Once in a Lifetime Part One

A once in a lifetime experience...

That's a phrase I've heard and used a lot recently.

The first time I said it this year was way back in May, when the anticipation of waiting for the Olympic Torch was just so exciting.

Even though it was all over in a flash, I can say I was there. A once in a lifetime, unique, experience.

Can I claim it was unique when I shared it with thousands of people, young and old?

Yes, I think so, it will never be an event that I am likely to see again, not here in my country, in my town, on my doorstep.

History.

Then in June, we celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee; another occasion that will never come around again.

The whole country seemed to be decorated with union flags and bunting. I don't remember it being so obvious during the Silver or Golden Jubilees.

We celebrated the Jubilee weekend with a huge feast at my sister's house...

We ate and drank far too much.

And on Jubilee Tuesday, we caught a coach to London and joined the masses in the rain. But everyone smiled...

and waved flags and cheered...

despite having to view the Queen on a big screen in St. James Park, because we couldn't get anywhere near the Palace; the streets of London were packed!

We did have a fantastic view of the Red (White and Blue) Arrows from the park.

Yet another day that can never be recaptured...

And this fantastic image appeared on the wall opposite the Childrens' Hospital in Bristol, where once had been a Banksy of a boy about to pop a bag behind a police marksman, and then the Eton Posse, David Cameron and Boris Johnson rioting! 

Who knows if it's a Banksy or not, who really cares? It is a once in a lifetime image of the Queen.

So that brings me to the middle of June, and the middle of the summer. Very soon 2012 will be a once in a lifetime too.

I'll fill you in on the past two and half months in my next post...

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...