Memorial Day

THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY IS NOT ALL ABOUT PARADES, PICNICS AND PARTIES.

I was brought up to be respectful of our American flag and all it stands for. I pledged allegiance to my flag every school morning before class started. My family always had a flag on a pole in our front yard, putting it up every morning and taking it down at sunset. The lives lost in all of the wars when protecting our country were remembered with dignified and solemn ceremonies. I have red white and blue in my heart, especially as I age, realizing the sacrifice that was made for our freedom. In 1947 at 11, I wrote this poem. The train had stopped in Morristown NJ, the town where we lived and we were there! I went aboard that train with my mother and brother. I saw what it carried!

Patriotism ruled in those days. Entire families waited on the train station platform for this special happening in our small town.

The Freedom Train - Complete Piece

Oh Freedom Train we’re glad to say,
you’re like the flag we use today.
With royal colors, red and blue,
Inside we’ll go to look at you,

Oh, papers rare, and very old,
Are precious more than mints of gold.
With rights secured will always be,
So safe and pure for you and me.

Slogan: The Freedom Train is a symbol of freedom.

By Geraldine, 1947

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Original Freedom Train with an Honor Guard Detachment of 29 United States Marines in their dress blues who guarded the train and served as interpreters. The Red, White and Blue Diesel Electric Streamliner traveled on a 37,160-mile tour which began in Philadelphia on September 17, 1947, traveling to all 48 states, and ended on January 22, 1949 in Washington D.C. 
It was the only train-set ever to operate in every state, operating on 52 different railroads. Over 3 million people went aboard the Train during its stops in 326 cities and towns across the land. At many of the stops, people waited in line more than six hours to go aboard. The highest single-day attendance was 14,615. The Freedom Train housed America's most precious documents and other national treasures, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, one of the 13 original copies of the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, the Iwo Jima flag, the German and Japanese surrender documents that ended World War II, a precious original of the Magna Carta, written in 1215.                  source http://www.northeast.railfan.net/1947freedom.html

Saturday Rideabout

This was my first time out on the golf car this year. I would have taken a ride sooner but the roads were so dusty that I didn't want to add to my allergies of the leaf pollen so today was the day. It rained last night. I  took many photos of the farmers raking and disking the field on the upper road nearby. It really was difficult to pick out just a few to show here because the soil, tractors, sky, and mood all were great! When I arrived back, a little earlier than planned, because the battery meter did a dive, I couldn't help taking two more, one of James and our flag and the other of our home at the lake. I do so love it here - except for the terrible dust!

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Have a good Memorial Day Weekend!

Celebrate

I had help but got James dressed for the 4th!

Labor Day Weekend

Of course James celebrates the Labor Day weekend.

I think that this is a hornet because I know yellow jackets are fatter in the middle. There is no fuzz on it so it’s not a honeybee. Honeybees are gathering around as well. Whatever it is it also loves the nectar of the sedum blossoms, as does the bumblebee.  I sure don’t need to be stung. I no longer have an Epipen. I grabbed the camera to take a photo of the beautiful dragonfly that had landed on the sedum but it flew away before I could capture it.

The mushrooms are growing again at the root of our large Douglas Fir on the beach side of the road. I find mushrooms very interesting. Yesterday a young teen walked by, spotted it and tip-toed over to get a closer look. I think he thought it was an animal. I think it is a Boletus Edulis but never would eat it even though I love edible mushrooms. It is also called a "Penny Bun."

The white geranium plant in the old piece of pipe being used as a planter did very well this season. 

I’ll end this with a promise of next year’s Oxheart tomatoes being the best ever!

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4th of July

James is not outfitted as well as in the past. I've run out of ideas and energy to dress him. Well not really ideas but the energy to apply them. He told me he doesn't care as long as the American flag is displayed. It is.

 Henry says Happy 4th of July to all!

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Memorial Day

It's a beautiful day and it is for remembering our veterans who have served our country in all branches of the armed forces. I'm very proud to be an American and hope you are too.

The iris that I haven't seen in over 16 years are blooming! We have always been in SC in May so it is a lovely sight because my dad planted them way back when... I really like the colors.

And the pretty geranium plant in Henry has many buds starting to open! There will be a full bouquet soon! 

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Looking back, and I cannot forget that I fell and broke my shoulder four years ago on Memorial Day weekend; just another kind of remembering.....

The Day Before

American flags wave at Cabin Tranquillity on Lake Chrisann. It's hopeful that more rain won't spoil this significant holiday which gave us independence and freedom from control by another country. We are sincere patriots. 

Today's the day before our Lake Association fishing contest, which the Mister and daughter and grandson anticipate.  Many of the families already have guests here who are swimming (YES!) and fishing and boating. Golf carts zip by and walkers and joggers are many. In spite of the activities, it is very peaceful and quiet. 

The Mister and most people have just completed lawn mowing and weed whacking projects. 

It is also the first day I have been able to hang laundry on the outdoor line! The checkered quilt that I made a long time ago is wool lined. The thick tapestry piece is used as a draft drape in the winter to cover the window which contains the air conditioner. There is a light breeze and the temperature at 11am was 68° which is perfect for drying.

I must confess that I "jury-rigged" the flagpole on the driveway side. Around here we often "make do." It is only temporary and my makeshift fix works well.

Young neighbors came to fish a bit today. Our boat still gets some good use.

Alyssa and Kyle

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