Memorial 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 sunset glow,


Loved, and were loved, and now we lie


In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:


To you from falling 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.

John Macrae (1872-1918)

Remembrance graphic by Li'l Doc's Patriotic Graphics

You may want to visit the virtual wall-a virtual Vietnam Veterans Memorial is at that link. You can look up names of those lost, leave a memorial, or find out the MIA status of a loved one who did not return.

Those of you who have known me for a long time know that among other things I'm very patriotic and have practically been called the "Flag Nazi" for suggesting to others their flag is up WRONG! Just so you don't make this mistake that many do, you know, I'm putting a link to the Betsy Ross website where you can learn how to display the flag on any occasion at any time under any circumstance, and how to care for your flag.

Remember "She" served, too. Many forget about the nurses, doughnut dollies, and other women who served their country during times of war. Here is a webpage dedicated to those women who served, died, and came home with PTSD just like the men from the wars. Click here to see what "She" did in those wars from the Revolutionary War to the wars in these times.


Memorial Day originally honored the men who lost their lives during the Civil War, but now it also honors those from the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korea, the Vietnam War and all others.

No one really knows when or where Memorial Day was first observed, but according to tradition it originated during the Civil War. Southern women chose May 30th to decorate soldier's graves. They placed flowers on the graves of the soldiers of the Confederacy, and the Union soldier's graves as well. That is how the name Decoration Day came about. Flowers and flags are placed on the graves of servicemen. Military groups have parades and picnics follow on this day.

After World War I veterans sold paper poppies to help disabled veterans. I remember nagging my grandmother for a few cents to buy one to help disabled veterans. It was as important to me then, as it is now.

The above was originally written by me and published on my website at AmberStar's Place on May 8th, 2000

After the patriotic remembrance pile in the car and head to Ennis again! They are having the National Polka Fest there this weekend! It isn't far from here and it is such a quaint little town. Take a picnic along or buy corny dogs and cokes there. But, it is supposed to rain this afternoon, so get your polkaing done early.

http://www.nationalpolkafestival.com/

Remember, if you drink, don't drive. It would be too much to have on your conscience if you hurt someone. And it would be a real tragedy to have to spend time in prison.

TGIF

Finally it is Friday...like it makes a big difference to me anymore since I'm not working. Anyway, after being jarred out of bed by my mil on the phone this morning I've had a cup of coffee and been outside looking to see what all needs planting. Lo and behold my poor little peppers planted by me from seed this past winter have little peppers on them. PJ over at No Deep Thoughts had posted a pic of their first pepper, so you know I must post pics of mine soon. While out in the garden area I found there were a BUNCH of little weeds that had come up after last week's rains. They are easy to pull up, but it is a real stretch in the hip area...aie aie aie. Good for me, though to stretch it out. I'm getting enthusiastic about planting again after assessing the area and also, the weather. It is getting cloudy out from that low that came over Florida the other day. Hopefully no hurricane yet. We need a break from that stress! However, the clouds will help keep the heat down and maybe we can get all the rest of the planting done. Yay!


We watched SYTYCD last night and there was one guy I think is going to be great. His dance was very strong. Hope he can keep it up. I just love to watch the dancers and their growth over the course of the show. They have the same judges and choreographers as last season. It takes very little to entertain me.

Have a safe holiday. Memorial Day is the time to remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform who died for their country. So, fly your flag and say a prayer for those who gave all, then have a hot dog and some friends over. I gave up having a Memorial Day pool parties after several in a row got rained out.

Cat funnies

see more Lolcats and funny pictures



see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Taking a little break to get some stuff done.

Stones

Having been brought up in the U.S. and learning our weights and measures, I always get stumped when the British talk about stones as a measure of weight. I don't wonder how it came about, but how does it relate to our pounds. (not their money) Aieeee...

