The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday April 11th, 2024

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Have a great day.

[Haljo1935]

Interesting collection of days - like many others here, I celebrate pets everyday but will certainly let them have their day.

 

Pass on the meal, drink and wine; been to the port but not on a ship.

 

Thanks to @JazzyV @Mr. Boston @smitty34877 @dfish @Denise T @StLouisCruisers @grapau27 @puppycanducruise and everyone else for DHs birthday wishes; apologies if I left someone off. I am sending each of them to him - wonder how long it takes before he asks where all the birthday wishes are coming from 🤷‍♀️ as immediate family gets smaller each year, receiving birthday blessings from the extended & adopted families is touching.

 

WOW @aliaschief on the amazing food porn - looks like they really are taking care of you all!!

 

@Heartgrove Sam is such a beautiful boy.

 

Thanks to everyone for sharing pictures of their fur babies - I will be back to see what gets posted throughout the day. No such thing as too many pet pictures. 

 

It was 55° headed to sunny 64° when I checked several hours ago. Not getting out today, but will have the backdoor open if a breeze comes by.

 

Prayers 🙏 and positive thoughts for all. 

 

Edited April 11 by Haljo1935
Additional comment

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a sunny central Texas, where right now there is no wind either.  It is 50F and feels like 47F with a predicted high of 73F.  This morning we will be heading back to Cleburne for a joint appointment with the dermatologist.  This is a follow up to last year's visit, which was postponed from last September.  We canceled that visit which was scheduled for two weeks before DH's shunt placement surgery. since a Covid variant was on the rise, and we did not want to take any chances.  We are not expecting anything except a visual exam.

 

We also expect the guys back to finish installing the fiber optic internet.  They didn't get here until after 7 pm last night.  I think the inside installation is finished, but they didn't get much done outside because of darkness.

 

I always liked "Louie Louie".  I cleaned up my pantry here before we left for Quartzsite last fall, and there still isn't too much in the pantry.  I guess I need to bring the things in from the motorhome pantry.  Before we left Quartzsite, I cleaned the pantry there, so I'm good for today.  We no longer have pets due to traveling a lot before 2020, and they will be on my mind today.

 

I have always loved the Alice Roosevelt Longworth quote.  She was quite a character.

 

I think we'll skip the meal, drink and the wine today.

 

We have not explored Norfolk, but have driven through there a few times.

 

The signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1968 was very important.  It was also an act of conscience and courage on the part of LBJ since it cost him the nomination and election that year.  In fact, he announced on television he would not seek the nomination.

 

@USN59-79  Welcome home, Ray and Sara.

@Haljo1935  Elizabeth, please wish your DH a 🎂 VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎈 for us.

@aliaschief  That's a lot of food, Bruce.  Thanks for the pictures.

@summer slope  Dixie, I hope you and George are doing better after the golf cart accident.

@Heartgrove  Jack, thanks for the pictures of handsome Sam.  I'm glad your DW and DSIL are getting a port day, finally.

@kazu  Jacqui, I hope you don't encounter too much rain today. 

@smitty34877  Terry, I'm glad Tana is doing better, and you are getting more sleep.  I hope this trend continues.  It was nice of the aide to say you could call her on short notice.

@rafinmd  In cases like the closed port of Baltimore, the PVSA can sure mess things up for cruise lines.  I hope an exception to the law can be made under the circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Heartgrove]

The Port of Norfolk Cruise Terminal was scheduled to be closed this year for remodeling. Carnival embarks/disembarks five-six cruises each year from there. Luckily work had not started so CCL/RCCL are able to use it as an alternative for Baltimore. The terminal area is one of the worst as it is so crowded that parking is offsite and passengers need to be bussed to the terminal.

 

After Basic in NJ, the USCG sent me to Engineman "A" school in Yorktown, VA for four months. I was lucky as my mother had a childhood girlfriend who had married a career Navy sailor and had retired to Virginia Beach. On my long Liberty weekends I would catch the 'hound and travel down to stay the weekend with them, my 2nd family away from home.

 

Sandi @StLouisCruisers you are right that the Navy has an open house for one ship each weekend. One of the Liberty weekends while visiting I did a "Busman's Holiday" and toured a USN LST! Luckily I had civvies to wear.

 

 

 

Edited April 11 by Heartgrove

[marshhawk]

@Haljo1935-for your hubby!

 

 

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites from a 53 degree morning warming to 78 and sunshine. What a difference a day makes!

