Salud, Kids!
Well, what's done is done!
It is official, William and his Kate are now, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
As my little blog does not have access to those official, McQueen (did they select this designer, just because it had the word queen in it? just sayin') wedding dress photos, I bring you another royal. Grace Kelly and her Prince on their day.
Kids, I am not going to kid you, this dress looks similar to the one worn across the pond today. Again, just sayin'.
##
As promised, British-Brit-Brian has sent us several missives, but let us begin with this one, and it is not because he gives a small shout-out to the Sunshine State and my favorite nutmeg island, Grenada.
Contributed by: Brian Wilson
All rights reserved and copyrighted.
Just been watching TV and the interviews with the public lining the processional route.
OK, many are Brits, but many others are from all around the world.
You will not be amazed to hear that many are from the US
Tennessee, Minnesota, New York, not forgetting Florida have all been interviewed.
But, what about a 23 year old, skateboarding, punk-loving boy from Harlem protecting the Queen? (story taken from The Daily Mail)
Denton John will have a front row seat for tomorrow’s Royal Wedding – as the only American protecting the Queen.
In his shining breastplate, red plume, sword and immaculately-pressed uniform, the 23-year-old New Yorker is a proud member of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
He will be on horseback today to watch over Queen Elizabeth as she leaves Westminster Abbey to return to Buckingham Palace following her grandson, Prince William’s, wedding to Kate Middleton.
It is a world away from his childhood in Harlem as the son of immigrants from the small island of Grenada.
‘When I was young, it was all about skateboarding, punk rock. I was into everything,’ he told CNN in London.
It was only when he returned to his island roots after graduating from Harlem’s Wadleigh High School that he decided to sign up for the British Army.
While he will enjoy the pomp and ceremony, he still has an important job to do.
‘We are the Queen's Life Guard,’ he said. ‘We are the first line of defence if anything should happen to that carriage. We are very vigilant as soldiers.
‘I'll be taking in the sights and sounds, but I'll be very focused on my job,’ he added.
‘He is the only American in the Household Cavalry, and as far as we know, the only American in the Royal Wedding. It's our version of the "American Dream",' said Denton’s commanding officer Captain James Hulme.
‘I was always sure he was going to do something positive with his life,’ Loretta Lewis, his former teacher at Wadleigh HS on West 114th Street, told the New York Post.
‘He would come to school in a tie every day, always cool - and this was before mandatory uniforms!’ she said.
Denton said his parents will be watching the wedding on TV to try and pick him out.
‘My mum’s very proud,’ he said. ‘She’s telling everyone about this.’
All the best - Brian W. and Mo
##
Stay with you!!
Friday, April 29, 2011
JUST A QUIET WORD
On the day of the world's most famous wedding in decades, for those in Alabama, from Indiscreetly Us.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering.
##
And, from across the pond...
Dear Pam and your readers:
Both Mo and I have been shocked by the devastation wrought by the tornados in the US.
Our thoughts are with all those affected - the families, who now have no home, those looking for relatives - and those who are mourning lost members of their family.
##
Thank you, Brian and Mo, for your heartfelt thoughts.
##
Royal Wedding thoughts to come.
At this time of celebration over here, Mo and I are thinking of you all - our hearts go out to you all.
Brian and Mo
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering.
##
And, from across the pond...
Dear Pam and your readers:
Both Mo and I have been shocked by the devastation wrought by the tornados in the US.
Our thoughts are with all those affected - the families, who now have no home, those looking for relatives - and those who are mourning lost members of their family.
##
Thank you, Brian and Mo, for your heartfelt thoughts.
##
Royal Wedding thoughts to come.
At this time of celebration over here, Mo and I are thinking of you all - our hearts go out to you all.
Brian and Mo
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Harry and William and Kate; Oh, MY
Salud, Kids!
Rest easy, the DVR is set for 4:30 a.m. (what, you think I'm going to watch it live?), my English breakfast goodies are ready, so the Wales family may proceed.
Before you drop off to sleep tonight we have one last pre-wedding entry by our fabulous, British-Brit-Brian, who returned home from work this evening and dashed off this report.
Read on...don't forget to get your banger on...early!!
