Tuesday, 17th March, at sea 13 degrees, dull.

There was not the usual early rise this morning as there is no 9.00 a.m. ukulele. Even so, we were still on deck just after 7.00 to see the sun rise.

Which was all very well on that side of the ship. The other side was pretty dreary!

So the timings moved on, breakfast then back to the cabin to shower and change to a Bridge playing outfit and putting an iron over my concert ensemble – bright colours they wanted and bright colours they will get!!

Bridge was an absolute delight (!?!).- four words that I never thought I would ever say in relation to my Bridge playing. It was a delight because there was no additional learning, just using what we knew and we just played and I did not do too badly! Even got a ‘good’ from Maria and teacher. Unheard of!

Then it was a bit of packing before going to the theatre for sound tests and general organisation which was a bit drawn out. Then back to the cabin to change into concert wear and then back to the theatre and it was time to start. My supporters were there which was very kind of them and in the event the whole thing was fine. Although it was better than last time, I don’t think playing in front of an audience is for me….. but I think the audience enjoyed it. (Yes we did. It was great fun. Ed)

The players all adjourned upstairs to the Crows Nest and I had another cocktail. For a girl who has never been into cocktails I think I have taken to them rather readily during the last three months!!! Today’s was a ginger and peach concoction and I was pleased to be able to buy Lyn a drink to toast a job well done! I owed her one from some time ago.

Back in the cabin it was packing in earnest. It is a bit difficult to get the timing right as the bags have to be outside our cabins between 12 noon and late afternoon tomorrow, leaving you with only an overnight bag.

Then of course it was a dressing up night! It is all go here! Abandoning the packing we duly got ourselves together and went off to eat all dressed up. We took the bottle of Cremant that we had brought on board with us and haven’t got around to drinking to share with our chums on the table. It was one of our jollier nights. The dinner table group have definitely added to our enjoyment of the trip.

After all this excitement we adjourned to a bit more packing and eventually ground to a halt. We will do the final bits tomorrow. There is both ukulele and Bridge but we will see whether we get to either or both of them or not when tomorrow comes.