This morning as I wandered with Heidi to host the morning show we passed a herd of deck hands washing and cleaning and polishing the lifeboats. This seemed strange to me……..we hopefully never have to use them and if we do I am sure nobody is going to refuse to get in one if its a bit on the dirty side or has a bit of bird poo on the bow. I said these very words to Heidi and as soon as I did I knew I had immediately relegated myself to the doghouse………because one of Heidi’s favorite things to bollock me about is washing things…..especially our car.
Now, I love cars, I love the feel of the leather steering wheel as I open the window and listen to the orchestral sounds of the engine……….but one thing I don’t care about is if its clean or dirty. In the UK and I am sure around the world part of the Saturday and Sunday ritual is washing the car…………………..What a meaningless way of passing the time. You don’t wash your vacuum cleaner or your television set, you have a machine to wash the dishes and you employ a man to clean your windows. So how much do you have to hate the sight of your wife and children before you think, “I’d rather go outside into the cold and spend a couple of hours polishing my wheel nuts?”
I am aware, of course, that many men do hate the sight of their wife and children. Doctors even have a name for these people: “golfers.” But even the concept of walking around in silly trousers knocking a small ball into a hole and paying a million dollars for the pleasure of doing so is not as daft as washing a car.
First of all, it’s very hard work. Lots of bending over, stretching and rubbing. But at least when they have finished doing this in a gym, they have shiny, toned bodies that make them look like gods. You? You’re just going to put your back out. And the more you clean, the more you’ll notice is dirty. If you’re not careful you’ll end up polishing the inside of the place you put the gas and then not wanting to use your car if it’s raining.
And have you ever actually tried those cleaning products that are available in supermarkets? There are any number of sprays, creams, waxes, shampoos. It’s like being in Johnny Depp’s bathroom cabinet. Except, so far as I can tell, they don’t actually do anything. “Simply spray onto the glass,” it says on the tin, “then, after two minutes, wipe down with a clean cloth.” Rubbish. You can never trust any instruction that begins with the word “simply.”
I’ll give you a little hint here. When your windscreen is completely covered in dead flies, the best way of seeing where you are going is to buy a new car.
Why are you washing the car in the first place? A car will not get smelly armpits or cheesy feet. Bathing it will not increase its life expectancy or decrease the chances of a breakdown. All it does really is demonstrate to others that your wife is the boss………… I want you to think carefully about this. Can you picture in your mind George Hamilton washing a car? Quite.
Mind you, cleaning out the interior is even more silly because I can absolutely guarantee you will remove something that next week you will need.
Everything I have ever bought is in my car. Heidi says it’s a tip and disgusting and refuses to get in there. That’s one advantage. …………Once, I needed a piece of chocolate because my sugar level was low and it was simply a case of rummaging under the seat until I found a bit. Because it’s so full of junk, I always have everything I could conceivably need. A pen, a bottle of water, lots of loose change, all sorts of maps, a coffee mug, a George Foreman Grill and so on.
Finally, we must discuss the leather cloth that you are supposed to use when cleaning your beautiful automobile.
You have to feel very sorry for the goat antelopes whose skin is used to make these things. No really. Had they been native to Africa, they’d have been eaten by a pride of savage lions. Had they been horses or cows, they’d have been turned into burgers by the French. And had they been native to Spain, the locals would have dreamt up some bizarre torture that would have involved them being flung off a tower, by a man in tight spandex trousers.
But no. They had everything going for them. They were cute and tasteless, nobody wanted to eat them and they lived in Alpine meadows with nothing to disturb them except nuns singing about the hills being alive. They even had a kindly Swiss man who came into their field once a day to play with their tits. Life was blissful. And then one day, the world got it into its head that their skin could be used to clean cars. And that was it for the lonely Chamois. Now, the poor buggers are on the endangered list.
So, cleaning the lifeboats like my car seems pretty pointless but I guess if we ever do have to use them we will be proud to be in the cleanest lifeboats at sea.
Well, I guess I should say Good Morning…………..”Good Morning”……………there, that’s better. Sorry about the weird start to today’s blog but hey………you write what you see. It’s a well needed day at sea today and we have the added luxury of turning the clocks one hour back………….henceforth I started my Morning Show at 10 am and will stay off the PA system until mid afternoon where I will let the guests know what’s happening as well as giving a little plug for the Marriage Show.
After the Morning show Heidi and I went to the coffee shop to get some hot water for my morning cup of monkey tea. It was while I was there that a guest came running up and flung her arms around me as though I was a naked George Clooney. She was near hysterics as she said how great it was to see me again and talking about how much fun we had together on the same tour in Venice three years ago. I smiled, hugged her back and said “yes……….it was a fantastic day in Venice.”
