The Fleet Report and Daily for Sunday, December 24th, 2023

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE to all who celebrate the day.

 

Good morning from a sunny and not windy Quartzsite.  Because of the 1.75 inch rain Friday, we are under a dense for advisory.  When it cools off at night, the moisture in the ground rises to the surface.  Currently, it is 46F with a predicted high of 62F.  Not much on the agenda today, just enjoying time with DD and DSIL.  We hope to have smores by the firepit after dinner tonight.  There will also be the ATV parade through the neighborhood about 6:30 or 7.

 

There is no eggnog in the house, and I hope Libya is celebrating their Independence Day.

 

I'm not sure I like the last part of the quote since I don't think you should be detached from life.

 

The Instant Pot chicken looks interesting, and I may need to try it if the skin would come out crispy.  We think that's the best part of the chicken.  We'll pass on the drink and the wine.

 

The patent on the backward bicycle brake made bikes safer.  My first bike had that type of break.

 

We were in Darwin on October 30, 2002, on the Volendam APEC 64 day cruise.  I'll retrieve my pictures soon.  @rafinmd  Thank you, Roy for coming to my rescue and finding the links.  What did you do correctly and what did I do wrong?

 

@grapau27  Graham, Sarah is as lovely as Pauline.  You are very lucky to have her as a "daughter" and she is equally as lucky to have the two of you in her life.

@cat shepard  Ann, I'm glad you made it there safely and enjoy your visit with family.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, I'm glad you are enjoying the cruise.  Thanks for the pictures from the ship.

@Dismomx5  Thanks for dropping in to say hello.

@marshhawk  Annie, that was an interesting find in your backyard.  I'm glad you are including friends and neighbors in your holiday celebrations.

@richwmn  I'm glad the cruise is going so well, Rich.

@smitty34877  Terri, I'm happy you are enjoying your time with your DS and family, and that you are glad you made the trip.

@dfish  Debbie, I'm glad tomorrow's dinner will be easy with all the family contributing food.

@kochleffel  Paul, thanks for sharing the Nittelnacht tradition information.  I learned something new today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

Edited December 24, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

This is what I posted in 2021 and 2022 about our stop in Darwin.

 

Darwin was a port on our 2002 Volendam Asia Pacific Explorer Cruise.  We were there on October 30, and the hot, humid season had not started then.  We did not look at the town, but as per our usual port day, we rented a car and explored the surrounding area.

 

Giant termite mounds were along the highway.  DH, who is 6'1" stood next to it, and it towered over his head.  

 

Our first stop was a nature/animal preserve, that could have been in one of the national parks near Darwin.  These are some of the local residents.

 

On the way back to Darwin, we detoured to take a river cruise to see the jumping crocodiles. 

 

Our final stop that day was the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.  It was the last night of the market until the next April.  There were all types of crafts, clothing, food, and even didgeridoos for sale.  As we walked around, we sampled kangaroo (which isn't bad, but does not taste like chicken) and crocodile, which tastes somewhat like alligator.  DH bought a didgeridoo, which the vendor promised he'd ship to our house in Texas, since we couldn't haul it back on the plane.  DH's comment when we left, was that we may have wasted our money.  When we walked in the house after the cruise, the didgeridoo was on the couch.  Let's just say, he can make a noise with it.

 

A few scenes of the sunset market.

 

Mindil Beach

 

A local band to entertain the shoppers.

 

Another local group to enjoy as we reboarded the Volendam.

 

At dinner that night, kangaroo was on the menu.  No one wanted to order it, but after we told them we'd tasted it at the market, the table decided to order one kangaroo dinner and share it between the six of us.

 

The cruise was during the time the LA port locked the longshoremen out, so the Volendam could not get the containers of food that were sitting on the LA dock shipped to the various ports.  The HD, F&B manager, and executive chef went shopping in most of our ports around Asia and Australia.  We had good, and interesting things show up on the menu.  We heard that our food did not go to waste, but went to the Veendam.

