The Fleet Report and Daily for Sunday March 10th, 2024

[MISTER 67]

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

In 2003, we were in Alexandra and Cairo on what everyone called the Mystery Cruise.  It was on the old Regal Princess from Bangkok to Rome in April.  Because of SARS and the invasion of Iraq, we we missed seven or our thirteen scheduled ports. losing one or two at a time.  So we never knew where we would be next.  We did get "safer" ports substituted for the missed ones.  The ship had so many people cancel, almost everyone had a balcony.  One deck was completely closed and all the inside rooms were empty.  However, it is one of the cruises that will always stand out in our memories.

 

I do not have any pictures from the bus as we drove through Alexandria, but I remember it looking fairy nice.  We also took a ship's tour and had armed guards in pickups leading the bus and following it.  We changed guards at the halfway point to Cairo.  Our first stop was the museum followed by lunch.  We then headed to the obligatory shopping stop, which must be the same one others visited since also have a picture of the pyramids behind the bushes/trees.  Then we went to the pyramids.  DH and I started down into the one that was open, but I turned back part way down.  DH made it to the bottom.  Our final stop was the Sphinx, which for me was one of those AHA moments.  It was surprising to turn around and see KFC across the street.  

 

We were allowed to take non-flash pictures in the museum, but most of them either have my reflection in them, or a lot of people on the other side of the glass cases.  However, I did find a couple of decent ones even if there are strange people included.

 

Lenda

Great photos, thanks for posting

[MISTER 67]

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Alexandria, Egypt

 

DH and I were in Alexandria, Egypt in October 2014 on our first Holland America cruise.  We were on the Prinsendam so what a wonderful introduction.  The people of Egypt were very happy to see cruise tourists back since they were just getting past some bad times in their country.

 

We took a ship's tour to Cairo and Giza where we visited an Antiquities museum.  Then on to Giza to see the fabulous pyramids.  The bus had a big, burly armed guard on board with us and the bus was escorted through the city of Alexandria by trucks loaded with armed security men.

 

The armed guard

 

The city of Alexandria itself was rough looking, but made for some fascinating viewing along the way.

 

 

Along the way were some interesting pigeon towers (or pigeon condos).

 

 

Arriving in city of Cairo

 

 

 

Fascinating way to carry cattle.  They must be dairy cows and used to being handled.  A beef cow would jump out of there.

 

There were no photos allowed in the museum and my IPhone was only months old at the time so I didn't take a lot of photos with it then.  Just this photo of the outside.

 

So I have nothing to share from inside the Antiquities museum but it was unique and fascinating.  If you ever go to Cairo, you should make it a point to visit there.  After lunch we had lunch at the Le Meridien Hotel, then headed to the pyramids of Giza.

 

 

 

 

Waiting for paying riders

 

The city streets are just past the pyramids.  Which makes some individuals ask why they would put the pyramids right here in the middle of the city?  Hilarious right?

 

Then we went to the Sphinx which had some work being done to it.

 

 

We headed from there to a fancy gift shop for souvenirs, where guards were on duty to protect tourists getting on and off the buses.  Photo taken from inside bus.

 

This photo was taken from the street where the gift shop was.  Yes, they are right there!

 

 

 

Wonderful photos, quite a few years ago we came close to cruising Egypt and the Holy Lands but because of 9/11 we took it off the bucket list.

Edited March 10 by MISTER 67

[Denise T]

Happy Sunday. Thanks for the Daily and Fleet report. 

On my lunch break from my last day of EMDR training. This time change has not been kind to me. Very tired. 

The sun did make an appearance and the wind is picking up. My get into the 70s later this week. 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

[StLouisCruisers]

34 minutes ago, MISTER 67 said:

Wonderful photos, quite a few years ago we came close to cruising Egypt and the Holy Lands but because of 9/11 we took it off the bucket list.

