Lots of odds and ends today ... but as the title says
aMayZing as the Queen celebrates her official 92nd birthday - the actual date
is 21 April ... and tomorrow (probably by the time you read this! - today)
Prince Philip reaches 97.
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| Ministry of Defence's photo (Wiki) 2013 Trooping the Colour |
I saw that the Queen has recently had a cataract operation
... and has been seen out and about in dark glasses, but for The Trooping of
the Colour Ceremony she had reverted to ordinary glasses, yet seemed to be
blinking quite a lot ... lovely sunny day they had: it's like cold April
showers here!
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| Her Majesty, the Queen pretty in pink (2015) |
Prince Philip wasn't in attendance ... presumably gearing
himself up for his birthday cake tomorrow ... and putting in his exercises for
his new hip.
Amazing couple ... through two operations and life continues
on - may my life be as long (and healthy!) ...
A major change at this year's Trooping of the Colour was the
Sikh Coldstream Guards soldier, who became the first to wear a turban during
the Ceremony ... his comment was: I hope
that people watching will just acknowledge it and that they will look at it as
a new change in history' - good for him and for the Guards allowing him to
take part.
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| A typical aerial view of the Okavango - with its waterways, channels, islands |
The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex were back from their
honeymoon (I've no idea where they went ... back to Botswana if they were
sensible - as I loved it there ... but I wasn't fortunate enough to be on honeymoon
- just a few holidays ... lucky me!) they were part of the carriage ride down
the Mall to HorseGuards Parade ...
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| Flowers on our tea tables |
I guess that you'd like me to do one of my rather eclectic
write-ups on perhaps the new baby and the recent wedding with as many ramifications as I can figure out for 26+
bullet points in the A-Z format ...
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| Victoria's water taxis |
Moving un-swiftly along ... a heart-shaped flower garden for
you all - I was in Victoria to take a water taxi to one of the oldest
properties in the Victorian countryside ... now surrounded by industrial
estates ... sad but true.
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| Two Orcas c/o Wiki |
Believe it or not ... I'll get to the garden shortly! ... we
missed seeing four Orca whales come into the harbour and then 'mosey' out again
... by only a couple of hours ...
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| Point Ellice House |
We were on a tour to see the house (Point Ellice House) and
learn about the O'Reilly family, who after 108 years, sold the property ... lock, stock
and barrel to the Province ... the contents, their papers, seed catalogues, the
garden details, how the house was built up etc ... I'll do a proper post anon -
and show you more ...
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| The heart-shaped garden |
But the heart-shaped memorial garden overlooking the water
was created for the child they lost, and then shortly afterwards her
grandmother died ...
We had an Afternoon Tea - that was our lunch - as far as I
was concerned:was at coffee time ... i.e. it was 11.45 or so - I cannot get
used to the 12.00 for lunch ... and the tour - half went in to the house, while
the others went round the garden and then we swapped. The
scone was delicious - the best bit ... and the cream, was not Cornish, but
wasn't bad ... though the jam was fairly jelly-like - perhaps practical.
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| For some reason this has decided to come out this way up ... |
We were given Philosopher's Tea ... and Point Ellice Tea -
there were spice or tea caddies in the kitchen store room - and they are now nearly
160 years old - the teas were recreated from the recipes kept amongst the
records.
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| Colclough china |
That ends this update ... and is really here for the
official birthday of the Queen - and I have a WEP post to write up about
unravelling yarn ... who knows what tale will spin out ... and to check in re
your happiness to have me write up about the recent wedding and that new bonny
baby boy ... some distant heir to the throne ... is he 5th in line - I think
that's right ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
62 comments:
If only we could all live as long as the Queen and Prince.
Bummer you missed the whales.
Today we also saw our twelfth Triple-Crown winner.
I would have been v disappointed to miss the whales.
Love this eclectic post and hope that the heart-shaped garden gave solace to the grieving family.