 

Although it was gusty yesterday,  Oliver still wanted his rides on Elvis. He knows when it's time to ride when I give Allen his bowl of fruit. 

 

Oliver helping me make the bed:

 

 

Mom, is it time to ride?

 

 

I love the song Louie Louie maybe due to the fun memories. 

 

I am always cleaning out the pantry. I'm kinda anal about it. I don't keep much canned food, but my game night girls are always bringing "carbs" chips, pita chips, cheetos, pretzels... I have a dedicated shelf called the carb shelf and that's where all the junk food goes.

 

Last night I invited my girlfriend to join us for dinner. I ordered 3 pounds of crab legs and a beautiful prime ribeye with a salad and smashed potatoes. No worries about any leftovers!

 

Tonight is girls game night and we're having "Taco truck" I'll need an extra lap or more around the block tomorrow!

 

Lifting prayers to our friends here. Thankful Tana had a little breathing break. Terry, you are an amazing person. 

 

God bless ya'll and have an awesome day!

 

 

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors!

 

Louie Louie Day! I see some of you liked the song by The Kingsmen back in the ‘60s but did any of y’all understand the words! The song is about this guy who wants to get back to his girl who is across the sea so he takes a Holland America cruise ship, don’t know if it was the Rotterdam or Noordam, to get back with her. It’s obvious the ship is too slow because all he can do for three nites at sea is think of her constantly. Maybe if he had some of those HAL delicious beverages would ease his mind. He even smells the rose in her hair. Boy, when I am on a cruise ship that’s the last thing I smile. Then suddenly the ship approaches Jamaica and he soon will be back in her arms. Did anyone of y’all really understand that was the story?

[rafinmd]

• Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann, and Dixie.  I'll pass on today's days.  Longworth sounds like quite a character.

 

This was definitely a great day in US history.

 

Happy Birthday to @Haljo1935 DH,

 

I cruised to Norfolk just once, Blount's Grande Mariner in 2006.  I have no photos that I can identify as Norfolk but have a couple of memories.  We docked across the channel from a drydock where Crystal Symphony was being updated and I could see our ship on Symphony's bow cam.  Earlier on that cruise we had a port call in Baltimore, and at that call my "tour" was back home to vote since it was election day.

 

I'll pass on the meal.  My alternative is Chilled Anjou Pear Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Turkey Roast with Giblet Gravy and Cranberry as served on MS Amsterdam April 10, 2014.

 

Roy

Edited April 11 by rafinmd

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning to all,

Thank you all for all the well wishes for DH’s appointment today.

 

It is a terribly rainy and thunderous day here.  At 5:30 am I was jolted out of bed by a clap of thunder so loud that the house shook. 

The whole back yard is flooded and so is the the golf course.  There are reports that some roads are flooded as well. We will find a way to get to the Neurologist.  DH wants to cancel.  i say “NO WAY!”

 

We were supposed to run other errands after the Doc visit.  However, those will wait until the sun shines tomorrow.  At least that is what is promised.

 

I will report back later.  Have to get ready.

More later.

God Bless,

Terri

[cunnorl]

 Good Morning from a cloudy and warm day at the beach

    Heavy rain expected later.

   " Louie, Louie"is now stuck in my head. I will be singing it all day! 

    @Haljo1935 A very Happy Birthday to your DH.

    I am off to Boston tomorrow for my nieces bridal shower on Saturday. I will also get to meet the new babies, Maeve Grace and Ryan Charles. So I have a suitcase full of gifts. Then Sunday we are going to Cape Cod until Tuesday when I fly home. My sister just bought a new home and she wants me to see it. It will be a fun but busy few days.

 

Stay safe and enjoy today

   Charlene

[smitty34877]

13 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Good morning Dailyites from a 53 degree morning warming to 78 and sunshine. What a difference a day makes!

 

Although it was gusty yesterday,  Oliver still wanted his rides on Elvis. He knows when it's time to ride when I give Allen his bowl of fruit. 

 

Oliver helping me make the bed:

 

 

Mom, is it time to ride?

 

 

I love the song Louie Louie maybe due to the fun memories. 

 

I am always cleaning out the pantry. I'm kinda anal about it. I don't keep much canned food, but my game night girls are always bringing "carbs" chips, pita chips, cheetos, pretzels... I have a dedicated shelf called the carb shelf and that's where all the junk food goes.

 

Last night I invited my girlfriend to join us for dinner. I ordered 3 pounds of crab legs and a beautiful prime ribeye with a salad and smashed potatoes. No worries about any leftovers!