This was all frightfully embarrassing because I can’t recall a single thing about her or the car. I remember her in the same way that I remember a single childhood sneeze — i.e., I don’t remember her at all. ………………and that had me feeling guilty………….very guilty. I know I meet lots of people and I am getting old……….but honestly, surely I should remember spending a chunk of time in Venice with this lady whom I have to say was………ummmm………larger than life…………but I don’t…………….anyway, we chatted and I bluffed my way through our memories of the tour we did together right up to the point where I said how great our guide was and that he was one of the best in Venice………….” but it was a lady guide” said the guest…………………..oops…………and bugger.
Well, it’s not often I pat myself on the back. I find it hard taking praise from others without dishing out a huge dollop for yourself……but…..well, I did indeed feel good last night. That’s because the artist formerly known as Mrs. S. Nob said…..are you ready for this……..” thank you”….let me wait while you all recover.
So, I visited the table last night where the artist formerly known as Mrs. S. Nob and her new dinner companions were eating dinner together. When I arrived all seemed to be well……..the artist formerly known as Mrs. S. Nob had bought the table some champagne and there were smiles all around. I stayed and chatted for a while and as I said goodbye all the girls said thanks for stopping by ………. but the only one I really heard was the artist formerly known as Mrs. S. Nob……..she said it……she definitely said thank you…………..I left feeling good and maybe I was right………..maybe loneliness had led to her outrageous demands………all I know is that tonight she looked happy…………..and that to me is all that matters.
However, as always, there is always someone to replace her
From: SPLENDOR PURSERS
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 10:10 PM
To: SPLENDOR CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: SPLENDOR CHIEF PURSER; SPLENDOR PURSERS
Subject: 6274 – WANT CAPTAIN TO CONGRATULATE WITH THE BIRTHDAYGood evening John,
Please be advised that Ms _________asked me if the Captain could come and wish Happy Birthday to her friend Ms ___________on August 14, during the dinner at 8:30 pm? I told her that the Captain would be probably busy. When I said this she started crying and when I asked her what was wrong she said that she had promised her friend that the captain would do this as he had on another cruise. Guest would not stop crying. I told the guest that I would pass the request to you John. Is there anything we can do?
Regards,
Evgeniya
Purser
Well, here we go again and because Captain Pagano is a true officer and a gentleman He has agreed to call the cabin with me tomorrow and we will wish her a happy birthday and send a signed photo etc. I hope this holds back her tears.
Let’s have a look at some more photos from Helsinki yesterday and the small village of Porvoo where many of our tours go. This village has not changed in many hundreds of years and is full of beauty and charm. One way of getting there is by the steam engine (my dad will love this photo) and really as much as you should see Finland’s capital you should also see the quaint and historic village of Porvoo. Anyway, here are a few of the countryside and the train.
Lets have a look at a few letters for the in their Own Words Section
Now, its time for a video featuring special guest star Ketut.
Ketut is a wonderful young man and I know he will go far. I also know that his Mum has watched that video and I know that his sister is translating this message ……so Mum, you should be very proud of Ketut and we are looking after him.
OK, I just told Heidi to turn that bloody awful music off. She is listening to Justin Timberlake…………the big girl’s blouse.
What happened to rock stars? Robert Plant used to send women wild with that lion’s mane hairdo and half a mile of hosepipe down the front of his trousers. But now everyone in music is a blond haired pretty boy with nothing up his nose except moisturizer. ……..we are so alike Heidi and I yet so not. I shave my face, not my legs. I am not interested in cushions or soft furnishings . . . I think you should only use a telephone if your lost in a jungle, it’s the middle of the night and you are surrounded by lions. The notion that it can be used ‘for a chat’ is as ridiculous as the notion that cuddling is in some way rewarding.
I just read this bit to Heidi who was already chomping at the bit following my bit about how I never clean the car and other areas that assured me of time in the house of dogs………..so, here, she is…………..Heidi.
Bet you the first thing she does is change the font, the size and the position of the office chair.
Hello everyone, its Heidi here. I am sorry that I have not written for so long. This has been a very hard set up and John and I have worked very long hours. Before I write a few words I am going to change the font, the size and the position of the chair, Ha Ha Ha…
We have not had much chance to go ashore. I think John has managed to get off the ship just twice in 36 days. I have really been happy to see my Mum every Amsterdam though and last week I got to go home. This made my Mother very happy as well and I got to have my favorite food. This week I have lots of family coming to visit the ship. This includes my Mum, my aunts and uncles and my niece and nephews. As happy as this makes me I miss my Dad not being here. He would have been so proud to see a Carnival ship in his home town. Although he is not here in person, he goes with me everywhere I go.
I see John has written about my music and other things so I need to tell you something as well. Let me start with the car
When I get into the car with my John I’m assured of a series of things — crap music, the smell of cigars, criticisms of other drivers and endless Diet Coke cans in the place where you put your feet, sorry I don’t know the word in English…
It takes him such a long time to admit he is lost that we could have got there, turned around and have gone home again before he is prepared to ask the way. What is it with men that that are embarrassed to ask for directions???
When I get into the car with John I must also always remember to take my iPod. Otherwise I get to listen to him singing along to his sad Eighties and heavy metal music.
