9-262 (19/9/22) -- An Era Ends

The day began early with the televised funeral for the late Queen. Again, the pageantry was fascinating to see. The gun carriage took the coffin from Westminster Hall -- where thousands had lined up to view her lying in state -- to Westminster Abbey. The music for the service was amazing. It must have sounded so wonderful in the acoustics of the abbey.  This is the first time the funeral of a monarch has been held in Westminster Abbey since George II over 250 years ago -- another historical note for this sequence of events. The coffin then was transported by glassed hearse to Windsor. There, it traversed the Long Walk into the grounds of Windsor Castle and then into St. George's Chapel. Here wider family members and close friends attended the committal service, which was filled with much tradition. Parts that particularly struck me included the removal of the crown jewels from the top of the coffin. The state crown, orb and scepter were given to the keeper of the jewels, to be used at the future coronation of King Charles III and parliamentary speeches from the throne. A striking visual was the Lord Chamberlain breaking his stick and leaving it on top of the coffin. This symbolized that his duty to the monarch was now completed. The committal occurs when the floor opens up and the coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault -- very moving. The coffin along with that of Prince Philip will be moved later to lie in the George VI Chapel at Windsor. So, the official 10 day mourning period has concluded. The family have further eight day mourning period, which makes sense since there was a lot of official and public working time needed over the past days.

A musical selection from the end of the committal service is shared here. The lone piper walking away is a moving tribute. The music gets fainter as he departs. This clip includes the national anthem before the piper. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Sleep, Dearie, Sleep -- The Sovereign's Piper of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Warrent Officer Class 1 (Pipe Major), Paul Burns 

  

9-261 (18/9/22) -- Music, Food and Sunshine

It was a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon. We went out for an afternoon of good music -- a fun set list. I haven't done anything like this for a long time. It was an outdoor area with well spaced seating, which helped me to fell more comfortable being in a smaller sized crowd. I don't think I'm ready for a large crowd event yet, but this helped to break the ice. We had a great pizza while out, too. I rarely find what I think of as great pizza, so this was a pleasant surprise. I think it is all in the crust and a lighter hand with the cheese. This one was a great topping combo, too -- artichoke hearts, fresh basil leaves, Italaian tomatoes, prosciutto, and a dusting of three cheese blend. The crust was amazing -- wonderful flavour and not too salty. Yum! I enjoy finding great food in smaller venues where I least expect superb flavours and execution. <smile>.  Life is full of surprises. 

I enjoyed the relaxing afternoon. The pandemic has made such days few and far between. Being able to be out and about and sharing the day with friends is such a gift. This is one positive that I've encountered from the isolation of the past two years. I still feel like something emerging from a cocoon or something -- everything feels new again and I have to relearn things I knew how to do before everything -- like how to socialize <grin>. 

The lyrics of an older song notes the positives of a Sunday with sunshine. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Sunday Sun -- Neil Diamond

9-260 (17/9/22) -- Slowing the Pace

Today was quiet and spent around the house. Later in the afternoon a neighbour stopped by for a fun visit. We headed out for a great supper with a nice wine and good conversation. Sometimes the simple things make all the difference. I feel there are times that I am so focused on things that I miss what is right in front of me. Failure to live in the moment or at least acknowledge that it is present can take one away from living their lives. Instead, we tend to look back or forward and miss where we are. A friend of mine often said that we shouldn't wish our lives away. That referred to looking ahead and wishing something would happen sooner -- the arrival of a favourite season, the weekend or a planned vacation. Planning for the future makes sense, but not to the extent that we should ignore the present. The other way to miss where we are involves dwelling on past events -- good and not so great. Either way such thoughts take us out of the current moment. I work to bring myself to a place where I can reflect on the past and plan for the future while not missing the here and now. I don't always succeed, but I'm working on it. <smile> 

The song shared today focuses on living in the moment speaking of how time passing is all perspective. I enjoy this singer-songwriter. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Secret O' Life -- James Taylor

 

9-259 (16/9/22) -- Along the Shore

We went walking on a beach again today. It is so relaxing and pleasant. We found a boardwalk that provided a different view of the beach. Both were wonderful -- one barefoot in the sand and the other with shoes on the wooden walkway. It was nice to be outside walking, talking and enjoying nature. 

