coloradocruisers

Hello everyone!
Just stopping by to wave.  Some of you may remember me.  It's been probably 6 years since I followed the Daily Dock.  I have become re-obsessed with cruising after that 6 year hiatus and sailed in June on the Carnival Magic with my step-daughter and her husband, plus 5 of the their friends.  I had a great time and have just booked a solo cruise over my birthday in Feb. 2020 on the LIberty.
Hope everyone is enjoying life and much sunshine.
God Bless,
 

We're doing well Falina.  Thanks.  My son has left Washington state and started a job in Boulder, CO so we're happy to have him home.  And we've taken in an exchange student from Spain for the year, so just as the nest was getting empty, another bird showed up. 😂

Hello, My Friends,
   I have been off the Dock for over a month, trying to get caught up on so many things that I have (but probably should not have) gotten myself involved with.  I am in the process of climbing out of the hole, and I'll fill you all in on the details, but right now I want to turn my attention to the passing of MaryLou.
   Unlike most who remain here on the Dock, I did have the pleasure of meeting MaryLou and Jim, went out to dinner with them and shared a number of stories of ports and ships.  MaryLou was, despite her medical issues, quite a vibrant person, and certainly a leader by example.  I am sure that she is now cruising the universe in the company of angels and saints.
   Requiem eterna, MaryLou
 

So sad to hear this news about Cruisetarp.  God bless MaryLou on on her new journey.

So sad to hear this news about Cruisetarp.  God bless MaryLou on on her new journey.

Hi everyone,
Just a quick note to let you know that CruiseCrazies will be getting a significant facelift in the coming months - To ensure our community is as stable as possible, fully accessible across all devices, and loaded with the latest and greatest features available.  Beginning this week you'll notice some differences in how the site looks and in some areas, how it functions.  You'll also notice new features which are being introduced silently for now.
Once all enhancements are completed, all the details will be shared.  At that time, you can expect to witness the next generation of CruiseCrazies.  Lots of excitement ahead.
Stay tuned!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Good Morning, Crazies!
Today, tomorrow and Thursday will be the busy days this week, as I pack all my lessons, plus five gigs into those three days. Piece of cake, since I had two days off this past weekend!
I made an appointment for a week from tomorrow with the new pulmonologist. I especially want to see if I'm being over-medicated for the COPD. It seems like a lot of meds (seven of them) and my mouth is always dry, which doesn't help my singing a bit!
Shari, it's great that you had such a nice anniversary dinner and evening - a special occasion for a couple of special people. It looks like I'm finally over the effects of that nasty virus, although I'm still a bit congested. Kevin called Yuki a couple of days ago to complain about our not visiting enough, so I guess we'll manage to make it up to Mpls sometime this summer... We'll try to take in a Twins game (sorry about what the Nats did to the Twins this past week...)
Rose, good to hear that your Mom's procedure went well. Prayers for her continued health. Now that tax season is over, I hope that you and Howie can find some "relax time" for yourselves - like the cruise this coming Sunday! I am similarly estranged from my brother (my only sibling.) It's sad, but apparently it happens often in life...
Andi, I love it when the cruise line has someone aboard who is an expert on the things that you will see in the ports - naturalist for the Costa Rica rain forests, historian for the Mediterranean ports - it adds a lot to our enjoyment of the cruise. My best casino story is the one from our first cruise, when we took a teenage Kevin along with us. He wanted to try out the casino, so I gave him $20. He went to the cashier and got a single $20 chip, which he then placed on black at the roulette wheel. One spin - red - and there went his bankroll. He's never gambled since.
Miranda, the canal boat tour is also the way I beat jet lag. It's relaxing and totally stress-free. I just sit back and watch the canal banks and townhomes drift by (sometimes I doze - easy, since I've already stowed the bags and valuables at the station before boarding.) We usually find a pension along one of the canals, since we will not spend much time at a hotel, other than sleeping. The egg, toast and jam are quite enough to get us going in the morning, and the cost is -- low!!
Kevin, I take the "A" Train just about every week! It's one of the most requested songs that I play! It's a great story, about how Billy Strayhorn came to write that song.
Jan, thanks for all the work you've done on the group cruise! I'll double-check the calendar and then get crackin' on that reservation! In the meantime, I hope that you had a good time doing shopping therapy with Jenn. How's that knee coming along?
MaryLou, your WalMart must be a killer. Ours down here in Easton is almost never super-busy, so we can go mid-morning and get in and out in a half-hour. Good luck with the spring cleaning! Down here, it's more like spring procrastinating...
And now I have about a half-hour left to get ready to head out.
Have A Great Day, Crazies!