 

Upon our arrival in LA the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the longshoremen were working, but were protesting the lockout by unloading the ship one piece of luggage at a time by hand.  We could not get off the ship until well after 1 pm., so the executive chef and the Lido cooks quickly fixed a modified lunch for everyone.  Needless to say, just about all the passengers missed their flights.  We did get out that day, as the ticket agent at LAX did not want extra passengers the next day.  The adventures of travelling are not for the faint of heart, but do make travelling interesting.

 

Lenda

[Haljo1935]

YAY for today - Christmas Eve and Eggnog - woo hoo! Libya 🇱🇾 independence deserves recognition. 

No, no - one should not detach from life, so I'll pass on the quote; yes to the meal, drink, and wine; not been to the port. The day in history really made bike riding easier and safer.

Today is another sea day and much smoother than the first couple.

Merry Christmas, prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

[aliaschief]

Good morning! Gave a self present this morning and slept in. A wonderful gift. Last night we watched Maestro a bi op of Leonard Bernstein. Bradley Cooper is a great actor.

We now have the couple across the street for dinner tonight. Our neighbor lost her older brother yesterday morning. They will leave for Oklahoma Tuesday and we’ll be cat sitting until their return next weekend.

Have some last minute errands. May all of you find some joy on this special week of celebration. Prayers for those in need and World Peace. Happy Birthday Sara. Bruce

 

 

Edited December 24, 2023 by aliaschief

[Haljo1935]

4 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you for Sarah's birthday wishes Vanessa @JazzyV.

Table is ready for Sarah coming tomorrow for Christmas day.

Happy Birthday to Sarah. Your table is beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

[aliaschief]

[luvteaching]

Good morning, 

 

@grapau27 Happy Birthday to Sarah! 

 

It's a colder morning here and I have no plans to leave the driveway unless I run to recycle. DS is coming over around 10:00 to fill outside bird feeders and do a few other "son-do" tasks for me. Today is getting the house cleaned and some dinner prep for tomorrow. I'll have 9 around the table Christmas Day so a full table. 

Had the nicest afternoon and evening yesterday. DS and DDIL had me over for appetizers, games and homemade manicotti. A couple of their friends came as well. One game we played was Blank Slate and it was fun. It's in my Amazon cart at the moment as a gift for my god-daughter and her husband. The manicotti was delicious and it was a nice afternoon/evening. I got out to the car totally iced over so had to wait to thaw it and I took my time coming home (it's only a 10 minute drive if that). 

 

Happy Christmas Eve to all who celebrate. 

 

Karen

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

@grapau27 Sarah is beautiful.  She looks like Pauline.

 

@kazu Love the recipe but I don't like tequila.  Maybe I should try it with wine. 😉

 

@cunnorl I'd love to see the Surfing Santas.  Please post some pictures if you can.

This comes close to a surfing Santa - Merry Christmas 🎅 

[sailingdutchy]

 

Today it is Darwin where we landed with the Volendam on November 30th , 2015 on a 31 day cruise from Sydney on the Great Barrier Reef Cruise to be followed by a Far East Explorer

 

Thank you very much Roy @rafinmd  for posting the link , I remember we had a very nice day there good enough to show my pictures again today .

 

 

After we arrived in Darwin we walked with our friends to the Crocosaurus Cove in town where we watched some shows with the saltwater crocodiles and saw in the museum many other creatures from this area .

 

Different to see a Christmas tree for us Canadians in 92 degrees heat 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a drink to cool us off we hopped onto the HOHO to go to the amazing  Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Australian Territory where we spend a few hours to see all the indigenous art in this beautiful building .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After another drink while watching  and listening to all these gorgeous colourful birds we went back to the ship for a special dinner .

 

 

Very nice adventurous self guiding day was had by all while we learned a lot about the Northern Territories . Great day in Darwin ! 

 

 

Happy Holidays , Merry Christmas and let's pray for Peace on Earth ! 

 

Tony😍

[Crazy For Cats]

I completed a post cruise task. I started my Rotterdam VII memory shelf. 

 

After a few more cruises it may look like the NA shelf. 

[bennybear]

Christmas Eve has always been special.  When our DGD was born it was absolutely magical.  
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas Eve! 
 

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all and Happy Christmas Eve!

I'm running late today, not the best sleep last night.  Too much on my mind before we leave in 8 days.

