The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info. 

[seagarsmoker]

We had a nice walk here in Aruba today.

Suzi found a few "trinkets" for some of her office friends.

We made it back to the ship just in time as it started pouring rain. Thankfully for everyone who was off the ship, it lasted for only 15 minutes.  Other than that, it's been a beautiful day.

Not sure what we are going to do for dinner.  Looks like Jamaican night, so we need to eat elsewhere. 

We talked with the Canaletto's manager this morning and they are sold out for both Christmas and Christmas Eve. 

I hope everyone has a good rest of your day.

[Niagarawine]

8 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Good morning Daily-ites from beautiful Rotterdam. 

 

Coffee was delivered at 6 on the dot. I am enjoying a much calmer sea before sunrise. 

 

Lifting prayers this morning for all on Vanessa's well kept list, my prayer book and Sandi's family and friends. 

 

Thank you Jacqui,  Ann, Dixie, Debbie, and Vanessa for your support of the Daily. Santa will be very good to you this year!

 

We are headed towards Half Moon Cay this morning. Our friend who took excellent care of us 2 Christmas past will also be on Zuiderdam at HMC. He writes us every week and we are fond of him. He just found out he doesn't get a break time today while at the island. Saddened to hear..

 

Oh my there are hundreds of kids on board for this Christmas cruise. Hoping Santa has a smooth landing on board.

 

Dinner tonight in PG, and having a special menu in Canaletto for Christmas. 

 

I never imagined being homesick before until we got our little rescue dog this year. So wish he could be here with us.

 

Wishing everyone a great weekend. Hoping no one has trouble getting to holiday festivities. 

 

God bless y'all!

Sorry you are homesick for your little dog. Will be lively with all the kids. We are booked on Konngsdam in May, surprise for eh. It’s rain8ng cats and dogs here and I hope you have a lovely dinner and have a drink for me,

[tupper10]

@StLouisCruisersSo sorry to hear about your granddaughter. What an awful experience.  So glad she is leaving tomorrow morning to be with family.

 

Loved all the cross stitch they look so intricate I doubt I could ever do them.  I used to do needle point but now my hand swells if I do fine needle work for more than a few minutes.  

 

Hats off to all of those traveling.  I hope all of those who are feeling poorly feel better soon.  

 

Busy with grandkids.  So not much time to post. My house looks like a tornado was here.  

[Oceansaway17]

9 hours ago, kazu said:

 

Today is Festivus, National Christmas Movie Marathon Day, and National Pfeffernusse Day
 

The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well. - Horace Walpole

Meal Suggestion for today - Instant Pot Beef Curry
Drink of the Day - Knob Creek Rye Old Fashioned
Wine of the Day - 2019 Selección de Fincas Ribera del Duero
Destination of the Day - Santa Barbara, California

Today in History:
1888 Vincent van Gogh cuts off his left ear with a razor, after argument with fellow painter Paul Gauguin, and sends to a prostitute for safe keeping
1928 NBC sets up a permanent, coast-to-coast radio network

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

San Juan, Puerto Rico 13:00 - 22:00 
 

Koningsdam

At Sea Destination Honolulu, Oahu Island Hawaii eta 12-27
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida 07:00 - 15:00 
 

Nieuw Statendam

Willemstad Curacao, Netherlands Antilles 07:00 - 23:00 
 

Noordam

Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand 12:00 - 20:00 
 

Oosterdam

Port Stanley, East Falkland Island 08:00 - 17:00 
 

Rotterdam

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas 10:00 - 18:00 
 

Zaandam

Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles 08:00 - 17:00 
 

Zuiderdam

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Carnival private island 09:00 - 17:00 

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Volendam

At Sea Destination Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico eta 12-25
 

Westerdam

At Sea Destination Koh Samui Island Thailand eta 12-25

 

i like the look of this page and they way you do it.

[grapau27]

6 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Happy Birthday to Kochleffel, because it's mine too:

Happy birthday to you.

