The Fleet Report and Daily for Sunday September 1st, 2024

[StLouisCruisers]

 

Today is Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day, Ginger Cat Appreciation Day and World Letter Writing Day

 

An idea isn't responsible for the people who believe in it. - Don Marquis

Meal Suggestion for today - Chicken Eggplant Parmesan
Drink of the Day - Point Blank
Wine of the Day - 2021 Riesling, Gelblack Trocken, Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau, Germany
Destination of the Day - Fakarava, Tuamotu, French Polynesia

Today in History:
1878 1st female telephone operator starts work, Emma Nutt for the Edwin Holmes Telephone Despatch (sic) Company in Boston
1905 Wilfrid Laurier oversees Alberta and Saskatchewan joining the Confederation of Canada as its 8th and 9th Canadian provinces

Ship Locations Eurodam --- 7 days, round-trip Alaska Explorer
At Sea Destination Juneau, Alaska eta 9-2
Koningsdam --- 7 days, round-trip Alaska Inside Passage At Sea Destination Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm/Juneau, Alaska eta 9-2
Nieuw Amsterdam --- 7 days, one-way from Whittier to Vancouver Whittier, Alaska   0100-1930
Nieuw Statendam --- 14 days, round-trip North Cape The Midnight Sun Lerwick, Shetland Isles, Scotland eta 9-2
Noordam --- 7 days, one-way from Vancouver to Whittier Vancouver, BC, Canada   0700-1600
Oosterdam --- 7 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Piraeus-Athens Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy   0700-1500
Rotterdam ---  21 days, round-trip Northern Isles Viking Sagas At Sea Destination Lerwick, Shetland Isles, Scotland eta 9-2
Volendam --- 10 days, one-way from Montreal to Boston Quebec City, Quebec   0700-1700
Westerdam --- 53 days, roundtrip Majestic Japan Seattle, Washington   0700-1700
Zaandam --- 7 days, round-trip Alaska Inside Passage Glacier Bay, Alaska   0700-1600
Zuiderdam --- 7 days, one-way from Quebec City to Boston At Sea Destination Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island eta 9-2

 

 

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit! 🐇

 

Good morning friends on this first day of September.  How can it be September already?  We still feel like summer here in north central Georgia.  Current temp is 71 and the high should reach  92 with a chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. 

 

Thanks to Rich @richwmn for preparing the Daily and Fleet Report info for us. I suppose we need to honor those who maintain building and code standards for our own safety.  I like ginger cats, and writing letters is becoming a lost art.  Unsure how I feel about the quote.  I think I’ll pass on the menu suggestion, drink and wine today.  Good for Emma Nutt breaking that glass ceiling in 1878.  And hurray for Alberta and Saskatchewan on becoming the 8^th and 9^th provinces of Canada.   Thanks Eva @superoma, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for your F&B Dept. for your daily reports.

 

Prayers for our Daily Care group including Tana and Terry, Chuck and Annie, Joy’s DS Bonnie, Nancy’s DB, Ann and Pat, Melisa and her DH, Jacqui, Elizabeth, Roy, Terri and Jim, Ann's cleaning lady Leanne, Maureen’s DGD Andrea and baby and Edi's DSIL Sandy.  Also praying for DB, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the remaining hostages, and our soldiers and sailors in danger there every day. 🙏 Cheers to everyone celebrating special occasions, cruising and preparing to cruise! 🥂🚢 Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for your hard work maintaining the lists for us.  Superior job!👍

 

The port of the day is Fakarava, Tuamotu, French Polynesia.  Yes, we’re sticking around in French Polynesia again today.  This has been the port here on the Daily 3 times already on July 21, 2021, April 7, 2022, and Oct. 17, 2023.  I don’t recall ever visiting Fakarava, FP before so please do show us your photos.  Here are the links to help make it easier to find them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome home Lisa @LAFFNVEGAS and Marcia @dobiemom!  I know you both had a wonderful time!

 

Hope you all enjoy your Sunday before Labor Day.  To all our Daily friends boarding the Westerdam today, Linda @lindaler, Rich @richwmn, Joy @Seasick Sailor and Allen, and Ray @USN59-79 and Sara, I hope you all have an easy, quick embarkation.  I also hope you’ll send back some great photos of your get togethers.  Meanwhile everyone, stay safe and keep well.

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

NextOne’s DSIL Sandy dx’d with metastatic cancer

RMLincoln’s DGD Andrea in induced labor

Ottahand7’s DB with a swollen knee post TKR

Seasick Sailor’s DS Bonnie needing more surgery

 

Heat, Fires, flooding and Storms across the US

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, hostages still held

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

 

From the Rotation:

Tana with chronic pulmonary issues, weakness, poor appetite

Hal Sailer diagnosed with Lymphoma

Vict0riann’s cleaning lady Leanne dx’d with esophageal cancer

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Happy Birthday Cruzin Terri!

