USA vs England

     I and two of my fellow collegues from the U.S.decided to go to one of the local pubs to watch the World Cup soccer game.  I wore my U.S.A. T-shirt; however, I did wear a jacket over it so I was not too obvious that I was cheering for  my home-town boys.  As we entered the pub, there were red and white flags (St. George's flag) everywhere and shirts with the logo of England (three lions within a sheild) on every person.  My collegues and I made our way to the second flood and parked ourselves right in front of the big screen projector TV.  Before the game started, we silently sang the Star-Spangled Banner. 

     As we watched the game playout, the locals became louder and drunker.  That was our clue to become "actresses" and pretend to cheer for England all the while we were cheering for the USA.  When England scored first, the pub erupted in shouts of joy and my collegues and I yelled in disgust.  However, no one in the place knew we were upset because they were cheering so much.  The second half we the complete opposite - much to our liking.  When the goalie for England missed the ball and the USA scored, the pub again erupted in noise; only this time the the screames were of disgust and anger.  That gave us the chance to whoop and hollar for the USA team.  Again, there was so much noise in the pub, no one realized that we were actually cheering for the USA.

     Even though the game ended in a tie, we considered is a victory because we had been getting so much "trash talk" about how the USA doesn't stand a chance against England since England's "sport" is football (soccer).  Well, they failed to recognize that many of the players on the USA team play regularly in England or in the European leagues.  Huh. . . English boasting.  Dummies.  After the game was over, we were all smiles as the English faithful were walking out in disbelief.  Over the following days, he goalie for England was chastised in the newspapers on the TV and on the radio.  I felt very sad for him.  The English were blaming one person for their team's tie.  However, being a diehard Steeler fan, I can definately understand their reaction to the goal.

Tea with the Queen

     Well, back on June 14th, as you already know, I was invited to have lunch with the Queen in Windsor Castle.  It was absolutely fantastic!  We were all seated outside St George's Chapel inside the Windsor Castle walls.  As we sat waiting for the Queen to pass by, we had wine and cucumber sandwiches.  I wore a short sleeveless, blue, white & black sundress.  I looked cute!!!  No hat, but I did have my hair done. 

     After about two hours of eating, drinking and chatting, the parade of soldiers on foot and on horses started to process from the castle house down to St. George's Chapel.  It was sooooooo awesome to see all of them!!!  Then, the trumpeters blew their horns and soon we saw these people in deep, blue hats with white plumes walking towards us.  It was the Royal Family:  HMH Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles (yuck); Prince William; Prince Andrew and Princess Anne.  I had to keep pinching myself to see if I was actually seeing the Royal Family.  AND, they walked past me about 10 feet away!!!  I could have reached out and touched them.  They were dressed in their royal robes, plumed hats, and the Queen had two page boys holding her robe.  Very posh!!!!

     I also got to see Lady Margaret Thatcher drive by in a car to the chapel.  Once inside the chapel, the ceremony was broadcast over loud-speakers to the crowd outside.  This ceremony was only about 1/2 hour long.  After the chapel ceremony, the royal family members and their spouses rode back to the castle in a horse and carriage.  First the Queen & Prince Phillip, then Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and someone woman I did not recognize, then Prince William and his gAmerican irlfriend, then Princess Anne and her husband (I think).  Anyways, it was very spectacular.  While I do not have pictures of this event right now, as soon as I get them I will post them to this page. 

A GREAT DAY for me!!!