lincslady

Me too - sorry, I don't like beans for breakfast - though at least if they are in a pot you don't have them all over the crisp things like the bacon, sausage, fried bread, black pudding and hash browns! Those of us who have had buffet breakfasts on US ships will have seen some Americans piling on all the above plus croissants and fruit all on the same plate. I think it might hark back to the 'olden days' of the pioneers, a bit like eating with just a fork so you had a free hand for your gun. Sorry, I know that is a bit rude, but couldn't resist, and sitting opposite someone with one of these platefuls (and usually they leave a lot) is not nice.

Hoping it is true, and if so will end silly speculation, that Kate was seen at a farm shop yesterday looking fit and well. I know that this is of limited interest, but it is moderately important to those who feel she is a good person who has been doing a good job and does not deserve all the innuendos which have been going around. Plus, a lovely sunny morning and the bluetits are flying in and out of my new birdbox which has not been used so far, for two years. Must fill the feeders up.

To rather repeat myself and others, if this is to be maybe your only visit to England it would be a shame not to visit at least a little of our lovely countryside areas, the Lake District, Cotswolds or Southwest coasts maybe. We are only a small country, so the mileages are not huge! You are in any case likely to be able to have time in London before flying home, and of course should not miss that.

The important difference between P and O and Saga is that only on P and O do people have the option - according to how much they want to spend - of having a basic cruise or adding on a few extras, like a superior cabin and extra paid for meals and drinks, whereas on Saga you have to be able to feel like affording the whole package from the word go. And it is an important difference, in my opinion.

I remember it from many years ago, must have been a revival. Not my idea of a relaxing dinner. It would certainly only be once in a cruise, I think

I agree with stan, except to say that as well as the Cotswolds it would be a good idea to get a real picture of the whole of England to also visit the Lake District, to my mind the most beautiful and picturesque part of England. Though ideally not in the busy high summer months of June, July and August. I would suggest May or September as the best months to visit England.

Sorry you have had a not very nice day so far, Josy; we all get them from time to time and with average luck things will improve with the new medication and after your tests. And having a cruise to look forward to does help!

Thank you for the fabulous pictures and reporting from a part of the world most of us will never have the opportunity to visit. You have really brought it to life for me. I did Antarctica with landings many years ago, and still remember a great deal of it, but this is just so different and seems even more remote.

I agree - I was going to post much the same comment. Seabourn has gone a bit more 'casual', though it is still a good idea for men to wear a jacket and tie minimum on 'formal' nights in the dining room. Not so many dark suits or dinner jackets (tuxedos) seen now.

I looked online for the recipe for this dish, Mysty, and it does sound delicious. So glad they made an excellent job of it for you both.

A terrific list there, Mysty. I have - very many years ago when prices were less high - had a couple of these great wines, but to do a compare and contrast will be great. And hopefully prepare you for coming across a dragon in the next few days?

I tend to agree with you, and feel that - assuming she is genuinely pretty well by now - they should think up some way of her being seen and maybe even talking briefly in a way which satisfies those who have been thinking the worst and those of us who just hope that she is fine. I do find her impressive in the way that she has become such an asset to the 'firm', as a middle class girl who was brought up in a different environment from the Royals. And can't help comparing her with the other daughter-in-law.

I just hope there is someone senior on their staff who can suggest the right move to make to undo the harm this has done, as the P of W has become pretty popular with a lot of the British public for seeming to be a good mother who has concentrated on work for which she is admired, as well as being nice to look at and good with people - especially children. Up to now she has been a definite asset to the family, but that reputation has taken a real nosedive, sadly.

Unbelievably lovely photos. Thanks so much.

It is, for many of us, not so much especially liking the Royal family, but more that the alternative could be someone like Trump, And one or two of our recent Prime Ministers.

Yes, and it might be as simple as William not being a professional photographer has slightly 'doctored' something on his photo to make sure everyone is looking at their smiley best, and is just not very good at it. Something that apparently lots of people do to put a good image on to 'social media'. Whatever, sadly it now does need explanation which may well not be forthcoming. Oh what a tangled web we weave .......

Oh dear, I spoke too soon. Hope this can be sorted easily, but it is always difficult for the royals to refute or indeed admit anything without making things worse.

I know it is of minimal importance to many people, but I for one was glad to see that William has stepped up to the plate and taken a lovely Mother's Day photo to show the gossiping world that Catherine is indeed alive and looks fine. I do hate the nastiness which crops up online with rumours about famous people which most of them do not deserve.

Very sorry to read your news, Graham. I know your Sarah is thought by all three of you to be essentially a daughter to you, so she will still have you two to care for her, which I know you will.

Hard to decide, I imagine, indiana. For me, up (very) early, or at least awake since 2.30, and now thinking of getting up as soon as there is a reasonable amount of daylight. Some nights it is just not worth trying to go to sleep, you just know you won't be able to so no point lying in the dark. It is surprising how many of us manage pretty well even though we don't get a good sleep on quite a few nights. It is a bit of a comfort to know there are a lot of us around. I hope you are reading this much later in the day after a sleep though. Onwards and upwards, nil carborundum etc.

We are all looking forward to what we hope will be a report on a really lovely experience, Mysty - when you have had a good rest and feel less like a bit of limp pasta. Lola

Certainly wishing you luck Brian, with all the exciting things going on in your life at present. I hope that the sale of your Italian house goes smoothly - and that you will not miss being out there in your own place too much. And even more than this meeting with unknown relations goes really well. I am having my own little life change, in that I am sadly giving up driving after 60 years, due to a combination of a problem with the car and more the cost of insurance for next year, more than double the present amount (age related). I am lucky to have a lovely friend who is doing the selling for me; the low mileage car is apparently worth much more than scrap value, and also nice neighbours who are willing to take me on necessary and even pleasure outings. I know my children feel that I should have made an effort for at least another year, but I know my limitations. It does feel a bit like the end of the road. (Pun intended).

Awake since 3 too, Sue, and feeling a bit blue, but cheered up to read your post about your upcoming cruise with early boarding time - and nice remarks about my home city of Liverpool. Yes, the Anglian cathedral is grand and imposing, and contrasts with the younger and also lovely Catholic cathedral - and they are at the two ends of Hope Street, a good omen.

So we Brits spelt it all wrong after all. I not only didn't know I needed to know all that, but rather feel that I don't especially want to know it either, as my head is already overfull of stuff, but thanks anyway, Tts.

To put the record straight, not that they are much used nowadays, the word is 'loofah'. Where it came from who knows, and hardly surprising that anyone other than a Brit. would know how to spell it! (Could it be Indian in origin?) Someone will know.