The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday, December 27th, 2023

[dfish]

@SusieKIslandGirl

 

 

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Happy Hump Day.

[grapau27]

52 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

Good. Opening,

I am getting up earlier each day. I need to be moving it back or I will be out of bed at 3AM in San Diego.  We had a dusting of snow yesterday. It is just enough to make it slippery. I have a couple of appointments today ( Molly grooming and a haircut for me). Hopefully in a couple of hours the roads will be better. 
 

Today’s quote has a bit of truth in it that you can choose who hurts you. It is easier said than done as often times the ones closes to us do the hurting. I am not good at it and keep setting myself up. 
 

Christmas is all out away and I went over my itinerary again yesterday to see if I made any mistakes. I have a nice mix of things to see and several ports with nothing which is ok. I have a lot of OBC so if want to add something I can. 
 

Prayers for those in need and cruisers have fun. 
 

 

It sounds like you have an amazing cruise to look forward to and I hope you have a wonderful time.

Please never let anyone hurt you or give them an opportunity to hurt you.

They are not close to you if they think it is okay that they can hurt you and they don't deserve your kindness or friendship.

Graham x.

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It was a sleepless night last night.  The last I saw the clock was 3:00 am and I hadn't been asleep yet.  Not much going on today.  I don't know what Sue is planning to do with River.  So far River is just watching videos on the tablet.  

 

Let's all give a cheer for Tina @0106 who will be stepping in to cover for me while I have my surgery and then recovery period.  I still don't know what time my surgery is on Friday as they don't tell you until late afternoon the day before.  I do have a ride service covered in my insurance, but I have to give them 48 hours notice.  What do people do who don't have family they can rely on for times like this?  

 

If you have a lot of left over turkey, you can use it in today's meal.  This one is a chicken parmesan style pasta bake.  https://www.aspicyperspective.com/no-boil-chicken-parmesan-pasta-recipe/

 

 

Instead of a marinara sauce, this one uses diced tomatoes.  https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-chicken-amp-tomato-no-boil-pasta-bake-157548

 

 

This one uses chicken sausages and chopped tomatoes.  https://cookthestory.com/delicious-no-boil-pasta-bake/

 

 

And this last one is a chicken alfredo version.  https://fedandfit.com/chicken-alfredo-bake/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!  Safe travels for those on the road.

[Seasick Sailor]

1 hour ago, Nickelpenny said:

Good morning to all and thanks for the daily and fleet report. I have never liked fruitcake so I will let others celebrate the day. I enjoy zoos but haven’t visited one in a long while; making cutouts of snowflakes was a favorite pastime. Meal, drink and wine sounds interesting but I will defer trying them for another day. I have never been to Grenada. I love the quote!

 

Yesterday I did go out and walk a bit but the heat and humidity just really hit me hard. I did stop and sit watching the people go by several times. As there were several other ships in port (estimated 10,000 passengers) and my plan to walk to a beach was sidelined by not being able to walk that far, people watching and then having a nice lunch and local beer was the highlight of the day. I am paying for my walk a little today but I think I didn’t overdo it too much. 

Willemstad was beautiful at night with all the lights. We sailed away around 11pm. So far a nice cruise. 
 

Today is recuperating day and going to a Captain’s brunch. And maybe try to get a little better tan. I broke down and booked an excursion for Cartagena- one with very little walking!  I have to preserve my energy for a private one I booked in Puerto Limon!  LOL!!

 

Thoughts for those on the care list and cheers for those celebrating!  
 

Have a great day everyone!

 

@Nickelpenny please say hello to our favorite crew member Bobby Fajaro. He writes to us every week after 3 years.

 

He works in Lido and MDR. He couldn't get off the ship when we were both in HMC.

 

Tell him Joy and Allen send bear hugs!

 

 

 

[kochleffel]

I wouldn't mind a slice of fruitcake, but won't be visiting the zoo or cutting out snowflakes.

 

I'll think about the meal suggestion after I see recipes. The drink might be pleasant but I won't be having one. For a Cabernet Sauvignon, Fox Run 2021. I haven't been to Grenada.