##
Contributed by: Brian Wilson
UK
All rights reserved and copyrighted
Got home from work and looked at BBC News - you would not believe it.
There are thousands of people sleeping out tonight along The Mall (the road that leads from Buckingham Palace) and the other roads leading to The Abbey.
It will be cold tonight (9 centigrade) but us Brits (and people from other countries) are made of strong stuff - they are camping put tonight - just to ensure that they have a good vantage point and are there on the day.
People are saying they feel they are part of the whole event.
Princes William and Henry live in Clarence House - which is on The Mall - and must have heard and seen the people waiting for tomorrow.
So, guess what - they came out and spent lots of time chatting to everyone camping pit - I bet the security men had a fit!
People are dressed in The Union Flag and all are wearing party clothing - but I bet lots are wrapped up now from the cold.
So, it will all happen tomorrow - a report will be forthcoming (if I am still sober after celebrating with sparkling wine and my own home made wine!)
Tonight - although Mo and I found that we were not able to attend (prior commitment!). The Queen was hosting an event for British and foreign royals at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, near Hyde Park, in central London.
Finally, just to show how much love there is about - William and Catherine (that is her full name) have already thanked people in a message that said, "We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives. The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving, and has touched us both deeply. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness."
And all that before the Big Day.
Good night good reader...
Brian and Mo
p.s. for the best TV coverage go to the BBC web site www.bbc.co.uk
##
Don't leave us now, you must come back and hear more from Brian.
I can't wait!!
STRAIGHT FROM THE BATHERS, ROYALLY SPEAKING
Salud, Kids!
Can you feel it?
Excitement is swelling over in Merry Old England.
Well, dust off that tiara (I have to get mine away from my Cavi-Girl), grab a banger and scone...it's almost time for those old royal wedding bells to chime.
Our friend, British-Brit-Brian, gives us his views and slaps us harshly with the news that Gaz and I don't stand a chance in hell of being invited-even though two seats have JUST become available.
Well, neither he nor Mo will be tiaring up and taking seats, so there you go.
Therefore, let's get to it.
ROYALLY SPEAKING, WEDDING-WISE
By, Brian Wilson
Bath, UK
Rights reserved/copyrighted
If you and Gaz are already rowing across the pond - you may want to turn back as all the best places to view the Big Day are already taken.
I've already told you the bad news that neither you and Gaz, or Mo and myself have been invited to the Abbey - surely it must have been an administrative oversight?!
Well, the TV news and papers have told us that, for 2 days now, people have been camping out on the pavements near the Abbey and all the best viewing points!
There already is a camaraderie amongst these members of the public, people's places are "kept" by others (when they need to leave their spot to get food, drink, go to the loo etc) - typically British - you know that us Brits like to queue for everything!
I think that all this shows what us Brits really think of our Royal Family - some we may think of as a "waste of space", but people like The Queen, Charles, William, Henry, even Camilla and Princess Anne are held in high esteem.
The Queen, because she is Head of State - but has no political power (only the Brits could have invented this scenario) - Charles because he will be King - the others; well if you look at the number of official engagements they carry out and add to this the support (often carried in a "quiet way and not visible to the public) that they give to charities and local organisations, without asking for praise, means a lot to us over here.
I can understand where Republicans are coming from - but, if we had an elected President (not like yours, who has the same political role as our Prime Minister, but one that has no direct political power) all that would happen is that some ex-political (probably one who had lost an election) would throw their hat into the ring.
So we would end up with a "has been" - one who the people have already said "we have no confidence in you."
God forbid we have a President Thatcher, Blair or Brown - us Brits like our ex MPs and Prime Ministers to retire, possible write a book, but leave full time politics behind them.
Back to the Big Day.
I have just heard that Kate will not vow to obey William in the Wedding Service (do you have similar words in US?) - this shows just how "modern" things are now and that Kate is her own person.
Also, remember my note about who was invited to the service i.e. that many "foreign" dignitaries were invited by our Foreign Office; well our foreign Secretary (William Haig) has revoked the invitation to the Syrian Ambassador.