[Cruzin Terri]

3 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I just got some bad news this morning from DD.  She called to report that my DGD who lives in and goes to college in Tampa was robbed at gunpoint this morning going from the parking garage into the apartment where she lives.  I assume that means the stairwell.  She was on a cruise this past week down in Mexico/Central America on Enchantment of the Seas I believe and she and her friends were coming home from the cruise port.  She dropped them off at their floor, then parked on her level.  When she got to the stairwell, a guy dressed in black with a ski mask on (it's 72F there) pointed a gun at her and demanded her phone.  He made her open it because it had face recognition to unlock it, then ran off.  She is a wreck emotionally.  And we are so, so grateful he didn't do something else to harm her.  The police were called right away and she plans to stay in her friends' apartment tonight.  She has a 6 a.m. flight to Cincinnati in the morning so someone will drive her to the airport.  She is going to get the biggest hugs when we see her Monday!  She has a lease at the apartment and lives with other girls but they may be home already for the holiday.  She plans on moving out when she graduates next spring/summer and move closer to the Aquarium south of Tampa.  I hope it's a safer environment!  

 

She FaceTimed her Mom and was visibly upset (on someone else's phone).  She has already taken care of notifying AT&T and change all her passwords to her email, Venmo, etc.  I hope they find this guy and he's prosecuted fully.  The streets aren't safe anymore, but you can bet that young lady will be on the alert in the future.  

i am so sorry to hear this Sandi.  Thank God she is okay.  Hope they catch the guy.

Terri

[StLouisCruisers]

3 hours ago, quilty964 said:

@StLouisCruisersso sorry to hear that your DGD was robbed at gun point, how very scary for her and now your family....Give her a big hug when you see her!  

 

3 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Oh my gosh Sandi! Such a scary situation! Just thankful she was not injured! Give her an extra squeeze for me!!

 

2 hours ago, cruising sister said:

How awful Sandi,

I am glad she was not harmed physically but those emotional hurts will be with her for a longtime. 

 

2 hours ago, superoma said:

How scary. Hugs to her. Glad she got her info changed quickly

 

2 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

Good afternoon, a late check in for me.   A manicure and pedicure this morning then playing catch up at the house.  Sandi,  I am so sorry to read about your DGD was robbed in Tampa.  We loved sailing from that city but we never felt safe even in the downtown area.   

Jacqui, thanks for today's Daily and Fleet Reports.    @Quartzsite Cruiser thanks for the photos of today's port, it looks like a lovely stop. 

@JazzyV I hope you are not suffering so much and are getting some sleep.   Thank you so much for our Cares and Celebrations reports each day.   Prayers for everyone on our care list, continued improvement for Baby Murphy and for all in war zones.  Prayers for the safe return of the hostages.  

It is a slightly foggy day here but thankfully not enough to cause flight delays in Grand Rapids.   @0106 thanks for the photo of Rogers Forge, my late DMIL lived fairly close at Lake and Charles.  We always enjoyed going down to Hamden too to look at the homeowners decorations.   I did some prep work for dinner with my older DS tomorrow and now can just relax a while.  We are meeting our cabin neighbors for an early dinner at a restaurant in town.  It will be nice to see them as we haven't seen them since we said farewell after Labor Day.   Have a lovely Saturday!  Nancy 

 

2 hours ago, durangoscots said:

That is really scary!! Just glad she is ok.

 

Susan

 

2 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

I am so sorry to hear about this Sandi  @StLouisCruisers and I am glad she was not physically injured. I think it is wise to stay with a friend until she leaves tomorrow.

 

 

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

First, Sandi @StLouisCruisers I'm SO sorry about your DGD -- how awful!  I'm glad she wasn't hurt physically but the emotional shock has to be overwhelming. 😞  

 

One Christmas movie I like to watch over and over is "Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase.  I've probably posted this before -- this shows up before Christmas every year and is a couple miles up the road from us.  This year we didn't see it as early as usual, so got worried that the people who live there were ill or moved away -- and then it showed up last weekend 🙂 So here's Cousin Eddie.

 

 

I'll pass on the drink, red wine and the meal.  We just had beef stew this week, I never use a recipe.  Debbie @dfish you wouldn't have liked it because it had a lot of carrots in it but we thought it was tasty.  😉  I was trying to make use of the carrots -- DH bought too many.  

 

Today is clean the family room day - in my quest to get the whole house deep cleaned one room at a time before we leave for the cruise.  

 

Happy Birthday @kochleffel and @Sir PMP!

