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.