I'm So Excited!
Lynne
Here Comes....


The Royal Wedding!

Tomorrow is the big day and I can't wait!  Anyone who knows me knows this is huge in my world.  I was born and raised Canadian but my family roots are based in the UK.  My heart has always been overseas, even as a small child before I realized that British blood coursed through my veins.  I, along with countless others, have been waiting for this moment for years.  Some would say we have been waiting for this moment since the day Prince William was born.  The marriage of a direct heir to the British throne is epic, but I have to say this event has become even more poignant due to the love and devotion that emanates from this couple.  You can see the honest affection in their eyes when they look at each other and I don't believe I have seen that reflected in any royal couple since the Queen and her own consort Prince Phillip were married (no I was not around personally at the time but I have watched plenty of footage, probably more than once LOL!).


I remember sitting up in the wee small hours watching Lady Diana Spencer become Diana Princess of Wales.  I sat with my mother, together in the dark, with only the glow of the television to light the event chatting excitedly as we awaited the fairy tale moment.  We watched, we cried, and we felt oddly patriotic toward a country we had never visited  personally.  I think my mum had more British leanings than she was willing to admit, but I have always been openly UK all the way.  I really wish we had the chance to take that trip together, how wonderful it would have been to share the experience of going 'home'.
Now as I gear up for the big wedding, I know she will be watching with me from above keeping me company in the dark early morning hours.  Yes I will be awake (well awake enough) to watch the royal union as it transmits live from London just as I was all those years ago.  I will also PVR the event and all the extra footage pertaining to the big day so I can watch again when I am more wide awake.  Call me crazy if you wish, but I am so excited it's like I have my own spot in the pews at Westminster Abbey.  

Speaking of filling pews, how cool is it that William and Catherine invited locals from the small town of Bucklebury to the wedding!  These people interacted with Wills and Kate on a regular basis when they spent time in her hometown and now they are being honored with invites to the biggest shin dig in the country.  When you consider that some foreign dignitaries and even local officials have been left off the list, this is an epic achievement.  It only demonstrates further how they maintain a personal touch within a long standing formalized institution.  It is wonderful to see that they will honor traditions but still remain faithful and respectful to those that touch them personally, adding a slightly more modern and humble twist to royalty.

Incidentally, the music choices for this occasion hold special meaning for William and Catherine as well.  The first song played at the service will be 
'Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer' as a personal tribute to William's mother.  The song was played at her funeral and will now ring in the beginning of her son's special day.  As Kate walks down the isle with Diana's sapphire on her finger the melodies of 'I Was Glad' by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry will resonate through the cathedral.  This song has been used often for major royal occasions.  



I wish I could be sipping this tea while I watch, it's too funny!  If I had my way I would be decked out Union Jack style just like the Royalists camping out on the pavement outside Westminster Abbey.  


All along the wedding route there will be vendors selling official wedding programs detailing absolutely everything about the service and the route.  Ooooh how I would love to get my hands on one of these!


Apparently they sold a similar program for the wedding of Charles and Diana, anyone have an extra they want to unload LOL!  As a matter of fact if you are a UK citizen and wish to send me loads of wedding paraphernalia I will gladly accept your generosity, simply head into the 'contact me' section of this blog.  Okay I know no one will send me stuff, but it never hurts to try LOL!

Another big indication that things are already changing within the monarchy is the release of a Thank You message from Prince William and Catherine Middleton.  This is the first time a royal has ever expressed personal gratitude in such a fashion.  Most thank yous are extremely formal and presented after an event, whereas this is much more intimate (well as intimate as possible when addressing the world).   It's lovely to see that a young couple who wants for nothing can still express simple and humble gratitude.


On that note fellow Canadian Anglophiles, here is the CTV Royal Wedding schedule:

Thursday, April 28

1 p.m. ET – eTalk Original “Royal” Episode (CTV)

9 p.m. ET – Kate & William: A Modern Romance (Bravo!)

9 p.m. – Royal Wedding Playlist (Bravo!)

10 p.m. ET – Kate: The New Diana (Bravo!)

Friday, April 29, 2011

3-10 a.m. ET – “William and Kate: The Royal Wedding”

7-9 a.m. PT – Canada AM

10-11 a.m. ET – The Marilyn Denis Show "Wedding Reception Special"

Noon – 1 p.m. ET – CTV News
Live hits from London from the Bell Media Royal Wedding broadcast team.

1-3 p.m. ET – William and Kate: The Royal Wedding
Post wedding coverage.