 

We've been saving some of the Alton Brown Egg Nog for today and tomorrow.  DS makes it every year and gave us some. 🙂  I hope Libya is celebrating, and no to the quote.  We shouldn't ever be detached from life.  Thank you all who posted photos of Darwin and thank you Roy @rafinmd for posting the links.  We will be there on the GANZ.  Our plan for that day is the HOHO, which I see some of you have done before.

 

I would love the meal, have no instant pot so would do it in the oven.  The drink and wine sound good as well.  Tonight will be steak, my quest to empty out the freezer is going well!  🙂  

 

Since we had our Christmas celebration with the family already, it will be a quiet couple of days here for DH and me.  Just continuing the house cleaning and cruise prep.  

 

I would like some air fryer advice, please.  I think it was Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser who told me months ago that Lumpia would do well in the air fryer -- well I got one for Christmas (yay!) and plan to make Lumpia in it today or tomorrow.  I do remember you said it would be best if it has a shelf (?)  Mine does, did you have other advice that I've forgotten?  I haven't even read all the instructions yet, but do know that Lumpia isn't in the instructions.  Would I do it like frozen fish sticks (the closest thing I see in the manual)?  For that it says 8 minutes at 400 degrees.  Thanks for any input!!  I could also Google it.

 

Happy Birthday to Sarah @grapau27!

Happy Birthday to your DGD @bennybear!  What a beautiful baby. 🙂 

[NextOne]

Hi friends! Thank you Jacqui @kazu for keeping us afloat while Rich has some well-deserved R&R!

Yesterday my DS decided that we needed to see more Christmas lights, so as soon as it turned dark, off we went. It seemed like there were many more than in past years, and some were really over the top! I'd hate to see their electric bill!!

I got an early Christmas present this morning -- no morning services at church! Can't remember the last time that happened. Of course, there will be 5 later in the day & the choir will sing at 4 of them. When I get home just before midnight I plan to have a nice "seasonally adjusted" glass of eggnog! Tomorrow we'll have dinner at my DSIL's & I offered to bring sides, so I'll be up early making those  --creamed onions, sweet potato souffle (from Honey Baked Ham -- can't beat it!), and the traditional green bean casserole. It will be fun to have the family together.

So Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating. And a huge Thank You to everyone that keeps the Daily such a welcoming and caring spot!

Edi

Edited December 24, 2023 by NextOne

[Vict0riann]

Happy Christmas Eve, Dailyites!  I am sort of following Jacqui';s recipe, but I bought the cruit fake, and I'm brousing it with dandy.  Having a great time!

 

[Haljo1935]

51 minutes ago, bennybear said:

Christmas Eve has always been special.  When our DGD was born it was absolutely magical.  
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas Eve! 
 

 

Awe - beautiful picture. Thanks for sharing - Merry Christmas!

[kochleffel]

There was a news report that the reindeer had passed their veterinary exams and received clearance from the USDA to enter US airspace. Santa will be required to disinfect the sleigh runners and his boots, though.

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

28 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all and Happy Christmas Eve!

I'm running late today, not the best sleep last night.  Too much on my mind before we leave in 8 days.

 

We've been saving some of the Alton Brown Egg Nog for today and tomorrow.  DS makes it every year and gave us some. 🙂  I hope Libya is celebrating, and no to the quote.  We shouldn't ever be detached from life.  Thank you all who posted photos of Darwin and thank you Roy @rafinmd for posting the links.  We will be there on the GANZ.  Our plan for that day is the HOHO, which I see some of you have done before.

 

I would love the meal, have no instant pot so would do it in the oven.  The drink and wine sound good as well.  Tonight will be steak, my quest to empty out the freezer is going well!  🙂  

 

Since we had our Christmas celebration with the family already, it will be a quiet couple of days here for DH and me.  Just continuing the house cleaning and cruise prep.  

