Cruising onboard Azamara Onward

We just got back a few days ago from a 7 day cruise around the Canary Islands onboard the Azamara Onward.

Azamara's usp is what they refer to as "Destination Immersion". 

Simply put this means that as their ships, they have 4, are smaller (only 700 passengers) they can stay longer in port.

This means that we had more time to experience the local life and culture from early until late.

We embarked in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Spain) and visited the islands of Madeira (Portugal); La Palma (Spain); La Gomera (Spain) and Tenerife (Spain) before returning to Gran Canaria.

We went on several guided excursions, more about those later, and also enjoyed some days just lounging on the ship reading, soaking up the sun (such a treat after all that recent snow) and enjoying delicious meals.

Shadow Shot Sunday

Snow days

 Never let it be said that we weren't warned.

If you saw my previous post you'll know that on Wednesday there was a severe weather warning issued by the UK Met office. 

I had hoped that we wouldn't be too affected by the snow but boy was I wrong.

What started as gentle snow flurries soon became blizzard like, by the time darkness fell trees and bushes were covered and the spring bulbs were hibernating once more.

It wasn't until Saturday afternoon that the sun began to shine in a beautiful blue sky and the thaw began.

Neighbours came together with snow shovels, a forgotten snow blower was uncovered in the back of someone's garage and the heaviest snowfall seen in these parts for 27 years began to be cleared from in front of homes, along driveways and public footpaths.

It was wonderful to see everyone working together, we haven't lived here very long but on Saturday we realised just how blessed we are to have found our forever home in this village and this community.

Spring might just be on hold this year

Cream and purple hellebores, a.k.a Christmas rose, have been nodding gently in the breeze and daffodils and crocuses have been happily announcing the arrival of spring in Yorkshire for some weeks now.

However, today the UK Met office has issued a yellow warning as severe weather conditions are set to sweep the country with temperatures possibly falling as low as -15c in some areas.

I'm hoping that the worst weather will pass by or at least treat us kindly.

How does your garden grow this week?