Memorial Day, 1969

I was born on May 30th, 1969... Memorial Day.

Growing up- I always knew that my B-day was a holiday...and I knew it had nothing to do with me. In 1971 Congress passed a law that Memorial Day would become the last Monday in May- rather than May 30th, the original day that we honored our soldiers who had died.

But the day I was born- May 30th, was a friday...and it was Memorial day. My dad was shipped out to sea for 6 months, 12 days after I was born.

My Great Uncle Hubert Crill was on a ship in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked.
He related the events of that day to me 12 years ago. I wish I had video of his account of what happened. He was scared to death, and fought, and lived to tell me the story.

My Grandfather fought in WWII
My Uncles fought in Vietnam.

My dad was on a sub for 4 years.

Take a moment today to remember our soldiers...both those who have passed, and those who walk among us. They are the real treasures of America... a reason to celebrate :)

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I had lunch with a blog friend today- a special man who we know as "Greg the Gardener" http://gregsgeneralstore.blogspot.com/-

I guess I've been reading him for a few months now- his blogs are personal, and sensitive, quiet, and peaceful. I enjoy reading his posts, but the real joy came in meeting him.

If you ever travel south down I-95...let him know. You will meet a prince of a man in everyday clothes- he is kindhearted, a good listener, and someone you will enjoy the presence of. Thank you Greg- our meeting was the highlight of my day today :)

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOCCER DAD AND A SOCCER MOM:

Tonight I am in Jacksonville Florida- and there must be 50 kids here because of Soccer tournaments. These are some of the best behaved and polite kids I have ever met. Their dads are diligent, focused, and present. It's a pretty awesome thing to see-

But...

While I was in the hot tub tonight- a dad came out with his son to the pool. The kid only had about 10 minutes to swim- and the whole time the boy was in the pool- his dad was asking questions like, "Son, what are 3 things you think you could do to improve your game tomorrow?"
Or, "Think about your game today son...where did you fail...where could you improve?"
And, "Son...how are you going to play tomorrow?"
Son: "I'm going to play better!"
Dad: "How are you going to play better?"
Son: "I'm going to focus!"

and so on...and so on...

Finally- it was time for the boy to go. He kicked his ball, and it splashed into the hot tub where I was (and dad said, "Son, don't kick the ball in the pool area!")

The boy, who was no more than 12 or 13, walked over to where I was to get his ball.
And I said to him,
"Son, I hope you have FUN tomorrow"
He stoppped, paused, and looked at me, and said,

"Thank you, Ma'm".

Heavens...I hope he does have fun tomorrow! His dad was a good dad...and to be sure- I am a good mom, regardless of whether a kid is mine, or not.
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This was my view, at the pool, of the Umbrella- all the water dropletts looked like jewels.

Me and Cabo's cousin/brother/distant relation-

his name is "Wabo". Click on the Scary Monster if you don't understand this :)

This photo is for Kate- who likes black polish! :)

Mine is a deep shade of Pink, or a lighter shade of red...you decide! :)

And yes- the pink bag, and pink cup are mine... the Black Velvet with Diet Pepsi was lovely! :)