Memorial Day

 Tomorrow is Memorial Day. The first day of summer, and a day we remember the deceased military veterans, our relatives and friends. originally in 1890 (when it was adopted as a day to remember Civil War veterans) then it was called Decoration Day. But it was not until 1938, the Federal government made it a National holiday. In 1971 they changed the name to Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day is a day off work, in most cases, and a day you remember the heroes who died in battle. Many go to cemeteries to place flowers on graves or just to stand or sit and view the site while remember them. Thousands of those graves are in foreign countries (130,000+) and are maintained by those countries like they were their people. Over 400,000 are buried in Arlington, the former home and estate of the late General Robert E. Lee. Hundreds are buried there daily, YES, hundreds. If you can, you should go there. It is gut wrenching but an honor to walk among those brave souls. The most visited is the grave of the late President John F. Kennedy.

Our service members are buried in 26 cemeteries in 17 different countries, and they are visited frequently  by relatives and tourists. Even the 32 memorials for veterans in other countries.

But heroes are not only the one who pay the ultimate sacrifice in battle, but the two teachers in Uvalde, Texas who tried to protect the children in that elementary school as the heartless shooter unloaded his semi-automatic rifle on defenseless kids. We should pray for them and the government that refuses to control these assault weapons. A topic for another time.

I shot an assault rifle going through basic training. It scared me at the time. Fortunately I never had a reason to use one after that. But I was honored to serve my country and so were my ancestors, starting with my 5 times grandfather who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Except for father's father, my grandfather, all males in my lineage served in the military and many of my cousins. I believe serving in the military helped me become a better person and see a different side of the United States from different parts of the world. It also created a desire to travel the world, outside of the war times. But the military is not made for everyone. As they told me, "It will make you, or break you." And some were broken. Some came home with nightmares and scares, physically and mentally. As one author wrote, "If anyone has been touched by war, they'll NEVER forget it." I agree.

The military, along with the outer space race, introduced us to greater technology such as microwave ovens, GPS navigation, radar and 'SPAM'. I don't know if 'Spam' can be considered greater technology or not, but it did wonders for the troops.

Memorial Day is also a time family and friends come together to enjoy each others company, hot dogs, potato salad and maybe some games. A day of celebration and sadness. A day of reminiscing and remembering. A day of pray and forgiveness. But no matter what you make of it, make it a happy day in you thoughts and prayers with family and friends. God bless you, God bless the families in Uvalde Texas, and God bless the United States. Take care.

What do you excel at?

Do you have a speciality? I mean, what are you good at. One thing, several things, or nothing special. I don't believe you don't have something you are not good at. Sure there are people who are world renown for something, and then there are the ones who are artisans at their profession. Then there are those who may do many thing well and not so well. I believe those are few and far between.

I have never felt I was REALLY good at any one thing. At one time, I was ranked as a Master Furniture builder by some. After I quit that, I started building cars and trucks. people tell me I am very good at that but I believe I could improve a lot.  Trust me, I am NOT bragging. I never thought of myself as a great artist at anything. I maybe better than some, but not great. Like my late father, I think of myself as a 'Jack of all trades'. Just enough skills to get myself in trouble, but not get seriously injured ... or anyone else.

No matter what you may think how skilled you are at anything, you play a important part of our society and the everyday workings of our world. We are the 'worker bees'. Whether you are an artist, doctor, manager, lawyer, teacher, pastor, parent or grandparent, inventor, or whatever you do, YOU ARE IMPORTANT! As one person said, "Everyone is different, but, everyone is special in their own way."

There are people around us who think they have no worth. They believe they do not have a speciality, so they think they could not be great someday. And the next step is depression, or maybe they suffer from some sort of mental problem. many are homeless today and contemplate suicide. These situations can be caused by stress, family problems, drugs, gambling, job loss, or a number of different things.  I personally, have seen this in friends, co-workers, and family members. We all need to recognize a person in danger and try to help them. Maybe just getting them to talk, but more so, direct them to professional help.

