Saturday 17 April 2021

Painting a picture

I am now on my second reading of Marcel Pagnol's book about his childhood.   The second go at it is even more enthralling than the first - the way in which he paints pictures of his idyllic childhood in words is stunning.   Every chapter is an incident from childhood which is so vivid and yet  it all fits together into a whole.   Of course he did become a well known film maker so there is no question about his talent but  he ends up with a couple of chapters about when he is an adult - a couple of chapters which are astonishing, sad,  unexpected - but make his reason for writing the book in the first place so understandable.

I don't enjoy books which are almost all conversations -  I need both picture painting and talking - and here we have both.

I watched The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral today - at least I watched the build up - not the service.   As I have no religious faith I wasn't really interested in that part but I do love to see the pageantry with which they organise these things.  Nothing went wrong - or if it did it was covered up well.   I listened to a Warrant Officer who was resposible once the troops were in position for making sure they were all equally spaced out.   He said it was easy.   He knew his stride was 75 centimetres and he wanted the men and women to be 225 centimetres apart  so that was three of his strides and easy for him to estimate.   I watched him get them all in order and it was impressive.   I thought having The Duke's carriage pulled by his two Fell Ponies was a lovely idea - and having his cap on the front seat was a lovely touch.   And the way the two men leading the two ponies kept them happy and still by constantly stroking them and presumably talking quietly to them.   And as usual, HM The Queen behaved impeccably and the cameras kindly kept off her as much as possibly.   All in all an occasion for everyone involved in its preparation to be proud of.

It is another lovely day here.   Each day the weather gets just slightly warmer here as befits Spring.   We do desperately need a day's rain but at least my pots on the back patio have had a good drink and look much happier today.

Sleep well.   See you tomorrow.....



21 comments:

Derek Faulkner said...

In respect of books, I've just bought "Barbarossa" by Jonathon Dimbleby, a large book which describes the German invasion of the Soviet Union in summer 1941 and the subsequent withdrawal of the German army as the Soviet winter frozen thousands of them to death.
I'm neither a royalist or a believer in religion but I also watched Philip's funeral because I love all the pomp and ceremony that goes with it and I also love military bands. The church service was very boring.

Anonymous said...

It's fortunate for the queen that she and Philip shared a faith in our Christian God so she now takes comfort in knowing she will be with him in heaven.

Bonnie said...

I watched the services from here as well. It was all very respectful and beautiful but also sad. I'm happy you have some nice weather there and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Tom Stephenson said...

What else could they do? When the Queen kicks the bucket, everything will change beyond both recognition and comprehension.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I enjoy books about childhood as each little life seems so different - before we all get brainwashed into behaving, or misbehaving, in much the same way. I spent the afternoon reading, as it happens.

Mary said...

I watched and thought it all so well done on such a perfect sunny day. Windsor looked stunning, and I always cry when "I Vow to Thee My Country' plays.

angryparsnip said...

I watched the service also. My heart broke. I like the service especially the choir and bagpipe, they were beautiful. Lovely sunny day but also sad.

Rachel Phillips said...

The singing in the chapel is great. I am just watching it now. Perhaps in not seeing the service you missed the best singing.

CharlotteP said...

The Duke deserved the best of send offs, which he got. One thing we British do second to none is pageantry. I hope the Queen may take a little comfort from seeing William and Harry speaking to one another, and that the funeral make make them realise that they only have one brother...

Minigranny said...

I loved the whole thing. The music for the service was wonderful. The setting is beautiful and everything was impeccably done.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks everyone. I must add that I thought the TV cameras were good in not centring on the Queen - the last thing she wants to add to her sadness is to be in the eye of the camera on a day like today. As was to be expected all of the Royal Family were able to hide the extent of their grief (the fact that the Duke was almst 100 has nothing to do with it)and behave impeccab;y/ Thank you for your comments.

the veg artist said...

I found the whole thing very moving, touching and dignified, and really well planned, with the Queen and her family having more privacy than I would have expected. I was actually pleased for her that she didn't have to cope with politicians and foreign dignitaries. No one needs that on such a day.
My best friend's father died (natural causes) a few months ago, and they had to hold a tiny funeral. My friend's mother told her as they left the service that she was glad that they hadn't been able to 'invite' anyone, that she really didn't feel up to talking to anyone, smiling and the tea and cake thing. She just wanted to go home. The Queen probably got as close to this as possible today.

Debby said...

I find the tributes touching and I am not British. But I really find myself feeling that this is really a historic moment.

Joanne Noragon said...

The monarchy cannot repeat the last sovereign in grace.

Cro Magnon said...

My neighbour has now sown his Sunflower crop, and his huge watering machine is pumping water high into the sky. It's a shame it can't be watered naturally. I watched the procession and some of the preamble. Nowhere does pomp & ceremony like Britain. It was wonderful.

Librarian said...

I must be one of the few people who did not watch the funeral. We were out walking and took advantage of the next-to-last day the palace grounds being open for the public before they have to close the gates again due to covid rstrictions, who knows for how long.

Heather said...

I am eagerly waiting for my copy of your recommended book - it may reach me tomorrow.
I watched the Duke's funeral yesterday and found it very moving, quite simple in some ways, but very elegant too. The little personal touches were almost my undoing as was the arrival of Her Majesty. What a wonderful person she is. It must have been a relief not to have a full scale State ceremony and instead an almost normal family service.

thelma said...

It was beautifully and immaculately conducted. History in the making, and I am glad two small ponies made it from the vast stables of horses royalty has to choose from.

Jennyff said...

No country can produce such an event like the British, immaculately turned out servicemen and women, gleaming cars, perfectly tended grounds, beautiful buildings. It was respectful, modest and moving, all the more for being low key.

Ellen D. said...

I watched a YouTube video of the highlights from the funeral and it was well done. The weather cooperated with nice blue skies and it was a solemn and dignified event.

jinxxxygirl said...

I have been out of touch for a few days Pat and i have had a pleasant morning with coffee catching up on your blog. We have landed in TX and are getting settled in our apartment . We will be here for several months.. until our new home is built.. So good catching up with you. Hugs! deb