 

Biopsy result is in -- they had it last week but it needed review by a surgeon. Mohs surgery on January 30, unfortunately 50 miles away. I've just cancelled a blood donation appointment for tomorrow; basal cell carcinoma is a temporary deferral, only until the treatment is complete.

 

[grapau27]

7 minutes ago, dfish said:

Good morning, everyone!

 

It was a sleepless night last night.  The last I saw the clock was 3:00 am and I hadn't been asleep yet.  Not much going on today.  I don't know what Sue is planning to do with River.  So far River is just watching videos on the tablet.  

 

Let's all give a cheer for Tina @0106 who will be stepping in to cover for me while I have my surgery and then recovery period.  I still don't know what time my surgery is on Friday as they don't tell you until late afternoon the day before.  I do have a ride service covered in my insurance, but I have to give them 48 hours notice.  What do people do who don't have family they can rely on for times like this?  

 

If you have a lot of left over turkey, you can use it in today's meal.  This one is a chicken parmesan style pasta bake.  https://www.aspicyperspective.com/no-boil-chicken-parmesan-pasta-recipe/

 

 

Instead of a marinara sauce, this one uses diced tomatoes.  https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-chicken-amp-tomato-no-boil-pasta-bake-157548

 

 

This one uses chicken sausages and chopped tomatoes.  https://cookthestory.com/delicious-no-boil-pasta-bake/

 

 

And this last one is a chicken alfredo version.  https://fedandfit.com/chicken-alfredo-bake/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!  Safe travels for those on the road.

Good luck on Friday.

[ottahand7]

Good Wednesday morning everyone.   Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Reports Jacqui!    My sister gave John some fruitcake and he hated it so he gave it to my other DS.   We have been to a zoo lately in Belem.  Haven't made cut out snow flakes in probably 60 years.   A very good quote by Gaiman.   We have been to Grenada I think on the Zuiderdam in December 2019 when we came home with the horrible three month illness.  I wish we had done a tour - we walked in the shopping area and went to a very small casino which was strange.   

Thanks for the Daily Cares and Celebrations reports Vanessa.    I hope you had a better night.   @RMLincoln I hope that your husband can get some relief for his eyes. @dfish prayers that your surgery goes well, I am wishing it early as we will be on the road on Friday.   Prayers for everyone on our care list and those in war zones through no fault of their own, Ukraine, the innocents in Gaza and Israel.    Prayers for the safe return of the hostages.  

We both got everything torn down and hauled to the basement.   My next project is to put stuff in the storage tubs and put them back under the stairs.  Have a lovely Wednesday!   Nancy 

[ottahand7]

@SusieKIslandGirl Happy Anniversary!!  

 

[aliaschief]

@SusieKIslandGirl Happy Anniversary 

@dfishPrayers for a successful surgery.

@RMLincoln May your DH find relief and healing.

[richwmn]

Good morning from Loreto, Mexico. Just a few more days until the Grand Australia / New Zealand group boards.

 

[grapau27]

10 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

@Nickelpenny please say hello to our favorite crew member Bobby Fajaro. He writes to us every week after 3 years.

 

He works in Lido and MDR. He couldn't get off the ship when we were both in HMC.

 

Tell him Joy and Allen send bear hugs!

 

 

 

Lovely photos Joy.

[cunnorl]

Good Morning from a sunny and warm day at the beach

    Have to enjoy this weather before a cold front comes in. Went for a long walk on the beach yesterday , many people win the water! Obviously not locals. LOL

    Have not been to a Zoo in many years. I like a really good fruitcake. Unfortunately there are not too many of them around.

     Have not been to todays port, thank you for all the wonderful pictures.

     @SusieKIslandGirl  A very Happy Anniversary. May you enjoy many more.

      @dfish   Best of luck with the surgery. Hope you recover quickly.

       @aliaschief  Enjoy your wonderful journey. I can only imagine how excited you both must be!  We are booked on the 2025 HAL WC and already I am crazy with excitement.