6-7 p.m. ET – CTV News At Six 
Live hits from London from the Bell Media Royal Wedding broadcast team.

7-9 p.m. ET – William and Kate: The Royal Wedding 
More post wedding coverage

11-11:30 p.m. ET – CTV National News with Llloyd Robertson 
Wedding related.

11:30 p.m. ET – CTV News
Much of same.

4-10 a.m. ET – Live From The Royal Wedding (also available online at eonline.ca)

7 p.m. ET – E! News  

9 p.m. ET – Will and Kate: Road To The Altar  

10 p.m. ET – Fashion Police: Royal Wedding 

For a complete breakdown of what each segment involves visit  http://shows.ctv.ca/RoyalWedding/televisionschedule.aspx



Here's to the union of a lovely couple who just so happen to be the future King and Queen consort of England!  Long may their love reign!  Ooooh and babies, royal babies LOL!

Have a regal day!



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Blogger Etiquette - Does It Exist?
Lynne
Blogger Etiquette - Does It Exist?


Every so often I stumble across a comment in a post that refers to something being bad blogger etiquette.  Does this really exist?

Is it really considered bad form if you don't personally respond to every comment made on a post?  What about your own comments, do you have to follow certain guidelines to give a shout out on someone's post?

It's all so confusing to me.  I realize I am a relatively new blogger as it goes, but I have seen this phrase pop up many times and wondered if there really is a set of written rules for living in the Bloggerverse.  If so, where do I find this information?  Who deems something a violation, and how is it policed?  I suppose the idea is to self police, but how does one do that if they do not know where the boundaries are?  See crazy confusing!

I have probably committed many etiquette crimes here without even knowing it, but to be honest I've also discovered a few things that I think should be on the list if they aren't already.  My imaginary list of Blogger Etiquette would include:


1.  As a blogger you should acknowledge people who take the time to comment thoughtfully and extensively on your post.  Imagine if you were face to face and they just shared a thoughtful idea and you didn't say a word.  If it would be hurtful or insulting in person perhaps it would also have the same effect online.  Initially when replying I was trying to place my return comment on other people's blog comment box because I didn't realize I was getting emails with my comment moderation that allowed for direct response. Now that I have discovered this feature, I will respond properly ;)

2.  If you choose to comment on someone's post, please make sure you have read it.  I have seen many examples of people commenting after reading the first two lines of a post and their comment being entirely unrelated to the rest of what was written.  Sometimes a post takes a turn into something completely different, so if you are only skimming the first few lines to comment it can be glaringly apparent.  It's okay to read and not comment or skim something over for commentary later.  Sometimes we have something to say and sometimes we don't, it's all good :)

3. If you are going to duplicate a project, recipe, or other creative idea please give credit where credit is due.  I realize we all love to share what we have done and how we've done it, but if you sourced the idea from another blogger it's only polite to link your project up with their corresponding post.  I think it's a great way to keep the blog love flowing and opens doors for people to other blogs they may have missed.  There is nothing wrong with sharing an audience.  Oh and let the other blogger know you sourced them, we all love to know when our ideas touch someone.

4.  Please do not debate in someone's comment box.  Comments are designed for fellow bloggers to share their thoughts regarding the accompanying post, not for a comment war between bloggers.  I think the whole idea of blogging is to share our ideas and opinions which of course will be varied.  As they say variety is the spice of life, let's embrace it!

5.  E-mailing a blogger for more extensive feedback on a post is a great way to share, but it's best to keep the focus on the subject matter.  Sometimes people begin to feel personally connected to the person writing the blog and start to include more personal information in their communications.  It seems harmless at the time to tell the blog writer what town you live in, what school is hosting your child's Christmas concert or other such things but you never really know who you are talking to in the end, so be safe.  Getting to know a person takes time, and it takes far longer to really know someone on the Internet. 

6.  Be gracious to your followers whether you have 10 or 10000. If you want people to continue following be sincere when you comment back.  Cut and paste responses read as exactly that.  I know we don't all have an entire day to respond to readers, but if you are going to choose to reply then do it when you have the time to consider a unique reply. You are really only returning the time they took to comment.  

7.  Consider your audience when you blog hop.  I have hopped a time or two (or ten) and some hops outline that the only blogs invited are family friendly blogs.  So why then do we see links to blogs with penis jokes or boobie cakes?  If you have a blog that contains profanity, nudity, or other adult content just stick to hops that welcome that.  Let's face it, you might get a few followers but they will leave shortly if they are expecting a different type of content.  I just think it's disrespectful to participate in someone else's event and ignore their rules.