A song came to mind while walking along the beach front today. I'm certain that the walkway described in the song is not the same as we experienced today -- totally different building specs involved <smile>. This version is a cover by a British band in their early days. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Under the Boardwalk -- The Rolling Stones

 

9-258 (15/9/22) -- New Things

Today we spent spent time walking along a beach. I find it interesting to see the constancy of the waves and the changing sands. This made me think of the phrase "change is the only constant." It used to irritate me when this was turned into a trite phrase thrown at any tricky situation. Change is part of forward movement or growth. Being stuck in the same place won't get us anywhere. I thought of the changes we will see in the coming weeks and years with a new monarch. There will be some consistent events, but with a new person at the helm. Being in the limbo of the grieving period leaves one feeling the change to come. In fact, it is already here. Adjusting to this will take some time for everyone.  There will be many more new things. 

I keep a list of new things experienced each year starting on my birthday. Today we visited a 'new to me' historical site and learned much about life during WWII. It was quite interesting. The day ended with a wonderful Thai supper.  The food was delicious and with the company of a dear friend, it was that much better. So, not all new things need to be feared. Some changes or new experiences add a lot to life.  

A song came to mind when at the beach today. The lyrics explain chaanges and ways to find some peace through change of scenery. It is a bit tongue in cheek -- but gets the point about trying new things across with a smile. <grin>. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Toes -- Zac Brown Band 

9-257 (14/9/22) -- Place of Calm

We headed out to the beach today. Such a visit brings a sense of peace with the calming of the wave sounds and actions. There was a bit of wind that helped to bring in larger waves. We celebrated with an unexpected special at a local restaurant -- tuna steaks with a sesame glaze, wasabi potatoes, and roasted mushrooms, and vegetables.Very yummy.  Several planets and the ISS were visible tonight along with a half-ish moon. 

I'd sum up the day by the calmness encountered at the beach. This brought a song to mind from many years ago <smile>. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Peaceful Easy Feeling -- Eagles

9-256 (13/9/22) -- Lost

We spent the day doing some errands and shopped at a fun specialty store. We stopped for a yummy lunch before heading back home.  The quiet activities of the day helped me deal with the feelings of being lost. While the matriarchs of my family have all left, the Queen was still there. She was a constant presence with a calming wisdom. During COVID lockdowns, her televised message brought sympathy and hope. She, too, was separated from her family members. She likened the inability to see younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the transport of children out of London during the Blitz of WWII. For the sake of safety, families were separated for what was an unknown length of time at the time of transport. The Queen noted that 'we'll meet again' once the worst had past. These words, of course, are from a song. I smiled when she quoted song lyrics -- it made me feel closer to her somehow. The wisdom of her words  demonstrated her solid leadership abilities and ability to comfort.

I share the song that she quoted from here today. The song and the singer were my dad's favourites. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

We'll Meet Again -- Vera Lynn

9-255 (12/9/22) -- Then and Now

Today began with some sun and lots of humidity. We had a leisurely breakfast as I listened to the BBC feed of the transport of the Queen's coffin from Holyroodhouse Palace to St. Giles Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving. This is followed by lying in rest where the public is invited to pay their respects. While resting here, the Scottish crown sits on the coffin. This version was made around 1540 from materials of a former crown, so it is centuries old. For me, the pearls are the defining feature. After reading about this part of the Scottish crown jewels collection, I learned that these pearls are all Scottish freshwater pearls. It is quite lovely. 

This period of mourning for the the late Queen brings much information that I haven't encountered before now. I understood some of the ceremonial pieces that would take place, but this will be the first time in my lifetime that these events have taken place. Hers will be the first royal state funeral since the one for her father, George VI, held in 1952 -- 70 years ago. In the UK, state funerals are reserved for monarchs. Very detailed funerals with lying in state occur for other members of the Royal Family and for prime ministers. This tidbit surprised me. So, the state funeral will be something unique to view. 

I find it intriguing to learn more about the history of the royalty in the UK and Commonwealth. I have learned several new things and will learn more over the next week. Part of my wishes that I didn't need to learn these things -- while inevitable, it just feels too soon. We are facing something new. The chorus lyrics of a song note how we we can make the journey together. That is what I feel the televised and online live feeds are helping many people from around the world to do. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Brand New Sun -- Jason Lytle

9-254 (11/9/22) -- Combatting Fatigue

It was a quiet day today. I watched part of the procession of the coffin and cortege traveling from Balmoral to Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh with my morning tea today. In the afternoon, my friend and I visited a local museum and had a late lunch and visit -- almost like afternoon tea time. <smile> 

I felt quite tired at times today. I've been a bit more emotional than I thought I might be with the death of the Queen. This likely is adding to the fatigue. I seemed to yawn all day long today. <smile> Perhaps I need to get up and dance for a bit to feel more energized. I might just try that after posting this blog. <grin> 

Some lyrics from a song came to mind when thinking about dancing instead of sitting like a lump <smile>. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

You should be Dancing -- Bee Gees 

9-252 (9/9/22) -- Changes & Memories

Today involved some shopping and listening to the next steps in the official grieving period and passing of titles and responsibilities to a new monarch.  

