It was a funny old day, yesterday.
I'll confess to being a bit put out on finding the gates to Duthie Park closed at 7:00 am, and somewhat confused when the security guard behind the gate told Gail they were keeping the park "sterile" for the day.
I was not the only pup disappointed to be deprived of his regular morning run in the park.
So we tried for a walk along the river instead, but only encountered more barriers.
Then it was home and, most unusually, Gail started watching morning TV (and, truth be told, spent most of the time crossly muttering under her breath about the lameness of the BBC's live commentary as the Queen's coffin was being driven from Balmoral towards Aberdeen, and complaining that surely her TV licence fee could stretch to our national broadcaster having someone available who had the remotest clue about the geography of Royal Deeside....)
At about 11:30 am Gail lifted her eyes from the screen, put on my lead, and walked me the half mile to Great Southern Road where quite a crowd had gathered to see the funeral cortege as it passed through in its way to Edinburgh.
People and pups of all shapes and sizes were present to witness the event.
Gail had wondered if it was OK to take a dog along to view this final journey through our city. But apparently quite a few other folk had also decided that since the late Queen was a well-known dog lover, it would be appropriate. We even ran into my wee pal Ella.
I was patient, quiet and well-behaved, like the rest of the crowd.
Then it all happened rather quickly. A helicopter overhead, a motorcycle outrider, then a procession of seven cars, led by a hearse containing the Queen's coffin draped in a special yellow and red flag. I'm afraid Gail only managed to snap a photo of the second or third vehicle.
We didn't see any tears or great display of emotion here on Great Southern Road in Aberdeen, just a mood of calm, polite and respectful curiosity.
But apparently I had witnessed history.
Not that that means much to a pup who is only seven and a half months old...
(I am pleased to report that I got a 'proper' walk along the cliff path by the North Sea later in the afternoon.)
You're right Nobby - there have been a funny few days recently and my human has been watching more TV and muttering under her breath too. More or less the same words that Gail was! Her other big complaint was that in several articles by journalists, who she said should know better, HM The Queen was referred to as Her Royal Highness.
ReplyDeleteIt's annoying that you didn't get your usual walk in Duthie Park yesterday, but I expect it's open today. In fact, that walk along the cliff path by the sea sounds a very good alternative.
Well done for being such a good boy yesterday!
We watch CNN all the time at the history being made and we actually looked for you and Gail, Nobby! It's all very interesting to my mom.
ReplyDeleteSince the moment they summoned her family to the Queens side, there has been nothing on any of our news channels but the queen, her family, her history, most important here dogs. the family doesn't want them, so maybe you could adopt 2 or 4 for playmates. I saw the part you saw but did not think that you would be there, I knew the castle is close to you but not sure how close. We don't know enough to know if what the say is true or not. but they all spout knowledge like they had known her since birth.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say, I send condolences to all of you, who will miss your Queen.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that first paw account of the Queens journey through your city. We're glad to hear you got your proper walk in later that day.
ReplyDeleteHere in South Florida, my mom has had her eyes full time on the screen, tears flowing from time to time or a laugh as someone recounts a story about The Queen's sense of humor. Joey the Dog
ReplyDeleteWe think it was lovely that you got to be there and we bet Queen was looking down and smiling more at all the pups in attendance than the people!
ReplyDeleteWe are also very happy you got a nice walk!
xoxo,
Rosy(Jakey and Sunny too)
You took part in something very special
ReplyDeleteHistory unfolding before your very eyes.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't get your hopeful at least you did get a good one later.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, this is the second blog I've come to this morning where a previous post has escaped my reader for some reason... tsk...
Anyhoo, Sunday was the one day I indulged in long-term viewing also; simply because it was that drive and, like Gail, was not impressed with the commentary. I know they can't script for something like this but really... and those tractors were inescapable to the eye so when they said they had missed them somehow - really??? I did switch on for the procession up the Royal mile and the St Giles service (which I admit was rather lovely). But that's it - am tapped out now. I am not convinced the 'whole nation of her subjects' (SUBJECTS - we are still thought of in that way!!!) wishes to be forced into mourning along with the family...
I did scan the crowds as they went through Aberdeen in the hope of spotting a WFT and his Gail - but to no avail!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Nobby and I just assumed you'd heard enough about the unsurprising death of a 96 year old woman, which we would have quite understood!
DeleteCheers, Gail.
That is good that you and Gail could witness history, even though it did make your walk that day a little disjointed. Our mom's brother in law is British and was visiting his parents in the UK last week, it was good for him to be there to mourn with his family...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your participation in this historical event. Lady realized how close the castle was to you and has been wondering about if you participated at all in anything. (Finally, she has had the time to sit and catch up). As you know, (or as a pup may not know yet), the Queen is the Head of State here in Canada. Lady has been watching with interest. She is not sure she would queue for 24 hours to partake in history, but likely 4 or 5 for sure. God save the King. Back from our break Lee and Phod
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