On My Way and Have Arrived. Willow Manor Ball 2012

At last I have left Trinidad!  I was swept through (I think it was the luggage)  and am now sitting at 35,000 feet relaxing.

And when I say relaxing, I mean it.  I passed up on the Buck's fizz and my first drink on the flight  was a Kir Royale the taste of which takes me back to happy times in the Ivory Coast.  A glass of champagne with a touch of blackcurrant liqueur . Bliss!

There was a light change in plan as Placido had to make a guest appearance at a Charity Gala at the New York Met 

but that's not a problem as it gives me a few extra flying hours during which time I can get myself into some sort of order.

The lady below of course if not me but I wanted to give you some idea of what my flight accommodation looks like.

I will be met in New York by  a friend who will ensure that I get to the jet without any hassle.  We will wing our way to Dublin, Ohio where Tess and her friends will soon be gathering.

Placido will be ahead of me by about three quarters of an hour so will be well settled by the time I board.  ( I could die when I think that I took John Travolta last year but one thing in his favour was his ability to dance!)

I thought perhaps you'd like to see the inside. Some I looked at were definitely over the top so I thought we'd go with this one - cheaper too! 

Coming from the Caribbean I know I'm going to feel the difference in temperatures so I threw a  conservative Donna Karan over my arm

which I will wear with a pair of old favourites,  Jimmy Shoo boots

The dress (well two actually) is packed, the shoes are packed, the jewels are packed (in my hand luggage) and the mask is packed, also in my hand luggage.  I had to pay extra to AA because I had more than one suitcase - I should have travelled via Caribbean Airlines because they allow you two pieces.

If I haven't got it altogether now, well - I'll just have to fake it!

I wonder if we'll have any little by the way dramas in the wings! Jealous partners and all that.  It happens.  Last year, or was it the year before, Nigella disappeared at the same time as a prominent figure!  I see hers is a little less rounded these days!

Here's to a happy Willow Manor Ball where elegance will prevail!  See you all there!

By the way, I have already sent the kegs of Trinidad rum aged in oak ahead so that Jacqui and Johnny could check them out before serving.  I didn't send the entire distillery!

Oh and lookee here - here comes the flight attendant again. Thank you so much!

We have arrived and are circulating!

I went against everything I had planned and have ended up in this which I know you've all seen somewhere else before!

The cap sleeves and gloves solved the arm problem!

You can see the jewels so I don't have to describe them.

I have a pair of much loved Jimmy Choos on - shorter heels than usual for me but the dress wouldn't take anything higher.

I decided on some colour.

Why does that man with the twitching eye  keep staring at me?? His eye is hooded. Does that mean he's hoodwinked?? Why isn't he wearing a mask? That would cover the blinking eye!

The Manor looks wonderful as always.  It has been worth the journey.

Ah there's Tess and Helen so will say bye for now and see you all later.