Monthly Archives: September 2026

Amenities

I look back to my first “long haul” cruise which was a transAtlantic from Genoa to Bueno Aries on MSC back in 2007. I was sailing with a friend and colleague. For various reasons, we both just wanted out of … Continue reading →

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Quantum of the Seas – Cabins #2

(re-arranged order …) – Now Ship, Basketball, Cabin. Today was the “Cheers with an Officer” which used to be Meal with an Officer back before Royal became a victim of its own success. Then there might have been 20-40 people, … Continue reading →

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Cabins

I should not continue to whine – but seriously – the RCCL home office doesn’t do customer service well or happily. OTOT – both my travel agent and the Concierge on this ship are amazing. Let me review – various … Continue reading →

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Catalina Island

Once again (the last time was in 2023) this not-small ship needed to anchor in the harbor and rely on tenders to ferry passengers to shore. Last time I was here, we walked rather extensively around a goodly portion of … Continue reading →

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Bound for Queensland

This is the same ship I made the transit on back in 2022, that time sailing from Vancouver.  So here is the route – (actually, neither VTG or Royal have a map on their site…._ and the schedule – Saturday, … Continue reading →

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and it happened again

I am not sure why I haven’t learned the following 1) don’t schedule medical appointments on the day you are leaving 2) don’t pre-pay for a checked bag. The second is the important one – I could take my 19″ … Continue reading →

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It was like this when we moved in

It was early when he came knocking, pretty not happy from being woken on his day off by the tree crew. After not knowing for weeks when they were coming, it was good to finally have the work done. The … Continue reading →

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The last coffee

I have been in the habit of picking up lattes at our local Peet’s a couple of times a week. Those times normally correspond to the 2-3 days that Noah has to be at work early. He hikes down the … Continue reading →

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what was I doing?

Actually, I am not sure what I managed today. It is kind of a blur involving making packing lists, trying to decide what I want to take along for projects on my next trip. Oh yes, and not watching the … Continue reading →

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The sun has set

and supper has been eaten. The cat is snoring on the bed.  I now need to go deal with my phone, my bank account and plan everything that I need to accomplish in the next few days before I head … Continue reading →

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Kol Nidre 2026

or 5787 if you prefer, I can manage both calendars but it does prove to be an ongoing challenge.  I have other wise made this a quiet day. Extra sleep, cat in the lap, on the shoulder, hanging out under … Continue reading →

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and the last home

game of the season. For whatever reason, George decided that he would much rather walk down the hill and watch the CAL football team than deal with going into the city for the Valkyries game. It is the last home … Continue reading →

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At the game

After spending the morning sorting out all the projects for my upcoming trip and trying to sort through whether or not I now needed a visa for French Polynesia (free money for them as I am not planning on leaving … Continue reading →

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Can’t even

It was a weird day. The best I can say is that I managed to play a few computer games and watch a couple of the remaining WNBA matches.  But mostly slept… I am not sure that the “added benefit” … Continue reading →

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Long day’s journey

which will be ending as soon as I send this note. Thanks to the “friendly” cat I was up at 0400. Getting my act together, I was sitting in the car outside my favorite coffee shop shortly after 0500. One … Continue reading →

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Oh, not flowers

It was part way through yesterday when I thought about the Sherlock Holme’s Stitch-a-long. Checking on Owl Forest, it seems like there was another release. Not bad, I thought. a couple of borders, some flowers along the bottom and a … Continue reading →

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The boys are back

in town….. remember that song? If not – it is probably because you are too young. The original song was released in 1976 …. oh, dear, that is 50 years ago,,, In this case, the song starts playing in my … Continue reading →

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Some things are finished

Like the FIBA tournament in Berlin. It might sound like heresy to some, but I was rooting for the French team. They are less arrogant than the US team and seemed to play better together (at least for the first … Continue reading →

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Contemplation and basketball

It is a strange combination. To spend part of the day thinking about the past year and the year to come. And, OTOH, see the FIBA Women’s semi-finals playing out in Berlin afternoon and evening (which means morning on the … Continue reading →

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Quiet

Today is turning out to be problematic for me. I don’t want to deal with or talk to people. Why? Flip a coin – one side comes up Rosh Hashanah and the other the 25th Remembrance of 11 Sept 2001. … Continue reading →

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