 

I would like some air fryer advice, please.  I think it was Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser who told me months ago that Lumpia would do well in the air fryer -- well I got one for Christmas (yay!) and plan to make Lumpia in it today or tomorrow.  I do remember you said it would be best if it has a shelf (?)  Mine does, did you have other advice that I've forgotten?  I haven't even read all the instructions yet, but do know that Lumpia isn't in the instructions.  Would I do it like frozen fish sticks (the closest thing I see in the manual)?  For that it says 8 minutes at 400 degrees.  Thanks for any input!!  I could also Google it.

 

Happy Birthday to Sarah @grapau27!

Happy Birthday to your DGD @bennybear!  What a beautiful baby. 🙂 

 

Carolyn, I think Lumpia would do well in the air fryer, but I'm not sure what temperature and time to use.  The Lumpia recipe my DSIL gave me has ground beef and cabbage in it, and I think I'd cook it at 400F for about 18 minutes, which is the French fry setting on my air fryer.  I would also spritz a very light coating of oil on the Lumpia, and it doesn't take very much oil at all.  If you are willing to sacrifice a Lumpia or two, and a little time, you could play around with the temperature and time by doing a test one or two. I've found with breaded fish fillets that they need longer than what the directions say.  the recipe I have feeds so many, I haven't made Lumpia in about 30 years.

 

Lenda

[marshhawk]

https://jlcards.com/r9tN2r

 

this is a test, so if it doesn't work Happy Holidays......make sure your sound is on!

Edited December 24, 2023 by marshhawk

[grapau27]

6 hours ago, JazzyV said:

 

Today’s Care List:

Cruising sister’s great niece Murphy post-surgery, on CPAP, gtube

Marshhawk’s DH Chuck not feeling well

StLouisCruisers safe travel to Ohio

JazzyV with right leg pain, tingling and numbness

Passing of Kazu’s DBIL’s DM 

 

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza

All Dailyites going through worries and stress, whether mentioned or not

 

From the Rotation:

Cruising-along’s DBIL with prostate cancer, responding to therapy

Tana with pulmonary issues

57redbird recovering from spinal fusion surgery

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Happy Birthday to grapau27’s Sarah!

Kazu stepping up to keep the FR/Daily going while Rich is cruising

Cruising sister’s g-niece Murphy extubated, on CPAP 

Ger_77 visiting family in Calgary

Smitty34877 visiting family in NH

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

Seagarsmoker (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 27, Southern Caribbean), Petunia1950 (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 27, Southern Caribbean), Nickelpenny (Zuiderdam to Jan 3, Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday), St Pete Cruiser (Zaandam to Jan 4, Southern Caribbean Holiday), Ichiban Nekko (Rotterdam to Jan 5, B2B, Western/Tropical Caribbean), Av8rix (Koningsdam to Jan 6, Circle Hawaii Holiday), Haljo1935 (Koningsdam to Jan 6, Circle Hawaii Holiday), GTVCRUISER(Koningsdam to Jan 6, Circle Hawaii Holiday), Seasick Sailor (Rotterdam to Jan 14, 51d B2B2B Eastern/Western Caribbean (14n) + Tropical/Southern Caribbean Seafarer (16n)) and Richwmn(Volendam to May 4, 12d Mexico & Sea of Cortez Holiday + Jan 6 94d Grand Australia & NZ Voyage + Apr 6 15d PC Cruise + Apr 21 The Atlantic Cruise)

 

6 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.

Unseasonably mild for us, we'll have a green Christmas.  Today's high is forecast to be 7°C (45°F), normal is -1°C (30°F), but it's foggy so Rudolph may have to guide the sleigh tonight.

Interesting quote.

I don't have an Instant Pot, should I get one?

I'm sure I'll like the drink and wine.

Someday, I'll get to Australia. 🤞

Prayers for everyone on the Care List.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

@grapau27Happy Birthday to Sarah. 🎂

Have a great day everyone.  Stay safe.

 

6 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Happy Birthday to Sarah!

 

Graham,  you and Pauline received a beautiful gift when your niece Sarah was born. 

 

6 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Debbie, Dixie, and Ann.  Merry Christmas to @erewhon,  Happy Birthday Sarah.

 

I'll pass on the eggnog.  I wonder how much better Libya is now after independence considering the years under Gaddahi.  A great day in bicycle development.

 

I like the quote.

