A New Prince

We saw the Royal Baby, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Cambridge.

That tiny newborn has no idea that 61 gun salutes went off around the city for him.
The little prince doesn't know I drank a cup of tea in his honor last night.
Nor does he know how many people toasted him and celebrated last night.

Yet, in London lies a little boy who will hopefully be king of Great Britain some day.

Yes, I was one of those people who watched the live stream for an hour, excitedly anticipating the brief presentation of the little prince.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge looked so proud.
They were trying on their parent wings--and doing a good job! .
Prince William was kind and cordial to the press, but loving and caring to wife and child.
I could have melted when the Duchess got in the back seat, Prince William placed the car seat next to her, and then HE drove them off.
Seeing them together, they are a sweet, new family--that just happens to be royalty.

It is beautiful to see.
So much love.

Via

A Royal Baby: The Prince of Cambridge

The Prince of Cambridge arrived this afternoon in England (on their time)!
I am elated.
After arriving home, I checked the news.
I rejoiced (to the annoyance of Trey) at the announcement.

The news with baby updates is playing the background, and earlier I watched the BBC live feed.
Now, I sit, soaking it all in, while sipping Earl Grey tea and nibbling on a chocolate covered hobnob.

Prince William has released a statement.

The Queen's encouragement to the Duchess of Cambridge to have the child soon sounds a bit like something the Dowergess would say on Downton Abbey.  

While visiting a primary school in the northwest of England, Her Majesty said, "I would very much like it to arrive. I'm going on holiday."

My mother has told me about visiting England when Prince William was born.

Now it's my turn.
I remember where I was when I learned of the Royal Engagement (Venice).
I celebrated the Royal Wedding at CIU with tea, scones, and friends.
And, now my first Royal Baby.

I only wish I were celebrating in London tonight.

In a Nutshell

England is magnificent.

The first week was busy, but things are slowing dow now (yay!).

In a nutshell, I've visited Bristol, stayed with Mary, Tim, Jude, and Julia, traveled to Paris, visited Uncle Gavin's for dinner, visited the University of Oxford, seen Jude and Julia's school, and spent some time relaxing and visiting.

It's a wonderful, semi-short visit.

It's incredible how much difference experience and two and a half years makes.

But, it's funny the insecurities that arise in an environment other than the one in which you've grown up.

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, glancing periodically out to the garden, sipping a cup of tea.

One of the many things I love about England, is when you go to someone's home, typically they will offer you tea.

Anyway, today I go to Stevenage to visit lovely family.

As I was thinking about it this morning, I became very excited.

When I get back to the USA, I will post pictures and share more detailed accounts.

Until then, watch for me at Centre Court during the Men's Wimbledon Finals!

Who do you think will be there?

P.S. Any guesses when the Royal baby will arrive?

He Really Looked Like Prince Charles

You have several awkward moments in a week?
I had several awkward moments in...two hours!

-Yesterday Jamison and I were supposed to meet for lunch after I finished subbing.  While waiting for her to arrive, it dawned on me, what if she was at the other Cucci's?  I realized we hadn't specified which one, I'd just assumed since I told her I was subbing.  Panic hit, and I frantically began to call her.  She didn't answer.  Finally, she picked up...well, her purse answered--and she walked in.  It turns out, she had wondered the same thing.

-Sitting, eating, talking.  Three State Troopers walked in.  I looked past Jamison, noticed them, and made a face--the kind of face that could be misinterpreted as "ooo, they are hot."  Jamison noticed and started laughing at me.  I had to explain my State Trooper encounter a few weeks ago.  No, I was not into the officers, just struck by the personal irony...like the day before, when I started to speed and decided that with 50+ officers around me, I should avoid speeding.

-Still facing everyone walking into the room, I looked past Jamison's shoulder as an older couple walked by.  I stopped listening to her talk as my brain started to spin.  The man behind her looked so familiar, but I couldn't place him.  Then I remembered.  Prince Charles!  No, wait, that can't be right.  Prince Charles would not be eating here...nor is he in the USA.  This guy sitting next to us looked like him!  I quickly texted her--across the table--to let her know why I had slightly freaked, and promptly started laughing.

A picture for your amusement:
I shared it with a friend who taught me to play chess--and knows about my State Trooper encounters

Guess Who's Having a Baby!

They adore each other!

Today I learned the news...

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are having a BABY!

For those of you who don't know, I awoke very early in the morning to drink tea, eat scones, and watch the Royal Wedding about a year and a half ago.  Now, a baby is due to arrive shortly after their second anniversary.

Also, based on the report that the Duchess is less than 12 weeks along, my calculations show, the baby could be born near my (and Daddy's) birthday!  Plus, there are a number of people in my family who have birthdays in June and July, so maybe someone will get to share the day : )

Letters, Princess Di, A. Hepburn

Time to write today's blog challenge, since I did yesterday's earlier today.

I don't really like today's challenge.  I am supposed to write a letter to someone.  Why would I write a letter to someone and then post it for the world to see?  I don't know what you all put in your letters, but most of the time there is at least one thing I don't want the world to know.

Instead, I am going to share a few letter moments that pop in my head when I think about writing letters.

