As you may remember from a previous blog, just before I joined the Carnival Freedom for the Bloggers cruise I had lost two mobile telephones in just a few weeks, the last one I am positive I left on the desk while checking into the hotel. I had never gotten around to replacing the phone which is probably being used as we speak by an employee of the Intercontinental Hotel to call his mum in Haiti.
Anyway, today I decided I needed to replace the phone. I had already spoken to someone at Vodaphone’s customer service center in Bombay and canceled the Sim Card thingy and as the replacement had arrived while I was away I decided to buy a phone.
Now, as many of you know by now I am utterly useless at shopping and things that involve buttons and knobs and today I had both to contend with. So, after a nutritious breakfast of toast……….I really fancied an egg with it but as Heidi was away I had no idea how to get the egg out of its shell and turn into a fried one. If only someone would breed a chicken that lays fried eggs………..anyway after breakfast off I went ……….shopping.
The first thing about shopping in the U.K. as opposed to shopping in the U.S.A. is parking. In the States it’s free most of the time and if you shop at a mall you get free parking. In the U.K. parking is rather different. First of all it’s never free and in most town centers by the time you have paid for the parking you have no money left to go shopping. Today for example I paid for two hours parking which cost me $8…………..$8………for that I expect someone to park it for me and get a bag of lobsters for lunch.
The ticket has to be displayed on your windshield and it has a time stamped on it and God help you if you go over one minute of that time as there …….lurking in the shadows are the dreaded parking police. In the old days these friendly folks were called Traffic Wardens and were usually retired people who if you went over the allotted time would if you arrived as they were writing the ticket would be understanding and probably let you off with a smile and even a cuddle. Those days are gone as now the Traffic Wardens have been replaced by a new breed of people who are paid on commission, so the more tickets they issue the more money they earn. They have stern uniforms and if you are one minute late it is easier to split an atom blindfolded than to get one of these masochists to let you off. I saw one today issuing a ticket.
Not only do they write the ticket up but I watched her remove a camera from her bat belt (which they also have a Night Stick and a Laser Gun hanging from) and take a photo of the registration plate………..I asked her if she wanted me to take one of her and the car but humour was wasted on her….anyway…….she didn’t speak English. I know they have a job to do but ………well……….it’s just that I have seen how it is across the pond. Then, there are the car parks themselves. New or old the designers seem to forget that the average British person is no longer driving a Mini or a MG Midget. The spaces are designed for these cars and to park a big SUV like mine is impossible.
If I do manage to fit it in a space I can’t get out……….well I could try but I would have to leave various body parts in the car and that hurts. So, I have to use two spaces and I am sure it won’t be long before the Parking Police fine me for that, clamp my wheel and use their Taser gun on me when I return. I am going to show you some photos of me and the car now……..and will explain why in a minute.
Anyway, back to the shopping. Usually I have Heidi with me which is good for many reasons. The main one is that she carries a purse the size of an elephant’s scrotum and therefore I can put my Raspberry, my wallet and car keys in her McGyver bag………I used to love that show. Anyway, as Heidi is in Holland until tomorrow I am forced to carry everything which usually has me panicking I am going to lose something………..I remember one time I lost my car keys while shopping at Aventura Mall…….I was so mad and upset and was just in the middle of speaking to Hertz when I realised I had Valet Parked the car and they had the keys……….I had suffered a brain fart.
So, I arrived at the phone shop and was served by someone a young girl who looked like she was 12 years old. I explained that I had lost my phone and that I needed a replacement. She asked me if I wanted a contract………no I said I have one……..she looked upset at that answer and she was probably on the same commission as her sister who worked for the Parking Police.
She asked me what I wanted………a phone I said…….and then off she went showing me phones that play videos, phones that have 5 camera pixies living in it….she showed me something called an Eye Phone that had no buttons and apparently was a sensitive phone………did it have feelings? She showed me phones that store 1 billion songs and phones that make Cappuccino…………I just wanted a phone…….you know……….one that you press a few buttons and you can hear someone speak to you on the other end.
There were so many to choose from and I could see Miss Nokia getting impatient at my indecision…….she was probably worried she would miss The Telly Tubbies. Eventually I bought a shiny Samsung and because I was not buying a contract as well it cost me the same as a Seven-day cruise……….at least this brought a smile to young Miss Nokia who now had probably earned enough commission to buy a Hannah Montana T-shirt.
So, I now have a new phone and when Heidi returns she will show me how to use it and where the SIM Card thingy goes. I would have asked young Miss Nokia but my parking time was up and I didn’t want to have to pay a fine and risk being given the good news with Batgirls Nightstick.
OK, back to the car later.
Here is the news.
I just finished reading all the comments and I am overjoyed that yesterday 7000 off you read the blog thingy and 58 wrote comments. As I promised, after my European trip, which starts on Friday, finishes I will return to answering all the comments as usual. I am so very thankful that you all seem to be reading them.
Yesterday Carnival decided to continue on some of our ships the new dress code policy. This means that on non Elegant nights we will allow Cruise Casual clothing to be worn. This policy will no doubt be looked upon favorably by many where as some may be uncertain. Remember, we are going to allow smart dress jeans on non-Elegant night but beach wear including deck shorts and tank tops will not be allowed……..it is of course up to us onboard to enforce these rules something we need to do better at…….and we will.
On Elegant night you now have the choice to wear more formal attire or not. I just saw this for myself on the Carnival Freedom and on the seven day cruises I would say 80% still wore elegant attire………..the rest wore dress pants and open neck shirts and the ladies more elegant casual clothing.
I am sure you will all have your own thoughts on this as do I. The most important fact for me is one I have mentioned before……….it does not matter what the family are wearing at the table next to me…….as long as they don’t steal my Prime Rib from my plate or smell of rotten fish……….it won’t spoil my enjoyment of the great food and fantastic service our dining rooms offer.
I wanted to reply to this one comment as it concerned me.
“I have been hearing about this blog and had to take a look at it myself. My child is from U of K and was on the spring break cruise. I would like to know if the entire group was rude and disruptive the entire time. This is not the kind of behavior we would like to see posted on the internet. It sounds like their manners were left at home. Do you have anything positive to report from the group at all? Parents don’t have any idea how their children (young adults) behave when they’re on their own. I would like you feedback. I can tell you-you’ve gotten back at them. Everyone from their parents to college adminstration has heard about this and even Rick Pitino (poor guy).”
Hello Uofk Mom Thank you for writing. The University of Kentucky is I know a proud seed of learning full of wonderful students. During the cruise in question there was a large group of students sailing with us to celebrate Spring Break. I have to tell you that I met many of them and the majority were fun loving, polite and students the University would have been proud of as should the parents. However, there were some……the minority……..who were not. I won’t go into the specifics again but our security reports contained many incidents of drunken and obnoxious behaviour. This culminated in the last night’s antics with a large group gathering in the lobby using foul language and threatening behavior toward our staff because we could not receive a basketball game on TV. Again, this was a minority but enough to upset many people including as you will have read from previous blogs, students from the University who felt in necessary to apologize on their behalf.