 

We're booked this fall on a cruise with Alexandria on it as an overnight.  We probably won't go back to Cairo and the Pyramids again since we did it once already.  Actually, we have to decide if we want to do this Holy Land cruise that is not visiting Israel anymore, or not.  We might go just to be cruising around the Med again from Ft. Lauderdale and back again.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann, Dixie, and Grahan/Father David, and may Jacqui feel better quickly.  I’m not aware of any dailyites who celebrate Ramadan but if there wishing you the best.  I’ll definitely celebrate check your batteries day.  I would be happy to do away with Daylight Savings time, sunset is already getting later and I like it.  I would not want to go to permanent DST; it would leave many of our children walking to school or waiting at bust stops in total darkness for most of the period that’s now standard time.

The Home Rule Act had it’s benefits but I think also led to many years of horrible civil war.

I like the quote but it seems less significant with the advent of e-readers.

 

My relationship with Alexandria is kind of a long story.  In 2007 I booked a largely forgettable cruise on Silver Whisper from Athens to Dubai and we had an overnight stop in Safaga, Silversea was very delayed in sending me documentation which included tours including a tour to the Valley of the Kings which had to be booked in advance so I was stuck for 2 days later in a town with very little to offer.  I wanted to see those sites so in 2010 I booked a Nile Cruise out of Cairo which offered a lot but I was exhausted from the flight to Cairo, and did not look at my welcome packet in time to take advantage of a pre-tour to Alexandria, and I finally did that with a cruise from Athens to Rome on Crystal Serenity in 2010, which included an overnight in Alexandria.

I’m ambivalent about the meal, and there’s also a bit of as story about my alternative.  It’s all from the Prinsendam, Lido salad, Dive Inn Burger, and Lido strawberry ice cream as served on MS Prinsendam March 10, 2019.  We had an overnight in Manaus, and I had booked a performance at the Opera House which came during the dinner hour so most of the meal came from the Lido before the tour, followed by the ice cream once we returned,

 

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

I have a sunset today and it's from my Covid-shortened World Cruise Segment on Queen Mary 2, from Sydney to Perth instead of New York.  On March 10 we visited Adelaide, and as the sun was setting there was an almost magical reflection of the sun on the doors to Kings Court.:

 

 

Roy

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!  @rafinmdlove how you helped out! 
@kazu hope today is better! 

 

My best friends first overseas trip was Cairo,  she was blown away!

 

Thanks for the kind wishes for travelling home.  It’s a red eye, not my favourite but non stop so worth it,   Wis it wasn’t daylight savings as that adds an extra hour on! 
 

We celebrated last night at a wonderful new resort that has just reopened after being closed for over ten years due to a Tsunami,   They grow their own food and source local ingredients.  

[quilty964]

Good afternoon!  I don't like changing the clocks, seems like the older I get, the longer it takes my body to adjust to the new time. 

Thanks for all of the pictures today, we were to the Holy Land in 2008.  At the end of the trip we went to Cairo and then to Luxor.  My pictures are like the ones shared today.  We saw the museum, went to the pyramids and then to the sphinx.  I don't remember any gift shops!  I do remember the armed guards that traveled with us.  The trip was with one of our pastors and a group from church.  He was planning another trip this year, but that won't be happening.  

Have a good rest of the day, karen

[Cruising-along]

Greetings from the Volendam!

Last night’s theme night was Hollywood night and a take-off on Oscars night. But it was the crew who got awards. Great idea!

 

Housekeeping getting an award. 

 

 

[SusieKIslandGirl]

HELP, please. Appliance gremlin hit today so we need a new refrigerator. We have a Samsung which has been a piece of junk, even after the 1st one was replaced under warranty. I know it was mentioned a few months ago a brand that repairmen recommended but can't remember the name. I'd appreciate any feedback. And of course, timing couldn't be much worse-we leave Friday morning for Hawaii. Glad we have the big freezer (which just was cleaned out because DGD left the door open while we were gone for a week😢) and a small fridge in the basement. I hope everyone else is having a better day (although I know there could be other issues much worse than this).

