A CONTESSA DAY!

September 12, 2022 63 Comments

EVER HEARD OF THIS WORD?

I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT WRITTEN NOR HEARD OF IT!

MY PEN PAL HAS ME GETTING WORD OF THE DAY!

LOOK AT ME LEARNING ALREADY AND LIKING IT TOO!

CORUSCATE:

MEANING

(of light) flash or sparkle.

SEE THE LIGHT BEAMING IN THROUGH THE WINDOW

on my left shoulder AND THE SPARKLE ON CINDY’S GLASSES?

CINDY AND I MEETING IN THE HOME OF JULIET.

THE NEWEST BLOGGER ON MY SCENE AND THE MOST PROFESSIONAL IS JULIET.

THE OLDEST BLOGGER ON THE SCENE( NOT AGE PEEPS) JUST HOW LONG SHE HAS BEEN BLOGGING IS CINDY!

WHO HAS TAKEN OFF FOR THE MOON AND BACK AND LEFT THE REST OF US AT THE GATES!

IT’S REFRESHING TO SEE THE CHANGES AND THE LOYALTY IN BLOG LAND.

WHO SAID BLOGS WERE HISTORY BACK IN THE DAY?

WRONG!

I THINK PODCASTS WERE TO REPLACE BLOGS AT ONE TIME.I HAVE NEVER LISTENED TO A PODCAST!

HECK I JUST GOT SPOTIFY ON MY PHONE BUT HAVE NOT PLAYED ONE TUNE!

I AM SLOW TO CHANGE REAL SLOW!

BACK TO THE HOUSE AND THE LADIES!

THERE WAS A LUNCHEON FOR THE SUPER STAR KIM FOR HER BIRTHDAY SOIREE!

WHO WRITE’S A BLOG FROM Northern California CALLED

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE.COM

I HAVE TO SAY ITS MORE FUN THESE DAYS FOR ME TO GO VISIT OTHER FRIENDS.

I THINK THE BEST PLACES NOW ARE PEOPLES HOMES AND GARDENS……

I FIND IT TO BE A REAL TREAT!

A BALM FOR THE SENSES AND SOUL.

KIM HAD MY BIRTHDAY SOIREE AND TOLD US TO WEAR PINK SO I COPIED HER IDEA!

KIM IS A WONDERFUL HUMAN.

SHE IS KIND STYLISH A FANTASTIC WRITER AN ANIMAL LOVER.

LOVES TO DECORATE AND READ!

WE HAVE TWO SONS EACH AND LINDA WHO I THREW IN THE MIX HAS TWO SONS TOO!

I BROUGHT LINDA AS A SURPRISE FOR KIM AS THEY HAVE NEVER MET.

I PUT KIM ON THE SPOT. IT WAS GREAT FUN!

MY DEAR FRIEND LINDA WHO I HAVE KNOWN NOW FOR 38 YEARS CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THE TIME I HOSTED HER BIRTHDAY PARTY GATHERING OF LADIES MANY YEARS AGO AND MY CAKE WHICH I HAD MADE ONE TIME PREVIOUSLY AND IT HAD BEEN DELICIOUS OR I WOULD NOT HAVE PUT ON REPEAT! ………..TURNED TO LIQUID ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER BEFORE I COULD EVEN SERVE IT!

I KID YOU NOT!

IT RAN DOWN MY KITCHEN COUNTER!

I THINK THAT WAS THE MOST HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE!

WELL, THEN AGAIN THERE IS THE TIME WHERE I SIGNED A PIECE OF PAPER AT 4 AM THAT

SAID THEY WOULD BE TURNING MY HEART OFF and I MAY NOT COME BACK TO LIFE!

THAT TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY AND YOU HAVE A MOMENT!

BUT SIGN YOUR LIFE AWAY ANYWAY!

LINDA AND I AT THE HOME OF JULIET

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER.COM

FOR A SOIREE OF KIM’S 57 YEAR CELEBRATION!

I MET KIM THROUGH LINDA

AS LINDA SENT ME KIM’S BLOG MANY YEARS AGO SAYING SHE THOUGHT I WOULD ENJOY IT!

SHE WAS RIGHT!

CAN YOU FOLLOW THAT?

IT’S HARD FOR ME AND I CAN ONLY IMAGINE FOR YOU NOT KNOWING WHO IS WHO!

JULIET IS VERY ANIMATED WHICH I ADORE!

HER SENSE OF HUMOR IS GRAND!

SHE WOULD MAKE A GREAT ITALIAN!

HER USAGE OF WORDS IS FANTASTIC!

LIFE WITH JULIET IS ALL ABOUT BLUE and WHITE!

(Therefore the blue outfits!)

I added the IDEA OF A SPLASH of ORANGE AS AN ACCESSORY!

Thank goodness for HEIDI (THE ARTIST) who accessorized ALL OF US!

ORANGE IT SEEMS IS NOT A STANDARD IN MOST CLOSETS!

NOT EVEN MINE!

I HAD MY NAILS PAINTED TO ADD THAT SPARKLE!

ON OUR DEPARTURE I TOSSED THE YELLOW HAT ON THY HEAD.

SEEMS I DONOT OWN AN ORANGE HAT!