Of course Kentucky’s University is not alone in such behavior and I know as a Mum of one of the students you will also be upset to hear this. However, let’s finish with a positive……….the majority were wonderful young people, full of the joys of life who celebrated in a respectful manner………….you can be proud of them.
Thank you for your concern and I send my kindest regards to you, your family and everyone at the University Of Kentucky.
I see many of you enjoyed Bubba Roberts guest blog from Alaska yesterday so here then is part two from the smothered, covered and chunked Waffle House eating brilliant CD.
Day 2 of Alaska Fam Trip, March 30, 2008
Well after finally getting on a flight to Seattle, I was not able to make my connection to Anchorage, so I had to go and see the customer service folks at Alaska Airlines and they hooked me up with a hotel, meal vouchers, and set me up on a flight for the next day. They had me already booked for a 7 am flight the next day, but as I had been up for almost 24 hours I asked if possible, to be on a later flight as there was no rush to get there for the morning. They were very accommodating. Short shuttle ride to the hotel, and passed out for the night.
The next morning I was back at the airport ready to take on the day. Things went well. The Seattle Airport is huge! It looks like a shopping mall at times with all the restaurants and stores they have inside. Flight was on time, I was in the last row, by the bathroom, so I got to meet everyone’s butt cheek on their way to and fro. The flight from Seattle was about 3 ½ hours, but it flew by with PSP and Poker Game. I do love the play cards. People always ask crew what we do when we are on vacation….my answer…VEGAS!
Finally arrived around 3pm Anchorage time. Anchorage is sometimes referred to as the “Air Crossroads of the World.” Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport sees hundreds of flights a day and has become a major gateway for incoming tourists headed to many of Alaska’s destinations and a stopover or re-fueling point for international flights. There were more FedEx planes than you can shake a stick at.
Went down to the baggage claim where I found that my bag beat me to Anchorage by about 20 hours. I laughed. “Next time I will just get in the bag,” I said. Don’t think the baggage service lady found it funny.
Went out the door to catch a taxi and was smacked in the face with this burst of cold air. The temperature was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit. A Florida boy like me almost never sees those kinds of temperatures. On the flight in I could see snow on the ground, but there was hardly any on the drive from the airport to the hotel. Saying that though about the cold air, there something magical about the air in Alaska. When you breathe in, you want to take such deep breaths because it makes you feel sooo good inside. It’s one of my favorite parts of being up here.
Anchorage offers many of the same features as major cities in the lower 48 such as museums, theater, libraries, symphony orchestra, opera, and dance. Anchorage has more than 200 churches and over 80 schools including the University of Alaska and the Alaska Pacific University. The population of Anchorage is just over 260,000, which is almost half of ALL of the people who live in Alaska. I like the downtown area of Anchorage. It’s really easy to get around.
Thanks Bubba and we look forward to part three tomorrow.
Talking of tomorrow I leave home at 8 am to collect Heidi from her whirlwind trip to Holland. She has had a great time with Mum and tomorrow we pack for our trip to Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Holland and Russia. It’s still cold there with temperatures of 38 degrees F or 6 C.
Tomorrow also marks the return of my suitcase………..allegedly and Heidi will then have a lot of laundry to do…………I decided to be sympathetic today and realizing what she will have to go through I bought her a gas mask.
Now, back to the car. Here is a photo of my Range Rover which I bought last year………….I really wanted an Aston Martin but I just didn’t have enough money saved up……….I was only £90,000 short. Now it looks like the Range Rover will have to go. It costs £80 ($160) to fill it up with gas and now as I mentioned last week the British Government run by Gordon Mussolini has said that I have to pay twice the amount vs. someone who drives one of those Prius things that runs on soya milk…………..still……….at least the Polar Bears will be happy I am no longer murdering them.
So, I am making the most of my time in the Range Rover and on my way to the shops today I had it cleaned…….a proper hand washed deep clean. The sun shone of the gleaming metallic paint and I felt proud that even if just for a while longer she was mine.
Now, have a look at these photos.
When I returned from shopping it appeared Murphy continued my run of luck and turned himself into a Seagull who had just eaten a can of Prunes………if only Sammy the Seagulls Aim had been three feet to the left ……….then he would have hit Batgirl the Parking Police Officer……………bugger!
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Uma Thurman | Tagged: Splendor Godmother
John,
We really need to get some baby Pampers for those seagulls. You can almost count on the fact that if you clean your car and it will rain or a bird will poop on the car! That is one reason why I just avoid the issue of cleaning the car. I really will get to it this summer! I have been putting it off for a long time.
I am sure Heidi and her mum had a nice visit.
It is nice to have some time to visit with family.
Take care…..looking forward to pictures from the Baltic once you two get over there.
Ruth
Nice Range Rover!
I’m with you about cell phones… just want a phone. Nothing more.
Enjoy your whirlwind tour of Europe. Travel safe and give your lovely bride a hug from me and save one for yourself.
John,
You really look well. I am so glad to see it. Must say, the Range Rover suits you well. I love black cars. As told before, I drive a Lexus RX 400h which is a little fancier than a Prius, an SUV with good gas mileage but great pick-up and speed. Polar Bear friendly. Perhaps you would have a go at that? Heidi would really look good in one. Just heard from Nani. She is coming thru Atlanta next week and I am hoping to meet her in the airport. Let you know if that turns out. Dan and I are going to see Ron White doing stand-up tonight. Spring is on it’s way, sun shines, time to read the blog and finally feeling great. Only thing missing is booking a cruise. Was so homesick for Carnival I made melting chocolate cake……….Shout out to the Crew……………….Love,
Kap
John:
Just a quick note:
April is Autism Awareness Month and
Today is the first ….
World Autism Awareness Day
We are using this day to say THANK YOU to all the people, like Bob & Suzanne Wright (he is the Vice Chairman of General Electric), who have worked so hard with Autism Speaks to bring awareness and hopefully one day … a cure!!
I can’t say enough about the wonderful job Camp Carnival and Club O2 staff have done with DJ these past 10 years. They (and the Entertainment Staff) on our cruises have literally given him the gift of being “normal” for an entire week!!!
Linda ( Mom of your friend DJ)
Nice car John! I swear though, the bigger the car you have, the more “things” find their way to it, and make it look messy! It never fails, that when I wash my SUV, I end up with bird diarrhea on it before I can get back home! Maybe we need to change the dietary eating habits of birds! Feed them Vicodin laced seeds to get them constipated or something similar. Well, leave the toilet seat up tonight, don’t open any wine bottles, leave your socks and underwear on the floor, but pick it all up before you leave tomorrow morning to pick up Heidi. The doghouse is a place you need to avoid! By the way, any word on your hazardous waste suitcase? Sheryl
Hey John, Nice pics! I will always read your blog You help my days go by with a great big smile! I loved Bubbas writing also . I can see the both of you in a room together Watch out everyone! Lots of great laughs for sure.Too funny about the parking police and Ms Nokia! I just love reading your blogs, I feel like I am there right with you! Thank you for the great pick me up every day!
