Hide and seek

On Saturday night we had a little visitor to our yarden. The baby seagull from nest number one.

After having a good look around it tried to fly out of the yarden but couldn't. It was still at the stage where it needed a long runway to take off.

It was so pitiful watching it trying to fly but only ending up a couple of feet off the ground.

We knew we couldn't leave it in the yarden as Maxi and Ruby, Sandra our neighbours new cats, like to play in our yarden, and they are known of chasing birds.

John ran round to the back of the house and opened both garage doors then very slowly opened the yarden door to allow the seagull to escape.

The seagull was having none of it and hid behind the yarden door. I tried to entice it out by throwing it some biscuits but it wasn't interested. His mum mustn't have weaned him off regurgitated fish and onto seagulls staple diet of fish and chips, sandwiches and ice-cream.....

John tried to persuade it to move by gently shaking an old shaggy mop close to it but instead of moving forward, the seagull moved sideways and went though a tiny gap between the garage wall and the shed. Wonderful !!!!!

We could hear it moving behind the shed but as the shed was pushed right up against the party wall, there was no way we could get at it. Because Bruce the Christmas tree and Eric the Hosta were on the other side of the shed, and in huge tubs, there was no way they could be moved or for the seagull to get out that way. It would have to come out the way it came in.

As it was getting late we decided to leave it for the night as the poor thing had been stressed out enough. We closed the dinning room curtains so the light wouldn't frighten it and hoped the cats didn't come and visit their playground.....

John knew that I wouldn't settle until it was safely out so began to think of ways the shed could be moved. I was mightily relieved when I opened the dining room curtains yesterday morning to see the baby seagull sitting on the kitchen door step. There were several dirty footprint marks on the dining room window so it had tried again to fly away.

Once again John ran round to the back of house and after opening the garage and the yarden doors, moved his car to the front of the house

The baby seagull slowly walked through the yarden door then out into the back lane. Whilst John was closing the garage door he notice mum and dad seagull gathered around their chick and started squawking. No doubt it was getting a right telling off for being out all night.....

The baby seagull seems to have recovered from his little adventure and is still exploring the roof tops and back lane, but mum and dad are keeping a very watchful eye on him now.

Marie

Home !!

Yes folks, we're home. This is the final Veranda View. Generally the bigger the location the worse the view. What you are seeing is the dock area to the west of Venice city centre.

The last night began with cocktails at 6pm with Kathy & Jim, our neighbours. We then enjoyed an excellent dinner with them and finally made a tour of the lounge and bar to say goodbye to the bartenders and the band.

We left the ship and 10 am and were in Marco Polo Airport 30 minutes later. It's a small airport and there were two cruise ships disembarking passengers. Ours was small but the other was HUGE, so the airport was crowded. And they don't let you check in until two hours before your flight. So we milled around for over an hour before heading to check-in, where the luggage belt stopped working. All we can say is thank goodness we took up the offer of business class flights. Fast track check-in makes life so much easier when you travel with a wheelchair.

Poor Wizzy, Marie’s wheelchair was festooned with five labels. A normal baggage label, a “transfer at terminal five” label, a priority label because we were business, a special assistance label and a large label that said “return to aircraft door”. You heard earlier how this worked at Barcelona. It nearly didn't at Heathrow, until the aircraft Captain, no less went rummaging in the hold, returning triumphantly with Wizzy.

The BA staff told us that they are dreading the Para-Olympics because Heathrow are so poor at getting wheelchairs out of aircraft. I also wish someone would train them in the right way to pick up a wheelchair without pulling it apart.

No matter we had Wizzy but had to dash because we were late leaving Venice, a knock on effect of early morning fog. We made the flight and when we got to Newcastle, there was Wizzy, waiting for us. Some airports get it right, in particular Newcastle and Barcelona, so why can't Heathrow.

Anyway, we arrived home at about 7pm, tired but in one piece, and with all our luggage. SO would be do it again. We've already paid the deposit ...

Last Day

Sadly this is our last day and we're going home tomorrow.

This morning the ship sailed in to Venice, passing right across the front of St Marks Square, so this mornings Veranda View is a bit special.