      Have some errands today . Nothing too exciting.

Stay safe and enjoy today

    Charlene

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

 

 

Chief, you know my ark is better!

 

Edited December 27, 2023 by RedneckBob

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning again.  It is 39F according to the thermometer even though the weather app on my phone says it's 41F.  All I know is when I went outside to take a picture, it was cold. It will warm up to 62F, but it will be cloudy.  DD and DSIL will leave about 2pm since their flight back to Texas is at 8pm.  At least, they will be going against traffic until they reach downtown Phoenix.  Tomorrow, they will drive to Louisiana to spend time with DSIL's parents.

 

Last night's attempt to see the moon rise didn't go very well because the clouds moved in during the afternoon.  We did a couple of pictures after it had been up a while and we could see it over the neighbor's houses.  I also got a couple of pictures of the setting full moon this morning through a break in the clouds.

 

 

A little later the end of the sunrise.

 

DH likes fruitcake as did his father and my father.  He asked for a fruit cake this year, but not in time to make it and let is season for about four weeks.  He had to resort to ordering his fruit cake this year.  The last time we visited a zoo was in 2006 in Manaus as part of a city tour.  It was a old fashioned zoo with the animals in cages.  Very sad. We won't be making cut-out snowflakes.

 

I don't agree with the quote, because who would chose someone to hurt them.

 

We'll pass on the meal and the drink.  The wine is another on the to try list.

 

I'm not sure the Laws of Burgos did much good to help the indigenous people of the New World.  I'm sure many of the wonderful crew on BHBs are celebrating Indonesian Independence Day.

 

@seagarsmoker  Welcome home to you and Suzy.

@grapau27  Graham, I hope you, Pauline and Sarah remain safe during Storm Gerrit.  Please be careful.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, I'm glad you enjoyed the day in port yesterday, and I hope you didn't overdo the walking.

@cat shepard  Ann, I'm glad you made it home safely yesterday, and without to many slowdowns on I-95.

@kazu  Jacqui, I'm glad you are getting rain instead of snow.  Please be careful when running your errands.  

@smitty34877  Terry, I'm sorry your DD and DSIL had a tough time while you were gone, and that Tana had problems.  I hope the aide is well soon, and back on the job.  It must be somewhat serious if the teenager brings his girlfriend home to meet the family.

@tupper10  Oh no, on the water heater.  Appliances always seem to breakdown when needed the most.

@kochleffel  Paul, I'm glad you have the biopsy results, but sorry they mean MOHS surgery in the future for basal cell carcinoma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone from a gray, drizzly Northern Michigan.  Thanks for the daily updates.  I didn’t get to check in yesterday as we had an early flight and the day was taken up by visiting with my mom and siblings and their families.  Sounds like a nice collection of days although since we’re currently on the edge of the woods with deer, bears, bobcats, coyote you name it, there will be no reason to visit a zoo.  I like the quote.  Will pass on the drink and meal suggestions today.  We’ve been to today’s port but our photos are not digital.  I do remember having a delicious nutmeg ice cream cone by the Carenage watching the kids get out of the various schools in their differing uniforms.  Prayers for those on today’s prayer list.  Cheers to everyone celebrating happy events!  We’re off to take my nieces shopping in Traverse City.

[RedneckBob]

Late to the fun again today. Still performing maintenance on lawn sprinkler system. That goodness for WD 40 to keep my joints from freezing up. 
 

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info plus cartoons from all contributors. 
Plan to restart my cruise review tomorrow. Chapter V, Part 3. What did I just see?

[dfish]

1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

Good luck on Friday.

 

1 hour ago, ottahand7 said:

 . @dfish prayers that your surgery goes well, I am wishing it early as we will be on the road on Friday.   

 

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

 

@dfishPrayers for a successful surgery.

 

 

23 minutes ago, cunnorl said:

 

      @dfish   Best of luck with the surgery. Hope you recover quickly.

