The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday July 5th, 2024

[Sir PMP]

St. Johns, Newfoundland:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Haljo1935]

@marshhawk I hope a bit more sleep helps you feel better and the car decides it's OK & turns its check engine light off.

 

Deddie @dfish Rita is adorable w/her white tipped tail and "boots"  

 

@kazu congrats on making your decision to move, I hope it brings you peace; your vines are beautiful. 

 

@Denise T 96 days - always exciting when the count goes into double digits 😊

 

@superoma here's hoping your weather cooperates so you can enjoy tomorrow w/your family in memory of your father ❤️

 

@StLouisCruisers Your DB  Alex & Jordan are in my thoughts & prayers as the twins' date gets closer; I'm looking forward to the day you show us their picture. Ugh on the lengthy immigration process - I agree dinner is no time to be processing people. Thanks for including me in your prayers; I'm a disaster and appreciate the them.

 

@Heartgrove prayers 🙏 for you, Sam and family.

 

I hope tonight's fireworks 🎆don't last as long as last night's - the dogs were VERY unhappy and even the cat got stirred up. DH saw most of the fireworks as he was outside watching sports; said it made for a great show and asked how much $$ did I think we saved by not needing to buy tickets, lol. It's going to be a long weekend. 😒

 

Weather app on the new phone has a completely different look than on the old one.

I hope it's right and we get the rain it's predicting (11am-2pm) as well as the under 90° high - both are worthy of celebration.

Today will be spent 1)  continuing to get the new phone loaded up w/stuff from the old one - I only have a week to get the old phone cleared off and shipped out to avoid incurring a hefty charge. Learning the phone is down the road, but I have figured out how to attach photos rather than files (button is on a different page). And 2) eating deviled eggs 🥚🦪 I made 12 yesterday. They taste a bit salty, which is strange as I didn't add salt. Does relish have salt? I went a little heavy on the relish as I used up what was left in the jar. DH called it out, but will eat them anyways. I love his support ❤️ 

 

Prayers 🙏 and positive thoughts for all. 

 

 

Edited Friday at 12:55 PM by Haljo1935
Additional comment

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites 

 

Game night last night. Lots of food and fun. I did not come in first..

 

The fireworks were all over Georgetown,  Liberty Lake, Leander, Round Rock.. it was pretty busy watching them all. We took Elvis to the top of the ridge and found another half dozen golf carts parked, all of them neighbors. We counted 7 areas that had the fireworks going. 

 

Lots of news on our Daily this morning. @kazu Jacqui, I was wondering when you would get to this point. You and Ivan deserve it. You can always go for a drive and look at beautiful flowers. 

 

I am excited for those of us readying for our cruises. I can't wait! @StLouisCruisers Sandi you still have a ways to go on your adventure. Praying you stay healthy. 

 

Prayers for every single person and family and friends. And many thanks to those praying for Bonnie.

 

Looks to be a cloudy morning. Rain is in our forecast this next week from the devil hurricane coming through. I'll welcome the rain.

 

Wishing you a peaceful weekend. Lifting Blessings to all.

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, kb4683 said:

 Hi, Sandi --

Thanks for the pictures.  We are scheduled to be in St. John's on 8/25/24.  Was your tour through the ship or by chance independent with McCarthy's Party?

Thanks,

Kay

 

Hi Kay.  The tour would have been a HAL tour.  I hope you enjoy a nice day in St. John's on 8/25. Have you decided what you'll be doing?

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good sunny morning from central Texas where it is 81F and feels like 88F.  The humidity is 85% with a dew point of 76F.  As usual, the weather app says we have a 5mph wind, but the flag says no wind.  The good news is our high will only be 93F with a good chance of scattered thunderstorms beginning at 2 pm, but of course, that is a moveable target.  I just hope we get some rain today and overnight.  We heard some fireworks last night, but not as many as usual.

 

This morning, our little community received the sad news that one of our longtime neighbors died early this morning after battling lymphoma.  He  did a lot for the community and his church, and he will be missed.

 

Thong day to me means the sandals, which I have been wearing for decades.  I am not a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants, so I will not be celebrating that day.  Fried chicken is a favorite of mine, but now it is fried in the air fryer, but probably not today.

 

The quote is a bit strange to me.

 

I like waffles, but I don't think I'd like them with zucchini.  We'll pass on the drink.  I would like to try the wine, but it is a bit pricey.