Bon Voyage Lindaler (Linda)!

Bon Voyage Richwmn (Rich)!

Bon Voyage Seasick Sailor (Joy & Allen)!

Bon Voyage USN59-79 (Ray & Sara)!

Welcome Home LAFFNVEGAS!

Welcome Home Dobiemom!

Welcome to the FR/Daily wdw1972 and Welcome back Petunia1950!

Cruzin Terri with no need for surgery currently for partial rotator cuff tear

Kazu accepted an offer on her house

NextOne doing well post hip surgery

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

6 days for Luvteaching (Eurodam Sept 7 to Sept 14) 7d Alaska Explorer

 

Crazy For Cats (Zuiderdam to Sept 7) 7d Canada/New England Discovery, Dfish (Zuiderdam to Sept 7) 7d Canada/New England Discovery, Sharon in AZ (Zuiderdam to Sept 7) 7d Canada/New England Discovery, Tbay (Volendam to Sept 10) 10 Night Newfoundland & New England Discovery + (Volendam Sept 10 to Sept 21) 11 Night Newfoundland & New England Discovery, celebrating 50th Anniversary, Lindaler (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan, Richwmn (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan, Seasick Sailor (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan – celebrating her birthday and their 33^rd wedding anniversary, USN59-79 (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan and Gail & Marty sailing away (Rotterdam to Oct 27) 

[doobieb]

Thank you, Sandi, for the Daily!

I think I would like the meal suggestion. It has everything I like it in. The wine and drink sound interesting.

I wanted to be a telephone operator when I was a kid. I liked the tv shows where  somebody plugged in all those wires and mistakes  were made that were funny. I got to do it one time just before a large bank here was closed for good. It was a blast. 

It will be in the low 90’s again here today, but with some rain expected! 

We have both had covid again recently. Then DD, and now DGS has it. We are back to mask wearing just in case…….

Stay safe, everyone! Prayers and smiles for all on the Daily.

Debbie

[StLouisCruisers]

Happy Birthday Terri @Cruzin Terri!

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[rafinmd]

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit.

 

Roy

[summer slope]

Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit.  Welcome September

Point Blank cocktail:

Get ready for an explosive flavor experience with the "Point Blank" cocktail, a powerful libation that packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression. This bold and intense drink is a masterful combination of robust spirits, zesty citrus, and a touch of sweetness, creating a sip that is both daring and gratifying. Inspired by the adrenaline-fueled moments of life, Point Blank is a perfect companion for moments of celebration and exhilaration. Served in sleek and edgy glass, it exudes an air of strength and confidence. Whether you're seeking a drink to elevate your spirits or want to savor the thrill of bold flavors, the Point Blank is the perfect sip to embrace a taste of intensity and pure enjoyment.
Ingredients:
1 12/ oz. bourbon
3/4 oz. Grapefruit juice
1 oz. mezcal
1/2 oz. agave syrup
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour the bourbon, mezcal, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and agave syrup.
Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to blend the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
Strain the mixture into a sleek and edgy cocktail glass filled with ice cubes and garnish the Point Blank cocktail with a twist of grapefruit or a cherry(optional).

 

[TiogaCruiser]

Good morning all,

We’re sitting in YUL getting ready for our flight in a few hours. We had rain all afternoon and evening yesterday. We had lunch from food trucks by the port- fish & chips and a “regular” poutine (hey- that was good! - a light gravy and lots of cheese).

Had a great guide and walking tour in Old Montreal.

 

 

The boat ride could have been skipped (even on a sunny day.) Last night we stopped at “Timmy’s” to get muffins as the hotel breakfast didn’t start until 6:30 and our Uber was due at 5:00. So I guess we did the major “Canada Things”. (That muffin was good!)

 

 

[wdw1972]

Thank you for the warm welcome! Like the quote - but I'm big on personal responsibility rather than excuses. In other words, we can't control what crap people might spew, but we certainly should be able to determine if it really makes sense before we jump out there & react.

 

Not a fan of the meal, would try the cocktail if it doesn't taste too boozy, and generally like Rieslings. In the old days I leaned towards the sweet ones, but now prefer more to the dry side. Love cats - orange, black, white, brown, doesn't matter. Allergies prevent me from having any pets, but I do have have a feral cat who lives outside and is very affectionate (but not to strangers). 

 

Have not been to French Polynesia at all, except multiple virtual visits thanks to bloggers on those voyages. Some day after retirement hopefully - Australia is a bigger priority, and French Polynesia is pretty much on the way there! Flying all the way from Florida to Australia is not appealing, but getting there (& back) on a ship definitely sounds good!

 

Sue/WDW1972

Edited September 1 by wdw1972

[LambKnuckles]

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit.

 

Love the days to celebrate!!  And the food and beverages!!  Great choices!!

