Thursday November 23rd, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[lindaler]

Happy Thanksgiving Daily family.  Thank you to all who wished me a welcome home.  It felt good to know I was missed. While the airport didn't seem much busier than normal yesterday, all flights were full with a waitlist.  There was a few more babies crying but the worst part was the waiting. They lost a pilot on one flight and we waited close to two hours for another to show but we were all grateful that we continued the flight and all got home. I left the ship at 8am just after the ship was cleared and didn't pull into my driveway until after 11pm.  It was good to be home. I will have dinner at my youngest son's house at four but woke early to just do little jobs around the house. For some reason I had to make my own coffee and so far no one has been in to straighten my bed. We will have a high of only 58 today which is the coldest day in two months for me but it is good to be home.  Again, I hope all have a great holiday. 

Edited November 23, 2023 by lindaler

[tjcox9]

29 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser your photo of the Texas Bar reminded me of this exchange of photos from one of the previous times we posted on Tallinn.

 

Here is @tjcox9's post:

 

 

Rotterdam 2005 - here is the front of the Texas bar (I was a Texas at the time so this was a necessary shot) and the front of another interesting bar as well. We were there later as well, but I'm sure the photos are much the same as the others that have been posted.

 

 

And here is mine showing the same two places 6 years later.

 

 

Hey, looks like we all liked the Texas bar!  I took a photo too in 2011.  Then a photo of the Hell Hunt with a very different nameplate on the front.

 

 

 

And I was supposed to be back in Tallin this fall on the Rotterdam, but unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute. I could have checked up on our bars! 😁

[dfish]

The turkey is in, the extra dressing is ready to go, the potatoes were made by Bob Evans and will go in later.  I think we're ready to go!  

 

I, also, am very thankful for my Daily family.  This group was a lifeline during the dark days of the pandemic.  It has been a real treat to get to meet some of you since then.  I am really looking forward to meeting @summer slope Dixie and her DH on our Hawaii cruise and getting together again with @Sharon in AZ Sharon and Craig.  

 

I'm thankful for all the newcomers to the group as they bring a fresh perspective.  I especially want to thank @0106 Tina, my stand in, for the Meal of the Day.  Many thanks to @richwmn Rich for compiling the lists of meals, drinks, wines, and ports.  That is no small job.  Thank you to my colleagues in the Food and Beverage Department, @summer slope Dixie and @cat shepard Ann.  Thank you so much to @JazzyV Vanessa for keeping our Prayer and Celebration lists.  

 

And where would we be without @StLouisCruisers Sandi and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda with all your pictures from various ports.  I think you two have been to more ports than any of us.  And then we have those who bring us our daily dose of humor, @aliaschief Bruce, @kazu Jacqui, @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, @kochleffel Paul.  And the cat lovers with their pictures, and those who pop in now and then to say hi and that they have been thinking of  us.  Now, don't let me forget @grapau27 Graham and his food porn pics.  Some of those have been stellar.  

 

No matter how much you post or how little, each person who posts on this thread makes this community what it is.  I am thankful to Cruise Critic for letting us have this space to continue this caring, supportive, and fun community.  You are all truly family.

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

10 minutes ago, dfish said:

The turkey is in, the extra dressing is ready to go, the potatoes were made by Bob Evans and will go in later.  I think we're ready to go!  

 

I, also, am very thankful for my Daily family.  This group was a lifeline during the dark days of the pandemic.  It has been a real treat to get to meet some of you since then.  I am really looking forward to meeting @summer slope Dixie and her DH on our Hawaii cruise and getting together again with @Sharon in AZ Sharon and Craig.  

 

I'm thankful for all the newcomers to the group as they bring a fresh perspective.  I especially want to thank @0106 Tina, my stand in, for the Meal of the Day.  Many thanks to @richwmn Rich for compiling the lists of meals, drinks, wines, and ports.  That is no small job.  Thank you to my colleagues in the Food and Beverage Department, @summer slope Dixie and @cat shepard Ann.  Thank you so much to @JazzyV Vanessa for keeping our Prayer and Celebration lists.  

 

And where would we be without @StLouisCruisers Sandi and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda with all your pictures from various ports.  I think you two have been to more ports than any of us.  And then we have those who bring us our daily dose of humor, @aliaschief Bruce, @kazu Jacqui, @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, @kochleffel Paul.  And the cat lovers with their pictures, and those who pop in now and then to say hi and that they have been thinking of  us.  Now, don't let me forget @grapau27 Graham and his food porn pics.  Some of those have been stellar.  