 

The closest I have been to Darwin is Alice Springs.

 

Not convinced about the meal.  My alternative is Chilled Strawberry Bisque, Beef Stroganoff and Cherry Crisp which would have been my choices December 6, 2013 if  I had dined in the MDR rather than Canaletto,

 

Roy

 

6 hours ago, cunnorl said:

Merry Christmas Eve!

   Hope all of you have a very safe, happy and healthy Christmas!

  Don’t drink too much eggnog!

  @grapau27   Very Happy Birthday to your Sarah. She is a wonderful gift.    
     Off to the beach to watch Surfing Santas. It is quite an event here.

    A few pictures of Darwin. Great town. We were there on Rhanksgiving 2022. 

 

5 hours ago, cat shepard said:

 

Happy Birthday, Sarah! May your new year be filled with love, laughter & great health!

 

PS - Love the picture!

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Mr. Boston said:

Good morning on a gray, mild Christmas Eve everyone.  Thanks for today’s report.  I’ll happily celebrate Christmas Eve and eggnog this afternoon at our niece’s home in York, ME.  Happy Independence Day to Libya 🇱🇾.  I like the quote although I’m not sure that I fully understand it.  Pass on the meal suggestion for today, the drink sounds tasty though.  I haven’t been to today’s port.  Prayers for everyone on our prayer list today.  Cheers to those of you who are celebrating happy events and happy birthday to @grapau27’s Sarah!  Good luck to anyone doing their last minute shopping today!

 

4 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

Happy Birthday to your DN Sara @grapau27.   

 

 

4 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

@grapau27 Sarah is beautiful.  She looks like Pauline.

 

@kazu Love the recipe but I don't like tequila.  Maybe I should try it with wine. 😉

 

@cunnorl I'd love to see the Surfing Santas.  Please post some pictures if you can.

 

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Happy Birthday to Sarah, @grapau27. She is just beautiful, thanks for the picture!

 

4 hours ago, marshhawk said:

Good Sunday Morning Dailyites!  46 degrees ....partly sunny?  The sun is not really up over the hill, and the sky is that non descript color of early morning gray.  I have no idea if its clouds or lack of sunshine.  I should know in about 20 minutes.

 

@grapau27Thank you for the message this morning.  Interesting information, and a lesson learned. Please tell Sarah to have a wonderful birthday, and a very Happy Christmas to you all!

 

I had an interesting find yesterday in the back yard.  I was cutting some greens to put on the table for the dinner last night, and I found a part of an animal skull in the backyard.  Actually it was the upper portion of a jaw, of a deer.  Teeth still intact, and no other part of the critter to be seen.  It was large, and I went back into the house and told DH what I had seen.  He thought I had lost my mind.  So he came out to see.  This find brought up lots of questions, where was the rest of the deer?  What was big enough to carry this part into our yard?  Probably something I dont want to see.  What could take down a deer in our suburban neighborhood?  

 

We had a very nice albeit high in carbs dinner last night.  After we ate we sat in the den and chatted, and our friend Debbie fell asleep.  While holding her cup of tea.  I woke her up.  I dont think she wanted to be woken by a cup of tea spilling all over her.  We talked about our cats, she is down to two, we are down to 3.  She usually has 3, and I think the way that Bobbagingee and Furnando were acting around her, they were applying for the job.  They usually run away from strangers, not these two.  Belly rubs, and skritches were what they wanted.  Because she always takes cats that are declawed, I would never let one of mine move in with her.

 

She left around 9, and DH and I watched our first Christmas movie of the season.  Love Actually.  I think this morning will be Holiday Inn and White Christmas.  We did have eggnog last night, so I got that out of the way.  I love good eggnog.  What we bought, wasnt that good.

 

 

 

We are going out for Vietnamese food tonight, and we are taking our neighbor Donna.  She told me that this was a tough day for her, as it was her mom's birthday, and her mom passed several years ago. I didnt want her to be alone.  

 

 

4 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Happy Christmas Eve,

I am at my favorite breakfast place and I am the only one here. I am  getting excellent service!

 

Happy birthday to your niece Graham. Nieces are pretty special and mine have been a godsend to me. 
 

