Wed 29th July – Thurs30th July
Yesterday was another sea day, all much the same as the other sea days except we see a different show almost every night. I was upgraded from beginners to intermediate Bridge yesterday. Boy it’s a complicated game when learning from the professionals. I hope they use the same system back home where I hope to play Bridge.
Today, Thursday, at sea, which we don’t mind, sort of a day of rest, as tomorrow we arrive in Carbo San Lucas and the forecast is 39 degrees c.

Friday 31st JulyWent to bed last night and it was quite cool but woke up this morning to 26 degrees and rising. Saw a very clever magician last night at the show. The shows last for about an hour and then there is other entertainment if you want to carry on till late. I’m writing this after getting off the boat via tender and going ashore for a couple of hours. Lots of upgrading going on in the town, which is rather pretty and what you might expect a Mexican town to look like. Lots of jewelry shops etc. I was tempted and bought a nice silver ring. Since we hadn’t taken water ashore with us and it was b….. hot, we had a Mexican beer at a waterfront café and it was pretty good and cold. A lot of luxury cruisers in the boat harbour – a real play ground for water sports. There is also another big cruise ship in port as well as ours. The terrain is extremely dry – would probably be a nice place to holiday in the Winter.

Saturday 24th July – Thursday 28th July
Can’t believe it’s been 5 days since doing a posting. Eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, being entertained just seems to roll on from one day to the next. The seas and weather have been pretty kind so far. Wednesday – we decided to have afternoon tea because the freshly baked scones with cream and jam are rather special. Yum! Trying hard not to overdo the diet and for a few days that seems to work but all the food on offering is really hard to resist. Had a small farewell yesterday afternoon at bridge for those leaving in San Francisco. Jorgen went to the last astronomy lecture but I’m sure there will be something else to take it’s place. Most of the shows have been top class with a very few exceptions. Arrived in San Francisco around 5.30 this morning - sailed under the Golden Gate shrouded in fog but quite visible close up. The day’s weather has been quite changeable, with a bitterly cold damp morning to bright sunshine and warm in the middle of the day then foggy and windy and cold again this evening. We like the city but wouldn’t want to live here. We had a huge lunch, clam chowder and fish and chips, at a seafood restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the bay.
We rode the cable car up to the top this morning and then back down another route. Later in the day we did a little shopping, then back to the ship in time for sundowners and dinner. A Lot of Americans have boarded the ship here.

Thursday 23rd July
Lahaima, Maui is one of the Hawaiian Islands. It has a huge dormant volcano, I think the last time it was active was about 15 years ago. It’s a pretty place, lots of surfers. The buildings along the seaside of the village look as if they have not changed for many years and have an old world look. Of course as one would expect they are shops selling souvenirs, jewellery and clothing along with a number of galleries. They are all aimed at the tourist dollar. The locals would shop at the shops in the next street, which are more modern and cater for everyday needs. We had lunch at a pub called the “Pioneer Hotel”, and had a New York Steak and a couple of Heinekens as it was such a hot and steamy day. The steak was just the best and cooked perfectly to our liking. Early to bed after dinner, comparing the days events with our fellow diners – exhausted

Friday 23rd July
Another sea day with nothing new happening so for those who like a little bit of history:-
PACIFIC OCEAN – The Pacific was named by Portuguese Navigator, Fernando do Magalhaes, better know to the world as Magellan, on his voyage to the New World in 1520. During his time in the Atlantic he had to deal with extremes of weather, not to mention hunger and mutiny. Upon entering the new ocean he found this great body of water was placid for many days of sailing and so named El Pacifico, the peaceful one. Unknown to him at the time it covered one third of the earth’s surface and was capable of giving birth to terrible storms and waves unequaled in any other body of water.

Sunday 19th July – Wed 22nd July
I don’t know where the past few days have gone, but I don’t seem to have had time to update the Blog daily. We have been at sea most of that time doing the usual at sea things.

