Gosh I’d forgotten about my Blog Sandwich series … or
spasmodic bread filling blog posts! So
briefly ... and again no need to comment …
 |
| Paparedelle with spring vegetables - asparagus, broad beans, onions and peas topped with Parmesan shavings |
… life continues … so here goes with a few references … and photos …
 |
| Japanese film caption for King Lear - released in 1985 |
Shakespeare unstoppable … the anniversary of his death occurs
next week … and we are having / being encouraged in all things Shakespeare …
visit Stratford, the Globe … attend a play … listen to one … and so it goes on
– and …
… our Film Society will show “Ran” – (Chinese and Japanese for chaos) at the end of the year … it
is the 1985 film based on the legends of the daimyo Mori Motonari, as well as on the tragedy of King Lear.
 |
| "Shakespeare Unravelled" - Court Plays: the 1623 Deception |
Some friends at the European Movement dinner told me about
their new book “Shakespeare Unravelled” Court Plays: the 1623 Deception – they
very kindly gave me a copy …
… it looks an intense read
(as I was warned) … but I’ll enjoy it and learn more about the history
of the period … it’s only just been published …
 |
| Princess Elizabeth aged 7 - painted by Philip de Laszlo (1933) |
We move from Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) and Queen Elizabeth I’s
time to the 90th anniversary of our present Queen’s birth - next
week (21 April) … incredibly spry she looks too … there will be loads of
information coming out about this period of the 20th and moving into
the 21st century …
 |
| The friends I'll celebrate the Queen's official birthday with .. had friends for a roast lunch ... looks wonderful doesn't it - my sunglass (now iphone case) doesn't quite tie in?! |
We will have our official celebrations in June:
Friday June 10th
(Prince Philip’s 95th birthday) – there will be a National
Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral …
 |
| Flint stone wall topped with lichen - over 100 years old ... |
Saturday 11th June – the annual Queen’s Birthday
Parade at Horse Guards …
 |
| These are (I believe) creeping Phlox ... they looked lovely on the slope ... pink, white and this blue |
Sunday 12th June – the Patron’s Lunch will take
place in The Mall running down to Buckingham Palace …
Many will join in the fun of the day … I shall be going to a
‘street’ party – small local event with these friends … where these lunch photos were taken ...
 |
| Raspberry and Redcurrant tart |
They are having a charity fund raising event for the local hospice, which helped our relatives through their trying times ...
 |
| The Masked Shrike |
The birds are really singing now and Spring is nearly here ... it is getting warmer, but the leaves are definitely budding their numerous shades of green. This little chap comes from the Mediterranean ... but I love his muted and gentle colours ...
A quick drop in ... no need to comment ... it's good to keep the blog partly active - even if its owner has gone to attend to other more necessary matters ...
Enjoy that A-Z ... nearly half-way ...
Shakespeare Unravelled ... the Amazon link ...
Then an A-Z blogger - Bish Denham is posting Shakespearean Insults and Surrealist Compliments ... they are so clever ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
69 comments:
Love the smorgasboard you gave us here. I hope your 'other matters' are progressing really, really well.
I see that the Royal Mail has issued a set of Shakespeare stamps - I must get my hand on them.
So much happening in the old country! Enjoy your break, Hilary!
It sounds like a cool time to be in London with the Queen turning 90. I still kick myself for missing the Diamond jubilee. At least this time I am half way around the world.
I hope you are OK, Hilary! I was in London during the royal activities in June one year, but couldn't interest my sister and nieces in going to them. :)
The dinner sounds lovely! I'm visiting the insult blog now. :)
Hugs!
Hi Hilary. Now I'm hungry. The pasta dish looks delcious - I love green asparagus. It is quite rare over here in Germany. The Germans grow lots of white asparagus which is currently in season. They eat it with bernaise sauce ham and potatoes, traditionally. I'm not so keen on it. Thank you for the lovely, enlightening and tempting post :) Wish you a lovely day.
So many interesting events coming up. The Shakespeare activities sound interesting. Hope all is going well for you. Have fun at the street party.
10 June 2016 is a busy day. Also my Mum would have turned 101 this year. We fly to the USA for our very first trip there to see all the friends from RSA that went in that direction! Take care Diane
@ EC - thanks re the smorgasborg ... and yes life goes on ... not smoothly - but moving forward as it has too ...
@ Bob - I think I asked for them .. but they weren't out at that stage ... they'll be an informative set ...