-When telling me about the importance of writing timely "Thank You" notes, Mama told me Princess Diana used to come in from an evening out, sit down, and immediately write her note to her host/hostess.  Princess Diana had something I don't...stamps always handy and a butler to post the note for her.

-I love the scene in Sabrina (with Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, and Humphrey Bogart) when Sabrina sits at her pretty desk in her quaint apartment above the garage and writes her suicide note to her father.  Of course, her attempt is thwarted by Humphrey, she goes to Paris, and well, I won't ruin the ending for you.

-My roommate went on a mission trip to China two summers ago, while I was in England.  When I returned to school after my time in Europe, she gave me a fountain pen and a bottle of ink.  Last summer, after finishing a new series by Brock and Bodie Thoene (go read their Great Depression and WWII series'.  Amazing historical fiction) I had some comments I wanted to send the authors.  So, I got out my pen and ink and wrote.  I had to do a second copy to make sure it looked nice and neat.  My hands were covered in ink, but it felt kind of nice and old fashioned.  Except, most people didn't get covered in ink...minor detail, minor detail.

-I think my favourite kind of letter is one that is from a dear friend that comes in a small envelope.  They are classic and look like they could be taken off a silver delivery tray (like in Little Women).  Of course, it is not necessary.  I love letters of any kind.

-I keep my letters.  I don't think I can recall throwing away a letter that is from a friend friend.  I will admit to tossing notes from 8th grade : )  When I visited Daddy in August, I had the most lovely surprise. He had my last Christmas card from Grandma waiting for me.  I had been thinking about it for a while and wishing I had my last cards from Grandma.  I don't know about my birthday card, but I do have my last Christmas card.  For that I am thankful.

Do any fun or special things come to mind when you think of writing letters?

Scone Recipe and Tea Party How To by Yours Truly

Today's blog challenge is hardly a challenge, except I have to find the recipes to write them out.

Rather than giving multiple recipes, I am going to give you a recipe to a splendid tea. From my favourite flavor to my favourite scone recipe, it will be a wonderful ensemble.

First, pull out your tea set (unpack it if necessary).  Set everything out, wash if needed, and prepare it to hold tea, milk, and sugar.  Go ahead an put the tea in the tea pot and the sugar in the sugar bowl.  Wait to put the milk in the pitcher so it will not become warm.

Now, check your scone recipe (that I am about to give you) and make sure you have all the ingredients.  I know from experience it is not fun to get to the middle and realize you are short or out of something.  Pull out all the tools you will need.  Wash your hands.  And, GO!

Move the baking rack to the middle in the oven and preheat it to 425 F.

My Mama's Scone Recipe (with a few of my own alterations with which she agrees)
*Bake on 425 F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes

-2 cups of self-rising flour
-3 tbs. sugar
-5 tbs. cold butter (cut in small cubes or shred)
-1 cup heavy whipping cream (chill in the back of the fridge.  If partially crystallized it will make fluffier scones)
-1/2 cup of chips--or more (chocolate, cinnamon, dried fruit, etc.) I recommend cinnamon chip

1.  Mix flour and sugar together evenly and thoroughly.
2.  Add butter, use hands or pastry blender, rub butter in till the mixture resembles peas.
3.  Add chocolate chips, etc. and mix evenly.
4.  Add cream.  Stir till dough clumps into a big ball.
5.  Lightly flour counter and place dough on flour.  If dough is sticky, sprinkle some flour on top.
6.  Knead dough by folding over and smooshing with hand 3-6 times.  No more than 15 seconds total.
7.  Flatter and shape dough into rectangle on a lightly floured surface that you can cut on.  The dough should be about half an inch or a bit more in height to allow for maximum fluffiness.
8.  Cut dough into rows.  Then turn the rows into triangles (small, medium, or large).
9.  Place on pan 1/2 inch apart.
10.  Lightly brush with milk or cream and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

I recommend Earl Grey Loose Leaf, if you are able to acquire it.  Delicious flavor!

While the scones are baking, set the table.
When the scones begin coming out, put the water on to boil, prepare the tea, and allow it to steep for 3-4 minutes.

While enjoying your tea party, whether it be with friends, with a book, with the rain, etc.  I recommend classical music, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack, Christmas Music, Michael Buble, or a Jane Austen book turned movie.

Have a lovely time!

Cousins tea party (cell phone picture, I apologize for the blurriness)

Early Morning Royal Wedding Tea Party (probably 3:55AM EST)

Making scones for The Pilgrim's Protest debate

Aim to be Harrods, not Bloomys

See here

 The Duchess Catherine has one of the most incredible wardrobes I have ever seen.  She constantly amazes me with her gorgeous ensembles, which is why I am appalled at the response on Facebook to Vogue's 10 Best Dressed today.  Of the ten outfits showcased, there were two classes.  The Duchess.  Everyone else.

While her gown is not my favourite of what she has worn, it is nonetheless gorgeous.

She is Harrods.  Everyone else is Bloomingdales.

The neckline and bodice of her gown remind me of something out of a BBC rendition of Shakespeare.  Flattering, elegant, and suitable for a state dinner.

Vote Here

Who would you choose?