Collections

A couple of years ago, I was with my SIL Cindy at Disneyland and I was observing to her how crazy these Disney fans were with their jackets, t-shirts, hats and bags full of disney stuff.  I remarked how I was glad I didn't collect anything.  She looked at me funny (this was in the height of my tablescaping days), which made me look at myself.  Yeah, I admitted, I guess I collect dishes, hehe. We then proceeded to our lockers to get our jackets and she pulled out a Mickey Mouse leatherman jacket, to which we both started laughing!  Actually, I do have a few collective obsessions, sorry for judging you Disney fans!  

I have collected Limoge boxes, Halcyon Days and London/vacation trinkets for the past 30 years.  It all started with my husband's first trip to London, he brought me back an antique Limoge box. Well, the beast was unleashed!  Now, I don't just pick up any box or trinket I like,  I buy to remember.  Above is my little keepsake curio cabinet that is by my computer.  I love it there.  I look at it often and it brings a smile to my face.  Ah, the memories. 

 Here is my collection of the past 30 years.  I have not bought any in the last 5 years because I don't have anywhere else to put any new ones.  I would like some to commemorate our trips to Italy, but until I find more space, I'm content with these.

 My Limoge London Taxi, a Cayman Island dollar and these sweet teddy bears that are making a phone call and mailing a letter.  I love these little British Bears and I have quite a few.  They are really inexpensive and fun.  Part of the fun in collecting is the thrill of the hunt and the exhilaration of the find!

 Halcyon Days egg and more British Bears.  I pick up a bear or two every time I'm in London.  Having said that, I didn't find them on my last trip in 2010. 

 The gold and white box is from the Buckingham Palace gift shop and the medieval tent is from Warwick Castle.  The little black lacquer box is from my Aunt Marjorie from her trip to Russia.  The lacquer boxes are the only trinkets I have that are from somewhere I have yet to visit.  Alyssa gave me the bigger lacquer box from her trip to St. Petersburg (Above, overall pic).

 The little cottage is from a trip to The Cottswalds.  I love all the British uniforms and my little teddy's reflect that.  I love that keep with their traditions, they have the most fantastic uniforms anywhere.

 I love English post boxes, so I got one for myself.  I believe it is Halcyon Days and next to it, the box that started it all.

 Two sentimental pieces are next:  the giraffe was made by Delaney in the second grade and the bullet casing is from my Uncle Author's (not Arthur) military gun salute at his funeral last year.

This little paper maché box is from The Cayman Islands.

The last little Limoge box I have is of The Eiffel Tower.  I keep it on the silver tray next to my bed.  I think an argument could be made that I have started collecting Jo Malone as well! 

I love this little space where I keep the things that are special to me and that make my heart happy to see on a daily basis.  

My daughter, Katie, gave me this little tray for my birthday with an Audrey Hepburn (she was so wise) quote.  

Please forgive me for my false sense of superiority!  Sometimes you just have to take a good look at yourself and see yourself as others see you. 

Royal Mews

Yesterday, on my way home from San Francisco, I sat next to a very interesting young man. He was a former British Life Guards Cavalry soldier stationed at Buckingham Palace. He was the guy you would see on Regent Street at the Horse Guard Parade Building and Grounds.

He worked in the Royal Mews which is the Royal Stables. Under this classification he is in charge of the horses, carriages and cars. He has worked many royal and state events, most recently Price Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles wedding. He is now retired and living in the U.S.

His name was Alex and he told me many interesting facts.

The Queen's carriage is always drawn by the Windsor Grays.

The palace has two types of horses: Windsor Grays and Cleveland Bays.

Gray horses are rare. You can't just breed two grays to get a gray.

The carriages that are often seen along Rotten Row in Hyde Park are usually carrying Ambassadors.

It is tradition for Ambassadors to present their papers to the Queen.

If the carriage is all closed up and shades pulled, it is empty. I've often see them all closed up and thought someone important was in them, but no, it is just bad etiquette to have an empty carriage open.

This brings me to a new subject. The carriages have been chosen for Prince William and Kate Middeltons wedding procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

The 1902 State Landau will carry Prince William and Kate from the abbey to the palace. This coach was used in Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding procession as well. There will be 5 coaches that day.

1st: The Bride and Groom

If they have severe rain, they will use the Glass Coach above.

Second and third carriages will be Ascot carriages carrying:

2nd: Maid of Honor and Best Man

3rd: Bridesmaids

Fourth carriage will be a Semi-State Landau carrying The Queen and Prince Phillip.

Fifth carriage will be another Semi-State Landau carrying Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and Mr. and Mrs. Middleton.

(Notice that there is no fancy stuff on top of this one like there is on the Queen's).

Also, I wonder who will ride facing backward? Prince Charles and The Duchess are royalty, but The Middleton's are the Bride's parents and it is their big day. What is the Etiquette?

The Prince and Kate will arrive separately. Kate will arrive in Rolls Royce number 1. Which is just like this one and offers a wide glass back panel so everyone can see her. HH and I saw both of the Rolls Royces when we were in London in Oct., one actually carrying the Queen!