We sailed past Christmas Island – a long chain of uninhabited islands except for the wild life and probably park rangers or scientists (GD spotted a couple of people walking on the beach through the binoculars). Evening entertainment has been excellent as usual. We had a nice day on land yesterday at Honolulu. We took a shuttle bus to Waikiki beach, did a bit of shopping at the supermarket and at the International Market then had lunch at Moana Surfrider resort. It’s an historical colonial building, reminiscent of Raffles in Singapore. We both had the most delicious seafood crepe with hollandaise sauce. We then took a taxi back to the ship, napped and then did the market at the port. We were not terribly impressed with Honolulu on our first visit a few years ago but we both agree that our opinion is now changed and we actually enjoyed our visit this time.

Sunrise at Equator


King Neptune ritual

. Friday 17th July
A day at sea, much the same as every other day at sea. Didn’t think the show was up to scratch this night – a female entertainer whose singing was OK but her fill in persona left a lot to be desired

Saturday 18th JulyWe crossed the Equator this morning and the usual Neptune ritual was held later in the day. A full day at sea doing all the usual things we have been doing on sea days, like catching up on the ironing, playing cards, eating, sleeping, reading, other games and shows etc.. Too late – house full at the show we wanted to go to and the other show was a continuation of the previous night which hadn’t impressed us so we just had to slum it at a 50/60’s music bar. Before you know it it’s bed time again

Thursday 16th July
Woke up this morning as we arrived at Bora Bora. The weather is fine and not too hot. After those with booked tours went ashore on the tender, we went across to the island. The tenders were going back and forth all day. We did the rounds of some of the stores – mostly selling sarongs and black pearls and charging the earth. Everything is expensive. They use island francs, which cannot be used anywhere else and based on the euro. The do take American dollars. We went back to the ship for lunch. Since barter had failed to get us on a tour around the island in the morning, I decided to go back with the right money and try again while the GD had his afternoon nap. I am so glad that I did. I did not do the whole island but took the shuttle bus to a public swimming beach which was absolutely beautiful, just like they are shown in the brochures, had a swim in water just to my liking and then took the shuttle back to the pier. Back in time to rest for a few minutes and then get dressed for sundowners and dinner. After dinner we went to one of the shows – a comedian, Mike Harris – he was great – lots of laughs.


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Papete Tahiti

Tuesday 14th
Another fine day at sea – finished the washing, always a queue, – tidied the rather small cabin – dinner and another show.

Wednesday 15 July
Well, something different today. Up early and had an early breakfast before the ship docked at Papeete, Tahiti. We had a tour booked to see a taste of Tahiti which was a little late getting away – island time!!! Papeete – forget it – it’s rather untidy – thank goodness the bus we did our tour on was air conditioned as it’s really hot and muggy. I must admit once out of town the scenery is rather idyllic if you don’t look to closely. We had a good tour guide who spoke good English and saw some really pretty beach spots and a very high water fall, along with some of the historical sites on the island. The traffic here is incredible, particularly at lunch time as everyone goes home for lunch and a siesta at midday and return at 2.00pm. There is actually as many cars as people on the island to give you some idea of the traffic jams, very few lights and many round-a-bouts. Pedestrians step onto the road to cross and stop the traffic, which is the rule. The people we spoke to are generally polite. I don’t think we have any wish to return but enjoyed the experience.

Monday 13th July
Much the same today as yesterday except I had a Nana Nap today instead of trivial pursuits and bridge. Had dinner and then a show with Donna Campbell the singer. She was very good. Just took some washing up to Laundromat. The next cruise we do with Princess Line will entitle us to a Black Card and that will entitle us to free laundry. We are still trying to sort out visas for India but managed to get our US visas via the internet today. They are the only two countries we need visas for. Well, back to the laundry to do the mundane chores. Tomorrow is another sea day.

