This is a Lenny inspired post ... he's been emailing me about California Chrome - the horse which raced in the Belmont Stakes, New York and that story line ... here's part of Saturday's email to me:
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| DAP: Dumb Asses Partnership |
i'm soooo excited about the race! did you know there's not been a triple crown winner in 36 years. wow! that's a way long time. everyone is rooting for california chrome to be a new winner.
The story of his owners is really cool. It's just two middle class working guys that pooled their money and bought him for just 10,000 dollars. everyone said they were "dumb asses" to spend their money so foolishly. so when they made their partnership into a business they called it the "dumb ass partnership." ha ha
The logo is a donkey on the back of the jockey's shirt and the letters DAP. now that horse is worth way more than they paid for him and if he had won he'd be worth millions of dollars. pretty good investment.
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| The donkey logo |
There's going to be a lot of stuff on tv about the race. the race is on just before 7.00 o'clock. I can't wait! We're not going anywhere so we're gonna have our own party. We're going to get pizza.
Update on Sunday: we were gonna get pizza but we ended up cooking stuff. we had steak and baked potato and brussels sprouts. that's my favourite veggie. for dessert we had caramel swirl ice cream. yum! today we're gonna get the pizza. I like it with pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, onions and pineapple. yikes! i'm making myself hungry talking about all this food. ha ha.
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| Pizza for supper anyone? |
You know my GrandBlogSon and his GrandBlogMom = me! - we have a good natter .. and it's lovely to have this amazing relationship with so much joie de vivre ... then I take the emails up to Linda at the Nursing centre and she gets to join in ...
Well I haven't known where to start ... and have lots going on ... this machine I hope today will be up and running - I had to find my Microsoft Office disk - found ... in an unlikely place?!
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| The five beaches used on D-Day |
On Friday I was going to see about ebooks ... but that got cancelled - so a change of plan ... better find the disk and have another clear out ...
After some indecision ... I thought I really should watch the coverage of the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations that were going on at all the beaches in Normandy ... that was a day of tv watching - but I'm glad I did and I learnt a great deal ...
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| The Queen and President Hollande I love this colour pink! |
The Queen is on one of her rolls again ... a very busy time:
- State Opening of Parliament, when the new Diamond Jubilee State Coach was used for the first time;
- the State visit to France, including the 70th Anniversary Commemoration events in Normandy;
- Garden parties in Paris for staff and British business based in France;
- Banquets to attend with heads of State and speeches to make;
- mingling with the D-Day veterans in Normandy;
- flying back to Britain to attend the Epsom Derby - the richest and most prestigious flat race of the country's five Classic horse races.
- this week ... she has many more engagements!
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| The Cross of Sacrifice at Bayeux Cemetery |
... and if I have lots of family and blogging friends still around, and one amazing friend like Lenny ... I'll be one lucky lady!
The Paris Open tennis finals were on over the weekend ... at the Roland Garros stadium - so named after the pioneer aviator, who, when he was studying, enjoyed the use of the courts, but sadly died near the end of WW1.
I was pleased to see at the start of the Mens' final there was a minute's silence ... then the Patrouille de France (French aerobatic team) performed a flypast over the Stadium in honour of all the people who freed us ...
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| Roland Garros 2010 |
The grass tennis season has started ... Queen's this week, Eastbourne next and then 2 weeks of Wimbledon ...
I forgot to mention in my last Blog Sandwich Update .. that I've joined the University of the 3rd Age - where ex-teachers, specialists offer courses that we can join and participate in.
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| Katharina von Bora - painted by Lucas Cranach in 1526 |
I've joined the Geology and History ones so far .. and will look at others after the summer break ... I offered to give a talk for the History convenor on Katharina von Bora, Martin Luther's wife - as next week's talk is on Martin Luther and his times ... the 1500s.
This was an era I knew nothing about - so it stretched me somewhat ... but my draft seems to pass muster.
We have another series of talks that are given over the winter ... which are very interesting ... and on leaving the last one ... a chap thrust a leaflet in front of my nose ... I, as I would, said 'not interested' ... then thought I'd better find out what it was about!
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| Viking forays to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales |
I'm glad I did as I've now joined the European Movement - a non-political group who have speakers from various countries, or representatives of the Movement ... so far I've learnt a lot: I need to learn about the European Union - this group is giving me that opportunity and insight.
