A New Era Ahead

 Dear Marmite

You have probably heard the very sad news that our monarch, Queen Elizabeth ll, died this week. It will be one of those things that we will always remember exactly where we were when we found out - and it doesn't matter if you are a royalist or not. 85% of British people were born after she came to the throne so most of us will never have known anything other than the queen. 

I had just got in the car and turned on the engine. On the radio the National Anthem was playing. I changed stations and then realised the enormity of what I was listening to.  I cried. Ridiculous really. I cried at the sound of the National Anthem and it isn't even a particularly nice one as National Anthems go. The significance of the end of an era is what got to me. I have cried since when I heard the peel of bells and the gun salutes.

I had read about the code for the queen dying. It is London Bridge is down. I seem to remember Prince Philip was The Forth Bridge and the Queen Mum was Tay Bridge. These are the codes that means all the important people swing into action and follow a strict set of plans to ensure a smooth transition and organisation of the funeral. I got home from my quiz and read the whole protocol - wow... a truly defining document that leaves nothing to chance. They have even rewritten the National Anthem words already!

It is also phenominal how fast te news travelled around the world. I got my first message from Asia 7 minutes after I first heard the National Anthem. However, the bits I have found crass are the bits that must have been planned and archived ready for 24 hours news coverage of everything monarchy. I wonder if the queen signed off on all the bits we are hearing now? How weird is that?

In my little life, I played and won a mini- tournament at my club - Now I cover up completely after having a squamous cell carcinoma removed from my collar bone. Total skin protection from now on. I will adapt to anything so that I can keep moving!! With these mini competitions it is really all about the men you get to partner and I was lucky to be on the same side as some of the best that NPTC has! Thank you men!!!

I also had an eye test this week. I still have 20/20 vision. In fact, as I have artificial lenses in my eyes, I actually have X-ray vision. This means I not only see you nice and clearly, I can see under the fur and clothes you are wearing... not a pretty sight. As I am officially an old dear, I was given a free hearing test as well. I have near perfect hearing too so don't say anything in earshot you don't want me to hear. Of course I did the Woolhead thing where the audiologist says, "We'll test your hearing now." and I say, "pardon"... I know, not funny... but it always feels like it should be at the time. 

So now I am off to peel yet more apples. I have no more room in my kitchen to store stewed apples but I have promised to make 24 crumbles for the Community Orchard do on Saturday. I am juggling logistics and apple peelings.. I even have blisters from cutting up so many.

So this is where I must say Bye Bye... apple peeling waits for no man!

Love you

XXX