Hi Everyone...still fighting this nasty virus...it's making me a crabby old lady...LOL Being home for the whole weekend...not good...LOL Weather has changed and is up and down for awhile. Two tornadoes yesterday in Southern MN, and today is cooler and gloomy...will have rain off and on this week...which will be great to keep greening up the lawn, and helping bring the beauty to the trees. I have seen the neurologist for the read of my MRIs and all, and I have good news, and bad news. The good news is that I will not have to have surgery, but the bad news is that I am still in pain and up in the air on how to proceed on with my life. I do have spinal stenosis and degenerative nerve disease... which I already knew. He showed me my x-rays, and I have a spinal area that is thinned, and inflammation, and arthritis, also have many disks that are bad, some bulging, and some flattened, and some of the nerves there are not good. I was not able to continue on with the EMG muscle part so need to eventually try and finish that test. Legs still feel very weak at times, but so far have not had the numbness, tingling and warm feeling that I will fall. Had that happen twice before. Doctor wants me to rest up and see him in the fall. So, ok, what do I do with my life now...need to pray about this. I really am scared of surgery around the spinal area, but if I can't get better and have some kind of life I may see my brother's surgeon and get his opinion. I really felt that this neurologist didn't think I would do very well with surgery. He teased that they didn't like surgeons. So...where to go from here...don't know yet. Need to pray on this so I make the right decisions.



Debbie...hope it isn't too hot down there. Wish I could get down there and see my brother's new home. It would also be so nice to meet for coffee someday. Happy Passover to you and to all who are celebrating.



Rose...so glad your mother is doing well. Hope all goes well with the work at home, and you will have a wonderful and relaxing cruise. Happy Passover to you and to all who celebrate.



Andi...sorry your last weeks are so full and tiring there. I'm sure they will wear you out till you leave. Companies love to do that to us. My last company decided to move to South Dakota and they sent some people there to start the place up and get things going...then they still lost their jobs after. Long story. Hope you have a wonderful time in Charleston, and hope you get a time to relax and rest a bit. Prince, yes...that is so sad. I heard that he had hip surgery way back and was taking pain killers for a long time...that may have something to do with things...not sure though. Minnesota is really honoring him, with things like lighting up bridges purple and all. He was very popular here since he didn't move to LA or anywhere. He stayed here and loved MN and set up his recording studio, Paisley Park, and recorded and worked there...even lived there. He was said to be a pretty nice guy who helped out MN whenever he could. Panama Canal...I also did the PC on the Infinity...also had the naturalist onboard who talked about the Panama Canal and all. It was a great cruise through the canal...but sadly our cruise was interrupted in Acapulco, because of pod system problems...we lost three days, which wasn't too bad from a 15-night cruise, but the three last days were a vacation from heck...won't say the other word...LOL Long story.



Miranda...so glad you found a good cleaning lady. So nice you are helping with the cruise on hotels and where to go. I have always wanted to see Ann Frank's home and the canals and all in Amsterdam. Sadly, I will not be able to make this cruise.



Mary Lou...thanks for the nice comments. Hope you had a nice time with company, and hope that you don't overdo with your yard work and clothes exchange and getting ready for summer. I can't imagine being at Walmart at 7:30 in the morning...LOL I used to go a lot, but the parking is getting so bad that I don't go very often now...it is always so busy that you have to park a mile away...well...almost...LOL



Kevin...would love to take the A-train if we get back there...I have always loved Colorado. We used to always go through there on the way to California. I remember way back when we would first get into Denver we would get some Coors beer and go for tacos at Taco Bell...we didn't have those back home then. I'm not much of a beer drinker these days, but now that we do have Coors beer is seems so much changed from years back. And Taco Bell used to have something like a burger, but the hamburger was all chopped up and seasoned...can't remember what it was called, but my husband always loved that.



Jan...so nice that you reconnected with your sister. I hope that you can get together more often and build a great relationship. I have four brothers and one sister. My sister is 10-years younger than I am, so we grew up at different times, and have different views on things, and we don't get to see each other often. Love her to pieces, and hoping we can get to know each other better in our older years. That is so sweet that Alex missed Papa. Hope David is feeling better real soon, and hope you don't get it. It is so great that we get to know people in other states here with social media, and also even in other countries. It's it wonderful to make friends, and also so great to learn about the other states and countries. Yes, Prince was very popular here...not just because he was famous, but because he was a nice Minnesotan. I wasn't a great fan...but did see his movie and liked some of his music. May he rest in peace. I am so sorry to say this, but I will not be able to make the Norway cruise. Marc will not go on Holland America again, and with my difficulties this would be much more for me to deal with. I will be with everyone in your excitement of going, and hearing all about it, and in seeing the pictures and all.



