Tuesday, September 8, 2015

RED AND YELLOW


Hello, and welcome to Spring in the topics..

Like 99% of the population of Brisbane, I have been struck down by the seasonal lurgy: the virus which wasn't included in our Flu jab this year.
Why, Oh Why, Department of Health???



My doctor said to cancel all commitments, sleep as much as possible, and stay home for about two weeks.  Am attempting to do as I am told...


All this time at home, and I feel too wretched to do anything productive..


like gardening...


It was Father's Day last Sunday:


I gave Mr C a new shirt, lavender stripes, for being the best Dad ever..


and a Tree Fern, to go in this section of garden which needs help.  
Lots of help.


Fingers crossed it will grow like this one which stands sentinal over my clothes-line..



And tomorrow, September 9, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-serving British monarch, passing the record set by Queen Victoria:
63 years and 217 days.


So young and fresh back then..


and enjoying life at the Highland Games in Scotland this week.


Her red hat is beautiful.


There is a suggestion going around that the Queen is about to present her Royal Order to the Duchess of Cambridge.
This consists of a portrait of the sovereign surrounded by diamonds, and each King or Queen uses a different colour ribbon.  The Queen chose yellow.
The Queen presents the order to women who are working members of the Royal Family.  Diana was give hers early in her marriage to Prince Charles.
It is worn on formal, tiara wearing, occasions.


Diana worked hard, and a lot was expected of her at a very young age.
Here she wears the order when she came here to Brisbane in 1983.
This was the evening of the day when we saw her in person, at City Hall.  I was struck by how slender she was at the time.  It was the trip when they brought baby Prince William to Australia.


Stay warm.  Don't get the flu.

And have a good week.

XXXX









53 comments:

  1. Get better soon. Love the art in your previous post.

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    1. Thank you Katharine, and I am glad you enjoyed the Australian painters.

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  2. Ha, funny you should say that...I am working my way through the bio of Catherine the Great, and her life was quite the soppy novel :)
    Diana was lovely, and very elegant considering she was only about 22 in this photo.

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  3. Watched an interesting programme on TV last night, comparing the lives of HM with Queen Victoria. Get well soon - be grateful it's not something really dreadful, like man flu..!

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    1. I hope that programme turns up here Mike; definitely would be interesting. Yes, man flu, the work of the devil...

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  4. Hi Patricia, I followed you over here from Amy's (Love Made my Home) blog. I saw your comment that your daughter lives in Ontario, and popped over to say Hello :) I live in Ontario too. I enjoyed reading back through a few of your posts and am now following along with you. Enjoy your day, and I hope you feel better soon.
    Wendy

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    1. Welcome to my blog, Wendy. It is fun to find bloggers from Ontario - you might like to look at my posts from May 2015 when we visited and had our first weekend at a lake cottage. Off to look at your blog now.

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  5. Patricia, I've always loved Princess Diana, and she looks so lovely here in her pink dress. So sorry you have the flu. Sometimes that can stay with us for a long time. I do hope you feel better soon. I am loving your yellow and red flowers on here today.

    Take care,
    ~Sheri

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    1. I think I am on the mend now, Sheri - fingers crossed. Diana did look sweet in that pink dress, didn't she. Back then, she and Prince Charles seemed to be getting on rather well...what a shame it didn't last. It was a coincidence, our garden threw up some red and yellow flowers, and I found pics of the Queen in red! x

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  6. I have felt that the papers and magazines have been a bit presumptuous saying that the Queen is now the longest serving monarch before Wednesday actually arrives, but it looks as if she is going to make it alright.
    Get better soon Patricia, and make the most of your two weeks rest, you might as well whilst you have the opportunity.

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    1. I thought the same thing Rosemary. In fact, I startled Mr C yesterday by remarking that 'we all hope the Queen makes it through the night' - then he realised my reference. Yes, might as well rest and play on the computer instead of getting out and about among the germs...

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  7. Speedy recovery Patricia, I'm down with it for the fifth week now, sorry to say. Still some nice warm days out in the garden gets you back on track.

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    1. Thank you Barb. Five weeks is awful - I know a few people struck down for a month. The weather here is warmish, so I'll go out in the sun for a while this morning.

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  8. Rest up and get well soon! I have avoided the flu/the flu has avoided me so far! I felt the same re the Queen's longest-serving-monarch-thing being mentioned from some weeks ago. I was worried she mightn't make it..... Long may she reign. I don't think we are ready for Charles yet.