IT WAS WAY OVER 100 DEGREES THAT DAY AND AS THE DAY WENT INTO THE EVENING IT GOT HOTTER!!

ME AND THE BIRTHDAY GIRL………….WOULD YOU BELIEVE SHE IS 57!

BABY CAKES!

I WILL WORN YOU KIM MY HAIR STARTED FALLING OUT AT THAT AGE!

ANTHONY’S COLLEGEN IS WORKING FOR ME FOR THE HAIR BUT GIVING ME HANG NAILS DAILY!

I have always had HARD NAILS THAT GROW LIKE WEEDS!

BUT AS I KNOW THAT CAN ALL CHANGE OVERNIGHT!

MY BUDDIES FROM THE BLOG WORLD AND ONE OF MY OLDEST FRIENDS……………LINDA!

A GLIMPSE INTO MY WELL WORN KITCHEN AND THAT PIGGY WE SO ADORE WHO HELPS US HABITUATE IT!

MY LATEST CAFTAN CONCEPT:

GINGHAM

COLORS TO THINK ABOUT!

LIME GREEN

BLACK

BABY PINK

HOWEVER WE ARENOT UP AND ROLLING YET SO GIVE ME ANOTHER WEEK OR TWO……..

TUNICS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE!

PS. THEY WILL BE CHEAPER THEN THE LINEN CAFTANS AND TUNICS!!!!!

PASSING THE SAVINGS ON TO YOU DEAR BLOG READERS

AS WE WANT YOU TO BE COMFORTABLE AND COZY EVERY DAY IN YOUR CONTESSA CAFTAN!

WE ARE HOPING TO START A NEW TREND………

.FALLING PRICES and FALLING RAIN HERE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE!

BETTY RELAXING BEFORE THE NEXT ROUND OF BALL TOSSING AND FETCHING!

ALERT ALERT ALERT

IT LOOKS LIKE THE INSTAGRAM SCAMMER IS ON MY TAIL AGAIN!

REMEMBER I GOT HACKED?

WELL HE IS BACK REACHING OUT UNDER THE NAME OF INSTAGRAM/META

DONOT OPEN NO NO NO!

REPORT AND BLOCK!

IF THIS HAPPENEDS TO YOU!

HE IS TELLING ME MY LANGUAGE HAS BEEN QUESTIONABLE AND THAT I WILL LOSE MY ACCOUNT IF I DO NOT ANSWER!

FIRST OFF INSTAGRAM DOES NOT LET YOU POST.

IF YOU USE A FOUR LETTER WORD OR ANYTHING THAT RESEMBLES IT!

I HAVE TRIED LIKE THE WORD IDIOT!

PERHAPS, HE IS REFERRING TO ME GROOOOANING

ABOUT THAT EX-PRESIDENT WHO HAS A TON OF ORANGE ACCESSORIES!!!!!

HAIR AND SKIN

AND A LOT OF FILES THAT BELONG TO THE White House!

THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD COMMENTARY OUT THERE THAT MAKES ME LAUGH OUT LOUD……..

I SELDOM COMMENT ANYMORE.

GOOD FOR THE BLOOD PRESSURE THAT LAUGHING OUT LOUD BUSINESS!

ARE YOU LAUGHING ENOUGH?

INSTEAD OF STEPS I WOULD LIKE A LAUGH APP PLEASE!

RARELY IS THERE ANYTHING TO LAUGH ABOUT THESE DAYS………

WHEN ASKED WHY THE QUEEN ADORED HER HUSBAND SO MUCH HER ANSWER WAS HE MAKES ME LAUGH!!

I LOVE THAT!

WELL, TO SAY I WAS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF THE QUEEN IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

WE SHARED THE SAME NAME AND A LOVE OF CORGI’S………

THIS WAS KIM’S BIRTHDAY BASKET!

OF ALL DAYS!

I HAD CREATED THREE DAYS PRIOR TO HER PASSING!

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO SIR WINSTON MY CARDIGAN CORGI WHO HAS SINCED PASSED TOO.

HE WAS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!

ALWAYS UNDER FOOT AND RIGHT BESIDE ME…….

THE BEST PRACTICE FOR AN AGING WOMAN; TO LOOK DOWN FIRST BEFORE STEPPING SO AS NOT TO TRIP!

I MAY NEED ANOTHER ONE!

I THINK CHARLES WILL BE A GOOD KING.

HE HAS HAD A GREAT MUSE……ALL HIS LIFE!

I KNOW A FEW OF YOU READERS WILL RECALL WHEN I WENT TO ENGLAND ON A GARDEN TOUR.

WITH DEBRA FROM THE BLOG 5TH IN STATE

I WAS REALLY REALLY BAD!

I PURLOINED A LEAF AND THREE ROCKS FROM THE HOME AND GARDEN OF THE NOW King Charles III !!!

IT ALL LIVES IN A GLASS JAR ON MY DESK………

WITH A NOTE TO TELL THOSE SONS THIS COULD BE VALUABLE ONE DAY!

AND WITH THAT BIT OF INFORMATION I SHALL HEAD TO THE SHOWER AND SAFEWAY!