Once we had been cleared by customs and the rest, we took the vaporetto (water bus) right through the city to St Marks, then after a good look around, we took another long ride back. By this time it was almost five, and we're meeting our neighbours in the bar for cocktails at six, so we'll leave you with a few pictures of the city while we go and get ready.

Hvar Hvar Hvar

We're anchored off the island of Hvar which is off the mainland of Croatia. Hvar appears to be the holiday resort of the area. This is today's Veranda View.

Last night we finally found out how you pronounce Hvar. You say it just as it's spelled except that you do so with a kind of Daffy Duck lisp.

We didn't go ashore, preferring to stay on board instead. Quite honestly there isn't a lot to see on the island. The main attraction for cruise ships are things like off-roading, sea kayaking and snorkeling. It was also very hot, reaching 102 degrees at lunchtime. So we sat by the pool this morning and sat on our veranda drinking champagne this afternoon. I know, it's hard.

Funny thing this morning, we went out on deck and found the pool had a slope to it. Ideal for water skiing.

Tonight is the Captains farewell party. Actually we've another full day and night to go but this is a formal event so we have it before everyone has packed.

Off for a shower now, but look out for the final blog from Venice tomorrow.

Hot in Croatia

After a day off from blogging we're back. Yesterday was an at-sea day where we did very little. It was a bit windy in the morning, and the sea had a bit of a swell on it but this didn't prevent a tour of the bridge in the morning. By afternoon it was very hot. So much so that the ice carving demonstration by the pool had to be abandoned. As soon as they took the covers off the ice blocks the heat shock caused them to crack. Finally last night we had dinner with Marina, the guest relations manager.

Today we're in Dubrovnik. We're on the side of the ship away from land, so this is today's Veranda view.

On the other side of the ship is the suspension bridge leading to Mokosica.

We took the bus into the old town, which made a very pleasant morning, if a little warm. Make that a lot warm.

It's very impressive how they can have modern shops yet keep the character of the town. Whats more you wouldn't know how much of the area was damaged in the fighting just a few years ago (except that most of the roof tiles look brand new …).

And finally did I say it was warm. 87 degrees at a quarter past five ...

Lipari

It's another day at anchor today, this time at Lipari, off the cost of Sicily. We were on the land side, just a mile or two from the shore. This is today’s Veranda View, the cathedral of St Bartholomew.

We took the tender ashore, which is interesting when you are travelling with a wheelchair. As you might expect the crew were experts and we landed (and returned) with no major dramas. Of course it helped that the sea was flat calm.

The town has a beautiful waterfront, behind which are a maze of narrow streets dull of shops selling local fruit & vegetables and all the usual souvenirs. We didn't stay long because the temperature was in the 90's and by the time we got back we were soaked in sweat.

We did however find an interesting place to eat, should the cruise not have been all-inclusive.

Must dash now for a shower. We're meeting folks in the bar for pre-dinner drinks at 6.pm.

Hot Rocks

Today we're anchored just off Sorrento. Being a popular cruise destination (it's the nearest port to the ruins of Pompei) you often find you have company. So today's Veranda View includes a ship from the other small ship cruise line. It's not as nice as ours, no verandas.

Last night we told you we were dining with our neighbours, Kathy & Jim, both school teachers from Colorado. The Hot Rock dining experience is just that. They bring a slab of basalt heated to 500 Celsius to your table, with various cuts of meat, fish and prawns and you cook them yourself.

The “restaurant” was on the pool deck, and at 7:30 in the evening it was like a summers day back home. All in all it was a great evening. The food was excellent and so was the company.

This morning Marie went off the the spa. The cruise comes with $1000 on-board credit which pays for our internet time, purchases from the shops, and spa treatments. So far Marie has had a manicure and a facial, and bought some perfume. While she was in the spa I took a walk round the ship and found the pool deck deserted. It was like having your own private yacht. Seems like everyone was either ashore, or having a late breakfast.

Tomorrow we are in Lipari, an island off the north-west tip of Sicily, but for now here are a couple of pictures of our home for the next few days.