I still have lots to write about ...
- the Vikings
- other exhibitions
- Katharine von Bora
- War time food
- ... and many others!
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| Normandy Beach with remnants of Mulberry Harbours still in situ |
To my complete chagrin I, only this weekend, realised that our father would have turned 25 as D-Day was unfolding seventy years ago ... and he never really got over the whole experience, as too many others.
We'd never discussed the War as a family ... I guess it was too hard a time with too many unhappy memories ... I know a huge sacrifice was made, yet knew relatively little else - so these programmes in the last few days have been enlightening ... desperately sad, yet we would not be free if those young men and women hadn't taken a stand and fought for their country.
Then to round off this motley post ... another cow story ..
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| iphone photo from newspaper |
She is known as Gorgeous, a British blue heifer - a livestock buyer, Miss Donaldson, took a shine to Gorgeous at the Great Yorkshire Show ...
... while Mr O'Kane, a cattle groomer ... said Katrina could only buy Gorgeous after a date ....... Happy Heifer After!! ...and a five figure sum?!
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| Smoked Salmon open sandwich ... looks good to me |
It is very muggy here today, but we had a glorious Sunday ... British weather - the tennis and cricket seasons are here ...
This Forbes link - tells you about the investment aspects of California Chrome and the winner of our Epsom Derby .. makes quite interesting reading ... 8th para down!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
65 comments:
Yes. I think your D day idea would be a good one. I lived through it but don't remember much. Matt remembers more as he was just that much older than me, 3 yrs, makes a difference at that age. She is pretty marvellous, the Queen, isn't she? I have smoked salmon for lunch every Sunday, part of my diet treat for the week. Love the story of Gorgeous. Did you hear the story of the old guy who sneaked out of his nursing home to attend the D Day celebrations?
Disappointing that Chrome didn't win. Not much in to pizza, would have preferred his steak meal.
Hi Jo - thanks for being so prompt .. I'll do the A-Z post as soon as I can ... it won't be too factual .. more about things we perhaps don't think about and the actual events last week - again the quirky bits.
I did read about the old boy who left his Care Home ... hitched a ride over and got looked after by other veterans and the Ferry staff on the way back .. clever chap - he's still got courage.
I was sorry that CG didn't win - but it's a fun story .. especially the logo and partnership name .. I don't eat Pizza often either, nor steak .. still I love Brussels Sprouts!! Cheers Hilary
Hilary, I too like your D-Day idea for A-Z. We could learn so much from your post. I've watched some of the footage on TV this past week and am awe of those brave young men and women and what they endured. I'm also amazed at you Queen. She has such a way about her. I can see that Kate will make a fitting Queen one day too. Sorry to see that California Chrome didn't win Saturday, but he's still a great horse in my opinion.
Hello Hilary!! Wow that's quite a lot to pack into a weekend LOL. I watched a documentary about D-Day the other night (along with a documentary about the Berlin Wall afterwards) and it was quite fascinating.
Oh, and now I am craving pizza :)
A cow as the guest of honor - LOL!
Shame Chrome didn't win. We haven't had a Triple Crown winner in 37 years now.
Great post and I love the race horse story. My Mum bought a horse at auction very cheap many years back, everyone told her she was mad! She won 6 races with her :-)
Off on holiday in a couple of days, see you some time in July. Have a good month Diane
It was such a shame California Chrome didn't win the TC!
I love your idea of a D-Day A-Z, that would be fascinating for sure. I found the anniversary coverage so touching.
The Queen stays busy.
I've been to Wimbledon! Had great seats as well.
I am very impressed by the Queen's vigour at her age. And the pink is fabulous! War time food sounds of interest, as well as your other post ideas.
Love the cow story, made me smile. Isn't the Queen marvellous for her age. Glad Lenny still gets to have his pizza meal!
Muggy here too, but also windy, enjoying the light evenings.
I'm not sure where to start today, Hilary. Good grief, you've covered an encyclopedia of topics. California Chrome is legend already, the Queen is always amazing with her royal aplomb, I must get to England and see Wimbledon again. I love tennis, but I love it more on your island. Yes, to an A-Z on D-Day Commemorations. Not enough can be written about WWII. That's my take on it. As for the Happy Heifer, well what can one say, except that's a wedding to remember.
I agree an A-Z of the D-Day sounds great.
