Let's Talk About "THE WEDDING"

I'll admit it, I watched the Royal wedding.  I figured if I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.  So I recorded the wedding on BBC America.  Not an American channel, a British one.  This was important since I need the "accents" to get in the mood. 

Here are some moments that caught my eye and what I imagined was going on. 

When Catherine arrived at the church (or the Abbey, whatever) and the gentleman opened her door, she motioned for him to lean down so she could tell him something before she exited the coach.  Here's how I imagine that going:
Catherine: "Excuse me?"
Nice man openeing the door: "Uhm.  Yes mumm?"
Catherine:  "Well you see, I'm about to get married to the Prince, and I've got a whole lotta dress in this back seat with me and my pop.  So the thing about it is, please don't let me trip and fall on this dress because it might be the only thing people remember about today." 
Door man:  "You got it sister." 

Next up, she had a little conversation with the fellow that was going to lead her down the aisle.  Now I sort of imagined that was the run of the mill stuff.  You know, "Nice day" "Lovely weather we're having" and of course "So, is the Prince here yet?" 

Then, Prince Harry turned around and saw Catherine coming down the aisle.  He then turned to his brother and whispered something.  Now this article says that his words were "Right, here she is now."  I like to think it was more like, "Yup, you scored the pretty one."  Or maybe, "Last chance, we could hop in that 1902 horse drawn carriage right now and bolt outta here.  Or maybe we'd just better go on foot." 

So then, the ceremony.  I was baffled.  No kiss?  Only a ring for her?  And why were there only men and boys in the choir?  Do British women avoid singing?  No really, these were things I was asking myself in between sips of coffee and wondering what in the heck all the stuff on the Prince's coats meant.  Plus, I was looking forward to them writing their own vows, and unfortunately they didn't do that.  They did, however, write a very beautiful prayer that closed out the ceremony.  I enjoyed it, every word of it. 

Then they showed people in the audience.  I only knew one of them, Elton John.  Then I got all teary-eyed because I remember him singing Candle in the Wind at Princess Diana's funeral in that very same location.  I remember the song and I remember crying.  It was a very odd sensation. 

Then the panned around, and I looked at hats.  Camilla (or Cruella as I always seem to call her) was wearing a hat that looked like a doughnut to me.  Yup, a doughnut.  Fergie's daughters looked like a parody of British fashion, so I won't be surprised to see those outfits show up on Saturday Night Live or something. 

Finally, Mrs. Middleton.  Did anyone catch a good look at her?  Quite a looker.  The legs on that lady?  The perfect silhouette?  The simple powder blue suit and hat?  Man, I know the Prince's took one look at her and said "If that's what Pippa and Kate are going to look like when they get older, then SIGN ME UP!" 

I also learned that we stole the music from God Save the Queen for our own song, My Country Tis of Thee.  Yah, I'm way behind on the times. 

Finally the kiss.  Loved it.  I loved the rejoicing.  I loved the whole family out on the balcony with them.  The show of solidarity.  Then, this.  The little girl that will forever be known as the "kiss hater."  Cracks me up. 

Well I'm no fashion expert, for that I turn to my friends.  But I will say this, Catherine knocked it out of the park yesterday.  Two dresses, both elegant and classic.  Polished look, nothing over the top.  Very safe, very endearing, and very beautiful.  Prince William is a lucky man. 

For the record, Pippa's look was my absolute favorite.  She complemented her sister perfectly, while still maintaining an idividual look. 

So go check out all of the links in this post, and share some of your favorites in the comments section! 

Oh, and for those of you that noticed, I drank coffee during the wedding.  Not tea.  Take that! 

My (slightly) Green Thumb

It's been about 2 weeks since we started collecting things for our garden, and I haven't killed anything (yet). 

The snapdragons and Ranunculus I mentioned previously are still alive, although there are a couple that could use some perking up.  My lemon tree is just itching to grow some lemons (I hope).  And the herbs, well the herbs are doing well and getting some house renovations! 

First, let's recap. 

There are 6 spots in the herb trays. 

6 herbs I decided that I really couldn't live without.  Okay, I ended up with 5 because frankly I don't know what I can and can't live without just yet. 

I know I needed rosemary. 

Rosemary in bread is a staple.  I love it.  However, I don't love that the rosemary sort of looks like one of those little Bonsai trees.  Sort of creeps me out. 

Next up, basil. 

Everyon needs basil, if for no other reason then to layer it with mozzarella and tomatoes and sprinkle it with balsamic vinegar for a quick salad or snack.  I love caprese. 

Our following guest is a test, frankly I just liked how green and soft these things are.  I don't know if I'll get much use out of them.  Chives. 

I'm not a big garnish person, but I imagine the chive will be used for garnish and baked potatoes in our house. 

Peppermint. 

I don't know how to cook with peppermint, but I intend to try.  I know I like the scent.  I know it looked like a hearty plant I'd have a hard time killing.  That's all I know for now.  Maybe I'll put it into tea or something?  Who knows? 

From last year, oregano has held up. 

Although, I suppose it's seen better days.  It's a little brown around the edges, and so I'm going to keep it watered to try to save it.  Overall, I bought it almost a year ago and I haven't used it much.  If it dies, I might replace it with something else. 

And a new and very prized addition to my herb garden: raspberries!  I know, I know, it isn't an herb.  But until it grows up big and strong, it's staying in here with a trellis behind it. 

It's a gift from my co-worker and the parent plant it came from is several feet tall and climbing a full size arch trellis.  Quite impressive.  I have high hopes for this little guy. 

So that's my mini-garden.  I have to go look for recipes to use this stuff in now.  If you have any, please share! 

Good luck gardening! 

Kipp

Spring has Sprung!

Okay, I'll admit it, my priorities have changed a little over the past 12 months.  Last week, Mike & I celebrated our first year in our first home.  Well, we celebrated a lot of things because it was actually my birthday and Mr. Beans' birthday as well. 

How did we celebrate our first year here?  We planted.  Again. 

I've tried to plant several things over the past year, and I've learned a few things about what I can and cannot grow.  Daisies don't survive.  Our first round of sod got moldy.  Herbs, I can do herbs.  Pepper plants are evil. 

Here's what I can report.  We bought a Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree a few months ago.  It gave a few lemons, stopped, and now it's flowering again! 

My Rosemary and Oregano (or is it Thyme?) from my first attempt at herbs are still thriving!  I love using them!  So I've added in Basil (again), Mint, and Chives.  I can't wait to get to use all of these more!  I love fresh herbs in dishes. 

Mike bought me an entire flat of Snap Dragons.  I.  Love.  Snapdragons.  Ever since I was a little girl, I made it a point to stop anywhere they were and play with them.  They are part toy, and part flower.  What else can a girl ask for? 

Finally, we bought two Ranunculus.  Mike liked the name and he keeps calling them "redunkulous" and I loved the pom-pon looking poofs that are their flowers.  They were less than $2 each at Lowe's, so if they die I won't be too sad.  Just my pride will hurt, not my wallet. 

So that's what is in my garden, what is in yours? 

Plant happy,

Kipp