John,
What a shame about the car, but at $160 to fill it up, I think you WOULD have been better off with the Aston Martin. You should get a Geo Metro and you could be Fred Flintstoning your a$$ everywhere.
_BigMike
Chief, Blog Security
John,
I’m with you on the parking in the US vs. Europe. I just moved back to the US after six and a half years in Germany, and I no longer have any problem pulling into parking garages or what anyone over here would consider a “tight spot.” I was with my mother in law the other day, and as I swung into a spot, she cringed, thinking I was going to take the side mirror off her car. Piece of cake over here.
BTW, great blogs about Emerald Princess. If the company is smart, they’ll send you to all of your sister lines. I’m sure a lot of people looked into a Princess cruise after your wonderful description of everything — I know I did. It’s also nice to see how each cruise line is a little different and what makes each one unique. Since my only experience with Princess cruises are from 1970’s tv, I was really pleased to see how elegant everything was.
Enjoy your trip to Europe. Wish I was still there, but with the Euro rate, my checkbook is glad I’m back in the US. Carrie
John, John, John,
You are too funny! When I first read the title of today’s post I thought you might be referring to your lost luggage…that somehow it had managed to escape the baggage compartment and “fell from the sky.”
A bit further on I expected that your disappeared cellphone had perhaps been up a tree, or on a windowsill and then it just “fell from the sky.” I love your descriptions of all the ‘phones you looked at before choosing a new one. By now Heidi should be home and have you communicating freely once more. (Well, you can’t actually communicate freely with a cell ‘phone…darn those monthly charges…but at least you can “unproblematically” speak across the “whatever” waves carry our voices wherever they want to go these days. And sometimes where we don’t even know they’ve gone!) Have you ever “intercepted” someone else’s conversation in the middle of having your own? Be careful what you say, as big brother may be listening.
Finally, of course, I learned what actually “fell from the sky.” Bird poop has a way of doing that…especially on clean cars. I really like your car by the way and hope you don’t actually have to trade. The birds like to bomb other stuff, too, though. Once I was sunbathing at the beach and…you guessed it…splat!!! All over my left shoulder. Yuucckk!!!
Which brings me to that “chicken laying a fried egg” idea. Could you at least wish for it to be a plastic wrap encased fried egg? I just don’t think I could handle eating one that popped out unprotected from feathers and whatever else might be hanging around that part of the chicken’s anatomy.
Since you wrote about the “parking police” let me tell you about the Orange County Florida “speeding driver catching police.” My youngest daughter, her husband and piles of grandkids came to visit us, and of course, Disney last Sunday and Monday. Scott and I were meeting them at one of the parks and as usual, I was running a little late and was speeding merrily along when I spotted two police cars parked just up the road and I was flagged down just like that. I deserved the ticket, but the funny part (to me) was when I handed her my driver license the police officer said something like “That’s fine, but where is it?” I said, “That’s it, I just gave it to you.” At which point she turned the license around to show me my concealed weapon carry permit. Aaarrgh! Scott had handed my the license from my purse…and truthfully, the two are similar…and I passed it to the policewoman without even looking at it. So naturally she wanted to see the “weapon.” Actually, we don’t own a gun…we just took the class and got the permits in case we decide to buy a weapon. Thankfully, the officer believed me when I swore to her we didn’t have a gun, but I guess I’m lucky she didn’t search the entire vehicle looking for one.
Anyway, I thought it was kind of amusing, and after she thought about it awhile, so did the officer. I still got a speeding ticket though and have begun my on-line traffic school (four hours) to avoid points on my license. We eventually made it to the park where we spent a wonderful Sunday and then Monday with the kids. We had eight of them sleeping wherever they could find a place to lie down at our house. It was great fun!
One hundred sixty dollars to fill your gas tank?!?!?! Well, the pound may be worth more than the US dollar, but it needs to be with prices like that!!! I’d be riding my Segway a lot more than I do now if prices got that bad here. Or maybe your Range Rover’s tank holds lots more fuel than our Jeep, eh?
Glad you bought Heidi a homecoming present. Such a romantic guy you are! Soooo, be sure to take nice warm clothes on your travels ’cause you won’t be “in Kansas….(I mean the Caribbean)…any more Toto”!
Safe Journey friends,
Myra
I love the rover. I must say it is more expensive to fill up then our Dodge Ram. But then you have gas by the liter instead of gallon. We have a diesel though and to fill up is about $100 at $4 a gallon here. EEK! We also have a little black Mitshubishi Eclipse that we drive in the summer though. That takes a lot less to fill as it only takes unleaded which is going about $3.50 these days.
Any news on a little John boy running around??
I like Bubba’s additions, thank you for adding them.
I really can’t get rid of my travel bug. All I want to do is just travel, travel, travel. Alas work calls, back to making computer users everyone mad at me! I am currently running reports and it is slowing down our advertising system so people keep coming to my office and going “are you running reports”? Yes, evil computer programmer that I am, I am.
Can’t wait to hear more about you travels.
Deanna
Hi John,
A day in the life of John Heald. Seriously John, you can’t even fry an egg? I know, I know, being on the ship you don’t have a chance to do any cooking, but didn’t your mum ever teach you the fine art of making breakfast (besides opening a cereal box and pouring milk into a bowl)? I’m just kidding. I try not to cook anything elaborate any more unless I’m having company. Just give me a steak to grill, pasta to boil and something frozen to heat up (and plenty of take-out menus).
I’m glad Heidi is enjoying her time with her mum. Enjoyed Bubba’s Blog – Part 2. And loved your Range Rover. Ruth is right – everytime you wash your car, it will rain (or the birds will find you). Enjoy it while you can.
Thanks for the U of K mom’s posting. I guess there are parents out there who do care what kind of trouble their kids can cause. And I know there are kids who would never do what these kids did.
OK, time to get my bus. Have a good day, say hello to Heidi, and have a safe trip to the Continent.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John, you look back to your old self. Mr. Bells is all gone. Good!
Hope your suitcase arrives tomorrow and Heidi gets all your clothes washed for you to leave. I always pack some of my clothes and some of Danny’s in each suitcase so if one doesn’t show up we will still have something to wear.
Can’t wait for you to tell us about the places the Splendor is going.
Jennifer and Danny
Nice Rover! I really enjoy Bubba’s escapades. I hope the trip story will end by Friday. I have to leave for Miami on Saturday & will not have an internet access for a week (well, at least will not be willing to pay for the internet on Valor – I’ll spend my $ on other things though
).
Have a great Eastern Europe trip and talk to you when I get back!
Hi John!!
Uhhh nice car…Im with Kathy your Range Rover really suits you but its terrible what you have to pay for gas.
As Kathie told you Im going to a math teachers convention next week at Salt Lake City. Im going to be in Atlanta for four hours and I hoping to see her.It seems that even though im not going to BC2 im going to see many bloogers this year.
Take care and enjoy your time at home.
Nanni
Hi John!!