@ Denise - yes the old country keeps getting older - with so much going on ...
@ Rhonda - I remember you missed the Jubilee time ... I hope you'll get good tv coverage - at least that's a good way of seeing what's going on ...
@ Lynn - all well .. life not so smooth - but that sets us up doesn't it .. and I remember too your disappointment that your sister and nieces weren't interested in royal events that year ... very sad to have missed out that opportunity ...
@ Nicola - yes I know food always appeals ... I too love green asparagus - the season starts on St George's Day or Shakespeare's birthday: 23rd April ... it'll be here very soon ... I agree I'm not that enthusiastic about white asparagus ...
@ Mason - we always seem to have lots of interesting events going on - many traditional ... but many as the Spring season leads us into Summer and those delicious fresh fruits and veg ...
@ Diane - oooh yes - very busy day for you ... and 101 - my Ma always wanted to live to 100 ... but I'm glad she didn't as she was confined to bed after various strokes.
What a lovely trip to look forward to ... you'll have lots of fun and see some incredible places ...
Thanks everybody - so wonderful to have your comments and thoughts here - carry on enjoying the A-Z or your blogging activities ... cheers Hilary
Yum to that dish at the top....just my kind of dinner!
I made a Shakespeare necklace and put it in my shop not long ago!
Those are some big celebrations coming up for your country....sounds like a lot of fun!
Been eating a lot of asparagus, it is in the stores cheap. Mine isn't even peeking.Saw some Woodland Phlox yesterday. A Northern Shrike was spotted last week.glad you liked my blooms.
eating well and enjoying spring - sounds like things are moving along well in April. At least I hope so! Take care
Thanks for the link, Hilary! I had no idea my posts were corresponding with a Shakespearean event... I might even enjoy the "intense" book you feature.
Nice they gave you that book.
Will you attend any of the festivities?
@ Betsy - that paparedelle tasted good too .. and exactly is the kind of dish I love to eat. I'll be over to ask you to show us that Shakespearean necklace again on your blog ... and there's always things to celebrate here - comes of living amongst ancient ones and ruins?!
@ Steve - oh lucky man .. ours must be ready - Asparagus Day is Shakespeare Day too ... the garden sort hasn't reached the shops yet - perhaps the farm stall ... and oh I do love it!
Woodland Phlox - must be so pretty ... and a Northern Shrike ... fascinating links to here ... and yes your Prairie lands have some wonderful flora and fauna for us to see ...
@ Joanne - well life is developing .. and that lunch was very good - roast lamb with all the trimmings ... such a treat.
@ Bish - pleasure for the link up - your A-Zs are such fun ... and you didn't know about Shakespeare's death on 23 April 1616? I'm staggered - he's everywhere at the moment ... as too the Queen ...
That's great if you'd look at the book - it's worth it I think ...
@ Alex - yes they actually gave 1 to another Committee member and then two more for me - to give to interested parties in the European Movement ...
No - fraid not ... not good with crowds ... and I shall have a better view from here via the tv ... when I'm not socialising ...
Cheers - it's great to see you all ... thanks for appropriate comments - Hilary
Hi, Hilary!
Such a wonderful line up this spring/summer in LONDON.... Ah, if I could only escape and drop in on some of these events. And, I would LOVE to bring my little guy, Hamlet, to the Shakespeare event... but sadly they quarantine pups in England. Bummer.
He's perfect, especially because he comes from the West Highlands... LOL...
ENJOY your break and thanks for the tidbits of things to come!
Hello Hilary. In line with all things British, we had the "Investigating Agatha Christie" exhibition presented in one of the Montreal museums from December 8th 2015 to April 17th 2016. I was able to go see it yesterday and I enjoyed it very much.
No need to comment? Where is the fun in that?
I was happy to see another blog post.
I actually visited the Globe Theatre in 2012.
At the time, they were rehearsing a play. We were instructed we could take pictures, as long as we were not taking photos of the rehearsal. They frown on that. I have a few of the pics posted on my blog somewhere.
@ Michael - we are in the era of celebrating major events .. Jubilees, Weddings, Birthdays and Deaths ...
Hamlet would be quarantined I'm afraid ... he'll be happier in the States being looked after while you travel over! Little West Highlands terrier - he does look a 'sweetie' ...
@ Beste - that Investigating Agatha Christie exhibition sounds very interesting ... and so pleased you got to visit before it closed at the end of the week. Agatha is another very creative writer ...
