I’m writing this post on Sunday because we’re getting up early on Monday to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, so I won’t have time to write at my usual time in the morning. Better to write it now and guarantee it’s published near the usual time instead of hoping I get to it.
Sunday was warm – 83 degrees – and sunny. I was actually rather shocked by the warm temps when I went out to water some of the plants. There is still a lot of mowing to do, but we plan to spread it out over the week ahead. Hopefully, I’ll be able to join in. My back is getting better; I vacuumed and dusted and did a little more work on the puzzle. After all of that, I sat back down in my chair with the heating pad on.
Remember the bunnies eating all my zinnia buds? Well, I guess they didn’t get them all because these tiny zinnias have bloomed. I’m hopeful there will be a few more. The gardens along the chicken wire fence have suffered this year. The Rose of Sharon didn’t bloom as much as it would have had we had rain. The morning glories and zinnias basically came to almost nothing in the chicken wire fence garden, and the aforementioned zinnias right outside the side door grew, were eaten, and apparently fought back. The morning glories behind these zinnias are growing up the fence, but no buds are in sight. Still hoping.
What a strange and depressing summer. Frankly, though I dread winter, I’m very eager for fall. These cooler mornings and evenings are lovely. I’m afraid fall color here in my part of the northeast will be a bit of a bust because of the drought.
Okay, my friends.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
I’m so glad you planned to watch the Queen’s funersl, Claudia. We were up at 4:00 am to see history in the making. It was a very moving service. Lots of tears especially when they played God Save the King. I’m so glad it is a beautiful day in London and hopefully Windsor. Still can’t believe she is gone.
You and Don take gentle care. Hugs, Elaine
Very, very moving. We’re in a somewhat somber mood here today.
Thank you, Elaine.
Stay safe.
I am always up at five and today no exception…go to bed by midnight…lovely service…had to break a few minutes to tutor…I do not have real television just You tube so no problem watching that part again…I want nothing when I am gone…however for this lovely Queen…this has been fantastic…feel better…enjoy your day with your husband. Prayers…
A truly beautiful service. The whole period of mourning has been very moving.
Stay safe, Brenda.
I was a junior in high school. My boyfriend and I had been dating two months…we were together 30 years…I digress…JFK was murdered…we were told over the loud speaker…we all were frightened and started weeping…hugging…we were off school after that…glued to those tiny television sets…watching it all…I, later, did my junior term paper on Kennedy…my class and the senior class took a trip over Easter…to D.C. the trip was thirty five dollars…on busses…hotels…and buy our own food. Mother saved to have the money for me to go. Our class was permitted to have dignitaries with us and place a wreath on JFK’s grave…before it was put under…it was a poignant moment we will all remember. I have a picture of everyone sitting in front of the Capital or maybe the White House…packed away or given away…huge picture made my a photographer…these moments…stay with us…and I am sure the death of the Queen will stay with school children in England…when we took our children to D.C., we visited JFK’s grave…when my son did a marathon there…same…when I studied at the Folger’s for a month one summer, I returned often…it meant something to me…the youngest president elected, the first Catholic…I remember when he was supposed to speak in front of the bank in our tiny little WV town…the little tiny state that helped him win…and he could not come because of his back…I was a teenager, but I made the time to go listen to his brother, Robert…I was always impressed…I collected books about him and the era. Vietnam War…my family has the book. I do have several on JFK, gifted recently from a friend…I am sharing those also…just a memory in this lady’s mind…I will be 75 next week…I remember November 1963 like it was yesterday…
happy early birthday, brenda! hope you will celebrate and be celebrated and spend that extra-special day doing just what you want.
kathy
I remember that day too like it just happened. I was in 4th grade when our teacher came in and gave us the news. So sad! I remember watching the funeral, so touching. I was a big fan of Robert Kennedy too. I think he would have made a great President. The Queens funeral was amazing.RIP
I was in fifth grade and remember everything about the assassination and the funeral vividly. We were sent home from school, of course. And then we sat in front of the television watching everything, including the funeral, and the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald.
Let us know exactly what day your birthday is, Brenda, so we can all wish you well.
Stay safe.
Sept 30
xoxo
glad to hear (and see) you had some zinnias after all. hopefully you’ll have more fall colors than expected, too.
didn’t watch the queen’s service this morning. i hope that service, their centuries-old traditions and seeing all those people lined up to pay respect bring comfort to her family.
glad your back is getting better. hopefully don’s shoulder is, too.
i’m not looking forward to winter at all, either (snow is beautiful, but we can sure do without the dangers of ice and sleet … please)! cooler fall weather and the ease it brings are welcomed and much appreciated.
need to get going on things here.
hope you, don and everyone else here have a nice day. stay safe.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Also have the Queen on TV here.
Today is our Big Day for Fred—getting his Supercell infusion today! It’s been a long time coming. Various problems have arisen and the date kept being pushed. He’s been in the hospital since Labor Day, too, too long! He’s weak and tired, but will stay for at least another week, then if he has no bad reactions to his lab-altered cells they’ll let him come home and we’ll keep a close watch here. Meanwhile, we’re keeping Facetime busy staying in touch—the longest we’ve been apart in 56 years! Fingers crossed for the best outcome.