I plan on a lazy day and then to my DS for dinner and didn’t the night do I can see the kids Christmas morning. 

Everyone have a blessed day!

 

4 hours ago, dfish said:

Good morning, everyone!

 

We have a very foggy start to the day here in mid-Michigan.  I'm afraid it is going to be gloomy all day, but that is outside.  Inside will be warm and merry.  After I make the dressing/stuffing the agenda is clear.  My prep for tomorrow will be done.  Tomorrow I only have to stuff the bird and get it in the oven.  DB Jeff is on vegetable duty, DB Bill already dropped off his contribution of pickles and olives, DS Mary Jo is making cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, DS Barb is bringing the sweet potatoes, Bob Evans made the mashed potatoes.  Tomorrow will be an easy day.

 

@grapau27 For your Sarah

 

 

We have another instant pot recipe today.  I don't have an instant pot, so I would just do this in the regular oven.  This one is seasoned nicely and sounds good.  https://natashaskitchen.com/instant-pot-whole-chicken/

 

 

The smoked paprika in this recipe gives the chicken that nice finish.   https://www.chewoutloud.com/instant-pot-whole-chicken/

 

 

The apple cider in this recipe would give a nice flavor.  https://www.theroastedroot.net/instant-pot-whole-chicken/

 

 

Any of these would make a great Christmas dinner for a small gathering.  Who needs a big turkey for 2 people?  

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

@grapau27  Graham, please wish Sarah a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY for us.

 

 

Lenda

 

3 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  Merry Christmas Eve to everyone, I’m pretty sure there’ll be eggnog happening here today.

 

We woke yesterday to snow covering everything which looked absolutely beautiful, but in Calgary it means one thing - icy roads.  We stayed off them until early afternoon to give the sanders a chance to spread something that the tires could grip.  We took care of the boys while their parents had a few hours to themselves, a lunch date.  We played dominos, Hot Wheels, Old Maid and Go Fish, then took them to McDonald’s for a lunchtime treat.  
 

Today is another relaxing one with lunch planned at a Korean restaurant not far from here.  Our oldest DGS loves going there as he helps cook at the table.   He’s already asked if he can make the family scrambled eggs on Christmas morning.  
 

Belated birthday greetings to @kochleffelfor yesterday; I hope you had an enjoyable day.

Happy Birthday to @grapau27’s niece, Sarah!

 

I’d love to try the drink of the day, will pass on the wine, and will tuck the menu suggestion away for another time.  Tonight for our Christmas Eve dinner I’m making lemon garlic shrimp pasta for the family that we’ll enjoy at their table.  And wine. 
 

Prayers to all with difficult circumstances, comfort to those who grieve, and cheers to everyone with celebrations today.

 

Smooth Sailing!🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

 

3 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Happy Birthday to @grapau27’s niece Sarah

 

 

 

3 hours ago, quilty964 said:

Happy Christmas Eve!  Haven't been to the port, don't have an Insta Pot, but that chicken looks delish!   We do have some Egg Nog!  I might need to add some booze to it by the end of tomorrow!  @kazuI love your recipe!  @grapau27Please wish your Dear Sarah a happy birthday from me!  

We've had some foggy and dreary weather here or a few days, but the temps will be in the 50's today.  No white Christmas here, which is OK for me.  It may rain a bit, but that's better than the white stuff.  I just made a plate of cookies to take over to the grands, they need some for Santa.  They made some cookies, but ate them all already!  Dear granddaughter made a cake for today.  Can't wait to see and taste it! 

Thanks to all who share here, have a good day!  karen

 

3 hours ago, 57redbird said:

Sarah is so blessed to have you & Pauline in her life.

 

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE to all who celebrate the day.

 

Good morning from a sunny and not windy Quartzsite.  Because of the 1.75 inch rain Friday, we are under a dense for advisory.  When it cools off at night, the moisture in the ground rises to the surface.  Currently, it is 46F with a predicted high of 62F.  Not much on the agenda today, just enjoying time with DD and DSIL.  We hope to have smores by the firepit after dinner tonight.  There will also be the ATV parade through the neighborhood about 6:30 or 7.