Uhhh nice car…Im with Kathy your Range Rover really suits you but its terrible what you have to pay for gas.
As Kathie told you Im going to a math teachers convention next week at Salt Lake City. Im going to be in Atlanta for four hours and I hoping to see her.It seems that even though im not going to BC2 im going to see many bloogers this year.
Take care and enjoy your time at home.
Nanni
Well, I can’t pretend I’m sorry the Range Rover has to go. At least it’s not as bad as the Ford ExpediteGlobalWarming or the Chevy SubmerginTheLowlands or, god forbid, a Hummer, AKA the “I am compensating for my manhood which can only be seen with the aid of a microscope.”
They are coming out with some hybrid SUVs which get non-horrible mileage (Or do you Brits call it “kilometerage”?), maybe one of those would be a good compromise for you.
Tell Bubba to keep writing. I’m so sorry he’s had such a horrible airline experience, but it does make me feel less bad about mine. (I’m tellin’ ya John, Carnival needs to start flying their own airplanes so their cruise passengers don’t end up just as tense at the end of their vacations as when they started.)
Hi John and Heidi
Love the SUV, mine is black too. They look great when they are clean but a bugger to get it that way. Sorry the birds used yours for target practice.
You look very rested up and no more droopy smile now that Mr Bell has moved on. Good to see you feeling better!!
John,
That Range Rover’s a beaut! A real man’s vehicle; exhorbitant costs be “darned”.
You’re sure to love the Baltic ports. Brilliant itinerary! St. Petersburg is amazing. One suggestion for you to look at for a tour, that I don’t think anyone else does….. Subways of St. Petersburg!! We toured them with a private guide, and they truly are mind blowing.
I’m off next Friday to my favorite city, Istanbul, and then a jaunt through the Greek Island, ending in Athens. And from there, heading to a shipyard in — dare I say it– France, to a keel laying ceremony. From there direct to Miami to board the Freedom for her crossing. Looking forward to seeing you when you join the ship in Madiera, or Malaga (wherever you’re boarding), and catching up, and torturing you until you reveal some Bloggers 2 details!!
Travel safe.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
John, Pat just had a big laugh when I told her you didn’t know how to get the fried egg out of the shell. Now I have a question if Heidi is away visiting her Mom who did you have there to take those pictures of you by the Rover. I hope you/she don’t spill the wine on the couch again because Heidi may be asking the same question.
I think Carnival should give Nanni a job in PR. So many of My Evil Crew and bloggers in here are going on cruises that go to PR just to meet her. She’s even had to get a date book to keep track of all that are coming.
BIG ED
You should never doubt that anyone would ever stop reading your blog, I look forward to every blog, it is the highlight of my day. Your writing is so very entertaining and it puts a smile on my face and thank you.
Hi John
I have been reading your blogs. It sure brightens up my day.
Glad Mr Bells is gone. Visitors like that are not welcome.
Looking forward to seeing you on the Spelndor in Nov.
You are the best CD of any cruise line. I like Malcom too.
Have sailed with you twice before and you are the reason we booked on the Splendor.
Till then
Jim and Joy
Mark Twain and a Half
I hope you don’t believe all that Al Gore bunk. If you do your better stop flying on those flying gas guzzelers to get on those floating fuel tanks that move those cruise ships. They don’t move on jelly beans like John.
IF there such a thing as global warming why am I freezing in Michigan in April.
BIG ED
John,
As always you keep us in stitches!!!
If I recall correctly another time when Heidi was away you ruined one of her favorite pans, so perhaps it is best that you did not attempt to fry an egg. But then again Heidi could order some new pans from Todd English whose name I do not see on your blog anymore…it is always a comment about George Hamilton and his tan.
I certainly hope that your Samsonite suitcase shows up in time for your next trip on Friday. Maybe you should buy a bottle of Febreeze to neutralize the odors!!!
Have a safe trip and keep on blogging as we are all addicted.
Linda
John,
I’m sure that now, officially, my neighbors think I’m nuts. I’ll explain. It’s a nice day here in the suburbs of Chicago, and I have the windows open. My neighbor to the right is working in his garage, his son practicing his bass guitar (practicing, not play, mind you – help me)….a house across the street is getting a second floor, and the workers are all busy doing what they’re doing…and I’m in my living room laughing my behind off at your post. At one time I laughed so loudly and everything outside went silent, that I thought they were listening. If they ask, I’ll point them to the thingy, and they can read it for themselves. Anywho…..
Loved the pictures of the car and the bird poop!
It’s amazing we don’t all walk around with that stuff on our own heads, the way it falls from the sky and trees onto our cars. I’m sorry you have to get rid of the Range Rover. It looks sharp on your driveway.
Thanks also for the continuation of Chris’s story. I’m getting more and more anxious to surprise Peter with that Alaskan cruise.
Safe travels, and say hi to Heidi from us.
Shannan
Hi John,
Been reading your blog for ages you are sooohhh funny, we are sailing with you to the baltic on August 18th and cant wait to hear about your shorex trip. Love all the news about the Splendor, keep it coming.
Donna
very nice pics..your car looks really nice..hope you enjoy being at home and resting.
Please respond (when you get a minute).
John,
My wife and I enjoy reading your blog every night. It has become a daily ritual. We just missed you on the Freedom as we sailed with Todd over New Years. We will again be sailing the Freedom in August doing the Eastern Med. I was wondering about the Italian National holiday on August 15th and how that might affect the port stop in Naples. Will it be especially crowded? What will be open? I also have been looking into shore excursions in Izmir and there are currently only three listed when I log into the Carnival site. Does this mean all others are full or unavailable?
Thanks for your response and thanks again for all of the great “infotainment” you provide on your blog thingy!
Have you considered moving over to Princess? Would love to have a CD like you over there!
Jan
I had to comment about the Alaska blogy thingy…when Jeff got home from Iraq he was stationed in Alaska. I had been living in Atlanta Ga at that time…and flew up to fairbanks the day after Thanksgiving to pick him up at the welcome home ceremony. He told me it was gonna be probably
-30ish…I thought for Sure he was over-exaggerating. Nope. I got off the plane at 3 am and sure enough it was -38 F. When I breathed it didn’t feel good inside, I thought my lungs were gonna collapse…but after him being gone for 16 months I didn’t really care…just had to get used to the idea of plugging in the car everywhere I went (again, something I thought he was kidding about). Our different experiences made me laugh…have fun on your trip! Glad you got to make it home for a few days
Yes, I agree with Big Ed – John: You need to get Carnival to hire Nanette to be their official tour guide, also she would make a great travel agent! Maybe she can sell Carnival cruises for CCL, then she could cruise whenever she wanted too. Surely Carnival would let her and her entire family cruise for free right? As it is she is gonna meet many of us in P.R. this year when we take our Eastern Caribbean cruises. She has the entire summer to see if that is a job she would like, I know she would love it, then she could quit that teaching job that she seems to not like, or at least is a very stressful job for her, and I know she would be stress fee to do any kind of job that would allow her to travel more! HA! Nice car by the way. Does Heidi have her own car, or do you share? Is that the house you live in? Very nice! Who took the picture? Your dad maybe? I doubt you are getting into any trouble while Heidi is gone, are you??? Your friends, Mike & Linda
John, loved seeing pictures of a typical English neighborhood….keep pics of Europe coming for us Yanks!