 

No matter how much you post or how little, each person who posts on this thread makes this community what it is.  I am thankful to Cruise Critic for letting us have this space to continue this caring, supportive, and fun community.  You are all truly family.

 

 

 

Nice post Debbie!  Thank you very much for your kind words for each of us.  I'm so glad we met you and Sue on our cruise together.  Same with Dixie and George.  Who knew the Daily and Fleet Report would grow to what it's become?

[St Pete Cruiser]

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

We arrived in Tallinn on Sept. 6, 2011 on Emerald Princess.  It was our 42nd wedding anniversary so a special destination for a special day.  Here we are arriving.  

 

It was an easy walk to the downtown area.

 

The area is full of stone buildings like this.

 

So cool!

 

I love this doorway!

 

 

 

 

Wow, what an interesting facade on this building.

 

We went in a marzipan shop because our traveling buddies were big fans of marzipan.

 

Hmmmm...

 

A lovely floral display on this light.

 

What do you spot in this photo?

 

You got it.  A huge Pontiac from the 1960's era.  I tried passing my driver's license test, parallel parking a 1966 Bonneville coupe similar to this and failed.  Went back in my friend's tiny Chevrolet Corvair and passed it easily!

 

A local souvenir seller showed us this collection of Estonian coins.

 

In a huge square in the middle of town.

 

Political graffiti on this building.  

 

A little archery competition

 

An awesome church

 

Photograph of DH and I courtesy of our travel buddies.

 

And again

 

Who doesn't like a pink building?

 

And the Emerald Princess (back in 2011 so no sea witch on the hull)

 

 

Great port pics as always.  Thanks for your daily postings!  The car is a !968 Pontiac Catalina.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

[Overhead Fred]

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[grapau27]

57 minutes ago, dfish said:

The turkey is in, the extra dressing is ready to go, the potatoes were made by Bob Evans and will go in later.  I think we're ready to go!  

 

I, also, am very thankful for my Daily family.  This group was a lifeline during the dark days of the pandemic.  It has been a real treat to get to meet some of you since then.  I am really looking forward to meeting @summer slope Dixie and her DH on our Hawaii cruise and getting together again with @Sharon in AZ Sharon and Craig.  

 

I'm thankful for all the newcomers to the group as they bring a fresh perspective.  I especially want to thank @0106 Tina, my stand in, for the Meal of the Day.  Many thanks to @richwmn Rich for compiling the lists of meals, drinks, wines, and ports.  That is no small job.  Thank you to my colleagues in the Food and Beverage Department, @summer slope Dixie and @cat shepard Ann.  Thank you so much to @JazzyV Vanessa for keeping our Prayer and Celebration lists.  

 

And where would we be without @StLouisCruisers Sandi and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda with all your pictures from various ports.  I think you two have been to more ports than any of us.  And then we have those who bring us our daily dose of humor, @aliaschief Bruce, @kazu Jacqui, @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, @kochleffel Paul.  And the cat lovers with their pictures, and those who pop in now and then to say hi and that they have been thinking of  us.  Now, don't let me forget @grapau27 Graham and his food porn pics.  Some of those have been stellar.  

 

No matter how much you post or how little, each person who posts on this thread makes this community what it is.  I am thankful to Cruise Critic for letting us have this space to continue this caring, supportive, and fun community.  You are all truly family.

 

 

Thank you Debbie.

[durangoscots]

Good morning. I will be eating several cranberries today. And I would be happy to work with the cards I was dealt if someone would just stop shuffling the deck.

 

Today will be a quiet one for me. I have a turkey breast and  "fixins" to make up later. I turned down an invitation to dine with others - I just have too much going on and am really slow about getting it done and it would just take up too much of the day. Will talk with my sister and family later. Am scheduled to walk some shelter dogs later this afternoon and will try to give my own pups an extra walk since it may get nasty tomorrow.

 

Our weather is good right now but supposed to change tonight and anyone trying to drive the mountain passes tomorrow may have some real problems.... glad I am staying at home.

 

Take care all.

 

Susan

 

 

 

 

 

[Heartgrove]

Sharing what I am especially grateful for on this Thanksgiving. Unfortunately I won't see Lily today with me having Covid. She was enjoying a cinnamon roll eallier this morning.

 

- Jack

 

 

 

Edited November 23, 2023 by Heartgrove

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, Dailyites, and Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends!  I am especially thankful for you all.  

[dobiemom]

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

My DH’s family has always celebrated the Saturday prior since it’s a 4-day weekend for some and people sometimes go away. So turkey was a few days ago. 

