There'll be Bluebirds Over...

Yesterday I awoke with a start at 4.15 AM, and quietly parted the curtains, and lo and behold there in front of me, lit only by the moonlight were those proverbial White Cliffs of Dover. It was too dark to take pictures, in spite of me trying.

By special request, my bride of 47 years gave me an abbreviated version of Vera Lynn's famous song, before tapering off back into her interrupted sleep.

Too bad, I was wide-awake and soon up on deck. Fantastic feeling at 4.30 in the morning slipping into what is as close to 'home' as we can get right now. A clear blue sky was starting to emerge from the blackness. There were very few people up and about even though the kitchen opened at four for a continental breakfast. About 400 passengers were disembarking, and about 250 were making the return trip to New York, via Dublin, and then retrace our steps somewhat.

The ship gradually came to life and the ship was soon docked and we were a bit anxious to get off and see if our cabbie was there ready to take us 'home'.

Dover is a busy ferry and shipping port for cars, trucks and people going to Europe. My last visit to the Port of Dover was in the summer of 1960 when I arrived there after five months wandering around Europe. The youth hostel was on the right of the long line of multi story apartments on the promenade. I walked out of the hostel along the promenade, and hitchhiked to Scotland via Cornwall! One of my objectives after that trip was to find the love of my life, which I did, and 49 years later she was at my side. Isn't life amazing!

Two hours later and we were in familiar grounds and sipping tea in their conservatory. It is nice to go away but it is nice to get into a home setting again

After a stroll around the garden it was time to unpack and settle in. Doug was of course anxious to get his computer up and running. Unfortunately at this time I have to use Ian's computer because of some as-yet known technical problem. Being somewhat obsessive, a little technical challenge like this can take over my life. I will advise you when I have conquered this obstacle. Domestic chores, like laundry were soon happening. It rained so Ian could not cut the grass.

During dinner the discussion inevitably turned to the ship's food. And, how much we ate compared to at home! What is it with us? Darn it is annoying when we sit and chew on a roll or two before and during courses while sailing, and then finish off with a dessert that we never have at home. Short cruises are fine; you can lose the weight in a hurry. Try doing that for a few months though. Ugly results I tell you.

A great night's sleep, up at six and on the way to a solution to my computer issue, first a call to Craig, then to do the blog, then.......