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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Polo, Chukkas and Pleasure

Helen Tilston & Fred Mannix Jr.
Polo for Heart was held today.  Picnics were once again packed and we headed to the Polo Club.
Canada's No. 1 player is Fred Mannix Jr. (pictured above). He introduced us to his beautiful wife Kelesea and baby Brooklyn.   He looks forward to playing in the Triple Crown in Argentina this coming Autumn. He told us Buenos Aires is his favourite place to play polo.  "It has it all. History, great fields, the best horses and players in the world make it just about the best place to play. For those who have played here they know the unique feeling of riding out onto the best polo in the world."  He has played polo with Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William saying they are all very enthusiastic polo playe


This year, we welcomed Team Mexico.  Below are members of team Mexico demonstrating the 3 different shots taken with  sticks.  One shot surprised me.  The stick swings beneath the chin of the horse.

My "new best friend" Fred Manniz Jr.

The Calendon Eglinton Hunt Club were guests and travelled with their 24 hounds, consisting of 12 male and 12 female hounds which is what they hunt with.
Many stylish guests brought their dogs and one wore spots to match her dog's markings.

Polo Team being presented with prizes
Sky-divers entertained us

There were tents selling elegant clothing, jewellery and equestrian style furnishings
 These saddle stools actually twirl.

Would you use these stools in your home?  Do you enjoy polo?



(All photos by Helen Tilston)

75 comments:

  1. This sounds like it was such a fun event! It looks like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing these photos!
    ps. That is a great Panama hat you are wearing! You look so chic. I am currently hunting for a good quality Panama hat. The J. Crew version was okay but not the greatest quality.

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    1. Hello Louise

      It was indeed a wonderful day and the weather, while hot, was enjoyable. We used large umbrellas and hats.
      My hat I found in a store in the USA. It was in the menswear section. I have worn it for two seasons and it is holding up (a couple of paint spots!)
      Hope you have a great week

      Helen xx

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  2. My, you have an interesting life! The stools are fun--I can picture them in a Montana spread featured in Architectural Digest. Alas, I know nothing about polo.

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    1. Hello Jen

      We had a most enjoyable day. I agree with you the stools belong in the setting you describe. Polo is very skilled and quite easy to follow.
      Helenxx

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  3. Hello Helen:
    What a wonderful photograph of you together with Fred Mannix, both looking so very happy and relaxed. You really do, dear Helen, lead the most stylish of lives and we shall now be expecting to see images of you from every Royal or Special enclosure splashed across the pages of 'Tatler', 'Harpers' and 'Vogue' as the season progresses. But what a wonderful day you must have had and we are so very, very thrilled for you.

    Yes, the woman in the spotted dress with her matching Dalmation dogs is superb.

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    1. Hello Jane and Lance

      You have made me laugh heartily at your suggestion of Tatler, Harpers and Vogue. If I am not careful I will be in the Mirror or News of the World or one of those slander magazines at the grocery check out. Hee Hee.

      It was a beautiful day and a great place to people watch.

      Hope your week is glorious

      Helen xx

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  4. This is my idea of a great day out! I love your panama - just the thing! The ponies are so sweet and seem to really love the game, even when there are big ride offs they never seem afraid. They must really trust their riders - speaking of which, is there any scientific law that explains why polo players are always so rediculously good looking?

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    1. Hello Mrs. Exeter

      It was a beautiful day. It was very hot and a hat was needed and we also had a large umbrella. It amazes me how well trained the polo ponies are.
      Yes those riders are all handsome and we had a woman rider who was also quite beautiful.

      Wishing you a great week

      Helen xx

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  5. We love to watch polo; such a great sport and such wonderful horses. One of my daughters hoped to play polo during her gap year but ended up show-jumping instead, I still hope she'll enjoy the game one day.
    Your pictures are lovely Helen, you lead a charmed life!
    Sharon
    xx

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    1. Hello Sharon

      I am sure your daughter could easily switch to polo following her show-jumping experience. It is very skilled and the hand to eye co-ordination so necessary.
      Thank you for complimenting my pictures and we had a wonderful day.

      Helenxx

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  6. who doesn't love polo???
    and those bar stools are just too cool!!

    xox

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    1. Hello Renee

      It is indeed a wonderful event. I was interested to hear your take on the bar stools. They are beautifully made.
      Helen xx

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  7. What a gala day, Helen, and in such elevated company! It's good to see you making the most of summer: your images evoke a refreshing glass of Pimms and the sparkling diamonds of high society.

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  8. Hello Mise

    It was a gala day as you say. Being a charitable event and many corporate sponsors many there were unfamiliar with polo. The announcer kept us informed and between matches they gave demonstrations of the sport.