MY MOST FREQUENT DESTINATIONS HERE IN AMERICA…………

I PREFER LUNCHING WITH A BUNCH OF SMART TALENTED FUN WOMEN!

BETTY AND HER ORANGE ACCESSORY!

SHE WAS READY FOR THE DAY BUT REMAINED IN CASA!

DO WE STILL CALL THIS SALT AND PEPPER HAIR?

IT IS GOING TO BE COARSE SALT VERY SOON…………

WHAT BODILY CHANGES ARE HAPPENING TO YOU THAT DRIVE YOU MAD?

I NOW HAVE A LIST!

XXX

BE WELL…………FIND JOY AND FOR YOURSELF TRY AND LAUGH FROM THE BELLY UP!

AT LEAST TWICE A DAY!

CONTESSA SAYS TOO……..WE ALL NEED TO LAUGH MORE!

COMMENTS WILL BE ENJOYED AND READ AND A RESPONSE WILL BE MADE!

SO DO CHECK BACK!

THANK YOU FOR TREKKING THROUGH MY 60’S WITH ME………..

WE MUST KEEP OUR CHINS UP AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AS WE ARE STILL HERE!

63 Comments

Leave your reply.

Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
· Reply

September 21, 2022 at 5:52 AM

Elizabeth, it is always fun to see and here about your adventures with the ladies. Juliet and Kim are amazing, as for Cindy as you said about Cindy she is a star! I love all three, they are all intelligent, witty, kind and funny. I am sure that it was a wonderful day.
The Queen was an amazing woman! I am going to miss her wit and smile. Let us hope that the years and tutelage from her have given Charles the base to begin the foundation of the new monarchy. I also hope that the fighting/sniping is over although I fear that that ship has sailed and there is too much water under the bridge. I personally do not believe there will be a reconciliation with H/M. I think H/M will publish the book and life will be very bad for the family in England and I think that will be the last bridge they burn. Just my thought.
You need another dog! Another Corgi would be wonderful.
Have a beautiful day Elizabeth!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 21, 2022 at 6:29 AM
  
  I think the BOOK is out of their hands now NO WAY TO STOP IT…………
  I hope HARRY had a MOMENT of what have I DONE!
  WE SHALL SEE………………..
  
  CHARLES WILL BE GREAT IF THE PRESS STOP HARASSING HIM ABOUT THE PEN!
  CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SHAME HE WOULD HAVE ENDURED IF THE INK WENT EVERY WHERE?ON ONE OF HIS FIRST DOCUMENTS AS KING!OR EVEN ON HIS CLOTHING OR HANDS……….in my opinion he had every right to be PISSED!
  XXX
Ellie's friend
· Reply

September 20, 2022 at 4:15 PM

Hi,
I enjoyed reading about your get together. Yes, Catherine, Princess of Wales is wearing a pearl necklace of the Queen’s. It may well be that the Queen gave it to her or she inherited it. it is made from pearls given to the Queen by the people of Japan.

At first, i thought Meghan Markle didn’t have good protocol advisors but then I realized she probably just defied the customs such as no bare shoulders in an Anglican church, no flashy lipstick, wear stockings no bare legs, no gaudy fingernail polish. These were mostly little things but cumulatively they added up. She doesn’t like being told what to do. Some of the things she said on Oprah were just wrong.

I will miss the Queen. My mother made me the most beautiful yellow dress with crinoline to wear to see the Queen. I was about 7. It was exciting. Later, I was standing on a street corner in Kingston Ont. It was dark. I was alone, waiting for the traffic light to change. All of a sudden, a car approached. Inside, the light shone on the Queen. It was the most spectacular moment. I didn’t realize until this week that she always had the inside lights on in any car she was in so the public could see her. For someone who led such a blessed life, she had her fair share of problems – she handled them with grace and courage.

I like the story about how she and her police guard were out walking one day in Windsor Great Park. They came upon a couple of tourists, one of whom asked her “Have you ever met the Queen?” to which she replied no but “he has” and pointed to her policeman. They then apparently let the tourists take a photo and the Queen later said she’d love to be a fly on the wall when those people were showing the photo and when someone viewing it would recognize her. And she laughed and laughed…
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 21, 2022 at 6:24 AM
  
  YES, agree about Meghan.ME ME ME attitude!
  
  Last night heard her BUTLER speak and he said, Once they were walking down a hall in B.PALACE when all of a sudden she started to RUN!SO, he did a slow jog!He went around the corner and there she was standing in a room waiting with a BIG GRIN on her face!!THAT MADE IT FOR ME……….she had FUN with her LIFE and what a sense of humor!!
  
  Gorgeous WOMAN……………
  
  HYSTERICAL YOUR STORY!!!!
  