Hi Hilary, I can't wait for your post on that cute house. It looks charming. Sounds like you are having some nice adventures. Carry on! Cheers, Denise
Hari OM
There was a most delightful program on recently (ITV) with Her Madge and David Attenburgh walking the palace gardens talking trees... and lots of cutaways to the boys out and about on Her behalf with regard to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy... something I feel sure you would love! YAM xx
Shame you missed the Orcas, but I love those little water taxis. And, yes, it's been unseasonably miserable around Victoria this June :(
@ Alex - yes - well let's see how we go ... blogging in 30 years? I know I was so frustrated at missing the whales - didn't realise til we got home though. I had to check about 'Justify' your twelfth Triple Crown winner ... it's not something I keep up with ... I did see the Romanian Simone Halep won the Ladies' French Open - ah well ...different tastes!
@ EC - I didn't find out til we got home ... but yes I am disappointed. I certainly hope the little heart garden gave them solace - I think so ... as the garden, seemingly, was their focal point for most of their lives ...
@ Denise - yes I'm getting around a bit ... and I'll get to the house and other places I've been or visited - so thank you for encouraging me ...
@ Yam - thank you for the link to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy ... interesting as I've left England and hadn't picked up on this programme ... though know certain things were set in motion at the time of the Olympics and then for her Jubilee celebrations ... I like they are boosting the Commonwealth ...
I see on watching the start of the film clip that Great Bear Rainforest here in British Columbia is the first up - I'll watch tomorrow and read the details ... sounds very interesting ... so thank you ...
@ Ian - yes I was miffed I'd missed the whales - ah well another day perhaps - and an excuse to jump a fun water ride again. It's been 'foul' hasn't it ... we had lots of rain and I've been out at a Landrover meeting and it's been very cold.
Thanks so much for your thoughts ... cheers Hilary
Happy Birthday to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. i watched the Trooping of the Colours on tv. it was a rerun. it was fantastic. ilove all the pageantry.
sorry you missed the Orcas but for sure you'll be there long enough to get another chance to see them. it would be such a cool experience.
your visit to Point Ellis House sounds nice. i'm glad you're getting out and doing things.
My mum had a cataract op recently - it takes a while to get used to the new vision. She is the same age as the Queen but only has one birthday!
The Queen has two birthdays a year which actually makes her 184! There have been quite a few royal events just lately - I wonder what will happen next.
Click to visit Keith's Ramblings!
Victoria's water taxis are small, colourful and nippy! I remembered that I had some delightful photos from my tour back then, so I got out the album and had another look this week. Thanks for the memory.
So sad you missed the orcas. I've never seen them in the wild either. We did see humpback whales one year we stayed on the Oregon coast and I've seen dolphins in Florida.
The pair of them are certainly wearing well although I guess their doctors are more attentive and don't just write it down to "old age".
Always enjoy your blogs however your write them.
I guess you now know why I have been complaining about cream in this part of the world for the last 40 odd years. Not even as good as the ordinary cream I would get in Kent, let alone Cornish Cream.
Wow- they really have had a long and relatively healthy life together.
The water taxis looks like fun.
Missing the Orcas is sad- but maybe another time. :)
Thanks for sharing so many great tidbits with us.
~Jess
Wow, you've been busy, my dear. Long live the Queen! Actually, wouldn't you love to know what vitamins she takes? She seems like she's going to be Queen forever!
@ Lenny - lovely to see you and it's something I always used to watch with my mother - she enjoyed the pageantry and colour. Yes I was a little miffed I missed the Orcas - but hope to see them sometime ... The House visit was really interesting ...
@ Anabel - I've known people who've had them ... and they seem to work quite simply ... so glad to hear your mother has fully recovered. I know we only get one birthday - boo hoo!
@ Keith - well after my comment to Anabel - perhaps it's a good thing we only have one birthday ... poor Queen - still she looks very good for that age! Difficult to say what'll happen next ... not another wedding for a while ... must be a Jubilee or something - otherwise the slippery slope beckons ...
@ Hels - it's great you went off and got your album out ... the taxis are sweet aren't they - I must investigate further ... happy memories to you of your trip here.
