I'm back. Whilst the logistics of the return journey were comparatively easy - plane on time, engine didn't fall off : all that kind of thing - the shock to my system of such a sudden transition from summer-heat to the middle of a cold, wet and windy winter has taken its toll. I still occasionally look out of my window expecting to see a pod of passing dolphins and find nothing more than a stray starling trying to peck its way through the icy crust on the bird bath. It would be nice to write that at least Amy is pleased to see us back, but she is in the middle of a major sulk which, experience suggests, will extend for a good week or two yet.
The GLW is back at work and daily I repeat my promise to make a start on unpacking the cases. But the longer I leave this thankless task. the more I am simply tempted to book another holiday so that I can re-brand my delayed unpacking as nothing more than precipitous packing.
Our holiday was an excellent one and one which had an unexpected twist in the tail which occurred after the "Postcards From The Pond" series ended. If you recall, we were heading in the direction of St Lucia but at the last minute a troublesome hurricane caused the ship to be diverted. It was diverted to the island of Dominica which just happens to be the other West Indian island whereI have family members living and - with the help of a little hasty planning - we were able to spend a memorable day with my brother Roger, his wife Denise and their family.
Please bear with me for a few more days whilst I manage to wrap my old routine around me once again. In the meantime, thanks to everyone for their comments on the "Postcards From the Pond" series, I will be getting around to see each and every one of you as soon as I can.
that idea on how to avoid unpacking might be one of the most brilliant things i've ever heard :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Alan! It's great to have you back. After all, cruising doesn't really compare to Yorkshire and a good pint, does it? Come on, be truthful.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I was all geared up to wave from Mayflower Park - just a stone's throw from our daughter's house - but read that you were sailing from the Ocean terminal, just past the park itself. Anyway, I was virtually waving, if that's any consolation. Well, don't want to keep you from the unpacking...
Kylie : Yes I'm rather fond of the idea myself. Let's see if I can sell it to the GLW.
ReplyDeleteMartin : And I was actually waving at what I thought was Mayflower Park but which unfortunately turned out to be the Southampton Container Terminal and Cold Storage Depot. A chap in one of those High Visibility Vests driving a fork life truck waved back but I guessed that wasn't you.
Pleased your plane stayed up and the ship afloat :-) Enjoyed reading your Postcards and look forward to seeing some pics. Well done on chapter 3, now get on with the unpacking! :-) Jo
ReplyDeleteJo : Thanks Jo. Trying to decide whether the unpacking or Chapter 4 is the more daunting task - think I might make myself a cup of tea instead.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes... looking forward to creative vomit.
ReplyDeleteDominica, eh?
Jeff : You might have to wait a bit for the creative vomit. Only another seven chapters to go!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Glad to hear you're safe and sound. You were missed in the 'ol bloggyhood, Alan.
ReplyDeleteThat water outside your hotel room window is incredible!
Willow : It's nice to catch up with people again. Near paradise it may have been, but anywhere where the painfully slow internet connections comes at 35p (50c) a minute will always fall a few steps short of paradise to me. That's no hotel room, by the way, that was our cabin.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back and many thanks for sharing your adventures!
ReplyDeletee : It was a pleasure and it provided a nice break from trying to write fiction whilst we were crossing the Atlantic.
ReplyDeleteThat photo of your comfortable suite encourages me to think about going on a cruise as long as the waves don't roll too much. Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Alan! It's good to hear that you made it home safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back--sounds like a splendid vacation.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back, safe & sound... Well, as "sound" as ever, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteOn my solo blog, it's been business as usual, y'might say, but on Simpson/Lynch Studios... Oh, dear...
Glad you are home safe and sound..Poooor Amy..she is making you pay for your unexcused absence..dogs just don't understand vacations as everyday is a vacation day for them. I am looking forward to your photos and hearing more about your trip..I really enjoyed your shipboard installments:)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Alan! I really enjoyed your posts afloat. :) You might want to think of an electric gizmo to keep the birdbath unfrozen for your little feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Alan. Glad you had a great time. Looking forward to more updates form closer to home again now.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Back Alan.Youve Had A Good 'Un !
ReplyDeleteHey, welcome back. The amount of rain we've had, you might just see a pod of dolphins passing your kitchen window!
ReplyDeletewelcome back AB...
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Alan. You were definitely in a better place than here over the last couple of weeks! I hope you manage to slide back into routine without losing the benefit of the wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteSorry - just realised how little punctuation that comment has! Ooops!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you back, Alan. We'll have to get caught up soon.
ReplyDeleteKat
I missed you, Alan! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. How cool that you ended up seeing your brother for a day.
ReplyDeleteI say take it slowly..these transitions must be taken seriously! ha.
Hi Alan! Happy your small entourage is safe home. See you on the screen.
ReplyDelete-J
WV: restera. Ha!
Welcome home albeit it nasty and cold! St Lucia was really badly hit - not a banana or plaintain tree left standing. Price of bananas to go up!
ReplyDeleteBalcony stateroom no less. Very nice. Enjoyed your posts very much.
Whatever did we do before internet - not everyone is versed in Morse!