Corsica to the left, Sardinia to the right

We're at sea today so this mornings veranda view isn't terribly exciting. The little dot on the horizon is a tanker, seen end-on.

Things got a little more exciting just after lunch (just a hot dog and fries from the poolside grill, since you asked) when we passed through the Straits of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia. The gap looks to be five miles or more so I'm afraid you will have to look hard to spot the land.

We did our watching from the newly installed observation lounge which is at the front of the ship, above the bridge.

In other news Marie visited the spa yesterday for a manicure and tonight we're dining with our neighbours, at the outdoor restaurant. This is called the Hot Rock and they really do give you a large, flat, very hot stone and cook your meal right in front of you.

More news tomorrow when we reach Sorrento.

The ship in the street

We're in Sete today. It's a fishing port where the Canal du Midi joins the Mediterranean. But before that, today's Veranda View. We're on the seaward side so it's of the port, and a ferry just arriving from Palermo. It's called the Fantastic.

But back to today. We had a stroll round town, and Marie bought some fabric. Note for Jenny, it's got CATS on it. On the way back to the ship we stopped and took a photograph of the ship on the street. Not everyday we park among the cars.

We're at sea all day tomorrow, during which time we will squeeze through the little gap between Corsica and Sardinia, before we arrive at Sorrento on Monday morning.

Tonight is the Captains cocktail reception and it's formal dress, so I had better get off now and try to remember how to fasten a bow tie ...

Heathrow 0, Barcelona 1

When you disembark from an aircraft have you noticed that travelers with children have their buggies brought from the hold ready to use. It's supposed to happen that way with wheelchairs but our experience is that it doesn't happen. Yesterday at Heathrow we were told that Wizzy, Marie's wheelchair would be waiting, but there was no loader available to get it so “to save time” we would have to collect it from the baggage claim area. So, we spent 20 minutes being taken in a Heathrow wheelchair then waited another 30 before we were finally reunited with Wizzy.

Today at Barcelona was a different story. We always wait until last before we disembark, and as we left, there was Wizzy, waiting for us. So why oh why can't Heathrow get it right.

On the plus side, WE'VE ARRIVED. We're on the ship, meeting old friends, and I mean the crew, from previous cruises.

The cruise terminal at Barcelona is a busy place. There are at least six ships in. We're next to the P & O ship, Adonia.

It's just after four so I must dash. Lifeboat drill and safety lecture at five, then cocktails on the pool deck at six as we set sail.

More tomorrow.

John

WE'RE ON OUR WAY

The BOGOF household have officially started their holiday. I'm writing this in the BA business lounge at Newcastle Airport. It's a nice light airy room with friendly, helpful staff. It has free wi-fi, snacks, tea/coffee, soft drinks and all the alcohol you could drink, should a weary traveler chose to do so.

Today we're off to Heathrow, on the 18:25. We're staying over near the airport and tomorrow we take the 8:30 to Barcelona where we board our ship. The weather in Barcelona today is 28 Celsius and sunny. At home it's barely into double figures and raining. Really raining.

We should be on the ship by 1pm tomorrow. To say we are excited doesn't do justice to the word. We're REALLY EXCITED.

John

Newsround

So what's been happening recently in the BOGOF household.

Jan, Andy and Jenny came up for a long weekend over the Jubilee bank holiday. No Chris sadly, as he was on a stag weekend.

Saturday evening we treated (or inflicted....) them to a sit down meal of individual beef Wellington and a chocolate torte for desert. Both were very nice indeed.

Sunday morning we all went to the Metro Centre. Jan and Jenny know my fear of clothes shopping so volunteered to find me some tops for our cruise. We had only been in M&S for a few minutes when they had already found me five things.

We met up with the boys then went for lunch in a lovely Chinese restaurant in the Mediterranean Village part of the Metro Centre.

There was still some food and drink left from the Sunday nights buffet so they went home with little doggy bags. I even made one for Chris containing all his favourite buffet food.

The countdown to our cruise is ticking away merrily. To say we're excited is an understatement !!!!!!