@ Diane - yes, I'd have loved to have been lucky and seen them - still another day I hope. Perhaps whales and dolphins ... they must be around here too ...
@ Jo - I suspect they are both very no nonsense people ... but good genes there. Thanks for the comment re my posts ... and surprisingly I didn't think the cream was too bad - I prefer the single (runny) cream ... but can see the double cream problem as it doesn't whip up - it's quite thin as a result ...
@ DMS - yes the Queen and Prince Philip are doing really well. The little water taxis were fun ... I'd like to do another trip ... while let's hope I get another chance to see the Orcas ... thanks for the thumbs up.
@ PJ - we do do things ... some are great fun ... I'd love to be doing more - anon perhaps. As I mentioned earlier ... both the Queen and Prince Philip have longevity in their genes ... so it's not surprising they're still going strong - they've always exercised and I'm sure eat healthily (especially with local veg) ... though it'd be interesting to know if they supplement ... I rather doubt it ... but we'll never know!
Thanks so much ... lovely seeing you all - cheers Hilary
Oh, you missed the orcas.
Great post on one of our favorite families!
You weren't kidding about having a lot to cover. All enjoyable. I didn't watch the Queen's birthday celebration so this was a lovely summary. I did see a picture of the Duchess and her hat, in the car with the Queen. Gorgeous!
Hi Hilary, It's also amazing how long the Queen and Prince have been married!
I love watching their back stories (though I'm sure they've been embellished a bit) in The Crown. Victoria looks beautiful and I'm glad you enjoyed your outing!
Julie
It is nice to see the royal couple stick it out with all the confusion in their lives. Watching the series the Crown she had to lay down a few rules.
I got to see a bit of the Trooping the Colour ceremonies on the news; it looked like a grand event. I've been in Vancouver a couple of times but I never took the time to head over to Victoria. Perhaps next time, I'll add some days in to give me the time to visit.
I just love learning about and seeing the Royals. I watched everything from the wedding. The Queen looks pretty good - having heard much about the newly wedded couple yet. sandie
Whenever I read your posts, I always feel like I'm on some sort of adventure, going from here to there, seeing whatever is seeable. You live a wonderful life, Hilary, and you seem to appreciate every moment.
@ Nas - I know ... miffed I was at the Orcas timing!! The Royals do do particularly well now-a-days ...
@ Jacqui - I'm afraid lots of odds and ends ... but fun to write up - the Trooping of the Colour on the monarch's official birthday is always a magnificent spectacle - one day I'd like to actually go ...
The new Duchess seems to have happily settled in and is getting on with things ...
@ Julie - yes they are an amazing couple; I suspect the Crown is somewhat 'fiddled around with' - though your word 'embellished' might be better!! I'm getting to know Victoria a bit more now ... and also some parts of the Island ...
@ Steve - I suspect they've drawn on each other's strengths. I haven't watched the Crown - I'm sure the situation demanded some changes to things - to make sure they get through ... thankfully William and Harry seem to have achieved happiness ... and dear little George doesn't know what's coming down the line ...
@ Rhonda - it's always good pageant and history ... with tickets being much sought after ... one day I'd like to see it. I hope you'll take time out to come on over here - I haven't seen nearly any of it - but it's very beautiful ... I guess like NZ in some ways ...
@ Sandie - I know you love the Royals ... which is great to know. The newlyweds are getting around - but the time of year is the Queen's and Prince Philip's for their birthdays and garden parties at Buckingham Palace ...
@ Lynda - thanks ... I try and wrap ideas and stories into my posts ... so you get the whole gambit ... and am delighted you enjoy them. I like to do 'different' ... and yes I do appreciate things happening ... and seeing life around me ...
Cheers to you all - thanks so much for visiting ... have good weeks ahead - Hilary
Both the Queen and Prince Philip are doing good at their ages, I hope I can live as long and be as well when I am in my 90's/
Now there's a cultural difference I hadn't considered--When do you consider it time for lunch?