He’s got a problem with everything, whether its road works or the color of somebody else’s Ferrari. However, the thing he has the biggest problem with is buses — they’re too big, too noisy, too smelly and too empty.
It’s also uncomfortable trying to sit in a passenger seat filled with odd shoes and torn pages from maps, while my feet battle for space with the empty Diet Coke cans The one thing I can say about driving with John is that it’s never dull. Oh yes, and he makes me laugh so you can’t be mad. He gets mad though because people are very “green “where we live. This means that when we drive in our Range Rover people look at us as though we are terrible people. One time we were getting into the car in a parking lot outside a supermarket. A man walked past and said that our car was hurting the environment. John said “so is your breath.” He is very naughty when he is off the ship. I think its the months of being as nice as he is and always wanting to help people that when he is on land the devil inside comes out…..oh well.
Bloggers have been asking what will happen for the rest of the year.
The plan is for me to leave the ship a few weeks before the crossing starts to sort some things out at home and then come back just before the crossing to join John again. Apart from me being worried how he will cope without me I have to tell you the truth, I miss shopping in Miami……so I have an excuse to go Christmas shopping before we fly back to the U.K. and hopefully we will be able to watch another Miami Heat game as I enjoyed that immensely.
Someone told me that Boris Becker is a season ticket holder so I will keep looking out for him….. Sorry John. Then it will be late November and as John mentioned before, we are looking to get a puppy before the New Year. Although the Labradoodle is adorable, my choice has been made and it will be a German shepherd. I grew up with this breed of dog and can’t think of anything nicer than to have our own little puppy that will hopefully grow up to be a big strong dog. He or she will have lots of space and a dog leash is something we don’t need where we live, so the dog will have a nice life.
What next year will bring I don’t know but hopefully, we will see a lot of each other. I know John is ready for new adventures, whatever they may be. Of course I will see you on the Bloggers Cruise. Working on the ships has been a wonderful experience for me but after 11 years the time has come to stay on land and be closer to the family.
One thing is for certain, whatever John does, I will support him. He writes the blog each night before he goes to bed and completes it throughout the next day. I know he really enjoys doing this and as long as everyone keeps reading I know he will keep writing to you all.
We are both very much looking forward to the Bloggers Cruise and I know John has some big surprises for you there.
Thank you for all the nice things you say each and every day. I promise to write more soon and I will send you pictures of the puppy and you can guarantee that it will be me cleaning up after it…..
Best Wishes to you all.
Your friends,
Heidi & Him
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Heidi's Post, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, cars
Dear Heidi/Him:
What a treat today. Great to hear from you Heidi. Thanks for taking the time to reach out. We all look forward to hearing from John’s better half.
Nice pictures from Helsinki. Thank you for posting them.
I also enjoyed the little video with Ketut. These are great.
Its very exciting to read about all the changes ahead for you guys. I look forward to keeping in touch as you slowly make your transition back to land.
Hope everything else is going well and looking forward to hearing more.
Take care,
David
Der Heidi and “Him”
We really look forward to seeing you on the BC2 but still have hopes of maybe seeing you on the Splendor 11/29th
First let me get up off the floor where I landed when I fainted when the news of Mrs. S. Nob was good for a change.
Okay now let me wipe the tears away that started pouring when I read the news of “What next year will bring I don’t know but hopefully, we will see a lot of each other. I know John is ready for new adventures, whatever they may be.”
I can fully understand the both of you wanting to settle down at home with your families and hopefully a family of your own… (Please God still hear my prayer about that matter…) But guess the thought of never seeing you again after the bloggers cruise sort of makes me very sad. I hope there will be a possibility of a BC once a year for reunions with our dear blogger friends and John and Heidi.If that is a possibility we can make it from one year to the next. Of course as long as he can blog, we will not feel like we have lost the 2 of you completely. I guess we all feel like you are family as well as our Krewe family and I know Don and I feel that we have adopted you.
Heidi, we have a German Shepherd……… he’s getting old ,12 years now, but spoiled rotten not only by us but also by the people at the vets where he stays when we travel and cruise. He loves to go stay with them. We had a female also, but she got out of the invisible fence ( DON’T EVER HAVE ONE) and got killed by a tractor trailer. Nick, (german shepherd) picked her out, he raised her like an old mother dog and he still misses her. But no more dogs , not until we grow old and no longer go to races or cruise.
Heidi, thanks for writing , and “HIM”, thanks for giving up possession of the laptop for a few minutes.
Carolyn
PS .hope you get to see sister Suzanne’s hubby and children this summer while they are home with Mum and Dad.
I shall go dry my eyes now , sob.
Hello Heidi:
)
How nice to hear from you! John having a devil inside? Impossible (lol). Hope to see another blog from you soon. And what a great news about german shepard puppy. They are great – good choice
Dear John & Heidi,
It was great to hear from you Heidi & I hope you are well. About men not asking directions, unfortunately this is a defect in the male chromosome make-up and cannot be changed – ever. Unless they buy a new toy – a GPS unit. New gadget – they have to have it. It’s excellent that you get to see your family so often now. I hope one day to finally meet you – maybe you & John will be on the Carnival Dream’s NY trips in 2009. But I feel as if I know you, by your lovely photos & John’s stories.