I've been recalling stories from the life of the Queen. My favourite was one that portrayed her as the strong female figure she was for so many women. While at Balmoral decades ago, she was driving back to the castle from the village with Prince Phillip in the passenger seat of the Land Rover. At one point the Prince reached out to hold onto the dashboard as she drove, likely through a curve in the road. This led her to pull over to the side of the road and to ask the Prince to get out and walk the rest of the way. That mental picture always brings a smile to my face. She knew much about vehicles, having worked with the motor brigade during WWII. She clearly understood the workings of an internal combustion engine, mechanical aspects of vehicles and what a vehicle could withstand. 

Today the King made his first speech to the nation, Commonwealth and the world. He covered much well in a short message -- current feelings, events over the coming days and longer term directions. It was heartfelt, and reassuring clearly focused on forward movement. He spoke to a few title changes that would occur with the Cambridges becoming Wales and adding two new duchies and an earldom as the King passed these titles to his immediate heir. So, much to get used to in the area of titles -- for starters.

The title of this song fit today -- and likely past and future days as we go through this process. I enjoy this short-lived supergroup.  Keep safe. Enjoy!  

Had to Cry Today -- Blind Faith  

 

9-253 (10/9/22) -- Pageantry Begins

We took a fun trip to the farmers' market today and followed up with a few other shopping errands. It was nice to get out before the rain began. 

In the morning and afternoon, I watched ceremonies of accession from the UK and Canada that proclaimed King Charles III as sovereign and new head of state. The pageantry is steeped in history beginning back in medieval times. That is very cool. These are events I've never seen occur before. A touching moment involved the Coldstream Guards lying their weapons on the ground and removing their headdresses to give three cheers for the King. After these two ceremonies, for the first time I heard God Save the King sung.  

This video shows the end of one of the many ceremonies that took place today. There will be much more pageantry and protocol over the next ten days. Take care. Enjoy! 

God Save the King -- after proclamation of accession in London  

 

9-250 (7/9/22) -- Celebrate Finishing Tasks

There was much scurrying around today, doing things to complete a major task. All was done with a final bit being just off my intended deadline. It was on time, just not as early as I'd hoped. <smile> All is good. 

I chose to treat myself to supper out. I had a wonderful mushroom ravioli with fresh tomato sofrito-style sauce and small bits of goat cheese on top of that, both of which added wonderful texture as well as flavour. I had a lovely glass of red wine and even decided to have a dessert <smile> Over all it was a lovely evening. 

Lyrics from a song came to mind today --“When the dreams you're dreaming come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind.”  Keep safe. Enjoy!

Humble and Kind -- Tim McGraw

9-249 (6/9/22) -- Re-Entry

 Back to school time has arrived again -- fr all levels of euation. A former colleague noted that they felt they had no resilience as the year begins. This may be somewhat understandable given so many new things and ways of doing them differently -- where things seemed to change every few days for the past two years. The stress of the pandemic happenings stole the time that would usually help people to recharge. Now, even the activities that might help people relax and recoup have changed. Things are not as they were pre-pandemic and likely never will be. Everything in our near and far surrounds is different even in subtle ways. Perhaps this explains the feelings of anger, frustration and disappointment that we see in the faces and hear in the voices around us. 

I've found that things I did regularly pre-pandemic, now take so much more time to plan and execute. Simply put, I'm out of practice AND acutely aware of the dangers of travel or of being in crowds. After spending much of the time with far less social contact than usual, resuming some form of regular contact has become a bigger challenge than I would have guessed it would be. Again, I find myself thinking of my grandparents who lived through the flu epidemic of post-WWI. I wish I could speak with them and find out how they moved forward after the worst of that viral invasion. I feel so ill equipped to manage a re-entry into society. I'm not sure we need to have a formal entry like those of the debutantes, but some discussions about ways to manage the anxiety that comes with spending time with friends might help many people. We will need to understand, that who we are has changed. It may be subtle or in-your-face big. But we have changed. I need to rework my approaches to research activities since the plans I'd had prior to facing the first of many lockdowns will be changed. Archives I hope to visit will have different protocols in place in light of transmissibility of current and potential future viruses. All visits will require travel. I hope to start with the closer trips in the coming months and then take the longer trip to tie up the final bits of needed historical input. I know how I would have done it in the past, but there will be unforeseen hoops to jump through that no one had even conceived of three years ago. So, life will move forward, but the direction, pace and protocol will be altered. 