    Hope your week is joyful

    Helen x

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  9. I love polo, my sister played polo and I used to watch the game in San Diego. I would use those stools in my home because I don't much have the opportunity to sit on a saddle : )

    xx

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    1. Hello Mona

      Your sister must be very skilled and what fun to watch her play. If you had those stools I know two animals who would be happy to sit there too.

      Helen xx

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  10. Hello Helen, when I saw the title of your post come up, I had a little smile to myself, thinking about last year's post and the handsome men, you didn't disappoint! It really looks like such a 'spiffing' occasion, and I am heartily jealous. I think I must be following you for a year now...how time flies, when you are having fun.

    Thank you for visiting and for your generous comments. I don't think I need the Interior fashion police, I am much too hard on myself. I need the sun to shine more and then I could say 'sod it' and go in the garden. As I write this we are having thunder, lightening, hail and rain all at once....how lovely! Wishing you a wonderful week, with love, Linda xx

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    1. Hello Linda
      You have a good memory. Yes time flies. As it is a charity event, each years brings different polo teams and Nacho was absent this year. It was most enjoyable and there is always something interesting happening and fashions to watch.

      You do marvelous work and you have wonderful imagination

      Regards to Lois
      Helen xx

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  11. It's me again. I forgot to say, yes I would use those stools at home, but only if they are comfortable. I love the counter made from barrels too. Love Linda x

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    1. Hi Linda

      I sat on the stools and not only are the comforting but empowering and one feels like a rodeo rider when up.

      Helen xx

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  12. Yes, I love Polo ( of the Ralph Lauren kind) especially when it's advertised by Nacho! Helen, I don't really know much about Polo (the sport) but I think I would have enjoyed a little taste of what went with the event: Champagne, caviar... more Champagne... smoked salmon... dressing up... Champagne and ... Nachos! But... where's Nacho, this year? If he had played, I would have endured a few hours of a sport which doesn't appeal to me (sorry!)
    The stools aren't too bad. I like antique English and French furniture and a bit of Venetian Baroque but I can see that they would appeal to many and would look cool in bars and restaurants. I do like jewellery,though, as my dear husband knows.


    CIAO

    ANNA

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    1. Hello Anna

      Your heart throb Nacho was sadly absent this year. I might add that some of the Mexican players were awfully good looking too!! It i a charity event and the polo players give of their time, I believe. I was surprised at how many horses are needed. Each player has at least 4 ponies (as they are called, but they are horses!)
      Fred Mannix is very charming and lives on a ranch in Western Canada and a friend told me he has a Bentley that he drives from his home to the stables! Are you now interested? I don't know if the steering wheel is encrusted with diamonds, oh Anna if it were, I would be so worried about you!! You might forget about the verdant hills of Italy in favour of the Rocky Mountains. Ha Ha

      I am with you in your taste of interiors.

      Helen xx

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  13. Dear Helen,

    This polo event looks like so much fun. Lucky you to be part of it and meet such interesting (and handsome) people :-)!

    I enjoyed the photo of the lady with the polka dot dress and dalmatians very much. They look so stylish! You look very grand yourself as well. Quite a distinguished lady :-)!

    Have a lovely new week!

    Madelief x

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    1. Hello Madelief

      Thank you for your kind words and compliment. It is a beautiful event and everyone is there for the same purpose and joy prevails.

      There is a prize for the best hat but I was busy chatting to the polo players (sorry for lack of pics)

      Enjoy your week

      Helen xx

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  14. Hi Helen! Looks like your day was full of fun! Gorgeous photos:) I hope you have a wonderful week!
    ~Anne

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    1. Hello Anne

      Thanks for visiting. It was a delightful time and the weather was glorious.

      Wishing you a delightful weekend too and sunny skies over Ireland

      Helen xx

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  15. Oh, this must have been so much fun, Helen, and I do love polo.
    The stools? i absolutely LOVE them. It looks like the craftsmanship is amazing, and for that reason alone, I think they are fantastic.

    I hope you've had a wonderful beginning to your week, my friend.

    xo.

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    1. Hello Lisa

      Yes the stools were works of art and the carving and finish superb.

      It was a glorious day and most memorable

      Wishing you a delightful week also

      Helen xx

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  16. What a fun day, I'd love to see a polo match live. great photos!

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    1. Like most sports, the game of polo is best watched live and on the field.

      To a great week

      Helen xx

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  17. I love Polo and grew up seeing a lot of matches in India :) Thank you for stopping by My Dream Canvas.hugs Anu

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    1. Hello Anu

      Of course you would know Polo from growing up in India. Is the work Chukka an Indian?

      Hope you have a very special week

      Helen xx

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  18. Happy times!

