When I was a young I was raised by parents that believed in honoring and supporting our country, the good old USA. I was proud to salute the flag; I still am. I was a patriotic person from the day I could understand what it was all about; it was just a part of our family, though war was above my comprehension when I was very young.
In the 1960's and 70's war really made an impact on me. It was the time of the cold war when some people built bomb shelters. I remember we practiced "tuck and dive" in elementary school in case there was a bomb. Then it was the the draft and the Vietnam War.
It also was a time of major demonstrations against that war by many of our citizens who didn't agree with the effort. Did you see the movie, Forest Gump? It put this time in perspective for me, along with live demonstrations near where I lived.
I was not scared for me or our country; I was concerned for our soldiers. I was also proud of them. It took until I was a young mother that I understood the total impact of war and heard stories of my family and how the war impacted them generationally.
My Dad, uncle, brother, and two close cousins served in the military. Three fought wars: WWII and Vietnam. My Dad was a tank destroyer in Japan at the end of WWII; earlier in his service he was due to leave the Philippines to go to war in Japan the day before the bombs struck in Hiroshima and Nagasaki: "fat man and little boy". Those terms always bothered me; they still do.
War is bad; plain and simple. But we don't live in a world that it doesn't exist. Supporting our troops during war efforts, however we believe, is paramount to good citizenship. It doesn't mean we have to like war - who does? We become a bit nobler when we support our men and women in the military; at least that's how I feel.
As an adult my husband and I took several trips and saw mockups of the WWII US bombs. Replicas are in New Mexico at the History Museum at Los Alamos and at the Nuclear Museum in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque's exhibits bring nuclear war to clear awareness up close and personal. It tells it like it is. It is an emotional trip through war and our society during and after those wars. We see its impact on our country. If I could choose one museum for you to visit, it would be the one in Albuquerque. It really hit me. Plan an entire day there; you will need it.
My Dad's WWII service brought pictures, Japanese swords, a silk parachute and a Japanese language book to our home. They were a novelty to me; I taught myself to count to ten in Japanese using that book when I was quite young. But this New Mexico exhibit really sunk in the reality of it all.
As I got older my Dad had stories to tell and we listened, but he didn't talk a lot about it. We were aware of war, but he was determined we would grow up carefree children.
Then my brother went in the service and those two close cousins I mentioned earlier served two tours in the Vietnam War, one a medic and the other on the front lines; they came home changed. At least they came home alive. They were battle weary and didn't get much of a welcome home by our country. The Vietnam War was unpopular. But I supported my family soldiers.
Post traumatic stress syndrome, PTSD, was unknown then. I am sure as I look back, that condition became a part of who my cousins became after the war. My cousins were close to me and were never the same after war. They were broken, but our heroes.
War was as real as it got to me at that time. These were my loved ones. It was a time of great awareness. At least they were alive.
It reminds me of when we went to the WWII USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii a few years back and saw a plaque listing the men who lost their lives in that war; one was name of a friend of my husband's father who died at that very place in that war. There was not a dry face for us and others standing on that exhibit. The ship and those that went down with it were under our feet. You could not help feeling the emotion and sadness there.
I feel that's what my cousins felt in their memories of the Vietnam War days, along with unspeakable experiences living in their minds that they have never shared.
Now, as I ponder all this, stepfamily members and sons of those two Vietnam soldiers and one son's wife have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. One got a medal for his effort and one is dealing with severe PTSD; our society must deal with this.
One of those cousins had plaques made later in life and had a get-together for his family that served in the military; he gave each of them (his dad, his brother) a plaque for their service; he paid for them with his own money. He gave them the respect he didn't get when he came home from Vietnam - when he felt his efforts were unappreciated.
It helped the hurt some.
I don't want any person in the war effort to feel that, ever. You are important, soldier. I will tell you every chance I get.
War is always on my mind; it's in the news every day. Because of not always understanding what our brave soldiers faced and face, sadness hangs in the air around me sometimes. Age, family veterans' experiences, learning and a love of history are helping me understand more, but I will never forget our soldiers' sacrifices, past and present, and respect them as long as I live.
Supporting our family, friends and others who were and are soldiers and respecting their sacrifices and service to our country from the Revolutionary War to present-day is a part of me, thanks to my family's strong history and background in war. Patriotism to our country I learned as a child serves me well.
I remember getting a citizenship award in elementary school; that was an important day for me. I felt it was what I could do for my country.
Now, as a baby boomer, I am a fairly new member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)and plan to get more involved giving back and supporting those who served and still serve our country in the military. Volunteer work and service to the DAR will be my avenue to continue on this stong belief in country and in those men and women who have provided us freedom in our lives.
"In the beginning of change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain
Change and war are inevitable in this fragile world, but patriotism lives on in my heart for those who serve this great nation.
Thank you.
I am proud of you.
I care.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Funny weather
A few years ago we had eight feet of snow in the winter. This winter we have had a bit. Today there is snow south of us, north of us, west of us, but no snow on the ground here. Not much sunshine, either. Yet the eastern part of our country has record warm.
No global warming? Really?