Sandi @StLouisCruisers as a fellow counted cross stitcher, you have my admiration for the work you do on the Christmas stockings.  Beautiful!  I'll be bringing a large project on our cruise, something I do on every long cruise.  I'd post a photo, but it's already packed and gone to San Diego!  But here's the last project I did (before framing).

 

 

We've been to Santa Barbara once on a Celebrity Pacific Coastal cruise.  We rented a car and drove to our DS and DDIL's house in Simi so I don't have many photos of Santa Barbara.  They now live near us, so glad about that!

 

We walked to the rental car agency and I loved this view of our ship.

 

Santa Barbara shoreline

 

 

 

1 hour ago, cat shepard said:

 

Sandi

 

Thank goodness your DGD was not hurt.

 

Still a super scary experience with  some post event trauma. Let’s hope the holiday gatherings help make her feel more at ease.

 

And she should definite alert the apartment complex too.  They can set up low/no cost options - such as volunteer escorts from the parking areas. 

 

1 hour ago, dfish said:

OMG, Sandi @StLouisCruisers.  Calming hugs to your DGD.  I'm sure her mom is bundle of nerves as well.  That was scary!  

 

@Cruising-along Carolyn and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, as long as the carrots are in big chunks I can easily eat around them.  I should try a beef stew with a better cut of meat than what mom used.  I don't think she used a recipe, either.  I think some of the roast beef and vegetable recipes look good and I liked the roast pork and vegetables recently.  Sue will eat all the carrots.  

 

I was true to form as a messy baker today.  I managed to explode butter all over the microwave even though I had it covered.  Then, I poured half of it on the counter.  I got flour all over the place.  All cleaned up now.  

 

@richwmn It sounds like your cruise is off to a good start.  We got a good chuckle about the woman who was missing her balcony off her ocean view room.  Some people should not go out alone.

 

1 hour ago, JazzyV said:

 Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I've heard of Festivus, but never seen an episode of Seinfeld, so don't really know what it's about. I haven't watched any Christmas movies yet this year. I like pfeffernusse and have made them, but not recently. Good quote. Yes to the meal, pass on the drink, and yes to the wine. I haven't been to Santa Barbara. Poor Van Gogh probably had lead poisoning that altered his thinking. 

 

It's 50F and cloudy, with sprinkles. Not too much going on with me. I'm trying to clean the kitchen and do laundry. Coming up from the basement is tough as past a little landing, there are 3 steps that are taller than normal, that are very challenging. Using a cane helps me get up them. Football is also on; can't get used to Saturday games.

 

@kochleffel Happy Birthday Paul!

@kazu Thank you for starting us up today.

@StLouisCruisers The stockings are beautiful. Safe travels tomorrow. Oh no, on DGD getting held up by someone with a gun. So scary! I'm glad she's ok physically, but she must be a wreck emotionally. I got mugged once and my purse taken, but no gun involved, and that was bad enough. 

@cat shepard Safe travels to Boston.

@Sir PMP Happy Birthday!

@0106 I saw that heartwarming story on the Today Show.

@Cruzin Terri I'm glad you slept better. Hang in there.

@smitty34877 The baking and board games sound like fun.

@superoma You've got a lot going on. Enjoy!

@Quartzsite Cruiser It does permanently mention all contributors to the Daily in the Celebration List. Thanks for the Santa Barbara photos.

@Nickelpenny Enjoy HMC. Merry Christmas!

@Cruising-along I love that very intricate counted cross stitch.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers to those Celebrating.

 

1 hour ago, bennybear said:

Good morning and thanks all! 
My late condolences to Jacqui, @kazu  and @1ANGELCATlosses are never easy but somehow they seem worse  this time of year!  
 

Happy birthday wishes to @kochleffeland @Sir PMP
Also an interesting time for birthdays, both my grandmother and granddaughter were born Christmas Eve! 

@StLouisCruisersyikes! Your poor DGD, so sorry that she experienced this!

 

We have enjoyed visiting Santa Barbara and area. 

 

37 minutes ago, tupper10 said:

@StLouisCruisersSo sorry to hear about your granddaughter. What an awful experience.  So glad she is leaving tomorrow morning to be with family.

 

Loved all the cross stitch they look so intricate I doubt I could ever do them.  I used to do needle point but now my hand swells if I do fine needle work for more than a few minutes.  

