Monday 23 July 2012

The Olympic Flame and Summer arrive in a blaze

Wow..what a difference a week end makes. The promised summer weather certainly arrived and since Saturday the sun has been shining from dawn to dusk. Today was a rather special day as the Olympic flame was coming to my neighbourhood. I had decided to take the day off and I am so glad I did as I really loved seeing the torch being carried right in front of me. Matt's girlfriend and I decided to walk down to the ponds a couple of hours earlier as we thought that there would be crowds. This was a good plan as I have never seen so many people in our High Street!. As we walked down the sun was blazing.
There was a big festival also being held in front of the newly opened Honeywood and we were amazed to see a swan ship on the ponds ready for a band to play.





We decided to find a less busy vantage point and chose the mini roundabout which is just up past the Greyhound pub you can see on the left of this photo.













This was our viewing point at 12.45





and at 2pm when the flame arrived this was the view........









Just a bit busier isn't it. Once the police outriders moved on we had a perfect view back down towards the High Street and ponds.




First the sponsors drove through.
















and finally the bus in front of the torch runner appeared.


Everyone was clapping, cheering and flag waving and I really felt quite choked. There was a feeling of total joy and community spirit!





And behind this was the one thing we had all waited for...............................

Hooraaaaaaay! The 2012 Olympic flame being held by the torch bearer. Yes we stood this near and everyone was just cheering so loudly. It was an awesome moment. And as quickly as he arrived .......
he ran on. Afterwards all the crowds walked back towards the pond to enjoy the bands playing and the festival spirit.




It was funny being able to walk down the middle of the road. Everyone was in such a great mood and yes the weather really did help ;0)



























Yes I really did, with my own eyes and I shall always remember that momentous occasion for ever. I am so glad we went. I enjoyed a cup of tea with C afterwards and then she made her way home. The Olympics are only 4 days away and The Wedding is now just 5....yes 5 days away. There is so much excitement in my life at the moment that I am trying to put on a cool head. Today's card is how I would like to think I am in these last precious days...LOL!
This is a brilliant stamp made by my great blogging buddy Kerry's company Ladybug Crafts Ink. She is such a cool stamp called Martini Nicci. Perhaps I can call it Martini Jane for today ;0)



I have had coloured her with my Promarker Pens and highlighted with my Prismacolor pencils. I have used papers from my stash and the cute Lili of the Valley tag stamps. I finished off with a gorgeous green shimmery organza ribbon and some pearls.

I would like to enter my card into the the following challenges;
Dream Valley #37 Summer
Joanna Sheen Animal antics
MIM linky party #99
Brenda  from Floral Inspirations Photo Inspiration- I have used the colours from her photo as inspiration, greens and red Poppy photo inspiration




Now as I say I hope my card shows me how I am trying to behave in this run up to my darling Daughter's wedding this Saturday. Cool, calm and collected ;0) Everything is ready and I am off on Friday to spend the day with her, her last day as a single woman. The Wedding is at 3pm on Saturday and if blogger scheduling behaves I have a little surprise post planned so do tune in then for some very special sneek peeps. This is my last post before this most momentous day. I would like to thank you all for your wonderful kind messages. I am going to inhale and treasure every single moment of my day as The Mother of The Bride.

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x

36 comments:

  1. Hello Jane

    More wonderful photos and what a special day as well. One of our sons and wife went to see it Saturday when it passed their road and really enjoyed the day.

    As you say the weather makes all the difference. I have a great photo of our eldest with the torch when he took over command of it's procession in his Counties, but for security purposes can't blog it which is a shame, but there.

    I am so pleased that you found time to join in my little fun challenge, the images looks like my kind of girl. Thanks so much and good luck with the voucher draw.

