Last night it rained over an inch and lightning added to the drama. My fastest wiper cycle could barely keep up with the deluge. It was slow going for a while. The rain then tapered off a bit until I got in my front yard then the heavens opened again. I got soaked running to the front door. Today is warm and both cloudy and sunny. Right now the day is bright but soon enough the sun will disappear behind a cloud.

I got up at five to watch the wedding. I love parades and pageantry and wouldn’t miss the chance to see it all. I sat with my coffee and my scones to watch the arrivals at Westminster and I marveled at the women’s hats. Some could have come directly from a Star Trek episode while others were perfectly understated. The Abbey was lovely with trees and flowers. The boy’s choir with the added men’s voices was nearly divine. The TV hosts identified people as they arrived and kept showing the hoards of spectators lining the streets and waving flags. The horses with their uniformed guards were magnificent. The service was fairly short and almost informal. I didn’t know a single hymn. Kate’s dress was perfect and William looked dashing. My favorite parts to watch, though, were the carriage rides back to Buckingham Palace with all the bells pealing. I thought of Cinderella at the ball and every princess fairytale I’ve ever read. The bride and groom were beaming and waving. The crowds then surged and surrounded the fence outside the palace waiting for the royal family to emerge on the balcony. When they did, even the queen looked at ease. Everyone was waiting for the first kiss. There were two.

By 9:00, I was back in bed and slept until 11.