We have Internet problems on the ship it works from the Satellite that is when the Satellite is there. There for the posting order is not always in the correct order!!??
E-mail services is working well!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lost Wednesday’s diary info for NZ

Thursday 9th and Thursday 9th

Yesterday was Thursday – a sea day. Spent eating, sleeping, walking, playing cards etc. Tonight night was a formal. In the lift a lady took a fancy to the GD’s bottom – every man in a black suite she must have thought she had hold of her husband but I was observing her hand and GD thought it was me. Amazing things can happen in lifts. The GD has also been stuck in one of the lifts a couple of times too. We’ll give that one a miss in future. Went to a show after dinner and then to the Wheelhouse Bar for a couple of drinks and a dance, then to the Upper lounge for a cuppa and a chat with a couple from our dining table before bed.
The second Thursday 9th spent much the same as the first one. We crossed the international date line last night, which is why we have had two Thursdays. Need to do the washing soon – running out of underwear. Went to trivial pursuits yesterday and today – lots of laughs. Doesn’t this all sound boring?
After dinner we couldn’t get into the show we wanted to as it was full so we decided it was time to do our washing. 1.5 hours later and it was all dry. Have to change our clocks again by one hour.

Friday 10th

Passed a few islands off Tonga this morning and then up to breakfast. Just had lunch and still lots of islands to portside. Just the usual bridge for me, computer for Jorgen and trivia before lunch. Had our Nana nap then went to the wine tasting. Some very nice wines presented including one of our favorites from WA, Brookland Valley Verse 1 Shiraz.

For those of you that is new to our “Block Spot”
Marcella is known as Gemini, and she refers to me as GD ie.,. her Great Dane

Sunday 12th July
We’ve been to a couple of top shows the past couple of nights, one of them a Polish piano player and the other one a variety show. Yesterday we were in Samoa we took a taxi into town and had him drive us to the places we needed to get stuff, like to the chemist and the post office etc., and then to Aggie Grey’s for lunch. After lunch we walked back to the ship. There was a bit of delay disembarking at Samoa as they don’t have any swine flu cases yet. We had to fill in a declaration that we had no symptoms and even with none of the symptoms mentioned on the form we still all had to have our temp taken. Of course we both passed and as far as I know there was no one who didn’t pass. It is very hot 30 degrees and humid, after our last port in NZ. Played trivia before dressing for dinner, then the show and then dancing under the stars on the top deck. It’s a lifestyle we could well get used to.

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Passed a few islands off Tonga this morning

Wednesday 8th,

Lost Wednesday’s diary info for NZ

Thursday 9th and Thursday 9th

Yesterday was Thursday – a sea day. Spent eating, sleeping, walking, playing cards etc. Tonight night was a formal. In the lift a lady took a fancy to the GD’s bottom – every man in a black suite she must have thought she had hold of her husband but I was observing her hand and GD thought it was me. Amazing things can happen in lifts. The GD has also been stuck in one of the lifts a couple of times too. We’ll give that one a miss in future. Went to a show after dinner and then to the Wheelhouse Bar for a couple of drinks and a dance, then to the Upper lounge for a cuppa and a chat with a couple from our dining table before bed.
The second Thursday 9th spent much the same as the first one. We crossed the international date line last night, which is why we have had two Thursdays. Need to do the washing soon – running out of underwear. Went to trivial pursuits yesterday and today – lots of laughs. Doesn’t this all sound boring?
After dinner we couldn’t get into the show we wanted to as it was full so we decided it was time to do our washing. 1.5 hours later and it was all dry. Have to change our clocks again by one hour.

Tuesday 7th July
The rolly polly seas have settled down and some people who looked rather green yesterday seem to have recovered. From a management point of view not everything is running as smoothly as it should. Even though we cancelled having $10 per person per day deducted from our account for tips, on getting a print out we found that it was being charged so Jorgen has had a couple of trips to the desk to try and get that sorted out. Some people have had up to 3 key cards before they had one which worked. I got some details on a shore trip to Paris, we plan to do and find that it is 50% more than the advertised price I checked on the internet a few months ago. Before we left we checked with the representative of the cruise line to see if we needed any visas. We were told no. Now on the ship we find out that we do need one for India and some other passengers have been given information suggesting they need them for US and Egypt. Soooo we are trying to sort that hic-up out too. I joined a group and I’m learning to play bridge. Played yesterday morning and afternoon. We are enjoying the food, the wine, the company, the entertainment and the relaxation. Jorgen is doing morning deck walks while I sleep in.