    B x

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  2. I'm so glad you are back blogging Brenda. Thanks so much for visiting me and also for your great little challenge ;0)I hope the sun is shining for you too,
    Jane x

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  3. I'm SO excited for you Jane!!!! I truly am. Sitting here way far away and knowing how much your city is ablaze with excitement makes my heart leap. We will be watching intently over here. We had some of the gymnastics finals out here at the Shark tank in San Jose, CA so we were watching the olympic hopefuls get chosen and it just makes you so excited and anxious for the games to begin. What an amazing opportunity for you to enjoy seeing the torch bearer run right on your street!! Amazing!! And only 5 days away til the big day..it's awesome. I am wishing you all wonderful weather as you enjoy this amazing week ahead. Hugs Jane!

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  4. How exciting! Love seeing the sights in your town! Glad you are finally getting the summery weather, just in time for the Olympics and wedding! Best Wishes for a wonderful wedding day!

    Jane T

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  5. What a great turn out for the torch Jane, it's hard to believe that it's in London already. It seems no time at all since it arrived in Britain and now after being around the whole UK it's on it's final journey!
    Your weather is lovely but that of course is a bit of a sore point with me!!! You can have the good weather until midnight Saturday but then I'm sending that Jet Stream back!!!
    I hope you all have a wonderful day on Saturday, sending my best wishes to the happy couple, enjoy every second of it!!
    Vivienne xxxxxxxxxxxx

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  6. Hi Jane, I'm on vacation but couldn't help but read and leave a comment on this post. What an exciting time. I can't imagine how thrilling and special this must have been for you. I would have loved to have been there too. Thanks for sharing, it was really great to see. I will be thinking of you and your family on Saturday. I send love and well wishes for the "kids"!!!!
    xoRobin❤

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  7. I'm delighted to share this with you Shirley, I know you are with us in thought ;0) It was such a lovely day and yes we are so excited looking forward to Saturday. Thank you for all your good wishes,
    Jane x

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  8. Thank you Jane for your good wishes,
    Jane x

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  9. It was an amazing turn out Vivienne, I have never seen such crowds around here. The weather turned out perfect but I know there is a real north/south split at the moment. I hope we can hang onto it until Midnight Saturday! Thanks for all you kind wishes,
    Jane x

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  10. Hey Robin, long time no "see" hope you are enjoying your holiday. Thanks for stopping by and sending us all your good wishes for the big day too.
    Jane x

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  11. The photographs are wonderful sweets and your so good with the camera, you should take his up you could make money out of it, The card is as always a delight, you have alovely day, its my first back at work after my week off ugh!!! hope the sun shines on you sweets,big huggies June xxxxx

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  12. You are so kind June, I think it is my lovely camera rather than me which makes the photos look good but my hubbie has always been a good photographer and I have learnt a few tips from him. Hope work is OK, take care,
    Jane x

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  13. Truly a once in a lifetime event. Thanks for sharing it! Love the Martini Jane. I'm looking forward to seeing the pics of your very special event coming up.

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  14. I am so pleased to have seen the Flame Linda. I am still trying to look like Martini Jane despite there only being 4 days to go now ;0)
    Jane x

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  15. Awesome photos of a once-in-a-lifetime event! And awesome card too! Thank you so much for joining us at MIM this week! Don't forget to leave a comment for another entry and mention you saw them on MIM for a chance at our second prize! Good luck!
    Rene :D

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  16. Glad you enjoyed your visit here Rene, thanks ;0)
    Jane x

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  17. Dear, dear Jane!

    I am thrilled to see the the Olympic Flame, thank you so much for sharing, but I must admits the Big Day gives me even more goosebumps, the wonderful event is so close! I wish you all the most wonderful weekend, happiness to lovebirds and some good old tissues for you ;) dear! I'll be raising my glass here for you all too and can't wait to see your post about it afterwards!

