Hi everyone
I’m finally over that winter lurgy that so many people have had in the UK. It was a two week thing and I’m glad to see the back of it. Sadly my other half (Bill) is unwell now but so many people have these winter colds and coughs.
And now the weather! As you know the UK doesn’t get extreme weather but at the moment the weather is not exactly helping our wellbeing as the predominant factor is a cloud covered sky with very little sun. Everything feels very grey.
But how are all of you especially in other parts of the northern hemisphere? The media tells us about the exceedingly cold weather in the States and floods in parts of Europe. While we’ve not had the extreme cold temperatures that are around in the States the UK has had almost continuous rain for days and days. In fact it has rained somewhere in the UK every single day since the beginning of the year, and there are places in the UK that haven’t had any sun for nearly 3 weeks, which must be truly grim. Here in the south we have had several glimpses of a watery sun, but thereafter more rain is forecast for several days. I do feel for those who live in areas close to rivers as there is much flooding happening and expected in the UK.
I don’t apologise for banging on about it, but this weather we are having has to be caused by Climate Change. Winters in my youth were far less wet and windy and were much, much colder. If you haven’t done so already do look at my reviews of 2 books that are based in a post-Climate Change world which, after the flooding, leaves England as an archipelago
To cheer myself up and to have something to look forward to, we recently booked a cruise. As we didn’t go on one last year, this feels as though it’s going to be such a treat. I love everything to do with cruises, although I have to say I will only go on one of the better cruise lines (Saga) mainly because of their exceptionally high standards and the fact that their ships cater only for 999 people. If that sounds a lot, there’s always of feeling of plenty of space and I can definitely say that I have never felt overwhelmed by people on the Saga ships. For instance, there are never any queues for meals. That number of people is just perfect, and don’t forget there are some hideously large ships that cater for up to 7000 people. Jeepers that must be like going on holiday with a small town!
I will, at some point, show you the clothes I’ll wear in the evening especially as I have decided to not wear the fancy long cruise dresses that I have collected over the years, instead I intend to wear slightly more interesting items like my lovely black, slightly goth and swishy skirts that I have but don’t wear because I just can’t find an occasion to wear them. These will be paired with my black boots and interesting tops.
For day wear I will need very adaptable, layered clothing, as the cruise is in May and we are going, of course, where else (!) to my most favourite country in the world – Norway! And May could be warm, it could also be really cold and it will certainly rain. I remember that one cruise in September of 2012, and again in June 2016, it snowed at one of the ports and every single day was cold. However since then Norway has felt unnaturally warm, but even so, you have to be ready for 4 seasons of weather in one day.
Here is one outfit I have concocted for day wear.
This is a new M&S pair of pants, along with an M&S white zipped wool cardi.
Underneath the cardigan, if it is cold, I shall wear a long sleeved top. If it is warm, it will be a short-sleeved tee. Likewise, if warm, the pants will be worn as is, and if cold, I shall wear thermal tights under the pants.
Note the long length of the leg.
This has to be because of the new trend for very wide trousers and a leg that trails right down past the shoe. I know about this because I bought my 19yr-old grandson a pair of jeans for Christmas and although he is 6’1″ I was told the jeans had to be long. To his delight the trouser leg of his jeans I’d bought trailed over his shoes. Not sure about that part of the trend as if you have walked behind any youngster in the street you will see that long leg trailing almost onto the pavement – and getting thoroughly wet!
Although I’ve always hated wearing a cropped pant and like the legs of jeans and trousers to be long – I admit these are a tad too long. I think I shall shorten them by one inch.
That’s all for now, but do tell us all what you do to cheer yourself up through the cold and/or wet winter days?
With love, Penny
I’m with on Norway Penny. My favourite country in the world too. And I’ve been to a good few!
I’m loving the cosy zip top. It looks stylish and practical at the same time. Win win.
The weather in the north east of England has been wet and soggy for weeks. That’s quite unusual for us. We normally have a lot of bright cold days with blues skies in winter but hardly a glimpse of that this year.
We’ve yet to take the plunge on the cruise front but, fingers crossed, hoping OH will be well enough to book something soon. It’s so important to have something to look forward to in these grim grey days.
Norway is just so beautiful and also I feel so very much at home when I go there. As my DNA is 75% Highlands and Islands that makes sense. I’m watching the Olympics at the moment just to see the snow and blue sky.
If you do ever go on a cruise you might, at first, think Saga expensive but so much is included in the price – health insurance for one (incredibly important as we age and have these issues) and amongst many other things – they pick you up from your door! Yes, even people living in Scotland! No other cruise line does that, so it’s Saga for ever for me.
Thanks Pamela 🙂
Sounds great! Something fun to look forward to.
It is so good to have something to look forward to. Thanks Nancy 🙂
Exciting to know you have a cruise in the diary – always good to have something to look forward to during this crap weather – and particularly since it’s to Norway and you had to cancel last year.
There’s something to be said about going back or having a repeat holiday: no wasting time working out where things are etc… just straight into your favourite interests.
