QUARANTINE BLOG # 424

May 28, 2021

Since March of last year, cruise ships carrying more than 250 people have been prohibited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from sailing in U.S. waters.  To start again, they need to follow a complex process that, in some cases, involves simulated cruises designed to test Covid-19 protocols.  On Tuesday, Royal Caribbean became the first cruise line to receive approval from the CDC to conduct simulated voyages, which are planned for its “Freedom of the Seas” ship starting from PortMiami in Florida in late June.

The simulated voyages must be between two to seven days in length with at least one overnight stay.  They are required to test embarkation and disembarkation procedures, medical evacuations, onboard activities such as meal service and entertainment, recreational activities like fitness classes and swimming and shore excursions. 

👉  U.S. motorists will see the highest gasoline prices in seven years when they hit the roads this Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer driving season, as fuel demand surges.  Retail gasoline prices are at about $3.04 a gallon on average nationwide, the most expensive since 2014, according to data from the American Automobile Association.

Pump prices had already gotten a boost earlier this month after a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, the nation's largest fuel pipeline, shut the system for days and stopped fuel supplies from moving across the United States.  Around 6,000 gas stations were still without fuel this week, according to tracking firm GasBuddy.

👉  Observations to consider:

👉  Our exploration of waterfalls continues with a visit to Havasu Falls, one of the most beautiful of the five Havasupai Waterfalls that plummet over orange-red cliffs into bright turquoise-blue pools in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon.  The waterfalls are all located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and can only be accessed via an overnight 10-mile hike that requires advance reservation and payment of fees, and you must spend at least one night at the campground in the canyon.  The number of people allowed into the canyon is limited, and there is often a waiting list.

Yosemite Falls is the fifth highest waterfall in the world and the tallest in North America.  It consists of three separate falls with a drop of 2,425 feet that give the illusion of one giant cascade of water.  Yosemite Falls is fed by snowmelt, so to see it at its fullest, the best visit is in late spring or early summer when the thunder of the water rolls across Yosemite Valley.  By late summer, however, Yosemite Falls has dwindled to just a trickle and can go dry by August.

The 16 cascading lakes that make up the Plitvice Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia are an extraordinary sight.  What makes these waterfalls really special though are the distinct shades of blues and greens – from aquamarine to emerald and turquoise – that can be seen in the water as it flows over limestone and chalk rocks.  All of this is surrounded by a lush green landscape that just makes for a visually stunning tableau.  This park attracts more than one million visitors a year.

👉  From donuts to beer, businesses are offering incentives for people who get their COVID-19 shots.  Krispy Kreme is offering a free glazed donut through the end of the year to people who show their vaccination card.  In Connecticut, vaccinated residents are eligible for a free drink with their food at participating restaurants.  Publix is giving employees a $125 gift card to be used in the store, while Kroger employees are awarded a one-time payment of $100 for getting the vaccine.  You can get your vaccine card laminated for free at Office Max, Office Depot, and Staples.  CVS will allow people who are vaccinated at its stores so to enter a sweepstakes giveaway for a variety of prizes, including a trip to the Super Bowl, $5,000 to fund a family reunion, cruises or cash.  Other incentives have included a $1 million Vax-a-Million lottery prize in Ohio, free flights from United Airlines and free beer from Samuel Adams.

You haven’t gotten your vaccination yet?  Roll up your sleeve and pick up some free goodies while reducing your chances by 98% of picking up the coronavirus!

👉  Here are some more Minions:

👉  Today’s close is by Phil Ware.

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24).

Thoughts on today’s verse:

How important is grace?  Paul said it was more important than his life!  Telling about grace was more important to Paul than his life!  In fact, that was his life!

Prayer:

Almighty God, Holy Father, thank you for your lavish grace demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to die for me.  As your child, and in thanks to your sacrificial gift, I pledge to you my life, my love, and my all.  Through Jesus. Amen.

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