Cruising through life

We had a lovely time on the Queen Elizabeth.  The train journey down to Southampton was smooth and we didn’t have to wait too long before we could board. Our room was lovely and we thought it was bigger than the room that we had on the Queen Mary.  Service was very slow on the first night but after I complained we were the first to be served on the second night.  The weather was glorious in Southampton but when we were at sea on day 2 it was windy and I wished I had brought a coat.  The food was very good but not mind blowing and we both thought that although it was step up from the Costa cruise it was not a patch on the Queen Mary.  But we still had a great couple of days and it was a bonus getting time sightseeing in Hamburg.  A worthwhile trip and thanks to my lovely husband for booking it for me.

I felt sorry for Phil starting work on Thursday especially after a Wednesday night out with the boys but he didn’t complain and I think he was quite looking forward to it.  The money will certainly come in handy and at least he’s not doing full time.  3 days a week fits in perfect for going to the caravans at the weekends.  It was strange not having Phil under my feet in the flat and I had loads to do on Thursday which I struggled to do in the heat.  I did a quick work out in the gym, did a big shop in Asda then spent the afternoon washing and ironing.  

Phil has finally decided that he is going to diet and be serious about it this time.  Rexam gave him vouchers for the van so he can get a sandwich and fruit for lunch and then I will do him something light for dinner.  It was so hot that he was happy with a tuna salad but I am going to have come up with different dishes otherwise he will get bored.  I seem to lose my appetite completely in the heat so maybe I will lose a couple of pounds with Phil.  We did a weigh in on Friday morning and will do the same once a week.  Anal that I am, I weight myself every morning.

I went to the gym again on Friday morning, I almost didn’t make it because there was a Jehovah Witness conference at the stadium and it was a nightmare with the traffic.  I persevered even though at one point I felt like turning round and going home.    Danielle, a new hairdresser that Harriet has been having come round at 11am to do me mesh highlights and a cut.  She was a very nice down-to-earth girl and seemed to know what she was doing.  She suggested that I had a ‘Frankie from the Saturday Girls’ cut and I said okay as long it makes me look younger.  Unfortunately I didn’t really like the finished result; Harriet said she liked it when she came round for lunch but Phil took the mickey when he got home from work.  Sue didn’t like it when she first saw me but then said the cut would grow on her.  At the end of the day, it’s only hair and will soon grow back.

I have been really spoilt for my birthday, not only did I get lots of nice cards and pressies, but Sue treated me along with Phil & Brian for a lunch cruise on The Thames.  This was a little naughty as she’d also taken us all out for a meal at The Blue Orchid on my actually birthday.  Sue picked us up and we caught the 9.46 train to Euston.  The London Midland train was packed and I didn’t think at first we’d get a seat but we managed to get 4 seats together and got to London by half ten.

Sue insisted on getting and paying for a taxi to Tower Pier, talk about being spoiled, it was a pleasant journey and we were soon at our destination.  After all the hot weather we’ve been having it was a bit of shame on Saturday it was a bit windy and cloudy.  We had to wait for half an hour or so for our boat but were the first 4 to board.  We asked to get our table changed but before we left the pier 2 other guests sat by the empty table by us but it wasn’t a big deal.  It was a little unfortunate that the guide commentary didn’t kick in until half way through our trip.  

The commentary was interesting but very loud.  We ordered wine and enjoyed a two course lunch.  The main course was chicken in a mushroom sauce with new potatoes and vegetables.  And very nice it was too.  The dessert was melt in the middle chocolate with raspberries.  Sue doesn’t really do chocolate and it was a little too sweet for me but Phil was only too happy to finish off mine.  

The original plan was to find a bar by the river but as it wasn’t sunny we decided to head to Euston and get the train home.  Brian only had one glass of wine so he drove us all back to Sue’s where we had cheese and biscuits and even more wine.  It was fun and we were lucky because the sun came out late afternoon.  We had a giggle as Sue got paper and pens and we all decided to do our bucket lists.  Thinking of 10 things to do before you die sounds morbid after a booze cruise but it was a right laugh. 

Interesting how all of our lists differed but variety is the spice of life and it would be bloody boring if we wanted to do the same things.  Of course,Phil & Sue’s bucket list were the most ambitious, mine wasn’t that outrageous and Brian’s list was probably the most achievable.  He didn’t seem to want to do very much before he pops his clogs but maybe he’s done it all?  The evening ended up with singing and dancing and it was almost dark by the time we got back to the flat.  Thank you Susie Sue (once again) for a great day.  Be warned though, I will get you back!!

We had planned to go to the caravan and spend the day and the evening. Harriet had planned to come over with Billy but then she cancelled and so we decided to stay in MK.  Phil had computer stuff he needed to do and I really should have gone to the gym but I was too lazy.  We pottered in the flat and then walked down to The Giffard where we met Harriet & Billy for a late lunch.  Billy is moving in with Harriet this week so we wanted to celebrate their commitment.  We both like Billy and so me and Phil are very pleased.  I think their plan is to save a deposit and buy a 2 bed.

Billy was busy helping a mate move house so it was only our Harriet that turned up for the lunch.  The Giffard wasn’t busy and we were in a chilled out mode so just a shame that we had to wait over an hour and a half for lunch.  I tried to blag a freebie but in the end I only got freebie garlic bread, but the food when it arrived was fine.  

Our afternoon was quiet, Phil caught up with paperwork and I did some research for our next cruise.  We leave Dover on the 3^rd of August and sail with Holland America to the Norwegian Fjords.  This trip isn’t about us, it’s all for Phil’s mum.  The Norwegian Fjords are meant to take your breath away; I am not fussed if it doesn’t take my breath away but fingers crossed it does something for mum. Not take her breath away literally, but I really do hope it gives her some joy and something of a way to look forward to a future without George. Fingers crossed………….