'If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness.' Marjorie Garber

Thursday 31 May 2012

Bring out the Red, White and Blue

Before anyone points it out to me, I realise that I am always talking about the weather in my blog - how very English :)

But continuing with my Englishness...Phew, it's HOT!

Is it any wonder the British are preoccupied with the weather when it is so changeable? This May, we have gone from a rather cold, wet Spring to a hot, dry Summer, seemingly overnight. The garden is confused. I'm confused.

I'm not complaining, mind you. Long may this weather reign. And talking of reigning that leads me on nicely to that very, very historic day coming up soon, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. I'm loving all this patriotism. I wouldn't describe myself as a Royalist, but I love the design of the Union Jack. Always have done really. It's so bright and cheerful and whenever I see it, I smile. I ordered these the other day and they have just arrived ready for the weekend. Aren't they great?

I've had these cushions for a couple of years now and they have been christened Winston and Jock, obviously. I really need a welsh corgi and an irish setter to complete the set but I don't know if they are out there.

 


These cushions were a bargain about 18 months ago in Wilkinsons. Try buying them for the same price now - no chance.


And this union jack mug is one of my favourites. I have a matching apron too. They came from Tesco a few years ago. The Queenie mug was a bargain  I scooped yesterday at The Range, just £1.45!


So, you see, I am a bit of a Union Jack collector. The same cannot be said of the flag of St. George, the English national flag. I'm afraid the association of the far right in British politics and football hooliganism have put me off a bit.  Also, it is just a constant reminder of how our national football team fail to deliver at every tournament. I used to be a big fan of football. When I lived at my parents' home, we all watched football as a family on television every week and occasionally, live. I saw Georgie Best play :D 

However, being married to someone who isn't particularly a fan, (he'll watch the big matches but thats all; I suppose I should be thankful), and being present at friends's houses whilst the men in their lives watched football and they treat it as a very masculine concern, has put me off. I want to reignite my love of football this year - after all it is supposedly our national game. So come on England, show us you are still worthy! 

Back to flags, if you love that design,  St. George's flag, then there are plenty of examples out there to buy too thanks to the Euro 2012 tournament kicking off very soon.

Of course the other big event for us this year is the Olympics. I'm really excited. I think it is going to be a very memorable Summer. I can't wait...

9 comments:

  1. I like your excited patriotism - very lovely to see someone so pleased to be British. And I love the Union flag too. I have a great mug - my MIL gave it to me recently. It bears the image of a knitted Union flag on it and right now it's my favourite tea mug.

    I hope we have a good, warm bright summer - we could all do with it, Olympics or not. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Wendz,
      Thanks for your lovely comments. I knew I shouldn't have mentioned the weather again because it has rained ever since I wrote that post! Typical :)
      The union flag is such a great design, definitely.
      Take care,
      Sue x

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  2. Fab cushions! You can't go wrong with a bit of red white & blue. I hope you have a fun weekend.

    Lou xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Lou,
      We had a lovely weekend despite the weather being wet, wet, wet!
      Take care,
      Sue x

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  3. Winston & Jock are fun. Husband is not a Royalist at all & the only flag he flies is The ( Scottish ) Lion Rampant but he has a boat charter tomorrow so Jess & I bought Union Jack bunting & napkins ! (He He!)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Penny,
      Good for you! Hope you used lots of bunting and napkins!
      The Lion Rampant is a great design too ;)
      Take care,
      Sue x

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  4. so much to look forward to... but its not hot now... its decidedly COLD and very wet! Brrr. Love Helen, Darcy and Bingley xxx

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    Replies
    1. Hello Helen and Boys,
      Yes, it is very cold and very wet. I wish I had kept my big mouth shut about the sunshine :p
      The Jubilee was great fun anyway!
      And just wait until you hear my latest news...Darcy and Bingley will be very pleased!
      Take care,
      Sue x

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  5. Hi Jooles,
    Thanks for your lovely comments and for becoming Follower No. 24!
    We really enjoyed the Jubilee despite the terrible weather!
    It's so very wet now that the brief hot spell seems soooo long ago!
    Take care,
    Sue x

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