Back to School and Queen Elizabeth the II
Back to school. It's September which means we started back to school. Easton is in person learning for grade 7 (the last time he was in school in person, he was in grade 4, he has done two years of virtual learning) and for Hadley also in person for grade 10 but she did in person last year as she was old enough for vaccines.
Easton was a little nervous but after the first few hours he said it was okay.
For now both kids are still wearing masks but for Easton he says only about a handful of kids in each class are. Hadley says just under half still wear masks at her school.
This year both kids are on big buses with longer routes. Hadley is quite happy as it means she gets to ride with two of her friends to and from school. Easton is indifferent, but says he mostly talks with our neighbour to and from school. They both seem settled in.
This past week also had some big world news. Queen Elizabeth II died. September 8, 2022. This was a shock to all despite her being 96 years old. With a reign of 70 years, and just recently celebrating her 70th jubilee, she was loved by many. Prince Charles has now become King Charles the III. The funeral to be held for Queen Elizabeth was today on September the 19th and coronation to be held at a later date to be determined.
Brian and I watched the funeral on the television. The magnitude of this funeral is something that many will not see again in their lifetime. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police led the funeral procession. Throughout her reign, the Canadian Mounties gifted horses to the Queen and those horses are the ones they rode.
Brian and I watched the funeral with English tea, celebrating her legacy. Notably the crowds, the pomp and circumstance , many well wishers from the world over, flags, bells ringing and those marching in her honour.
All of which I believe she deserved. She was a special person. What a long life for the Queen at the age of 96 with so many accomplishments.
It was quite a beautiful moment to watch the careful handling of the crown, orb and scepter. It would have been such a long day for those involved in all the activities. The Queen carefully helped to plan for all of it over the past ten years with monthly meetings to update things as required. She also prepared a vehicle for her to be transported in so that viewers could see her on the journey to the church. There was such sadness in King Charles' eyes. I am sure so much of the past ten days have not really set in. The sorrow, and the new responsibility. Long live the King.
Over 15 countries have Queen Elizabeth II on their currency. I wonder what changes will come in the future to our Canadian money?