 

Prayers for all on the lists and those unmentioned needs, too!

 

Have a wonderful Sunday!!

 

[smitty34877]

Bon Voyage to 

 

@lindaler, Linda

 

@richwmn, Rich

 

@Seasick Sailor, Joy and Allen

and 

@USN59-79, Ray and Sarah

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[smitty34877]

@Cruzin Terri, Terri, a very Happy Birthday to you!

[Sharon in AZ]

🐇🐇🐇

 

Good morning and Happy Sunday from the beautiful Zuiderdam. I’m in the Crow’s Nest drinking coffee and reading the Daily. Going to MDR breakfast soon. We are now 4 hours ahead of Tucson time. That makes it hard to text Craig!

 

 

We have lunch reservations at the Pinnacle Grill today. I’m excited about that because they were booked the last sea day. 
 

Terri @Cruzin Terri— Happy Birthday!  Enjoy!

 

Have a great day!

[cat shepard]

Thank you Sandi for today’s FR&D!

 

Just a super quick visit. A group of us are meeting with a woman, who currently lives at the retirement community I am interested in - we want to pick her brain about what it is really like there. 

 

*******************

2021 Riesling, Gelblack Trocken, Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau, Germany

This Riesling sounds lovely. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $26.58.

The estate

Boasting a rich wine heritage that spans over a thousand years, Schloss Johannisberg is a must-know reference among fine German wines. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 12th century, the estate then entered a period of uncertainty due to Germany’s turbulent political and economic history over several centuries. Paradoxically, these challenges enabled Schloss Johannisberg to rise like a wine phoenix and come out in an even more glowing and prosperous manner: all the land was planted with Riesling, making the estate the first and one of the finest walled vineyards to comprise this variety in the world.

The vineyard

Riesling Gelblack Trocken 2021 comes from an extraordinary terroir that is renowned for producing some of the finest German wines. The vineyards enjoy an ideal position and are poised on a 45 degree south-facing slope at an altitude of 114 to 181 metres. The forest protects the vineyard from cold winds and the Rhine river, which runs like a lake in the foothills of the estate, influences the soil. Schloss Johannisberg is situated on the 50th parallel north, offering a great difference in temperature between day and night and enabling the grapes to develop their aromas and a plesant acidity. The soil is rich in quartz and silt, giving a very nice minerality to these Riesling wines.

The vintage

The temperatures and rainfall in the Rheingau were average throughout the year 2021. The buds were not damaged by the cold because they came out later, at the end of April.
The autumn was cool and rainy, and the harvest was carried out at a steady pace so as not to leave the grapes to rot. This vintage is marked by a high-quality and abundant harvest.

Vinification and ageing

Following manual harvesting with the greatest care, the grapes are taken to the cellar to be gently pressed. Afterwards, 15% of the wine is fermented in Schloss Johannisberg 1200-litre oak barrels and 85% in stainless steel tanks.

The blend

Riesling (100%).

The tasting

Colour
Riesling Gelblack Trocken 2021 has a bright yellow colour with green highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet fully expresses the lemony freshness, underlined by green apple and apricot fragrances and a hint of spicy herbs.

Palate
Riesling Gelblack Trocken 2021 is a bold wine with a perfect balance of minerality and acidic freshness that carries through to an impressively long finish.

Food and wine pairing

Riesling Gelblack Trocken 2021 will enhance fish, poultry, vegetables and pasta and risotto.

Service and storage

For an optimal tasting, serve between 7 and 9 degrees.

[ottahand7]

Happy birthday @Cruzin Terri!  🎂

[ottahand7]

Bon Voyage @richwmn @lindaler @USN59-79 @Seasick Sailor!  Enjoy Japan. 🍾🍾🍾🍾🛳️

[puppycanducruise]

Rabbit   Rabbit   White Rabbit

 

Thanks for the Report.

Wow, it's September, I hope it's a good month.

It's already a lovely sunny day here, we should get to 23C (73F) this afternoon.  I think we'll go visit mum.   I hope dear hubby will bbq a steak for our dinner.🙂

 

Interesting days to observe.  I haven't written a letter in years, I should do it.

Love the quote.

Yes to the meal, drink and wine.

A good day in history.

 

Prayers for so many.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a peaceful day.

 

[puppycanducruise]

@Cruzin Terri  Happy Birthday! 🎂

[puppycanducruise]

@lindaler  @richwmn  @Seasick Sailor  @USN59-79

 

Bon Voyage !   ✨                                             

[Ichiban Nekko]

Good Morning Dailyites!

 

Even though I have evolved into 'lurking' status on the FR&D, I do read it most days. Some of the best writing and caring on the internet, IMHO.

