Even though there are still many unanswered questions about Kate Middleton, not the least of which is what led to the “abdominal procedure” that will keep her out of commission until after Easter, there has been an update that should interest everyone who considers themselves to be a royal fan.
The Princess of Wales is scheduled to attend her first formal engagement following surgery on June 8, according to sources.
Hi there! Say that one week prior to the big event, on that date, Kate will review Trooping the Colour.
The Household Division’s official website has a statement that says, “Her Royal Highness reviewed Trooping the Colour.” The Princess of Wales is exactly the same as Trooping the Colour as seen by His Majesty the King, with the exception that when He is present, a few more mounted officers ride.
“The second of two formal Reviews will feature a parade of over 1400 soldiers from the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, along with 400 musicians from the Massed Bands,” the statement reads.
Kate’s scheduled return to royal duties on a set date may help soothe the fears of many who have interpreted the general dearth of information since the future Queen’s operation as a negative sign.
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of conjecture around the potential that Kate’s condition is worse than the Palace has disclosed. In an attempt to reassure the public that Kate was “doing well,” the Palace itself was compelled to release a statement restating its earlier assertions that all is OK with her recuperation.
Nevertheless, the general dearth of public knowledge has left a void where speculation frequently spreads like wildfire.
The fact that the Princess of Wales had not been spotted in person or on camera since Christmas did not assist the situation much. That is, until yesterday, when Kate was photographed sitting in a car outside of Windsor Castle with her mother, Carol Middleton.
With the photo, Kate was seen for the first time in seventy days. Even while the Royal Family has been trying to convince royal admirers over the past week that the Princess is only recovering on her own terms, away from the flashing of cameras, this has led to a new round of wild speculation.
After two decades of friendship, best friends buy a piece of land and establish a quaint little town that they envision as a retreat for vacations and their future retirement together
Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
Leave a Reply