 

Hats off to all of those traveling.  I hope all of those who are feeling poorly feel better soon.  

 

Busy with grandkids.  So not much time to post. My house looks like a tornado was here.  

 

4 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

i am so sorry to hear this Sandi.  Thank God she is okay.  Hope they catch the guy.

Terri

 

 

Thank you all for your words of concern about DGD.  This guy turned off the Find my Phone location services immediately.  Probably shut down the lock feature so he could open it whenever he wanted to.  

 

Joy @Seasick Sailor I'll give her an extra squeeze from you for sure.  Carolyn @Cruising-along your cross stitch project is just beautiful.  It's hard to believe how many stitches are in these projects.  Ann @cat shepard good idea about the escorts.  I'm betting she and many of her friends will be coming and going in groups from now on.  Vanessa @JazzyVI'm shocked to hear you were mugged once.  I can't imagine!  Thank goodness you were okay.  In addition, thank you to all for the photos today of Santa Barbara.  It looks great!

 

[cunnorl]

@StLouisCruisers I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your DGD. So scary for her but thankfully she was not harmed physically. I am sure she will be getting extra hugs from her Grandma!

[erewhon]

Thanks for the HAL Fleet report and the Daily.

Noordam is berthed in Auckland today (24th) after visiting the Bay of Islands yesterday.

Will read all the posts later.

@St Louis Cruiser  so sorry to read about your DGD, very traumatic  experience, thankfully she was not injured.

 

 

Edited December 23, 2023 by erewhon

[grapau27]

6 hours ago, superoma said:

Happy birthday, @Sir PMPand @kochleffel. It is also my friend Elaine’s birthday today, her 80th and she is throwing a party with 80 people. How appropriate. Elaine treats herself to a party of some sort every year for her birthday, making up for it being just another day so close to Christmas growing up as a child. 
 

had a long, lovely lunch with my sister yesterday. She just returned from a whirlwind week long trip to Germany with her 2 adult sons. They all had a great time and also visited with our aunt, my father’s younger sister which gave the aunt a chance to grieve for her brother with close family. We chose a Chinese restaurant attached to our large, local mall. Mall and parking lot were very busy. I don’t normally go to the mall or Costco in December because of the crowds and yesterday just confirmed that that is a good choice! Somewhere else next time!

 

i thought our Christmas was going to be fairly quiet but as i think about the days it will actually be busy. Today the birthday party, tomorrow at our one daughter’s in-laws house (a long standing tradition of well over 25 years). We have been invited there since our daughter started dating her husband, our DSIL. The only years we have missed are the ones when we chose to drive to Florida on Christmas Eve day or Christmas Day. Christmas Day will be quiet. Boxing Day (26) former neighbours who moved out of the city will visit and on the 27th we will have our family Christmas. And I hope to avoid going to any store until the new year, except our vegetable wholesaler.

 

wishing everyone a good Saturday. Hugs to all that are grieving or unwell. Cheers to those cruising or celebrating.

 

 

Happy birthday to your friend Elaine.

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

We were in Santa Barbara on March 26 and 29, 2022, on b2b California coastal cruises on Koningsdam.  Because of tendering, DH stayed on the ship.  The first day was an afternoon visit, and I went in and looked around the area near the tender dock.  I wanted to see if it would be feasible for DH to tender in on the second stop, but it wasn't.  The second day, I took the shuttle from the tender dock into town and walked part way up the pedestrian only street and then back to the tender dock. 

 

These first pictures were from our first stop.  This is Santa Barbara as we approached the anchorage.

 

The main road paralleling the coastline.

 

 

One of the streets leading into town.

 

These are from our second visit.  This is the beginning of the pedestrian street.

 

There are a lot of old, interesting buildings in this area.

 

 

 

An interesting mosaic above one of the doors.  It's too bad the large light blocks part of it.

 

A side street with open air dining.

 

The train station

 

 

 

This statue was at the traffic circle at the intersection of the main road, the coast road and a long pier.

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

Nice photos Lenda.

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, cunnorl said:

@StLouisCruisers I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your DGD. So scary for her but thankfully she was not harmed physically. I am sure she will be getting extra hugs from her Grandma!

 

1 hour ago, erewhon said:

Thanks for the HAL Fleet report and the Daily.

