The Wedding

What can I say? The wedding was amazing. It's been quite a build up over here. While most people pretended that they didn't care, pretty much everyone I know watched it. The British are funny that way. It's just not okay for them to actually admit that they're patriotic or that they care about anything, except football, and that's only every four years at the World Cup. It seems like the younger generation is just jaded toward the world, while the older generation still loves the royalty. I think this wedding may have changed things a bit. Everyone seems to genuinely hope that Kate and William will make it. They appear to be a happy couple and as Prince Charles said upon their engagement, "they've been practicing long enough." I can't imagine what it must be like for her to be thrust into this kind of life, but if yesterday was any indication, she'll acquit herself very well. She looked absolutely amazing. It was spectacular and a day that will spark dreams in the minds of little girls (and big girls) everywhere.

I was torn between going to London to be part of the celebrations held at Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square or stay here in Reading to watch it on TV with friends. In the end I opted to stay here, partly because the weather forecast had been for heavy rain and because I wouldn't have actually seen any of the wedding. I invited some friends over to Margit's house and we watched it with her and her family while eating a delicious brunch of crepes and scrambled eggs. It was pretty fun. Margit is unlike anyone I've ever known. She and I enjoyed the wedding probably more than anyone else. We exclaimed several times and gushed over every new part of the wedding. While I enjoyed myself, after watching the footage on TV, I did feel a little sad that I hadn't just gotten myself there. It looked like quite a party.

I don't think anything could have actually spoiled my enjoyment of the day. I began watching at about 9 while the people arrived at the Abbey. I think I inherited my love of watching people in amazing clothes and commenting on their choices from my grandma. I wish I could have watched it with her. I do love the English tradition of hat wearing for the women. There were some really odd selections, but I think it's fantastic. It seems that the more outrageous the hat, the better. I think I might just have to buy one. Anyway, back to the actual wedding. I absolutely loved the way they decorated the inside of Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is one of the most amazing places I've ever visited and the trees and flowers inside added to the grandeur of the surroundings. I loved watching all the royals arrive and especially enjoyed the fanfare for the Queen. The music throughout the wedding was spectacular. I have to admit that there is something about religious music, especially sung inside an amazing cathedral. Then Kate arrived. She was stunning. I loved her dress. I thought it was appropriately princess-y but also fashionable and classy. In a word, it was perfect. I also liked that she wore her hair down and curled instead of all fancy and piled on top of her head. The veil was perfect and the tiara was not too extravagant. Loved it, loved it, loved it. That is all I can say. Great Day!

Country Rambles

Last Friday was Good Friday and our stake organized a hike through the English countryside for the Young Single Adults. It was splendid. The weather was perfect and the company superb. It was the most glorious day I've spent in ages. We walked through fields and forests and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We had a lovely lunch and then hiked back. After we returned to our cars, we sat and chatted and I can't remember an afternoon better spent in ages. It was a day that reminded me of just what an amazing experience it is for me to live in England.

I have developed a love affair with English post boxes. Not the column style standing solitary on the street, but the type that is built into walls, buildings, and posts. The initials at the top indicate which king or queen was on the throne when it was established. This one is from Queen Victoria's time. It's only the second one I've ever seen.

Here are a few pictures from the walk.

I love the trees here. I thought this one was particularly cool with all of the moss growing on it.