 

Tonight is girls game night and we're having "Taco truck" I'll need an extra lap or more around the block tomorrow!

 

Lifting prayers to our friends here. Thankful Tana had a little breathing break. Terry, you are an amazing person. 

 

God bless ya'll and have an awesome day!

 

 

I am in love with Oliver! And I find YOU to be amazing.

[marshhawk]

Good Thursday Morning Dailyites!  It's 66 and cloudy...with expected rain throughout the day..

The arm is very painful, which I guess was to be expected, but a stiff neck and a headache?  Argh.  I had DH call his doc that he was supposed to have a "talk" with about the hip situation.  He left two messages, but not his new phone number, and of course no one has called back. It was supposed to be yesterday, ( I thought it was today) so I am going to call the office with the home number.  The doctor told him to get out and walk and see if the pain became less-it is a circulation problem.  It seems to me that walking, if it helps, is less invasive than another surgery. But I have to keep reminding him.  So today he has a choice, either mall walk, or walk in the rain. We wont walk in the neighborhood, too many loose dogs, and way too hilly. 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay safe, stay dry-and have a wonderful day! 

[Haljo1935]

DH says thank you @Quartzsite Cruiser @marshhawk @cunnorl for the birthday wishes 🎂🥳

After working around people all day, he does not like to go out once he's home. I respect that, so we will have birthday dinner at home. I'll steam some crab legs & corn on the cob for him; I'll have a big salad. He will have a cake 🎂 w/candles for dessert. 

 

The small dog enjoys using the big dog for a pillow. I think big dog likes it - he never moves.

 

The cat slips in when he can.

Edited April 11 by Haljo1935
Additional comment

[VMax1700]

3 hours ago, kazu said:

Nieuw Statendam

At Sea Destination Brest, France eta 04-17

Good morning all!

Just a slight course correction 😉Nieuw Statendam is heading towards Europe and her next port of call is Cobh, Cork on Wednesday April 17th.

The following ports are St Peters Port on April 18th, Le Havre on April 19th, Dover on April 20th, and Rotterdam on April 21st.

We are looking forward to seeing the NSDM in Cobh and meeting with a couple of the CCers currently crossing the Atlantic.

Hope the weather improves for them as it has been cold and wet for the past few days, but thankfully the storms have abated.

Have a great day everyone!

[superoma]

Rainy day here and rain predicted each day for the rest of the week. Good day to curl up with a book. But I will sort thru my pantry as a start to my spring cleaning. I used to start at the back of the house (bedroom) and work my way to the kitchen, these days I start in the kitchen, then the bathroom because if I leave it to last I don’t give it the full attention the kitchen needs. I cook or bake every day so it is a well used room. What I used to do in two days now takes more than a week as I only do one area a day. And the house is just under 1000 sq ft so not big. 

 

 

[durangoscots]

Good morning. Cool here.... 37 when the dogs and I walked about an hour ago, but it is supposed to get up to the mid 60's this afternoon. My condo stays pretty cool right now because the sun does not hit directly. That comes in about another month.

 

Checked Luggage Forward this morning and my luggage is in Durango, so I am assuming it will be delivered today. Much faster than when it went out. They seem to avoided a couple mountain passes on the way home. So while I wait I will tackle the taxes. Should only take a few hours since I have things together. Mainly checking my figures.

 

Take care all and watch out driving in all that rain!!!

 

Susan

Edited April 11 by durangoscots
typo

[Overhead Fred]

From yesterday in Bermuda on the Nieuw Statendam

 

Sunrise as we sail in -

 

Kings Warf - 

 

Royal Naval Dockyard -

 

 

 

Sailing away -

 

[puppycanducruise]

In honour of Pets Day, Bertie Woofster says "Hello, do you want to play?"

 

 

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Good morning Dailyites from a 53 degree morning warming to 78 and sunshine. What a difference a day makes!

 

Although it was gusty yesterday,  Oliver still wanted his rides on Elvis. He knows when it's time to ride when I give Allen his bowl of fruit. 

 

Oliver helping me make the bed:

 

 

Mom, is it time to ride?

 

 

I love the song Louie Louie maybe due to the fun memories. 

 

I am always cleaning out the pantry. I'm kinda anal about it. I don't keep much canned food, but my game night girls are always bringing "carbs" chips, pita chips, cheetos, pretzels... I have a dedicated shelf called the carb shelf and that's where all the junk food goes.