Noordam is berthed in Auckland today (24th) after visiting the Bay of Islands yesterday.

Will read all the posts later.

@St Louis Cruiser  so sorry to read about your DGD, very traumatic  experience, thankfully she was not injured.

 

 

 

Thank you so much.  I would love to hug her right this minute!

 

The police called DGD and notified her they had arrested a suspect today who stole a car and then went around stealing cell phones from many others and probably that included her.  I suppose finding the stolen car was key in finding out he was the one stealing phones.  They hadn't searched the car totally yet but her phone case with dolphins on it should be easy to identify.  She already replaced the phone this afternoon and is packing for her Christmas trip home.  She will be at the airport awfully early for a 6 a.m. flight.  Just wanted to share the good news!

[grapau27]

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I just got some bad news this morning from DD.  She called to report that my DGD who lives in and goes to college in Tampa was robbed at gunpoint this morning going from the parking garage into the apartment where she lives.  I assume that means the stairwell.  She was on a cruise this past week down in Mexico/Central America on Enchantment of the Seas I believe and she and her friends were coming home from the cruise port.  She dropped them off at their floor, then parked on her level.  When she got to the stairwell, a guy dressed in black with a ski mask on (it's 72F there) pointed a gun at her and demanded her phone.  He made her open it because it had face recognition to unlock it, then ran off.  She is a wreck emotionally.  And we are so, so grateful he didn't do something else to harm her.  The police were called right away and she plans to stay in her friends' apartment tonight.  She has a 6 a.m. flight to Cincinnati in the morning so someone will drive her to the airport.  She is going to get the biggest hugs when we see her Monday!  She has a lease at the apartment and lives with other girls but they may be home already for the holiday.  She plans on moving out when she graduates next spring/summer and move closer to the Aquarium south of Tampa.  I hope it's a safer environment!  

 

She FaceTimed her Mom and was visibly upset (on someone else's phone).  She has already taken care of notifying AT&T and change all her passwords to her email, Venmo, etc.  I hope they find this guy and he's prosecuted fully.  The streets aren't safe anymore, but you can bet that young lady will be on the alert in the future.  

I'm so sorry to hear about your dear granddaughter's robbery at gunpoint Sandi.

It must have been really frightening for her.

I hope your dear granddaughter is okay now and the robber is caught.

[grapau27]

Sorry to hear Laura Lynch  founder of Dixie Chicks has died in a car accident aged 65.

Edited December 23, 2023 by grapau27

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon.  It turned out to be a beautiful day even if the temperature is 66F.  The sun without any wind made for a warm day.  Our wonderful DSIL with the help of our equally wonderful DD, got most of our to do liste done.  DSIL also hadntime to take the RZRs for a run in the desert.  He said there was still some places with standing water.

 

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I just got some bad news this morning from DD.  She called to report that my DGD who lives in and goes to college in Tampa was robbed at gunpoint this morning going from the parking garage into the apartment where she lives.  I assume that means the stairwell.  She was on a cruise this past week down in Mexico/Central America on Enchantment of the Seas I believe and she and her friends were coming home from the cruise port.  She dropped them off at their floor, then parked on her level.  When she got to the stairwell, a guy dressed in black with a ski mask on (it's 72F there) pointed a gun at her and demanded her phone.  He made her open it because it had face recognition to unlock it, then ran off.  She is a wreck emotionally.  And we are so, so grateful he didn't do something else to harm her.  The police were called right away and she plans to stay in her friends' apartment tonight.  She has a 6 a.m. flight to Cincinnati in the morning so someone will drive her to the airport.  She is going to get the biggest hugs when we see her Monday!  She has a lease at the apartment and lives with other girls but they may be home already for the holiday.  She plans on moving out when she graduates next spring/summer and move closer to the Aquarium south of Tampa.  I hope it's a safer environment!  

 

She FaceTimed her Mom and was visibly upset (on someone else's phone).  She has already taken care of notifying AT&T and change all her passwords to her email, Venmo, etc.  I hope they find this guy and he's prosecuted fully.  The streets aren't safe anymore, but you can bet that young lady will be on the alert in the future.  

 

Sandi, that must have been a scary situation, but she was smart enough to keep her cool and do what the guy said.  I know it was upsetting not only fornher, but for the entire family.  I'm glad they nowmhave a suspect in custody.