John, I’m glad things are working out much better for the former Mrs. S.Nob. Who knows, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship!
I don’t know if I want to find out what “Mr. Toilet” is all about.
It was good to hear from both of you this afternoon,
Hugs,
Carol
Heidi, it was nice reading your side of the story. Glad to see your getting a real dog a german shepherd. You will have a dog that can watch over you when John is not home. Well I guess even when John is home you still need it for protection.
But you are just like John getting us to try to read between the lines when you say things like “Working on the ships has been a wonderful experience for me but after 11 years the time has come to stay on land and be closer to the family.” or “One thing is for certain, whatever John does, I will support him”. Ok what is he thinking about doing????
Can’t wait to see you in New Orleans.
BIG ED
Hi Heidi!
Great to hear from you again!
Tell John that a dirty car is one thing, but Diet Coke cans in the foot well is not only rude to his passengers, it is unsafe too.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE visit you local animal shelter before you purchase you new puppy! I guarantee you will see some puppies there that you will fall in love with, and they really need a new home! Will you at least go look?
So, you prefer shopping in Miami? Well I guess the grass truly is greener on the other side of the fence, because I’d prefer to do my Christmas shopping in Europe! Oh well!
I’m sure that God is smiling and bless you, John… I NEVER thought that a smile and surely not the words ‘Thank you’ would ever be found in the vicinity of Mrs. S.Nob’s face. Bravo. You’re a better man than I am.
HOWEVER… it appears as though we are quite the same in other respects. My car… It serves much the same purpose as yours… to collect random trash. Now, mine is clean on the outside as I have to good luck to be able to have it washed every day and not participate in the event. Additionally, I fear that Heidi would find riding in my car a very similar experience to riding with you. We enjoy much the same music and neither of us suffer fools gladly…
What a treat to hear from Heidi! And what a treat to know that she’ll have a REAL dog!!! Good for her. I hope it grows to be an impressive size. I love German Shepards. Wonderful animals.
Let me take a second to thank Stephanie for her effort in getting some misinformation on Cruise Critic corrected. I truly appreciate what she did. It put many people’s minds at ease.
Thanks for everything!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
Dear John and Heidi,
These are big decisions you are making, but I know you have considered carefully. I wish you the best, as you make these changes.
John, the fact that you recognized Mrs. S.Nob was a lonely lady is a testament to your ability to read people. I’m sure this cruise has become a memorable one for her, and for all the right reasons.
Thank you for taking your time to share your day with us!
I’m skipping talking to the portly Brit to talk to the most lovely Heidi.
So nice to see you talking to us again Heidi!
It’s so nice that you’ve got to see your mother, and more of the family during this itinerary. Going through the ill health of both my elderly parents the last few months I do understand how difficult it can be to not be around.
The plans you’ve laid out sound almost idealic…. home in the country, a big dog to cuddle with (besides John), and who knows what else…….
No doubt we and Carnival will miss having you as your natural “ray of sunshine” on the ships, but you know we wish you the very most happiness possible. (OK we can include John in the happiness too ).
As has been hinted, that John may leave the job as CD, I have no doubt we’ll all see plenty of him yet. If not CD he’s going to end up Carnival Corp.’s international ambassador, or some such thing.
Looking forward to seeing the both of you in a few short months on the BlOG2Nola cruise.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
Heidi,
You probably already know this but besides asking for directions, turning around is something else men won’t do. Can’t wait to see puppy pictures.
Dear Heidi and “Him”
How nice to hear from you again Heidi. You have surely been missed. Can’t wait to see you again on the bloggers cruise. I think it’s great that you get to see your Mum and family every week.
Hi “Him”..please clean the Diet Coke cans from the floor. Just another nice thing you can do to stay out of the doghouse. Also, try to take some time and get off the ship when you’re in port. We need you to be strong and well rested for all the activities for the bloggers cruise.
Love to you both,
Princess Elaine, the quiet and single
John and Heidi,
I really enjoyed today’s post. You are both such wonderful story tellers.
It was wonderful to learn that Mr.S.Nob is so happy now, thanks to you, John. And that she shared her happiness with her new friends by treating them to champaign.
The video with Ketut was great. I would like to see more of those with different staff members. Those folks need to be recognized for all they do!
And, Heidi, as for the dog, I think the German Shepherd is a good choice, but agree with Mark Twain and a half about checking at the shelters. You might find a German Shepherd there, or even a “teenaged” one who needs a home else it might be euthanized (nice word for killed). On second thought, do they have animal shelters in England. I know the laws for dogs are very strict because of the rabies risk, so maybe you don’t have that many strays or abandoned animals. You can also get really nice dogs from breed rescue groups.
It will be strange to not hear about your activities on the ship…since you won’t be aboard, but hopefully we’ll still hear from you from your land base from time to time.
John, are you going to become a land lubber as well????