 

 

Thanks, everyone.  It should be a minor surgery and recovery should be quick.  I hope.

[0106]

Good Morning!  If you haven’t read (or watched the movie) The Fault in Our Stars I highly recommend it; the story of Augustus & Hazel, teenagers with terminal cancer who fall in love.  I hesitate to explain the quote because it is from a eulogy at the end of the novel.  Suffice it to say, the character is hurt by the death but happy to have loved the person.

 

There is a wonderfully unique experience in Grenada, the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park which can be viewed by divers, snorkelers or even a glass bottom boat.  According to National Geographic, it is one of the 25 wonders of the world.  https://suzannelovellinc.com/blog/molinere-bay-underwater-sculpture-park/. Photo is from the article.

Wishing everyone the best day possible.

[aliaschief]

51 minutes ago, RedneckBob said:

 

Chief, you know my ark is better!

 

Yup that’s the one.

[luvteaching]

Good morning, 

 

Getting back into the routine today with water aerobics and a few errands. 

 

We have a couple of nice zoos at Seattle and Tacoma but haven't been in years. My favorite is the San Diego Zoo. 

 

We have a family fruitcake on DH's side. It's never come out of the tin but years ago I picked it up at an after Christmas sale. On the bottom of the tin we put the year and who hosted Christmas and then it gets passed to the person who hosts the next year. We've kept it going well over 20 years but, since Covid, we're not sure who has it. I'm hosting DH's side of the family in late January (we don't stick to just December for our celebration) so will put out the call to have everyone check their cupboards and see if we find it! 

Yesterday, for Boxing Day, I went north of the border and spent some time with my longtime girlfriend and her family. We were in each other's weddings, I'm godmother to her two adult children and we've been friends over 50 years. The border was very easy each way (less than a minute) and it was the nicest afternoon. I'm glad I did it. 

Enjoy your day! 

Karen

[smitty34877]

@aliaschief,Bruce, I can’t imagine how excited you both are to start your cruise. Bon Voyage!

 

@RMLincoln, I hope your DH is having a better day today. I don’t think I am that far away if you need something. My email is  liviacranial at g mail dot com.
 

@JazzyV, Vanessa, I hope you were able to enjoy your BFF’s  cooking and company as well as get more sleep.

 

@dfish,Debbie, I hope the surgery goes well Friday and your recovery is swift. All of the recipes look so good today, thanks so much.

@Quartzsite Cruiser, Lenda, I am so glad that your family visit went well. It is always hard when they leave.

After the teenager walked his very nice girlfriend home we all contributed our stories of early high school sweethearts and the first time they met our respective families.I think my boyfriends were as terrified of my fathers ‘ temper was we were!

 

@kochleffel, Paul, I was sorry to read of your need for MOHs surgery. At least it is already scheduled.

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily @kazu and @richwmn.

I liked my DM's fruitcake, and I make a German fruit/nut bread most years for Christmas. No zoo visit today as it's raining a lot. It's been since childhood that I made cutout snowflakes. Interesting quote, but not sure I agree. Yes to the meal and wine, pass on the drink. I haven't been to St. Georges. 2 good days in history.

 

It's cloudy here, in the 50's and raining. Yesterday was just relaxing, reading, watching a movie. BFF installed a new shower head for me in the downstairs bath. I slept about 3 hours, was up for 4, then got another hour; not too bad. Today I need to go to the post office, otherwise no plans.

 

@SusieKIslandGirl Happy Anniversary! 

@Nickelpenny Thanks for the photos. Sorry you couldn't do what you'd planned, but it sounds like still a nice time. I hope your leg feels better.

@kazu Thank you for your dedication in starting us up in Rich's absence.

@Denise T It's good to hear you are relaxing and pampering yourself.

@smitty34877 So nice to hear about the teenager and his young lady. Sorry to hear that the aide has been sick, and the family is going it alone with Tana right now.

@tupper10 Sorry to hear about the water heater, but I think it was the right thing to do to replace it.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Nice photos from Grenada. And thanks for sharing Sandi's too. Safe travels today for DD and DSIL.