This afternoon I was watching "Gordon Ramsay's F Word" he and a guest chef were talking about how heavy they had been in the past. Gordon said he had gotten up to 28 stone and the little skinny oriental guest chef said he had been 21 stone. Gordon looked at him funny and said..."Really..you?"

That is when I had to get the computer out and try to figure out how much that is.

Twenty eight stone equals 392 poounds and 21 stone equals 294!?! That's some STONES! My next thought was they must have been on "The Biggest Loser" before they started these cooking shows.

I found the stones to pounds conversion chart here:

http://www.metric-conversions.org/cgi-bin/util/conversion-chart.cgi?type=5&from=11&to=12

If I've got it wrong, please let me know. I can hardly fathom this amount of weight.

PS-the F word stands for Food. I've started to like this show filmed in Britain very much. He sems very happy and relaxed..unlike "Hell's Kitchen".

Who knew and when did they know it

Who knew....well, I did, but had forgotten this stuff from when I was working on my degree in research psych and a minor in biology. While taking chemistry and studying the structure of cholesterol, because I had to draw the chemical structure on a test. I got to looking at it and darn but the chemical structure of, say hydrogenated fats are the same as cholesterol when they added hydrogens to make it more solid. I asked my instructor about this and wasn't it like just the same as the evil cholesterol? He thought for a moment and told me that the companies did something to it so that it wouldn't hurt you! Huh?? Hell, that is what trans fat is. I should have hung in there with my questioning...cuz if a stay at home mom, except for the school part at the local community college could figure it out...what about those really smart folks up at Harvard and all.





And here is another one that sort of explains the the whole triglyceride thing. And OMG he even talks about when your triglycerides go rancid! Yuck!



I'm not sure that getting your health information from You Tube or my blog is the best way, but it is an alternative way. Take it for what it is worth.

A prayer from a child

A child's prayer:

Dear God,

Please send clothes for all those poor ladies in Daddy's computer.

Amen



What a sweet and thoughtful child.

Nobless Oblige

The Nobless Oblige Award

Details of Noblesse Award:

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

- The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.

- Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions

- There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences and Beliefs

- The Blog is refreshing and creative

- The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following:

- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award

- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post

- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support

- The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions

- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog.

OK, what has this blog achieved so far? This blog began as a way to connect with friends and to make new aquaintances. My blog has stayed true to to eploring many different ideas. I am passionate about a few things, such as knitting, weather, surfing and my garden. My favorite topic has been the greenhouse we put together this past fall. Food interests me to some degree, but I don't post many recipes. I have very ecclectic taste in music and from time to time share my likes with my readers. I have retired after a brief 5 years working part time for a government agency. I was a stay at home mom before that and am again.

Cite specific examples ... There are many pictures and references to the greenhouse, plants and my little herb garden.

I'd like to pass this award along to some people who have made me smile. I hope that they will enjoy receiving this award as much as I have. Skeeter made me feel sort of special by gifting me with this and I'd like to pass it on to:

Melli - A force of nature with a winning smile, good naturedness to the max and a love of life, family and her friends. I've been so lucky toget to know you.

Quilly - One of the more interesting bloggers who always has something going at her blog. She is one of the most friendly bloggers around.

Judy - A new friend who has one of the most upbeat blogs I've ever seen. I really enjoy visiting her.

PJ- A long time friend who has lately become the cat lady of her neighborhood. She has wit and love for her family of cats, husband, and kids, and grandkids.

Maribeth, the dackel princess - A new friend who breeds long haired dachsunds and has a new litter just in the past couple of weeks. She has a love of life and family.

NitWit1- has a blog that is upbeat and interesting. She is a retired pharmacist and her mind is a happy place to visit.

This award was given to me by Skeeter over at blog, AtomicZebra7, who is just a very sweet guy who loves his girlfriend, Sunshine, and his work, even if he calls his employer "The Evil Corporation". Thank you, Skeeter...you made my day even if I didn't have a clue how Noblese Oblige fit in with my blog and had to look it up. Still not all that clear, but like it anyway.