 

Years ago, when we first retired, we were told or read somewhere that there are three stages of retirement: Go-Go; Slow Go; and No Go. After DH fell and broke his hip in April, we have definitely moved into Slow Go. And we have reluctantly realized that No Go could present itself sooner rather than later. This has changed our travel outlook somewhat and we are definitely more Bucket List/itinerary oriented now.

 

However, DH recovered sufficiently that we were able to take our long-planned trip on the Rocky Mountaineer in June. It was all we had dreamed of. Truly wonderful. Obviously, we are heartbroken when we see updates about the dreadful fires that have devastated parts of Western Canada, particularly Jasper.

 

In November, we are trying Viking Ocean out. We will start in Istanbul (at last!).The smaller ship will take us to many new ports (for us) in Turkey, Greece & Italy. We originally booked for Holiday but the air portion was a little too challenging and moved the date up. This booking was a direct result our Holiday 2023 sailing on the Rotterdam, which was overrun with unsupervised children and their boorish parents who abdicated their responsibilities. Thankfully, we had a balcony cabin to retreat to. But screaming babies in the Tamarind took a toll. As did the man who casually tossed our friend's scooter (a medical device) aside in order to frame a family photo outside the PG. It seemed every venue was overrun. Etcetera. Of course, the staff were absolutely wonderful despite being woefully overworked. Consequently, advertising stating 'No children, No casinos' hit its mark afterwards. We'll see how it goes.

 

And we will return to Rotterdam for it TA in April. Our memories of a previous TA on Koningsdam are happy ones. We are looking so forward to this.

 

DH has decided he would like to return to Thailand, the location of his first overseas assignment. We found a cruise starting in Bangkok (we can arrive early) with stops in Vietnam (another at last!), Singapore & Bali next year. It has been a long time since we have been in SE Asia, so it will almost be 'new' to us!

 

Throughout it all Dailyites, I continue to follow your adventures, triumphs and tragedies. Absolutely the best laughs around.  This group lifts the spirits and is so kind, so supportive to all comers. During the dark days of the Pandemic, it was a safe refuge. Since that awful time appears to be in the rearview mirror (yay!!), this special place is still a delight. And many new contributors are bringing new points of view. I don't want to mention names because I would leave some wonderful people out, but I would like to think of when we saw Camilla's first photos and the smiles she brought. Comments about 'The Frozen Tundra' still make me laugh. And RNB is a champion of the Bon Mot!

 

I will now retreat back to Lurking status. Virtual hugs to you all,

-Cat

 

 

 

 

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for the daily and maps Sandi and Rich.   I'll celebrate ginger cats, I never was owned by one.   I will write a note today on the form of a sympathy card.  I like today's quote.  I'll pass on the eggplant and the strange cocktail but all in on the Trocken Riesling.  Thanks for researching these for us each day!  We will be in Farakava in March next year and I am fairly sure in 2026.  I am really looking forward to the photos.  

 

Thanks for the Cares and Celebrations reports Vanessa.  I hope your dizziness continues to become less troublesome.  Prayers for Chuck and Annie, Terri and Jim, Tana and Terry, Bonnie, Melissa, Sandi's DB, Leanne, Jacqui, Andrea and everyone else who are ailing or grieving.  My DB is headed to the ER by ambulance this morning.  He has gotten progressively worse since his discharge about 10 days ago.  I messaged my DS who informed me of this last night we had better be mentally prepared for losing him.  My DBs granddaughter is also ill.  She has been doing poorly with headaches and body aches.  She finally got a diagnosis of Chiari malformation where part of her cerebellum bulges into her spinal space. At least they know what it is. She was diagnosed at University of Michigan Children's hospital.  

 

Our get together was fun and the brisket turned out perfectly.  Cool and very windy here today.  Good day for yard work, not fishing. Have a lovely day!  Nancy 

[marshhawk]

@Cruzin Terri

 

[RMLincoln]

Rabbits, Rabbits White Rabbits!  Welcome to September!  We sure need all the good luck we can gather. 
 

Update on grandkids: they are struggling through. It was a long night with the labor induction meds increasing. Results are showing some progress with the process moving along, strong and consistent contractions but not much else. They are staying strong. I’m so grateful for grandsons updates!  And for all the support.

 

@Cruzin Terri

 🎈Happy Birthday Terri! 🎂🎈 Congratulations on another trip around the sun!  Hopefully we will be blessing with our great-granddaughter’s arrival on your birthday! 🌈

 

@cat shepard I hope you learn whatever helps you. I have no regrets on our decision to move to independent living in a retirement community that offers continuing care. The hard part is the timing- best to do it while you can, which is before you need it!  

 

Blessings to all in need of healing, comfort or hope!  

🥂Cheers for those celebrating and cruising!  Enjoy this precious day!  
Maureen 
 

 

[marshhawk]

@lindaler , @richwmn, @Seasick Sailor, and @USN59-79

 

Bon Voyage!