Best wishes to you both whatever you do.
Your Pal, Myra
John Please Reply!!!!
Hey Heidi/”Him”
Gotta love that!!
Nice Font change and all that.
Nice to hear from you. I am still new to this bloggers thingy as “Him” puts it. But I do like it and find it very intresting to hear about all the Colourfull guests you have, and have had on board, Mrs S.Nob for instance. What a gentleman you are John for thinking to do that for the lady.
Hat’s off to John!!!!
I hope that she has had a change of heart because of that.
I do like the Photos and videos that you have put up they are great. My Wife and I are hoping to go on a Med Cruise some day and visit the Greek Islands.
We are looking forward to getting aboard the Splendor in Dec 13th of this year. I do hope you and “Him” are there. I think we sailed with you back in 2006 on the Liberty.
It’s been great reading your Blog thingy, keep it up and I hope your future plans all come to fruishin.
All around 20 Lbs so they are small, But Cute as anything.
Great choice for a dog I do like Greman Shepherds, I have three dogs, a black Pug, a black Cocapoo and a White Spitz. They look like an Oreo cookie on walks,
Have a great night.
James from Georgetown ON, Canada eh!
It was so nice to hear from you again, Heidi. A German Shepard puppy will be perfect for you and the space you have for it. Have you considered checking with a German Shepard rescue group (do you have them in the UK?) If not, do go to a registered breeder instead of a puppy mill. Now I’ll get off the soap box and wish you all the best. See you in Feb. Jeri
Great blog, John! Always great to hear a kindred spirit express his thoughts, which are so similar to mine. I’m still voting for you for president.
John!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations on you success with Mrs. Snob. I can’t believe it. Keep us posted with what happens.
Dear Heidi;
I had a mix of emotions reading your part. I really hope we can see each other again before both of you take new paths in life. John and you deserve the world.
Love;
Nanni
dude/dudette: please say you’ll still be on board thanksgiving! we have booked the eight day cruise on your ship.
i have a german shephard, well it is my granddog actually, belongs to my daughter. his name is bobby and he is SO smart and loyal and loving. he does need to be kept busy though or he will “find” something to do himself! ha ha
take care and heidi thanks for posting!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Heidi, its so nice to hear from you. Im quite new to “Johns Thingy” & its great to finally hear the wise words of Johns better half….:)
John, having so much patience with the likes of Mrs Knob (spelling) its no wonder you let your devilish side take over when your on leave..!
Heidi, when I gave up working onboard I got myself a kitten from a rescue home for three reasons.
1. I love & missed having a cat
2. I wanted some company while my partner was away
3. I needed a reason to not go back to sea once the reality of real life kicked in.
13 yrs on & I still have the cat, she’s a sweetheart & is very tolerant of the three legged dog I rescued 8yrs ago.
Good luck with the puppy, looking forward to seeing some cute puppy pics.
See you Aug 30th
Best wishes
Lorraine
For once I don’t agree with John…..I don’t consider keeping a car clean a complete waste of time. For me it is part of maintenance….keeping it ship shape, clean and spiffy….just like the crew cleaning the lifeboats…..
(again the Virgo part of me)…. My car gets vacuumed out regularly, armor-all applied to its surfaces. Hey impressions and details matter (sometimes) ….When I sold a car a while back the dealer gave me more than the typical blue book value since it was a very well cared for car……
I do not particularly enjoy riding in a filthy car and have on occasion been known to wipe a layer or five of dust, dirt, and grime from the dash of a car in which I am riding….. (Hey I’m a Virgo!!! I’m told it’s part of my astrological inclination). When walking past a car with gobs of pop cans strewn about all over the floor I think….perhaps a tad judgmentally…………. ”What a slob”….. I’ve seen cars with stuff piled high in the passenger seat, on the floor, all over the rear seat….it’s like a mobile junk yard…..
Mark
The Flying (borderline anal-retentive) Dutchman
Dear Hedi and John,
It was so nice of Hedi to drop by and post a note to us. I am a newbie at this blogging but my husband and I are going on the September 11th cruise from London. I so hope when you say “a few weeks” you do not mean you will be in Florida then. We are all so looking to forward to meeting you and John. In fact we have presents for the both of you when we hopefully have a Meet and Greet with the both of you for the Roll Call at Cruise Critics. I hope you enjoy your puppy when you get him or her.
I have never fainted in my life, but I was thisclose to do so with your tale about the person formally known as Mrs. S. Snob. A smile and a thank you, who knew. Those two things will get you a long way. I hope the rest of her cruise will go smoothly for her and you John.
Keeping John on his toes seems to be a full time job Hedi, and he is so lucky to have you having that full time job.
Thanks to both of you, I so look forward to our cruise and meeting you.
Keep smiling John.
So much going on today. John, I have to side with Heidi when it comes to the dirty car–geez she doesn’t even have a place to put her feet–it NEEDS to be cleaned! Lovely to hear from Heidi and I can understand that you both would be looking forward to a “normal life” at your home after all these years being away but oh my will we all be sad when that decision comes. I understand Heidi too about missing your dad. Mine has been gone 20 years and I still miss him and think of what he would have thought about different things.