Ray...thanks for the nice comments...so glad you are doing better, but hope you don't overdo. Good that you will see the new pulmonologist soon. Seven meds does seem like too much to be taking. I wonder if washing your mouth with some Biotene would help the dryness. Sometimes that helps me. I have dry eyes and mouth...also drinking a large amount of water sometimes helps. That is so nice that you are coming to Mpls this summer. Maybe if you and Yuki are not too busy we can get together again for lunch, dinner, a drink, or coffee, whatever you would have time for. The "Twins"...yes, that would be great if you can go...I have been so busy here that I haven't even been watching the "Wild's" playoffs.Have to get with it. Hoping that my brother will offer us the nice tickets to the "Twins" game again this summer. He gets them for his employees, and they are in the nicest area.



Hi to all Cruise Crazies...hope you have a wonderful evening, and a great week coming up.

Good Sunday evening, Crazies! 7 more Sunday nights of dreading Monday morning....and then it will all be over (I do have my fingers crossed behind my back since I'm thinking someone is still going to pop out and say "April Fools"!)
Jan - Pricing looks good! Past passenger or other perks could still apply? Are they offering anything...like free drinks? And I think that is a great itinerary and we WOULD be on board for our anniversary, which we would celebrate in Geiranger! Glad the white stuff passed you by - we didn't get any sticking snow either, but sure did get the ice! It woke me up last night - hitting the window. But they tell us that Spring may peek its head out next weekend....not holding my breath.
Ray - OK - no more medical test horror stories! Hope your return to the choir went well with no croaking (in any shape or form, LOL!) This is the time of year that I go crazy trying to figure out what I have to record: basketball final games, hockey playoffs, baseball openers! My TV box might just explode!
Mary Lou - Cold is the word........although our temps are supposed to rise above freezing tonight, ha! So take heart - a heatwave is headed your way!
Ruth - Sure would be fun for all of us to swap "Grandma" pics in the middle of the Norwegian fjords!
Miranda - Glad you are having great weather! Hope you get new help onboard soon!
Shari - Hope plans are going well for your family visit! The only thing you should overdo is the laughing and reminiscing, ha!
Have a good evening, Crazies - tomorrow it begins again.

???? :laugh: I believe you're thinking of Peddler. My TV and computer are old!

Good Afternoon, Crazies!
I'm definitely breathing better today than earlier in the week, so the GP's treatment (which was the same as the hospital's) is helping. I pick up the use-in-home version on Monday. Nothing much going on other than trying to get healthy...
MaryLou, good luck on your medical quest. I'm sure that if the two of us got together to discuss the state of US health care, our combined voices would melt all the snaux for hundreds of miles around!
Jim, sorry that your computer took a nose dive, but I guess that's in store for all the computers on all the desks in the country. The oldest one I have that still works is from 1986. I sure hope that the $680 glasses come equipped with x-ray vision.
Kevin, I expect that the young Physician's Assistants are kinda cute...
Jan, our taxes have been filed, returns received and the money spent. All that, and I still have about a half glass of merlot left. I'm glad you have a good supply of wines - I'll drink to that! I went back and dragged out some old photos of our trip down one of the Norwegian fjords - wow! The water is so calm and clear, and the mountainsides go about a thousand feet up on either side, with waterfalls every half mile or so!! As I guess you can tell, I'm beginning to get into this...
Two lessons to teach this afternoon, so I'd better get the studio straightened out.
Have A Great Day, Crazies!

Yes, the group rate will be lower, so don't go by those rates you see in the links. Once we decide on an itinerary, I'll get the rates.

Looks like TITANIC fanatics will have to wait a few more years to step back in time to 1912. Titanic II, the brainchild of Australian billionaire Clive Palmer will not be completed until 2018. The route of the (hopefully incident-free) maiden voyage has also been changed originally a recreation of the originals Southampton-to-New York route, she will now sail from Jiangsu, China to Dubai. Click to learn more about Titanics near-replica.
VIFP Club. Latitudes Rewards. Crown and Anchor Society. Mainstream cruise line loyalty programs go by many names, but for frequent cruisers, it pays to be a member, no matter which you choose. Perks and discounts come in many forms, policies frequently change, and theres a lot fine print, so weve put together this brief up-to-date loyalty program guide to get you started.
From celebrity chefs to hit TV shows to Broadway legends, Princess Cruises is pulling out all the stops with its Come Back New brand enhancements. To see all these exciting onboard happenings in action, check out TravelPulse cruise expert Jason Lepperts Ruby Princess video embedded from his Popular Cruising YouTube channel.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection just introduced a ship that will sail the Seine starting in March, 2017. The 128-passenger S.S. Joie de Vivre will not lack in luxurious appointments, and among the lavish amenities, will feature butlers as skilled as those at Buckingham Palace. Click to find out more about this new vessel.
TravelPulse was at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France to have a look at Royal Caribbean Internationals Harmony of the Seas ahead of the cruise ship's May 2016 launch. The largest cruise ship of the world is still taking shape, and this is a fascinating photo essay that offers a glimpse into the final stages of the process.
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Article Courtesy Travel Pulse and Seven Sea Journeys/News -
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Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more.
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The Magic and Wonder will be pretty old by then so good thing their building new ships.

