A Day at the Queen's House

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

In just a little under an hour from Waterloo Station in London, you can be in the town of Windsor. It was supposed to be a rainy day; however, the clouds withheld their rain and the the sun peaked little rays of sunshine onto the green grass and brick buildings below. I was traveling with two buddies today: Jamie and Jessica, whom I went to college with back in Minnesota. She is doing a bit of sightseeing in England during spring break! A gorgeous day, three energetic ladies, and a historic town..... what could be better?

A street in Windsor

Yes, that is a castle to the left of the picture... :D

A quaint Windsor street

We took the time to feed the swans and ducks by the river. That's Jamie, in the black jacket holding the yellow bag, excitedly feeding the swans. Seriously, she was so excited. Her eyes just twinkled. So funny... hahaha :D

HAHAHA This swam kept looking at the camera! Such a camera hog!!!

BAHAHAHA See?!?! SEE?!?!?! WHAT A HAM!!!! HAHAHAHA

An Afternoon With the Queen

If you haven't made the connection, Windsor is the home to Windsor Castle! On the weekends during the winter, the Queen spends her time here. She was at the castle this weekend. The castle was the most incredible place! Unfortunately, I couldn't take pictures of the breathtaking rooms in the castle. The Queen's royal guests usually stay in the rooms we visited. The Queen does have meetings and receptions in some of the rooms though. They were covered from floor to ceiling in gold and crystal. Vibrant, richly colored materials lavished each room. Exquisite china and art decorate the walls and furniture. I got some great decorating ideas... Here are some pics of the places in which I could snap a few photos.

This was St. George's Chapel. Many of the past royalty (Kings and Queens) are buried here. You weren't allowed to take pics inside...but... ! I got one. :D

Me and a Royal Guard! The guards, as you should know, aren't allowed to move or make eye-contact with anyone. Their job is upheld in a very high position and they are expected to maintain these expectations. I was really excited to get a picture with a real Royal Guard. Plus, he winked at me! :D :D :D

I teach Year 3, which is about 2nd grade. This last week, one of my little girls was arguing with the other boys in class. This particular little girl is in love with the colour pink, dreams in glitter, and would wear a tiara every day to school if she could. Her favorite book in the class is a Disney princess book. "When I grow up, I'm going to be a princess and wear a tiara," she announced flouncing towards the cloak room.

"No, you can't be a princess," shouted the little boys.

Putting her hands firmly on her hips and puckering her lips with sass, she said with a confident voice, "Mmmhm! Oh yes I can and I WILL!"

I couldn't help thinking about her when at the castle. She would have been in her glory!

Here are my amazing traveling buddies!

Jamie and I

Jessica and I

A Note in the Name of Spring

By request of my Mum, I have added a touch of spring into my blog. She wanted me to share some British flowers and hope of spring soon to come to the States! Below are pictures of flowers that are popping up along the sidewalks and in little flowers pots around town.

Little purple and yellow blossoms peaking through the grass

A walled garden at Windsor Castle. In a few weeks, it will be bursting with flowers and the fragrant smell of spring!

Little stone garden stairs on a grassy slope.

My mum was absolutely fascinated by my morning walks to the school. Every morning on my two mile walk, there are little owls that sing in the trees. I can see the scenic backdrop of the Upper Downs (a hillside in England) rise and meet the sky in a sea of fog. I pass mossy roofed Tudor houses and listen to the songs of the owls. It is very lovely!

I hope spring comes quickly to all of you!