 

3 hours ago, dfish said:

OMG, Sandi @StLouisCruisers.  Calming hugs to your DGD.  I'm sure her mom is bundle of nerves as well.  That was scary!  

 

@Cruising-along Carolyn and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, as long as the carrots are in big chunks I can easily eat around them.  I should try a beef stew with a better cut of meat than what mom used.  I don't think she used a recipe, either.  I think some of the roast beef and vegetable recipes look good and I liked the roast pork and vegetables recently.  Sue will eat all the carrots.  

 

I was true to form as a messy baker today.  I managed to explode butter all over the microwave even though I had it covered.  Then, I poured half of it on the counter.  I got flour all over the place.  All cleaned up now.  

 

@richwmn It sounds like your cruise is off to a good start.  We got a good chuckle about the woman who was missing her balcony off her ocean view room.  Some people should not go out alone.

 

Debbie, between my mess yesterday, and yours today, I cringe to think whatna kitchen would look like if we baked together.

 

2 hours ago, JazzyV said:

 Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I've heard of Festivus, but never seen an episode of Seinfeld, so don't really know what it's about. I haven't watched any Christmas movies yet this year. I like pfeffernusse and have made them, but not recently. Good quote. Yes to the meal, pass on the drink, and yes to the wine. I haven't been to Santa Barbara. Poor Van Gogh probably had lead poisoning that altered his thinking. 

 

It's 50F and cloudy, with sprinkles. Not too much going on with me. I'm trying to clean the kitchen and do laundry. Coming up from the basement is tough as past a little landing, there are 3 steps that are taller than normal, that are very challenging. Using a cane helps me get up them. Football is also on; can't get used to Saturday games.

 

 

@kochleffel Happy Birthday Paul!

@kazu Thank you for starting us up today.

@StLouisCruisers The stockings are beautiful. Safe travels tomorrow. Oh no, on DGD getting held up by someone with a gun. So scary! I'm glad she's ok physically, but she must be a wreck emotionally. I got mugged once and my purse taken, but no gun involved, and that was bad enough. 

@cat shepard Safe travels to Boston.

@Sir PMP Happy Birthday!

@0106 I saw that heartwarming story on the Today Show.

@Cruzin Terri I'm glad you slept better. Hang in there.

@smitty34877 The baking and board games sound like fun.

@superoma You've got a lot going on. Enjoy!

@Quartzsite Cruiser It does permanently mention all contributors to the Daily in the Celebration List. Thanks for the Santa Barbara photos.

@Nickelpenny Enjoy HMC. Merry Christmas!

@Cruising-along I love that very intricate counted cross stitch.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers to those Celebrating.

 

Vanessa, I knew about the permanent mention, but it slipped my mind.

 

Lenda

[richwmn]

I found this out a little while ago

1968 Crew of USS Pueblo released by North Korea

55 years ago

 

[Cruising-along]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Carolyn @Cruising-along your cross stitch project is just beautiful.  It's hard to believe how many stitches are in these projects.  

 

Thank you Sandi -- I know, hard to believe how many stitches.  That's why I can appreciate yours so much.  I started over 40 years ago, never thought I'd still be doing it.  The only thing I won't do anymore is the gold filament thread!  Some of my Christmas projects used a lot of it -- and it is gorgeous, but a nightmare to work with.

4 hours ago, dfish said:

 

@Cruising-along Carolyn and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, as long as the carrots are in big chunks I can easily eat around them.  I should try a beef stew with a better cut of meat than what mom used.  I don't think she used a recipe, either.  I think some of the roast beef and vegetable recipes look good and I liked the roast pork and vegetables recently.  Sue will eat all the carrots.  

I do cut the carrots in big chunks so I think you'd be safe!  (I do the same with mushrooms, eat around them if possible). 

4 hours ago, dfish said:

 

 

@richwmn It sounds like your cruise is off to a good start.  We got a good chuckle about the woman who was missing her balcony off her ocean view room.  Some people should not go out alone.

Debbie we got a big laugh over that one too!  

3 hours ago, JazzyV said:

 

@Cruising-along I love that very intricate counted cross stitch.

