Hello,
Walking by the creek I discovered the Golden Wattle is blossoming.
I love its beautiful scent, and delicate yellow fronds.
It is of course Australia's national flower, and I have mentioned lots of times that I like the Queen's Wattle Brooch, presented to her by Australia early in her reign.
I have purchased online tickets to see the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace, a tour which incorporates a display of Her Majesty's Wedding and Coronation gowns, along with many other noteworthy outfits.
As a life-long sewist, I will enjoy this immensely.
After which I will proceed, as is my wont, to the Gift Shop.
Where, it seems, they sell replicas of the above Wattle Brooch.
hmmmmm....
Moving right along, last time we went to London I saw my first robin red-breast, on Day 1, while walking through Green Park.
And speaking of wildlife, I have put out lots of my father's nature books for Little Aussie to read. It might have influenced me to buy a cheap tiger sweater from H&M.
We wished our grandsons had been with us at the local village on Saturday.
Look who was wandering around!!
Thank you all for the helpful and interesting hints on things to see in London.
I have taken notes, and my itinerary is coming together.
All hotel reservations are now in place, and I might even let myself get a tiny bit excited.
Of course, after London we are off to Dublin and the wedding of our son to his Irish Lass. I have never been to Ireland, and if you have, would love to hear what you enjoyed.
My list at the moment goes something like this:
Book of Kells
What did you love in Ireland?
Is it green because it rains all the time?
I have much to ponder...
Stay warm or cool, whatever the weather in your neck of the woods...
XXXX
I have taken notes, and my itinerary is coming together.
All hotel reservations are now in place, and I might even let myself get a tiny bit excited.
Of course, after London we are off to Dublin and the wedding of our son to his Irish Lass. I have never been to Ireland, and if you have, would love to hear what you enjoyed.
My list at the moment goes something like this:
Book of Kells
What did you love in Ireland?
Is it green because it rains all the time?
I have much to ponder...
Stay warm or cool, whatever the weather in your neck of the woods...
XXXX
Hi Patricia, I loved seeing the wattle tree. I've never seen one in person but it reminds me a lot of a tree we have in the southwestern US called a Golden Rain tree. The flowers are sort of similar. I think it comes from China? I love seeing what grows in different parts of the world. That little bowl with the robin on it is so sweet. I'm enjoying watching you plan for your trip, it's going to be such a nice time. Hope you're having a good week so far!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, our wattle tree is an Australian native, but similar to mimosa which grows in Europe. The blooms are little round fluffy balls the size of a pea. Very cute. The robin bowl was my father's, so special to me. I like it very much. Fingers crossed all goes well with the trip!
DeleteHey! I love the wattle tree and the Queen's broach, that is beautiful, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI also love the robins in England, have you ever heard one sing? xx
No! never heard a robin sing. Now I am curious to know how they sound. I'll be on the lookout...
DeleteThe excitement is mounting for your upcoming trip Patricia - in Ireland you must try and see the Giants Causeway an unbelievable geological formation which literally takes your breath away.
ReplyDeleteIreland for me, apart from its beauty and greeness, is the people. They are witty, friendly and very welcoming.
Yes, getting down to the final details Rosemary. I have been looking into a day trip to the Giants Causeway, which might be the best option. It certainly looks spectacular in pictures. And the Irish folk sound very beguiling - it should be a happy wedding!
DeleteThat broach is cute! Happy Tuesday ♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisy.net
Thank you :)
DeleteThe Golden Wattle tree is so pretty. I'm glad you got to see the Robin, Patricia. They are one of my favorite birds and are special in so many ways. Very brave and don't scare easily. I see them around here all the time. Ireland will be a wonderful vacation. The Irish are such jolly people. Have a fantastic time in Dublin being with your dear son on his wedding day.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
That is nice to have red robins all around your area, like living in a Christmas card! That Irish accent always makes me smile :))
DeleteWattle always reminds me of South Africa, Patricia. I love it! Your itinerary sounds great. London is home to me more than any other city as I was born and raised there, so for me, exploring the old suburbs of Hampstead, Marylebone and Camden are favourites. As for Ireland, i loved walking along the Grand Canal and boat watching. The coast is also beautiful everywhere, and the people are a delight!
ReplyDeleteAh, so there is wattle in South Africa too. We like to think we have the monopoly on it in Australia, but the climates are similar. I have noted down those London suburbs, and the Grand Canal which sounds good. My little list is getting longer :)
DeleteCootamundra wattle is the best, and how lovely to have it on your balcony. Such a wintery, Australian thing to have. I'm glad you can see me with the brooch - of course, I'd have to make something special to wear it with, he he.
