It seems trite and redundant to simply say "in memory of those who serve or have served , those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice " yet how can we not say this?
How can we make it less impersonal and more internal? The words of gratitude have been spoken in this country, not just for a few years or a few decades but for centuries. Since this country was graced by God to come into existance we have had men ready to die fighting for her. Women too...though we most often paid in different ways.
And yes, for those of us of different races it has been different deaths and different fights. Yet we still come to the common denominator that this is our land, that we love this country, that we are American. Maybe we were not born to it....I was and feel blessed to have been so. But my great grand parents were not... nor were my husbands family. No matter where we originate from on this planet, we all originate from Him and we have been made American by His great plan.
We are well and truly blessed. Never, ever forget those who have fought our battles so that we and our children could sleep in peace at night. May the Lord bless them and make His light to shine upon them.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Harleys....oops I forgot
Last week saw thousands of motorcycles who do the "Run for the Wall" pass through here. They ride from the west coast to DC to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This week there are thousands here for the DAV Memorial ceremonies marking Memorial Day. They have the 44th Army Band , a flyover with the missing man formation and a candlelight vigil in remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate cost in securing our freedom.
From the moment you enter Moreno Valley, from either Eagle Nest to the north or from Taos Canyon from the west there are large American flags every 100ft. This is one place ( I know there are more) that honors our servicemen, both living and dead, in a very viseral way. Lump in the throat, straight to the heart kind of way. The DAV Memorial is on a hill, shaped like the wings of an eagle , a beautiful but stark reminder of the cost of war.
Never never forget them. KIA,MIA....and the walking wounded. They carry the scars as long as they live...some external and some only God can see. Pray for them, support them and love them. They are truly a gift from God, securing for us our way of life and the freedom to live it.
God bless our Veterans and our active duty personel......THANK YOU!!
From the moment you enter Moreno Valley, from either Eagle Nest to the north or from Taos Canyon from the west there are large American flags every 100ft. This is one place ( I know there are more) that honors our servicemen, both living and dead, in a very viseral way. Lump in the throat, straight to the heart kind of way. The DAV Memorial is on a hill, shaped like the wings of an eagle , a beautiful but stark reminder of the cost of war.
Never never forget them. KIA,MIA....and the walking wounded. They carry the scars as long as they live...some external and some only God can see. Pray for them, support them and love them. They are truly a gift from God, securing for us our way of life and the freedom to live it.
God bless our Veterans and our active duty personel......THANK YOU!!
Hummingbirds and Harleys
We hung a hummimngbird feeder and within hours it was discovered by a host of the little guys. We have seen, and John has taken pictures, of one of the most amazing of God's creatures. They are the smallest of all birds and the only ones who can hover in midair and even fly backwards. Aerodynamic marvels who flash their amazing colors.....brilliant green, gray with a ruby throat but you have to look fast , as they are here then gone in blink of an eye. Some of these birds have to consume up to 5x their own weight every day ( can you imagine having to do that???) just to survive. We have seen many other birds but cant as yet identify them. In time maybe?
There are also scores of chipmunks here. John was in what I will loosely call the "backyard" and everytime he would turn his back one would pop up behind him to see what he was doing. At this point in time the back is a collection of rocks, more rocks and larger rocks. Lots of places to hide.
Havent seen any of the predators who live here....a tree has been marked by bear in the front of the house but no sign of the one who marked it. I am perfectly ok with not meeting him or her.
We have also been told that a male elk runs 7 or 8 females through this area in rutting season but that comes later in the season.
Being outside here is truly being in God's cathedral, the beauty and wonder of His creation is beyond description. The silence is a blessing. I had forgotten how wonderful it is to not hear cars screeching, sirens blaring day and night....only the sounds of His creatures. (Unfortunately hummingbirds sound like hawaii b52 cockroaches and that will take some getting used to!)
I love it here : )
There are also scores of chipmunks here. John was in what I will loosely call the "backyard" and everytime he would turn his back one would pop up behind him to see what he was doing. At this point in time the back is a collection of rocks, more rocks and larger rocks. Lots of places to hide.
Havent seen any of the predators who live here....a tree has been marked by bear in the front of the house but no sign of the one who marked it. I am perfectly ok with not meeting him or her.
We have also been told that a male elk runs 7 or 8 females through this area in rutting season but that comes later in the season.
Being outside here is truly being in God's cathedral, the beauty and wonder of His creation is beyond description. The silence is a blessing. I had forgotten how wonderful it is to not hear cars screeching, sirens blaring day and night....only the sounds of His creatures. (Unfortunately hummingbirds sound like hawaii b52 cockroaches and that will take some getting used to!)
I love it here : )
Friday, May 28, 2010
Dad's visit
After many years estranged, my Dad and I have finally reconnected. This isnt my "birth father" which to me is an amusing term since he was rarely there after the blessed event and pretty much vacated the scene after my 5th birthday. Dad is the guy who raised me...the one who was there , day in and day out, even surviving my teen years and they were not pretty. He taught me about honor and responsibility and love of country. He taught me about being a person of my word. He taught me not to lie.