  XXX
Lorna
· Reply

September 20, 2022 at 12:12 PM

Oh you are so much fun. I can’t believe Kim is 57. She looks so much younger. It’s nice you’re all able to meet up every now and then.
I can’t believe the Queen has passed even though I saw her funeral and the parade to Buckingham palace. It was so moving.
cindy
· Reply

September 18, 2022 at 11:33 AM

Hi Eliz

It was so much fun seeing you all again. It is my turn. I hope you can all come down for a couple of days in October! I was going to post about Juliet’s house this week but couldn’t get it together! Week after next! Darn, I wish I would get these in my inbox. They were in my spam folder! I have no idea why! FYI I have not taken off and left you guys in the dust…hardly!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 19, 2022 at 9:38 AM
  
  WE WILL BE HERE!!
  XXX
Rosemarie
· Reply

September 18, 2022 at 10:12 AM

Good morning CONTESSA
Enjoyed the pics and sharing your time with the ladies! Such fun and a very special time. Such a coincidence re gift basket for Kim. The Queen – remarkable woman – such a zest for life and stamina and was going strong in her 90s. The pageantry tomorrow will be spectacular.
My encounter with the Queen was in the 80s – she was here on the west coast – in New Westminster – my friend’s school etc was invited to be at City Hall in New Westminster for the welcoming ceremony. So I tagged along. The Queen was doing her walkabout on the opposite side so I yelled out – your majesty – your majesty – over here – over here – your majesty. Lady had such good hearing as lo and behold she turned around and trotted over! I can’t remember if I said anything over than hello – she was smiling away – people beside me were so thrilled as to how close she was to us. I took pics with my friend’s camera – thinking what great ones I will have. So up close and personal. Well can you believe it when I went to take out the film for processing there was NO film in the camera! At least I have a memory! Yesterday I looked at news footage of the day and it was so crowded – in my mind it wasn’t so seeing the news footage surprised me.
Love how you brought back home a rock etc. You could have it made into a necklace piece! It certain would be a conversation piece.
For some odd reason I wonder where all her clothes and hats will end up.
I keep forgetting to wear my pearls. Odd seeing her’s on Catherine so soon after her death.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 19, 2022 at 9:41 AM
  
  I DIDNOT NOTICE CATHERINE WAS WEARING HER PEARLS!!!!!!!!
  ARE YOU SURE?
  SEND ME A PHOTO!
  
  I CAN BELIEVE IT…….thats something that would happen to me about the film!!
  YOU HAD NERVE YELLING LIKE THAT!!!
  BRAVO!!!!
  XXX
D. A. Squires
· Reply

September 17, 2022 at 11:46 AM

Ditto everyone…. I wish we could have a Contessa Retreat at some musty old palace in the UK that’s not being used : ) I love reading every comment (almost as much as your posts : ) and wish I could meet all your followers (and YOU) in person. You need to form a private club with membership by invitation of La Contessa. (I work at a private club, and membership is by invitation of the Board–so you would be the Board, the CEO, ETC. I could help you with the bylaws, i.e. Only nice, caring people who love dogs–and cats–, gardens, good food, caftans, and laughter will be admitted : ) Riveted by the UK coverage and have such deep respect for how this extraordinary woman lived her life, in each and every capacity. And YES to another Corgi… (may I recommend a visit to the twitter feed of ‘Stubby Louie’– he is a FLUFFY Welsh Pembroke, who has one ear up and the other down all the time…. he lives on a magical property. and is TOO adorable…) Will end with a twist on the wonderful British expression in your honor– KEEP CALM AND KEEP LAUGHING…. XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 19, 2022 at 10:04 AM
  
  I WATCHED THE SEND OFF TODAY OR AT LEAST THE LAST HALF………..
  WHY DID WE RUN AWAY FROM BRITAIN?
  SEEMS THEY DO EVERYTHING SO WELL…………….AND HAVE A LOT OF LOVE AND RESPECT!
  YOUR IDEA MADE ME LAUGH!
  NOW THAT IDEA IS A HOOT…………..XOXO
Stephanie D
· Reply

September 16, 2022 at 2:57 PM

Loved this post, Elizabeth…
How happy and beautiful you all look in your blue and white. Lucky Kim to enjoy be celebrated in the company of such a lovely group. Happy belated birthday, Kim!
And I love the cheerful gingham – you look stunning as ever in it. Love your updo too! You always manage to look like a million bucks, even when I know there are times when you’re not feeling 100%.
I’m feeling bedraggled – unpacking boxes, trying to figure out where to put all this “stuff” and how to make another new/old house feel like home. The only thing keeping me motivated is knowing that we will be having a magical, proper English greenhouse installed in our backyard the spring. This moving thing gets harder the older I get…trying to stay flexible in mind and body and go with the flow. As Queen E would have said – Keep Calm and Carry On!
xx
Stephanie
Tendrheart4
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 19, 2022 at 10:06 AM
  
  I DONOT THINK WELL I KNOW I DO NOT HAVE THE ENERGY TO MOVE AGAIN…………
  HATS OFF TO YOU!!!
  LOVED OUR CATCH UP YESTERDAY!!
  XXX
  - Stephanie
    · Reply
    
    September 21, 2022 at 7:52 PM
    
    I suggest you just stay put !!
    I loved our chat, too…
    xx
    Stephanie
Katie Clooney
· Reply

September 16, 2022 at 11:45 AM

It took me so long to read all of your comments I forgot the word of the day. However, I do consider myself an expert on the queen as well as anything royal. I have been literally inhaling all the news coverage. People certainly get emotional about Meghan. Is she that bad? Love that gingham caftan on you. Oh what fun you ladies look like you are having at those fancy shmancy luncheons. Since I forgot your word of the day I am picking shmancy for mine. Hope you have a shmancy day, dear Contessa.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 19, 2022 at 10:12 AM
  