[StLouisCruisers]

8 minutes ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

HELP, please. Appliance gremlin hit today so we need a new refrigerator. We have a Samsung which has been a piece of junk, even after the 1st one was replaced under warranty. I know it was mentioned a few months ago a brand that repairmen recommended but can't remember the name. I'd appreciate any feedback. And of course, timing couldn't be much worse-we leave Friday morning for Hawaii. Glad we have the big freezer (which just was cleaned out because DGD left the door open while we were gone for a week😢) and a small fridge in the basement. I hope everyone else is having a better day (although I know there could be other issues much worse than this).

 

I'm not sure which brand others have recommended in the past.  We have a French door, bottom freezer counter depth Kitchenaid which has worked well for us for nearly 13 years.  But honestly the best brand we've ever owned is the second refrigerator for "overflow" of beverages, freezer space etc.  It's an Amana, a plain freezer on top style and has been working perfectly for 27 years.  I hope that didn't jinx me!  I just knocked on wood!  I don't own any Samsung or LG appliances.  Sorry to hear about the freezer door left open!  OMG!

 

 

P.S.  The Kitchenaid wall oven/microwave combo has had two repairs in the past 13 years.  Probably wouldn't recommend the wall oven types anymore due to the problems just getting them out to repair.  Just saying...

Edited March 10 by StLouisCruisers

[luvteaching]

@SusieKIslandGirl My appliances were all replaced at Christmas 2022 as DH's and my gift to each other (this was before he passed away the following June). I got all LG and I've been very happy with all the appliances. We're in a mobile home with the space for the fridge very defined so only a few types could go there. I had single door, bottom freezer and it fits perfectly. I do need a stool for the top shelf but that's just me! I put things on it I don't need on a regular basis. I really like the bottom freezer as well. 

Karen

[bennybear]

1 hour ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

HELP, please. Appliance gremlin hit today so we need a new refrigerator. We have a Samsung which has been a piece of junk, even after the 1st one was replaced under warranty. I know it was mentioned a few months ago a brand that repairmen recommended but can't remember the name. I'd appreciate any feedback. And of course, timing couldn't be much worse-we leave Friday morning for Hawaii. Glad we have the big freezer (which just was cleaned out because DGD left the door open while we were gone for a week😢) and a small fridge in the basement. I hope everyone else is having a better day (although I know there could be other issues much worse than this).

Yikes I’m so sorry!  Our last fridge was also a Samsung that gave up the ghost suddenly the  week before Christmas a year ago.  We needed a counter depth and were lucky to find an LG that was delivered the next day.  They are very highly rated for fridges.  But I wouldn’t buy one of their ovens,lol!   
 

best of luck!  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

A late good afternoon from Quartzsite.  It was basically a fast trip to Yuma and Algodones, but because we had more stops that normal, we were gone a little more than seven hours.  We've about decided that Sunday isn't the day to to down there.  All the stores and roads in Yuma were crowded.  We made it into Algodones and out very quickly and with only a short line to go through Customs.  I think later, the line would have been a lot longer since the town was more crowded than it was in December.  While you can drive into Algodones, parking is a problem, and there is always a long line of cars to get back across the border.  The local Native American tribe has a huge parking lot just outside the gate to Mexico, and the price is reasonable.  The good news is we got just about everything on the list, but some of the things I was doubtful we'd find.  Everything is put away, and I've caught up on the Daily.

 

9 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Good morning Dailyites. A clear morning of 41 warming to 60 today.

 

Thankfully we heard from Jacqui. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Roy posting the Daily. Thank you Roy!

 

Prayers lifted for all on Vanessa's, Sandi's, and my prayer list. I'm happy to see Graham posting. Hoping Pauline and Sarah are doing ok. Ann I hope your sister has smooth sailing in rehab. Allen's bloodwork numbers did not come out well. His A1C is really high, his sodium dipped to 124, I'm sure we will be hearing from the doctor tomorrow. Vanessa you can remove him from the care list. His pain level on his neck is better this morning. 