Marie

Holiday wardrobe - sorted

As I mentioned in the last blog on Bank Holiday Monday we went to Matalan to look for some holiday clothes.

Given the disappointing expedition to the Metro Centre I wasn’t expecting to find anything.

So I was over the moon when I kept seeing things that I actually liked !!!!

Two pairs of trousers and six tops made it to the changing room – but only one top made it to the checkout.

I hate to see rolls of fat showing through fabric either on myself or other people, and as I’m a cousin of the Michelin Man, that’s what was happening in five of the tops.

It looked like I was going to have to do some sewing when I remembered that there were still a couple of tops in the loft. When we went on our cruise last year I hadn’t taken them all with us so they escaped being damaged by the sun screen.

I also found in my sewing box a couple of shirts I’d started making last year but hadn’t quite finished because they were a little tight around the waist. As I’ve lost a little bit of weight since then they now fit.

Cinders, you shall go on the cruise….

Marie

So much to choose from

In six weeks and four days time (I’m not counting……) we’re off on a cruise again. Yippee !!!!

Normally when it comes to packing I would simply load the case up with the summer tops I’d made previously. Thanks to Boots, not this time however (see June 20^th 2011 ‘Bootiful’ blog).

I’ve already bought the fabric to replace the damaged tops but have decided for this year only not to make any.

As I’ve got a stomach that the Michelin Man would be proud of, I’m going to have to re-design the pattern I use for the tops to allow for this. Because my aim is to reduce my spare tyre I thought I’d just buy some tops for this year and keep the fabric for when I’ve (hopefully) got a flatter tum.

We went to the Metro Centre yesterday to do some holiday shopping and all I thought I had to do was go into M&S and BHS and I’d come away with all the tops I needed.

Shake of head.

I came away with one. Ok, I did buy another two but they were t-shirts so that didn’t count….

Tomorrow we’re off to Matalan to see if I can find anything there, however I’m not hopefully.

The problem is I find shopping for clothes terrifying. I’ve no idea what clothes suites me as I permanently live in joggers and baggy t-shirts. There’s so much to choose from that after a while they all start to look the same.

I suspect that I may be having to get my sewing machine out after all !!!!

Marie

Reporting in

Now that the 'recipe of the week' has taken a break, I thought I better put fingers to the keypad and say hello.

So what's been happening in the BOGOF household. Hardly anything really.

Things on the medical front are pretty quiet. I've been trying to find an orthopaedic consultant who's willing to have a go at my hip. However as soon as they read my 'War and Peace' notes, they run away scared.

At the beginning of this month I was due to have surgery on my hand for my carpal tunnel syndrome. However that's on hold until occupational therapy and physiotherapy can stop fighting over who's responsible for arranging help for me to walk. Until they stop their squabbling I can't have the op done....

It's only seven weeks till our cruise. Yippee !!!!

That, I'm afraid, is all the news I can think of. We do lead such exciting lives.....

Marie

Recipe of the week – Sausage koftas

If you can’t find sausage meat, simply remove the skin from ordinary sausages. They are delicious hot or cold*.

Makes 20

• 1lb of pork sausage meat
• 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce/jelly
• 20 rashers of bacon, de-rined and cut in half vertically
• Black pepper

Pre-heat the grill to medium. Put some wooden skewers into cold water to soak for at least 20 minutes.

Put the sausage meat, cranberry sauce and black pepper into a bowl. Mix well with your fingers to combine.

Divide the mix into 20 pieces and mould each piece into a sausage shape.

Take two of the cut strips of bacon and one of the sausage shapes and wrap one strip of the bacon around the sausage. With the other strip of bacon wrap a criss-cross pattern around the sausage. Repeat until all 20 pieces have been wrapped in bacon.

Push the kotfas onto the skewers then cook under the grill for 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally until the bacon is crisp and the sausage meat is cooked.

Don’t worry if you don’t have any skewers, simply put the individual koftas onto a grill pan and cook as before.

All the weights are in ‘old money’. If you want them in Metric, you’ll have to convert it yourself….

*’recipe of the week’ is taking a short break but will be back soon with lots more yummies