Then he divorced my mother ( you know the saint? ) .Ok she wasnt a saint but she didnt deserve to get dumped either.
So I was just a tad hostile for a few decades. Just a bit. But our friends Mike and Sheila live in Mesa as does he.
So , if nothing else, it was just plain rude not to see him when we visited them.
So we did.
What I found was the man I used to know, grown wise but lonely. The woman he left my mother for has passed. My mother has passed, God rest her soul. Except for Max, Dad lives alone. Max is an ancient Bichon Frisse (sp?) who is even more spoiled than my dogs and that is saying something.
This past Sunday we got to New Mexico, had one day to unpack and make beds, clean and get food in the house then Dad arrived Tuesday. Dad is a perfectionist and I am quite sure the house fell short of perfect. I did manage to get clean sheets on his bed, wipe down his bathroom, dust the furniture and get clean towels up. Did I mention he is a perfectionist? (coughcough) Oh well, at least the food was decent (stroganoff n salad ) and we got to take him to Zebediahs.
We also got to go to the DAV Viet Nam Memorial with him but it wasnt open to the public ( we still got to walk around it ) as they are getting ready for a big ceremony...Viet Vet's at Zeb's stopped by our table to speak to Dad, find out when he was there and what units he served with. It was good to see him talk about it....he never did in the past.
I am definately sure now why I have such an inferiority complex when it comes to intellect. This man remembers everything. What county we are in, who the politicians are, what the climate is as far as race and religion goes.....you name it and he knows it and thats only the local stuff. I still feel like a dunder head around him but he says he is "easy" with everything. Sure doesnt feel that way to me. Now Max is a different story...hopefully my dogs will be as well mannered when they get here but somehow I dont think so. Ok, I know not. Maybe they will learn since most of the dogs here (except for Dad's) are at least 4x their size. Or not....we shall see what we shall see.
Then he divorced my mother ( you know the saint? ) .Ok she wasnt a saint but she didnt deserve to get dumped either.
So I was just a tad hostile for a few decades. Just a bit. But our friends Mike and Sheila live in Mesa as does he.
So , if nothing else, it was just plain rude not to see him when we visited them.
So we did.
What I found was the man I used to know, grown wise but lonely. The woman he left my mother for has passed. My mother has passed, God rest her soul. Except for Max, Dad lives alone. Max is an ancient Bichon Frisse (sp?) who is even more spoiled than my dogs and that is saying something.
This past Sunday we got to New Mexico, had one day to unpack and make beds, clean and get food in the house then Dad arrived Tuesday. Dad is a perfectionist and I am quite sure the house fell short of perfect. I did manage to get clean sheets on his bed, wipe down his bathroom, dust the furniture and get clean towels up. Did I mention he is a perfectionist? (coughcough) Oh well, at least the food was decent (stroganoff n salad ) and we got to take him to Zebediahs.
We also got to go to the DAV Viet Nam Memorial with him but it wasnt open to the public ( we still got to walk around it ) as they are getting ready for a big ceremony...Viet Vet's at Zeb's stopped by our table to speak to Dad, find out when he was there and what units he served with. It was good to see him talk about it....he never did in the past.
I am definately sure now why I have such an inferiority complex when it comes to intellect. This man remembers everything. What county we are in, who the politicians are, what the climate is as far as race and religion goes.....you name it and he knows it and thats only the local stuff. I still feel like a dunder head around him but he says he is "easy" with everything. Sure doesnt feel that way to me. Now Max is a different story...hopefully my dogs will be as well mannered when they get here but somehow I dont think so. Ok, I know not. Maybe they will learn since most of the dogs here (except for Dad's) are at least 4x their size. Or not....we shall see what we shall see.
Monday, May 24, 2010
WOW What a trip....so far
We left Hawaii on Wednesday night and flew to Denver (only 6+ hours but felt like 60) then a short hop to Colorado Springs ...it took longer to get on the plane and taxi than it did to fly to CS.
We had two hours to kill (yawn) before Keith's (eldest grandson) high school graduation....we had leis sent from Hawaii and they arrived however grandson did not. He competes in track and field and qualified for the state competition which was slated to end shortly before the graduation ceremony....um no. I totaly understand why, after 4 years of blood sweat and tears, he would choose to be where he was but it was still a bit of a disappointment not to see him in his cap and gown. Soooo ....when he did get home we made him put them on and got pics after the fact (maybe we can photoshop him in to the other pics : )
On Saturday we went to Denver to see him compete in the rest of his events and he was brilliant, placing 5th in the state for 300m hurdles and 5th in the 4x400m. Yayyyyy Keith!!!
Sunday started with a challenge....John found a catholic church for me on his gps so off I went full of confidence...Haha! Wrong. They built a new church and John had sent me to a bingo hall. Oh joy. I do SO love being lost...um no. Eventually I did find the new one and it was wonderful. A truly beautiful pentecost message and views out the windows of Pike's Peak. HIS work is truly amazing. What blessing!!