@ Mason - well looks like I'll be doing the A- Z. The BBC footage was amazing .. and I'd have liked to have seen more, but really there's too much to tv watch.
Our parents and grandparents went through much for us all ..
The Queen is extraordinary and she was working in the Women's Auxiliary Corp as a mechanic during the War .. Kate and William seem to be very happy with the situation .. which is wonderful to see ..
@ Keith - well I seem to have spent a lot of time in front of screens .. but sometimes it's fine!
There've been quite a few programmes on recently - difficult to keep up - though I did see one .. that I want to extract some information from ...
Pizza - just made a cup of tea .. better go and get it!
@ Diane - isn't the cow great. Yes now it's 37 years .. next year perhaps?
@ Diane - lovely to see you - and your mother had a similar story .. and how fantastic she won six races ..
Lucky you - have a wonderful holiday .. see you anon ..
@ Julie - I know pity about CC not winning ..
The A-Z on D-Day looks to have the tick against it .. and the coverage we saw was quite incredible ...
@ Alex - keeping busy keeps us young ... I've been to Wimbledon over the years .. good seats, not so good ones, sometimes just to wander the grounds .. but always amazing ...
@ Karen - the Queen is unbelievable in many ways - we're very lucky ... I loved that pink of her outfit for Paris ..
War time food - yes I've some good stories about that .. and the others!
@ Suzanne - isn't the cow great .. and the Queen too - she does amaze me. Lenny is such fun to interact with .. and he got his pizza.
We've had one brief rainstorm .. but might be lifting now ..but yes the light evenings are bliss ...
@ Lee - I know my brain is reeling .. but I needed to start somewhere .. I gather Cal Chrome is a legend, while the Queen definitely always is one a hundred times over ..
Well let's hope you can get over and join us for Wimbledon .. with or without a ticket - it's still a fun time ..
And another A-Z D-Day Commemorations post coming up ..
Isn't the Heifer story good - such fun and a wedding to remember definitely.
@ Rosie .. you too ... A-Z it will be ..
Thanks to you all .. looks like a D-Day post needs to be drafted .. cheers to everyone - Hilary
Hi Hilary,
I'll take Jo's share of the pizza. Kudo's to you for watching the D-Day commemorations. It was an important part of all of our history. When I got to the end and saw the cow at the wedding story, it reminded me of an ad on TV here. http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7g4y/real-california-milk-part-of-the-family-wedding
advertising california cows and milk. Cheers!
Hi, Hilary,
Yes, I agree, that topic would be a very interesting A-Z....
Thanks for all the info.... LOVE the cow! So fun to have her at their wedding!
Sad to see Chrome didn't win... But the owners are truly lucky to have found such a lovely horse.
My husband wasn't excited about that rest (because he placed a non-winning bet on it ;) ).
I'm up for pizza!
I love any history of France.
And I laughed at the wedding guest. My mom used to call her friend an old heifer in jest, lol. I forgot about that until now. :)
I think a lot of people were pulling for Chrome. Too bad. It'd be nice to have another Triple Crown winner, but still, I love the background story on this horse and its owners.
Yes, an A-Z on D-Day would be wonderful. Some WWII vets from our state were there in Normandy for the celebration, and one commented (according to our newspaper) about the re-enactment sight of 800 paratroopers coming down. He said it was "nice", but when they did it 70 years ago, there were 800 PLANES, and 10,000 paratroopers. Boggles the mind, doesn't it?
Wow, I've not heard of the Chrome story but it's an amazing one. An underdog, neigh, under-horse story.
Wow, the queen is 88!? She is doing amazingly.
@ Linda - looks like we'll be sharing the pizza! Well I was home and free .. and I could not miss watching the coverage: as you say it is an important part of our history - essential to our freedom and democracy today.
Love the ad - thanks for putting it up for me .. I love her pearls! and the selfies .. fun too ..
@ Michael - glad to know you're on the A-Z posting side for D-Day ...
Gorgeous is great isn't she .. and sad about Chrome ... but he is in good hands and who knows may well win lots more races ..
@ Rosey - sorry about the bet! But pizza will replace many things??
So pleased you're up for the history .. it won't be much about France, but some I'm sure ..
Then your mother and her heifer friend .. thinking about it - I used to be called heiferlump at home!! Forgotten that ...
