triumphgal

After spending way too long trying to get everything posted last night it was 2:30 am so I turned out the lights and decided to finish in the morning. Glad I did as I barely had enough sleep to function and really wanted to be up and off according to plan. I’d had confirmation that my Jackie was doing better than I was lead to believe and that took the stress off from waiting for my phone to ring with bad news. Nigel and Linda are so incredibly kind and long suffering I can’t bear that I kept them waiting so long. I switched between getting ready and finishing the London blog although it was speedier with them helping me remember. At long last I met David and Nicola who I completely believed made up as they live here and I hadn’t met them yet.

David was gracious to offer options for end of day bevies…

Because I took so long we were running way behind but again my lovely friends leave me feeling that it is all as it should be. I seem to be fascinated with road signs and license plates. The car is registered when it is first licensed and that doesn’t change like at home where the plates belong to the owner more than the vehicle. I think the comment at one point was that it was like going through a drivers test with all my questions. It’s just a whole new world!

The whole way to Windsor we listened to the CD I purchased of Come From Away. Linda and I would have sat through a second showing it was so powerful.

By the time we arrived I over-ruled the park and walk for cheaper and said I’d pay for closer. (Time saver and I was wearing my cute red shoes I didn’t want to wear out). We did the parking lot crawl until a space opened and then had two hours to tour about. As it happened the main attractions were only open for the short time we had as there was a special event that evening and they were closing to the public to set up.

We wound our way up through Windsor and made our way in.

Paid up and bought a guidebook as I knew this would be whirlwind and went through screening as if flying out today. I suppose that’s the only way to check in your guests to your home when you are the Queen. It is strange to be gadding about on private property.

These are the slots to fire arrows through.

So much history and grandeur

Turn Up Your Volume!

We made it in time to have a tour inside the castle. I was sure from online that Victoria’s jewels were supposed to be there but no one knew about it.

The problem was I took my first picture and then was reminded I wasn’t allowed.

Pineapple china for you Ashlée! My contraband picture

I don’t think I can properly articulate how incredible the tour was. We saw art from many and furniture of times and spaces where history has been made. The armor was small, the heads were big and the gold filigree was to die for. A grand space was busy being set for dinner for the event. We spoke with a young lady who was only on her second service. She said she was shown a picture and tested on the proper table setting. In casual garb at this moment she would return later to serve but said she didn’t know to whom. It truly was like walking into a movie.

We exited the space and wandered taking pictures. I had brought my camera to capture what my iPhone couldn’t and am pretty pleased with the results: enjoy

After wandering and soaking it all up, I was taking pics of the odd things around St. George’s Chapel when we heard it was last opportunity to go in. Go in!!! Where the Royal wedding was !

Again a no photo spot and I never would have thought any of this mattered to me at all but honestly, when the cheerful man inside showed us some highlights and then plunked Linda and I on the exact spot where Meghan Markle stood to say her vows, I was overwhelmed. It was a historic spot no matter your views on the monarchy!

And really how could it not matter when I grew up in the Royal City and attended Queen Elizabeth Elementary School, singing God Save The Queen every morning.

I purchased the guidebook to there as well in order to learn more.

Once outside we visited the shop where I took photos of the postcard rack with some of the views we saw inside. I did not feel guilty about this as I also bought a shot glass, a crown and a wee gin. Also a pack of Kings and Queens cards for Linda and Claire to learn from. They did not have to learn the lineage as we did in Canada! I still remember doing my project on Anne Boleyn. Also bought a crown! (Pin)

Nigel went ahead to be sure we didn’t get a ticket and I found myself a nice pair to hang with before we wandered our way back to the car. They were very cheeky and I wanted to put them in my luggage.

Linda really enjoyed Lion around

Now we were heading to Bracknell to see my step-mom’s cousin Bea & her husband Mike. I seem to still be fascinated by street signs!

I think my mom would love going to Ascot

When we arrived I was mildly apprehensive as I can only imagine the Hearndens were as none of us really knew who we were going to see. The second Bea saw me she said she was going to cry and all of us felt comfortable from the get go. Loved their home, the incredible spread she put on and the part of her family we got to meet; Philip, Katie and Ella (LOVE that she was named after Ella Fitzgerald and at 5 has personality plus)

Bea showed us on a print she made the spot where her father lived from 13-83, where she was born. She had a copy to give me as well of ones from Brighton Beach that she’d done. She also showed us her celery vase collection. Yes, that’s a thing and they are gorgeous! She asked if I’d like one and how can I say no?! She gave me the one right off the table that we used tonight. She is a very gifted artist in so many mediums that I can’t count. Crochet (on back of couch) , paint, drawing, sewing (the dress Ella is wearing), gorgeous stained glass card she gave a copy of to Linda and on it goes. It was such a treat to be in her home, see so much of her work and share a meal.

After dinner Mike put out hedgehog food and in short order she graced us with her presence!

A short performance by Ella and we all said our goodbyes but not before I’d also received angels Bea had made for my daughters whom she’d met 20 years ago and a mug with a Royal face for my tea. Such a sweet family!

Sorted my treasures from the day, made no definitive plans for the Next day and settled in trying not to worry about our friends Colin and Wendy who are on an east coast cruise at the moment, nor any of my Atlantic coast friends as a big storm rolls in.

Until tomorrow, Marnée out.