 

Thank you Vanessa 🙂  You didn't say, I hope you slept a little better last night?  I was happy to hear you got a little more the night before, I think 4 hours? 

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

The police called DGD and notified her they had arrested a suspect today who stole a car and then went around stealing cell phones from many others and probably that included her.  I suppose finding the stolen car was key in finding out he was the one stealing phones.  They hadn't searched the car totally yet but her phone case with dolphins on it should be easy to identify.  She already replaced the phone this afternoon and is packing for her Christmas trip home.  She will be at the airport awfully early for a 6 a.m. flight.  Just wanted to share the good news!

Oh, I hope they throw the book at him!  Let us know what happens please. 

17 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Debbie, between my mess yesterday, and yours today, I cringe to think whatna kitchen would look like if we baked together.

 

LOL!  That could be quite a sight!  And I'm just glad I don't have to do any baking this year!

[dfish]

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, I hope this is the guy.  Catching him will help soften some of the pain of trauma.  It helps to know that the perpetrator is contained.

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser I think we should get together and bake sometime.  You are most welcome to come here.  My kitchen is used to it.  

 

@Cruising-along Carolyn, good to know that the carrots are in big chunks.  We could never have mushrooms in anything because my sister didn't like them.  Why she was catered to on the mushrooms and I was left to fend for myself on the carrots, I don't know.  Now, I also didn't like milk and would make a fuss about having to drink it, so we always got chocolate milk for dinner.  I offered to make it every night because Mom didn't put enough chocolate in it.

[Cruising-along]

10 minutes ago, dfish said:

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, I hope this is the guy.  Catching him will help soften some of the pain of trauma.  It helps to know that the perpetrator is contained.

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser I think we should get together and bake sometime.  You are most welcome to come here.  My kitchen is used to it.  

 

@Cruising-along Carolyn, good to know that the carrots are in big chunks.  We could never have mushrooms in anything because my sister didn't like them.  Why she was catered to on the mushrooms and I was left to fend for myself on the carrots, I don't know.  Now, I also didn't like milk and would make a fuss about having to drink it, so we always got chocolate milk for dinner.  I offered to make it every night because Mom didn't put enough chocolate in it.

Debbie maybe your Mom secretly hated mushrooms too?  Smart of you to offer to make the chocolate milk! 😉  

[erewhon]

12 hours ago, rafinmd said:

 

I've been to Santa Barbara just once, I think 2012 on Crystal Symphony.  It was the first time I ever rode a Segway.

 

Roy

 

@rafinmd  Roy, Crystal Symphony will be here on Boxing Day, along with Celebrity Edge.

[Haljo1935]

Happy Birthday  @Sir PMP

Happy Birthday @kochleffel 

 

[aliaschief]

13 minutes ago, erewhon said:

 

@rafinmd  Roy, Crystal Symphony will be here on Boxing Day, along with Celebrity Edge.

Merry Christmas Eve to the @erewhon. Bruce & Susan

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, Cruising-along said:

Thank you Sandi -- I know, hard to believe how many stitches.  That's why I can appreciate yours so much.  I started over 40 years ago, never thought I'd still be doing it.  The only thing I won't do anymore is the gold filament thread!  Some of my Christmas projects used a lot of it -- and it is gorgeous, but a nightmare to work with.

I do cut the carrots in big chunks so I think you'd be safe!  (I do the same with mushrooms, eat around them if possible). 

Debbie we got a big laugh over that one too!  

Thank you Vanessa 🙂  You didn't say, I hope you slept a little better last night?  I was happy to hear you got a little more the night before, I think 4 hours? 

Oh, I hope they throw the book at him!  Let us know what happens please. 

LOL!  That could be quite a sight!  And I'm just glad I don't have to do any baking this year!

 

Carolyn, I hate that gold filament thread too!  It breaks, it comes apart, it shrinks!  Of course every stocking has to have gold filament thread, right??  My first projects over 30 years ago had that filament thread all over it!  I was living in Williamsburg so bought the kits that were the colonial buildings of Williamsburg.  Huge projects, but beautiful.  They're just rolled up in a drawer.  Should have been framed!

[marshhawk]

Sandi how scary about your DGD.   I know this sounds weird, but after this happened to my neighbor, you might suggest that if she needs to talk about it, or still has fears to see a counselor. (spelling might be wrong)