Also, I just wanted to ask you if you read my reply on March 29th? I left it at the end just before the next blog appeared, so I wasn’t sure if you had gotten to it. I only ask this because I mentioned how much we enjoyed the Freedom after you left and how great Noortja was. I didn’t write her on my comment card, and I felt bad about that since it was her 1st cruise.Thanks and have a great vaca!
Once you get your luggage back, just ride home with the windows down and trunk open, That will teach those sea gulls, and then do a little shoping and parking ….. The can take note of your car, and you may possibly get a French discount.
John,
Welcome Heidi home tomorrow with open arms. I know you have missed her.
As far as breakfast goes it took me a while to be able to fry eggs. I learned while working at a Waffle House. Now I bet you had one there at home. You could have had eggs, hashbrowns and grits with your toast.
I feel your pain at the gas pump. I have a large truck that runs on diesel. It takes anywhere from $82 to $100 to fill up. Nice Land Rover however and I know it breaks your heart to get rid of it.
Congratulations on the new cell phone purchase. I know that can be hair raising.
Thank you again for the submission from Bubba and we are looking forward to hear from him again tomorrow!
Enjoy Laundry (if your suitcase finds its was home.)
Till tomorrow,
Adam – Bubba from Atlanta
dude! just a thought, if you sell the range rover how much will it cost you to get something else and considering you are really not there that much to drive it at all, why not just keep it? i mean you like it. just sayin’…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
I really enjoy the way you can turn an everyday occurence into something interesting and funny. I’m also enjoying Bubba Roberts reports. Maybe if you need a break sometime, you can ask him to fill in for you.
John, my family and I were wondering if you would be our cruise director on the Freedom April 19th – 26th. We enjoyed you so much on the Glory 4-5 years ago, your the best! Does this name ring a bell—Willie Banger— you may not remember him, but after the cruise we kept in touch with them for a while! Hope to see you soon, and the blog thingy is so cool! Jennifer – Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Joohn,
Mr. Cheap says he will trade you for your Road Ranger…he drives a four door Geo Metro and gets around 65 miles to the gallon.
Have you cleaned the house since Hedi left?? Might be a good idea to do that to keep yourself out of the dog house.
Keep the blogs coming!
Princess Susan…who is staying very far away from King Edward until you get even with him!!!!
John –
Don’t you DARE give up that beautiful automobile! A Range Rover is on my list of must buys… probably when there is a lottery win and pigs fly, but it’s on the list.
Long time, no post from me, but I had to get back on the horse when I read that you were concerned that we would abandon you if you aren’t shipboard. The ship anecdotes are what brought us here, but they aren’t why we stay. That would be you. We’ll be around as long as you are willing to turn the fingers into bloody nubs.
Good to see that Msr. Bell has skedaddled back from whence he came.
Love Heidi’s hair!
Nothing from the Magic Stick recently?
How’s Alan faring?
Have a blast on the Europe trip – if you decide you need an assistant (hell, I’ll even don a gas mask and tackle the laundry) you know where to find me. Still thinking career change – y’all got any room on your big new boat?
Ciao,
Nancy
LOIS: I’m with you. BMW’s are the best! I never want to drive anything else
Hi John,
Wow, you look great standing next to the Range Rover. You \
look …well really great and …rested …and relaxed! I was
shoowing my son, Thomas how I could see the reflection of you taking
one of the pictures of the bird poop on the window!! Everybody take
a second look. Also, John…who is taking those pictures of you by the car,
huh?!?! We know it wasn’t Heidi…
‘Bye
Sue frm Narrowb.
Remember, somedays we get to be the seagulls, and somedays we are the Range Rover.
Well again John your blog has been the bright spot in our rather cloudy day. Heck, why give up the Range Rover? Why not just keep it and use taxis or public transportation while you are land locked. Sooommme day the price of gas has to go down and then you will be set with a low mileage auto of your dreams.
It will be interesting to see if Carnival’s new dress code will work. “Dress codes” are a contentious subject on Cruise Critic. The arguments over jeans gets darn right hostile. BTB, can you define “smart dress jeans” for me please? I have not a clue as to just what that means and I’m a shopper with at least 24 pairs of jeans of various styles hanging in my closet as I type. According to some who think jeans should be allowed in the dining rooms “the cost” seems to be part of their argument. Since I’ve seen faded and holey jeans selling at well over $150 that doesn’t make much sense to me.
I applaude your intend to enforce the rules – now if you can just pass along that attitude to ALL the remaining staff of all Carnival Corp ships then we would be rid of all diapered kids in pools, chair hogs (savers), booze smuglers, smokers in non-smoking areas, etc!
May you and Heidi have a pleasant and safe trip. Keep us posted when you can.
John –
First of all, I am with you on the cell phone. Its funny that I recently wrote on my blog about getting a new phone. [If interested, just click on my name and look for the 3.27.08 entry - also, there are more Vatican pictures up today].
However, I must comment on the most wonderful thing that I notice about today’s blog – YOUR SMILE. It is so wonderful to see that Monsieur Cloche has left for the other side of the Channel. Honestly, the last picture shows that impish quality that we all have come to know and love. Welcome back.
JustJon
Hi John! It’s great to see you at home, looking rested and relaxed. The car looks great, and look at it this way, the avian bombers could have even better aim…I got splatted on the arm while driving last week, and my window was only down a couple of inches!
I’m really enjoying Bubba’s tales of Alaska. In my former life in the travel biz, I know those FAM trips can be killers. But Alaska is sooo worth the effort!
As always, my best to you and Heidi, and enjoy your European junket. Looking forward to the continuing saga!
John, you look wonderful in the pictures with your SUV which co$t$ HOW MUCH FOR GAS!!!!! YEE GADS!! I just filled up my honda civic before I read this blog and it cost me $46.00 CDN at $1.09.5/litre. Highway robbery!!!!!! LOL
You really should get Heidi to show you how to cook a little bit. I have a friend who when she goes away for a week, her husband lives on Puritan (brand name) beef stew……..ewwwww LOL
Take care and have a good trip to Europe,
Cindy
I just looked through all the comments again to see who posted about Carnival having their own airline and I can’t find it…….URGGGG
Anyway, I agree 100% with them. Do you think you could convince them to get their own planes? Would save us all a lot of trouble getting to Miami or wherever in Florida.
Cheers,
Cindy
John : Bubba is right about the alaska air it is crisp and makes you feel fresh , this was something i wanted to all my life and we did it 2 years ago now my husband surprises me with yet another great one , Italy on Freedom 7/21/08 this will be our 25th anniversary. looking forward to meeting you finally have a great adventure on next trip. avid blog reader
John our friend, you’ve demonstrated that u don’t need a ship to keep us entertained…but I don’t believe that’s news to your faithful bloggers. Your penchant to convey (in a humorous way) what we all may encounter each day is what draws us to you. Keep the laughter rolling our way…some may wonder if you really are British…your American descriptions of life are all tooo familar..hehehe…
Heidi it’s Thursday, welcome home, hope you enjoyed time with mom…
Cheers, Ray & Deb
P.S. let the Krewe know if we need to ship BIG ED over to give you a proper slap!