 

We have been to St. Johns twice on BHBs.

 

An interesting day in history with Isaac Newton's 1687 publication of Principia.

 

@grapau27  Graham, thanks for the explanation of work without your hands day.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, what a mess with the immigration check.  We've been to Iceland many times, and I don't remember having to go through immigration arriving or leaving, and especially not when going between ports in Iceland.

@kazu  Jacqui, I know your decision to move into independent living was not easy, especially as much as your love your home and garden.  I also know it was made after much consideration about what is best for you and Ivan.  I hope the move goes smoothly from this point forward, and that once you have your surgery, things will be easier.

@Denise T  Denise, many people don't pay attention to the fireworks laws.  Then there are the idiots here in Texas and in Arizona who think firing a gun into the sky is harmless fun when it can be deadly.

@superoma  Eva, I hope the weather cooperates for your family fish fry. 

@ottahand7  Nancy, I'm sorry your DB is having such a rough time.  

@dfish  Debbie, Rita is cute.  I'm glad you are able to participate in all the family activities.

@marshhawk  Annie, I'm sorry your day off is not going well, and that you don't feel good.  I hope you feel better soon.

@smitty34877  Terry, it sounds like the family had a good cookout, and I'm glad Tana was able to participate.  I wish she felt like eating more.

@Heartgrove  Jack, I hope your DSIL gets help with the hiatal hernia.  Sometimes, just stretching the esophagus will help relieve problems with swallowing.  I'm sorry your DBIL is battling pancreatic cancer and the chemotherapy is not going well.  I'm also sorry Sam is having some different problems.  The Alaska cruise next years sounds good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We've been to St. John's, Newfoundland, twice.  The first time in 2003 on Rotterdam VI, we took the Ho-Ho.  The second time was in 2019 on the Veendam.  We learned the Ho-Ho was gone, so we took the city bus that made a one hour loop.  You had to be prepared to stay an hour at any stop or to walk, and we spent an interesting hour at Cabot Tower on Signal Hill.

 

I have enough pictures that I'll need to divide them into two posts.  Both posts will be a mix of pictures from both visits, and there will be a couple of repeats.  I apologize in advance for the quality of some of the pictures.  In 2003, it was cloudy with occasional rain and fog, so some of the pictures, especially distant shots, were not every good.

 

The Ho-Ho from 2003 and the local bus from 2019.

 

The City bus, and we got a little narrative.

 

The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist as seen from the Veendam in 2019.

 

Inside the Basilica in 2003, with it's ornate ceiling.

 

In 2019, we drove past St. Thomas Anglican Parish.

 

In 2019, we spent an hour at Signal Hill, including touring inside the Cabot Tower.

 

One of the rooms at the top of the tower with the signal flags.

 

A lower room in the tower

 

The powder magazine

 

 

A plaque commemorating the first trans-Atlantic radio signals. 

 

Part of the view from a BHB

 

 

Fort Amherst from Signal Hill.  I know it's a repeat, but the WWII bunkers are visible in this picture.

 

Lenda

[marshhawk]

My stomach won, and we are staying home, that and the fact that I cant wake DH up.  Well I did wake him up, but he's down again, and as he is still breathing, but asleep and not moaning, breathing is easier, I will let him sleep.

 

Emory just called wanting insurance info before my appointment on Monday. I pressed 1 to connect, and no one has picked up...8 minutes later someone is finally there.   And now they tell me my supplemental insurance cannot be found, seems to have dropped off their books, and to call them.  I call them, and because of damage from the hurricane, they cannot accept or take the call at this time. Where the heck am I calling?

 

@kazuI think the move will do both of you good, and I am rather envious of you. Congratulations on the decision! 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

These are the rest of the pictures from St. Johns.  There is no particular order, and many are just scenes of St. Johns.

 

The downtown area near the dock.

 

 

This was in 2003, and I think we were sailing towards the next port.

 

A little further along the main street

 

An intersection near several restaurants, one of which, a group of us ate lunch in 2003.  The choices for our group were lobster or fish and chips, and both were good.  In 2019, we didn't remember which restaurant was the one where we had lunch.  The restaurants were just around the curve.  There was an interesting statue in the intersection.

 

 

The Johnson Geo Centre, a science museum, on the way to Signal Hill.  We didn't have time to stop there and explore.

 

These are general pictures of St. Johns.

 

 

For the flower lovers

 

These pictures were taken from Signal Hill and show the two BHBs.