@ Jeffrey - exactly .. visiting and keeping the contacts are essential to the blogging world - but at the moment you're all so involved in the A-Z ... I feel I need to let everyone know - there's no need to be here ...but always appreciate visits and comments ...
I hate to say but I haven't visited the Globe ... but interesting they are on your blog - I'll look next time I pop in ...
Thanks to you both - life goes on .. but it's not so easy ... cheers Hilary
Yep. it's definitely spring!
Hilary, greetings from Bexhill! Until I read this it hadn't occurred to me just how many things we have to remember/celebrate/enjoy in the upcoming weeks. Wonderful!
'About Maximilian': a short story with 4 neglected L words!
I loved Ran! You reminded me I haven't seen it decades. I must see it again.
Prince Phillip is 95? How can that be? I'm beginning to feel very old just reading that.
That Paparedelle looks scrumptious. I think that's going to be dinner tonight. Thanks for the idea and thanks for posting again. I've missed you.
I've seen that Japanese rendition of King Lear...I think they call it Ran. It was pretty cool:)
Hoping your "other matters" are handled swiftly and efficiently and you can return to blogland with a leisured heart.
I am missing coming to visit you everyday!! Thank you for supporting me in my challenge.
Wow, Hilary! Very nice eclectic post. Cheers, Denise
I just wanted to say Thank You for your support, reading my journey through the past year. It means a lot to me that you take the time.
Wonderful post, Hilary! Perhaps one day Katherine and I will visit London and see a play at the new Globe. :)
I miss visitng your blog every day during the month of April. I thought ( for some reason) you were taking the month off. Glad to see you are blogging. I know you've been making the rounds, reading and commenting. The blog sandwich looks scrumptious. I love asparagus. I would love the recipe. I can't find my reading glasses and my eyesight is really bad at night, so I'm almost afraid to send this wihout double checking for spelling mistakes, but here I go. Fingers crossed I won't be hiding out in shame tomorrow.
LOVELY to see you here Hilary thank you for your sandwich blog! What a gorgeous table arrangement! Hope all is progressing well with you... all best wishes Susan xxx
@ Patsy – well it was?! Snow and ice on the horizon ... perhaps not down here … but cold and not kind in Spring!
@ Keith – there are definitely some others ... these came up first and the charity fund raising for the Queen’s official birthday. I’ll do another next week … to keep the blog tick-tocking over! Nice to see someone from along the coast …
@ Lee – that’s great you recommend ‘Ran’ I know the Committee will be pleased we’ve made that decision to show it. Prince Philip is coming up to 95 – just extraordinary talking about it (as you say) ... let alone his achievement …
That pasta dish does look good doesn’t it … so Spring like … thanks too for the ‘missing me’ .. !
@ Mark – good to see you .. and someone else who’s seen the Japanese King Lear film …
@ Rosaria – well I hope things will be handled swiftly and efficiently ... not happening at the moment .. still onwards and upwards!
@ Paula – I am missing the A-Z too … but I need the space ... so I’m popping in at odd times …
@ Denise – lovely to see you … so happy you enjoyed the eclectic post …
@ Inger – it’s a pleasure … I knew you’d be writing wonderful posts about your desperate last year ... but you’d be positive and looking forward too …
@ Sharon – thanks so much ... now that would be fun for you to come over to see a play at the Globe – definitely something to look forward to … lovely for me to meet Katherine too …
@ Melissa – thanks so much … I’m missing the A-Z ... but I needed to be able to be free and thus I can have some time for other things. Just putting a couple of posts up in April.
I think the recipe is just cooked asparagus with some melted butter, a little sprinkling of lemon, with shavings of parmesan melted under the grilled – crisped up … delicious!
No mistakes I can see … well done …
@ Susan – a quick post … yes isn’t the table setting gorgeous – she always does wonderful settings and super foods …
Thanks so much to you all … life is progressing, but slower than I’d like – but all is well ... I’ll be seeing around – cheers Hilary
Hello Hilary!! Looks like a lot of fun times going on in your neck of the woods :)
Wow! This is really a mouthful! What a beautiful cornucopia of thoughts. You life must be very rich!
This looks like a lot of fun!
https://ficklemillennial.wordpress.com
I do hope all is well with you. Take care.
My birthday is a few days later. Found out my mother hoped to have me by the Queen's birthday. I was too stubborn even then. LOL
I can't believe you're not doing the A to Z, but a break is good too!
