Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay so I could show her around. The Aquaroomers could follow my blog … And I would fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I thought this was a great idea. So did Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!
Day 14 Gloria meets Ben the Grenadier Guardsman.
Gloria asked Earl if she could go out to willows garden to see the flowers . When she noticed that there was someone at the flag pole next door. They were changing the flag! “What is going on ” she asked Earl ? Earl looked out and replied. ” Ah! that is Ben, Gloria, he lives nextdoor when he is not looking after the King and Queen at either Windsor or Buckingham Palace. He is a Grenadeir Guard. ” “Oh! ” Said Gloria “I see….. What is a Grenadeir Guard Earl?” Earl smiled “let’s ask willow if she will ask us out to ask him.”
Now the picture above is not Ben but that is exactly what Ben dresses like when he is at work it is called a uniform.
willow took Gloria out to meet Ben, who was very pleased to meet Gloria…they shook hands and Gloria asked Ben what a Grenadier Guardsman was. Ben smiled and said . “The Grenadier Guards are one of the British Army’s oldest infantry regiments. It was formed in 1656 in Bruges by King Charles II as part of his bodyguard. Originally the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, they were renamed in 1815 after defeating the French Imperial Guard at Waterloo. Known for their scarlet tunics and bearskins, they serve a dual role of elite frontline fighting and high-profile ceremonial duties protecting the Royals.”
Gloria was very impressed and asked “do you really look after the King and Queen and the other Royals?” “Yes ” said Ben “I do.”
“What are you doing to the Union Jack flag Ben?” Asked Gloria. “I am taking it down and putting up my Regimental Colours to fly while I am at home. ” “What are Regimental Colours when they are at home? Ben? ” Ben laughed ” It’s me at home Gloria…the flag of the Grenadier Guards is formally known as a Regimental Colour, which, unlike the Queen’s Colour, is often based on the Union Flag rather than being a plain crimson field. As the most senior infantry regiment in the British Army, the Grenadier Guard’s flags are steeped in royal history and are heavily laden with battle honours, symbolizing the regiment’s 360-year-old tradition” Ben paused there and Gloria said..” Wow! 360 years.. that is old… Are you that old Ben? ” “No Gloria , I am not! “
After Ben had put up his regimental colours he took a photo of Gloria climbing up to inspect the flag. Then Ben saluted Gloria and said goodbye, he was going off for his run…. A soldier, especially a Grenadeir Guard has to keep fit!
Then Gloria went into the back garden and had a look at some of willow’s flowers.
After all this information about the Grenadier Guard’s Gloria was tired so after she told everyone else about the new flag they all read Goodnight Moon.
Well Morgarna, Merlin and Gail have had a very busy fortnight….not as busy as mine though so here we have a two fa one!
..
Well all had been quiet for a few days after their return Avril the chicken seemed to behaving normally apart from a huge appetite for feed! Merlin and Morgarna were keeping a close eye on the chicken for any abnormalities but so far she seemed to be very much a chicken, she had not grown anymore since their return and Gail absolutely loved her. “Do you think it was just a blip finding that egg” Morgarna asked Merlin, they were sitting in the lab checking Avril’s DNA, ” Well” Merlin replied ” she looks like a chicken, eats like a chicken and has the DNA of chicken…. I’d say yes she’s a chicken “ Morgarna’s drained her coffee and lit a cigarette…” Well for now we’ll just have to accept she’s a chicken but we’ll just have to keep an eye on her! “ Merlin was about to answer when Gail poked her head around the open door. ” Can you two come out into the garden I have something to show you both!”
Merlin did not look too pleased but Morgarna couldn’t help but laugh, “What the, where did these come from? “ There were eight chickens and a cockerel running around in the garden, well to be fair in a huge wire fenced chicken run! Gail was smiling ear to ear and holding Avril in her arms. “I have got these guy and girls as company for our girl ! “ “Did you not think to ask ” Merlin’s eyes flashed angry. “Well I did but I knew what your reaction would be. Look I will be looking after them and we will get lots of eggs ….they won’t be any bother to you honestly! “ Merlin threw his arms up in the air and turned to walk back to the lab muttering as he went. ” You may as well get some pigs, sheep, a cow or two and a goat!” Gail’s eyes lit up and she opened her mouth to speak but Morgarna winked and put her fingers to her lips and Gail took her meaning!
Later that afternoon Morgarna was sitting in the conservatory sipping a very nice Shiraz she helped herself to at the hotel . She was watching Gail introducing Avril to the new arrivals and was glad to see that they were actually all getting on quite well. She was just on her way to get a refill when she heard the C.O.T.A.S. ringing in the lab. She filled her glass and wondered in to see what was happening.