  SHE SCREWED UP BAD!
  I WAS SO IN HER COURT……………….BUT SHE HAS LOST ME NOW!
  STAY CALM AND CARRY ON AND BE PROUD OF YOUR HERITAGE AND ENJOY WHAT LIFE HAS GIVEN YOU!
  SHE WAS SUCH A GOOD AMBASSADOR FOR AMERICA AS FAR AS STYLE,ELEGANT, AND SPEAKING.AS SOMEONE SAID NOW ITS ALL ABOUT HER…………
  I AM CERTAIN A FEW PEOPLE SAT HER DOWN AND SAID THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE IN FOR!!!
  PLUS, NO ONE REALLY TELLS YOU WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE A MOTHER BUT I AM SURE SHE HAD FRIENDS WHO HAD CHILDREN……………THIS WAS A ROLE OF A LIFETIME NOT A TV SERIES……….AND SHE HURT SO MANY PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY!
  YES IN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION.
  LOVE YOUR WORD!!
  XXX
Jill James
· Reply

September 15, 2022 at 12:15 AM

I did enjoy sharing your contessa day, sounds a wonderful day with other inspiring friends.
I do remember your U K trip and you visiting Highgrove, cheeky you bringing home souveniers, happy memories.
The gingham caftans look so good on you but no surprise there.
All the very best.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 16, 2022 at 7:05 AM
  
  I just stumbled upon that photo must frame it now!!!
  AT HIGHGROVE!
  
  XXX
PPP
· Reply

September 14, 2022 at 12:12 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,
Of course you took a tiny memory from Highgrove. You will cherish your stones and leaf and think of that excellent adventure!
Thanks for a lovely peek into your bloggers party. Lovely friendships, especially good friend Linda who you have known for 38 years.
This post was a positive antidote for such troubling times we need a break from…thanks for your cool caftans, yellow kitchen and fond memory of dear Winston!

PPP
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 16, 2022 at 7:05 AM
  
  OH ANN I DO THINK I NEED ANOTHER WINSTON IN MY LIFE!
  XXX
lisa thomson-author
· Reply

September 14, 2022 at 9:48 AM

What a wonderful bunch of ladies! Gorgeous. Loving the BLUES. I also adore the Gingham kaftan on you! Um, I am really TIRED of the night sweats and cellulite on my legs. BUT I shall not dwell on it. I try to remain positive and avoid negative self-talk especially about my body. After all, it’s what is taking me through this amazing life. I tell myself, I love my legs, I love my sagging ____ fill in the blank. It’s all part of my gratitude practice.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 10:23 AM
  
  NOW YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD…………….!!!
  THANK YOU!!!
  ME MY VARICOSE VEINS……….BANKSY MAKES THEM WORSE WITH HIS KISSES!BUT I DONOT HAVE THE HEART TO TELL HIM NO!!
  XXX
Mumbai
· Reply

September 14, 2022 at 9:21 AM

what bodily changes me? Also my hair…dry like straw , frizzy, curly in places I don’t like etc.etc. Last week my hairdresser recommended a Kerastase treatment. Took 3 hours and wasn’t cheap but my hair feels much stronger and shines like never before (or at least not in the last 40 years)…..Instagram also kicked me out and I haven’t been able to have an account again for weeks. I swore I’d never Insta again
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 9:46 AM
  
  INSTAGRAM/META was not the REAL COMPANY who contacted me.
  IT WAS A HACKER…………..
  INSTAGRAM THE REAL COMPANY WILL NEVER CONTACT YOU!
  IF YOU POST SOMETHING THAT IS NOT COUTH WITH THEM THEY WILL NOT POST IT THAT IS IT…….FROM WHAT I KNOW.
  
  YES CINDY HATTERSLEY HAD THAT DONE I THINK AND LOVED IT THE HAIR TREATMENT!!
  
  SEND ME A PHOTO!!!
  
  XXX
debra @ 5th and state
· Reply

September 14, 2022 at 6:27 AM

You were very very naughty, but aren’t you glad to have such treasures?!

yes to another Cardigan, they make our lives so special & loving. Winston was a cutie!

your gatherings look to be so fun, knowing Cindy that is a guarantee, everyone looks to be fun & amazing women. Love to you!

Debra
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 8:57 AM
  
  YES!I WAS INDEED!
  I THOUGHT HIGHGROVE WAS SPECTACULAR!
  THE TOWN JUST AS DELIGHTFUL……..AND THAT HOTEL!!!
  A TRIP TO REMEMBER FOR SURE!
  XXX
Hilda Smith
· Reply

September 14, 2022 at 2:10 AM

I agree lots of laughing is the best medicine. And girl friends are the best for the giggles. Lots of issues re ageing but no time to worry about them. Just do the best you can.
Love your posts Elizabeth. Always love to see them in my in-box.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 8:59 AM
  
  ABSOLUTELY RIGHT………NO TIME TO WASTE ON THEM.
  CARRY ON WE SHALL DO!
  THANK YOU HILDA……..I AM GLUED TO THE NEWS!!
  SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
  XXX
judith
· Reply