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    1. Thank you - it is difficult to stay quiet, I overdo it a bit one day, then have to retreat the next. Confusing for an active girl! The Queen is looking brilliant: she should be around for a while yet.

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  9. Dear Patricia
    I'm hoping by the time you read my comment you are feeling just a little bit better.
    There have been particularly nasty strains of the flu virus in NZ too, nearly everyone at work has had it - both the younger and older members of staff.
    So far I've been very lucky... touch wood and all that!

    Can you believe it at 4:30am NZ time our Queen will become the longest reigning British monarch - I certainly remember well the day she was crowned (showing my age I know)!
    She has been true to her vows and steadfast in her service of duty to the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. I for one have the most admiration and respect for her - what a role model to so many generations.

    We went out for breakfast on Father's Day - we particularly miss these days with both the children living overseas now.

    Take care
    (( warm hugs))
    Shane x

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment dear Shane. I am not surprised the flu has hit NZ as well - stay well, and touch wood.
      Yes, amazing to think the Queen has reached this length of time on the throne. I do remember learning about Queen Victoria, and thinking her reign was impossible to equal. I can't say I remember the Coronation, but I have a few fleeting memories of the royal tour that followed. She is indeed a role model for the ideals of service and traditional values.
      We miss the old Father's Days too - great family gatherings, lots of kids running around. Lovely. Hugs x

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  10. Oh, Patricia. I'm so sorry to hear that you have the flu. You mentioned in my comments that you were getting sick and it sounds like it really blossomed. I'm sorry. I hope you're able to rest and feel better really soon. Take care.

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    1. Hi Jennifer, yes, it is taking a while to shake off the viral feeling. I am trying to rest more, but feel so lazy when I do that - plus I miss my regular walks.. On the plus side, more time on the computer :)

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  11. So sorry to hear you got that dreadful flu my dear! Do take care and follow Doctor's orders!

    I love learning new things every time I visit here! Such lovely info about the Queen!

    Sending healing hugs!

    xo
    Tamera

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    1. Thank you Tamera, I am trying to be a good patient, not always successfully...
      Well done to Her Majesty, becoming the longest-serving monarch!
      xo

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  12. Sorry to hear that you have been icky. I hope that you are much better and feeling yourself again very soon. xx

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    1. Hi Amy, I miss myself...hope all the well-wishing puts a magic spell on me and I bounce back for the weekend:) xx

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  13. I'm so sorry to hear you have the flu, Patricia! That's miserable at this time of year when you want to be so busy! Ah well, hopefully you can watch the fern grow while you recuperate! I saw some posts earlier about the Queen. What a great age and still working. Hats (or is it crowns) off to her!! Get better soon, dear Patricia!

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    1. Good thinking Val. I have been standing out on the deck today, admiring the fern which is now planted, watered, mulched etc. So far so good. The Queen certainly is a steady worker - out and about again on her special anniversary. If I have to stay quiet, at least I have time to look at all the royal photos which have been released for the occasion - some of them are very interesting, and not seen before.

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  14. Oh, I hope you are better soon!
    I love the Queen! Have you seen the movie, "Young Victoria? It says at the end that Queen Victoria is the longest reigning monarch SO FAR...ha, now they will have to change it! AND, my dear, MAKE SURE, you go to the BBC website, they have 63 photos of the Queen, one from each year of her reign! You know I looked at all of them! Tell me your favorites!!
    :-)

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    1. Hi Kay, Yes, I have seen that movie, and wow, they will have to change the ending. Took your suggestion and looked at the BBC site. Chose two: 1967 and 2006. Looking sweet in both of these.

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    2. So glad you took the time to look at the photos, aren't they all great? I really liked so many of them...somehow the one of her with Anglina Jolie is a favorite one of mine, not sure why, they just both look so happy to meet each other, with genuine smiles.

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  15. Get well soon, dear Tricia! (Isn't it a weird coincidence that I wrote about germs and having a wicked winter of illness on my blog this week?)

    As usual, I love your garden. I am fond of men who are great fathers ... because I had one myself.

    I absolutely love seeing the Queen and Prince Philip having a laugh after so many years of marriage!

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    1. Thank you Debra. Good men are good fathers, imo.
      They are a good pair, the Queen & her prince - joined at the hip as we Aussies say. Very good partners in life and work, I think. I sometimes wonder if she would start to decline if she lost him.