8.  When hopping it would be cool if people only followed blogs they were truly interested in with no expectation of a return follow.  The hop should be about getting your blog out there to be enjoyed, not the number in the follow me box.  Doesn't it seem a bit crazy to follow a trillion people and then never visit half or more because you don't actually enjoy the blogs?  If someone's gonna follow me I would hope they are doing so because they came by and liked what they saw. Maybe that's just me. :)

9.   If you don't like something you have read move on.  I don't see the point of negative commentary at all.  There are so many blogs out there to view and share that it's really unnecessary to complain about the content of someone's post.  Just keep moving through your list until something catches your eye that you can feel good about ;)  

10.  Give a little, get a lot.  Be supportive of the blogs that touch you.  Grab a button, make a mention, pass on a giveaway link, spread the love.  We are all here to share and if you extend your voice to another, they just might give you the same courtesy.  If someone tells you that they have singled you out, show your appreciation because it's pretty awesome that they are taking time to pat your back.

Anyway, as I was saying, is there actually written down rules of etiquette for blogging?  If you have this dusty bit of script can you show me where it is because I'm sure I've got some violations to amend.  If there are actually no formal rules, then what the heck are these people talking about? More importantly if you are reading a food blog, is it a violation to lick the screen?  Just checking LOL!

Just so you know, I appreciate all of you and I am going to make sure you feel the love!  Tomorrow will be a new post full of fun light hearted stuff to enjoy, see you then!

Have a wonderful day with cake (only because I'm craving it LOL!)
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Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lynne
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig


Quite a mouthful don't you think?  Well essentially it means a wish that you have all the blessings of St Patrick's Day and the "luck of the Irish" to go with it.

I am of Irish decent, so this particular holiday is a favorite of mine.  My father's side hails from an area near the Lough Leane, and my mother's side hails from Britain.  We are third generation Canadian, but I so wish I had been born over there.  I seriously should have been. No offence to Canada, beavers, or maple leaves intended.


The thing is, our St. Patrick's Day will be a day late.  Shift working daddy means sometimes things happen a little off calendar.  It's only one day delayed so no biggie.  I don't think St. Patrick would mind LOL! 

This St. Paddy's Day in our house will be filled with all the green love possible.  It starts with the wearing of green, and of course my St. Patty's socks!


You know me and socks, it has to happen.  If I say I have three or four pairs of clover socks how crazy do I sound?  Do you still love me?  What if I told you even my boys have 'Kiss Me I'm Irish' shirts?  Well hubby thinks I'm on the edge of the crazy cliff but he entertains it (me) none the less.

The day will start with evidence of a visit from Seamus.  Who is Seamus?  He is our resident Leprechaun of course!  Now some people have a Liam or a Murphy or a Finnegan but we have a Seamus.  This is our first year really going all out with Seamus, as we spent the last six wrapped up in Mum's illness and passing so this sorta fell to the way side (understandably).  Normally we just talked about Seamus and read stories about his Leprechaun friends, but this time he is coming out to play!  


I found some pictures that very much resemble how I see Seamus in my head:




Imagine my thrill when I discovered other people have a Seamus too!  I stumbled over to 

Many Little Blessings

the other day and came across a post full of trickery that Angie and her family suffered at the hands of their own Seamus last year.  It was awesome!  So I think our Seamus is going to take advantage of this new knowledge and add a few of these ideas to his repertoire. Check them out, they are fabulous, especially the cool whip!


We will listen to Irish folk music and pub songs to set the mood.  We will learn about the story of St. Patrick and then we will cap off the day with a traditional Irish dinner:




Corned beef, cabbage, mashed potatoes, soda bread, and of course beer for the grown ups (green milk for the kids)!  Mmmmm I can taste it already!


Then at the end of the day, we will tuck in to our beds and read about other Leprechaun adventures because you can never have enough of those.  


Have a blessed St. Patrick's Day, and may you all be touched by the Luck O' The Irish :)







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Virtual Coffee Tuesday ~5~
Lynne
Virtual Coffee Tuesday ~5~


It's true, no coffee so far today just loads of tea!  I even rolled up a rim this morning to no avail (Tim Horton's you wound me!).  Maybe that's why I feel so unproductive.