I know what you are thinking - "well that means 2 "free" places, what about us?" I will do my very best to secure you these seats, but (and this may shock you) I do not think I will be able to get you a seat - it is just too short a notice!!
I'll tell you more but, if you may want to go on The Times web site -or any UK paper.
If you have an ipad and subscribe to The times, then they will have on-line coverage, reports, photos etc
Anyhow, I'll tell you more tomorrow - Mo and I will be raising a glass, hope uoi can join us
Brian and Mo
##
Kids, don't leave us now. More to come!!
Don't forget to get yourself a copy of my eBook at Barnes and Noble, eBook Store. The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches. Available on Nook, iPhone and iPad. Check it out!
Can you feel it?
Excitement is swelling over in Merry Old England.
Well, dust off that tiara (I have to get mine away from my Cavi-Girl), grab a banger and scone...it's almost time for those old royal wedding bells to chime.
Our friend, British-Brit-Brian, gives us his views and slaps us harshly with the news that Gaz and I don't stand a chance in hell of being invited-even though two seats have JUST become available.
Well, neither he nor Mo will be tiaring up and taking seats, so there you go.
Therefore, let's get to it.
ROYALLY SPEAKING, WEDDING-WISE
By, Brian Wilson
Bath, UK
Rights reserved/copyrighted
If you and Gaz are already rowing across the pond - you may want to turn back as all the best places to view the Big Day are already taken.
I've already told you the bad news that neither you and Gaz, or Mo and myself have been invited to the Abbey - surely it must have been an administrative oversight?!
Well, the TV news and papers have told us that, for 2 days now, people have been camping out on the pavements near the Abbey and all the best viewing points!
There already is a camaraderie amongst these members of the public, people's places are "kept" by others (when they need to leave their spot to get food, drink, go to the loo etc) - typically British - you know that us Brits like to queue for everything!
I think that all this shows what us Brits really think of our Royal Family - some we may think of as a "waste of space", but people like The Queen, Charles, William, Henry, even Camilla and Princess Anne are held in high esteem.
The Queen, because she is Head of State - but has no political power (only the Brits could have invented this scenario) - Charles because he will be King - the others; well if you look at the number of official engagements they carry out and add to this the support (often carried in a "quiet way and not visible to the public) that they give to charities and local organisations, without asking for praise, means a lot to us over here.
I can understand where Republicans are coming from - but, if we had an elected President (not like yours, who has the same political role as our Prime Minister, but one that has no direct political power) all that would happen is that some ex-political (probably one who had lost an election) would throw their hat into the ring.
So we would end up with a "has been" - one who the people have already said "we have no confidence in you."
God forbid we have a President Thatcher, Blair or Brown - us Brits like our ex MPs and Prime Ministers to retire, possible write a book, but leave full time politics behind them.
Back to the Big Day.
I have just heard that Kate will not vow to obey William in the Wedding Service (do you have similar words in US?) - this shows just how "modern" things are now and that Kate is her own person.
Also, remember my note about who was invited to the service i.e. that many "foreign" dignitaries were invited by our Foreign Office; well our foreign Secretary (William Haig) has revoked the invitation to the Syrian Ambassador.
I know what you are thinking - "well that means 2 "free" places, what about us?" I will do my very best to secure you these seats, but (and this may shock you) I do not think I will be able to get you a seat - it is just too short a notice!!
I'll tell you more but, if you may want to go on The Times web site -or any UK paper.
If you have an ipad and subscribe to The times, then they will have on-line coverage, reports, photos etc
Anyhow, I'll tell you more tomorrow - Mo and I will be raising a glass, hope uoi can join us
Brian and Mo
##
Kids, don't leave us now. More to come!!
Don't forget to get yourself a copy of my eBook at Barnes and Noble, eBook Store. The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches. Available on Nook, iPhone and iPad. Check it out!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
ROCK ON KATE, BOTH OF YOU
Salud, Kids,
Big Ben is ticking and that wedding is almost on the horizon.
But, first-let's rag on another Kate. Hudson.
There she was yesterday morning on the Today Show. Promoting a movie while chatting and giggling with Matt Lauer; blah, blah, blah.
Good for her and all, but more importantly? The baby, um, bump. Man, looks like it is getting close.