 

There is no eggnog in the house, and I hope Libya is celebrating their Independence Day.

 

I'm not sure I like the last part of the quote since I don't think you should be detached from life.

 

The Instant Pot chicken looks interesting, and I may need to try it if the skin would come out crispy.  We think that's the best part of the chicken.  We'll pass on the drink and the wine.

 

The patent on the backward bicycle brake made bikes safer.  My first bike had that type of break.

 

We were in Darwin on October 30, 2002, on the Volendam APEC 64 day cruise.  I'll retrieve my pictures soon.  @rafinmd  Thank you, Roy for coming to my rescue and finding the links.  What did you do correctly and what did I do wrong?

 

@grapau27  Graham, Sarah is as lovely as Pauline.  You are very lucky to have her as a "daughter" and she is equally as lucky to have the two of you in her life.

@cat shepard  Ann, I'm glad you made it there safely and enjoy your visit with family.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, I'm glad you are enjoying the cruise.  Thanks for the pictures from the ship.

@Dismomx5  Thanks for dropping in to say hello.

@marshhawk  Annie, that was an interesting find in your backyard.  I'm glad you are including friends and neighbors in your holiday celebrations.

@richwmn  I'm glad the cruise is going so well, Rich.

@smitty34877  Terri, I'm happy you are enjoying your time with your DS and family, and that you are glad you made the trip.

@dfish  Debbie, I'm glad tomorrow's dinner will be easy with all the family contributing food.

@kochleffel  Paul, thanks for sharing the Nittelnacht tradition information.  I learned something new today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

 

2 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Happy Birthday to Sarah. Your table is beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

 

2 hours ago, luvteaching said:

Good morning, 

 

@grapau27 Happy Birthday to Sarah! 

 

It's a colder morning here and I have no plans to leave the driveway unless I run to recycle. DS is coming over around 10:00 to fill outside bird feeders and do a few other "son-do" tasks for me. Today is getting the house cleaned and some dinner prep for tomorrow. I'll have 9 around the table Christmas Day so a full table. 

Had the nicest afternoon and evening yesterday. DS and DDIL had me over for appetizers, games and homemade manicotti. A couple of their friends came as well. One game we played was Blank Slate and it was fun. It's in my Amazon cart at the moment as a gift for my god-daughter and her husband. The manicotti was delicious and it was a nice afternoon/evening. I got out to the car totally iced over so had to wait to thaw it and I took my time coming home (it's only a 10 minute drive if that). 

 

Happy Christmas Eve to all who celebrate. 

 

Karen

 

1 hour ago, Haljo1935 said:

This comes close to a surfing Santa - Merry Christmas 🎅 

 

39 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all and Happy Christmas Eve!

I'm running late today, not the best sleep last night.  Too much on my mind before we leave in 8 days.

 

We've been saving some of the Alton Brown Egg Nog for today and tomorrow.  DS makes it every year and gave us some. 🙂  I hope Libya is celebrating, and no to the quote.  We shouldn't ever be detached from life.  Thank you all who posted photos of Darwin and thank you Roy @rafinmd for posting the links.  We will be there on the GANZ.  Our plan for that day is the HOHO, which I see some of you have done before.

 

I would love the meal, have no instant pot so would do it in the oven.  The drink and wine sound good as well.  Tonight will be steak, my quest to empty out the freezer is going well!  🙂  

 

Since we had our Christmas celebration with the family already, it will be a quiet couple of days here for DH and me.  Just continuing the house cleaning and cruise prep.  

 

I would like some air fryer advice, please.  I think it was Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser who told me months ago that Lumpia would do well in the air fryer -- well I got one for Christmas (yay!) and plan to make Lumpia in it today or tomorrow.  I do remember you said it would be best if it has a shelf (?)  Mine does, did you have other advice that I've forgotten?  I haven't even read all the instructions yet, but do know that Lumpia isn't in the instructions.  Would I do it like frozen fish sticks (the closest thing I see in the manual)?  For that it says 8 minutes at 400 degrees.  Thanks for any input!!  I could also Google it.

 

Happy Birthday to Sarah @grapau27!