Enjoy!
@ Keith - we've always got our cultural and traditional events going on ... one day you and Beate must come over for some of them?!
@ Stephanie - sorry my mind wanders eclectically around ... but am so glad the resonance of the time comes across ... I won't be going to those events - just the lunch ... which will be good ...
@ Gina - thanks .. once Spring and Summer comes life gets easier!
@ Ros - I'm healthy .. just needs must otherwise ... I hope you are feeling better ...
@ Joylene - Spring baby - good time to appear. We just don't know when we'll appear ... just in, or just out! Perhaps it's better you have time to celebrate both? Happy Birthday though ...
@ Yolanda - I know it's a bit of a surprise to me - needs must though ... I need the extra time ...
Thanks everyone so much ... I'm having to do things or prepare for them - but all is well otherwise ... cheers Hilary
With all that about, I believe I would not be writing posts either. Have fun and thanks for visiting my blog.
You'll have to let us know how that book is--it looks intriguing! I love that period of history. Possibly I'd love all the periods, but this one has the advantage of being taught because of Shakespeare, and Elizabeth's story is such a good one.
Good to see you, Hilary! Thanks for sharing a delicious post. :) It's coming up on lunchtime here and I am hungry! Take care!
Wow, there is a lot going on. Must be exciting! A street party sounds fun. Thank you for your support and kind words.
I have Shakespeare's estimated birthday on my desk calendar. Hope you're well and miss you on A to Z.
http://theworstbestthing.weebly.com/blog
@ Ann - well I shall be far away from it ... but I'll enjoy seeing what happens etc ... good to meet up with you ...
@ Hart - yes I will need to read Shakespeare Unravelled won't I?! ... and I'll be meeting the authors again in 3 weeks .. so another reason for reading it. The Tudors and Stuarts lived and gave us an interesting period of history in England ... with fascinating characters ...
@ Karen - that's a pleasure ... a mix of subjects - briefly whetting whichever appetite you feel like - lunch obviously for you - thanks for coming over ...
@ Murees - good to see you ... England/Britain always has lots going on in the Spring - Summer ... and the party at my friend's house will be a fun affair ...
@ Susan - yes birth is estimated and does feature on calendars ... I'm missing the A-Z .. but unfortunatley other things raised their head and I need to focus ...
Cheers to you all - enjoy the last couple of weeks of the A-Z .. Hilary
I'll have to read something Shakespeare this week! That shrike is lovely. And the pasta looks yummy.
I like that the Shakespeare anniversary and Poetry Month are in the same month.
Sorry I haven't been around. Missed you!
Hospice was so helpful when my father was passing. He was so happy to get to come home from the hospital and they made it possible. Good cause to support.
Hi Hilary, its been a while, been settling in and all that. Was looking forward to your take on A-Z challenge this year, I myself got in too late, been interesting seeing what people are doing. Looking forward to your posts, they are always so informative and give you tasty morsels of information to look up. hope all is well, stay blessed!
You were going good.
Great Informations.
Here are some links to my A to Z challenge posts Here are my takes with I I Love You : http://facetsofadienglish.blogspot.in/2016/04/thats-for-today-with-i.html Id-Ul-Zoha : http://facetsofadishortstories.blogspot.in/2016/04/i-for-id-ul-zoha-bakra-eid-eid-ul-adha.html
Do visit and comment.
@ Shannon – looks like the Queen’s birthday for now is taking over – come Saturday – it’ll change. I’m glad you like the shrike … while that pasta was very good.
@ Theresa – having Poetry month alongside Shakespeare makes sense … he wrote some wonderful sonnets – spoken beautifully by some amazing actors …
@ Elizabeth – the Hospices are wonderful aren’t they .. they certainly helped my uncle and aunt, as too to a lesser extent my mother – as she had different issues … but a very good cause to support.
@ Amanda – it has been a while – I’ll be in touch via email. I know – the A-Z was all planned – still next year – and those links and thoughts are all in place … thank you for your thoughts …
Cheers to you – from a lovely sunny, cold April day! Hilary
Thanks Aditya - your comment came in as I was commenting .. so I missed it. You'll have noticed I'm not doing the Challenge this year - but will be back in 2017 .. all the best - Hilary
London will be full in June ! I have seen Shakespeare's birthplace and we had a guided tour about him.
That is a quite a beautiful table setting and the flowers on the hill are lovely!