 

 

 

Lenda

[StLouisCruisers]

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser the flyer they sent out explained why we had to clear immigration here.  They chose to set it up this way instead of during our two days in Reykjavik. 

 

"We will be exiting the Schengen Area via Iceland (Greenland is not part of Schengen).  For your convenience we opted to conduct the immigration inspection during departure from Isafjordur to evade doing it upon arrival in Reykjavik.  This will save valuable time in the morning and offer you more flexibility in your planning."

 

It turned out to be more than just an inconvenience for everybody.  🤬

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  As a child, I knew thongs to be footwear - flip flops.  I'd get up, put on my pedal pushers, pop top and thongs, and head out the door for the day.  Not sure how I'd work without my hands, perhaps will just think for the day.  I love fried chicken!

 

Well happy barbecue hangover day to all my American friends after yesterday's holiday - I'm sure there are lots of leftovers for you to enjoy today.  It's a beautiful day out there this morning for us, plenty of blue sky and just a hint of breeze.  I think today will be a good day to tackle some of the vines in the back yard - they're starting to take over spaces where they shouldn't.  

 

@dfishthank you for the precious pictures of Addie; she's adorable!  Another little one for all of us to love on.

@kazuI applaud your decision, a most difficult one at that, but know you're doing what's right for you and Ivan.  Prayers as you go through the process.

@smitty34877continued prayers for Tana and for you and the rest of the family as you help manage her illness.

 

Not a lot happening here today; DH and I will head over to the Field House for the cardiac rehab program, walking for a bit, then using the recumbent steppers and bicycles before coming home.  Oh, the window washers did show up, although almost an hour late, and did a good job on all of them.  They've redeemed themselves after last year's fiasco.

 

I'd like to try the drink of the day (have it in my book to try on a BHB), would try the waffles if someone made them for me, and would say yes to the wine, but it's out of my price range.  It's Friday night pizza night here, so later this afternoon we'll check the online menus to see what appeals - DH mentioned we hadn't had the chicken bacon ranch pizza in a long time, so that might be what we'll enjoy on the deck this evening.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, in turmoil, and in the paths of devastating hurricanes, fires and floods.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, LambKnuckles said:

Your garden looks lovely and wonderful!!  I hope you'll have some plants to tend in your new place!!!

 

 

Thanks.  I will miss my plants but there are some gardens there and I am allowed to dabble and even add to them with plants if they fit in.  the only thing is it’s a deer spot so planning will be needed.  I have a small patio so will have a few planters.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, dfish said:

 

Up on the couch where she isn't allowed.  Isn't that normal?  

 

{retty much for dogs that are used to being on couches.  She’s a sweetheart ❤️ 

 

2 hours ago, dfish said:

 

@kazu That was a hard decision and I applaud you for making it.  I think you and Ivan will do well in independent living. I'm so glad he can come with you!  

 

Ivan is in his fur-ever home.  I would never chose a spot where  “dogs aren’t allowed”.  

 

 

[kb4683]

28 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Hi Kay.  The tour would have been a HAL tour.  I hope you enjoy a nice day in St. John's on 8/25. Have you decided what you'll be doing?

Not for sure, all the Princess tours we would be interested in are sold out, so we are leaning toward the McCarthy's Party tour (it's not really a party tour, just a strange name 😉).  They get great reviews on TA.  Otherwise, we will just walk around and see what we stumble onto.

[kochleffel]

Where i come from, thongs are flip-flops, but I'm aware that there's another meaning. Incidentally, it drives me wild to hear people clacking around in flip-flops in the main indoor areas of cruise ships. If I were king, they're be restricted to the pool deck.

 

Zucchini waffles would be OK if someone else made them since I have no waffle-maker. I'd try the drink, once.

 

No wines, other than ice wines, in the Finger Lakes are as expensive as today's selection. The priciest Pinot Noir appears to be the Argetsinger Vineyard 2020 from Ravines Wine Cellars, $49.95. "The 2020 vintage is a vibrant and elegant single vineyard Pinot Noir that will make a believer of any Pinot Noir fan, not aware of the world-class potential for this varietal in the Finger Lakes.The wine has a glowing, garnet and burgundy color, along with a dense, lifted nose of herbs, mint, cloves, orange zest and dried rhubarb. Taught acidity melds with juicy strawberry, white pepper and craisins, culminating in a long complex finish. This is already delicious but will continue to improve and gain complexity with age."