I have to laugh , sorry John. My husband (boooooooooooooooooob)gets really mad when he sees bird doo on my car….mad at me!!! I tell him “What? I didn’t squat on the car and do it!!!”
He tells me that I have to be more careful where I park!
Cindy Bruce
Nice Range Rover John….your neighborhood looks very U.S. and countryclubish…I love the brick paved driveway !! I enjoyed reading the Princess Blog entries as we enjoyed our week on the Caribbean Princess too…that anytime dining thingy in a main dining room was great…My favorite dish was the creamy fetachini alfredo.
I’m glad Carnival added the Jumbotrons after the success of that Princess innovation.However Carnival needs to do the lounge covers and popcorn at night too ! Anyway…. I wanted to ask Big Ed if we could join his Evil crew ???? and we
look forward to your daily blogs…It makes us feel like we are still on the ship with you and that’s a good time and memories we like holding on to.
Tell Heidi hello and John you should help do the laundry…and if I might add one question….. Will you be the CD for Fantasy the sailing before and or after the Bloggers cruise 2009?? we want to book before or after a back to back.???????
Thanks and tell all the Kentucky Fans~~~~~Rolllllllllll Tide !!! Go Bama !!!
I’m also sooo excited as I’m going to be at the Master’s Golf Tournament in Augusta next week to see Mr.Tiger Wood’s ….wahooooo !
Mark,Amanda and Catie
URGENT
Your niece reliably inform’s me that ALL segulls in Essex are called Steven and make entertaining yet dreadful ‘action movies’
John, it is so great to see you looking well!!! I have been catching up on THREE days of blogs, just can’t STAND it when life thingys keep me away.
Just know that no matter how I have to, I will always run to read them and you never fail to bring those smiles out!!!
Can’t wait to hear more from Bubba on Alaska, it is on my must do list.
Looking forward to sharing your next adventures too!!!
Hugs to you and Heidi,
Eva
John,
You and Mr Murphy don’t seem to be seing eye to eye at the mo – you’re not due out of T5 on you way to Europe are you?
Take care – and at least the weather is brightening up here, although prob not compared to the carribean you’ve just left.
Gav and Em
Sorry about your SUV and the gas. That is why I drive a motorcycle to work every possible day. It is good to see that your back to your usual ugly self and Mr. Bell has departed, but I can’t say it is a great improvement. Ha! Ha!
Now as to the dining. I guess I may have to start looking at one of Carnivals more expensive sisters for the dining. The dining room was one of the big reason we like to cruise and it does bother me what others wear in the dining room. I have been sent packing form lesser quality establishments on shore for improper attire so I would expect it in Carnivals dining room. I am dissapointed that instead of inforcing current rules the line decide to cave and let slobs in the dining room. What is next, open seating. I like a structured life. Set times for everything is what I live for. I even have contests with myself to make the trip from work to home in the same amount of time. I guess if this is going to be permenant then your staff REALLY need to enforce all the rest of the rules. Give no leeway. But I know that won’t happen either.
Have a nice trip around Europe and I would like to say Hi to Heidi (your hair looks great!)
Dave Butler
John, my friend, what a shame that you’ll have to give up your Rover. They’re lovely vehicles and about as durable an army tank. I hate to talk politics but it just seems that someone there is ill informed or is dating Al Gore…
Huzzah for the return of your suit case!! Bless Heidi for her upcoming ordeal. I can visualized your suit case sitting on sun baked airport tarmac for thee days, all of it’s contents slowly simmering away… Hummm… Poor Heidi!
I’m enjoying Bubba’s narration of his Alaska tour. I’m ALMOST tempted to book a cruise there… almost…
Tell Heidi I said hi and tell please tell Stephanie, the amazing MOB, that she’s doing a wonderful job.
All the best, good sir!
GregB
John,
Had a great cruise on the Freedom last week. The highlight was meeting you and Heidi!
One comment I have to make is that every night at dinner, I was in the Posh dining room, there were men wearing shorts to dinner. Also there were a number of guests who would arrive for dinner anywhere from 15-60 minutes late. One table arrived 60 minutes late every night. I felt so bad for the waiters.
Pam
Hi John.
The car looks great in black… when I was ordering my new ML black was one of the colours I considered, but I settled on an pearlescent dark blue, which originally looked wrong with the pale grey leather interior, until I had the windows tinted as dark as was legal.
I’m not moaning about fuel costs too much… while it’s £80 for a tank, I’m getting about 25 mpg (from a 3.8 litre petrol engine) and I only do about 6000 miles a year.
I could get a little diesel Corsa like my daughter’s… 55mpg… but it’s only about £600 a year less in fuel… £12 a week saving. I like my comfort, and the seats are superb.
I had my ML hand washed on Monday… and by yesterday the birds had done a very similar pattern on my paintwork too. Back to the car wash today… another £5. Smaller cars pay £4. It’s an extra £1 for large cars. That’s fine- but my daughter should get £1 off when she takes her tiny Corsa….
Anyway, if you think the MPG on a Range Rover is bad… I’ve got a 30ft cruiser on the local lake… twin 4.3 litre Volvo petrol engines… at cruising speed it does 4 mpg, but at full speed it does 1/4 mile to the gallon!
Thank you for again giving me an entertaining morning. Sorry to hear about Mr. Murphy. But, the Range Rover is perfect for you. I would say keep it – you don’t drive it that often – otherwise, we might have to start calling you Mr. Cheap2. Enjoy your time – hope you get your suitcase back. I can’t wait to read your next blog thingy.
Lori
Hi John,
You dont have to worry about me not reading your blog. Although I may not post every day I do look forward to reading your adventures.
Nice pictures with that great smile. Glad you are back to normal.
I agree with you about the dress code. I dont care what the person next to me is wearing as it will not spoil my dinner. To each their own.
Have a great day,
Michelle & Tom
John,
Congrats on so many people reading this blog. I love coming in to work in each morning and seeing a new blog. Best way to start a day off; cup of tea and a laugh. Keep posting. No matter what you post about it always makes me smile. Carla
Good morning John,
I promise I will not complain about filling my SUV with gas. Last time I did that it cost me $56. I thought I was going to have a heart attack!! I know I would if I had to pay $160!! I guess $3.35 a gal here in that States isn’t too bad (say what??) I can remember 25 cents a gallon gas, boy, that sure dates me. Anyway I can’t blame you for thinking about getting a different car. Especially with the added government fee. That has to hurt
As for Sammy the Sea Gull……a rifle works (LOL). That’s why I have a silver SUV it doesn’t show the “do do” too much. I would love to have a black or dark blue SUV but Sammy lives here too. We live a block from Lake Huron so guess what lives here too. I used to have a dark blue car but it never failed I would get that car washed and waxed and Sammy would race me home so he could do his “dirty deeds” all over it. As you say “bugger”.