However, the absolute most important revelation of the entire interview was not that she doesn't know the sex of the child, but the rock sitting there. You know, on her finger.
For the love of diamonds (and who doesn't?), that thing was enormous and I do believe rivals the one on the finger of the other Kate.
The Kate H. clip for today has nothing to do with her engagement ring, it's from that flick, How To Lose A Guy...
We all know both Kate H. and Kate M., HAVE their guys, so no worries...well, at least not yet.
Honestly, I wanted to pop in something bright and cheery because I get a little sad when I see that ring perched on Kate M's special finger. Sad because it belonged to Diana, and she is gone and will not see her first-born son and share his joy on such a special day. Yes, very sad indeed.
##
Happier is the news received from British-Brit-Brian over there in Bath. Not as in Loo...as in, town/city.
As promised, he is keeping us up-to-royal-snuff on the shenanigans.
Today, he sends a link on the dress rehearsal. Sadly, it doesn't seem to work properly, so I have dropped it in for you to cut and paste, if interested.
Grab the URL and go have a peek!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html
Big Ben is ticking and that wedding is almost on the horizon.
But, first-let's rag on another Kate. Hudson.
There she was yesterday morning on the Today Show. Promoting a movie while chatting and giggling with Matt Lauer; blah, blah, blah.
Good for her and all, but more importantly? The baby, um, bump. Man, looks like it is getting close.
However, the absolute most important revelation of the entire interview was not that she doesn't know the sex of the child, but the rock sitting there. You know, on her finger.
For the love of diamonds (and who doesn't?), that thing was enormous and I do believe rivals the one on the finger of the other Kate.
The Kate H. clip for today has nothing to do with her engagement ring, it's from that flick, How To Lose A Guy...
We all know both Kate H. and Kate M., HAVE their guys, so no worries...well, at least not yet.
Honestly, I wanted to pop in something bright and cheery because I get a little sad when I see that ring perched on Kate M's special finger. Sad because it belonged to Diana, and she is gone and will not see her first-born son and share his joy on such a special day. Yes, very sad indeed.
##
Happier is the news received from British-Brit-Brian over there in Bath. Not as in Loo...as in, town/city.
As promised, he is keeping us up-to-royal-snuff on the shenanigans.
Today, he sends a link on the dress rehearsal. Sadly, it doesn't seem to work properly, so I have dropped it in for you to cut and paste, if interested.
Grab the URL and go have a peek!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
HOLY GOAT, A BRIT SPEAKS ROYAL WEDDING
Salud, Kids!
Ah, everything is so hoity-toity (now, there's a word you can't use everyday, wait, I live in the Palm Beaches, so never mind) with all things William and Catherine (is it K or C?) and their upcoming nuptials.
Therefore, it is my duty to slap us down a bit with this clip from one of my favorite films, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Let's just hope the ceremony at the Abbey on the 29th fares better. Well, they would have it no other way, right? Naturally.
Oh, after the clip, read on as there is more from that British-Brit-Brian, you will enjoy what he has to say about how they will celebrate this charming couple.
By, Brian Wilson
United Kingdom
All rights reserved and copyrighted.
The Country is now getting ready to celebrate the "event"
The 29th will be a public holiday (we call them "bank holidays" just to be awkward) - so there will be lots of celebrating
Local councils have received a lot of requests to close streets for parties etc - you will not believe the "red tape" that many councils surround themselves with - I am sure they do it just to feel important (moan over)
One thing is certain, people will be celebrating on the streets of London - Mo and I (and family of course) will be doing the same - we just hope it is a lovely day, especially after all this good weather we are having
The papers have been full of "tittle tattle" for some time now - it is all a ruse to sell more papers
For example - the other day, even The Times had a one page spread about Kate going shopping - photos, details of what she bought etc
You would think that no bride has ever gone shopping before her wedding!
The papers are full of Kate this and Kate the other - but hardly anything about William (us chaps know all about this - we have just got to grin and bear it - we are such a fantastic gender!!)
However, William has asked the Press for some time - 2 years - of low levels of cover - so they can begin their life together. I hope this happens
The list of guests is out - AND WE ARE NOT ON IT!!