We’ve also got a little treat in May but nearer to home – London: the Marriott at County Hall: a walk back in time when we were in and out in Ken’s days, and an opportunity to celebrate my birthday with friends.
I like the jumper/jacket very much: smart casual and versatile. I shall be interested in seeing your evening outfits. I’m very impressed that you’ve worked out what you’re going to wear already. I just about know what I’m wearing today. Emoji I’m with you on over long trousers: “ridiculous style” – I hear my mothers voice in my head. Trouser lengths seem to be very varied. I notice baggy shorter (on the ankle) also seem popular at the moment. Call me old fashion: resting on the shoe works for me.
Best wishes to you and to Bill for a speedy recovery.
Mary
Yes, we’ve been to all 3 of the Norwegian ports and I am looking forward to going to them again. One, Skolden, is at the end of a very beautiful fjord – can’t wait to see that again. There are also included excursions and I have booked ones that will take us to new areas.
Just looked at the Marriot County Hall – wow, Mary. What a place, what a hotel, but it must bring back many happy memories.
I really don’t like cropped trousers but the latest current trend, of billowingly wide legs and far too long a leg, no thanks!
Thanks so much for the good wishes Mary, hope you too have completely recovered 🙂
Very trendy trousers, bit tempted!! I have been looking at cruises – still determined to see the Northern Lights. Nothing booked yet as we already have 3 holidays lined up. Feeling a bit short changed with the weather. They promised an arctic blast and snow, but it’s only happening in thr North. Grrr
If you are tempted to buy those trousers beware, this was a regular size but sooo long, and if you look closely at the photo of them on the M&S website they do trail over the shoe. So for you, I’d say get the extra short.
The weather is miserable so it is important to have something to look forward to. If you do want the Northern Lights I’d recommend Saga as they do 2 trips up to the Northern part of Norway, but also investigate the Norwegian ferries Havilla and Hurtigruten which cater for people doing the entire trip up and back. They do advertise complete trips but are also acting as ferries and they go to every single port you could think of – far more than any cruise company. It’s a once in a lifetime trip.
Thanks Gail 🙂
So exciting! I booked my trip to Arizona to visit Jodie and her husband and it is so nice to have a fun trip to look forward to. I am hoping to book our family vacation for June soon, if my husband gives me an OK for which destination we shall go. I am thinking Colorado… I have not bought any track pants but I sure like how you styled yours. Comfortable and put together. I did go to TJmaxx this week and bought a few things on clearance: 2 things for summer which were really marked down and 2 for now (not so marked down but I really liked them!). Thankfully our weather hasn’t been that extreme and we are getting a lot of sun. I did see though that the town I lived in France was having trouble with strong winds uprooting trees.
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Parts of Europe have had huge storms and much flooding. We really have had some rotten weather but not the extreme cold you’ve had in the States. But how lovely to be having a lot of sun where you are.
Thinking about holidays/vacations is always a fun thing to do. And I do love thinking about cruise outfits: first the day outfits as you can’t slouch around in any old thing and then the evening gear – that’s such fun.
Thanks Mireille 🙂
I am glad that you are feeling better Penny and hope Bill will soon be fine too. The cruise sounds wonderful. I was in Norway in 2019. Only for a day but it was a beautiful city. Part of a cruise to the Baltic nations , Scandinavia, Estonia, Finland, Russia and Germany. It was great to be able to see all these places but it was on of those large ships and the4re just too many people. Still I am happy I had the opportunity. I took two cruises with Viking, much smaller ships and so far fewer people. So far have planned our family summer vacation with my daughter and son in law to Chincoteague as we have done for years. I was wondering where you sail from when you go on your cruises?
I have to say this has been a harsh winter here in New York. We had a major snow storm and weeks of below freezing temperatures. There were a number of days where I did not leave my house. This Wednesday it felt so good to actually take a walk.
I do like your track style pants. I just received a catalog from lands End and they have a pair that I was interested in but I have to check that they come ibn my size. They would be be more comfortable than jeans or leggings, more stylish too. Socially this has been a quiet season, that said, I am getting together tomorrow with a few women friends to celebrate “Galentines” day. Love from New York, Darby
Yes, we are better, and moreover today there is some sun to be seen and some blue sky – those days are so rare we are off out this morning! We’ve heard about the very cold temperatures you’ve been having. I follow that wonderful mayor of yours on Instagram and Facebook and he’s been telling people to wear a hat, although I’ve seen him with a hat (a wool beanie) but without a scarf which I think is also essential.
We once went on a cruise with 2000 people and that was too many as there were queues in a lot of the ship – and breakfast was just a big bun fight! So it is Saga for me and with just 999 passengers that is quite tiny in comparison to those ghastly 5-7000 ships. We usually sail from Dover as a lot of the cruises are to Norway and the Baltic. In the winter (when I would never go – too many with coughs and colds let alone the state of the weather) Saga ships sail from Southampton to get to the Canaries and Mediterranean – but I’ve heard that the seas have been very rough and some ports closed due to storms. It isn’t wise to go cruising in the winter!
