Seems very quiet here with only nine of us instead of the usual twelve. The weather is mild despite the snow. Drew, bless him, has worked hard trying to clear the drive-all 150 meters of it!! Just been out for a great family sledging event by the Lake and some snow sculpture.

The Lake District is always stunningly beautiful but under a couple of inches of snow it is breathtaking. Tracks of fallow and roe deer, badgers and rabbits in the garden. So pleased to host all the wildlife can overlook the damage to the garden!! Lazy morning just Ian and I waiting for the family to arrive. Log fire roaring. There has been a power cut since we were last here and all the clocks including the central heating were 7 hours slow but the house was sti...

Just finished unpacking, washing and putting everything away and we are off to the Lakes house tomorrow so can start reps king! Will continue up there to update the web site each time I am away. Last year -2011- it was 32 times!

Came ashore without too much trouble after bidding fond farewells to our waiters and steward. Most of the people we'd become friendly with are getting off at Hong Kong and staying at the Grand Stanford Hotel so we will see them around for the next 36 hours or so. Luggage came with us ok and the foyer of the Hotel looks pretty good. Down-side of registration was that rooms are not ready for 3 hours! However managed to reorganise the hand luggage so we could check...

Last day on beautiful Oriana. Done the packing and are enjoying a lovely sailing day calm seas very hot sun but plenty of shade and a refreshing pool for dips. Just had a whole crab for lunch. Looking forward to Hong Kong. Sad to say farewell to people we've met. Our table companions,L & M, have been told their flight tomorrow night has been cancelled because of snow in UK. Who knows what will happen to our flights. Glad we have the fall back of VIP lounge...