    Have a lovely day, Helen x

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    1. Hi Saskia

      Indeed very happy times

      Wishing you a beautiful day too


      Helen xx

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  19. Hello Helen,
    I used to attend polo games regularly when I was an undergraduate at Yale, as the school fielded a team and I had a number of friends who played on it. I have only been to one or two since then (and that was a long time ago!). Seeing your pictures makes me want to rethink that! Reggie

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    1. Hello Reggie

      Of course Yale has a polo team. You are then quite aware of the joy of being at Polo. Never a dull moment and the skill and talent is thrilling.
      My newphew/God son graduated from Yale(architecture). Walking through Yale campus and thinking of the great minds who have walked before us brings chills.
      What an honour to be a graduate. Did you know that Heather from Lost in Arlies also graduated from Yale (arts)

      Helenxx

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  20. Oh my, Helen! I can't even come up with anything original to say because my jaw is still on the floor. :) Yes, you lead a phenomenal life and yet are still such a warm and generous person, I love that!

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  21. Hello Heather

    Thank you for such a generous compliment. I shall try and live up to that.
    I am still thinking of your beautiful day with Dash and I dreamed of being in Aix en Provence last night.
    Helen xx

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  22. Helen...you are a woman to love, you know how to have a good time. I have never followed the polo circuit although my sister has and it seems I heard more about the good looking polo players than the teams themselves. You brought the best of both together in this post. Would love to have seen the clothing for sale in the tents...what do the polo going crowd wear these days?
    Best wishes Helen...
    Jeanne xx

    PS..many thanks for your wonderful comments my way, you are a treasure.:)

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    1. Hello Jeanne

      You say the nicest words and I thank you sincerely.
      There just might be followers of the sport whose primary interest is in the handsome players!!! Heaven forbid I would stoop to that!! Hee Hee. The fashions are always fun to watch. Many go all out as there is the hat competition. I did not even go near the stage as mine was just too simply and functional. They even separated the hats from the fascinators.

      Are you attending Ascot?

      It is always a joy to see what you are up to Jeanne.

      Helen xx

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  23. If they had polo in my country (Norway) I'm sure I would really love it!! I love sports...especially tennis. But my family is also into golf which is the closest we get to polo. I loved your post and thank you for your very nice comment :) Have a lovely day!

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    1. Hello Kristin

      Golf is a good sport and it takes much of my husband's free time. He is a good golfer and loves the sport. Should you get the opportunity, I think you would enjoy polo.

      My best

      Helen xx

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  24. Hi Helen, looks like you had a lovely day in the company of some very handsome gentlemen! I love everything equine but it's been an awfully long time since I have been to a Polo match, I would love to go.

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    1. Hello Dash

      Do you suppose the love for equine is in our English and Irish genes? I, too, love all forms of equine sport.
      I loved your visit with Heather and I am still thinking about it.

      Helenxx

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    2. Oh my! You, me and Dash at a polo event! I would promise to behave really I would. And my roots are Scotch, Irish and English in that order. : ) I grew up with horses and although I wasn't the best rider in the family, I spent my whole youth in our barns grooming and taking care of them. They always knew they were the boss of me!

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  25. We have a polo club and usually go once a year to a gala. I love all the action, the food, the horses, the festival atmosphere... You look fabulous and Mannix is "easy on the eyes" for sure.

    I love polo but the stools are fun but not my style.

    Bises,
    Genie

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    1. Hello Genie

      You know the joy and excitement and festival atmosphere there is at polo, from our own annual event. Indeed Mannix is handsome and also a very down to earth guy and his darling wife is beautiful too.

      I am with you on the stools, beautiful and well designed but I do not have a place for them

      Helen xx

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  26. Golly, are you sure this isn't all happening in the Cotswolds, an expensive area of England, where such pursuits are still followed in the summer.

    Very smart!

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    1. Hello Friko. I can imagine how beautiful the Cotswolds would be for a polo setting. Canada produces some excellent horses and ponies (also singers!!). It must be something in the water.

      To a great week

      Helen xx

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  27. Apart from the polo event when the lake in St. Moritz is frozen this sport is not played here in Switzerland. I do not know why. I like your photos and the atmosphere they are showing and you, dear Helen, look brilliant with your white hat! Wow! The stools are funny I would never want them in my home though. My sons might think differently... I do hope you had a sweet start into summer 2012! Christa

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    1. Hello Christa

      It is curious how certain sports take off in different countries. Thank you for your kind compliment. A hat was definitely a necessity, as the temperatures were in the high 80's on that day and not much shade.

      Wishing you a most enjoyable summmer

      Helen xx

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  28. I wish polo was as popular as baseball...it's such an elegant sport. How wonderful that you were able to meet Mr. Manniz & his family...he looks like a very happy & fun person, and you look absolutely lovely!

