Hello dear readers, and greetings from the Red Cardinal nest..
How are you all faring in this strange new world?
I do hope you are well, and safely managing the social distancing or whatever is required in your area. We really are all in this together, aren't we?
Life goes on here at its new, slower, pace, and we are enjoying the sunny Winter days of Brisbane town.
Our new yellow rose burst into bloom - followed by a long-neglected orchid.
I had even forgotten what colour it was!
The snow peas have managed a few little pods, just enough to add to my salad each day..
and we are enjoying our own freshly grown lettuces.
With no excursions to movies or concerts, we are continuing to concentrate on long walks at weekends in various locations, often with a small picnic by the water.
The sun glittered on the sea at the old-fashioned seaside resort of Sandgate..
So healthy to enjoy the sea air, while watching the regimental seagulls..
I enjoyed the old houses across from the beach.
Lots of them are painted brightly, with a mustard coloured trim.
Sun, sand, and bright yellow paint!
Last week we drove inland to the tiny regional town of Marburg:
It was dull and rainy, but we enjoyed hot coffee at the local shop, and fossicked through some rambling old antique emporiums..
An old hotel is beautifully preserved across the street, but just look at this old petrol pump! Memories of childhood...
Last week I returned to my watercolour painting group.
I have forgotten everything I learned early in the year - oh dear!
We had a demonstration of pouring paint to achieve the most amazing marbled effect:
The results are stunning!
What a beautiful setting for the wedding of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge.
The floral arch was absolutely beautiful, and how lovely for Beatrice to have her special day, despite all the difficulties currently being experienced in these strange times.
Carefully social distanced, the bride's grandparents Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip, were happily involved. He is so tall and erect, astonishing for a man almost 100 years old.
I thought it a perfect gesture of the Queen to provide Beatrice with a beautiful vintage Norman Hartnell gown from her own archives...
environmentally and ethically just right.
As always, the Princess granddaughter of the Queen wears a tiara on loan from her Majesty, and this one is very special indeed. Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara was worn by the Queen at her own wedding in 1947, and also by her daughter Princess Anne for her wedding in 1973.
The beautiful gown was worn several times by the Queen in the 1960s.
Pretty organza sleeves were added to give Beatrice her own personal touch.
Above, the gown features a bejeweled bodice and shoulder straps..
Congratulations to the happy couple, and may they live happily ever after....
Be well and be safe
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