Dear Readers, well, after a relaxing sojourn, I sit at my desk once more.  Whilst on my leave, I am always tempted to post, if only for the mere purpose of letting you know I’m stiil out there, 🙂  however I am not one for ‘social media’; I do not have a Facebook account, nor Twitter, the exception being Instagram, where I post although that is, more often than not, about shipboard life. 

After disembarking at the end of the Grand World voyage and arriving home, I unpacked my suitcase and immediately packed a smaller one; having to fly the next day to Holland for a Captain’s meeting; a 3-day conference during which several Captains from the HAL Group and senior executives enjoyed some interesting and enlightening discussions.

I write as we head north, on an Alaskan itinerary and this week, (6 days actually), we have a charter and a change from our normal 7-day itinerary.  We left Seattle yesterday, having spent an ‘overnight’ alongside and departing on a Monday, (instead of our usual Sunday). Tomorrow we cruise through the scenic area of Tracy Arm, although ice reports suggest it is impassable at the moment, icebergs blocking the passage.  An alternative, Endicott Arm, (they both share the same entrance) may be feasible, the ice reports are more optimistic there.  2 o’clock tomorrow and all will be revealed.

I know that many of you take an interest in our family and, as this is the first post for a while, I will take the opportunity for some catch-up (and post a photo or two).  Elizabeth, Violet’s mum, is expecting again and Violet will have a little sister around the 2nd week of December.  In the meantime, Olly, Emily and Violet are growing all too fast.

Olly, Emily and Violet contest their ‘screaming’ skills on a hot day.

Emily enjoying a dip, (in a bigger pool) 🙂

Olly at his school prize-giving. He is excelling and won ‘Pupil of the year’ and ‘Most enthusiastic pupil of 2016’

I couldn’t resist putting this one in.  I’m sure that you too have children and grandchildren who are fixated with Disney’s Frozen.  Violet is no exception and adores singing along.  🙂

Mountains of matter to catch up on, so I’ll leave you and get back to “affairs of State”, I would rather stay here, however i’m sure you know how that goes…….