The Day of Love: Part 1

Earlier this week, Nathan said he had a special surprise for me on my day off (Friday). I was really excited until he said, "And we have to leave the house at 7:30." I think it's a well-established fact that I love my sleep. A lot.


Fortunately, Nathan had a change of heart and decided to let me sleep in a little. At 8:00 he came in and turned on that horrible light bulb and said, "Wake up! It's the Day of Love!" In his hands he had a fabulous smelling plate of breakfast delights and a mug of tea. I was so excited! 


"Take my picture!" I exclaimed. I knew this was going to be an awesome day. And it was. The Day of Love.

He still forgets that I am not having the same love affair with butter that he is.

This is my face prophesying his face for this shot. Was I right, or was I right? As you already know, it wasn't that hard to predict.

We got in the car and drove north. He asked if I knew where we were going. I said, "Alnwick (pronounced Ahnick)?" It's a castle and gardens I've wanted to see.

"Nope."

"Bambrough?" Another castle.

"Nope."

"The Newcastle airport to get Burger King?"

"No. But now I know what we're doing for dinner."

We drove for about an hour, and I kept seeing signs for Alnwick. I asked him again, "Are you sure we're not going to Alnwick?"

"We are not going to Alnwick [Annick]. We're going to ALNWICK [Ahnick]!!!"

So, he didn't tell me at first because he was bummed that I guessed it right away, and then when he did tell me, he made fun of the way I pronounced it. I didn't care though. I was so pumped! We've heard great things about it, and unlike all of the English Heritage sites we've been to, this castle actually has a Duke and Duchess and their family living in it. Well, at least during the winter months. 

Here we are! Alnwick was also the set of Hogwarts for some of the first couple Harry Potter movies.

We went inside, but we were not allowed to take pictures or touch anything. It was so amazing though. We saw the grand dining room, drawing room, an amazing china display, a family chapel and lots of other stuff. Inside their library, which looks like the Beauty and the Beast library, there is a flat screen TV and overstuffed chairs and magazines and family pictures.  

The Duke of Northumberland, Ralph Percy, and his wife Duchess Jane Percy, have four kids. Their oldest is a year younger than me, and she just got married in February. They had the coach that she rode in on display as well as her wedding dress.

Here's a picture of her wedding day... The Duke is on the right, and his daughter, Lady Katie, is on the left. I'm not sure who the dude is who is checking his phone.

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Wait... I found a better picture.

Okay, this is getting way too long. I'm going to have to break down the Day of Love into a few more posts. While you wait for more, be sure to enjoy someone you love.

Royal Wedding Party

Well, now that it's all over, I'm amazed that I was able to be in England for the royal wedding today. We celebrated with some friends from church, four bachelors who live in a tiny (to this American) flat, who texted our invite saying:

Dear Sir/Madam: You are cordially invited to watch the royal wedding at [insert address here] on a big screen and in state of the art stereophonic sound. Doors will open at 9:38. Just like Prince William we will provide Kate-a-ring during the service. However, our catering will be limited to bacon rolls because we will be having a massive BBQ and buffet after the service in our open air rear patio. Please do be bringing meat and/or suitable buffet items as you come. Good weather is guaranteed. Patriotic dress is optional. Please do let us know if you are able to attend for catering and logistical purposes. 

They were such excellent hosts! About 15 of us crammed into their living room and crowded around the TV. There were banners, flags, balloons, and all the rest of it. 

Could you believe this dress? How stunning was she? My favorite part was the veil and tiara as she walked in. I thought she just looked so lovely!

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Here we are in the living room.

The boys made this sign for the kitchen door.

And here's Goody, fanning the charcoal flames with a hairdryer. You gotta do what you gotta do.

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This is my favorite picture right now. Prince William's goddaughter was probably wedding-ed out by this time, and the noise from the crowds was not helping. Hilarious! 

As the news reporters were polling people in the crowds for their thoughts on the day, words that kept coming up (aside from the usual "lovely," "fantastic," and "gorgeous") were: "understated" and "well-organised." So typical!