A song that came to me today deals with making positive changes in life. I want to re-enter the world as who I am now, doing what I'd planned but in a way that fits the new way of doing things. I like the upbeat lyrics and rhythm of this one. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

I'm Coming Out -- Diana Ross

   

9-248 (5/9/22) -- Sweating the Small Things

Today was filled with a mad scramble to get things ready for mid-week. I see so many final details that make things feel overwhelming just because of the sheer number of bits to complete.  Putting the final touches on things always seems deceptively simple. Individually, these might be less time-consuming, but when many final bits arrive concurrently it can take a lot of time to complete. 

I tried to fit in a short walk later in the day to help release a bit of the tension that comes with working to deadlines. Not my favourite way to do things, but sometimes this is the only way things can be done. When some of the items require input from other people, the stress level can increase. I often catch myself thinking that I can do it quicker by myself. This, of course, is not the case. The lead time and background information needed from others to complete their parts of the project could not be done my me in short order. So, I am required to put my trust in others -- not something I do easily at the best of times <grin>. 

The good news for the day is that things are moving forward well and most bits will be done on time. Now, if I could just sleep well tonight instead of waking with anxious thoughts of past and future actions, I would have more wherewithal to complete the very last steps. <smile> If past experience tells me anything, it says that things will be done and done well -- so just chill, will you? <grin>. 

I love the title line of this song. It sounds calming and reassuring, too. This version brings a new voice to the mix. Keep safe. Enjoy!

Don't Worry Baby -- The Beach Boys

  

 

9-247 (4/9/22) -- Price to Pay

I spent much of the day working through items with deadlines in the next couple of days. Thengs went slowly but at least something was completed with more to continue tomorrow. Why do I put so much pressure on myself or better yet,  why do I let these external things become so huge? It is likely both happening at once that is making me crazy. <smile>  Many actions needed at present take physical and emotional energy to complete. The end result will be positive, but the work necessary to get there takes a bit of a toll. Good things do take some work, but are so worth it. Maybe I need to keep my eye on that prize. <smile> 

That reminded me of a song -- Imagine! -- about paying a toll. A quirky turn of mind, I'll admit, but it happened and I'm sharing it <grin>. 

Don't Pay the Ferryman -- Cris de Burgh

9-251 (8/9/22) -- Global Loss

The Queen is dead. 

Long live the King. 

For some time now, I've been dreading the writing of this blog. The day was bound to come. I wasn't ready, though we are never ready for a major loss. The Queen was 96. I wanted her to be here for another 4 years like her mother had been. Sadly this was not to be. I heard the news that physicians were 'concerned' for her health after I woke this morning. That message from the Palace spoke volumes, since there rarely is a comment on the health of Royal Family members. To have sent this message to the world told us that things were grave at best. 

I was traveling today. Before the later afternoon flight, no further word had been received. Family members had rushed to Balmoral to be at her side. News outlets assured me they were all in place by that time of day. When I landed almost two hours later, I found the next waiting lounge and opened the wifi to check the news. She was gone.  I had tears right there in the airport surrounded by other travelers. Now, I found myself in the US trying to come to terms with this news, while surrounded by strangers who might not really 'get it'. I felt very alone. This loss is huge for many people across the globe. For me, I've known no other monarch in my lifetime since she was on the throne for over 70 years. At my age, my mother had seen four monarchs and my grandmother had seen six monarchs. My ancestry is from the UK. My nation had a special relationship with the Queen. After all,  this monarch visited Canada more than any other nation during her years as Queen, with another visit that had occurred when she was still Princess Elizabeth. She was our head of state -- as well as the UK there were over a dozen other nations for which she held this position. I've seen the Queen live four or five times throughout my life. Other members of the Royal Family members have been seen when they visited Canada, too. 

The final leg of the trip showed me an amazing nearly full moon and the most beautiful orange sunset as we flew into the night. These views helped bring me a sense of calm. I needed that. Meeting a dear friend at the airport helped, too. I felt much less alone. 