 

Again Debbie, I love the soup recipes and will copy them for future dinners.

 

I like today's quote. I don't care one way or another about Daylight savings time, but getting all the clocks down and changed makes me nut up. I usually change their batteries every year in the fall. We have 10 clocks plus the car clock. 

 

 

 

Wishing all a blessed Sunday. Have a wonderful, safe, healthy, happy week!

 

Joy, I was sorry to read that Allen's numbers were not good on his recent blood tests.  I hope the doctor will have some solutions soon.  I'm glad the neck pain is better.

 

9 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Hello everyone,

Glad to be back.

A number of incidents have kept me away.  Too many to list here.

I have not been able to follow all the events but will try to catch up.

Hope everyone has a good day and

Happy Mothers Day to all our friends in the UK.

God Bless,

Terri

 

Terri, thanks for checking in.  I hope the coming week is a better week.  Take care of yourself.

 

8 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Good morning. Thanks for starting up the Fleet Report/Daily today @rafinmd.

Time to change all the clocks. My smoke detectors are hard wired, so no batteries to check. Blessed Ramadan to those who celebrate. Good quote. The soup sounds interesting. Maybe on the banana daquiri (may be too sweet) and pass on the wine. I have not been to Alexandria. Sad that Ireland has remained divided.

 

It's cold (33F), very windy, and some snow showers that won't amount to anything. I only got about 4 hours of sleep; I stayed up way too late. But when I lay down I get a lot of head congestion. I need to get some Sudafed, but don't feel like going out. Still coughing too. So, I'll stay in and continue to sort through DR drawers. Maybe watch some hockey on TV, although our team is horrible this year.

 

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for your Alexandria photos. I'd love to see the pyramids and the Sphinx, but don't know if I'll get there. 

@grapau27 Happy Mother's Day to those in the UK.

@Heartgrove I'm glad Sam is still doing ok.

@dfish Thanks for the recipes.

@kazu I hope you're feeling better today. No apologies necessary.

@marshhawk Thanks for your prayers. Sleep is slowly getting better. I just hope the improvement lasts for a while. 

@Seasick Sailor I'm glad Allen's neck pain is better, but sorry to hear about the A1C and sodium levels. 

@Quartzsite Cruiser It frustrates me that my atomic clocks won't work in my house, or even outdoorsl; I guess I'm in a dead zone. There was talk of an east coast station, but it never came to be. Thanks for your Egypt photos.

@Cruzin Terri I'm glad you checked in.

@cat shepard Continued prayers for your DSis.

@HAL Sailer Thinking of you and your DH.

@mamaofami I hope all is well with you and Sam.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for those Celebrating.

 

Vanessa, I'm sorry you are still congested, and I hope tomorrow is a better day.  Our atomic clocks do change the time, but in Arizona that is not good.  To get the correct time during Daylight Savings time, we have to set the clocks to Pacific.  Our smoke detectors here are hard wired and have a battery backup.  We're pretty sure the batteries are dead since they were last changed in 2021.  However, the smoke detectors still work.  The one in between the livingroom and the kitchen is very sensitive, and just the least heat from a very hot oven, or just a hit of a smell will set it off, which happens more than we'd like.  To make matters worse, the three smoke detectors are wired together, so if one goes off, the other tow chime in.

 

8 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Good morning. The sun is out and it is a bit windy, going to 43 or so. We changed the alarm batteries in the fall and there are only a few clocks here. I have not been to Cairo except in my dreams. Thanks for the pictures so far Sandi and Lenda.

I will make the soup soon as I am sure half the group will like it. Thank you Debbie!

We spoke to the production company team filming on our street this week as I think they need to know we have a hospice patient here and others need access. I was only a little reassured but will reiterate on Wednesday the need for access in general. 
The TV series is called “Long Bright River” and is based on a book. Our neighborhood is sort of old with most houses built before the Depression.

I took a picture yesterday of the house to be filmed.