ReplyDeleteWow - the wattle is beautiful! And I LOVE that brooch. ;) Never heard of that type of flower before.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so excited to live through you for your future journeys!! I command you to take many photos and share all! Lol (okay maybe demand is a strong word?). Or you could just pack me in your suitcase? Just sayin.... Blessings Trish. xoxo
Rest assured, I take lots of photos - in fact far too many. And I try to do blog posts as we go along. Sorry, the suitcase will be very full indeed - I am trying to figure out how to get my fabulous but useless wedding hat in there...
DeleteIt is a very large wattle tree - I'm used to the smaller variety. Wattle is so pretty, plays havoc with the sinusitis though! Your trip is coming together nicely - it can't be far away now. I have been to Dublin, but memories are always so impressionist and hazy with me. We went on trips to the countryside, and to neolithic monuments, and to a fantastic historic house and garden. Our accomodation was in some sort of club, and was full of ye olde quirks as I recall! I am sure you will enjoy your time there.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a big wattle, and also the only one along that stretch of creek. It must have just found the right spot for itself. You have my interest about the neolithic monuments (we love a bit of ancient history in this house) - a few ancient Celtic crosses etc would be excellent too. It will be fun to go somewhere quite different from our previous journeys, and with a wedding too.
DeleteBeautiful wattle tree. You are so organized about your travel plans. I know you are going to pack as much enjoyment into your days away as possible.
ReplyDeleteHi from the Wattle tree! We try to be organised, but things do go awry. Since I wrote this post, we have had a few difficulties :)
DeleteI'm sure you will like the state rooms. They're so impressive and when we went last year we thought they were nicely kept. You might like the Royal Mews too - the incredible carriages HM rides in on state occasions, each of them with a different story. One of the best, is, in fact, the Australian coach! The wattle brooch is beautiful. Do you think you'll buy a replica?
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll buy the wattle brooch....maybe...
DeleteThe state rooms sound good, and yes, good idea on the Royal Mews. I know the Australian coach - took years to make but it looks lovely.
I'm sure you will like the state rooms. They're so impressive and when we went last year we thought they were nicely kept. You might like the Royal Mews too - the incredible carriages HM rides in on state occasions, each of them with a different story. One of the best, is, in fact, the Australian coach! The wattle brooch is beautiful. Do you think you'll buy a replica?
ReplyDeleteHI Patricia...
ReplyDeleteYou must be getting excited...sounds like a wonderful trip!
We are stil hot hot hot here...back into the 40's midweek! Yikes!
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Hi Linda, Excited yes, and also nervous and tired from the preparations! Weddings can be a bit fraught. Don't like the sound of that heat, because it probably means when we come back home, it will migrate over here!!
DeletePatricia, I know you have your son's wedding coming up, and I just wanted to tell you that I put up some pics of Jess' wedding today if you want to see them. :)
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Thank you Sheri - they are wonderful pictures, and thank you for sharing it all. xx
DeleteYou are going to love Ireland, Patricia! I can't comment on Dublin specifically, because I actually haven't spent much time in that city. But in general the Irish people are warm and friendly, and no matter what part of the country you are in there's something interesting to see and do. Will you be flying through Vancouver? It would be lovely to meet up again. I still need to take you to Granville Island!
ReplyDeleteHello Kristie, Yes, next month we will be in Dublin! We go first to London, and fly west rather than east, so not coming to Vancouver this year. The quickest route for us is via Dubai in the Emirates, then on to London. I definitely don't forget we have a date for Granville Island - maybe next year it will happen - I hope so :) Air Canada now fly direct between Brisbane and Vancouver which is great news for us.
DeleteGood Morning/Evening Patricia! It's been ages since I visited, so spent the last half hour reading back through many blog posts. Wow, you really have your family flung far and wide! It makes for great vacations, but I imagine you miss seeing them all on a regular basis. Loved the photos of your grandkids, especially the feeding chipmunks & kite flying. Sounds like you're having a wonderful time preparing for your upcoming trip, and I'm just a teeny bit jealous. Enjoy your day,
ReplyDeleteWendy
Hi Wendy, yes, our family is far and wide, and we only have one son and one grandson living in our city. I am glad you liked the photos, and yes, we are now at the final stages of preparing for a big trip to the UK. At the same time, I am very busy working on my father's Estate. Never a dull moment!
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