A Memorable Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

These are the opening words of Col. John McCrae's immortal poem dedicated to the memory of the men and women who served, fought and died in France during WWI. The poppies of which he wrote have become the true symbol of all those who have given their lives in our nation's wars. (from the VFW)

As a child, a paper or felt poppy was as much a part of recognizing Memorial Day in May (which we actually called Decoration Day because we would go to the cemeteries to clean the graves of our ancestors and decorate them with flowers) and Veteran's Day in November as displaying the flag was. It has been years since I've seen or thought about the symbol and tradition of the poppy, and am grateful for the reminder this year. So many people have willingly served and fought, sacrificed being with their families, suffered injuries, and even died, for my freedom. I can't really comprehend it, but I know I am indebted, and I hope to never take it for granted.

God bless America, and especially all those who serve to keep it noble and great.


They're back!

What fun it has been to have these beauties soaring overhead in our neighborhood.  30 launched over a one-hour period today, and at one point I could count 16 in the sky.

I loved seeing the flag unfurling as this one took flight

 

 

 

"Which way to Kansas?"

 

One pilot had to work hard to keep from landing in the middle of our cul-de-sac. Kris was pretty excited when he saw a hot air balloon practically in our street. He and I carried on a nice little conversation with the pilot, who asked for directions to Kansas. Kris talked about the Wizard of Oz at random moments for the rest of the day.

As much as Kris likes to stay home and watch TV he never hesitates to get ready when we tell him we're heading to take flowers to Aunt Joy's grave. It's a pretty tender time for these 2 brothers/nephews.

The tradition continues to have breakfast at the New Clock Restaurant Keven discovered 10 years ago on Dyer, near the cemetery.

Excellent hot chocolate!

Muy bueno huevos & frijoles!

Kris told the waitress he spelled his name with a "K" - I wonder if that explains her spelling of quesadilla??!

I was thrilled today when we were able to get silk poppies from veterans outside Walmart. It has been years since I've seen anybody passing them out, and it was particularly meaningful for me today. I had already taken off my makeup and brushed out my hair when this picture was taken, don't judge!

 

We ended the day by having some of our best friends come over for a BBQ. We ate lots of great food, shared some wonderful stories about family members who have served in the military, and reminisced about times past and raising our kids and each others' kids.

But now I'm needing to talk to some of my kids - I heard some new stories ....