Victoria Day

On this day, Canada celebrates Victoria Day.

Victoria, British Columbia, is a city named after Queen Victoria.

The year was 1901 when it was declared a Canadian Federal Holiday. The year the beloved Queen died.

She was born 24 May 1819 in Kensington Palace, ascending the throne at the very young age of eighteen. 

Soon she married Prince Albert whom she described "the purest and best of human beings."
Brides can thank the queen for the tradition of wearing white on their wedding day. I believe Victoria wanted to be sure she could easily be spotted by her new groom throughout her special day.

Their union was an extremely loving one, but unfortunately, Prince Albert died quite young from typhoid fever. It is widely thought he suffered for years before from some kind of cancer.
The Queen never recovered from the loss stating, "he was my life." She wore black and mourned Albert for the rest of her life.

Have you been to Victoria?

It's a booming city with much to see.

If you love flowers (and who doesn't) Butchart Gardens is a must. Outside of England,  these blooms are among the most spectacular I have ever seen.

The day would not complete without tea!

The smell of fresh flowers wafting through the air adds to the ambiance of afternoon tea in such a splendid atmosphere. You must take tea while visiting the gardens. Be sure to make reservations. Many walked away disappointed due to the entire day being booked in advance.

Queen Victoria will be remembered throughout history for her long reign of Great Britain and Ireland.

Quarantine conundrum

To gray or not to gray. That is the question.

You've considered for a long while and then along came quarantine. It happened for you, not to you.

Social distancing kept you from dying your hair. Helped you embrace the idea.  Could I really rock the gray?    

You haven't loved the idea of chemicals on your head. And the money for those fake highlights? Well, it would be better spent on a Coach purse. Better yet, a Kate Spade. 

You actually could seize the silver.

So, you're doing it. You're going gray. Happy for you.

Me?
Nope. No way. Notta. Not now. Not ever.

I mean, look at me.

No. Just, no.  I look like I'm eighty. Maybe even ninety. I have that brassy look.

I'm on the list at the salon. I'll be the first in line with bells on when the sign states they're open for business.

Fascination with Jane

Have you watched the movie Becoming Jane? 

It had been a long while since I'd viewed so I watched it again this weekend.
Can't say it enough. I LOVE Jane Austen.

I'm forever grateful I was able to visit her house museum in Chawton.

Because of the Corona Virus, many places of interest have had to close with no reopening date in sight.  The Jane Austen House Museum is no exception.
Like many others, there is growing concern for their survival. It's so sad to even think of the possibility such treasures could close indefinitely. We won't go there. It's too much to even comprehend.

The museum will bounce back. It will.

I've been pondering Jane's ring.

Remember the story?
American singer Kelly Clarkson bought it in good faith for $250,000. Export rules in the UK and generous donations from Jane fans kept the ring from leaving the country. Kelly Clarkson was extremely generous throughout the entire process. She was happy to have it stay at the museum where it belongs for Jane fans to admire.

Also, did you know Jane's likeness is on the 10 pound note?

She may have died in 1817 but Jane Austen will be celebrated for generations to come.

Now about that ring.

I'm considering buying one from the gift shop at the museum...

Stay tuned.

Closed

By Spring, I've had it with indoor workouts.

For years now I've anticipated the first week of May because it means the start of my weekly routine climbing the steps in Stillwater for the season.

They're grueling. Major butt-kickers. Working out to a walking video all winter long suffers in comparison to step climbing. Especially these. The first time out my muscles beg me to quit. But I can't.

The views from the top won't let me.
It's exhilarating.
All season long, these steps are used for exercising, catching the views, and a way for the locals to get from point A to point B.
They've been here for over a hundred years. I've met many fascinating people on the steps.

Some carry backpacks. That usually means they're training for a hike down the Grand Canyon or some other major bucket list thrill.
One time a guy was lugging around a boxing bag. I asked how much weight he was carrying.

"60 pounds," he replied.

My response. "I'm such a loser!"

Anyway...today was my first day back at it. I had my water. Some almonds. I was ready.

Obviously, I didn't get the memo. Shoot.

Surely not all of them are closed, right?

There are five different sets of steps. Each has its own challenging vertical climb.

I'd find a different route to get to each one, thinking it'd be open.

I was wrong.
Stillwater Steps. The latest corona virus casualty. Major bummer. I can understand the reasoning. I've shared these steps with lots and lots of people. Hard to social distance.
I'm hoping, like everything else, they'll re-open sooner than later.

Regardless, I managed to get in a good walk. Like the steps, many stops were closed.

The playground.

The bookstore.

Chilkoot Hill.

Teddy Bear Park is closed for the season. Little hearts are breaking all over town. This darling park is packed in the summertime.

Mainstreet. SIGH.

It was heartbreaking walking around. Eerie. This birthplace of Minnesota town is normally a buzz with activity.
Go away Corona Virus. Go away and never come back.

English Gardens

This morning I was out weeding and tending my garden.
It's in need of some major TLC.

I won't bother showing you. Let's just say it suffers in comparison to the English Gardens I've been privileged to see.

Here. Let me show you.

This is Kensington Gardens. I walked around the entire thing with my mouth gaped open.
Lovely brilliance of color. Remember, this is the place in which Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement.
The White Garden at Kensington Palace was planted to remember Princess Diana on the 20th Anniversary of her death. I so wish I could have been able to see that garden. I would have looked for the white Forget-Me-Nots, which were her favorite flower.

Luckily there is a You Tube available to see it through the lens of the gardeners.
Just look up The White Garden at Kensington Palace if you'd like to view.

More? Off we go.

Daisies. These are my favorite. Just in case you wanted to know.

I sat on that bench and read a book. Oh to be able to sit there again today.

This garden was amazing. I viewed it nightly and I swear I could see the blooms spring to life each morning from the window at the bed and breakfast where we stayed. Lucky, I know. I shalt not ever forget. 

If I lived in England, I'd be a gardener. What a joyful way to spend your days.

What's your favorite flower?