Queen's Day 2012

From a distance the swinging sounds of the upcoming brass band could be heard. Time to withdraw from the forever ongoing work in the gardens and join the fun of the festivities of Queen's Day. Gorgeous to see how a handful of cheer girls and a few more majorettes showed their acts. So many hours of training and so much enthousiasm put into this by all these volunteers. So village like also. The band seems to shrink every year. Internet and computer games seem to win from all these community activities.

Our puppy was a little bit impressed by all the people and the sounds. It meant we arrived two minutes before the local baker's closing time to get these wonderful Queen's Day profiteroles. It is an absolute 'must' and tradition to have orange bakery with our morning coffee. Another tradition is composing an all orange dinner menu. Have a try when you have a special occasion: it is so much fun to do! You could also have a try on an all green spring menu!

It was a glorious sunshiny day. Instead of joining the maddening crowds everywhere we decided to go to the lakes and do our first boat trip of the year. All crews dressed up in orange and some guys having great fun with a beer too many. We greeted everyone with a glass in their hands with a 'Cheers to the Queen!' I put on my t-shirt with the text 'Queen' and where-oh-where did I hide my orange flower lei since last year?! My husband held me back from my enthousiasm to get some of the funny things available in all the shops: orange sunglasses, golden tiara's, wigs, etc. You name it, orange was all around. Just trying a few things on was good for a laugh. Dressed the way we were was cheerful as such.

On the island the puppy had to be learnt 'on board' and 'stay on board'. The last one being the most difficult, as he saw the island immediately as his territorium. He caused a lot of amusement to the passing sailors, leaping about and barking at everyone. At one stage he ended up in the water, which at least made him a little bit timid for a while. Shake your body before you get back on board! Where is the towel?

Party time: dinner in the restaurant in the marina. Alas, no orange menu and stupid enough I forgot to suggest it to the chef! We tried festive bubbles with a strawberry taste. South American, expensive, not bad, unusual, but sweet, and once again we said 'Cheers to our adorable Queen'!