A Slice of American Pie

Memorial Day, Anywhere, USA

Each year I go to my hometown's Memorial Day parade and services.

This year was no different, other than the fact I was missing my Memorial Day partners (my sister Di and my brother in law Al, who were up north for a surprise party this year).  G met me there and we did the usual routine beginning with watching the parade step off.

Then we waited to see Uncle George.

Here he comes.

Ah, there he is! (Korean War, and two tours in Vietnam. Semper Fi!)

The Marine ROTC was sizable this year.

 

Then we get a little pep in our step and marched along with the band.

 

All while continuing to take photos of the brigade of boy scouts, cubbies, girl scouts, brownies and daisies.

And the mounted police.

Then we cut through a side road to meet the parade on the back end once they've made their way through town.  They stop at the Legion Post to lay a wreath at the War On Terror Monument which lists the names of the service people from NH who have died in the War On Terror.

Freedom has the highest price of all.

Then it's on to the cemetery, where my parents stand at the gates, among the crowd that amasses there. (That's Dad amongst the flags- who served during the Korean War).

Waiting to salute and applaud our servicemen and servicewomen.

 

Then it's into the cemetery we go for Memorial Day services, which of course starts with the Anthem.

And of course recognition for our soldiers. That's U. Norm in the plaid. One of only a handful of WWII vets left who were present. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

 

We always have a featured speaker, this year Rear Admiral Thomas Richards, Navy Seal (ret), who's impressive 30 year career resume was longer than his speech!

 

The junior high girl's chorus, including sister Di's neighbor girls Jamie and Samantha (who is in high school and got called to 'stand in'), sing God Bless America and the crowd joins in.

Then gun salute, led by Uncle George and carried out by fellow members of Legion Post 35 (including our amusing pal Warren to U. George's left).

 

Heads are bowed, and I shed tears Taps is played, considering the huge sacrifice some have given for their country and freedom.

After the services conclude we get to say hello to some of our favorite Veterans.

As Mom and Dad say hi to their pal, Uncle Norm, G greets Uncle George coming up the rear.

It was not dissimilar to other years. A chance to pay homage to those who weren't so lucky and didn't come home.


The rest of our weekend was spent getting groceries at Trader Joe's followed by lots of yard work.  It's looking better out there in the back 40, but there is a long way to go.  So much to do, so little time. We fit in some war movies as well, some skyping with friends and family,  I baked an eggplant Parmesan and yesterday we smoked a chicken.  All in all, a full weekend.

I hope you enjoyed yours.

And when someone asks you how you're doing today, tell them 'excellent'! That's Uncle Norm's advice to his fellow residents at RiverWoods. I think it's worth repeating. Excellent!

Ciao for now,

Thrift Score & Freeform Friday

 

White. White.White.

 

So, the birthday girl (Mom) and I went thrifting yesterday afternoon. We were off to Salvation Army to see what we there was to be had. I found just what I was looking for, some white dishes to use in my food photos. I think they'll help the food really pop, and won't cast any weird colors (like my green bowls.....ick).  I'm hoping they'll help imporove my food shots.

 

I found two of these and took them home with me. Too sweet.

 

 

 

Since it was '50% off white and pink tag day' I got both of them for a buck. Can't beat it.

I had another great thrift score. I didn't know how great until I did a little research this morning. I was simply happy with the piece. Now that I know what is and more importantly it's value, I'm even happier. I'll get some photos of it and share it with you all next week. It's pretty cool.


Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and our plans include our usual plans for this weekend. We plant the vegetable garden, which could be hampered by the weather we're having. We'll see where we get with that. We head across the street for an annual cookout on Sunday. On Monday, it's off to Hampton for the Memorial Day parade, complete with Uncle George marching and leading the gun salute at the cemetary.  It's a time to remember those who have given all they have to give to ensure our freedoms and it's an important day to mark, at least in my book. After that, over to sister Di and brother in law Al's for a cookout. The, back home for more planting.

What's your plans for the holiday weekend? Do you have a long weekend? I sure hope you do.

Freeform Friday

In the spirit of Memorial Day, I found this video of Bob Hope entertaining the troops in Vietnam. He was something else. He really supported the troops. And boy could he dance (though this video doesn't showcase his best dancing). If you're reading by email, click here.





Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who have died so we can enjoy the freedom we all too often take for granted, and think of those people around the world who do not enjoy the same kind of liberties. 

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds

via aeropagita prints

Summer Style

The summer season has begun here. Although it's not officially summer for about another month, when you live in a beach area that is popular with tourists, Memorial Day weekend is the official start to the season.

Behold, a perfectly fine summer skirt. Casual. Comfortable. Did I mention the pockets?

via bumpdot

It's not summer around these parts without a trip the beach arcades to whoop my husband's butt at skeeball. I think he won our friendly competition one summer, but we don't like to mention that too often. Of course, I do have the advantage. I grew up on that beach and have played many hours of skeeball in the arcades. I'm just going to say however, he's the sucker who takes the bait year after year.

via diemdesign

Summer beckons butterflies back. Flying flowers.

via thespangledmaker

Time to plant the garden!

via cubits

I wish you could bottle the sights, sounds and smells of summer.

via aeropagitaprints

Even though it was a busy weekend here, we still have lots to get done. Including planting the garden. We pretty much wait until Memorial Day for most things as the weather can be crazy here and you don't want to chance planting and then a freak frost. Also need to get my geraniums and impatiens and plant my window boxes and planters, put the screen house up, finish filling the pool and springing it up (major process that will be ongoing), weed the flower beds again, rebuild a picnic table, clean out the shed, put a new roof on the back of the shed.....the list goes on and on and on.

Is your 'welcome to summer list' long too? What are your yearly rituals that get your ready for the season?

Hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend. More on mine this week.

Ciao for now,