September 13, 2022 at 11:57 PM

So glad you are enjoying A Word a Day, Contessa! It is written by a non-native English speaker, which makes it all the more interesting to me. I am not sure if it is a man or woman. I have subscribed for years and have fun with it. Another thing I make a point of doing every day is to crack myself up; I don’t care if anyone listening thinks I’m funny or not! If they do, it’s a bonus, and they can come along and laugh with me. I was in a shop today and made the proprietress laugh so hard, it worried me for a minute. And I, too, am sad about the Queen. What a strong, smart, diplomatic, and devoted woman she was. And what a wonderful role model for girls and women, too. I was really hoping that Charles would choose one of his other names (like Arthur) to use with the King title, since previous King Charleses apparently left a lot to be desired. How nice that you have those lovely friends to have lunch with and visit! It was fun hearing about your soiree. Hope the weather cools off for you soon, and that you get some much needed rain.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 9:52 AM
  
  WEATHER HAS CALMED DOWN………DOWN RIGHT COLD LAST NIGHT!!
  
  THAT IS VERY INTERESTING TO ME ABOUT THE WORD A DAY PUBLISHER!!
  
  OH THE QUEEN AND ALL THE PAGEANTRY IS SO SO BEAUTIFUL…………
  
  NO WONDER I LIKE PURPLE…………I HAD NO IDEA!!
  
  I FELT FOR King Charles WALKING TO THE ABBEY……..HE WAS A BIT WOBBLY AND THAT SUIT HAS GOT TO BE HOT AND HEAVY.HE HAS HAD ZERO DOWN TIME SINCE HIS MUMMY PASSED.
  
  HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE OUT AND LAUGHING!!!!
  
  XXX
caroline
· Reply

September 13, 2022 at 4:48 PM

Yes, laughter is very important and there is little to laugh about these days. I did, however, enjoy Celeste’s comments. I found myself smiling and, by the time I got to the last line, actually laughing! Thanks Celeste.

The death of the Queen marks the end of an era the like of which I will not see again in my lifetime. She was a stabilizing force, calm, dignified, refined, charming, and, in public, non-political. One thing a country with a monarchy has above all others is the distraction Royalty has for the general public away from politicians. The latter always like to hog the limelight even if most do not seem to know what they are doing and rarely take responsibility for the messes they make. The heads of most of the world’s Royal houses make a pleasant and much needed diversion for many of their citizens in these contentious times.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 10:20 AM
  
  TRUE!
  A JOY IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD……………
  XXX
Rita
· Reply

September 13, 2022 at 3:57 PM

What a wonderful post! I thought it was crystal clear. I love lunch with friends and being in a home vs a restaurant is so much better . ADORE Virginia so let us know if we find any bloggers – the Charlottesville airport is wonderful with huge rockers out front. And the best antiquing! A quick trip from Chicago to the Crozet area where Nancy Lancaster grew up. Thank you for borrowing from Highgrove – hilarious. You bloggers are fantastic and will become more popular as we all run away from the cacophony on Instagram. Thanks Elizabeth (HEART) and I love all your followers who comment and make me laugh like Celeste
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 14, 2022 at 10:17 AM
  
  I HAVE KNOWN CELESTE MY ENTIRE LIFE!SHE DOES TELL A GOOD STORY!
  IF I GET HACKED AGAIN I WILL NOT GO BACK TO INSTA………..
  THE MUSIC THE SMALL PRINT THE SCROLLING ALL GIVES ME A HEADACHE NOW………..WHICH I KNOW IS DUE TO THE DRUGS THEY HAVE ME ON!
  I HAVE BEEN TO THAT AIRPORT!ON MY WAY TO CHARLESTON FOR THAT GARDEN AND ANTIQUE SHOW THAT HAPPENS IN FEB.HAVE YOU BEEN TO THAT?I WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK………MAYBE WE PLAN A MEET UP!
  XXX
  OF COURSE WE WILL IDENTIFY EACH OTHER WITH THE RED LIPSTICK!!
kim
· Reply

September 13, 2022 at 2:42 PM

Oh forgot to say so cool you have things from Highgrove! I love that. I do think he will make a good King despite earlier screw ups.
- Gray
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  September 13, 2022 at 5:19 PM
  
  Kim – I hope so. I just watched The Princess on HBO last night and it was quite concerning, what everyone said about him then. Fingers crossed… xxx
kim
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September 13, 2022 at 2:41 PM

Thank you for the sweet things you said. I feel so lucky to know you all- and Linda is responsible !!!So glad we got to meet. She is a lovely person. I loved the lunch and you all made it so fun! Loved the colors! We all had blue and Heidi had the great idea for the orange flowers. Really Juliet outdid herself!! Loved the salad and the appetizers and your dessert. Still can’t believe you gave me that basket on the same day we lost the Queen. I will treasure those! You look darling in the gingham caftans. Those are going to be a hit! I’m with you we need more laughter don’t we?? Adore you so much. xoxo Kim
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 14, 2022 at 10:08 AM
  