@dfish Maybe you can get a nap in today. Thanks for the recipes. Prayers all goes well with the surgery on Friday.

@kochleffel Sorry to hear you'll need MOHS surgery. Prayers it's an uncomplicated procedure.

@0106 Thanks for doing the Daily meal while Debbie is unable to.

@HAL Sailer Thinking of you and your DH.

@Cruzin Terri I hope your doctor made some changes to help the PMR flare.

@RMLincoln I hope your DH is doing better, without so much discomfort from the eye meds.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers to those Celebrating. 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

We have showers and up to the mid 50's today.  It looks good for flying south on Tuesday.

I've never liked fruitcake, we visit the zoo in Seattle often with the grandsons especially in the summer.  DD has a membership.  DD makes cut out snowflakes with the boys every year.  I'm not very good at it. 😅  I'll pass on the drink and wine, but the meal looks good.  Have never been to Grenada.

 

Today I'll be baking cookies to take to the grandsons tomorrow.  Since we're being very careful not to catch anything before the cruise, we'll do an outdoor visit with cookies and get some hugs.  I don't even want a cold much less anything else.  It will be hard, but at least we'll get to see them.  

 

The house cleaning is almost done now, just the kitchen left.  Hoping we can keep it this clean until we leave LOL!  

 

Happy Anniversary @SusieKIslandGirl!

Thinking of you Debbie @dfish now before your surgery and especially on Friday

[kazu]

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

DD and DSIL had a rough few days as the aide was sick and there was no help available. Neither has a medical background and they tend to ask Tana who has a lot to explain when things are , as we say, “interesting”. It is sometimes very hard to help her get settled so that the breathing can be less difficult. We will be on our own for at least another day but I would rather have that than someone bringing illness into the house.

 

So sorry for all of you and dealing with Tana’s care on your own 😔. You are wise though to mitigate your risk against illness.  

 

 

@RMLincoln so sorry that your DH’s eyes are causing so much of an issue 😔.  I do hope that a solution can be found for him very soon.

 

 

4 hours ago, tupper10 said:

The plumber came yesterday and the water heater coils and thermostat needed replacing - it is an 8 year old unit with a life span of about 10 years- so instead of a hefty repair bill to fix it we bit the bullet are getting an even more expensive new water heater. Knowing my luck we would pay to fix it and the water heat would flood.    Luckily yesterday we had enough hot water so everyone could shower.  

 

Yikes on the appliance gremlin hitting you 😞 And the water heater no less.  I think getting the new one was the right thing to do.

 

 

4 hours ago, Nickelpenny said:

Yesterday I did go out and walk a bit but the heat and humidity just really hit me hard. I did stop and sit watching the people go by several times. As there were several other ships in port (estimated 10,000 passengers) and my plan to walk to a beach was sidelined by not being able to walk that far, people watching and then having a nice lunch and local beer was the highlight of the day. I am paying for my walk a little today but I think I didn’t overdo it too much. 

 

So sorry to hear that you cruise is being marred by pain.  I hope your walking can improve and you can enjoy the cruise thoroughly 🙏 

 

 

3 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Biopsy result is in -- they had it last week but it needed review by a surgeon. Mohs surgery on January 30, unfortunately 50 miles away. I've just cancelled a blood donation appointment for tomorrow; basal cell carcinoma is a temporary deferral, only until the treatment is complete.

 

Sorry to hear about the biopsy results. 😔. Best wishes for your surgery at the end of January

 

 

3 hours ago, dfish said:

Let's all give a cheer for Tina @0106 who will be stepping in to cover for me while I have my surgery and then recovery period.

 

Three cheers for Tina @0106 for stepping up and taking care of the Food Division of the Daily.  👏 👏 👏 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, dfish said:

 

  I still don't know what time my surgery is on Friday as they don't tell you until late afternoon the day before. 

 

Best wishes for your surgery on Friday.  I hope it goes smoothly and you can recover quickly, Debbie 🙏