I have to say John that Mrs. Nob has shocked and surprised me and I applaud your patience (except when driving on the road with buses we hear) and intuition to know why she was so miserable! IMHO it doesn’t give her the right to treat others as she did however.
The photos of Helsinki are beautiful but the video is priceless–Ketut is so cute and I know that his mum is thrilled to be able to see him.
JOHN PLEASE REPLY–just wonder if you can let me know if you and Heidi will be on the Splendor for the 11-21 cruise. I was so hoping to see you both especially Heidi before she goes home.
John:
I think Ketut is a wonderful representation of the Carnival “spirit”. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Heidi:
So glad to hear from you. Enjoy the time with your family on the cruise.
Btw, the place where you put your feet in a car is called a “floor board”. At least that is what we call them in the South.
We will be sailing on the Splendor on November 17th. Hope we get to see you then.
Linda ( Mom of DJ)
Hi John & Heidi,
Loved the photos of Helsinki really looking forward to that port (we are going to the horse farm). Couldn’t open the video, but was wondering, we had a lovely wine waiter on Liberty two years ago and I am pretty sure he was Ketut from Phillipines and was one of the best dancers/singers at dinner, could it possibly be him? How pleased we were with the update about Mrs. Nob, have been anxious to hear the result and so glad the diagnosis seems to be correct. German Shepherds are lovely but labradoodles are special also. I (Suzanne) have a Cavoodle, King Charles Cavalier/Poodle cross and she is the love of my life, I would bring her cruising if I could. Lisa has a beautiful little Maltese. Basically it doesn’t matter if you have a mutt, they give you unconditional love and you only have to feed them.
Lovely to hear from Heidi, but what is going on?
Two weeks before we leave Australia…whoopee
can’t wait.
Suzanne & Lisa
(Downunder)
Hello John and Heidi!
Heidi it was so nice to hear from you, finally! I’m glad you were able to wrestle that Lap Dancer computer thingy away from “Him” for a few minutes. Can’t wait to see the puppy pictures and I know you will send us plenty of them. I’m sure your mother really cherishes the time that you get to spend with her now. It’s so wonderful that you are able to do that. I know you are really going to enjoy your new life too. We will all miss you, too!
Looking forward to seeing you on the Bloggers Cruise!
Hugs!
Princess Barb
PS…. Make “Him” get rid of the diet coke cans!!!
Dear Heidi -
Would you please speak with HIM about making fun of golfers? I take the game very seriously and am seriously thinking about a Mrs Ma Jong moment for him if he keeps these comments up.
JustJon
Heidi,
Its always so nice when you post something, I understand how you feel about your father, its been 17 years that my father passed away and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of him, family is the most important thing. Glad to see that you’ll get a German Shepard, what a great dog.
Can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks, will you give us a personal tour of your great country?
Love,
Suzann
Double the pleasure, double the fun! Thank you both for your thoughts….just goes to show we don’t find our twin in marriage, we find our own missing parts/opposites in one another….and then the fun begins!! I wish you many, many years of enjoyment together. Thanks for sharing a slice of it with us!
Karen
Dear Heidi and John,
I can’t wait to see you next week! I hope I get a chance to have a bit of time to say hello, but I understand how busy it is on the ship.
I’m really looking forward to the Blogger’s Cruise so we can really spend some time together. I didn’t get to go on the one this year, but won’t miss a second!
I hate to think of you not being on the ship, Heidi, but I certainly understand. Family is VERY important and we should spend as much time with them as possible. I like that your father is with you – my parents are always with me, too. They have been cruising a lot, too!! : )
Take care – see you on Monday.
Hi John, Help. Dave and I are going on the August 30 sailing of the Splendor. We have picked out some tours to do but I am completely confused about what to do in ST Petersburg. Should we do the Grand Tour or several different day tours? I am not sure I really am up for two nine hour tours for two days in a row. On the other hand we will probably never go there again. Will I regret not doing the Grand Tour? Some advice would really be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jo and Dave
Heidi,
Thanks for the post…wass great to hear from you. Your future plans sound wonderful…you both deserve all the happiness in the world. Best wishes for whatever the future brings.
Take care, and come back again with some more stories for us.
The Kilmartins
Good evening Heidi and Mr. Heald. First of all, thank you Heidi for part in the blog. It’s been far to long hearing from you. I just love your giggle and laugh when you are filming Mr. Heald’s video. Finally for you Heidi, are you trying to write between the lines? You may be confusing many bloggers or just having us going a little crazy as many of us are. Please Heidi, write again soon.