Yep, it’s true! All the details are here:
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=971&faqSubjectId=340

Thanks Andi! (Just don't tell MaryLou they're playing a Pennsylvania team this weekend; she's already wished them luck. )

Good Evening, Crazies. Home for the night now - got my hair done after work; her son is doing well after his stroke and was cleared to play last night. He is a talented athlete and in fact had just been named to the All-Tournament team....he has already had colleges come and watch him so sports is a big deal to him; I suppose you can't deny him the opportunities but I think I would have to bring a big thermos full of something strong to calm myself as his parent!
Mary Lou - You are right, holiday decorations are a pain to dust around....plus I have more holiday decorations on all the tables and shelves than I normally have so the rooms can start to look a bit cluttered. This weekend will be my big clean-up.
Jan - This weather is definitely not fun and makes it a lot harder to get around. I can't believe a PT place has no handicapped parking!! I'm sorry these exercises are so painful...you really have to keep your eye on the prize to stay motivated to hurt yourself, ha!
Kevin - I do enjoy watching the Broncos - have their defense on my fantasy team!
Have a Happy Thursday everyone.

Always sad to read these stories. I wonder why the cruise lines don't add life guards? Probably something about their liability.

Good morning Crazies,
In an hour and a half I'll be driving to the Dutch Windmill site called Kinderdijk and hopefully find Ray and Yuki. I bought them some typical Dutch treats and I hope they like it as much as I do. Of course I'll let you know how things went afterwards. Hope you all have a great Sunday and I'll report back
Miranda

Jan I think there are different shows on other ships which are likely more appealing like "Mamma Mia" on the Allure so that would be much better. A show that is fun like "Grease" or "Jersey Boys" would be cool too.
The nightmare continued with calls to customer relations for RCI. I asked for a $50.00 OBC for our future sailing on the Ovation as I think this is reasonable for the horrible transfer and callous treatment. I made a call to some gal who seemingly was more concerned with winning an argument and refused, yes refused to give me her supervisors name. She was stuck on the point that all they had to do was get us there on time. To her nothing else mattered. Unbelievable. Another call got me the same "no, we don't do that" but at least this time I got a supers name. I then called Crown and Anchor and found the real people who gave me that OBC in no time and reported my issues up the ladder. The next day I spoke with a higher up about how their customer relations (a true oxymoron) folks treated me. She was about as astounded as me and said she knew the person who refused to give me her supers name and said she called him to say she would handle it from here. I get the idea miss "no I wont tell you his name" will get a talking to. We also were given further compensation, a free bottle of wine and dinner for two at any of their speciality restaurants on the Ovation so that is very fair.

Well what the hell. We have time off in Oct. and decided to see the Oasis which seems to be a destination by itself. Its 7 days out of Ft. Lauderdale and we are stoked! We can't wait to see this unique ship!!

Hi Everyone...it's 46 degrees and a windy day. Sun is trying to peak through the clouds. I should get out shop. but just don't have the energy yet. Tomorrow may be in the 50s, so I think I will go then. Saturday we are going to a Mass for our grandson's Confirmation, and then out to dinner. Nothing else scheduled for the weekend.
Mary Lou...I used to just have trouble with IE on here, but now it is acting up on anywhere I try to go. It keeps stopping on me and having to restart. It's so slow, just really aggravating...and Marc is too busy to look at it right now. Don't know what is causing this. Then it won't let the posts go through on here unless they are really small. At least I can get through on Firefox, for now. I like IE because I have all my places that I go to all on my favorites...and used to be able to go right there without always signing in. Now I have to sign in over and over, on some sites, and then after I sign in it stops and needs to recover the website...then I have to sign in again...sure wish I knew more about computers...sigh Hope you don't get more snow...we are needing some moisture here. Hope those daffodils come up soon for you there.
Kevin...it's so nice that you are back here on CC...we missed you.
Hi to everyone...have a nice day!