 

Last night I invited my girlfriend to join us for dinner. I ordered 3 pounds of crab legs and a beautiful prime ribeye with a salad and smashed potatoes. No worries about any leftovers!

 

Tonight is girls game night and we're having "Taco truck" I'll need an extra lap or more around the block tomorrow!

 

Lifting prayers to our friends here. Thankful Tana had a little breathing break. Terry, you are an amazing person. 

 

God bless ya'll and have an awesome day!

 

 

Oliver looks so sweet Joy.

[RMLincoln]

Dismal looking day but no rain until later on. 
I had trouble getting to sleep, too much stirred up but at least I slept till 9!  Dh has oncology phone consult this afternoon. We’ll see what he says and what the next steps might be. We talk to him twice a year after he gets the semiannual blood tests. Numbers have been trending up from zero but I guess that’s to be expected?  We’ll learn more today. 
 

Taxes are ready!  We still have  to do the filing… NJ by mail, the rest we’ll e-file. I hope I unpacked enough of the desk stuff to find the large Manila envelopes. We’ll drive to a post office tomorrow to mail them directly. Next year we should have professional help, a COA who can support us through the future and trust filings. It gets complicated but it’s good to know there are funds to make it happen. 
 

Norfolk was our first HAL cruise departure port back in 2006.  We took my NC brother and SIL to thank them for the weeks they spent with us that year building our NM house. It was our 4th cruise and we really liked Maasdam and HAL. I lot of what we liked is gone now with the smaller ships and Norfolk has changed too. We did a Carnival cruise out of Norfolk in 2022 on Magic - I liked our Cove Balcony!  I doubt we’ll cruise from Norfolk again, the itineraries aren’t worth the effort to get there from here. Parking was offsite but lots of buses. I’m glad we tried it. 
 

The new cruise port is quite nice, better than standing out in the rain back in 2006!  

My other visits to Norfolk were when my stepson was stationed there. Then I got to tour his ships!  Very special but those pictures are unlikely to be excavated!  He retired from the navy as a Commander several years ago! 

Blessings to all in need near and far.  Hope @Cruzin Terri and Jim get a good report!  
Thank you Vanessa for keeping track of us!  Hope your BFF does well today. I’m sure you’re counting the days down till the 22nd 🤞I know I am, that’s the day we’re supposed to drive to Maryland for DH’s surgery. Day by day!  I’ll post an update on my NJ SIL when I hear more… I think they needed to make a decision today about continuing interventions. Then the next steps are expected to be moving her to somewhere not in hospital under hospice care. I doubt we’ll be able to shift DH’s surgery date, just trying not to get too far ahead… 

Maureen 

[StLouisCruisers]

Taking a break because my arms need a rest.  Loving the pet pics!  I don't have a pet but do have 2 granddogs and 2 great granddogs.  Here for your enjoyment are Milo and Sadie L-R, the two "grands".

 

Here is DGD Ashley's German Shepherd Finnegan, shortened to Finn.

 

DGS Tyler doesn't put many photos out of his Golden Retriever Boomer but I did grab a snap of him today on Instagram apparently posted for National Pet Day.  Wish we could see his face!

 

 

 

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

You are correct about that.  I'm wondering about the next transition and the possible conflicts with PVSA.  Obviously, the ships that were out got a pass the first time since returning to Baltimore was physically impossible.  Not sure if a cruise from Norfolk to Baltimore would be similarly forgiven,  The good news is that Vision of the Seas is going to drydock after the current cruise and when she comes back she should be able to navigate the temporary channel due to be available by the end of this month.  Carinval Legend is repositioning to Europe but Carnival Pride will return before that channel is open.  She may do a few more cruises from Norflok, and might stay there until the next 14-day cruise which is at the end of May.  It goes to Greenland which I think makes the reposition legal.

 

Roy

 

Thanks for the info, Roy.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Heartgrove said:

The Port of Norfolk Cruise Terminal was scheduled to be closed this year for remodeling. Carnival embarks/disembarks five-six cruises each year from there. Luckily work had not started so CCL/RCCL are able to use it as an alternative for Baltimore. The terminal area is one of the worst as it is so crowded that parking is offsite and passengers need to be bussed to the terminal.

 

After Basic in NJ, the USCG sent me to Engineman "A" school in Yorktown, VA for four months. I was lucky as my mother had a childhood girlfriend who had married a career Navy sailor and had retired to Virginia Beach. On my long Liberty weekends I would catch the 'hound and travel down to stay the weekend with them, my 2nd family away from home.