 

I haven't been to St. John's but an 87-year-old friend was born there.

 

 

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann and Dixie for the TGIF FR&D  I like fried chicken but rarely eat it and will pass on the other 2 days..    Special prayers for Jacaui, Terri, Katherine’s friend, Sandi’s brother, Scottie,  Chuck, Bonnie and Tana.  Jacqui, I pray your moving date, surgery daye, and cruise date all fit together well..

I like Green’s quote.

I have only been to St. Johns on a cruise, but on a land tour in 1999.  My only “cruise” to Newfoundland was on the ferry on another land tour in 2000.
.

An important day in scientific history..

I’ll pass on the meal.  My alternative is  Lebanese Lamb Shank and Baked Alaska as might have been served on MS Zaandam July 2, 2002 based on the corresponding menus from my 2014 Statendam Alaska cruise.  I know that is not a July 4 menu but it is what is since the Statendam was on a different calendar.  

A hot day but I have walked in the mall and been to Wegmans and am inside with A/C for the rest of the day..

Roy

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from Queen Mary 2 2 years ago.  July 5 was a sea day from Boston to Halifax.

 

 

Roy

[GTVCRUISER]

Have a Good Day 🙂 

[TiogaCruiser]

Good morning All,

More warm and muggy (for here) weather. We’ve had less fireworks pre-4th than in previous years, but once the sun went down last night it was a constant barrage until well after 10:30. Most of the area fireworks are illegal. ( They are only allowed in one large city to the west. And that’s not where most were coming from.)

 

@kazu In all the emotions I’m sure there’s some relief with having made your decision. My folks moved to an Independent and it ended up being one of the best decisions they made. Community “grew up” around them and they have gotten so much support and belonging. Dad got incredible support when Mom passed away a few years later and that continues to this day. I feel like a member of that extended community. (That community was modeled on cruise ship life- the Head Chef had worked for HAL for many years before going to work for them.) I’m sure Ivan will find he has a fan club there too.

Have a great day everyone!

 

Edited Friday at 02:43 PM by TiogaCruiser

[superoma]

For those of you who enjoy whiskey, I can recommend the Signal Hill from Newfoundland. It is a fine whisky bottled in St. John’s within view of signal hill, weather permitting, as their website says.

 

St. John’s is a name where the apostrophe is everything. Even though the New Brunswick town spells out the saint part, Saint John, you would be amazed how many Canadians get it wrong! 

[durangoscots]

Good morning. Cool this morning.... 49 when I took the dogs out. High will be mid-80's. Not too bad, really. No rain forecast for the next week or so. The sprinkler system is on but I need to check it for timing. The grass is really high with all the rain and the crew is not back to cut it until next week. I need a goat!

 

Little fireworks activity last night.... did hear a few stray pops but that was it aside from the City's display. Dogs were fine with it all. I think everyone is so attuned to fire danger that they are pretty careful and monitor others who might not be. At least I hope so.

 

Jacqui... I had absolutely no doubt that Ivan would move with you if you moved. When I consider future plans I have to take dogs into consideration too.... they are family... even the silly little Chihuahua. Ivan will get lots of attention.

 

Susan

 

 

 

 

 

 

[marshhawk]

I'm back, when I got off the phone with the Hospital people for a second time, they found my information, I went to take a shower, and there was water all over the floor of the bathroom.  Kitten had fallen into the toilet, and got back out, another was in the tub, and couldnt get out, so I picked Turnip out of the bath tub, took my shower and walked the dog.I wish I had seen the kitten in the toilet, but since there was water all over the seat, I figured a small exploration gone wrong must have occurred.

 

NOw that I dont have to go anywhere-

@kazu

 

 

@ger_77I dont know what that pizza is, but since it has bacon, i'll be there for dinner.😁

In fact, that is an excellent idea for an early dinner tonight.  Our greek restaurant has the best Pizza.  I can get a small 6" vegetarian pizza and a Greek salad (if tummy improves) and I can wake Chuck up.  He's going on 12 hours now.  I told him if he doesnt get up or wake up by noon, I'm calling 911.  He mumbles something and nods back off.

 

Way too hot today.  

 

 

 

Edited Friday at 03:22 PM by marshhawk

[luvteaching]

Good morning, 

It's supposed to be another warm day and we may get to 80 today. Last night it wasn't too bad here which surprised me. I watched the Capitol Fourth and the Macy's fireworks so got my fill. Saturday we'll get noise again as the local Speedway will have their show. 

