Princesses & Queens

Last Friday, Mary [a teacher friend from WH], her sister Jane, and I traveled to the Mall of America to tour "Diana: A Celebration," an award-winning exhibition celebrating the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Direct from England, we toured nine galleries with over 150 objects including Diana's royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementos, priceless jewels, and rare home movies.
I'm really glad I went to this.  What an exhibit!  Diana was such a special woman!  Of course there were souvenirs!  I bought a book about the exhibit and postcards of photos of Diana's family estate - Althorp.  The tour started with Spencer family history and jewels. There was even a huge family tree of the Spencer family!  Then we moved to Diana's childhood and school days, her marriage to Prince Charles, her charity work, her death and funeral, one room devoted to her wedding gown and one room featuring her beautiful dresses. That wedding gown was fantastic!  Of course, no pictures were allowed inside. [My picture of Diana was taken from outside the exhibit.] Only a few days left to attend as the exhibit leaves MOA and MN after June 10th.  Money raised from the exhibition and sale of souvenirs will go to projects supported by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.  Find out more about the Memorial Fund at http://www.theworkcontinues.org/ or http://www.althorp.com/. Shop on-line at http://www.dianaexhibition.com/.
The weekend before, Terri and I went to the annual Bandfest Parade in MC.  We meet the 1962 Bandfest Queen at McDonald's before the parade.  Mary Beth Sartor Obermeyer represented MC as Band Queen in 1962.  We met up with her again at Music Man Square later that day where she was doing a book signing for her latest book, a memoir, The Days of Song and Lilacs.  Ms Sartor Obermeyer has written two other books.

Mary Beth Sartor Obermeyer and Me

This was a sad year for the Bandfest, though.  It was the last year that Ventura High School would be marching as a school band.  Next year the Ventura HS will be marching as part of the Garner-Hayfield Cardinals, as the schools will merge in whole-grade sharing for 2 years.
We were ready and waiting for the 76 trombones fanfare at 9am with our lawn chairs and coffee! I did get some candy, too!  Terri won a t-shirt. The parade lasted 2 1/2 hours long!

Another woman whom I'm sure is feeling like a queen is my sister-in-law, Mary Beth N.  She continues to gain strength and has even eaten some raisin toast!  Praise the Father!  We are so happy to hear her good news!

Stay Calm & Be Royal
Until next time, Theresa