I do hope the weather improves for you Darby and so many thanks as ever 🙂
Loved your cruise styling tip so much Penny that I went to M&S today and bought an identical zip cardigan. We won’t be on the same cruise so I reckoned you wouldn’t mind! Not the trousers though, because of the length.
I’m off on a cruise at the end of February and looking forward to it very much. We shouldn’t complain about the weather because it is winter after all- but it’s just been so very wet, though we’re very lucky not to be in danger of flooding.
Thanks.
Luckily we are on much higher ground but there are parts of Lewes that are vulnerable to flooding and we look at the river Ouse every time we go into the centre. Further up the river there is a lot of flooding right now.
Oh wow, you’re off on cruise too. Fingers crossed either the North sea or the Bay of Biscay is kind to you and your fellow cruisers.
That cardigan is quite a find – enjoy wearing it!
Thanks Lindy 🙂
I’m pleased that you’re over the lurgy and hope your other half has a speedy recovery. The weather really has been awful with the prospect of more bad weather to come; husband and I are having a short break in Bath next week so we’re hoping we don’t need to pack flippers and snorkels to cope with any floods. Your cruise sounds wonderful; cruising is something I’ve not tried before, as I’m not really into organised holidays and don’t have very good sea legs. Wishing you calm seas and sunshine (or blue skies) all the way to Norway and back, Penny xx
Oh wow, Bath what a lovely place to go to – enjoy.
Cruising is something I do really like and if you are a newcomer to cruising I would advise a cruise line like Saga because of its high standards and all inclusive pricing which looks expensive but once paid there is absolutely nothing else to pay, while with other so-called cheaper cruises everything is extra. Btw, even though I could be called a seasoned cruiser I always take seasick pills when it gets the slightest bit choppy and that really works for me. And never go on a cruise in the winter, go within the window of May-September.
Also I came across you on Instagram I think and saw that you are a published author! I shall look out for your books now. Do put your website https://pennyhampson.co.uk at the end of your comments so that other people can find you too.
Thanks Penny 🙂
Only just seen your reply to my comment. Thanks so much for letting me include my website link on future comments. Yes, I took up writing when I took early retirement; I write Regency romance/mysteries and also contemporary cosymystery/romances with a touch of spooky. They are aimed at readers who are looking for a bit of escapism and something uplifting. Writing is my way of escaping! I also have a blog, but don’t manage to post very regularly. Usually my posts consist of historical research that hasn’t made it into my books, or about places I’ve visited. All the best, Penny x
How grand to have a holiday to plan and anticipate on these gray winter days. We have been planning our first trip to London and Edinburgh, selecting tours and day trips, accommodations. Will be traveling the end of April and first of May. Now to decide what to pack. I really like your sweater/jumper. What a versatile piece and being able to wear short or long sleeves beneath it will add to its versatility. I have bought a new pair of black joggers for our trip. Might look to see if I can find a sweater similar to yours. Hope you will share more of your proposed cruise wear in the future.
I will share the cruise wear especially the evening gear I choose to take. How lovely to have that trip you’re planning – Edinburgh is a lovely city. But do pack for 4 seasons and for Scotland, take it from me, it will rain!
Thanks Leslie 🙂
We had so much cold and snow for about three weeks. I’m talking subzero temps. This coming week, it will be in the 60s (15.6C), and it looks as though winter may be over if the month long forecasts are anywhere near correct. That saddens me as I do love winter.
How exciting to be going on a cruise to Norway! My Norwegian boyfriends are hosting a cruise to the Arctic circle, but it’s over $10,000! And, that doesn’t include airfare! One day, though, I’m going to splurge and just do it! This particular cruise, though, is more of an expedition to the Arctic Circle. I love the outfit you have planned as well as the dressy ones! Maybe find a fascinator with a couple of black feathers? I can just see you in that. Oh, I showed your photo to Mike and asked him how old he thought you were…he said, “60s?” I thought that might make you smile!
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What, 60s!? But truly I looked very different in my 60s but how nice to be mistaken for someone in their 60s – give Mike a hug from me!
The weather here is dire and I think if this happens every winter (as in the amount of rain we’ve had) the review I did of the MeEwan book and the England he describes in 100 years time will absolutely be our fate.
We have been on several cruises to Norway, but that means you feel almost at home, and it is one of the most beautiful countries on this planet. You could get to the Arctic Circle via the Norwegian ferries, Huritgruten or Havilla for half the price you quote – these go into every single little port right up to the top of Norway and back again. It’s worth thinking about (I do all the time).
Thanks Marsha 🙂
Glad to hear that you are over the dreaded lurgy and hope your husband will recover quickly.
It is always so good to have a holiday planned to look forward to . I know you both always enjoy your cruises . Norway is a beautiful country , we visited on our first European trip back in 1975 when we were exploring in a VW campervan.
Your casual outfit looks very stylish and will be comfortable . I can imagine you will enjoy putting your dressier outfits together.
I am so looking forward to deciding the dressier outfits for the evening – that is such fun. Oh yes, Norway is truly beautiful – the fjords are majestic and stunning. We cruise up one lovely and very long fjord to Skolden – that will be so nice.
Thanks Jill 🙂