Thank you for this beautiful tour Hilary. And kudos to the Queen and the Prince. May God keep them blessed. :)
Huzzah to the Queen and Prince Phillip. They are amazing indeed.
I enjoyed this nice mish-mash of goodies. I think I'll take tea or lunch at any time. Cheers!
They've reached a good age, it's great to see. Always nice to visit a historic house, it will tell you something about the culture of an area. And yes to posts about the wedding and baby!
@ Jo-Anne - I know they are doing wonderfully well, and like you I'd like to live up to that age - healthily!
@ Liz - yes, we have lunch at home (UK) 1.00ish ... and quite often supper in the summer time not til much later - we're out gardening ... so sort of 7.00 - 8.00 for breakfast, 1.00 for lunch and anytime from 7.00pm for supper ... depending on job/trade and family life etc ...
@ Debby - it was a rush around post .. but I wanted to acknowledge the Queen and the Prince ... and note the Orcas and tea etc ...
@ Joanne - good word for the Queen and Prince Philip - huzzah! and glad you enjoyed the mish-mash ... fortunately I had sandwiches to go with my Sandwich update ... and I guess with tea-lunch like that ... I'll join you ...
@ Nick - it is pretty amazing ... the example the two of them set. It's very Victorian ... and definitely tells about the 'rich' arrivals in those early days. Oh thank you re the posts to the wedding and the new baby ... I'll get to it ...
Cheers to you all - we've woken to sun ... and bright skies - long may it last ... then I gather I'll be wilting in the heat! Have a happy week - Hilary
We enjoyed most of the birthday celebrations on TV. How lucky they were for both the wedding and the birthday to have sunny days! Enjoy your week Diane
Wow! I didn't realize the Queen and Prince were that old! They're doing well!
Living that long is easier when you have unlimited funds and the best doctors on speed dial.
Hi Hilary! I'm a monarchist at heart and enjoy all the royal family stuff, even the stuff that proves they're just human like us. I watched some of the Trooping of the Color on CNN. Now that they have royalty at last - the Duchess of Essex - CNN seems to be reporting a lot of royal news, LOL. I greatly admire the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen, soldiering on into the vale of years. No abdication for her!
Now i'm hungry for afternoon tea. We call it lunch at 12 midday. Earlier we call BRUNCH a combo of brekkie and lunch. But I'll eat any time, LOL! Especially scones and real cream...
Glad you're unraveling a yarn for WEP. Can't wait till the 20th to read it.
I have always wanted to see whales. Maybe, some day.
I love the Queen. She is so pretty in pink. I loved the lime green at the Royal Wedding as well. I set my alarm and got up at 4 a.m. so I wouldn't miss any of it. I'd love to see whales!
Unbelievable how old your queen is and that she is still doing all these things. Wonder how she does it. Loved your trip with the gorgeous water taxi and what a shame that you missed the orcas. How exciting that must be to see them. Look forwards learning more about the O'Reilly family.
I'm not really a Royalist but my mother used to tell me that the Queen was involved in a Trooping the Colour ceremony on the day I was born. I've now reached the grand old age of 65 and she's still doing the same job - you've got to admire anyone who can do that.
I'd love to read your take on the wedding and new baby. I always enjoy your posts about the Royals as the traditions and history are so interesting to me.
But anything you write is enjoyable, Hilary! Looking forward to your WEP entry. :)
@ Diane - I haven't been able to easily watch anything while I'm here ... so sort of caught bits and bobs as I found them ... but the weather held and that's the main thing ...
@ Sherry - yes, they are an amazing couple ...
@ Pat - I'm sure it all helps, but good genes and they look after themselves ... with simple home grown food, and lots of exercise ...
@ Denise - I know you'll laugh at your mistake ... Essex v Sussex ... now they've been granted the Dukedom of Sussex ... it'd be good to keep her south of the Thames! It's the good news factor I guess that the media likes ... there's so much negativity around - sadly. Absolutely no abdication ...