 

 

 

 

Terry, I hope the production crew will remember what you said about needing access to your house. If not, you might need to contact the city or EMS to get them to understand.

 

8 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Great photos Lenda.

 

Thank you, Graham.  I hope all is going well for all of you today.  I'll add my hopes that maybe this will be a wake-up call for Pauline's sister.

 

7 hours ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Good morning, all! Well, the clocks have changed, but somehow the day remains the same. We have never been to Cairo, but we have been to Safaga and were in a convoy of busses heading for the Valley of the Kings. A soldier rode with us, and we passed through many armed checkpoints. Our guide explained that while this was important for safety, there was another reason for all the soldiers. Egypt requires a mandatory period of military service, which means there’s a lot of young soldiers who aren’t career military. Manning checkpoints and riding with tourists is a good way to keep them busy instead of just doing drills day after day.

The decluttering is painful and slow, but progress is being made. Now comes my closet, which at this point is basically a giant box of fabric with sliding doors. 
My condolences @grapau27 and Sarah for the loss of Sarah’s dad. Prayers that Pauline’s sister may come around faced with the realization that the chance of reconciliation doesn’t last forever.

Happy Sunday, everyone, and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

 

That is interesting about how the keep the non career soldiers occupied.  I remember our escorts between Alexandria and Cairo.

 

7 hours ago, MISTER 67 said:

Great photos, thanks for posting

 

Thank you.

 

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I have a sunset today and it's from my Covid-shortened World Cruise Segment on Queen Mary 2, from Sydney to Perth instead of New York.  On March 10 we visited Adelaide, and as the sun was setting there was an almost magical reflection of the sun on the doors to Kings Court.:

 

 

Roy

 

Roy, the reflection in the door is almost prettier than the actual sunset.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Greetings from the Volendam!

Last night’s theme night was Hollywood night and a take-off on Oscars night. But it was the crew who got awards. Great idea!

 

Housekeeping getting an award. 

 

 

 

Carolyn, thank you for sharing this.  It is always nice when they honor crew members in front of the passengers.

 

1 hour ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

HELP, please. Appliance gremlin hit today so we need a new refrigerator. We have a Samsung which has been a piece of junk, even after the 1st one was replaced under warranty. I know it was mentioned a few months ago a brand that repairmen recommended but can't remember the name. I'd appreciate any feedback. And of course, timing couldn't be much worse-we leave Friday morning for Hawaii. Glad we have the big freezer (which just was cleaned out because DGD left the door open while we were gone for a week😢) and a small fridge in the basement. I hope everyone else is having a better day (although I know there could be other issues much worse than this).

 

We have a GE side-by-side refrigerator here and a GE French door model with the drawer freezer on the bottom in Texas.  With the exception of a couple of minor repairs which DH could do, we have not had any problems.  But, then we could have been lucky in what we have.

 

Lenda

[dfish]

1 hour ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

HELP, please. Appliance gremlin hit today so we need a new refrigerator. We have a Samsung which has been a piece of junk, even after the 1st one was replaced under warranty. I know it was mentioned a few months ago a brand that repairmen recommended but can't remember the name. I'd appreciate any feedback. And of course, timing couldn't be much worse-we leave Friday morning for Hawaii. Glad we have the big freezer (which just was cleaned out because DGD left the door open while we were gone for a week😢) and a small fridge in the basement. I hope everyone else is having a better day (although I know there could be other issues much worse than this).

 

According to this article, LG rates highly for the product, not so great for customer service.  I think the biggest consideration is what can you get that will fit the space and the price.   https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/

[SusieKIslandGirl]

23 minutes ago, dfish said:

 

According to this article, LG rates highly for the product, not so great for customer service.  I think the biggest consideration is what can you get that will fit the space and the price.   https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/

I appreciate the article. We just pulled the refrigerator out to unplug it. I had written on the back the date it was installed-July 2018. Not top-of-the-line but close so it seems like it should have lasted longer. 