I'm sure there will be a lot of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. That's a big one!
Hi Hilary.
Hope all is going well with you. Missing you this A-Z!!
Just thought I will pop over and take a break from the A-Z blogs I am reading you know see a friendly face instead of an unknown one :) but I am hungry now looking at the photos!
Best always,
Nila.
Definitely looking forward to what will certainly be awesome posts about the Royal Family. And thanks for visiting my current post...Angels of the Road. And stay warm this freezing weekend in your part of the globe...
Sending good wishes Hilary as you attend to what needs attending. But here's to enjoying all you can as well. Great post filled with lots of goodies.
@ Gattina - yes I suspect London will be fuller than usual - lots going on ... that's good you've been to Stratford ...
@ Jean - yes these friends always do amazing settings - lots of special extras around ...
@ Sherry - it is a 'big one' ... swamped with lots of other things - but we are getting a lot of input ...
@ Nila - thanks for coming by and I'm missing you all too - and missing doing the A-Z ...
Yes - it's always good to tie in with blogging friends ... but then we always seem to meet some new blogger/s who become great friends too ..
@ Ann - oh dear ... work ahead! Yup - I've sort of started work on them .. they will pop up later on ... I need to sort out this end first ... I hope it's not too cold - but could do with some regular warmth ...
@ Deborah - thanks for your thoughts ... I'm trying to mix and match re blogging, getting things done (or at least putting them into place) and thought I must stay in touch via the blog ...
Thanks so much to you - always love the contact and keeping in touch .. cheers Hilary
I don't get around to all my favorite blogs as much as I'd like, but it's always a sure bet that, when I stop by here, you have a ton going on. Interesting stuff! :)
Celebrations for Shakespeare and the queen. You, my friend(s) really know how to party. :) Delicious looking deserts and dishes, Hilary -- looks like I'm late vising as this was around Easter.
Such lovely gesture, to receive a copy of Shakespeare Unraveled.
I hope your break is going well and that the things you need to tend to are okay! Such interesting celebrations going on over there for sure. :)
~Jess
@ Mark - just good to see you when you can get here ... yes lots happening ...
@ Silvia - we are being overwhelmed by Shakespeare mainly ... but the Queen had her day .. and is having it in the next few months. The book is amazing to have and looks so interesting ... good food always welcome!
@ Jess - things are very slow at the moment .. but life carries on in its inimitable way ... and when we celebrate we seem to do it well -
Thanks to you all, who visit, or pop past .. always lovely to know you're still around ... cheers Hilary
I love that Japanese cover for King Lear. And the pasta, of course.
Hi Vanessa - good to see you ... thanks re the King Lear .. I'm now looking forward to that film ... and lunch is too far away to think about pasta! - but it looks so fresh ... cheers Hilary
I follow lots of historians on Twitter and was happy to celebrate Shakespeare day through them! Glad I also caught the tribute to the Queen on the BBC, the one with herself and Prince Charles, etc. watching those old home videos.
Birds are out everywhere here! Wish I cuold recognise more of them beyond the sparrow and the blackbird and the magpie...
Hi Deniz - yes I bet you've had lots of tweets re Shakespeare .. there's so much going on - still!
Yes I saw the family film yesterday - and it was fun to see their cine films and old movies - interesting how the Queen was so adept with her camera.
Birds - I'm not that good with them either ... I sort of catch up and then forget again ... thanks for the visit - cheers Hilary
I love that little bird too - gentle colors is the perfect way to describe him. Lots of celebrations going on in the UK this summer. :)
Nice to "see" you as always, Hilary.
I had no idea there had been anything like the Acclimitization Society. Oy, not a good idea at all. Then again, I've also learned that the guy famous for exploring the Galapagos Islands belonged to a club that liked to track down rare animals and eat them at big dinner parties. Roast dodo?
@ Julie - isn't the shrike pretty - and those beautiful gentle colours. Yes we do have lots on ... but always the British Summer brings out the traditions ... and more!
@ Shannon - I was surprised when I found out about the Acclimitization Society too - so interesting though - dreadful mistake with its concepts, sadly. Oh gosh - I suppose that could easily have happened ... I hadn't heard that one either ... Roast Dodo - no thanks!
I guess we have to give them the benefit of the doubt ... re not knowing how rare creatures were ... after all humans had spread so easily!
Lovely to see you both - cheers Hilary
Post a Comment