences.  Katherine 

[grapau27]

12 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

This was a sad day within my congregation with 3 funerals of interest to people there.  First we had in the church a funeral for a member who passed suddenly at age 96.

 

Of particular interest to me was laying to death Baltimore City firefighter Rodney Pitts III, who died in a row house fire October 19.  Another of our key members is a judge in the Maryland Circuit Court and a friend of Judge Andrew W Wilkerson of Hagerstown MD, gunned down October 19 in his driveway by a man upset by his decision in a child custody case.

 

A sad, sad day/

 

Roy

Condolences to your friends and their families Roy.

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

It's a foggy morning here and frost on the rooftops.  Only 30 F this morning, but heading to 50.  Hard to believe our warm weather is over!

I love all black cats, prefer Guinness over American beer, and will salute the Navy (DH is retired Supply Corps). Funny quote, will pass on the meal.  We'll be having chicken gyros tonight.  The drink sounds good, I do like rum, but will pass on the red wine.  We've been to Lima -- we sailed out of Lima in 2015 on the Statendam for a South America cruise.  We had a hotel near the Miraflores area, many of the photos posted look so familiar!

 

DH and I are itching to start packing for the GA, we'll leave for San Diego in 65 days.  But our luggage will be picked up in 49 days and since we have unlimited luggage forwarding, I'm bringing a lot 😉  But the grandsons will be sleeping in the guest room (our packing room) a couple times before then, and HAL hasn't let us know what the theme nights will be, so we have to wait.  I'm not feeling very patient LOL.  

 

Happy Birthday Graham @grapau27!

Bon Voyage @Norseh2o!

@Cruzin Terri I'm so sorry to hear about your DH's fall last night.  Happy there are no broken bones, but he must hurt all over.  I agree about the 8:00 phone call, I wouldn't like that.  Around here companies aren't allowed to call before 9:00.  

 

This is also DS and DDIL's 22nd wedding anniversary.  I know they're both working today, I hope they have something special planned for the weekend.

 

Some black cats in my life.  All but 1 have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  All very much loved.

 

The one black cat we owned ourselves, our sweet Ebony.  Lived to be 17.

 

My neighbor's cat Jinx, my buddy.  He passed last December.

 

Spek, a previous cat of DD's

 

and Soot, DD's black kitty now.

 

We went to a fabulous horse show near Lima and drank Pisco 😉  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 22nd wedding anniversary to your son and daughter in law Carolyn.