A Different Christmas. . . . . . . . . .

We made it!  
Arrived here at Heathrow Airport, London this morning, right on time, after a smooth

 flight through the night. Signs of Christmas everywhere. This was the bus station
 where we enjoyed a coffee - so much better than what they serve in flight - whilst
 awaiting our bus to Southampton on the Hampshire coast. 

This evening we took a walk to the German Christmas Village in Southampton's
 city center. As darkness fell, the festivities included an early visit from
 Father Christmas flying in his sleigh across the sky. . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . then he came down to earth to meet the children and hand out treats.

Then, as it turned chilly, we headed to a quaint old pub for a fish and
 chip supper by an open fire, taking a few photos of the interesting historic buildings
 along the way. 

We are tired having skipped a night of sleep, but we believe 
that staying up, staying awake and then going to bed at the normal time 
the best cure for jet lag!

Tomorrow we embark on the ship and sail away to the first port of call, Lisbon, Portugal. 
Two days at sea with plenty of time to unpack, get organized, and relax at last.
Note, I've had no time to learn how to get decent night shots with the new camera!
Will try to do better next time.

Crossing the Pond tonight!

Awaiting the flight to London right now. The packing was crazy for this complicated

itinerary but, as you can see, it was completed early this morning.

Yes, I still love old fashioned padded hangers by the way!

My next post will hopefully be from lovely England tomorrow!

I had to buy a new camera yesterday - totally not planned! More on that another time.

These are my first photos - I'll be reading the manual on the plane tonight!

Getting Away From It All. . . . . . . . . .

No, this isn't happening at the cottage this Christmas season.

 These are decorations from another year when I had time for such. 

This year we will be gone from home so the green boxes are staying tucked

 away in the attic. I'm somewhat sad to think the house will be in darkness 

for Christmas. We fly across the pond tomorrow night. Hoping for a great cruise

 and then back to England for Christmas week. 

Hope to keep in touch with you all here, but just in case I'm having too much

 fun to blog, or the Internet lets me down out on that ocean, know I'm sending

 good wishes to each of you, my dear friends, for a wonderful holiday season.