@ Susan - it sounds like Chrome was very popular .. sad he didn't win - but another year .. and the background story is fun isn't it ..
An A-Z on D-Day looks to be definitely written up ..
I know it was definitely sanitised - the numbers of the invading forces were huge .. sadly too the losses .. 800 planes and 10,000 paratroopers, let alone army and navy .. it does boggle the mind ..
@ Clarissa - yup an underdog .. or under horse story .. but such a brilliant name "dumb asses partnership" ....
... and yes the Queen is 88 with Prince Philip being 93 tomorrow ..
Cheers to you all .. so glad you could visit - Hilary
Loved the cow story...funny!
Hello Hilary
The Queen has such a sense of duty and maintains a hectic schedule. She brings much joy.
I do like your concept of A-Z on D Day commemorations. That smoked salmon sandwich has me longing for one.
Thank you for visiting. I have put you on my sidebar so will not miss your posts
Helenx
PS if you find the blogger from Youghal, I would be very interested in following her
I can't wait to see what you have to write about the Vikings. Sounds fun!
The A-Z Day sounds interesting. War is never an easy thing, and it would be good to see how that day has resonated down through the decades.
Love the cow and the horse stories :)
I agree, it was so sad that Chrome didn't win. He tried his best.
Your blog is so wonderful, Hilary. Thanks!
Best to Lenny!
Yes, please to the D-Day A to Z! Handled as only Mme. Hilary could.
I am beaming at the Happily Heifer After.
...and remembering all the veterans of WWII who went through terrible times and came back and took up their lives without a complaint. My cousin was with pattn's army. Mom told me that he was a little...odd... for a while whe he came back. Jumpy, on edge...
What a splendid group, and I am so glad that we are at last celebrating them.
No matter what we are experiencing, the world keeps going. :)
@ Kelly - isn't it great a leafy lane, a cow dressed up the nines and running to get to the church on time!
@ Helen - The Queen certainly has a sense of duty and always delivers ... she does as you say bring much joy. Thanks re D-Day .. it's coming up .. and that smoked salmon sandwich does look good even early in the morning!
Thanks for putting me into your sidebar .. and I will let you know re the blogger from Youghal ..
@ Jeanne - Vikings too .. that will be interesting they did so much .. Thanks re the A-Z on D-Day - I'm going to be interested to see how it turns out ..
@ Sarah - aren't the two animals stories fun .. I needed your photography skills!
@ Joylene - not destined to be - but there's always next year for Chrome. Thanks so much re the blog .. and I expect Lenny will read this and I'll mention you next time Iemail him ..
@ Diana - thanks so much .. it will be my usual style ..
I know I beam at Happily Heifer After too ...
The Veterans were amazing with some courageous tales to tell ..
Patton's Army was down in the Mediterranean .. and he had a huge amount of military knowledge ... but that campaign was very tough too .. I'm not surprised your cousin suffered mentally - adjustment must be so difficult.
The Veterans are a great group ... celebrating their lives to this day, but remembering their comrades too ...
@ Teresa - yes that is true .. the world does continue on - somewhat surprising sometimes - but people still need to 'live' even in War.
Thanks to you all .. it is now a gorgeous day here ... blue sky, a few puffy clouds and the windows wide open even at 7.00 am .. summer is glorious ... cheers Hilary
I watched the D-day celebration too (not all of it) It was the place where I was in May ! I don't like horse races, I always think about the poor horses !
That's an excellent idea to join the European Movement ! People just don't know how important an united Europe would be for all of us. So many ignorants !
I don't follow the Triple Crown, or anything horse, but it would have been pretty cool to have a winner. The Queen is pretty amazing, sometimes I get tired just looking at her schedule.
Hilary, how much have you sandwiched into this blog post! I enjoyed watching the D-D commemorations. I visited there a year ago and was very moved to see the beaches/sites where it all happened. Always sobering.
You're right. The Queen is a ninja all right!
Denise
I love the way you packed all this info in... a layered sandwich!
But the smoked salmon one wins, hands down!
I was sad that California Chrome didn't win. One of the owners made a fuss that the winner of the Belmont Stakes hadn't run in the other Triple Crown races (The Kentucky Derby and The Preakness), so was "fresh". He thinks it should be a requirement for entry to the Belmont that the horse run in the other two races. Sounded like sour grapes, but I could understand his frustration.