Tuesday 7th July
The rolly polly seas have settled down and some people who looked rather green yesterday seem to have recovered. From a management point of view not everything is running as smoothly as it should. Even though we cancelled having $10 per person per day deducted from our account for tips, on getting a print out we found that it was being charged so Jorgen has had a couple of trips to the desk to try and get that sorted out. Some people have had up to 3 key cards before they had one which worked. I got some details on a shore trip to Paris, we plan to do and find that it is 50% more than the advertised price I checked on the internet a few months ago. Before we left we checked with the representative of the cruise line to see if we needed any visas. We were told no. Now on the ship we find out that we do need one for India and some other passengers have been given information suggesting they need them for US and Egypt. Soooo we are trying to sort that hic-up out too. I joined a group and I’m learning to play bridge. Played yesterday morning and afternoon. We are enjoying the food, the wine, the company, the entertainment and the relaxation. Jorgen is doing morning deck walks while I sleep in.

Monday 6th July
Well it’s day 2 of our cruise and we are just getting our sea legs. Our first hic-up was at the airport.After checking to see how much luggage we could carry and being told we could have 30kg, Qantas had other ideas. We had 12 kg over a 23 kg per person allowance and that cost us $120 excess. If we had been told that then as frequent flyers we should have been able to take 30kg but we did not have the number and if she had looked on our luggage which had already been put through on the conveyor there was a take on the luggage which had it on. Qantas and Princess will know about it you can be sure. It was a good flight with a bit of a holding pattern over Sydney. Things went smoothly to the ship on boarding. We had a little lunch on deck and a lay down then a look around. One of Jorgen bags were at the cabin before we set sail but mine didn’t arrive till after dinner, so needless to say I didn’t dress for dinner. The group at our dinner table were great company and I will be playing bridge with a couple of them. Jorgen just about knows every detail of the boat and has done his exercise often (walking around the deck). Monday – A quiet day at sea, eating and resting. Off to have sundowners and then dinner

The next post will be when we have boarded the ship next Sunday the 5th July.
Our Friend and House sitter arrived today and will take care of our Dog and Cat
and the general running of the house hold.
We are looking forward to posting some pictures from the trip and daily reports.

Well….Well
These two orchids is mainly cold climate Orchids, and I haven’t had a lot of luck with them.
The Dendrobium I was given for a present many years ago from Pat and Merilyn, very good friends!!!
I managed to get one flower some years ago by watering the pot with chilled ice cold water 3 times a week, what a job.
When we moved back to our renovated ole/new house I simply planted all 4 Dendrobiums in my Gemini’s flower garden in a shady spot, and see what happened and a second one are showing flower spikes, neglect is the answer for these Orchids!!!
The Lady Slipper only flowers on rear occasions well this was a supprice.

A window of two days sewing root crops according to the Moon Calendar.
I have sewn Carrot and Beet root,
Hopefully they will be mature to harvest when get back from our Holiday.

I have Cane Mulched the rest of the vegetable garden ready for spring.
That will cut back on the watering time having to be spent by our friend and House sitter!!!

Beef Fillet Pot Roast

Brown the eye fillet in about 1 inch of hot peanut oil
Remove from pot and tip the oil out then add a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil and

Gently braze the chopped vegetables for a minute or so:-
Carrot, Celery, Italian Parsley, a little fresh Thyme and Rosemary, 2 small tomatoes and a Leek, tops and roots and all - the leek roots has more flavor than the rest of the plant.
Last add a Bay leaf and a KNOR beef stock cube.

Add the browned Fillet and top up with hot water, simmer about 40 – 50 minutes or till done = 77C or 170 F. There is nothing worse than over done meat as it gets stringy and tasteless.