I am trying to achieve about a million things at once, and feeling rather unaccomplished.  If you were here you would probably wonder what the heck I'm trying to do as I take multi-tasking to an insane level.  I've been told multi-tasking is actually a myth as it just means doing many things in a mediocre fashion as opposed to do one thing to the best of your ability.  Well then I'm screwed, or at the very least mediocre.

I am always multi-tasking to a point where I wonder if I remember how not to do a million things at once.  Today I am clearing my email accounts (seriously bad news, 1000's of emails waiting for sort and dump).  I am also making menus, doing laundry, cleaning house, tweaking my blog, texting with friends, talking to hubby, assisting children, and holding a froggie funeral.

Okay maybe it's a simple flush and wave, but none the less Leia the dwarf frog has moved on to God's pond and Luke is a widower.  I think she might have been a bit of a nag and a rock hog, so maybe he won't miss her as much as I fear.  To be honest I think I miss her more than anyone else does!

Did ya notice I added an email button and a new Twitter button today?  Yeah, well maybe not, but I think they are purrrrty!  If you were here, you would be laughing at my squeals of glee everytime I look at them LOL!

Anywhooo, I'm off to continue being mediocre, but meet me back here tomorrow when I blab all about St. Patrick's Day!

See you tomorrow, have a blessed day!





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Five Question Friday
Lynne
It's Time Once Again For....




Five new questions, five new answers, all new fun!

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is?
Mud puddle blonde.  I fear that I could be on the cusp of a slow transition into white but I don't look that closely out of respect for my self esteem.
2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?
Both.  We plan trips to see the in-laws but we sorta just go with the flow for camping and other smaller excursions.  I aspire to actually plan out the entire season, here's hoping for next year!
3. What is your favorite meal to cook?
Take out? No I jest!  I think my favorite is Lasagna or Shepherd's Pie. I love comfort food, and I think that's what I do best.
4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?
Yes.  I was brought up that you are to be gracious and respectful when the occasion calls for it.  If someone is thoughtful enough to do something for me no matter how small I think it's only right to thank them.  I still believe in hand written thank you cards for certain situations too, even though some might find that a bit Victorian.
5. How did you meet your best friend?
Which One? I have a handful of close friends all for different reasons.  
  • I have my high school girlfriend that I met in grade 10 as we stood in front of our lockers and here we are 22 years later.
  • I have my co-worker girlfriend that I met when her and I ended up working together at a thankless customer service job.
  • I have my prenatal girlfriend that I met in prenatal class.  We ended up birthing our children at the same hospital on the same day nine years ago.
  • I have my homegrown girlfriend.  Her and I crossed paths many times over the years but recently moved out to the same rural area at the same time. It was then that our friendship really took root.  She is also my blogger bestie, so if you watch close enough you can figure out who she is LOL!
  • I have my New Zealand girlfriend.  Her and I are twins in opposite countries. We have never met face to face (unless you count video chat) but we are still very close.
I have many girlfriends that fulfill me in different ways (too many to list here) and the term best friend somehow seems an inadequate description.  I think I have girlfriends that are all the best in their own way.  I think people are multi-faceted and it's great to have others in your life who enhance different aspects of your character/personality.  If you can find one or a few that enhance all of who you are then you are very blessed.  My girlfriends are my soul food and I am so glad they share my life.

There you have it, now go link up and share your five responses because it's a lot of fun!

Have a funtabulous Friday!



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Sunday Funnies
Lynne
Sunday Funnies


Here I sit this Sunday with a broken toe.  So what's a girl to do?  Find something funny to giggle at and share it all with YOU!

Here are some of the most interesting church announcement boards I have ever seen!


I thought  these were a good laugh!  I believe the Lord appreciates a sense of humor ;)

Have a blessed and rewarding week!

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What's On My Phone!
Lynne
It's Time Once Again For....



I will be honest I am so bad for not dumping my phone regularly.  My current picture count is a whopping 1464.  Sad but true LOL!  Without further ado, here are a few that I grabbed to show this week:

 My Crazy Handsome Men  (Yes that is a policeman's club in his hand!)

Our Chubby Furball Pepper

Shiloh (The Big Girl) and Maximus (The Little Boy) Living The Sunbeam Dream

Science Boy

Our Current Work In Progress

Early Morning Sunrise From One Vantage Point

What My Boys Had For Breakfast (Can You Tell They Had An Easy Mum Day LOL!)

And that concludes what's on my phone for this week!  Tune in next week when there could be something charming, embarrassing, funny or just downright boring.  You won't know unless you come back and look ;)

Have a blessed day making memories that last,



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