Sending positive vibes for Fred. Fingers crossed here as well for you both! Take care. ;)
shanna and fred …
continuing to pray for you both.
also, your strength and positive attitude are impressive.
take care and stay safe.
kathy
I didn’t know Fred has been in the hospital all this time, Shanna. How difficult for you both! But I’m so happy to hear that today is the day for the infusion! Sending so much love to you and Fred. You’ve both been so strong during this time. I know it isn’t always easy.
Much love,
Claudia
Thinking of both of you, Shanna. I hope you will keep us posted on his progress if you feel comfortable in doing so. Know that many of us are keeping you and Fred in thought & prayer.
I am watching too
And feeling very sad
What a life she led
She kept her promise and then some
Thank you for everything Ma’am
Siobhan
She did, indeed. We’re feeling sad and somber today.
Everything was done with grace and an attention to detail that is simply beautiful.
Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth.
Stay safe, Siobhan
So moved to see Queen Elizabeth’s Fell pony Emma and her beloved corgis Muick & Sandy at Windsor today.
Today has been an emotionally powerful day.
That was the most moving part of today for me – seeing the pony at the side of the road. Loved the corgis, too, but there was something about that pony that made me cry.
Very emotional day.
Stay safe, Amy.
The pony yes…
xo
I was glad to see you were able to enjoy a couple of zinnia’s. I watched a bit of the funeral, but not much. I did learn quite a few new things about her over these last several days…she had quite an extraordinary life.
Glad to hear your back is improving….rest up. I see mowing in your future! ;)
Probably tomorrow…
Watching all of it today was worth it. I found the entire day so moving and emotional.
Stay safe, Donnamae.
Glad to see your back is improving. Take each day at a time.
As it was a national holiday, I watched the whole ceremony. I must admit I shed a tear at the corgis. I enjoyed the pomp and pageantry of the occasion and the military precision. To slow march almost three miles up the Long Walk, very impressive.
Also, even though I have seen the Crown Jewels, I was taken by how old the jewels in the Imperial Crown are dating back to the 9th century. The pearls dangling are earrings belonging to Elizabeth the First!
Impeccable. The detail, the choreographed marches and moves. We were so fortunate to see it, to witness it.
I cried at the pony.
Stay safe, Dee Dee.
I was up quite early to watch the Queens funeral also. Very moving and a great tribute to her majesty. I’m feeling somber and tired and will take this as a day of reflection.
Same here. We’re feeling quiet and somber today.
Stay safe, Linda.
I was up just past 2 am to watch the funeral here. It was pretty amazing. I was also touched by her corgis and her pony. And I was impressed with King Charles’s thoughtfulness in including the myrtle in the wreath on top of the casket, which the Queen had had planted from her wedding. Love the details.
The details were extraordinary. I am so glad I had the opportunity to watch it as it happened.
Stay safe, Barrie.
I have been up since 4:30 watching. Oh, the pony and the corgis. So moving. About a year ago I read the book The Gown and I would recommend it to anyone interested in her life. It showed how much thought and care she took in details when planning/designing her wedding gown. Her thought process was amazing.
The British are excellent in planning and carrying out a “plan”. The details and the timing were astounding in the entire 10 day process. Knowing the input that the Queen had into every detail was just humbling. I can think of no better word. Take care.
Many of the details for the funeral were established years ago. Everything, down to the smallest detail, was in place and ready to be implemented. Amazing.
Stay safe, Chris.
I think today/tomorrow I will cut back most of the sweet peas and the black-eyed Susans, which look more than a tad pathetic. Dead flowers, dead Queen, bad back/hip/shoulder (sciatic and rotator cuff), too much overgrown territory and overcluttered house that I’m trying hard to tackle, three square feet at a time to little avail. The shelves bookcase with the cookbooks tumbled down and are broken so I’ve been stripping that, trying to rehouse and purge the cookbook collection and will have to deal with getting out a broken shelf. Rick bought me my belated Christmas present — a dishwasher — and it is currently plopped right in the hallway blocking everything (I’ve run into it more than once) till he installs it. Which appears to be whenever he feels like it! I told him he has a week, maybe two, and then I’m calling a plumber! An odd combo of both very grateful and very frustrated! It’s a rough September in a lot of ways, at least emotionally.
I watched every minute — and all day, often twice. I couldn’t keep away. (And you ask why I don’t get anything done…)
I hope you’re feeling better, Jeanie. Like you, I don’t like it when things seem to be out of control – garden, grass, bookshelves, etc. Just do what you can do. Are you back home now?
Stay safe.
I’m home for probably another week — doc, dentist appointments, babysitting and such. I was glad I was back because I haven’t cut my cable yet and could catch a good deal of the Queen-related coverage. They’re sending me to PT, possibly steroid shot for the shoulder and prednisone for the sciatic issues for now. Hopefully at least one (or all!) of the things will stick.
Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.
xo