(no subject)

Died on this day in 1168 aged 64 Robert de Beaumont (my toy,wikipedia). Grandfather of Isabella, wife of King John. Robert was involved in the war between Stephen and Matilda, but seems to have come through unscathed.

Born on this day in 1863 to Grand Duke Louis IV of Hesse and by Rhine and Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine (my toy,wikipedia). Grand-daughter of Queen Victoria. Grand-mother of Price Philip (husband of Elizabeth II). She married Prince Louis of Battenberg, and during WWI they renounced their German titles and took the English name "Mountbatten" (which is just a translation of "Battenberg"). in 1863 April 5th was also Easter Sunday (as it is today). After the early death of her mother Victoria became effectively the mother of her younger siblings (although obviously she had help to deal with the practical aspects she was effectively the one "in charge", this was in 1878 so Victoria was 15). She married in 1882 (Louis was her first cousin once removed, being her father's cousin; I think my parents' cousins are probably my parents' age... but he was born in 1854 so only 9 years older than her) and moved to England. She flew on a Zeppelin (envy).

Lent

Although I gave up being Catholic I still "do" Lent. I often give up booze, which I did this year. Now, there are things that would be much *harder* to give up, like Facebook or wearing purple or spending money; but I think that giving up booze is actually good for me, as well as useful personal discipline although I like gin too much to give it up entirely (and indeed have some rhubarb and ginger liquor I'm rather looking forward to).

As usual I have discovered that much harder than not drinking is a)that pubs have crappy non-alcohol options; I'm happy with water with food, but if I've gone out for a drink-and-chat and it is late enough for coffee to be unwise then I end up drinking ludicrous quantities of lemonade (which I don't even like) and b)people offer me alcohol A WHOLE LOT and turning down such offers is Socially Hard (Lent is a great 'excuse') which I find somewhat icky in general (although of course people I know know that I generally *do* drink, I'm sure it'd be different with close friends if I didn't, but also that I'd constantly be reminding acquaintances).

Since it is now Easter I have some tasty chocolate eggs to nom, and some gin ;-p