Happy Birthday to your DGD @bennybear!  What a beautiful baby. 🙂 

Thank you all for your nice birthday wishes for our lovely Sarah.

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon.

Merry Christmas Eve! I like eggnog, but just bought some this year instead of making it (I'll add a splash of rum to it). A salute to Libya independence. I don't agree with the quote regarding being detached. I like the meal (not today) and drink, pass on the wine. I've been to Australia, but not Darwin. A good day in history, as that's the only kind of bicycle I can ride.

 

It's 51F and cloudy. We had rain overnight and it was foggy this AM. I slept about 2.5 hours, got up for a minute, then managed to find a comfortable position and slept from 7-9. I did laundry yesterday, and my back is bothering me a bit, so I just took ibuprofen. The leg pain is keeping me from doing any sustained tidying up, as I have to sit down about every 5 minutes. BFF will come over this evening, to stay a few days. This is the first time in 20+ years that I've done nothing for Christmas - no baking, not making dinner and limited decorating. 

 

@grapau27 Happy Birthday to Sarah! Enjoy Christmas day tomorrow with her.

@kazu Love the recipe! Thanks for starting the FR/Daily today.

@cunnorl Surfing Santas sounds like fun. Thanks for the Darwin photos.

@cat shepard It has been surprising me when watching sail-aways from FLL, that it's dark here and still light there. Enjoy the festivities this afternoon.

@marshhawk That's kind of you to take your neighbor out to eat with you so she won't be alone.

@smitty34877 I'm glad you're happy that you went to family in NH.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Thanks for the Darwin photos. 

@aliaschief I watched Maestro yesterday too and agree Bradley Cooper was phenomenal.

@sailingdutchy Great photos, Tony.

@Crazy For Cats Wow, those are great memory shelves.

@bennybear Great picture. Happy Birthday to your DGD.

@Vict0riann LOL!

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers to those Celebrating.

[grapau27]

Just now, JazzyV said:

Good afternoon.

Merry Christmas Eve! I like eggnog, but just bought some this year instead of making it (I'll add a splash of rum to it). A salute to Libya independence. I don't agree with the quote regarding being detached. I like the meal (not today) and drink, pass on the wine. I've been to Australia, but not Darwin. A good day in history, as that's the only kind of bicycle I can ride.

 

It's 51F and cloudy. We had rain overnight and it was foggy this AM. I slept about 2.5 hours, got up for a minute, then managed to find a comfortable position and slept from 7-9. I did laundry yesterday, and my back is bothering me a bit, so I just took ibuprofen. The leg pain is keeping me from doing any sustained tidying up, as I have to sit down about every 5 minutes. BFF will come over this evening, to stay a few days. This is the first time in 20+ years that I've done nothing for Christmas - no baking, not making dinner and limited decorating. 

 

@grapau27 Happy Birthday to Sarah! Enjoy Christmas day tomorrow with her.

@kazu Love the recipe! Thanks for starting the FR/Daily today.

@cunnorl Surfing Santas sounds like fun. Thanks for the Darwin photos.

@cat shepard It has been surprising me when watching sail-aways from FLL, that it's dark here and still light there. Enjoy the festivities this afternoon.

@marshhawk That's kind of you to take your neighbor out to eat with you so she won't be alone.

@smitty34877 I'm glad you're happy that you went to family in NH.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Thanks for the Darwin photos. 

@aliaschief I watched Maestro yesterday too and agree Bradley Cooper was phenomenal.

@sailingdutchy Great photos, Tony.

@Crazy For Cats Wow, those are great memory shelves.

@bennybear Great picture. Happy Birthday to your DGD.

@Vict0riann LOL!

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers to those Celebrating.

Thank you Vanessa.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

 

[summer slope]

I’m jealous of all the food 🍱 you are cooking. No solid food for me yet, but I’m drinking the eggnog. 

[erewhon]

Raining here on this Christmas Day of 2023.

Merry Christmas to all Dailyites.

Will read all the posts later.

 

[smitty34877]

Messy cookie baking with DGC’s and 

Pippin

[grapau27]

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser

Tony @sailingdutchy.

Thank you both for your  excellent photos of Darwin.