Have a great time on your tour of Europe and make sure you include lots of photos!
Take care
Joan
PS The “bench boys” are getting lots of time now that the season is winding down and the “starting line up” is resting for post season and the post season looks promising. Next year, John, you and I will have lots of fun with “Our Boys”!!!
Good Morning,
Wow, Murphy just won’t go away! I guess he’s filling in for Mr. Bell… I remember a year ago I went to get my car washed and it snowed the next day… around this time of the year… I was up at Niagara Falls recently and the gas there was $1.09 a liter. (or four thirty-something a gallon…) Luckily, we didn’t need gas at all that week. It’s about $3 a gallon average back in New Jersey. It’s a bit rough with the prices going up since I have quite a commute to work and do about 300 miles a week.
It’s all good to hear from your buddy, Bubba. Hope everything works out for him.
Have a great day, John!
-Alex G.
Interesting blog, John – but it’s clear you’ve been away from Blighty for too long.
The problem with England – and I speak as an Englishman – is that there are too many people, and this is what gives rise to the parking thing (and lots of other issues). England (just England, not the UK) is approximately the same size – area – as the following states:-
Mississippi
Louisiana
Alabama
The population of those states is 3 million (Miss.), and about 4.5 million each for the other two. Population of England? – 50 million – a bit more than 10 times the number of people in the same space. There’s just no room for parking lots the size of a county!
Even a couple of more reasonable comparisons are interesting: Pennsylvania is a little bit smaller and has a population of 12 million; New York is a little bit bigger and has a population of about 18 million. So even New York state is only 1/3 as densely populated as England.
But if it’s free parking you’re looking for, come to Sheffield the next time you’re in the UK, and visit the Meadowhall shopping mall (Junction 34 of the M1). Free parking! – but no valet parking, I’m afraid.
I see that my comment from yesterday vanished into the nether regions of cyberspace so here goes attempt #2.
I totally understand the difficulties of keeping one’s car clean. I too have a black car …..salt (for those of us in northern snow country), dust, and of course birds certainly do (or doo-doo) a number on it…..but nothing like this poor sod…..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16201371@N00/2375579965
And what is it with mobile phones these days? When one ventures into shop to search for a new phone there are a scads of handsets to choose from…. each of which perform a bazillion different things. When you simply want…”just a phone” ….the sales agents look at you as if you’ve lost your mind.
If you are having difficulty finding parking spots in the UK …..just do like Patsy and Edina…pull right up to the door
Mark
The Flying Dutchman
Hi John,
Glad you’re enjoying your quick break home. I love the range rover, I have seen pictures of the Queen and Prince Phillip driving range rovers, so you’re right up there with the rest of the royalty.
This morning I got into my van with my youngest son who just completed basic training with the army reserves. We were heading to the reserve headquarters where he was going to be boarding a bus for a 4 hour ride to the nearest fort and he says, “Mom, when I get back (on Monday) can you take me to the hospital? I think I broke my collar bone (again) playing rugby yesterday.” For the life of me I can’t figure out why he waited until we were on our way to the base to drop that bomb on me. I of course wanted to go straight to the hospital but he wouldn’t have it. I told him to go to the infirmary when he got to the base. What’s mother to do?
By the way, when you were “down” with the bells, I sent you a silly care package to cheer you up, did you ever get it? I realize you were probably unable to take the contents home with you due to the weight, but I wanted you to know I was thinking of you.
Take care and hugs to you and the beautiful Heidi,
Julie Gantt
John’s sister,
Your welcome to click on my name above and post a comment on my blog anytime you want to tell us some good John stories. I’m sure you got a lot.
BIG ED
John,
Quite funny, as usual! I may not comment often, but I do read every blog.
Enjoy the Range Rover while it lasts. I’ll send you my dog Quincy. He has kept my yard free of birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, cats, humans and other dogs for three years now. He could help keep your RR looking new.
Owners of Black Cars!!
We have 2 “Black” cars, a Lexus ES 350, my 35th anniversary gift, and an old Lexus SC400 which I love and didn’t want to trade in. Keeping them clean is a chore. They are” bird “magnets and I don’t mean the 2 legged kind!
For the “Brit” in you John, Lee (Paul) has an old Jag Sovereign, but it’s British Racing Green ! Oh yeah, we have a German member of the auto family too, a silver BMW “M” Roadster which Lee is trying to sell as he can’t get out of it any more!!!
Kathy and Paul (Lee)
PS Our own “PA 007″ tells us what really happened to Vicki Freed…but our lips are sealed…I bet it’s the same thinking why Carnival stuck on two extra cruises before our “Inaugural” on the Splendor ???
John, I had a good laugh about the cell phone. Last time I went shopping for a phone for my wife (she ran over the other one with the car…long story) they had phones that do just about everything and I had to threaten to leave before they managed to somehow find a phone (in the back under the rug keeping the desk level, I’m sure) that was just a phone! It doesn’t take pictures, movies, play music or turn into a giant robot at nightfall! I thought I had finally found everything I needed, then I accidently took a movie on my digital still camera and ate up most of my memory! Arrrrgh! So I had to grab my video camera to call for support….
Mike & Mary
Keep the Rover. It looks to great to give up and you don’t drive it all that often. Jeri
John,
Thanks for the blogs – these are the funniest blogs I have ever read in my life. I have shared them with several friends of mine as well. I cruised on the Freedom in Dec 07 and was disappointed to meet you here instead of on the ship, it would have been a pleasure to chat with you. I’m a travel agent as well and love to see the other side of the coin and can feel your pain with some of these guests
.
Keep em coming!
christina
Cindy:
It was me. At what time Carnival had airplanes . We had them here in PR. I remember them perfectly the tail had the colors of the cruise line.
Nanni
Cindy56
Hi Cindy, about your comments regarding Carnival having their own planes – I don’t know if anyone remembers this, but at one time they did have their own airline. It’s at least 10 years ago and they had a few scheduled flights from Florida into the NY area (JFK, White Plains). I don’t know any other flights. They were regularly scheduled flights, not charters, but I remember seeing one on Paradise Island (Big Carnival Name on the plane). Does anybody know what happened? Not profitable? I’ll bet it would be now.
Regards,
Carol
With petrol so high and those extra charges for XL vehicles, if might not be easy to find someone willing to take over your Range Rover. Don’t despair! It is large enough to rent out as a bed/sitter. Just install a chamber pot and you have a new source of income.
John:
DJ asked me to tell you…
“nice rims”!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John,
It looks like all is well and your looking better & better everyday.. So nice to see that BIG smile & glad to hear your health is improving.. Thank you for all the great blogs on the Princess. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to sail on her.. I’m so looking forward to reading about your European adventure..