 

Sandi @StLouisCruisers you are right that the Navy has an open house for one ship each weekend. One of the Liberty weekends while visiting I did a "Busman's Holiday" and toured a USN LST! Luckily I had civvies to wear.

 

 

 

 

I'm glad to hear the Navy still has those open houses.  It was nice for relatives to see when visiting us.  They always enjoyed Virginia Beach, too.  But first and foremost was to see Colonial Williamsburg, and a day at Busch Gardens.

 

Here is a Norfolk waterfront photo taken on the Spirit of Norfolk lunch cruise we took in June 1990 during the grandmothers' trip to see DD graduate from high school. Most of our photos were of each other.   We did most of the things mentioned above plus Jamestown and Yorktown visits.  The photo is a snapshot of a hard copy photo taken out of one of our photo albums.  Old school!

 

 

 

 

52 minutes ago, cunnorl said:

 Good Morning from a cloudy and warm day at the beach

    Heavy rain expected later.

   " Louie, Louie"is now stuck in my head. I will be singing it all day! 

    @Haljo1935 A very Happy Birthday to your DH.

    I am off to Boston tomorrow for my nieces bridal shower on Saturday. I will also get to meet the new babies, Maeve Grace and Ryan Charles. So I have a suitcase full of gifts. Then Sunday we are going to Cape Cod until Tuesday when I fly home. My sister just bought a new home and she wants me to see it. It will be a fun but busy few days.

 

Stay safe and enjoy today

   Charlene

 

Have a good visit in Boston and Cape Cod!  Going to the bridal shower and seeing the new babies sound like a great reason to travel, plus the new home tour.  I guess I'm going to miss some bridal showers for Ashley while I'm away cruising for 70 days this summer.  I'll make it up to her later.  Wedding is Sept. 14 so had to make sure we were in the States between Morgan's graduation and Ashley's wedding.  🥳

[grapau27]

4 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Taking a break because my arms need a rest.  Loving the pet pics!  I don't have a pet but do have 2 granddogs and 2 great granddogs.  Here for your enjoyment are Milo and Sadie L-R, the two "grands".

 

Here is DGD Ashley's German Shepherd Finnegan, shortened to Finn.

 

DGS Tyler doesn't put many photos out of his Golden Retriever Boomer but I did grab a snap of him today on Instagram apparently posted for National Pet Day.  Wish we could see his face!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the info, Roy.

 

 

 

 

I'm glad to hear the Navy still has those open houses.  It was nice for relatives to see when visiting us.  They always enjoyed Virginia Beach, too.  But first and foremost was to see Colonial Williamsburg, and a day at Busch Gardens.

 

Here is a Norfolk waterfront photo taken on the Spirit of Norfolk lunch cruise we took in June 1990 during the grandmothers' trip to see DD graduate from high school. Most of our photos were of each other.   We did most of the things mentioned above plus Jamestown and Yorktown visits.  The photo is a snapshot of a hard copy photo taken out of one of our photo albums.  Old school!

 

 

 

 

 

Have a good visit in Boston and Cape Cod!  Going to the bridal shower and seeing the new babies sound like a great reason to travel, plus the new home tour.  I guess I'm going to miss some bridal showers for Ashley while I'm away cruising for 70 days this summer.  I'll make it up to her later.  Wedding is Sept. 14 so had to make sure we were in the States between Morgan's graduation and Ashley's wedding.  🥳

Wonderful photos Sandi.

[StLouisCruisers]

1 minute ago, grapau27 said:

Wonderful photos Sandi.

 

Thank you Graham.  Four cute subjects!

[puppycanducruise]

I love seeing all the pets.  Thanks everyone.

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, RedneckBob said:

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors!

 

Louie Louie Day! I see some of you liked the song by The Kingsmen back in the ‘60s but did any of y’all understand the words! The song is about this guy who wants to get back to his girl who is across the sea so he takes a Holland America cruise ship, don’t know if it was the Rotterdam or Noordam, to get back with her. It’s obvious the ship is too slow because all he can do for three nites at sea is think of her constantly. Maybe if he had some of those HAL delicious beverages would ease his mind. He even smells the rose in her hair. Boy, when I am on a cruise ship that’s the last thing I smile. Then suddenly the ship approaches Jamaica and he soon will be back in her arms. Did anyone of y’all really understand that was the story?

Did not think of this but since his girl was in Jamaica, maybe her name was Mary Jane! 😀