Tell me about the weather where you live.
No global warming? Really?
Tell me about the weather where you live.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunshine, Snow and Serendipity
Looking out my window as I type reminds me of the beautiful life I live, the wonderful family and friends I have and the internet. What would I do without it? It's my lifeline to the world as I know it. It's not perfect, but it's full of happiness and I'm lucky to be here in this space.
We are almost done with a kitchen remodel. It was the not the most enjoyable experience, but we just have the new floor that will be here soon and some trim to finish. Glad it's over. There's not much to do with a kitchen that's a mess; guess that's why completion is anticipated throughout the process. It's like a new flower unfolding at its own pace. It's new surroundings. I will spend a lot more time in there now. Cooking, baking. I especially love to bake pies.
I remember my first pie. Maybe 50 years ago. Now it's a piece of cake; oops, pie! LOL
What's your favorite? I love lemon meringue, pumpkin, banana cream, pecan, berry, cherry, chocolate, the list is endless. OK, I admit it; I'm a pie fanatic.
Are you a "from scratch cook", or a convenience cook? What's your favorite thing to bake?
When I was younger I wrote a weekly newspaper cooking column. I would interview cooks and report on them and their lives along with their favorite recipes. It was fun. Met some very interesting folks, like a friend of Norman Rockwell that taught me how to make paper beads. Got a birdseye view of the world. Usually had a cameraman with me.
As I sit here at my computer looking out at the beautiful day I am mindful of others in the world. I know many struggle and are hungry and unloved. I do what I can and help some of them; wish I could help all of them. This world is not always a happy place.
That's when I wonder why our elections are so petty today - candidates trying to one-up each other. Their banter does not take into account a bigger picture. They are so intent on tearing each other down they forget what they need to do. Negative never got my attention; if it does now it's only because I can't believe the change in our country.
President Barack Obama doesn't feel the love from these folks; he doesn't get the respected attention from some of the masses. It is the first time in my life I have seen a president lack the respect from some of the people he serves. Is it because he is black? I think it is. He is a wonderful man and our first black president. He is not perfect, but he has done a lot of good for our country.
Our political world in this country has morally gone downhill; we are in the midst of an election run by some out of hatred for our president. I am amazed how folks feel free to bash the leader of our country and each other. No stone of negativity is unturned.
Political beliefs should not give one the privilege of disrespect. There is a way to morally speak your voice. I wonder what the world thinks of our country right now as far as our politically-negative candidates go?
Some people don't care. I expect the mood projected now is a result of lack of people skills, the urge to get ahead on other's backs; plain old inconsideration for the person and a lack of empathy for our president, the man, behind the title.
I do have the choice not to listen, but I learn from what they say.
Where has patriotism gone? As a new Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member one of my goals is to speak up to get us on track again with every little effort I am able to do. The women of this organization according to their motto, "...care about fostering good citizenship, want to honor their ancestors, are devoted to educating our youth and want to preserve the past".
I plan to devote more of my time being among our disabled vets, helping them how I can, letting them know how I honor their service to our country. I hope to give a voice that fosters positives to our young people, too, so they can rationally make decisions in their lives. It's the least I can do. This country was born from a need of freedom, but a lot of people don't understand the humility that should go with that freedom.
And I plan keep my eyes and ears open.
And eat pie, knowing it is those ancestors who are responsible for the world I now inhabit. Those that made freedom such a wonderful thing.
I love my country. I love my little space in this world and all the beautiful people that don't take it for granted. I am but a small piece of this universe, but with my voice I hope to make it a happier place.
That's my birthright.
I love my country and I love pie; I love people.
I love a little sunshine with my pie.
Is that so much to ask?
We are almost done with a kitchen remodel. It was the not the most enjoyable experience, but we just have the new floor that will be here soon and some trim to finish. Glad it's over. There's not much to do with a kitchen that's a mess; guess that's why completion is anticipated throughout the process. It's like a new flower unfolding at its own pace. It's new surroundings. I will spend a lot more time in there now. Cooking, baking. I especially love to bake pies.
I remember my first pie. Maybe 50 years ago. Now it's a piece of cake; oops, pie! LOL
What's your favorite? I love lemon meringue, pumpkin, banana cream, pecan, berry, cherry, chocolate, the list is endless. OK, I admit it; I'm a pie fanatic.
Are you a "from scratch cook", or a convenience cook? What's your favorite thing to bake?
When I was younger I wrote a weekly newspaper cooking column. I would interview cooks and report on them and their lives along with their favorite recipes. It was fun. Met some very interesting folks, like a friend of Norman Rockwell that taught me how to make paper beads. Got a birdseye view of the world. Usually had a cameraman with me.
As I sit here at my computer looking out at the beautiful day I am mindful of others in the world. I know many struggle and are hungry and unloved. I do what I can and help some of them; wish I could help all of them. This world is not always a happy place.
That's when I wonder why our elections are so petty today - candidates trying to one-up each other. Their banter does not take into account a bigger picture. They are so intent on tearing each other down they forget what they need to do. Negative never got my attention; if it does now it's only because I can't believe the change in our country.
