And very wonderful it all was too aboard this iconic vessel of the high seas, with our hosts impeccable, our fare a veritable feast, and much passing of the old port.

It all became a bit of a pashmina problem for me though, as, once again, I realised I am not of the species of women who can glam up with ease.

When I have to scrub up for an evening such as this, I always feel, as I am getting ready, that I am raiding some sort of dressing up box.

Whereas others look effortlessly put together in their lovely frocks, stockings and stools, I always feel a fraud. And not at all groomed that's for sure.

Take the outerwear issue, for example. What is it exactly that you are supposed to wear over a flimsy dress on the desk of a ship on a breezy late May eve? I haven't really got a clue.

Other ladies seem to have drawers of little evening (not daywear) cardis, wraps, silky jackets, boleros and the like, in colours to coordinate with their gowns, shoes and bags.

But I end up either getting goose-pimples or taking my 'big coat', which is patently not suitable.

This night, though, I dug out a pashmina thingy that I can't remember buying let alone ever wearing, and spent the night trying to drape it gracefully from my arms, or swish it stylishly round my shoulders, as others do, making me feel alternatively as though I should be selling lucky heather, or an extra from Harry Potter.

Big coat it is then...

Happy Birthday - with a Christmas feel

Very touched this week by birthday present from sons, which they had got their act together to buy in time, even wrapping it up, albeit in 'Happy Christmas' paper found in cupboard.

Lovely words too on card, which one son had bought so the other son had to write. Division of labour, see?

Bought my own cake though and put candles on it myself, as you do.

Or is that just me?