Now Mr. Heald, you are a very brilliant man. You just seemed to really know the problem about Mrs. S. Nob. You are amazing. This lady now can enjoy the rest of her cruise and it will be because of you. Thanks for the video of Ketut. You made his day but especially his mother. I still hope that someday before you retire I’d like to meet you and sit down and have a cup of tea and thank you personally for all you have done. Ciao my friend and Heidi.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hey John,
Heidi,
How are you darling I can’t wait till we finally get to see each other on the bloggers cruise. I know your excited also. I have to say my car is a absolute mess 99% of the time also usually with water botles and other things golf clubs books shoes jackets sweaters towels blankets and the list goes one i think i even have a ginger bread house kit in the trunk (boot to you all) from about 3 years ago don’t ask why i think it came with the car. While i don’t hate buses and every other motorist I do believe in sometimes people go to far with their opinions. No not John I agree with most of his. Sorry I know Rock and Roll and 80’s music way better than Just in time I need a pee on a timber near a lake. Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Steve Miller band, Aerosmith and so on are far superior. Can’t wait to hear about the dog I hope it will be trained to hunt smelly french people who need a bath and a tic tac factory dumped down their gullets. I am very happy to hear your Mom and family are going to be visiting you on the ship soon. Pictures maybe a video would be nice.
Have a great time and write more offten maybe we need a heidiHealdblog.com ???
Ketut,
We are all very sorry about him, Heidi is doing her best with the underwear problems. Keep up the great work.
Ok John your turn
Oh man out of time sorry catch you tomorrow
Kevin
Dear Heidi and “Him”
How wonderful to “see you” in the blog. I can totally understand the car thing. I have a car that I like to keep nice. I let the hubby have cutody on weekends. He is supposed to keep it clean. In california we could just take it to the corner wash & they would clean it from top to bottom inside & out. In Florida these places are not so prevelant as in California, It isn’t so easy to get the hubby out there to clean the car.. My Hubby has the “road rage” thing, riding with him is an adventure. I tend to try to read a book to keep myself occupied to not see the bumpers of the “gas holes” we might come close to and the colorful charachters we meet that don’t now how to drive correctly.
Your German Shepard Puppy sounds great! I am waiting for my Dachshund as we write this. She will be ready to come home with us around my birthday, I can’t wait. I hope to see pictures as do the others. I hope whatever you decide to do in the future Heidi & John is whatever makes you both Happy and just know that we love you andwe hope you continuew to keep the blog and keep us informed.
The pictures were awesome
The video with Ketut was cute. I dare say John you look as if youv’e lost a few pounds, looking good there, young man.! KUDOS!!!
AS far as Ms. S Nob. Wonders will never cease!
ANother Good Job well Done! BRAVO!
Take Care
The Tuckers
ELizabeth & Arnold
Nice to have a blog from both John and Heidi. Thank you.
I wish you both luck in whatever you do after this year. I will probably never have the opportunity to meet you except through the blog.
I love German Shepherds too……good choice for a dog.
Hey James in Georgetown, we’re neighbours……I live in Mississauga, eh!
Cindy
Stephanie….please add these two posts together. I hit submit by mistake…as if you don’t have enough to do…thanks.
I also enjoyed hearing Hedi laugh on the video!
Get John off the computer and off the ship more often!
Ok, I have a question that nobody has asked…when you do get a puppy…where is John going to sleep? Guess you will have to get another dog house!
Princess Susan
Hi Stephanie!
Hi to Heidi and Him LOLOL!!!
LOVED hearing from you today Heidi, and it is so wonderful to hear about your increased time with family, nothing more important than that!
You guys are just hilarious, getting harder each day to wait for the cruise to get here!! And, I found out today that a long-time dream will come true on our bloggers cruise!!! Mach showed me a really awesome website that gives you the moon cycles, and we are having a full moon at sea!!! YAY!!!
I KNEW you would turn Mrs S Nob around, YAHOO!!! Bravo yet again John!! Until the next one comes along…
Please write more Heidi!
Love you all!
Floatie
Dear John & Heidi,
First things first, John, thank you for lending your laptop to Heidi & Heidi, thanks for the most awaited post on the blog thingy.
John, what a great job turning a negative attitude to a positive one such as that of Mrs. Nob. I am almost certain that from hereon, she will only sail Carnival. I bet she is at this moment thinking of booking another cruise, if she has not already, with you as CD and this time she will be begging you to find her someone like you. lol. . .
Love your video with Ketut but by the way, lumpia is a Philippine dish and Ketut is Indonesian.
Heidi, what a fantastic choice of a dog. I got our daughter a Geman shepherd when she was just 12. She is now 42 with a family of her own. Most of her dogs were German shepherd including her two present ones.
We have something for Heidi which Lou got from the Philippines. Still thinking of what to bring “him” when we see you on October 29. How does sugar-free cigar sound? We’ll make that hot and spicy too hehehe. . .