Oh yes please one of your so informative A-Z posts on D-Day. I thank your father for his part in it.
I wish you well on your lecture - I know with your drive and attention to detail that you will do a really, really good job.
Tina @ Life is Good
On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!
Oh yes please one of your so informative A-Z posts on D-Day. I thank your father for his part in it.
I wish you well on your lecture - I know with your drive and attention to detail that you will do a really, really good job.
Tina @ Life is Good
On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!
You make a wonderful GrandBlogMom! It was fun hearing about Lenny's Belmont day happenings. California Chrome was the talk of the town this spring, as we live about 40 minutes east of Churchill Downs. There were many here who were disappointed he didn't win the Triple Crown. But he did well anyway, two races is better than none, I think. :)
Hilary,
Reading your posts is always a highlight in my day as you share so much of the most interesting.
The wedding story is wonderful and the queen is amazing.
I love smoked salmon ...
Great post, Hilary
Your D Day idea sounds like a good one. I love how full your post is of so many interesting things! Thanks for sharing about Lenny's excitement about the horses. Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to do so much as the queen does at her age?
It's good to know you are so active and that you're keeping yourself involved in all sorts of activities.
I am like you. I am in love with life. I know I would never retire, and I will always try to manage to find time to do all the things that I love doing. Life is fun!
And having lovely friends like Lenny is fabulous. I can't complain about that either.
And having lovely friends like Lenny is fabulous. I can't complain about that either.
I would love to read your A-Z about D-Day. And I loved this post. A little bit of everything
Hi Hilary,
Personally, I cannot stand horse racing. Although, I'm glad you like it. I wish the non-runner would be awarded first place.
Cricket! I actually played on a cricket team and haven't a clue how the game is played. Tennis, I wish they showed the audience instead of the players. That would be funny to observe.
A D-Day A to Z. That would certainly be intriguing. What a magical moment when a number of veterans parachuted in tandem. A recollection of their bravery from seventy years ago.
Thank you, Hilary. Gary, waiting for the next thunder and lightning storm that terrifies poor Penny.
@ Gattina - I remember you went to Normandy .. and I'm not keen on horse racing, but I enjoy the Spectacle moments ..
The European Movement meetings are interesting - so I'm glad I'm learning ...
@ Rhonda - like you I'm not a horse racing fan - but I do enjoy the 'big days' and the spectacle of it all ... I wouldn't watch the American races .. but the story is good for posting about.
Isn't the Queen extraordinary .. and I got tired writing her schedule!!
@ Denise - yes it is a blog sandwich kind of post ... were you able to watch the D-Day commemorations - that's good news - I know Tony Adams was there ...
Was that one of your goals to see the D-Day landings .. obviously I need to go ..
The Queen has some very good genes .. very possibly ninja ones too ..
@ Michelle - just needed to spew it out into a post - I get so bogged down with my thoughts!
Yes - the smoked salmon one does look so good ...
@ Lynn - well I guess the owner was right, but the story was good .. and yes I agree I can understand his frustration ..
@ Tina - sounds like D-Day it is and thankfully our father survived otherwise this blog wouldn't be here. Thanks too re the 'talk' .. it got a tick ... so covers the bases ...
@ Karen - thanks .. Lenny and I have a great relationship .. I can imagine the local towns getting totally taking over by the event. Sad he didn't win .. but as you say two races is better than none ..
@ Margie - thanks so much -it's lovely to know you enjoy reading the posts .. the cow is an amazing story line, while as you say the Queen just keeps on going ... and smoked salmon - very good it is too ..
@ Connie - D-Day is coming up .. and thanks re my choc full posts ... and being 88 would be a good to age to still be sprightly!
Lenny is always full of the joys of Spring and all things that are positive .. and it's fun having Lenny as buddy across the pond and I most definitely don't complain!
@ Paula - thanks so much for coming over .. and the A-Z D-Day post is coming up ... and am glad you enjoyed the read ...
@ Gary - I don't like horse racing for itself .. but I enjoy a good story and love the spectacle of the big days ..
Cricket and tennis it's better when you're playing - but I enjoy seeing the world class players playing - the audiences are funny sometimes too ...
I will do my usual A-Z type take .. a bit of everything - and yes the veteran parachuting back onto the fields 70 years later ...
