Posts

Showing posts from July, 2026

Cruise part 2

 Tuesday tai chi. Tender to Dun Loughaire then train to Connolly station signs very poor. Eventually got train then bus - driver said don't take card and elderly don't pay. Got to florist whuch turned out to be a private house. The neighbour very kindly took us to a new Tescos where we bought flowers, coffee and sandwich. Uber to cemetery where council man rand up and we found the grave of Joe and Breda. Taxi back to Tescos and he gave us some euros to pay for the bus. Then two trains took 2 and half hours. Spa, Dutch dinner, orange night was great fun. Spoke to the captain. I danced!  Wed Cobh. Taxi to Fota. Uber drove off and the driver could not take card so did not charge! Huge grounds and no map so ended up having to retrace steps in walled garden and no seats. Victorian garden is lovely and there are seats there. Tea then tour of house. Kitchen most interesting. Bath and toilet not convenient at all! REceptionist was os helpful getting the taxi to come to the front door!...

The cruise

Friday 10th July I got cross with the Uber driver as he took us to the wrong side of Penge East station. Eventually he did take us to the right side and we paid slightly more. Bth trains were delayed but we had assistance. Taxi to ocean terminal All went smoothlyand we ate at the Lido. Our cabin is on Beethoven deck 4 and we have a balcony. Near the front of the ship. Cases only came at 6. Catholic prayer Fr Arthur Lee secretary to the Cardinal in Toronto does not have permission to celebrate Mass so rosary. Paolo and fmaily from Mexico. Latte and watched ship leave Dover  to get i. Canadian couple. Liz got spa passes for the whole trip. Class act very good.   Liz has it but I don't when on ship. Sail away champagne at sea view pool. Catholics discussed St Benedict his saint's day. Mariners reception welcome aboard ship. Vivace strings.  Sunday Catholic prayer but no Mass. Breakfast in cabin at 7. Spa. Lido lunch. Art studio watercolours. Vivae strings played Haydn a...

Going North again

 Wednesday July 1 swam 10 in slow lane. One guy swam into a lady - he was on his back. Just too many people in the water! To Beck Meth to practise and saw David. Have more dates. To Bathroom suppliers and finalised our choices. Liz for hair cut. Wimbledon. David Hockney interviews.  Thursday to Sunday. The journey up went OK and we went via Brixton in the end. Train very crowded. The airbnb in Queen Street is lovely. To Aldi to shop and watched Wimbledon and Outrageous,  Friday bus to Preston,  A fascinating visit to Preston to meet the diocesan environmental lead Stephen Garsed. His house is remarkable and very green. His parish has Pope Francis quotes on the walls. Ladyewell is old fashioned but has lots of treasures about the martyrs. Sat to Lancaster cathedral for the diaconal ordination of Paul Briers with 2 others. Singing and organ good. Bishop gave a good homily. Tea and coffee in the social centre. Liz was given a lovely engraved vase. Two buses to Lancaster...