Oh ... you do lunch at 12.00 ... in South Africa I'm sure it was 1.00 ... I don't remember 12.00 - but then again I could have a memory blank! Brunch in the UK tends to be a weekend affair. Scones and Cornish cream are not to be missed ...
Oh thanks for reminding me WEP is next week ... I thought it was this week ...
@ Truedessa - I hope I get to see them while I'm here ...
@ Paula - I think that is one of my favourite photos of her ... the bright colours are best - but she always wears different colours and matches the occasion. I too am fond of the pageantry in our country.
@ Marja - they are certainly aging well. I think they've always set themselves determinedly to keep going ... and they do - good genes, simple food and plenty of exercise, in between keeping interested in life. I'll have to do the water taxi trip again ... perhaps the Orcas will return and I'll get lucky ... thanks for looking forward to future posts ...
@ John - I wonder what makes us royalists or not ... I enjoy the pageantry and history. Congratulations though on your Trooping the Colour birthday ... early June back in the day! Yes, I agree anyone continuing on through thick and thin as she has ... determination and duty are essentials aren't they ...
@ Julie - I'll get to do the wedding and new baby ... and add some extra snippets ... to spice it up and make it a little different. Thanks so much for your support of my posts ... WEP I still need to draft up ...
Cheers to you all - thanks so much for reading this eclectic take on a post - all the best, Hilary
Man, the Queen just keeps going. It's hard not to admire her for that:)
Since the royal wedding, we seem to see a lot more of the royals in the news. It's interesting watching Meghan Markle, a fellow Californian where like couldn't differ more than what's expected of her now, trying to adjust and fit in. Being watched and analyzed so closely all the time must be tiring. The queen looks great in every photo. Lovely story and pictures, Hilary. Thank you for sharing this very different and interesting world.
I am in awe of both the King and Queen to be doing what they are doing "at their age". It should be an inspiration to us all. I wonder if all the horseback riding they have done in their lives contributed to their mobility now. The Unknown Journey Ahead agingonthespectrum.blogspot.com
Hi Hilary. It has been awhile, but much has changed. I am checking to see if I can get back in touch with my favorite bloggers. Rod and I have moved to an Independent Living/Assisted Living place. Rod has Alzheimers and it was time to make the hard decisions. I cannot blog now, too sad, but would love to continue to check in with you.
Natalie R.
@ Mark - they are an amazing couple ... both of them ...
@ Silvia - they are good news in this world of negative sound bites ... we need that. It is interesting to watch how easily Prince Harry has become settled with Meghan and she has been accepted into royal life - long may it last. Though I agree it must be tiring. The Queen always does look lovely - she's mastered the art of appearing cheerful every time she's out and about. I'm sort of leading a full on life ... which is great - as it is varied ... just delighted you're enjoying these eclectic posts.
@ Bookworm - lovely to see you ... our Prince is not King - though his (their) son Charles will be ... we only have one monarch at a time. They are both inspirational and have led full lives - that is for sure. I'm certain their time outside and exercising ... walking, horses et al has kept them 'young' ...
@ Natalie - how excellent to hear from you and to have your brief news ... I have emailed so hope to hear that way from you too ... let me know please!
Cheers to you all - take care and enjoy the rest of the week - Hilary
All those people shouting, "Long live the queen!" for so many years seems to have worked! It's wonderful that she and her Prince Charming have enjoyed such long lives, and more importantly, are still mentally sharp.
Too bad you missed the orcas this time... but maybe next time, you'll fare better.
Looking forward to learning more about that house.
Cheers!
I love your posts of 'this and that.' I wish I had the same doctor as the Queen to help keep me healthy. She probably has a team. Seeing those whales would have been cool.
Jam is jam and jelly is jelly, and ne’er the twain should meet. Most jelly is the epitome of ickiness.
I hit “publish” before I had time to say that I think this continuing fawning over this inbred family is really getting a little tiresome.
I am in awe of the King and Queen and think within reason it is endearing how people love them. Also to be 92 and 97 years of age is a gift.
One more thing, I don't think their inbred.