The world went through a tremendous stressful time over the last couple years, and at times people cracked or got wrapped up in fake news, which lead them down a dark hole.

I know we ALL have worth, and I try to tell people how much I appreciate whatever they do, even the bagger at the grocery store. Maybe we all should try to do that. It is worth seeing the smile on the face of a person who thinks they are taken for granted.  I believe 'thank you' and a smile is contagious. Try it.

My bottom line is, we all should try to recognize a person struggling, at work, in our families or friends are in need of help. Be that person who reaches out, and gets them help so they can come back into our society and again be a productive part and worthwhile member of the human race. Self-worth and mental illness is on the rise in the United States.

I encourage you to leave me your comments. Take care and stay safe.

Mr. Mom... who ME?

 When Nancy informed me, a couple months ago, that her and my daughter and husband were going to Connecticut to hike another section of the Appalachian Trail, I thought, "Great! Some 'me' time". Well that soon changed when I was asked to take care of the two grandchildren's trip to and from school and make sure they studied for finals and ate well. (Cody is 17 and most drives himself now.)"You mean ... Be a Mr. Mom?" But actually, I was glad to do it. I love hanging out with the kids, and, maybe acting a little like a kid myself. Well, a little bit. And it was only Friday through Tuesday. Since two of the tree are teenagers, and can pretty much take care of themselves, it'll be fun. 

Cody the oldest, had his prom night on Saturday evening, and was stay over at his girlfriend's house. (Her parents have a spare room.) The next oldest (Emily, 15), stayed Friday night with a girlfriend and the youngest (Grady, 10) stayed Friday night, also with a friend. But I was mostly in-charge of the picking-up and dropping off thing from school and friend's houses.

Grady is the tall kid in back row. Coach Lauren is in front of him.

Saturday was interesting. Picked Grady up, take him home to change into his basketball uniform and get him to the game. Then bring him home, and take photos of Cody before he left to get his girlfriend for dinner and the prom. Cody drove his Mom's Tesla. WHAT!

Grady's last game for the season and we had to stay around for a session of imprompt team pictures, hug all his teammates, eat some junk food the coach brought, and leave to get back to take pictures of Cody. 

Cody has taken his dad's height to a new level, 6'5", and never let his dad forget it.
So Saturday evening I said, "I am not cooking, let's go get pizza." Not one word of disagreement to that.

This morning Emily, Grady and I went out to breakfast, after I had to roust them out of bed at 7AM.

Since Cody drives, Monday and Tuesday, all I have to do is take Emily and Grady to school and bring them home. I guess they will just have to eat mac & cheese and chicken nuggets for dinner. They know how to fix that. Plus junk food on the side. KIDS! What would we do without them? I know I would not be so happy being around them. I love them, even tho they still don't make their bed in the morning, but that's kids. I will also cherish these times. Take care.

Happy Mother's Day ... or is it?

Today is Mother's Day. The day we pay tribute to the ones who carried us in their womb for nine months, who bandaged our hurts, who kissed our hurts, who drove us to sports, who cooked our meals, the one we love so much. Today is your day Moms. Today we take over and give you a break ... for ONE DAY? Shouldn't we do this more days than one? 

During WWII, women jumped into the workforce because the men were off in the war, and someone had to keep the tanks rolling and the country going. After the war, women continued working, sometimes as the single mother, but often the make the american dream come true. Today women are a major factor in the American workforce as they climb up the tough ladder to even  CEO of major corporations. And as they found out, the politics they have to endure in that 'man's world'. 

Politics is in every aspect of life we have. Whether it is debating what to have for dinner to buying out a rival company. It is still a form of politics. And our politics is always in the news daily. Even 18 months after the presidential election, people are still debating, and arguing about its legitimacy. Why? Hasn't been proven, many times over, there was absolutely no wrong found, and no fraudulent voting? But yet the anger continues.