    Love,
    Mia

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  18. Fantastic Photos Jane. Your card is beautiful I saw this on MIM..Loz

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  19. Hi my dear Mia....yes just 4 days to go now. I am now at that stage I really want it to be Saturday tomorrow. This is even more exciting than waiting for Christmas Day..Lol! Happy Wednesday.
    Jane x

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  20. Thanks for stopping by Lori,
    Jane x

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  21. Hi Jane, thanks so much for your fab comment.
    Your card is gorgeous and your colours stunning. I love your fabulous image and that bow.
    Your photographs are fantastic, so exciting - it could be not occur it wouldn't to England again for ?????
    hugs
    Heather xx

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  22. Thanks for sharing this special "Olympic moment," Jane!! Those are amazing photos.

    Time is flying and it will be Saturday before you know it.
    with all best wishes for Millie and Tom and all of the family,

    Anne
    PlumCreek22

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  23. Dear Jane, I'm so happy you were there and took photos! You live in very beautiful place! I remember again that unique day when I saw the flame here!
    And this is The Weekend! Oh how exited we all are for you and your family! Your card is beautiful and I'm sure you are like the Martini Lady! Enjoy this special time! Hugs and kisses! x Teje

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  24. Hi Rica thanks for popping over here. It was such a memorable day with such perfect weather. Thanks for liking my card...yours are so awesome :-)
    Jane x

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  25. Hi Anne the days are flying by now..just 3 to go :-) Thanks for all your kind wishes,
    Jane x

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  26. I was so pleased we went early Teje as we had the best view possible. What a day and only 3 more until an even more momentous occasion for our family. Thanks for all your good wishes,
    Jane x

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  27. Hi Jane.. oh wow, your post made me feel like I was right there! Thank you! The swan boat brought back a distant memory of my mom taking us to some festival where there were swan boats on a lake.. but I can't remember the details. I'm excited for your wedding coming in just.. 5.. days.. wow! Have fun! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  28. I'm so glad you enjoyed them Teresa and it's now only 3 days to go ;0)
    Jane x

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  29. Hello Martini Jane! So nice to know you found a quiet moment amidst all the excitement in your life this week. It is wonderful to see the joy in the faces of all the people who came out to cheer as the torch bearer passed through your community. Will be watching as the games begin! I can also feel the love in the air as you set out to enjoy the days ahead with your daughter, both before the big day and the actual day she marries her sweetheart. I'm joining all the other bloggers in sending love and my best wishes to the young couple! May they enjoy a lifetime of happiness and good fortune! <3 <3

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  30. Thanks for sharing the photos and I love your card. I saw it on MIM.

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  31. Good morning Michele..just 2 days to go now...I am still trying to be like Martini Jane but there is a lot going on behind the scenes! Seeing the Olympic Flame was such a wonderful occasion during the run up to the wedding. We will certainly have some memories after this week. Thank you so much for all your love and best wishes..I really feel so touched by everyone's lovely comments.
    Jane x

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  32. Fabulous photos Jane! I can't believe how close you were...who was the torch bearer? I might have missed his name or then again you didn't mention it lol. Love your Martini Nikki birthday card...the green is gorgeous and I must say she suits red lol. OMG 2 more sleeps and you're going to be a MIL!!! You are going to be the most beautiful MOB...can't wait to see the pictures. Hope the weather holds for you :-D xxxx

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  33. Hi Kerry, we could not have been closer. The torch bearer for our leg was someone called Derek Prentice (just looked that up in the local paper which has a big spread of the day). I LOVE Martini Nikki, such a cool image. Yes 2 more sleeps. can't wait and the weather looks cooler (I'm quite glad as it was over 30c today and TOO hot) but OK so fingers crossed,
    Jane x

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  34. Such a happy, cheery post, Jane....it looks like such a lovely time seeing the torch and feeling the community spirit, and with amazing sunshine and blue sky too :)
    I can hardly believe that your daughter's Wedding is tomorrow!! How lovely....I will think of you all and wish you a truly wonderful day :))
    Helen x

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  35. Spotted your gorgeous creation on MIM and had to come take a look. Its great. Hugs Jox

    http://craftyjoscardmaking.blogspot.com.au/

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Jane x