Except I was a bit under the weather with sinuses draining causing a cough. I especially didn’t want to get his 91 y/o mom sick so I stayed home. No turkey for me. I’ll have it at Christmas. 

I seem to do better sleeping upright so I’ve been in the recliner. Not the best sleep but at least I’m not disturbing DH with my coughing. 

This morning I made biscuits and gravy with sausage and eggs. And then I put the Chile Colorado in the crockpot for dinner. 

Hope those celebrating today have a wonderful time with family and friends. 

[sailingdutchy]

First of all I would like to wish all our Southern neighbours a Happy Thanksgiving , we wish you and your families a wonderful day and an opportunity to count your blessings ! 

 

You’re slow we already had our turkey six weeks ago !   

 

I guess because of all of you celebrating and your retailers starting to offer great specials the day after , which is called Black Friday ?  so you can get ready for the next retail season , called Christmas and that way the retailers can get rid of extra stuff . That custom has for the last dozen or so years been taken over by our Canadian retailers .

It has even spread to Western Europe just the last couple of years , they say Black Friday huhhhhh whats that , ohhh there are specials we’ll take it ! 

 

I am just looking at what Holland America has to offer and see if there is another wonderful cruise for the fall of next year at a great price ! 

 

 

Way back in 2011 while on the Rotterdam VI we had a wonderful cruise from R’dam to R’dam to the Baltics and St Petersburg and joined one of the HAL “sticker tours “ to see some beautiful spots in Tallinn . 

 

 

 

 

I was trying hard to make a decision about this offer …………too much work , didn’t like the downspout  ! 

 

 

The place where they hold their annual International Choir competitions 

 

 

Our very nice , and feisty " redhead " guide gave us a great tour 

 

 

 

 

 

The ancient City Walls 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would have loved to visit the other 2 Baltic states  Estonia and Lithuania , maybe they will be on a future cruise .

 

Drop the lines and let’s go to St Petersburg , we were so curious to see that amazing place ……..  (Guess that is not going to happen for the foreseeable future now ! )

 

Tony 😆

Edited November 23, 2023 by sailingdutchy
Clean up format

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I will eat some cranberries today. I like espresso, although usually dilute it into an Americano. I remember some diners that had a little jukebox at the booths. Good quote. I'll pass on the meal and drink. Yes to the wine, if I could find it. I haven't been to Tallinn. I've seen the Cutty Sark, but only in passing, on a bus tour in the UK. 

 

It's still cloudy here, but supposedly there will be a bit of sun. It's 47F, which is our high for the day. I got a bit more sleep (4 hrs) as I took Benadryl last evening before my RA injection. Mornings are still hard, as the pain/numbness starts when I stand up. It doesn't relent until I'm downstairs and sitting for a bit.  BFF and I are going with our visiting UK friends to a buffet for Thanksgiving. We went there about 4 years ago, and the food was great. It's a family run business. Not sure what we'll do after. I'd like to make a small turkey breast this weekend, as there will be no leftovers from today, if I can manage it (I did put a stool in the kitchen, to sit when I need to). Same with my German Christmas bread I make; I'd hate to skip it this year, although I know BFF would understand.

 

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for the photos of Tallinn. Nice photos of you two. And great photo of DH and Gracie! DD's tree is lovely, as usual.

@rafinmd Enjoy your last full day of the cruise.

@Crazy For Cats Enjoy dinner with your DM.

@kazu I'm sorry to hear your weather has been so awful. Be careful, we don't need you falling!

@ger_77 Brrr, that's cold! 

@Cruzin Terri I hope the weather improves so you can go ashore.

@Quartzsite Cruiser That's not good about the person managing the water system. Great Tallinn photos. 

@Nickelpenny Nice photo. I'm glad you're enjoying your cruise.

@lindaler Wow, that's a long day, but good you got home on the same day!

@dfish Excellent sentiments about our Daily family.

@Heartgrove OMG, those rosy cheeks on Lily! She's adorable.

@dobiemom I hope you're feeling better soon. 

@sailingdutchy Lovely photos from Tallinn.

 

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

 

[puppycanducruise]

@Heartgrove Thanks for the picture of sweet little Lily.  So cute!

[StLouisCruisers]

42 minutes ago, Heartgrove said:

Sharing what I am especially grateful for on this Thanksgiving. Unfortunately I won't see Lily today with me having Covid. She was enjoying a cinnamon roll eallier this morning.

 

- Jack

 

 

 

 

Love her curls!  So cute.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all and Happy Thanksgiving!

We will be eating our share of cranberries today, I like espresso once in awhile, and haven't seen a jukebox in years.  I like the quote but will pass on the meal, drink and red wine.  We were in Tallin once, I'd love to go again. 

