L and I planned to attend the funeral of Commander Peter Godwin Chance, a gentleman that L was acquainted with from his old job (20+ years ago), when Cmdr. Chance used to pop into L's office to visit and share war stories. I think I might have met him once or twice, but he wasn't a close friend.
I chose this dark floral dress and added dark accessories.
The weather's warming up!
We had a lovely sunny day with cool breezes.
I felt appropriate in this.
I haven't been to a funeral in a LONG time.
They are rather sombre affairs, but it's good to memorialize people, to say goodbye.
Incognito.
L and I walked there, then ran a couple of errands, then walked home.
The stuff:
These shoes gave me blisters on my bony toes. Arg.
- Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, consignment
Minimal bling:
The suede belt is by Shi Studios - I thrifted it years ago. I bought the buckle directly from their showroom (also many years ago).
- Belt - Shi Studios, thrifted
- Buckle - Shi Studios
- Glass bangle - thrifted
- Silver/malachite bangle - Mexican, thrifted, Sidney
- Silver/green stone ring - consignment, Sidney; purchased here for $35.00
- Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
- Earrings - Kate Spade, consignment
Mount St. Angela, a heritage property next to Christ Church Cathedral.
Coming up to the Cathedral.
Lots of people were milling about already.
The Naden Band was unloading from their van - they played inside during the memorial.
About the Cathedral here. Of personal note, my grandparents - Mom's folks - got married here, and Mom was christened here.
I haven't been inside since our old pals Tim and Sandy got married here back in the late 90s!
We sat near the back.
Gorgeous architecture.
Lovely stained glass.
Big pillars.
The gentleman in the red serge is Cmdr. Chance's son, Simon, who read the eulogy. Cmdr. Chance took part in Dunkirk evacuations during WWII, as well as D-Day - the 80th anniversary of that is today, as I publish this.
Coming out.
So many people. The service was covered in the local paper, here. It's not every day a hero at the age of 103 gets a send-off like this.
A good picture of the front.
We waited outside for the flyover - I took a video which you can watch here (poor resolution from my phone - it's best watched small!) - the planes are in the "Missing Man" formation (about that here).
Feeling quiet, but hungry, we ventured up to Boom Town, a local burrito joint.
Me amongst the greenery.
L in his blue suit.
Great tie!
Looking down at Yates Street from our perch.
The food was good - L had a (messy) burrito and I had a quesadilla.
When we got home, we felt like doing something different.
How about this Edward Gorey puzzle I bought L for Christmas years ago? Never opened!
Vizzini was not happy that our laps were unavailable for cuddles.
"Can I eat those little pieces?"
We kept them far away from him!
We radically underestimated how long it would take to do a puzzle!
We started around 4pm, completely missed dinner, and finished it just before midnight!
I know, I'm shocked too, kitty.
"Silly humans!"
My back was aching from bending over for that long! But we did it!
L took care of the cleaners, allowing me to sleep in with Vizzini snuggled under the covers with me.
And then we got dressed for lunch at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel with Mom, our traditional birthday lunch place.
A glorious view of the Castle.
We had temps up to 20! What a treat!
Getting in one wearing of this dress before I sell it.
It's pretty, a nice style - I like the sleeves.
And it has a VERY swooshy skirt.
But it's not my style these days.
I have another coral dress I prefer.
I did have a few compliments on my ensemble.
Incognito.
A small purse for a wee shop after lunch.
And my scarf - oh, the DRAMA - for wearing while in Vlad the Convertible with the top down!
My hair snarls up something awful in the wind!
Accoutrements:
This purse barely holds anything - I always have to pare down what I carry when I use it.
- Purse - Streetwear Society, thrifted
- Silk scarf - Alexander McQueen, consignment, Vancouver
The stuff:
My matchy snakeskin print with a real python belt.
- Belt - Leather of the Sea, vintage 80s, thrifted
Gold bling:
My snake bracelet always gets gasps of admiration.
- Snake bracelet - Whiting & Davis, vintage 70s, vintage fair
- Bangle - thrifted
- Earrings - thrifted
- Gold/amethyst ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
- Amber ring - c 1996
Mom arrived at the Snug resplendent in her red jacket.
A flower and butterfly necklace and a matching butterfly brooch.
And a flowy (dig the sleeves!) blouse.
L bought her a book for her birthday las month. It looks good!
We enjoyed spectacular views.
Swallows and seagulls swooped and swirled.
I spy Mount Baker.
Hello, USA!
