Adawn47

We were in a similar situation as Balmoral on Adonia in 2015. We were caught in cyclone in the Med and it damaged the stabilisers. Managed to finally get them repaired in Lisbon. Perhaps that could explain her slow and erratic course diversion to Bilbao. Avril

When I began in customer relations the rude and obnoxious people I came into contact with were very rare, so much so that they were a talking point in the staff room. As I came towards retirement age the reverse was true, not only were they rude but some could be quite threatening too. I'm not saying they are all the same, I've dealt with some lovely people recently too, just not as many as I used to. Avril

That MBear2, is the perfect example of todays customer relations and bad manners. All my working life has been in customer relations, and would never dream of speaking to a customer in that manner no matter what.😲 I despair, I really do😒 Avril

It must be the bin washing tips I've given him😁 Avril

You beat me to it zap🙄 Great minds and all that😉 Avril

I've sussed it. I think🤔 Google the wrinkley fruits name and then forum.😉 It has a stutter😁 Avril

Not too bad a day here, 12c and sunny. I must finish planting the rest of the spring bulbs today as it looks to be the last decent day for a while. A very Happy Birthday to @Presto2 and bro @brian1 I hope you both have a lovely day.🥂 I see @kalos is conspicuous by his absence again, maybe off on another jaunt. On the subject of absence, where is @wowzz? I find myself thinking about him more often and look for his name each time I log in. I'm really seriously worried now, but unfortunately there's absolutely nothing we can do.😟 Avril

Well they certainly don't want me. We've tried on four separate occasions to have a coach tour of Scotland and each time it was cancelled a few weeks before departure. As you say, point taken😏 Avril

You're an early riser this morning Graham. Avril

I applaud your DW's positivity Zap👏 Such a pity she's due to be disappointed😒 Avril

A very Happy Birthday to @grapau27 and @Splice the mainbrace I hope you both have a lovely day. Relax, spoil yourselves and raise a glasss or two🥂 Avril

Or that they won't roll off the plate during choppy seas. Avril

I've found him! he blends into the covers nicely😁 Sis

I think you might find that there's a slight difference between Aurora and Barnsley.😉 I'm pleased you liked the beautiful Aurora. She's still a classy lady even if a bit worn around the edges. But then aren't we all as we age?😁 Avril

I understand that Sue. My Mum had mini strokes and couldn't be left alone. When something like this hits you out of the blue it throws your orderly daily routine up in the air. After a few days of frustration I learned that the only way to navigate through it sanely, for me at least, was to not look at the whole picture and to deal with one issue at a time. You will get through this Sue, you'll find your own way, but as I said before do not neglect you own health in the process. Take care.xx Avril

I'm so sorry to learn of your very sad news this morning Sue. My sincerest condolences to both you and your family. This will be a very busy and stressful time you at the moment, but please, please find the time take care of yourself too. It's so easy to let your own health and mental wellbeing fall by the wayside. I have been in the same situation as you are in now, not only dealing with all the arrangements, but also bringing Mum home to live with us and making sure she was comfortable and well. Take care and stay strong Sue, we're all here for you as and when you need us. xx Avril Just a thought Sue. Won't John's firm allow him a little compassionate leave?

That's wonderful news Josy. The best place to be, in familiar surroundings amongst family. and friends. I hope you all have a lovely weekend together. Avril

So true. My mum's was different than the custard version though. She'd soak the bread in milk then mix in dried fruit, sugar, beaten egg, mixed spice and softened butter. Press the whole lot into a buttered dish, dot with butter and bake. It was more like a stodgey cake than a pudding. Lovely with 'proper' custard.😋 I've tried to make them in the past, but they never turn out the same. I wish I'd taken more notice at the time. Avril

They have them on Amazon too. Avril

Have you tried Niederegger dark chocolate coated marzipan chocolates Graham? They are amazing. I buy a 750g box as a treat for us over Christmas. They're expensive. but well worth every penny, and after all, it is only once a year.☺️ Avril

The house always smells gorgeous at this time of year with all the pre-christmas baking going on. As well as nuts I put washed, halved glace cherries in my mincemeat too. I leave out the candid peel and add extra fruit and nuts. I end up with a chunky mincemeat that we all love.That's the beauty of making your own. Avril

I make my own marzipan too, but add a little Disaronno. My christmas cake also benefits from a good feeding of it too. 😋 Avril

I've used Delia's mincemeat and christmas pudding recipe for years. It's become a custom now for Christmas. Avril

I also put a piece of marzipan in some of the mince pies too for the marzipan addicts. Namely me😋 Avril

I use vegetable suet for mine. Avril