About formal/elegant night, it’s called that for a reason right? I just don’t understand why it’s such an inconvenience for people to dress up as it is such a special night & to meet the captain, CD & crew is an honor. I think one would love to dress for the occasion and think they should in respect for the other passengers and the spirit of the evening
Booking cruises they know what to expect and have ample time to gather something nice or should plan on other means of dining. It’s like when I go to Vegas and see people walking around the beautiful hotels @ night in faded shorts, wife beater & flip flops.. Where did all the glitz & glam go? Maybe I’m a little old school, but feel a dress code should be in effect for certain events.. I have to say I do notice it, but like you and many others it DOES NOT ruin my night.. BRING ON THE LOBSTER!!
Until tomorrow, take care & good luck with your new gadget.. Maybe you should think about a hook & chain or even better a lojack.. LOL!!
M~
Cindy56: It was Mark Twain and a half.
Hi John, You looked sooo great next to your Rover!! Have a safe journey to Denmark, Finland, etc. etc. etc. Love to Heidi, Paula and Nelson Baker.
Thanks Myra for your thoughts and prayers in the loss of Nelson’s Mum. It really means alot to have a blogger take time to think of us and let us know.
P.S. How could we EVER stop reading your bloggy thingy John. We can’t be with you!!! IT OUR FAMILY TOO!!!!
Keep ‘em coming, John. Your blogs always make my day! I totally agree with you about the phone choices. Why can’t they just sell you a phone? If I wanted a camera, I’d buy a camera. If I wanted to play video games, I’d do that on my computer, etc.
I was surprised that you can’t cook an egg. Not even hard-boiled? Why didn’t you go to the local pub for breakfast? They’ll know how to make a good fry-up, even including the grilled tomatoes.
Sorry to disappoint you, but where I live (the “greater New York area”) almost all of the malls charge for parking, if they have a garage. If the car park is outside, the only worry is remembering where you parked the car! The Range Rover looks beautiful, but the cost of gas to fill it – yikes! They do make SUV hybrids now, which in theory have better gas mileage. My husband has one, and the gas mileage is about 30% less than the manufacturer claims. When he called to complain, he was told that was close enough. They didn’t understand why he was upset. Ah, well. Sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats you…
I can’t wait to hear your blogs from the fam trip to Northern Europe. Wish I was going along!
Cruised w/ you for 3rd. time on Freedom 3/8/08 & sorry to see you had bell’s.Glad your better.
Your the best cd we’ve had out of 10 cruises.
Kentucky students were rude, drunks.
Hope you get this as i’ve tried a few times.Please respond if you get this,thanks.
Good Day,
Betty
Hi John/Heidi:
What a blog today. Very interesting.
I really loved the pictures and had no idea the whole mess of parking across the pond. I like your Range Rover John. She’s a beaut. I think an Aston or something similar would look very pretty next to it.
Good luck getting your phone setup.
I hope you will keep your faithful informed as you trek across Europe. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
David
I love reading this. We were on the last Mediterranean cruise before you left for Florida last year and had a great time. YOU were one of the best parts of the cruise. When I am feeling blue ( the economy is really bad right now and our small family owned glass and screen business is suffering) I just tune into your blog and laugh my head off ! You look quite svelte in the photos with the Rover. Just think what your gas bill would be if you had 4 business vehicles on the road. I am thinking of buying “Smart Cars” like the ones we saw in Italy last year, except I don’t think my employees would appreciate driving one with 500 lbs of glass loaded onto a rack on the side of the vehicle. Keep Smilin’
Thank you, Nanette, Myra and Mark Twain and half.
Oooo…after seeing the price for your fill-er-up, Frank just went out and kissed his 2000 Mazda, slipping transmission, screaming fan belt…and 34 miles to the gallon.
100 days and a wake up to go…yeah, we’re ready.
Best to Heidi,
steph
John,
Elegant Night… I’m going to keep my tradition of being me. I’m happy you say many still choose to be formal, but as I don’t cruise until September, we’ll see if things have lessened by then. I pray not. But I know I’ll still enjoy my evening and dinner… Just don’t go to free range eating… At least let me get to know my table mates. What a joy it is to meet someone, or have an unsual mate as entertainment, and know that I will see them again to share a meal and conversation.
Bubba’s postings have been wonderful. He’s a HOOT! A little silly. a little proper and lots of energy!!! Thanks for his glimpses of Alaska.
And my sympathies… Your beautifully, cleaned auto… Oh how Murphy has been enjoying your soul… OK BLOGGERS… if we all say a prayer for John… Let’s all agree that Murphy must give John a break!! We need to send him packing… over to batgirl, or a CD on another cruise line, not to be mentions but is not one of the Sisters…
John, again, I’m tardy in posting, but have been reading daily!!!
Lambie
Listening to your story about the “parking police”, let me share a little story with you about my experiences with “meter maides”.
While I was employed with our local government, parking for employees was never a luxury. We, like everyone else, parked in spaces that required feeding a meter every 2 hours. You can imagine how difficult it was for me to “feed” the meter every 2 hours when I got busy doing my job. Therefore, after a long day, I would walk to my car, unlock the door, throw my purse and what have you on the seat, reach across the windshield and angrily grab the “parking coupon” from under the wiper and throw it in the glove compartment to add to the already hundreds that had been stored in there for months. Well, after months and months of adding to my collection, the day of reckoning came knocking. While I was stationed at my desk working away like the dutiful employee I was, a police officer entered the office, approached a co-workers desk, asked if a person by the name of “Jeanette” was there and could he speak to her. After overhearing this conversation, I quietly rose up from my desk, passed by the officer, literally ran down the hallway, entered the womens facility and stayed there until i thought the coast was clear. He left, I came out of hiding, went back to my office, spoke with my co-worker to find out why he was asking for me (as if I didn’t know) and was told he was there to arrest me for outstanding parking tickets. At that time, once the ticket was issued, you had 15 days to pay the $1.00. After 15 days, the ticket cost went to $5.00 then 15 days after that, it rose to a whopping $50.00. So,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,with the hundreds that were in cold storage in my glove compartment for months, ended up costing thousands. I had no recourse but to appear before the magistrate, cry poor and give him the big sob story about how i was a single Mom, working hard to make ends meet. Luckily, he felt so sorry for me, he dismissed the tickets, warned me to never appear before him again, feed the meter every 2 hours and he would let me go (this time). Moral of the story,,,,,,,,,,,,when given a second chance, make the best of it and don’t let the person down that gave you the break. I never let it happen again, I fed the meter like a good girl and didn’t have to break the legs of the “meter maide”.
Hope you got a laugh,,,,,,,,,,,,it’s funny now but it sure wasn’t at the time.
Take care,,,,,,,,,,,,all the best to you and Heidi.
Jeanette
Bucket Lady
Oh NO !
Gas hit $4.09 a gallon in West LA today !!! I paid $3.79 on the last fill up in the Valley. I’m getting my tennis shoes ready and going to brave our Metro one of these days ! I have to learn what all the “gang” signs mean first……………fur sure!
Your “Valley Girl”
Kathy and Paul too (he’s from Brooklyn !!)