Really Nice Blog Post

I just read a recent and very nice blog post by Paul Sunde and recommend that everyone read it.

Here's the link.

Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day and instead of my usual Flander's Field post, I thought I would offer you a poem written by my dad...a man of many talents. Poetry writing was one that surprised me, but when you are in your 20's and in Europe fighting the Nazis, there comes a need to express yourself. Here is how he did it.

Night of Terror
Darkness is upon us.
The sun is down.
The moon shines, faintly,
From a cloud filled sky.

Slowly, cautiously, we move
Feeling our way about
In search of a spot
To make our beds.

Beds made of blankets
Upon a crimson, foreign soil,
Drenched by the rains and snows
Of storms of recent months.

We go to bed, knowing full well
That before the dawn
Our blood may spill
Upon this alien, slimy mud.

Silence reigns, broken only
By the changing of the guard,
A machine gun's rattle, or
Cracks of a rifle, sharp and clear.

The enemy is everywhere.
We toss, but sleep as best we can,
Waiting for the dawn to soften
Fear that darkness tends to magnify.

The night drags on.
Blackness at last gives way
To streaks of gray, and soon the
Welcomed dawn breaks, bright and clear.

I miss my dad. (He passed away on Election Day 2000...Bush/Gore...remember that day? We all went to the polls anyway, knowing he would have wanted that.)

I am grateful that I live in the USA and I am grateful for all the soldiers who have served to protect us.

God bless America.

30

The dilemma with posting birthday wishes on your blog on your children's birthdays is that sometimes you get confused about what day it is. I realized on March 16th or so that, while I had wished Nicole a happy Facebook birthday, I had neglected to wish her a happy blogspot birthday. "No problem," I thought, I will post my wishes on April 14th, the one month anniversary of her 30th birthday, but then April 14th came and went, so I thought, May 14th, that will work because March and May start with "M's". Well, that didn't work, did it? Then I got to thinking that I should just post while I am thinking about it. Hope you (and Samantha) enjoyed the crepes at the Sofitel on the day before your birthday when this photo was taken. Yum!

So, happy 30th birthday, Nicole!
Love you,
Mommy

21

Happy Birthday Katie!
Love you,
Mum

My Thoughts on Miss CA

Crunchy Con has a column that nicely sums up my thoughts on Miss California.

Here's the link.

Quote of the Day

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
-Thomas Jefferson

Michelle Obama vs. Me

Last Friday, while at Sears paying the Discover bill, I noted these Land's End shoes were 50% off. I pondered whether or not a new pair of shoes for $20 would be a frivolous expense. I decided they would be worthwhile and nicely complement my $2.50 Old Navy flip flops for those times when I needed something more substantial in a foot covering.
Michelle Obama worked at a food bank in these babies. $540 by some designer I have never heard of. These people really tick me off.