Rushed back to Tessa's house to join John , Jonathan and Jessica for an exploratory church visit to find the kids a new church home....YAYYYYY WE DID (we think....John's pastor will check out their articles of faith and let us know if its as good as it seems. Their message seems right on target as believers but the fine points need to be checked out by someone more knowledgeable than we are. They have a dynamic youth program and a very nice youth pastor, which is what they left in Hawaii. Another blessing...another prayer answered.
After all the various church services we met Keith for breakfast, packed up and headed for New Mexico.
We are FINALLY here and its amazing. Last time we were here we couldnt use the front door because the snow was too deep and now its actually visual and usable. We also found the wood for the fireplace that was buried which will come in handy next year. We read in the Angel Fire newspaper that the bears were out and hungry and apparently one has marked an aspen right by the garage door. I want to meet the neighbors but not those neighbors! So far we have seen a mule deer and a chipmunk and a few bluebirds ( they are pretty but crap on everything) and hummingbirds. Havent heard any coyotes yet but we know they are there....puts a whole new spin on WILDlife ....oh my.
John has been busy moving furniture in from the garage and we have a dining table and chairs but still no bed. Thankfully the mattress is here or this would be a very cranky post. It is almost too quiet here. ( Look honey...a CAR!!) After sleeping with ambient noise for the last 30 years, quiet is disconcerting. Without dogs howling, sirens blaring at all hours and cars 24/7 I cant sleep. Hopefully that will pass.
We had two hours to kill (yawn) before Keith's (eldest grandson) high school graduation....we had leis sent from Hawaii and they arrived however grandson did not. He competes in track and field and qualified for the state competition which was slated to end shortly before the graduation ceremony....um no. I totaly understand why, after 4 years of blood sweat and tears, he would choose to be where he was but it was still a bit of a disappointment not to see him in his cap and gown. Soooo ....when he did get home we made him put them on and got pics after the fact (maybe we can photoshop him in to the other pics : )
On Saturday we went to Denver to see him compete in the rest of his events and he was brilliant, placing 5th in the state for 300m hurdles and 5th in the 4x400m. Yayyyyy Keith!!!
Sunday started with a challenge....John found a catholic church for me on his gps so off I went full of confidence...Haha! Wrong. They built a new church and John had sent me to a bingo hall. Oh joy. I do SO love being lost...um no. Eventually I did find the new one and it was wonderful. A truly beautiful pentecost message and views out the windows of Pike's Peak. HIS work is truly amazing. What blessing!!
Rushed back to Tessa's house to join John , Jonathan and Jessica for an exploratory church visit to find the kids a new church home....YAYYYYY WE DID (we think....John's pastor will check out their articles of faith and let us know if its as good as it seems. Their message seems right on target as believers but the fine points need to be checked out by someone more knowledgeable than we are. They have a dynamic youth program and a very nice youth pastor, which is what they left in Hawaii. Another blessing...another prayer answered.
After all the various church services we met Keith for breakfast, packed up and headed for New Mexico.
We are FINALLY here and its amazing. Last time we were here we couldnt use the front door because the snow was too deep and now its actually visual and usable. We also found the wood for the fireplace that was buried which will come in handy next year. We read in the Angel Fire newspaper that the bears were out and hungry and apparently one has marked an aspen right by the garage door. I want to meet the neighbors but not those neighbors! So far we have seen a mule deer and a chipmunk and a few bluebirds ( they are pretty but crap on everything) and hummingbirds. Havent heard any coyotes yet but we know they are there....puts a whole new spin on WILDlife ....oh my.
John has been busy moving furniture in from the garage and we have a dining table and chairs but still no bed. Thankfully the mattress is here or this would be a very cranky post. It is almost too quiet here. ( Look honey...a CAR!!) After sleeping with ambient noise for the last 30 years, quiet is disconcerting. Without dogs howling, sirens blaring at all hours and cars 24/7 I cant sleep. Hopefully that will pass.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Have I mentioned that moving is not so fun?
Even though I started purging months ago we hadn't gotten rid of much. This past weekend we had a garage sale and I was suprised how hard it was to part with my things. Not that I wanted to take them on the move to the mainland...I didn't but it was still a hard thing to watch "things" with so many memories attached. Haven't even started processing the people missing part. As for leaving the place, Hawaii...so so ready.
We leave this evening for Colorado Springs to see my eldest grandson graduate high school. Hope he makes it to the ceremony as the State of Colorado apparently decided to hold the state finals for track right in the middle of graduation season . Great timing.
Then on to New Mexico to the new house. Most of the furniture purchased has been delivered ; figures that out of all of it the bed isnt there yet. Oh well. At least the mattress is!
This is so hard. Its a move I definately want to make but it is traumatic.
We leave this evening for Colorado Springs to see my eldest grandson graduate high school. Hope he makes it to the ceremony as the State of Colorado apparently decided to hold the state finals for track right in the middle of graduation season . Great timing.
Then on to New Mexico to the new house. Most of the furniture purchased has been delivered ; figures that out of all of it the bed isnt there yet. Oh well. At least the mattress is!
This is so hard. Its a move I definately want to make but it is traumatic.
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