But the list is very interesting
Some politicians are out (Blair and Brown)
Some are in - John Major
William has invited a good number of his Service colleagues (William is a RAF helicopter pilot seconded to Search and Rescue)
Those invited include all ranks - this tells you a lot about the chap himself and the strength of Service camaraderie
They have also invited as number of disabled service people (many with horrific injuries) - these are people that both Princes (William and Harry) have met during their tours of duty (especially in Afghanistan)
Kate's family live in a small village called Bucklebury - some 50 miles from London
So she has invited a number of people from the village to the be at the Abbey
These include the butcher and the people who run the local Post Office and shop
You can image their astonishment when they received their invitation - if it was me; you would have heard the shout in Florida!
Unfortunately, there will always be people who will use every opportunity to press their own points of view.
Some writers have bemoaned the invitations that have gone out to the rulers of certain countries (including those with a less than average human rights history).
So, out come the pundits - "why has the Queen invited so and so?"
The answer is simple - she did not, the Government did (to support our Department for Foreign Affairs).
To make matters worse - the pundits know this, but still make full use of their chance to get noticed.
It must be galling not to be free to choose your own guests - ah well I suppose that "goes with the territory."
If anyone has ever had problems choosing who to invite to a wedding (can we invite Aunty Bea as she always has one to many and starts to dance on the tables!?) - well your problems are minuscule compared with those faced by the Royal Family.
So, like many of us Brits, we will be raising a glass to the young couple.
So, make sure the sparkling wine and beers are on ice - actually we only cool lager
British beer is a different beast - we usually drink it at room temperature - people from the US find this somewhat amazing!
##
You've heard it straight from the continent of the wedding of the decade...get those libations prepped...iced or not...and wish these royal-kids a life of joy! Oh, and of being incredibly rich.
Ah, everything is so hoity-toity (now, there's a word you can't use everyday, wait, I live in the Palm Beaches, so never mind) with all things William and Catherine (is it K or C?) and their upcoming nuptials.
Therefore, it is my duty to slap us down a bit with this clip from one of my favorite films, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Let's just hope the ceremony at the Abbey on the 29th fares better. Well, they would have it no other way, right? Naturally.
Oh, after the clip, read on as there is more from that British-Brit-Brian, you will enjoy what he has to say about how they will celebrate this charming couple.
By, Brian Wilson
United Kingdom
All rights reserved and copyrighted.
The Country is now getting ready to celebrate the "event"
The 29th will be a public holiday (we call them "bank holidays" just to be awkward) - so there will be lots of celebrating
Local councils have received a lot of requests to close streets for parties etc - you will not believe the "red tape" that many councils surround themselves with - I am sure they do it just to feel important (moan over)
One thing is certain, people will be celebrating on the streets of London - Mo and I (and family of course) will be doing the same - we just hope it is a lovely day, especially after all this good weather we are having
The papers have been full of "tittle tattle" for some time now - it is all a ruse to sell more papers
For example - the other day, even The Times had a one page spread about Kate going shopping - photos, details of what she bought etc
You would think that no bride has ever gone shopping before her wedding!
The papers are full of Kate this and Kate the other - but hardly anything about William (us chaps know all about this - we have just got to grin and bear it - we are such a fantastic gender!!)
However, William has asked the Press for some time - 2 years - of low levels of cover - so they can begin their life together. I hope this happens
The list of guests is out - AND WE ARE NOT ON IT!!
But the list is very interesting
Some politicians are out (Blair and Brown)
Some are in - John Major
William has invited a good number of his Service colleagues (William is a RAF helicopter pilot seconded to Search and Rescue)
Those invited include all ranks - this tells you a lot about the chap himself and the strength of Service camaraderie
They have also invited as number of disabled service people (many with horrific injuries) - these are people that both Princes (William and Harry) have met during their tours of duty (especially in Afghanistan)
Kate's family live in a small village called Bucklebury - some 50 miles from London
So she has invited a number of people from the village to the be at the Abbey
These include the butcher and the people who run the local Post Office and shop
You can image their astonishment when they received their invitation - if it was me; you would have heard the shout in Florida!
Unfortunately, there will always be people who will use every opportunity to press their own points of view.