Oh dear have you been having the major storms - they rushed past us here - threatened but moved on ..
Cheers to you all and thanks so much for being here .. Hilary
I watched some of the D-Day commemerations in Southsea (where a lot of the men left from) All those of us who can hardly begin to imagine what the war was like are so lucky.
Love how that couple met over a heifer. Years ago I sold a story about a couple who met over a calf at a county show - this proves my plot was plausible.
Great post We always discussed the war as it happened on my parents doorsteps. My granddad and grandma housed a lot of canadians my mum told and sadly they all went to Arnhem (bridge to far) and never came back.
Horse racing is very popular in NZ
I didn't grow up with it but have been there twice and it was fun.
The queen 88 wow I hope too that I be like that at get to that age
Great post We always discussed the war as it happened on my parents doorsteps. My granddad and grandma housed a lot of canadians my mum told and sadly they all went to Arnhem (bridge to far) and never came back.
Horse racing is very popular in NZ
I didn't grow up with it but have been there twice and it was fun.
The queen 88 wow I hope too that I be like that at get to that age
Thank you again, Hilary. It's a joy to visit your blog and read such wonderful posts. There's always a lot of interesting information and great fun too!:)
Such an amazing woman is Queen Elizabeth. Love the stories about her as a young woman during WW 2, when she learned to fix jeep engines. And her extensive knowledge about race horses. Wonder if she still rides?
ah after reading your posts i imagine you will have some wonderful classes to offer at the uni of the 3rd age...ha...that is a very cool story on the owners of the horse...and here is hoping...would be cool to see them take it because that would make for a really cool story....
Whew! So many fun stories. I like cows. I mean, cheese. Need I say more?
@ Patsy - I'd have liked to have attended some ceremonies .. but I was glad to be able to watch .. and exactly - we have not got a clue about what life was like ..
That's amazing that you pre-wrote the cow-wedding story .. clever girl!! And as you say proves your plot was plausible .. great to know about ..
@ Marja - I'm sure you did as you were in Holland - and your parents and your country were central to all the atrocities of WW1 and WW2.
Sorry to read about the Canadians .. I've another story to tell on a slightly different note - they were desperate times ..
Horse-racing is popular here - but just not my sport .. but I do enjoy the major spectacles and the fact it is the sport of Kings -hence the history .. Isn't the Queen amazing .. and the Duke too ..
@ Sharon - glad you enjoyed the posts - future ones too!
@ Nat - the Queen is quite extraordinary ... but the royals put their time in too ... and in those days everyone did everything ..
I'm sure she still does - she stopped riding side saddle a few years ago - too dangerous ... the Duke was riding his carriages the other day - having had carpal syndrome surgery recently! Nothing stops them ...
@ Brian - I don't think I'll be doing the teaching .. that's definitely not in my psyche - but I enjoy the learning .. so will be happy to be stretched ..
Yes - it will make a very good film and story if California Chrome can win three in a year ..
@ Crystal - lots going on in Hilary land .. and I like cheese too ... and cows - after the MooMan film ...
Cheers - to you all .. Hilary
Oh, I loved this post. You sound so excited about life and living it:~) It made me smile and I wanted to absorb some of your amazing energy! How do you do all of this?
You are someone very special, Hilary. I love visiting your blog and finding out the new adventures. I think you need the name of your blog to Hilary's Amazing Adventures:~)
p.s. Regarding the A-Z about the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy...if you write it, I'll read it:~)
Hi Hilary
Two programs I viewed on the History Channel recently were...Vikings, which is like a mini series with actors portraying the different characters. Of course, they invade England, so they covered a couple kings whose names I have forgotten. The other program detailed Roosevelt, Churchill and Hitler along with several generals during WWI and WWII. Did you know that a British soldier had Hitler in his scope but couldn't pull the trigger in WWI?
I love history. I think your A-Z idea is good. Who won the race?
Nancy
@ Sara - well there's lots going on, and yes I do want to live life to the full - I really should be doing more - trying to adjust those levels. I'm just incredibly grateful to have blogging friends who visit and encourage me so often .. selecting names has always been difficult - I think I'll leave my thoughts as are ..
DDay 70 years on will be written .. so that's now on the schedule ..
@ Nancy - I'm glad you take an interest in our history .. the Vikings opened up the world to many ..
