Fire Frenzy

The Western part of the United States is a tinder box, and I am in the middle of it.  Our state alone, has had over 400 fires this season.  The adjacent states are also burning up.  What would we do without the fire fighters from around the nation that have come to our rescue.  Homes, land, animals, forests and more have been destroyed.  It is heartbreaking to see the damage.  Some say the burned area looks like another planet.

My son-in-law is a volunteer fire fighter in his town, attending training monthly and answering the call whenever it comes to help his community.  What a great honor we send to you all who put your own lives on the line for others.

A great big THANK YOU goes out to all those involved in fighting the fires.  Your skill, man power and endurance has made a big difference.  It's a major miracle many homes, land and forests still stand. 

WE are grateful for your service and training to help keep us safe. 

Flags Flying Days

What a joy it was to see neighborhoods, with house after house flying the flag on Flag Day.  Now with less than one week to Independence Day, we will enjoy our beloved icon at every parade, event and be proud to say, "We Are Americans". 

Yes, there is alot of belly-aching about how bad the roads are, corrupt the politicians are, unfair the laws are and so on.  There is no other country in the world, with as much freedom and blessings as we have today. 

This will all change as we allow ourselves to stop believing in God.  When we quit defending His great gifts as the footings of this nation, he will withdraw His support.  Don't kid yourself, it isn't the powerful military, great cities, wealth and intelligence that put us where we are today.  It is God. 

We are one nation under God.  Once we stop acknowledging His power he will not continue to bless us then, we will no longer exist or have the strength to do succeed. 

A Memorial Minute

Oops!  Thought I posted this.  Better late than never.  Around the corner is Memorial Day where we honor our soldiers who served their country giving their lives for freedom and our deceased loved ones.  It's standing room only with nowhere to park on the celebrated day, so I went early.  The cemetery looked so tidy and groomed for its coming out event.  The roadways had been freshly paved, dead grasses cleared away and my winter's plastic flowers were still standing. 

 A big appreciated thanks goes out to the cities and maintenance crews that have worked so hard to get the grounds ready.  No amount of thanks is enough for the veterans that have attended to their comrades for numerous funerals as they lay to rest their own.  The American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars are vital links in performing Taps, Twenty-one gun salutes and Presenting the Flag are just a few of the beloved services they render.  No parade is complete without our faithful vets carrying the city, state and the U.S flags as they represent the sacrifices for our freedom.

Thank you to all those who make this Memorial Day a sacred and special one.

A Flirt With Festivals

The Lilac Festival ends on Sunday in Rochester, NY.  I love the festivals.  What a great service towns, associations and groups offer by throwing these celebrations through out the year.  They are often held over holiday weekends for those of us looking for a new experience.   Google the specific festival you have in mind and there are hundreds to choose from all over the country.  No doubt there will be some 'in your neck of the woods'. 

The bird festivals, food fests, Shakespeare, arts, music, harvest, native country, balloon and so many more kinds held that would boggle the mind.  It gives us places to go and things to see.  Sharing hands-on experiences and skills with other like minded folks.  We learn all about the why's and hows.  It is a good way to meet people and see the rich heritage available to us in this great country.  Thank you sponsors for bringing us these great opportunities and memories.  See you at the 'Festival'!

Blooming Beauty Brings Hope

Thank you to this blooming beauty of a tree for bringing a bright spot to the lives of many aged at the assisted living center we visit many folks on a monthly basis.  It brought joy and hope as the residents ate their meals (lower level large windows).  

It isn't easy to gradually lose your ability to care for yourself and home.  Some have been quite angry and depressed to have their freedom taken away.  This usually happens after a fall or event that warrants no longer living alone.  Charlie, ninety now is such a great sport.  Over the past few years has sold his home to cover expenses, seen his wife moved to another facility to help with her dementia and forced to rely on a walker to keep stable.  Once a successful engineer, he now spends his days basically doing nothing.    It has to be the hardest thing to lose your mobility and freedom, not to mention your health and spouse to old age. 

This promenant pink tree fairly glowed as he caught site of it out his apartment window (upper center) a few weeks ago.  What joy it brought to him and the many residents.  Thank you for giving them hope. 

The Widow's Way

My mom was a widow for over twenty years. It's a fact of life for most elderly women, to live without their mate for many moons. No one wants to be in their shoes, but some day we may tread the same path. The Bible commands us to take care of the widows and the fatherless. Three cheers to the eighty year old woman, sad to say new widow, who landed her husband's plane after he passed out leaving her at the helm. These old gals can and do many great and gracious things such as: Take care of each other, their families, their bank accounts and wave to all the parade floats every Fourth of July. At least my mom did. May our dear widows continue to find 'Joy in the Journey Their Way' while celebrating their 'Three Bags Full' Award.

Viva for Volunteers!!

Let'a all give three cheers for volunteers. Thanks Volunteers - It's National Volunteer Week April 15-21. Without YOU who would sit with all those children as they learn to read, navigate the computer, run the PTSA or plan parties? Room Mothers, take a bow, NOW!. Many charities would fail, because who would go around collecting donations or assist in the events that keep you running? Here's to state and government programs that would disappear without those of us who deliver meals, supply taxi service, friendship and such. Nursery helpers, gift shop workers, and interns that work for experience only in hospitals and care centers 24/7 sharing love and a little bit of home to the ill. Where would the homeless be without our contributions and the meals provided, even more helpless and hopeless? The list goes on with the great accomplishments made by you, selfless volunteers every single day year in and year out.

These 'super-heroes' take the initiative to serve their fellow man with love, kindness and respect.