Sardonic Manor

I'm pretty sure the fact that I find this
funny makes me a HUGE geek.

Literary Patrol

"Sir, that's the second time you've used a double negative without satirical or ironic intent. I'm going to have to ask you to put your hands behind your back. You have the right to a grammarian. If you do not have a grammarian, one will be appointed for you by the court. You have the right to remain silent and you are strongly encouraged to do so if you are unsure of noun/verb agreement . . ."

Saturday, Officer B invited me to join him on patrol which both surprised and delighted me. His patrol car strikes me as being his office and I worried about getting in the way, but he quickly put me at ease and we were flying through town with lights and sirens blaring. Quite an exciting change from my usual Saturday evening.

There were mad people behaving madly, and drunks drinking (and consequently driving through fences and into trees). My overall impression was that law enforcement would be far less busy if people wouldn't drink to excess . . . and take drugs. Less alcohol and drugs would be advisable.

Oh, and it is very hard to find time to eat. That radio never shuts up!

And police officers are very funny, albeit a bit gross.

And the police doggies look very sweet but can't be cuddled or spoiled on duty.

So, remember don't leave your modifiers dangling and pay your library fines - you never know when the Literary Patrol will be on the streets!

*I honestly don't remember where I found the picture, but it makes me laugh every time.

Fabulous Friday: Portrait Safari

I went on one of my hunts for new portraits this week and hit the jackpot, so instead of just one painting I thought I'd give you a sampling of my finds.

Countess Ada Lovelace, the "first computer programmer". I had no clue that she was Lord Byron's daughter.

The lady in the photograph below was listed as the Duchess of Manchester. I couldn't find out any biographical information but I thought including her was appropriate given Manchester United's win this week.

I found a new portrait of one of my all-time favorites,Princess Zinaida Yusupova

And then there was this gorgeous photograph of Consuelo Vanderbilt.

Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend and a pleasant Memorial Day.

Man. Utd. 6: Chelsea 5!

Manchester United: Kings of Europe

That's no IKEA!

I was indulging this morning in my favorite vice of "Royal Watching" and ran across this amazing dress worn by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the welcome banquet for the state visit from Greece to Sweden. She is pictured to the left with her brother, Prince Carl Phillip. Interesting fact, Victoria is the only female heir apparent in the world. Sweden amended its constitution in 1979 so that the eldest child of the king inherits the throne, regardless of gender.

Royals are always dressed stylishly, but this dress is fabulous - simple yet elegant. Plus, it's cleverly made. The picture below shows the detail better, but the bodice is pleated to contour to the body. Coupled with the graduated color, the effect is very slimming (not that the princess needs any optical illusions to look slim).

For those interested, she is wearing the Baden Fringe Tiara which was a wedding gift from King Gustav V to his bride, Princess Victoria of Baden in 1881. Just a little family heirloom from grandpapa! :)


*photos by PPE and IBL respectively.

Repartee

I had such a wonderful time this weekend. Liz, of Mabel's House fame, generously invited me to attend her youngest sister's high school graduation. Despite car troubles, nearly every moment was filled with sparkling conversation and humor. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much or felt so instantly at ease as a guest. Being around Liz and her sisters, I couldn't help but be remind of the Dashwood girls from Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, or the Marches from Little Women. It is rare that siblings get along so well and are all so talented.

My thanks to Liz and her family for being such vivacious hosts.

Fabulous Friday!

I am away for a much needed weekend get-away. Wishing you all a restful weekend!