I haven't watched any of the old footage about either of the wars in any great depth ... and I certainly didn't know about the soldier and Hitler - unless that's apocryphal, which could well be the case ... we don't know all the different aspects and my knowledge is very limited ..
It's great you love history .. and I'll do the A-Z in some format ... and I don't know who won the race ... it was the story I loved!
Cheers to you both - Hilary
I always love your exchanges with Lenny! I'm sorry about California Chrome. I'm glad that Gorgeous was able to strut her stuff! Hilary. I also think that your A to Z idea is a great one!
Julie
Oooo… I want to read about Vikings!!!!!
And that pizza looks sooooo good… it's been so long since I've had gluten, so just seeing it almost cripples me, LOL…
Love your posts, Hilary. I also wanted to thank you for your kind, encouraging words on my blog today. Thank you. :)
That's an amazingly full schedule for anyone...much less a lady the Queen's age. I'd be exhausted!
The coverage of D-Day was so moving.
I like how you've linked all those random topics in your blog sandwich :)
I must agree that the Queen's elegance and busy days are most admirable.
The D Day commemorations were very moving and thought-provoking. So many lives lost or changed forever. I'd love to read your posts about it, when you get the time.
California Chrome comes from our part of California and we were hoping he would win, but that was not to be. I enjoyed the variety of this post and the Queen continues to amaze! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciated your comment so much.
hi my grandblogmom!
wow! another cool post. lots of the comments said they were rooting for california chrome.
i watched a lot on tv about D Day. it was a really big thing to coordinate everyone and it was so dependent on the weather. lots to think about. so many soldiers died on the beach and even before they got onto the beach.
i think the queen is fantastic. shes just sooo dedicated.
i love the story about the heifer at the wedding. moovolous! ha ha.
...lots of love and hugs from lenny
Hi Hilary, sorry for being late here, but I just wanted to say that after readng your post, I feel very English again. You put me back in touch with so many things that I just don't think of these days of living in Holland: the Queen and what she does, the war and its importance to British independence, and lovely funny stores like the last one about the cow. Great post!
@ Julie - I love my exchanges with Lenny - totally lighten up my life! California Chrome is a fun story and who knows next year ..? Isn't Gorgeous great .. fantastic story and just lovely to read about ... thanks I'm now about to move across to the D-Day post ..
@ Morgan - lovely to see you .. and Vikings are a-coming ... sorry about the gluten - but I know you're better off without it . I too try not to eat that sort of thing ..
Thanks and I'm always happy to put on a positive and encouraging outlook to us all .. essential at some stages .. all the best to you ..
@ Elizabeth - wonderful to see you as I've been dilatory coming over recently .. yes the Queen's schedule makes me exhausted and I wrote more about it in my next post ..
I'm looking forward to writing about D-Day and the commemorations ...
@ Ghadeer - yes I'm afraid I need to link lots of topics together - so am happy you approve .. also the Queen is exceedingly elegant isn't she ..
@ Annalisa - we saw the same coverage and I totally agree with your thoughts re D-Day .. we were so lucky they laid their lives down for us ...
@ Inger - does California Chrome come from your part of California .. and I think everyone was hoping for a win .. perhaps next year ..
Delighted you enjoyed the variety in the post .. and yes the Queen does continue to amaze .. I'm delighted to have commented on your blog ..
@ Grandblogson!! - I'm so happy you're here .. California Chrome seemed to capture everyone's heart .. but I'd not have known if you hadn't emailed me about him ... fun story it's become ..
You have made so many appropriate comments here .. so right .. that is so good to see ...
Delighted you enjoyed the heifer! and lots of love and hugs to you too dear Lenny, Grandblogson!!!
@ Val - that's wonderful - no worries by the lateness .. I only post when I can ...
So pleased you can absorb some Englishness across 'The Sleeve'!!
your comment is great - thanks ..
Cheers to you all and thanks so much - Hilary
The 70th anniversary of D-Day was impactful for me too-- I had a grandfather who fought in Europe for the US Army. He never talked about it, though, much like how you mentioned your family never did. Left me with much to think about and be grateful for. If you end up writing more about it, I'm sure it would be very interesting!
Hi Matt - many veterans and people who got through never talked about the War ... some even only last week ... and as you say we get much to think about and most certainly be grateful for.
I am in the process of writing something up .. it'll be up soon ..
Thanks for commenting - Hilary
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