When the fillet is cooked remove, strain the stock, and rest the meat in the stock for 1 – 2 hours to obtain moister before serving.

Use the stock to make pot roast gravy ,at the finish of the gravy I added a dessertspoon of lingonberry jelly that I got from IKIA some time ago, alternately use Redcurrant Jelly, This will give the Gravy a delicate finish.

Serve with steamed new Potatoes, Carrot and baked Pumpkin and home pickled Dill Gherkins

Chopped Vegetables for the stock

Browning the Fillet

Simmering

Fillet resting in the stock

Dinner is Served
Bone appetite

The house cat also known as Pushka, in HIS garden , where he spends most of the day sunning him self, in between regular visits to the kitchen for a top up on Cat food

The Passion fruit vine has started to yield its massive crop of extra large very sweet Passion fruit the size of Apples and Oranges.
I planted the seeds a little over a year ago.
I only keep a vine 2 seasons as the yield will be marked reduced at the 3rd season

This is the Orchid that got me all started growing Orchids again,
Gemini bought me this particular one at Woolworths when she was doing the weekly shopping one Friday some twenty years ago.
We were living in a unit at time but as soon as we moved into our then new house at Hervey Bay it was on again and the Orchid fernery started expanding very fast
To the extend it is now.
I enjoy my Orchid growing hobby!!!

an other butiful speciment this one have been in bloom over 2 months

Having received my order of 12 new roses from Trelore Rose nursery in Victoria I have been busy planting as to get them in on the right Moon cycle

Also pruned my established Rose garden and mulched with Sugar cane Mulch ready for the Spring time and the hot Summer as we get here in south Queensland, this is the 3rd season coming on and they have done well on the first 2

Daily Common Remedy

Andrographis

Andrographis
This ancient Indian herb has created a buzz among Herbal practitioners due to reserch showing it helps treat and prevent colds.
Scientists belive it stimulates the immune system by boosting production of antibodies.
Historical or traditional use has long been used in traditional Indian and Chinese herbal medicine. The most common reported uses were for digestive problems (as is the case with most non-toxic bitter herbs such as andrographis
Interestingly, some of these uses have been validated by modern scientific research. Although the roots were sometimes used in traditional medicine, the leaves and flowers are now more commonly used.
Active constituentsThe major constituents in andrographis are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. These bitter constituents are believed to have immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, and bile secretion-stimulating actions.
Though some older studies suggested andrographis was antibacterial, modern research has been unable to confirm this finding.
Several double-blind clinical trials have found that andrographis can help reduce symptom severity in people with common colds. Though the earliest clinical trial among these showed modest benefits, later studies have tended to be more supportive. Standardized andrographis extract combined with Siberian ginseng, has also been shown in a double-blind clinical trial to reduce symptoms of the common cold.
A preliminary uncontrolled study using isolated andrographolide found that while it tended to decrease viral load and increase CD4 lymphocyte levels in people , It is unknown whether the andrographolides used in this study directly killed HIV or had an immune-strengthening effect.
Andrographis has proven helpful in combination with antibiotics for people with dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea. It has also shown preliminary benefit for people with chronic viral hepatitis.
The safety of andrographis during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown.

Monday nights Dinner
Chicken and Asparagus served in Volavents

Sauce:
Melt some butter with some plain flour then add chicken stock to make a smooth sauce, season with salt and pepper. In the meantime stir an egg yolk with a teaspoon of sugar then add a little lemon juice and stir into the sauce. Keep warm but not boiling.
Warm the chicken meat picked from the bones and the asparagus bits, turning gently, not to break up the Asparagus.
Meanwhile having heated the Volavents in a 200c oven for 3 or 4 minutes remove from the oven for a few minutes and repeating the process so as to make them very crisp
Serve up the chicken asparagus in the Volavents with a small steamed potato on the side.

Bon appetite

Have had a busy weekend with family and freinds celebrating birthdays and anniverseries.

Linda and GB at the farm arrived Friday and stayed over till Monday it was time to catch up on the last months happenigs all had a great time