    Happy Summer Helen...
    xo J~

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    1. Hello Jessica

      Ah now baseball is also a great sport. You are right, Polo has more elegance and yet is very friendly. The audience all talk and some share food and it is life a big family gathering. Fred Mannix is a lovely young man and has that Western friendliness - he is from Calgary.
      Wishing you a joyful week

      Helen xx

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  29. I don't really know that much about polo but I'm sure I would enjoy watching. I love all sports. The bar stools sure are fun. My sister loves everything Western...I'll try to describe them to her! Happy summer!

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    1. Hello Dianne

      I am sure you would like Polo and it is quite simple to follow and you would understand the game quite quickly.
      The stools are fun and in the right home would be spectacular. They were so well made.

      Have a great week

      Helen xx

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  30. Oh dear, this is what I love....I had a polo field right next to me when I lived in Massachusetts, just 30 miles north of Boston. Horses and everything involving them is a joy for ME! AND I LOVE how that one spectactor wore DOTS to match her dogs!!!

    Hello there Helen dear! How are you? Thank you for commenting so kindly on my post. Enjoy a PERFECT DAY...Anita

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    1. Hello Anita

      Yes it is fun to see what people wear to Polo and the hats are all spectacular. One lady wore a beautiful hat and she walked particularly erect, then I noticed, she had a live parrot sitting on her hat. It was spectacular, in my awe, I neglected to get a picture.

      Hope your week is full of joy and creativity
      Helen xx

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  31. What a photo opportunity,huh?!!
    I've never been near Polo (other than a Ralph Lauren shirt LOL).
    That was awesome to meet a Polo star!
    Will you be painting him anytime soon? :)

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    1. Hello Auntie Bliss

      Now that is a wonderful idea to paint Mr Mannix.

      I have no doubt you would love polo and all that goes with it.

      Hope your week is very special

      Helen xx

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  32. Yes as the farm we lived on in the UK was also home to Polo Ponies!

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    1. Hello Lindy

      So you are most familiar. How interesting.

      Wishing you a great week
      Helen xx

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  33. Hello Helen,
    Such an interesting post. You lead such an interesting and varied life and I think that is wonderful. Interestingly enough, there is a polo field about 15 miles from where I live. Although it was established about 20 years ago, I have never attended a game. I should, I know! It's called Bluewater Creek Polo Club. It's a beautiful place. Thank you for spurring my interest, and I am going to check out the schedule.

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    1. Hello Sanda

      I am sure you will enjoy Polo and how fabulous you have it in your back yard, so to speak. It is just a great day away and so much to see and do.
      I like the friendliness and good manners of the audience.

      Thank you for your kind words

      Have a glorious week

      Helen xx

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  34. I have to agree with Sandra, Helen...you do lead an interesting life!! Never have been to a Polo match, unless you count water Polo, a big sport in my high school back in the day!!
    xx
    dawne

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  35. Hello Dawne

    I think you also live life to the fullest.
    I do not know water polo but I am sure it is a lot of fun.

    Polo is a very skilled game and the rider must have many skills.
    It is like hockey on a horse.

    Have a great week

    Helen xx

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  36. That looked like an interesting and exciting day out, and somehow looks very English, with polo, horses, hunting and dogs!
    I have never seen polo played live, it always sounds such an expensive and exclusive sport.
    I wouldn't have the stools in my house but would be wonderful for any horse lover!
    Thanks for sharing all these lovely photos, you do have an exciting life!
    have a great week Helen
    Gill xx

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    1. Hello Gilly


      It is people such as you who inspire me to live life to the fullest. You are right, polo is an expesive sport. It is such a beautiful event and we are already looking forward to next year's event

      Helen xx

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  37. My dearest Helen, A game of polo has always been associated with crème de la crème and what an honour it must be to attend. I love your elegant white outfit matching with your white hat!! I've never been to a polo match but I heard that it is rather an arduous game. As a famous man once said, "Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake". It looks like a fun day for you all meeting with the players and admiring all the stylish guests.

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    1. Dearest ASD

      You have me giggling uncontrollably at your comment on polo, golf and earthquakes. I shared it with my husband an avid golfer and it brought peels of laughter. As you say, it is a fun day and lots of joy.

      Wishing you a glorious weekend

      Helenxx

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  38. Looks like a wonderful outing. Those saddle stools are great fun.
    Thank you for the kind comment about my son.

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    1. It was indeed a memorable day just like your son's graduation day.

      Helen xx

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  39. brilliant post... so T&C.... (the good ol days)
    i love those stools and bar... super fun... xx

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    1. Thanks for visiting. Yes there is a good old days and some grandeur attached to polo. Glad you like the stools.

      Heln xx

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  40. Gosh Helen, how stylish and exciting! I've just been re-reading an old favourite- Jilly Cooper's "Polo", so I'm rather envious! Jane xx

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  41. Hello Jane

    I must find a copy of Jilly Cooper's Polo. I have not read it yet.

    Hope your weekend is very special

    Helen xx

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