 

Today is errands and the pool for a Silver Sneakers class and my own workout. I'm planning on getting my packing done as well. So far the forecasts for Juneau and Ketchikan have sun and nice temps but Sitka has rain so we'll see. My friend going with me is so excited and she's rubbing off on me just a little. 

 

DM is supposed to come home today and I hope that happens. For me thongs are flip flops and I really enjoy fried chicken so may pick up a chicken thigh at the grocery store deli today. I don't need leftovers at this point!
 

Karen

[dfish]

Good morning again.

 

I went to the gym and Sue and Rita went to the dog park.  Sue reports that Rita had a wonderful time racing all over the place.  She made friends with two other doggies that were there.  Rita loves it because she can be off lead there.  We are keeping her on lead all week when we go out.  She normally doesn't run off when MJ and Mitch are around, but we don't want to risk having her try to take off and find home.  

 

We were in St. John's last year on the Zaandam and went up to the top of Signal Hill and walked down.  We did make a rest stop at a chocolate place that had out of this world chocolates.  Oh, my!

 

Here's the view of the Atlantic from the top of Signal Hill.

 

 

The Zaandam from the trail down.

 

 

The sail out from St. John's.

 

 

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

Good morning! Late but had to do some prepping as the house is being pressured washed today. It is in need of a good bath and the driveway, sidewalks etc. definitely are in need.

Thanks Graham for the explanation of no hands day but I’m still at a loss what it means. @RedneckBob I’m probably going to have nightmares tonight with the thought of you in your thong you showed!😱

@kazu I was so glad to hear of your decision to move to an independent living facility. I wish you well in your new endeavor and peace of mind that you’re not burdened with all it takes to maintain a home.

Our Fourth BBQ with neighbors was fine and it was great catching up with them.

Hope you all have a great weekend and thanks for all who make our Daily possible. Bruce

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

We survived last night, but it was awful (as usual for here).  I need to move where the ban on fireworks is actually followed, or at least it stops at a decent hour.  Here they go on until 3 am and last night was no different.  The cats hated it, I hated it, and there was no consoling them.  Naps for us today!

 

I think I'll pass on everything today but we have been to St. John's.  Photos to follow.

The weather has been toasty, and getting toastier.  Low 80's today, creeping up to the low 90's in a few days.  I need to get to DD's tomorrow to give everything a deep watering and hope the deer have left something to water since I was there.

 

Jacqui @kazu You made a hard decision but the best one.  I'm so happy to hear that you'll still be able to garden there.  I knew you wouldn't go anywhere without Ivan.

 

Debbie @dfish Rita is a cutie.  You are very fortunate that the fireworks didn't bother her!  

 

Ann @cat shepard Cute!  I may need to get some cat videos out 😉  One of them does like to "help" me do computer jigsaw puzzles. 😅

 

All's well this morning after a very rough night.

 

Smudge

 

Soot (in the bathtub)

 

We took a HAL tour in St. John's and went to Cape Spear, Cabot Tower, Petit Harbor, and Quidi Vidi.  

 

Our ship, the old Rotterdam docked in St. John's

 

Mallard Cottage, oldest house in New Foundland.

 

Newfie

 

Cabot Tower

 

Cape Spear

 

Fort Amherst

 

Petit Harbor

 

Quidi Vidi

 

We had lunch at the Shamrock City Pub (I didn't have moose) 😉 

 

 

 

 

 

[sunviking90]

Good Morning and thank you to all the dailyites who contribute.

I like today’s quote, we don’t eat a lot of fried foods, so probably won’t celebrate the fried chicken. Thongs were something worn on our feet when we were kids, but now have to remember to call them flip flops or you get a strange look.

We haven’t been to Newfoundland, but really want to travel back to the Maritimes so hopefully one day!

I don’t often post here, but wanted to shout out to @kazu. What a wise and good decision you’ve made! I know it must have been hard. My late mum moved to a beautiful independent living place. Many there had dogs, she had her cat, and there were so many activities that she could participate in or not. DH and I used to comment when visiting her that it was like a cruise on land when we’d see the lovely dining room, puzzle tables, and yes, even a wine evening! Change is always hard, but I think you and Ivan will settle in beautifully. 
Looking forward to meeting you this fall on Oosterdam!

Edited Friday at 04:05 PM by sunviking90