 

We're looking forward to sharing the Thanksgiving meal at DS and DDIL's today.  And I'm really enjoying not having to cook one darn thing!  I just realized it will happen again next year because we'll be on a cruise for Thanksgiving -- I could get spoiled!

 

We'll be heading down to check on DD's cats before going to DS and DDIL's, meanwhile I'll do the usual, more cruise planning 😉  This morning I changed our San Diego hotel back to what I'd originally booked -- Wyndham Bayside.  I see several of our Dailyites will be at that hotel too.  🙂  Looking forward to meeting everyone and can't wait for the cruise. 

 

 

We've been to Tallinn once, in 2014 on the Eurodam.  I loved that town!  So walkable and interesting.  We did a Rick Steves self walking tour and thoroughly enjoyed the day. I would love to get back there again.

 

Here are some of my photos from our day in Tallinn.

 

Four ships in port that day

 

One of our first sights

 

Fat Margaret Tower

 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

 

Headquarters for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a group of unmarried men formed to protect the city in the mid-14th century.

 

I noticed Sandi @StLouisCruisers liked this building too.

 

The city wall

 

Clock on Church of the Holy Ghost

 

Tall Herman Tower

 

Toompea Castle (Pink Castle)

 

Town Hall Square

 

We walked to the top of a hill for this great viewpoint.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

No problem posting your photos Lenda.  I figured I was safe waiting today for you to post now that you're back in Quartzsite, though it sounds like you've had your hands full with the water problem and the furnace/AC needing replaced.  I hope everything goes smoothly from now on and you can enjoy sitting out on the porches taking in the good weather.

 

 

The water problem has been around for as long as we've owned a lot here.  That's part of living in the desert, especially during a drought.  The big difference with the new owners of the water system is they do not buy and truck water from town to fill our tanks.  As our neighbor said yesterday that she tells all her visitors, if there's water, run take your shower quickly, wash the dishes, etc.  It is nice knowing we have 100 gallons of water in the motorhome for emergencies.

 

4 hours ago, kazu said:

 

If it makes you feel better, you’re not colder than here 😂 🥶 

 

 

@bennybear what a beautiful grand puppy you have 👍 

 

Jacqui, I'm sorry about your nasty weather.  Please, both you and Ivan be careful when walking.

 

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Since we can't comment any further on yesterday's Daily I'll move Brenda's @bennybear grand puppy's photo over here.  I wanted to say that I think she is a beautiful dog with such a shiny coat.  I hope she makes a great addition to the family.  What's her name?

 

 

Here’s our lovely new 5 month old grand puppy, from a shelter.  She is lovely! 
 

 

 

 

 

Sandi, thanks for reposting @bennybear Brenda's picture of their new granddog.  She is a sweet looking girl.

 

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser your photo of the Texas Bar reminded me of this exchange of photos from one of the previous times we posted on Tallinn.

 

Here is @tjcox9's post:

 

 

Rotterdam 2005 - here is the front of the Texas bar (I was a Texas at the time so this was a necessary shot) and the front of another interesting bar as well. We were there later as well, but I'm sure the photos are much the same as the others that have been posted.

 

 

And here is mine showing the same two places 6 years later.

 

 

Hey, looks like we all liked the Texas bar!  I took a photo too in 2011.  Then a photo of the Hell Hunt with a very different nameplate on the front.

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Sandi.  I came close to remembering the name.

 

2 hours ago, lindaler said:

Happy Thanksgiving Daily family.  Thank you to all who wished me a welcome home.  It felt good to know I was missed. While the airport didn't seem much busier than normal yesterday, all flights were full with a waitlist.  There was a few more babies crying but the worst part was the waiting. They lost a pilot on one flight and we waited close to two hours for another to show but we were all grateful that we continued the flight and all got home. I left the ship at 8am just after the ship was cleared and didn't pull into my driveway until after 11pm.  It was good to be home. I will have dinner at my youngest son's house at four but woke early to just do little jobs around the house. For some reason I had to make my own coffee and so far no one has been in to straighten my bed. We will have a high of only 58 today which is the coldest day in two months for me but it is good to be home.  Again, I hope all have a great holiday. 

 

Welcome home, Linda.  I'm sorry you had such a long day. 

 

1 hour ago, Heartgrove said:

Sharing what I am especially grateful for on this Thanksgiving. Unfortunately I won't see Lily today with me having Covid. She was enjoying a cinnamon roll eallier this morning.

 

- Jack

 

 

 

 

Jack, I'm sorry you have Covid again, and thanks for the picture of Lily.  She's a real cutie.