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    2. I wish I could find a clip I once watched on YouTube. On it the Queen praises Prince Philip - which is so rare. She says something to the effect of no one could have done a finer job of being her support and how valuable his support has been down through the years. She says all of that very understated, but very clearly. He is listening, doesn't say word, but I could see they truly understand each other; and in the video, he takes the complement in. It will indeed be said when in the future, one is left without the other. I wonder the same as you have stated.

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    3. Hi Debra, you know, I remember that clip too. I think it was on one of their milestone wedding anniversaries - either the 50th or the 60th. It was a rare glimpse into their private affections, and sweet to see. They have been married a very long time :)

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  16. Hi Patricia....
    Feel better♥️
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  17. Thank you ladies - I seem to be on the mend now. Went to choir practice today :0

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  18. Sorry to hear you,ve been sick. I'm late though so at least I found out you are on the mend. I like that shirt you gave to your DH.

    Darla

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    1. Thank you Darla. The funny thing about the shirt is that I forgot that I have one just about identical to it. Must make sure we don't go out wearing them at the same time, too embarrassing!

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  19. Oh, you poor thing - but you are in good company, because I also picked up the lurgy in Prague - my husband was quite worried, and as he carries medical basics, put me on antibiotics - I suspect he did not want pneumonia to strike on the way home at 37,000 feet with no resources! So you and I shall recuperate together...I do hope you feel better soon and are back to full strength.

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    1. Sarah Liz, you went to Prague!!!! I am totally impressed, and not a little bit jealous, (much...) But really, picking up the lurgy while on hols is the pits, and thank goodness for the antibiotics. One of the worst things ever is travelling on long-haul flights with a congested respiratory system. Yes, we can recuperate together - I am better some days, then go downhill the next. I hope you bounce back quickly, and tell us all about your wonderful trip. All the best.

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    2. Thank you Patricia - wishing you the best too. My husband informed me that the flu season in very late this year, and I am assuming this is what you have - take it easy, the good day you probably do too much, and then the next day you go downhill. Take it slowly, the real flu (not the one everyone claims to have when they have a cold) is quite debilitating. We will talk later :)

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  21. Dear Patricia,
    I do hope that you get better from that awful flu. Here, they are now saying that the flu jab is not working .. people are still getting bad flu.
    Stay warm.
    Hope your fern tree takes.. I am sure it will, especially with you and your green fingers!!
    I watched a few programs on Queen E ll. She is such a lovley lady.
    A beautiful young woman.. She has had to deal with a lot through the years. I think she has done a superb job.
    I thank you for your kind comments on my blog. when i was out of order with my hand.. I have the plaster off now.. and feeling much better.
    I am behind.. but trying to catch up..
    love val xxx

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    1. Hello Val, and thank you for popping by. Bad news if the flu jab fails to work - that is a worry. I agree, the Queen has done a super job for so many years, and always with grace and dignity, never puts a foot wrong. Enjoy catching up on the Land of Blog, P. xx

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  22. Patrica,

    Hope you're recovering nicely. Here's a YouTube video that will bring some cheer your way. You know the old saying about laughter being the best medicine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF_1hVYGaJw

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    1. Ha ha, Debra -
      We have noticed there are an awful lot of Australians in Los Angeles - we run the other way! Love being in New York where you can go all day without running into another Aussie...:))

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  23. Hi Patricia,

    A lovely post but very sorry to hear you are so unwell. I hope you feel much better soon!

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    1. Thank you Wendy, this virus does drag on, but it seems half of Brisbane have it. I seem to be on the mend now.

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  24. So sorry to read that you've been unwell - hope you feel better soon.

    A very interesting post to read though, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan, glad you enjoyed the post. On the mend now!

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  25. I have been away for a few weeks so didn't see this post but it looks from the following post as if you are now better. Flu is a truly wretched disease, I hope I don't get it this year because my memories of it are of just wishing I was on another planet!

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  26. I have been away for a few weeks so didn't see this post but it looks from the following post as if you are now better. Flu is a truly wretched disease, I hope I don't get it this year because my memories of it are of just wishing I was on another planet!

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  27. So sorry to hear you've not been well Patricia - this flu has been rife over here as well.
    Everyone at work has had it and spread their germs on to the next person!

    Our Queen is amazing and the perfect role model for all ages.

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