That's all!
T
@ Susan - they've kept their side of the bargain and we get (now) a pretty good payback to the country ... which we may well need a lot of in the foreseeable future. Yes - they are lucky they're still mentally sharp.
Orcas - need to return ... I must remember to invite them next time I'm down by the harbour! Great - I'll do the house write up ...
@ Susan - they are certainly eclectic ... I suspect the Queen and Prince Philip are naturally healthy ... but probably have regular medicals - yes a team, but small one I suspect. I know I rather wish the whales had been around for me to see ...
@ David ... this wasn't the nicest jelly - but proper jelly is delicious ... I've just seen some made of seeweed - used as water bombs ... rather than plastic balloons - makes sense.
Sorry about the Royals - I guess they're like marmite - love or hate them ... I'm happy with both! In-bred ... not so sure - but future generations definitely not ... quite a lot of Americans around now ...
@ Teresa - Yes I admire the Royals ... they keep the country rolling along with the heraldry, tradition, pomp and circumstance - which I'd not like to be without. I note your comment re inbreeding ... certainly not now - and back then too many European lines ...
Thanks so much for your comments and thoughts - cheers Hilary
How we Americans love those Royals....:)
You visit ( and bring us) some of the most delightful places. Happy birthday to Her Majesty.
I would have been seriously bummed about missing those whales.
An amazing couple indeed Hilary! My mother enjoyed the Royal Wedding though of the Queen said, "Of course, she is younger than me," which is true, by a whole 7 months I believe. When you are in your nineties I dare say that every month counts. I used to think my mother was the Queen when I was a child - same wavy/curly hair, same way of dressing as far as I was concerned. (She still wears her hair in the same style.) One of her four Christian names is Elizabeth. A little part of me still believes my mother is the Queen! :-)
@ TB - well it's good news ... I know many of you enjoy the Royals ...
@ LD - thanks so much ... just so glad you enjoy wherever I decide to take you!! The Royals had their birthdays happily celebrated. I know I was somewhat frustrated I missed the whales that day ... such is life ...
@ Deborah - they are a pretty amazing couple - I remember your mother being slightly(!) older than the Queen. I suspect we all thought our mothers were the Queen or near enough when we were young ... and I guess they dressed somewhat as the Royals did ... pretty shirt-sleeved dresses ... My mother too had Elizabeth in her name .. but didn't pass it down to me - a cousin was Elizabeth ... so that was that. Well Deborah Elizabeth ... your mother's naming of you has stood you both in good stead over the years ...
Cheers to you all - and thanks so much for visiting - Hilary
An amazing couple. They have endured so much and persevered. Thank you for giving them the light.
The queen looks so pretty in pink.
Hope all is well
Cheers
Hi Hilary, It's great to see the Queen and Prince Philip in the pink of their health. Such an inspiring couple.
@ Leslie - they have had lots of struggles, but the Queen has been so resolute - and she does look so pretty in pink, and turquoise too ... all well here - thank you ...
@ Pradeep - good to see you - and yes they do set a lot of examples for us to follow ...
Cheers to you both - Hilary
Nice photos! Afternoon tea sounds like a lot of fun. I love orcas. I saw a bunch of them when I was in Alaska about 10 years ago.
Aj @ Read All The Things!
Cracking post. That was a whistle-stop tour you did there. :-)
Greetings from London.
The Queen and Duke are amazing, not just still alive but still working (well, the Queen anyway)
Your tea sounds lovely! The flowers are gorgeous. Lovely post.
@ AJ - thanks - I enjoy illustrating my posts ... and I've yet to see Orcas ... a trip to Alaska might be on the cards sometime ...
@ ACIL - well I caught all the threads and wove something together - thank you ...
@ Juliet - aren't they amazing ... well I think Prince Philip might be doing things behind the scenes - but they'll both be out and about as they seem to be pretty healthy for their age ...
@ Lynn - it was all good fun ... as was the visit and the flowers ...
Thanks so much to you all - enjoy the weekend - cheers Hilary
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