I recently heard an interview,  a man who served under 5 presidents, Republican and Democrat, from Nixon to Clinton, that our country is in 'moral crisis'. The man was the former White House Communications Director David Gergen. A well respected man on both sides of Washington, Republicans and Democrats. In his interview he stated the Republicans are tearing the moral building blocks of our democracy as the Democrats are trying to build up our moral stature. When the control is so finely divided, that is hard to do.

Now as an unpaid outsider in Washington, and a registered Independent, I believe Mr. Gergen has it right. He also believes the long term politicians like the leaders of both houses, our president and former president Trump should step down and get out of politics for good. I agree with that too. He continued by saying, "The baby boomers should take over those seats with a positive view."  The more recent seatings of Supreme Justices has also moved the lines we are heading toward the right, when the Supreme Court is not to be a court of politics, but a interpreter of the United States Constitution. NOT Judge on topics like abortions and gay rights. Those, I believe, are personal decisions. I believe it saying somewhere, "All men (and women) are created equal in the eyes of God." If that is the case, then WHY is the government and the Supreme Court in women's and  LGBT business? Rape, incest and the way you are born are not their fault, but yet it is looked down at by the moral and righteous ones who think they above that. If Roe vs. Wade is shot down, babies will be aborted in alleys, gays will be persecuted more than they already are, and the states will have to rise more orphans that are not adopted.

We are the ONLY country that politics plays such a role in these matters. We are admired by many countries that strive to be like us, but that is fading away slowly as they see us getting closer to chaos and a moral crisis. 

I am sorry to write such a 'downer' blog on the day for Mothers.I really do try to stay away from any political writings. Sometimes it just has to be said. 

I DO wish all mothers a very happy day. Even to my own heavenly mother, I love you. Take care.

Trip, Stupidity and Observations

 As you know (if you read my last blog) we were gone last Sunday through Thursday to the Chiricahua Mountain Monument in southeast Arizona next to the New Mexico border. Arizona and Utah are known for their unbelievable rock formations. And the United States southwest is where many foreign visitors spend their vacation time.

Nancy and I have driven through the Chiricahuas (chair-wu-cow-a-s) many years ago. But today it is known worldwide for its bird watching. The little town of Portal has a small lodge/store/restaurant  where many people stay, as long as you reserve a room at least a year ahead. The Chiricahuas are also know for the place Cochise and Geronimo hide from the soldiers when being chased, and eventually surrendered. The elevation is about 6,500 feet and lush with big trees and creeks.

We actually got a little hiking in on a mountain trail. And gusts of wind up to 25 mph.

It was a great get away and camped with dear friends we have traveled all over the world with.

Next, 'Stupidity'. Not you, but the shows on TV. I don't want to insult anyone but there are some really dumb shows. I wonder what the producers were thinking when they produce these shows, AND, what they believe our (the public) level of intelligence is. I know, everyone laughs when a person falls, or a good joke, or even a funny T-shirt, but these shows are over and beyond that, I BELIEVE. Here's my list: '90 day Finance', 'Unexpected Babies', 'Moonshiners', 'Say Yes to the Dress', 'Impractical Jokers' and finally the 'Kardashians'. So much drama and stupidity. I hope the people that are portrayed in these shows get paid a lot. I know the Kardashians make bank on their show. I also know many people watch these shows. That's fine, they need the ratings.

Lastly, this morning I went to a swap meet for cars mostly (of course). And it never ceases to amaze me the stuff people can accumulate, that is mostly junk, and then want to sell it and call it 'Antiques'. Maybe sometimes it is, but mostly not. I go to these to hopefully find a part that is not produced any more, or one that is still in decent shape and can be cleaned up and re-used. I believe most people just want to clean out the garage, make a couple bucks and buy someone else's junk. I guess our accumulation of 'stuff' is why storage unit complexes are being built like crazy. I am NOT condemning anyone for collecting stuff,I just find it interesting. Heck I have collected a few things myself, but I can still get out the front door. 😊😊

Remember Mother's day next Sunday. Take care and leave your comments good or bad.