  LAUGHING IS KEY!
  I ALWAYS HAVE THOUGHT AS YOU AS THE BABY……..BUT YOU ARE ONLY 5 YEARS BEHIND ME!
  BUT YOU LOOK 25 YEARS BEHIND ME…….MAYBE MORE!
  THAT BASKET WILL BE GOOD FOR YOUR DAD PICKING HIS VEGGIES!!
  XOXO
Ginger
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September 13, 2022 at 2:12 PM

What a lovely birthday gathering with all of you Extraordinary ladies! Kim is very special and delightful and it’s so nice to see her enjoying a special birthday with all of you. I absolutely love reading your lively posts which always make me laugh!!
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 14, 2022 at 10:04 AM
  
  YOU ARE TOO KIND GINGER…………..
  YOU AND KIM ARE TWO OF A KIND!!
  XXX
Heidi
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September 13, 2022 at 1:50 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
We sure had a nice afternoon together. It’s always fun to celebrate and spend time together. Meeting Linda was an added bonus. And we didn’t let the heat get us down which could have happened easily! Man it was HOT!,
You are the person who brought us all together! Lucky for me I chased down that person who wrote her comments with so many CAPITAL letters!
I agree laughter is the best medicine, we do need to laugh more often. Things have become so fraught and anxiety inducing that I often find it’s been days since I’ve really laughed. Sad but true. I’ll try to get my 2x a day belly laugh in from now on!
Love to you, stay well and cool.
Xo Heidi
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 14, 2022 at 10:03 AM
  
  DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO!
  AS I DO NOT LAUGH ENOUGH EITHER………
  
  WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR………..!!!!
  XOXO
Celeste
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September 13, 2022 at 11:32 AM

Your cake story reminds me that on my wedding day my sister brought my wedding cake from Palo Alto to Mill Valley in the back of her little car with no air conditioning. The magenta roses faded to blue and slid down off the side of the cake. We rescued it with fresh flowers from some of the arrangements but it was very disappointing. There was lots about that wedding that was very disappointing – including the groom. ???
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 14, 2022 at 10:01 AM
  
  PLEASE READ OTHER COMMENTS AS YOU MADE PEOPLE LAUGH!!
  I KINDA RECALL YOU TELLING ME THIS STORY AWHILE BACK…………….
  OLDEST FRIEND ON EARTH WELL YOU AND GINNA……..62 YEARS!
  
  I AM SO SORRY THE GROOM ENDED UP BEING A BUFFOON.
  I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND MY GROOM EVEN IF IT WAS MY MOTHER WHO SAID,”OPEN YOUR EYES HE IS A KEEPER!”NOT THAT HE IS PERFECT BUT CLOSE ENOUGH!!
  
  STORIES LIKE THIS LEAVE FUN MEMORIES EVEN AT THE TIME WE ARE HORRIFIED!
  
  XXX
Juliet
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September 13, 2022 at 9:43 AM

Contessa Day! I love that and its so appropriate. But before I comment on all these wondeful things, I have to tell you I’m jumping for joy … and honor … that you think I’d make a good Italian! Do you know I have no concept of myself as one who gestures or is animated until I see photos of from events. And everyone else is looking fabulous and dignified and there I am with hands in the air and mouth in motion. Oh my … I’m not sure my mother would approve. Anyhoo … back to the matter at hand. Linda! What a wonderful story of how she connected you to Kim and then at long last they meet … and at my house of all places. I’m honored again. And then there was Cindy … blogger extraordinare. At Snowberry! My cup does runneth over! Moving on … the new Contessa Caftans … in gingham … and roomier in the leg … I think they’ll be a hit and can’t wait to hear more. As for the Queen, your birthday gift for Kim was so timely … who knew how timely. Your Winston was at the pearly gates greeting the Queen, I’m sure … along with her 30+ corgi menagerie. I think of so many people I know who loved and adored the Queen, my Mother and grandmother included, who were there to greet her and are now having the biggest, grandest, loviest tea party imaginable up in heaven. What? The stalker is back? Report, block, and carry on! xo
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 14, 2022 at 9:56 AM
  
  YOU SOUND LIKE ME AS I TOO DO NOT SEE ELEGANT IN MY NATURE AND I HEAR THAT ALL THE TIME!
  I AM CERTAIN CINDY WILL FEATURE YOUR HOME AT SOME POINT!HOPE SHE GOT A SHOT OF THE HOT DOG REPELLANT!
  THE STALKER IS BACK!!!!
  WHY PEOPLE ARE SO MEAN IS BEYOND ME……………..
  THANK YOU AGAIN FOR A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON!
  XOXO
1010ParkPlace
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September 13, 2022 at 8:55 AM

When I see this great group of bloggers I love altogether, I wish I could do an “I Dream of Jeannie.” Fold my arms, nod my head, and be there! LOVE your gingham kaftan!! xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 9:12 AM
  
  I just read somewhere maybe you that Jeannie was from San Francisco!
  She won Miss San Fran…………
  I ADORED THAT SHOW………!!
  WELL NOD DIRECTION AIRPORT AND FLAP THOSE FREQUENT FLYER MILES AROUND!!!
  XXX
Jan Correll
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September 13, 2022 at 8:30 AM

Looks like you had a grand time and wish I lived closer. That pink gingham caftan is beautiful.

