My sister Catherine lives with her fiance Mark in Henley-on-Thames, the home of the Annual Royal Regatta. As Catherine and Mark were just moving in a year ago this weekend, we weren't able to actually see any of the regatta. However this year to tie in with the English Summer Theme, Ed and I planned a weekend away visiting Catherine and Mark. It was a mix of celebrations: the Regatta, one year since the two of them moved in, Catherine getting her Gold medal in the choir (more info on her blog), and Mark's *muffled*th Birthday! The weather wasn't promising to be perfect the whole weekend, so as with Wimbledon we planned for all occasions. I also came equipped with my summer dress, a light jumper, and my Father's boater hat. Though we wouldn't be buying passes to go into the 'holding pens' where the really posh people would be, I still wanted to play along and blend in. Therefore, I did my research. Though the rules are a bit more relaxed if you aren't holding a pass into the Stewards' Enclosure, they do wish that people maintain the long standing traditions of appropriate dress. For example, ladies are required to wear a dress or skirt suit with the hem line falling below the knee, trousers will not be permitted; shoulders must be tastefully covered, and they are encouraged to wear hats. The men on the other hand must come appropriately attired in lounge suits, jackets, or blazers, and of course sporting a tie or cravat. Jeans would not be acceptable under any circumstances! I love the idea of dressing up and mucking in with the hob-nobbers, not being one myself. It's quite like a wedding at our church with the fabulously well-connected. I saw similar hints of this at the church service on Sunday. Catherine and I sang in the choir, and watched from a safe distance as all the hats twitched in the congregation. After the boys joined us, we had a birthday brunch for Mark at he Catherine wheel, and we continued our observing at the water front. I brought my binoculars and gazed at the rowers across the river warming up and milling about. Catherine and I sat by the dock, and the boys stood as we enjoyed a thoroughly English ice-cream! To add to the decadence, we headed back to Catherine and Mark's just as the rain was threatening its presence and enjoyed Catherine's fabulous devil's food cake to celebrate Marks' Birthday. I must also add that on top of all this very grown up dressing up and socializing, the four of us stayed up late playing Scrabble (not very well), Cranium, and Hearts the card game. I'm really pleased I got to see this quintessential English event before I head back to the home land, and look forward to the next bit of fun!
A view of the river from our perch.
There weren't just row boats, but even old steam bots moored.
In this steam boat's wheel, there were a few duckling squeaking away. I've circled them as they blend in with the water.
This boat wasn't on fire they had a coal fire inside.
The ominous clouds....
Catherine guarding her ice-cream.
The boys with their Mr. Whippy Flakes.
Mark's birthday cake, and candle! (That's Pimm's in the glass by the way, not beer)
The boys playing with a very grown up game. 
I thought this bear was great, cause he had the same hat it did!
No comments:
Post a Comment