Memorial Day

... is a federal holiday in the USA for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.  Many people take the opportunity to visit the graves of their family and friends to give the markers a cleaning and put some flowers there.  Dayle and I always go to my Dad's grave and clean his marker and bring flowers from our yard.

Dayle cleans the marker while I arrange flowers in the vase.  Dayle served in the US Army, he flew a helicopter in Vietnam.  While on a scouting mission a bullet flew through the console area and hit him in the thigh, he saw his leg fly up in front of his face.. it just missed his femoral artery and he would have been lost to us.  He lost an inch and a half in that leg, you can see he uses a built up shoe to keep him on an even keel.

Dayle likes to have a few moments alone with Dad to talk to him, here his is taking a photo of his marker.  They had a bond as both of them had been in the thick of things while they served.  Dad was in the Marines and was on the first wave in to Iwo Jima with approx. 240 of his company and only 17 walked out alive and unwounded.  

My Dad was a kind and gentle man who was loved by all who knew him.

This was taken after basic training, before the horrors of war.

My Dad and I when I was a toddler.

And here he is with my firstborn child, Amy.  You can tell he loves her.

Here is a photo of Dayle after he returned from Vietnam and had recovered from his wounds.

When we visited Washington DC in 2012 we were at Arlington National Cemetery when I heard drumming and I looked down to the road below us and saw a funeral procession - I captured this image of which signifies what we honor today - the fallen soldiers who fought for our freedom.

After leaving the cemetery in Vancouver, WA, we drove along HWY 14 heading east and had lunch at Big Ts in Stevenson, then crossed over the Bridge of the Gods and drove into the Marine Park to watch the river flow by and saw the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge pull out for a cruise up the river, we heard it blow it's horn.. and all was well in the world.

Yesterday I was taking Buddy out for a walk and saw that the Bleeding Heart was in bloom.. 

I think this flower is rather magical, don't you think?

I rather identify with this flower.. :-)

There is a new cultivar of the bleeding heart that I'd like to get, it's brilliant red with a purple bottom.. called Fire Island.. but it's out of stock at Brecks.  :-)

The Mandevilla is doing well!

Another new plant Kristi brought home, a pink Verbena.. it's sure pretty!

Yesterday the kids went to visit Kristi's sister and mom who have a pool.. and Dayle and I worked on doing some organizing of our bedroom.  We're clearing out clothes we don't wear and donating them to charity.  Today, more work on our room.  I guess you'd say we're Spring Cleaning.  Ugh!  Then we went to Tad's Chicken 'n' Dumplins for dinner as the sun set over the Sandy River.

I played a tune on their old juke box on my way out.  :-)

I got my pink yarn in the mail so I'm back to crocheting on my summer shawl.. :-)  So, please do take a moment today and thank those who gave their lives to keep you safe and free.  

((hugs)), Teresa :-)