Merlin ended the conversation as Morgarna came in and put the C.O.T.A.S down on the top. “I’ve got a job for you Morgs it’s Leonardo he’s woken up in a Taverna in Tuscany right now! “ Lighting a cigarette Morgarna said “I bet he’s been fiddling with the time continum again, we should of confiscated his time machine! ”
“I know he’s such a pain but we need to get him back he’s right in the middle of painting the Mona Lisa and she get annoyed if she’s kept waiting.” Merlin looked at Morgarna with his pretty please eyes and she blew smoke in his face and grimaced ” Not much choice is there, will you keep a close eye on those chickens I don’t want Gail upset” Merlin stifled his coughing and nodded in the affirmative! ” I’ve replenished your bag for you! ” He said handing it over. Morgarna took it and thought to herself …I’ll just make sure everything is in there before I go he’s let me down before. When she was satisfied Morgarna threw her bag over shoulder and went off to say goodbye to Gail and Avril and the new chickens. Seconds later the anomaly arrived “Chow Bella look after those chickens” said Morgarna as she jumped.
Morgarna landed in an alleyway filled with tables and chairs, flags of many nations were fluttering above. A sign in front of her read Trattoria.
Flags
The alleyway was silent and empty, except for four people frozen in time, which was very strange because it was a beautiful evening and the place should of been absolutely buzzing. Walking up to the Trattoria Morgarna opened the door and went inside. It was also totally deserted, no sound no people. Turning on her heels she went back out into the alley and headed up towards the main street. Reaching the corner she was knocked back by the noise and bustle , locals and tourists at the bars and restaurants everything was as it should be on a summer evening in San Gimignano , behind her silence and stillness. Right she thought to herself let’s get this mess sorted. Taking her cigarettes and lighter out of her bag she lit one and returned to the Trattoria.
Leonardo was sitting in the kitchen drawing on the table and humming to himself. He looked up as Morgarna entered, “Oh! Bellisima how wonderful to see you , you’re looking very sexy!” He reached out to touch her hips but she slapped him back “Don’t you Bellisima me you rogue what are you up to now” Tilting his head to one side and grinning he replied ” honestly I am not up to anything. I was trying out one of my inventions when everything went black , then the whole world flipped then turned sideways and I ended up here.” “Okay but where are all the people that were here ….” Morgarna looked out of the window, then back to Leonardo, “exactly what were you doing when this happened. “ “Well I was trying to reverse time and see if I could shift it at all.” Morgarna thought for a second then took her mobile and rang Merlin.
Seconds later the anomaly arrived and grabbing Leonardo by his arm she jumped taking him with her … shouting “No Morgarna” They landed back in his rooms , which were totally ram packed with confused people who as far as they knew had minutes before been sitting in the late afternoon sun enjoying food, drink and good company. With a wave of her hand everyone in the place was suddenly asleep in a huge heap on the floor. “Right Leonardo tell me, without touching anything exactly what you did!
Morgarna and Leonardo had jumped back to the house and they were sitting in the Lab with Gail and Merlin. “So” Merlin said ” let me get this straight you time shifted sideways and took everyone , barr four people back to your studio? “ “Yes Merlin my friend that’s exactly what happened! Can you fix it?” Merlin was not in a good mood and his eyes were burning into Leonardo. “I have told you before don’t mess with things you don’t understand… I am running out of patience! You have your place in history, no one can take that from you! But if you carry on I will erase you completely myself! “ Leonardo looked like a sulky child but he did agree to behave and hand over his paperwork and time machine to Merlin. So Merlin and Leonardo went back to San Gimigarno, Merlin reversed the time flip, he wiped everyone’s mind, they all finished their evening believing they’d had the best night of their lives! The rest of the town went on totally unaware of what happened in the alley. Meanwhile Morgarna went back to Leonardo’s time and took all his writings and his time traveling mechine. So by midnight all was well everyone back where they should be and the flags gently fluttered.
Merlin and Morgarna were sitting in the garden watching the chickens, ” you know since the cockle arrived the girls, even Avril have been laying” “No ” replied Morgarna did that start while I was away?” Merlin nodded , ” yes indeed ”
“Where is Gail Merlin “ “I gave her the car she’s having a day at the beach.”
Footprints
It was a beautiful day and Gail was happily walking along the beach , her feet in the cool clear water the sun shining down , she felt happy she felt at peace. Then she saw paw prints in the sand and she decided to follow them …..
This is part of K.L.Caley’s#writephoto Flags and Footprints.
Welcome to my “Heartland Echoes,” where I aim to share my poems with the world, along with my survival story and autobiography of childhood abuse, motivational quotes, and much more. Through my words, I hope to inspire others to share their own stories and experiences. Each poem is a piece of my heart and soul, along with a story of a traumatic past, crafted with inspiration, Hope, faith, love and passion. I believe that by sharing our art and emotions, I’ll be able to connect with others on a deeper level and create a sense of community.
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