So fun to catch up on your happenings.

xoxo
Jan
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 9:09 AM
  
  THANK YOU!
  IT IS REALLY NICE TO OPEN UP THOSE BOARDERS AND MEET IN PERSON!
  OTHER BLOGGERS…………….took years for this to happened but it did and I LOVE IT!
  WhERE ARE YOU?
  XXX
Leslie Lord
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September 13, 2022 at 7:54 AM

You gals know how to celebrate! I love the parties and luncheons you all share!
I am very sad about the Queen. She visited Victoria several times and I remember seeing her disembark from her yacht The Britannia to a launch to come ashore in our Inner Harbour…we thought she was very kind, gracious, had a profound sense of duty, and she will be missed.
Good luck with your Instagram account.
Bungalow Hostess.
XO
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 9:06 AM
  
  HELLO HOSTESS!!
  WHAT A VISION YOU SAW!
  SHE WAS LOVELY IN MY MIND…………..AND ALL THAT PRESSURE.
  I GREW UP WITH HER ALWAYS BEING THERE……….AND SINCE WE SHARED THE SAME NAME I FELT CONNECTED FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE!
  SO FAR SO GOOD!I DID NOT OPEN IT!!
  XXX
Pat
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September 13, 2022 at 7:51 AM

So much here…and my feeble brain can remember so little! Spotify? Ha. I had Spotify on my phone for a couple of years and never once used it. Gone!
Podcasts? I tried a few but quickly got bored.
Tea and cake? Now, that I like. Even better when enjoyed with friends, of course.
Orange? Surely you have orange in your closet. Your orange complements my blue!
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 9:02 AM
  
  MY SHOES HAD A DASH OF ORANGE ON THEM!
  YES, YOU AND YOUR BLUE AND ME AND MY COLORS!!
  HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
  XXX
Gray
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September 13, 2022 at 7:41 AM

Oh my gosh – you make me laugh so much! Love you from Virginia and maybe one day I will be as professional as you ladies out in CA!! Gotta go and get started again. I love the orange and blue! I am curious how far you all live from one another? I know of NO ONE in my area that is blogging, certainly no one in her 60’s. So glad you ladies got together again. As for serous Covid, it’s a distant memory here – thankful for that. Caio Bella!
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 8:44 AM
  
  I THINK JULIET IS 4 MILES FROM ME……………
  KIM IS AN HOUR PLUS FROM ME……….
  HEIDI A BIT AFTER KIM BY 20 MINUTES………
  LINDA……..5 MINUTES FROM ME.
  AND CINDY WELL SHE IS NOW HOURS AWAY!!
  SHE LEFT ABOUT 2PM AND GOT BACK TO HER NEW STOMPING GROUNDS BY 6:30PM.NO TRAFFIC!!
  
  HAPPY TO MAKE YOU LAUGH!WAS IT A GOOD BELLY LAUGH!!??
  XXX
- Juliet
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  September 13, 2022 at 9:47 AM
  
  Dearest Gray … if I may interject … when I started on my Instagram/blogging journey I knew no one. NO ONE. Certainly not in my area. I started searching hashtags and locations that were local and lo and behold – slowly – I found local/regional bloggers. After years of following and commenting one by one we became friends. Contessa was my first real contact – and she prides herself on being a connector – and the rest is history. I’ll bet there are quite a few bloggers … and over 50 bloggers … not far from you. Let’s find them! xo
  - Gray
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    September 13, 2022 at 5:16 PM
    
    I love you ladies! Well – you girls have been so great to me, I don’t think I NEED them here! But it would be fun to get together….. I guess it would help if I would stop comparing myself to everyone else and started ACTUALLY BLOGGING again…..
Sandra Sallin
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September 13, 2022 at 7:38 AM

That will teach me to not comment from bed. Lots of mistakes in my comment. Sorry about that. Oh well.
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 8:40 AM
  
  I CAN ALWAYS FIX THE SPELLING TYPO’S!
  XXX
Sandra Sallin
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September 13, 2022 at 7:36 AM

Well that was fun. Of course I got completely confused but that’s part of the fun. He women are always a pleasure. Your new caftan if great fun. Glad you did not reply to the spammer. Glad your still here. God save the king congrats on getting rocks and leaves back in one piece. All seems well?
Rena McDaniel
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September 13, 2022 at 6:13 AM

It looks like a great time. I know Juliet but am not familiar with the others. It’s nice to see you out and about again after being trapped at home for so long! I’m starting to get together more often but I live in a Republican state so Covid is still pretty prevelent.
- LA CONTESSA
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  September 13, 2022 at 8:39 AM
  
  I AM SORRY TO HEAR COVID IS STILL VISITING YOUR STATE!
  IT’s A SHAME THAT WE HAVE TURNED INTO ITS ALL ABOUT ME WORLD AND HOW SELFISH WE CAN BE.
  MATERIALISTIC TOO.
  I HAVE TO SAY I AM SO HAPPY I GREW UP IN THE 1970’S AND 1980’S AS IT WAS A KINDER NICER WORLD.WE LOOKED OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND HAD RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY.
  YOU BE SAFE……..XXX