June 2012 marks the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee—celebrating 60 years on the throne.  If she makes it four more years, she’ll surpass the current owner of the “Longest Reigning English Monarch” Queen Victoria.  Odds are, she will.  Remember the Queen Mother, Elizabeth’s mother, lived until she was 101.  Charles has got a bit of a wait to get that crown.

In addition to the London Summer Olympics this year, there are several planned events.  The Queen has been visiting various towns as part of the Jubilee celebrations.  One side effect of this is that patriotism, at least in commercial spaces, is visibly evident.  Almost every store has a red, white and blue Union Jack theme.  I find it really delightful.  There are patriotic mugs, flags, books, bags and all manner of home décor items for sale now.

I bought a great bath mat, shower curtain and guest towel set the other day.  We don’t own a home yet, but I figure at some point in life, I’ll need a bath mat again.

Fingers crossed.

P.S.  The "Keep Calm and Xxxx Xxxx" thing is going gangbusters here too.  Mugs, books, T-shirts... it's everywhere.