[dfish]

1 hour ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

I appreciate the article. We just pulled the refrigerator out to unplug it. I had written on the back the date it was installed-July 2018. Not top-of-the-line but close so it seems like it should have lasted longer. 

I'd be really upset if mine went bad that quickly.  

[aliaschief]

Internet was down this morning so I’m really late. We had a great day visiting the second largest island in the world yesterday. Visited a local tribe and learned some of their customs and cultures. We also visited some war monuments where fierce fighting took place in World War II.

Today is day at sea and tomorrow Madang, New Guinea. 
Thanks for the reports and post. Bruce

 

[marshhawk]

@smitty34877I hope that you are being financially compensated for the inconvenience of the filming on your street.  

 

@SusieKIslandGirl I am sorry about the fridge.  I would probably wait until my return to get another one.  Because with my luck, I would order one and they would deliver during my vacation. And it gives you time to procrastinate making a major decision.😸

 

I wish we could stay in this permanent time.  The kids here are out in the dark now when they go to school, and they dont get much time outside in the light when they get home.  I love the being light later.  Cuts down on the bill.

 

One of the strays that has shown up and tries to fight with everyone has a collar on it.  I call him/her Collard Greens.  It seems to know its name now.  But it goes after Tigger when he is off the porch, it chases Chumley (a stray that has been with us for about 5 months) it goes after Clown, a really large very scaredy cat cat.  Terrified of everything.  I now take a tray of paper plates out at meal time as I can no longer carry them all.  Clown eats in the back to the right, Chumley eats under the shrubbery, Tigger gets fed on the porch, and Collard Greens now sleeps at night in the box, that we put out months ago for poor old Bubbles.

 

Pleasant dreams every one.

 

@JazzyVSpeaking of dreams, I cant sleep on my back anymore, my sinuses will drown me. I cant sleep on my left side anymore either, I cough all the time,. I'm good sleeping on my right side only. with one leg out from the covers, a cat on my head, and a teddy bear holding up my left arm ( i broke the tip off the elbow May 2020) After the surgery I got used to either sleeping sitting up or on my left side.  And that's about it.  I do understand.

 

 

[RMLincoln]

Annie, I don’t think you need to be more like me or anyone else. I think a lot of people could stand to be more like you- kind, generous, honest, patient and caring!  
 

As far as appointments, it seems you get quite a few in. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!
Hope you get some sleep in the best position for you! 💤  m—

[marshhawk]

[KAKcruiser]

SusieKIslandGirl,

Did you try plugging the refrigerator back in?  Did you check the circuit breaker?  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

1 hour ago, RMLincoln said:

Annie, I don’t think you need to be more like me or anyone else. I think a lot of people could stand to be more like you- kind, generous, honest, patient and caring!  
 

As far as appointments, it seems you get quite a few in. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!
Hope you get some sleep in the best position for you! 💤  m—

 

Well said,  Maureen.

 

Annie

[kazu]

10 hours ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

HELP, please. Appliance gremlin hit today so we need a new refrigerator. We have a Samsung which has been a piece of junk, even after the 1st one was replaced under warranty. I know it was mentioned a few months ago a brand that repairmen recommended but can't remember the name. I'd appreciate any feedback. And of course, timing couldn't be much worse-we leave Friday morning for Hawaii. Glad we have the big freezer (which just was cleaned out because DGD left the door open while we were gone for a week😢) and a small fridge in the basement. I hope everyone else is having a better day (although I know there could be other issues much worse than this).

 

We need a crying emoji!  Susie, so sorry this has happened to you - timing really stinks 😔. Mine died too early too and sadly, it was while inventory was limited due to covid.  I had not choice but to get a GE to fit in the space.  There was only one model that fit at the time.   I do know LG is well rated and this GE seemed to be so hopefully it lasts longer than the old one.

Ironically when we bought the prior fridge there was a kind of “give away” deal for 2nd fridge - a Haier (sp?) fridge at the store which was practically nothing - $200 or less.  That el cheapo is in the basement and is still running (knock on wood).  Go figure.