Amor & Lou
Dear John and Heidi glad to hear from you both.Heidi you have heard a mans home is his castle well in these times it has been reduced to his lowly space in his car is his castle.A small space to smoke and read with his diet coke cans.Please allow John this last right of manhood.Isn’t life grand John?As for Mrs.Snob doesn’t it feel great to hear her after all her obnoxious and rude remarks say those little words “Thank You”.As you said maybe it was her loneliness that caused this rude and ugly behavior.As I have said kill them with kindness at least you have done your best. Best wishes to you all.Gary and Bug
Hi John & Heidi, So I see you will be on the crossover, but you said something about late November, does this mean that you will NOT be on the Thanksgiving cruise? Either one of you? We sure would love to see you, as well as Empress Bee and Sarge, and maybe even Nanni as she is meeting us in San Juan on Sunday 11/23. Please explain as I am not sure if I understand you or not about late November. Thanks! Linda & Mike
heidi it was great hearing from you and we cant wait to see you and john again.I the know the feeling about losing your parent. It seems like it been so long, both me and suzann needs a vacation very bad, she been working like crazy on the weekends cleanning out dad house, but she has been my anchor during the lost of dad and now with my problems with my legs, Being a big dog lover so glad to read you will be getting a real dog that is great, the more you love a pet the more they give back in return. See you both in a few weeks
Hi John,
How you been? I can relate with the whole car situation! My car rarely gets clean and sometimes I have bottles and cans lurking in the back seat. I also had a couple of copy paper boxes that were back there for like two months along with a fountain cup that’s been in my cup holder for like a month now… I usually clean it out whenever I’m not feeling too lazy which doesn’t happen very often. I have friends who are worse than me though.
Wow, I’m very surprised with the former Mrs. S Nob saying thank you! I had to reread that line to make sure I wasn’t going crazy! Good for you! Thanks for sharing the wonderful video as well.
Hi Heidi! It’s great to hear from you again. Great choice for a dog! I wish you all the best in your future plans! I’m happy to hear that all is well. Thanks for writing and we hope to hear from you again really soon!
Have a good day, John, Heidi, Stephanie and all the bloggers out there!
Cheers,
Alex G.
Heidi & Him,
So good to hear from you! Wish you well in the coming months! I know John will miss you when you go home.
A German Shepherd is a good choice in dogs, I have a Black Lab myself.
Good job John with Mrs. S Nob. sounds like you did her a big favor. Continued success!!
Keep the blogs coming I love reading them they are very intertaining and educational. The pictures are always fantastic! Thank-You Both!!!
God Bless You and Your Families
Kathy
Sorry, mate, while I agree with you on 80s rock and heavy metal (IRON MAIDEN!), I can’t with regards to your car. One thing I can’t stand is a messy auto interior… guess that’s because I have two urchins living with me (otherwise known as my LOVELY and ADORABLE 2- and 6-year old children…). I’m cleaning up snack wrappers and juice bottles/pouches nigh-constantly, along with wiping down the leather seats and vinyl interior.
Nice to see sticking to your gut paid out (Mrs. Nob). Can’t wait for the progress report soon (?).
Speaking of progress, how goes the diet?! Haven’t read much beyond your change in dietary intake (salads and chicken and sugar-free pasteries). Hope you’re doing as well as the pictures seem to show!
Hello to you both from Gail and Harold in Tennessee… John, please reply. (The reason I ask is that I never see our comments posted so I don’t whether they are even getting through.)
Great to hear from Heidi. A little sad to hear the changes that are coming for you (and us) – but you deserve whatever life will make you the happiest. You have certainly brought wonderful times to a lot of us. You are one of the biggest (I mean primary) reasons we sail Carnival. We finished the Splendor cruise on August 6 – and before that was Liberty 2006.
In our family, I’m the messy one who complains about everything!!! And Heidi – I bought my dear husband a GPS for his car. He doesn’t seem to mind getting directions from that sexy little voice he chose on it!!! And I love it when she says, “Turn around at the next possible place!!!”
Good luck to you both in all you do.
Friends in fun,
harold and gail
John… you are SOOOOOOO good!!!!
WOW!!! I know Ms. S. Nob has made some friends and memories she will treasure!!! Who knows what memories she has to counter act… but you put her on the road to do that!!!
Ketut… tell him he’s a star!! We LOVE him… All stewards will now need to live up to his level of entertainment… I will stay in the cabin until I see his moves repeated… How fun!!!
Heidi… it’s wonderful for you to take time to chat. You’re the balance of John and so much a part of him and this blog!! Thank you for your insight and truth!!!
You are blessed with John and you are a blessing to him!!!!
hey John
i love your blog buddy, you have FUNNY stuff in there, lol
any who i am a member of cruisecritic.com and am sailing on the Miracle September 22 round trip from NYC, i am hosting a meet and greet with some buddies of mine from that site. anything you can do for us in regards to it would be appreciated, i know you are a busy man so if you can’t get to my request don’t worry about it
thanks John,
Robert
Hello Heidi!
I really enjoyed getting a chance to meet you on the Splendor! The two of you did a great job with the first Baltic voyage!
I loved your description of John’s car. It sounds like ours. There are endless partially consumed bottles of water where the grandkids get in the car after soccer and forget to take the bottle when they get out at home. You never know what you will find in the backseat of the car! I sometimes refer to it as the “black hole area”.
Take care and please include comments from time to time. We love to hear from you!
Ruth