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On the Good Ship Black Watch -- and a Giveaway!


One of the joys of life, watching the blue skies at sea!
 
There's lots of blog-worthy events at home, but I don't want to skip at least a few posts about my English/Scottish/Irish adventure. After our visit to Liverpool and Chester, my college classmate and present day neighbor, Betsy, embarked on our dream trip, a cruise to ports in Scotland. Betsy did lots of research and found a great itinerary that didn't empty out our bank accounts. We sailed on the Black Watch, part of the Fred Olsen cruise lines. I wasn't familiar with this company before the cruise, as it isn't well known in the United States. There are four relatively small ships -- less than a thousand passengers each -- which give them access to ports unavailable to large cruise ships.
 
The Black Watch turned out to be a great choice for us. The people we sailed with were among the most friendly I've met on any cruise I've been on. The activities were enjoyable and the food was excellent. My best discovery were English treats, including two puddings at every lunch and tea every afternoon. 
 
I had small samples every day, except for my favorite, the chocolate and orange sponge.
For that one I went back for seconds and don't regret it at all. 
 
I'm ready for tea at Buckingham Palace
 
I found this fascinator at the British Heart Thrift Shop in Greenock, Scotland. It was brand new and at a great price, and I decided it was just what I needed to complete my outfit for our first formal dinner. I'm not one for wearing hats, except for sun or cold, but this was so much fun. If I'm ever invited to a formal event calling for a fancy hat, I'm prepared. 
 

  We sailed past  Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa,
which inspired Felix Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture
 
Anyone who has ever traveled with me knows that it's not a holiday for me if I don't do any shopping. This trip was no exception. I have birthday gifts, hostess gifts and presents for Chanukah and Christmas put away. I also have several surprise goodies for a blog giveaway, too. It's an easy entry. Please be a friend of Buttercupland  (a follower) and leave a comment about what destination would be your dream trip. On Saturday, July 20, I'll choose one name and announce the winner in a post on Sunday, July 21. 
 
I hope you've enjoyed our visit to the good ship, Black Watch. Had a productive day today, I found my new sneakers at a neighborhood store -- love to shop my neighborhood -- recommended by my friend, Jane. I also got to the Y for water aerobics. We spent some time swapping stories of our experiences during the power outage. My water aerobics buddy, Charlie, had the most memorable. He was just getting out of the pool after Saturday night pool time when the lights went out. Fortunately, he wasn't in the pool, which is down a flight of twisty stairs. 
 
Tomorrow afternoon I have my first major medical appointment of the week, an MRI with contrast for a clearer picture. Appreciate your prayers!
 
As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

18 comments

Laurel Wood said...

Oh, the cruise you and Betsy shared sounds like a wonderful experience. I love your fascinator! Once I had a tea party with old college classmates and we each had hats and I found an antique hat from the '50's for my dear mom to wear. The photo of the cave is so gorgeous.
I certainly will remember you in my prayers for your MRI.
I've always wanted to travel to Maine in Autumn. That would be my dream trip!

Susie said...

Carol, You look adorable in your hat. I love it. Glad you had fun times. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks like so much fun! And you do look very good in your hat! Well, Fascinator in British lingo. Thank you for your comment on your health history. I will pray for a good report on the M.R.I. Let's see, what would my dream trip be? Maybe Wales or Hawaii.

Ginny Hartzler said...

P.S. Please let me know your test results whenever you get them.

Anonymous said...

I would love to go on a Viking river cruise with my hubs of 45 plus years, to the Scandinavian countries nice and slow..Praying your MRI will go well..I am mjs from mrs.sampson1@outlook.com!

Chatty Crone said...

First prayers will come tonight. I will never forget yours. It was 5 years ago this past June.

Your fascinator was PERFECT for you. I think taking a smaller cruise would be less stressful than one on a huge cruise ship. Oh and what the beautiful sights you got to witness.

So glad you had a nice time.

Sandie

Maureen V said...

My dream a arion would be Australia I think (or scooking your of Europe ��)

Joyce F said...

Your trip sounds like it was so much fun. Prayers that your MRI brings good results. My dream trip would be to either Scotland or Australia.

Mevely317 said...

You look wonderful in that fascinator, Carol. Oh, but that first photo pulls at my heart-strings. You've no idea how I miss cruising. I'd never heard of that company, but love the idea of more intimate ships.

Have you ever given thought to arranging a blog-buddy cruise?

Mevely317 said...

Well, I certainly don't follow directions very well. (Oops!) Inspired by Buttercup, I'd love to take that Antarctic cruise.
Prayers lifted for a clear MRI!

Deanna Rabe said...

Praying Carol for your test and appointments. God is with you.

I've been to Scotland and would go again in a heartbeat! Thanks for the information about the cruise. I've never cruised but that looks like one I'd like!

The other place I'm longing to visit is England!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

How fun to go on that cruise with your friend and I enjoyed looking at your photos. I love how pretty you look in your new hat!
I would love to visit France.
Good luck today with your MRI and have a nice week.

Terra said...

What a pretty pink fascinator, and those puddings sound scrumptious. My dad always chose smaller cruise ships and I would too, if I ever go on a cruise. I hope your MRI shows the results you want.

It's me said...

What a Great trip carol.....praying for good resultaat MRI ..love love Ria 🙏💕🙏💕🙏💕🙏

Joy said...

I would love to go to New Zealand. I’ve been told it is beautiful. Your trip and food look wonderful

Joy Brady

Little Wandering Wren said...

You're ready for so many things with that fascinator, you'll have to come back Carol for the British Summer season - Royal Ascot, Henley .... you're good to go!
Dream trip ... well there's a few Cuba, Maldives and Canada but I am hoping to get to New York next year for the US Open tennis, that would be cool.
I hope your MRI brings good results.
Wren x

Theresa said...

What a wonderful trip. I know you enjoyed that SO much! My dream trip is a cruise to Alaska. I have looked and started the planning but something always interrupts making it actually happen. Perhaps in 2020. Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I enjoyed your North Sea voyage, Carol. When we came back from Alaska --a bucket list land a.c nd sea voyage--we booked another cruise,in the Adriatic Sea, for next year with our family, so we can all enjoy one together! We are not getting any younger, so we want to enjoy the experience together and fullfil another bucket list dream.