After lunch, L and I had a quick poke in Turnabout (he found a gorgeous suit), and then we popped into House of Savoy for a browse. I didn't see anything at Turnabout - summer clothes are not my favourites - but I found a couple of things at House of Savoy, and spent my store credit on them. Everything was FREE!
I loved this big oversized chain necklace in a bold cobalt blue. It was $39.99.
It's by M.
Which is either Michael Kors or Melanie Lynn (more likely).
I also fell for this scrunchy nylon skirt.
L loathed it. Sorry, love, I am a fan!
How funny to find two pieces in cobalt!
Pockets midway down the side seams. This "cargo" style is trending!
It's by Love Tree, not a high-end brand.
This would have been $49.99, but for me...it was FREE! I love having store credit!
How is your week going, Gentle Reader? Tell me all about it...while I return to my Vacay Daze!
Cobalt blue! I used to love that colour when I was in puberty and wore it a lot with black. Such a gorgeous colour. Forgot dinner?? That really never happens to me🤣
ReplyDeleteI know, I never forget dinner!
DeleteHappy Birthday to L. His tie was pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteHow poignant that Commander Chance's funeral was this week. I'm glad so many people turned up to pay him their respects. You and L scrubbed up very nicely for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your Mum (fab outfit) and adorable little Vizzini. L's book choice looks very interesting. Having a near twin of your bag (usually made in Greece) i can verify that you can't get much in them.
Have a fab weekend and here's to lots more heat and sunshine. xxx
I hadn't been to a funeral in a long time either, and then attended two last year. I'm always finding it hard to pick out an appropriate outfit, but I think you did well. I'm swooning over that suede belt, which I don't remember having seen before. And speaking of belts, the one you wore with that swooshy red dress is a stunner too! As is the oversized cobalt blue chain necklace you found.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to read you've been making the most of your Vacay Daze. Mine have actually started today! xxx
The last funeral I attended (two years ago) was a celebration of the person's life. As he was always into color nobody wore black. Given what was likely the Commander's colorful life, I would guess your bouquet of a dress was just right. Wow that he lived to 103! And how fitting that his funeral more or less coincided with the anniversary of D-Day. Oh my gosh, the Church interior is so light, airy and soothingly beautiful. Strikes me as a place to visit just to step inside and be present.
ReplyDeleteWell, you may not feel that splendid red dress is 'you' but my first thought was wow, what a fabulous fit, color and look! In other words, it looks stunning on you. :-) Special to have birthday traditions plus extra nice to extend a birthday celebration over a weekend and the days that follow.
Cobalt blue - you've heard me say it many times before, such a vivid color and a favorite of mine to admire. Am also a fan of Helen's necklace, which I can recall seeing before (and probably commenting on it then, as well).
Love the pictures with Vizinni curled and observing. And kudus to you and L for plowing through the 1000 piece puzzle! Did you ever stop to grab a bite?!?
Here's to your continued vacay daze!
Cheers, Laurie
No, we went to bed hungry! It was so late, and our backs were aching!
DeletePhew! I panicked there for a second, seeing both "funeral" and "Mom" in the header. I think my heart skipped a beat. *calming down* I'm glad you're okay.
ReplyDeleteIt's okay, honey - Mom's going strong. <3
DeleteThe last funeral I attended was graveside, and in December so it was irrelevant what was beneath my coat. Funerals are so expensive in the US that few people opt for the whole service/burial scenario. It does look like a lovely send off though.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it seem that the clothing that is least favourite gets all the compliments? Can't keep everything though, especially if it isn't your style.
Good score on that nylon skirt. I have one in black and just adore it. They're more versatile than they look.
twas I, Goody. This blasted Google website *grumbles*
DeleteWonderful to see you!! Sigh, I know, everyone loves fit-and-flare dresses on me, but I'm all "been there, done that."
DeleteGorgeous stylings. I love the dark floral dress you wore. A funeral is a sad affair but having a ceremony to say goodbye is important. It helps a large number of people with the grieving process. It was really difficult to me when Corona made it impossible to attend funerals.
ReplyDeleteThe bright red dress looks amazing on you as well. Beautiful feminine outfits both of them!
I think you dressed beautifully for the Commander's funeral. What a beautiful building!
ReplyDeleteThe red dress ensemble is very Grace Kelly. It's a stunner of an outfit!
As for your photos of the scenery and glimpse of Mount Baker on your Mom day...simply breathtaking! x
P.S. Hats off to you for completing that puzzle. My friend once bought me one for Christmas and I had to pass it on to my Mom to complete. I just don't have the patience! :-D