Some writers have bemoaned the invitations that have gone out to the rulers of certain countries (including those with a less than average human rights history).
So, out come the pundits - "why has the Queen invited so and so?"
The answer is simple - she did not, the Government did (to support our Department for Foreign Affairs).
To make matters worse - the pundits know this, but still make full use of their chance to get noticed.
It must be galling not to be free to choose your own guests - ah well I suppose that "goes with the territory."
If anyone has ever had problems choosing who to invite to a wedding (can we invite Aunty Bea as she always has one to many and starts to dance on the tables!?) - well your problems are minuscule compared with those faced by the Royal Family.
So, like many of us Brits, we will be raising a glass to the young couple.
So, make sure the sparkling wine and beers are on ice - actually we only cool lager
British beer is a different beast - we usually drink it at room temperature - people from the US find this somewhat amazing!
##
You've heard it straight from the continent of the wedding of the decade...get those libations prepped...iced or not...and wish these royal-kids a life of joy! Oh, and of being incredibly rich.
Monday, April 25, 2011
THE IMPETUOUS AUNT OF THE BAINBRIDGES
Salud, Kids!
Bet you thought all I did was hang around with my mutt, staring at the Atlantic, drinking fine wine night and day.
Well, think again my pretties...wait, maybe I do that, but I'll never tell.
One thing though, Barefoot is considered a fine wine, wouldn't you agree? Indeed.
Yes, when not otherwise engaged in questionable activities, I have managed to write a few fictional novels and if you have been with me for the past few years...from blog-to-blog...you already know this.
If you have been with me for years and do NOT know this, you have not been paying attention. Yeah, that sounds about right for my readers!
More to the point, and I do have one, my first novel,
The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, The Case of the Impetuous Aunt, is now available on the Barnes and Noble, eBook Store, site. My crusty-soul is filled with the joy of it all. Don't give me the squint-eye, I do have a soul!
Admittedly, my writing does not attempt to cure what ails ya (it could be if you enjoy fun characters), solve the problems of the world (no, just Aunt Wy's) or get all spiritual (you are on you own here, kids) on you.
It is simply my attempt to entertain with a fun (it is if I say so) adventure (see prior parenthesis) with even funner (you know I love making up words) characters (ditto previous).
My saga begins in the Palm Beaches, then the action moves to Texas. Irresistible, right? Of course.
So, get off this blog and get yourselves to that online magical store for reading and, well, read my saga!
All you need is a Nook, iPhone or iPad. The apps for i's are free, but the book is gonna cost ya real coins-$2.99 (what IS that in pounds?).
Kids, I thank you!
See ya 'round the eBook Store!
Bet you thought all I did was hang around with my mutt, staring at the Atlantic, drinking fine wine night and day.
Well, think again my pretties...wait, maybe I do that, but I'll never tell.
One thing though, Barefoot is considered a fine wine, wouldn't you agree? Indeed.
Yes, when not otherwise engaged in questionable activities, I have managed to write a few fictional novels and if you have been with me for the past few years...from blog-to-blog...you already know this.
If you have been with me for years and do NOT know this, you have not been paying attention. Yeah, that sounds about right for my readers!
More to the point, and I do have one, my first novel,
The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, The Case of the Impetuous Aunt, is now available on the Barnes and Noble, eBook Store, site. My crusty-soul is filled with the joy of it all. Don't give me the squint-eye, I do have a soul!
Admittedly, my writing does not attempt to cure what ails ya (it could be if you enjoy fun characters), solve the problems of the world (no, just Aunt Wy's) or get all spiritual (you are on you own here, kids) on you.
It is simply my attempt to entertain with a fun (it is if I say so) adventure (see prior parenthesis) with even funner (you know I love making up words) characters (ditto previous).
My saga begins in the Palm Beaches, then the action moves to Texas. Irresistible, right? Of course.
So, get off this blog and get yourselves to that online magical store for reading and, well, read my saga!
All you need is a Nook, iPhone or iPad. The apps for i's are free, but the book is gonna cost ya real coins-$2.99 (what IS that in pounds?).
Kids, I thank you!
See ya 'round the eBook Store!
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