Please forgive my posting the blog out of order -- the earlier ones are in the polishing phase and will be posted soon. This one just seemed more important to get out now and the petty issues I deal with on a daily basis were put into perspective with the news of today. 

I chose a song that was played in a concert tonight in tribute to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The lyrics seemed to fit the view out my window this evening. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II -- Elton John (Toronto concert 8/9/22)

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Queen Elizabeth II tribute) -- Elton John

9-246 (3/9/22) -- 'Must Dos'

 Being a Saturday, laundry and house cleaning filled most of the day. I went for a walk after supper. There were student gatherings in a few places. More people will arrive over the weekend and into next week. Then things will become more active in places other than the local pubs. 

It has been of  looming deadlines. I have lots of small things to finish in the next several days. It isn't anything nasty -- the opposite actually, but time feels tight. I'm sure all will get done in time, but there is a bit of pressure hovering to ensure I don't stop for a lengthy tea break in the afternoon. I try to leave screens off -- laptop, tablet, phone and such -- so that I don't fall down any rabbit holes <smile>. It worked today as a few things were knocked of the 'must do' list. 

Avoidance of screen time brought a song line or two to mind. <smile> I love the trippy sound of this one. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

White Rabbit -- Jefferson Airplane

9-245 (2/9/22) -- Not Recognized

 I went for lunch with a friend today. We had planned to dine outdoors, but it was cloudy with a cooling wind when we arrived at the restaurant. So, we at inside. Then the sun came out as we began to eat inside. <smile> My other outing was to the physio to help with the Achilles heel again. It does seem to be improving. A new pain in the foot couldn't be identified, so at least it isn't something nasty. 

I felt very tired today and was fighting to stay awake in the afternoon between lunch and the physio visit. I have lots on tap right now. This makes thinking through to solutions and the gamut of emotions arriving and departing daily combine to drain energy through mental and physical activities. 

For the past two days, I've had a major fight with a software program. It seems to have updated for the first time in forever. It refused to go into full screen mode. Even when I clicked on that icon, the window was only partial and there was a large left frame. When I clicked on a new to me icon, the screen did go to full screen mode and even covered the Windows task bar! Bizarre. Tonight, it wouldn't let me login. First it didn't recognize my user-id. Then told me the password was incorrect. So, I tried making a new account and was told that one already existed for my e-mail address -- the one it just said was not valid <sigh>. I tried with a second laptop to see what happened and it opened things followed immediately by a message window saying I had been logged out for security reasons. The first laptop did not tell me this. So -- <deep breath> -- I had to reset the password and it wouldn't take the one that it had told me earlier was incorrect since it now recognized it. <aacckk> A new password later and I was finally able to launch the program. So very frustrating. Once logged in again, the screen looked almost as usual. There are a few new bits and lots of pop-up windows welcoming me and asking if I wanted to learn about some new feature or other. <sigh> 

It was frustrating to not be recognized by a program I use daily. I dislike having to try to do work arounds for the silliness. I kept trying to get in but was repeatedly told that I was not recognized so couldn't enter. When I explained my experience to a friend, they noted a song that was just perfect for the situation <smile>. So, I share that here. I like the feel of this version. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

I Hear You Knocking -- Fats Domino

9-244 (1/9/22) -- Long Postponed Events

Well, a new month began sunny and hot. I had two wonderful chats with a friend and a family member this morning. It was great catching up. I got one major errand completed. I went again to check for store brand food for the furry one and they did not have any again this week -- four weeks now. <sigh>. There were points available if I bought some this week. Shouldn't they have to give those points for the lack of their own product that forced me to buy another brand? As if <sigh>. 

Students are returning in droves.The first year welcome days are today and tomorrow on campus. Over the weekend the upper year residence students will arrive. Those choosing to live off campus have been showing up for the past couple of days, with more expected in the next week. Traffic has picked up noticeably with students and families. The annual exhibition which has been on hiatus for three years falls on this week and weekend, too. So, there are many people, cars, trucks and trailers encountered everywhere. Driving downtown is slow at best and no street parking places anywhere. I shouldn't be surprised that things are so busy. Generally, the population of the town doubles when students arrive. This year may be more like the pre-pandemic years in this way.  

A line from a song about remembering seemed to flash through my mind often today. All those 'back to school' days from kindergarten to the last year teaching were at the centre of thoughts today. I enjoy the tempo of this song. It feels relaxing. Keep safe. Enjoy!

September -- Earth, Wind and Fire