 

14 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all and Happy Thanksgiving!

We will be eating our share of cranberries today, I like espresso once in awhile, and haven't seen a jukebox in years.  I like the quote but will pass on the meal, drink and red wine.  We were in Tallin once, I'd love to go again. 

 

We're looking forward to sharing the Thanksgiving meal at DS and DDIL's today.  And I'm really enjoying not having to cook one darn thing!  I just realized it will happen again next year because we'll be on a cruise for Thanksgiving -- I could get spoiled!

 

We'll be heading down to check on DD's cats before going to DS and DDIL's, meanwhile I'll do the usual, more cruise planning 😉  This morning I changed our San Diego hotel back to what I'd originally booked -- Wyndham Bayside.  I see several of our Dailyites will be at that hotel too.  🙂  Looking forward to meeting everyone and can't wait for the cruise. 

 

 

We've been to Tallinn once, in 2014 on the Eurodam.  I loved that town!  So walkable and interesting.  We did a Rick Steves self walking tour and thoroughly enjoyed the day. I would love to get back there again.

 

Here are some of my photos from our day in Tallinn.

 

Four ships in port that day

 

One of our first sights

 

Fat Margaret Tower

 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

 

Headquarters for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a group of unmarried men formed to protect the city in the mid-14th century.

 

I noticed Sandi @StLouisCruisers liked this building too.

 

The city wall

 

Clock on Church of the Holy Ghost

 

Tall Herman Tower

 

Toompea Castle (Pink Castle)

 

Town Hall Square

 

We walked to the top of a hill for this great viewpoint.

 

Carolyn, enjoy the dinner with your DS and DDIL.  I bet it tastes extra good since you did not have to cook anything.  Thanks for the pictures of Tallinn.

 

Lenda

[smitty34877]

Good afternoon and Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. Our turkey is roasting and the entire group participated in chopping and other preparations. 
It snowed yesterday but rain came and melted it away . It is a balmy 38 now.

We were at the port on a Eurodam cruise a long time ago. I remember DH found a bar called “Molly Malone’s” which we had frequented in NYC . 
I am so very grateful for everyone here. It is an amazing group of people. 
Enjoy the day everyone 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

The sun has cleared the clouds away, so it's time to get outside and get a few more things done.  First, I have to vacuum and dust.  The rest can wait a few more days.  I just don't want us being able to "finger paint" in the dust on the table while we have Thanksgiving dinner.  😉

 

@dfish  Debbie. thank you for sharing your feelings about The Daily.  It is how I feel too.

 

Now, I have a few more comments from yesterday's Daily.

 

@cruising sister  Lorraine, I'm glad you are feeling better and that the hand is healing nicely.

@marshhawk  Annie, I'm glad you are sleeping better.  I still can't believe you have not gotten the oxygen the doctor wanted you to have.  I was sorry to read the news about your friend having kidney cancer that spread.  Heeding the warning signs can make a big difference.  Congratulations on your boss thinking you do an awesome job.

@summer slope Dixie, I hope your DH is feeling better and is over his reaction to the vaccine.

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, I was happy to see that most of your test results were the same, but sorry about the one that dipped.  I hope it is just a fluctuation between tests.

@Vict0riann  Ann, thanks for the pictures and information on the Moeraki Boulders.  That is very interesting.

 

Lenda

[Love the beach]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Marge

[summer slope]

@Quartzsite Cruiserhe is back to normal. Thank you for your prayers. 

[StLouisCruisers]

7 minutes ago, summer slope said:

@Quartzsite Cruiserhe is back to normal. Thank you for your prayers. 

 

Very happy to hear that Dixie!

[luvteaching]

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
 

It's a cold clear morning here and I'll be heading out in an hour or so. My DDIL's parents are here from Alaska and rented a house about 45 minutes away so that's where we're celebrating. Dinner is at 3:00 or so and I'm in charge of rolls and I made several different cookies for desserts and snacking. They are all at the house  over the weekend but I'm just going down for the day. It will be different without DH this year but life goes on and I'm glad to be spending today with people I know so well and care about and I don't have to do all the cooking! 

Karen

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from yesterday, taken from the MS Rotterdam Lido as we arrived in Montego Bay:

 

 

Roy

[dfish]

2 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

Sharing what I am especially grateful for on this Thanksgiving. Unfortunately I won't see Lily today with me having Covid. She was enjoying a cinnamon roll eallier this morning.

 

- Jack

 

 

 

 

Can a little face get any cuter?  She is adorable and I hope we are seeing a sparkle of sass in her.