President Barack Obama doesn't feel the love from these folks; he doesn't get the respected attention from some of the masses. It is the first time in my life I have seen a president lack the respect from some of the people he serves. Is it because he is black? I think it is. He is a wonderful man and our first black president. He is not perfect, but he has done a lot of good for our country.
Our political world in this country has morally gone downhill; we are in the midst of an election run by some out of hatred for our president. I am amazed how folks feel free to bash the leader of our country and each other. No stone of negativity is unturned.
Political beliefs should not give one the privilege of disrespect. There is a way to morally speak your voice. I wonder what the world thinks of our country right now as far as our politically-negative candidates go?
Some people don't care. I expect the mood projected now is a result of lack of people skills, the urge to get ahead on other's backs; plain old inconsideration for the person and a lack of empathy for our president, the man, behind the title.
I do have the choice not to listen, but I learn from what they say.
Where has patriotism gone? As a new Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member one of my goals is to speak up to get us on track again with every little effort I am able to do. The women of this organization according to their motto, "...care about fostering good citizenship, want to honor their ancestors, are devoted to educating our youth and want to preserve the past".
I plan to devote more of my time being among our disabled vets, helping them how I can, letting them know how I honor their service to our country. I hope to give a voice that fosters positives to our young people, too, so they can rationally make decisions in their lives. It's the least I can do. This country was born from a need of freedom, but a lot of people don't understand the humility that should go with that freedom.
And I plan keep my eyes and ears open.
And eat pie, knowing it is those ancestors who are responsible for the world I now inhabit. Those that made freedom such a wonderful thing.
I love my country. I love my little space in this world and all the beautiful people that don't take it for granted. I am but a small piece of this universe, but with my voice I hope to make it a happier place.
That's my birthright.
I love my country and I love pie; I love people.
I love a little sunshine with my pie.
Is that so much to ask?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Jobs
What a confusing world we are in today. Many more folks without jobs, food, homes. How did we get here?
I think you who watch and read and surf the news sites see this topic too much, have a thought on how to fix it and want to help those less fortunate. Every little thing you can do to help another is not forgotten. I try to do my share. I wish those less fortunate a better day. Thought of hiring someone to clean your house, prune your trees, wash your windows, shovel snow? Do it if you can. Every little bit helps.
I remember trying to find a job when my husband was in college to help support us. I ended up as a car hop at the A&W because I was young and didn't have much experience. I was just so glad to find work. It paid the bills. Barely. Now I am retired, but reflect on getting a job in the 60's when I needed to go to work.
It occurs to me I took whatever I could find. But it's not that easy anymore. And it seems folks who want jobs may not have the training needed for mostly service jobs that are available these days.
What to do?
Take whatever you can to get your foot in the door, even if it's fast food or whatever. Then you can eventually progress back to the career you had or a new one necessitated by the uncanny market. Take training, even if it's on your computer - to add to your resume. Build a good resume and get online with it.
But don't forget to be humble. I sure didn't want to work fast food, but it was a start and I eventually worked up to fry cook. My most challenging order was to cook 42 hamburgers and fries and make 42 milkshakes. I got the order from an old schoolmate who was in the National Guard; I was the only one working. But I did it. Cold shakes and hot fries, probably not. But I was willing to do what I needed to do.
As a kid I picked peas and berries at local farms. It was spending money. I worked a total of over 18 jobs in my life and was a government management analyst when I quit working. I look back. I remember and will share my work history with you on down the line.
What I remember the most is working like blazes to make the interviewer want to hire me. I was "hungry" for work. I wanted a better life. I worked at getting a job just as hard as I worked doing the job.
My husband was laid off his engineering job in the 70's. It was tough. He was luckily only out of work for four months. Because I never finished my Bachelor's degree I had to do things the hard way. But I did them. I never let pride get in the way.
It may seem hopeless, but believe in yourself, folks. You can do whatever you need to do to get a foot in the door. Take that job you said you'd never work. Then look ahead for bigger and better things. You are worth it.
There are many avenues. Think outside the box; start a new business, like baking pies for a local restaurant. Use whatever skills you have. Volunteer. Sometimes that will open up a door to a job. Keep up your skills or learn new skills.
What you make it makes all the difference in the world and you will eventually get you to where you want to go. Make getting a job your new job. Your most important job. Don't rule anything out.
I'm wishing you the best.
I think you who watch and read and surf the news sites see this topic too much, have a thought on how to fix it and want to help those less fortunate. Every little thing you can do to help another is not forgotten. I try to do my share. I wish those less fortunate a better day. Thought of hiring someone to clean your house, prune your trees, wash your windows, shovel snow? Do it if you can. Every little bit helps.
I remember trying to find a job when my husband was in college to help support us. I ended up as a car hop at the A&W because I was young and didn't have much experience. I was just so glad to find work. It paid the bills. Barely. Now I am retired, but reflect on getting a job in the 60's when I needed to go to work.
It occurs to me I took whatever I could find. But it's not that easy anymore. And it seems folks who want jobs may not have the training needed for mostly service jobs that are available these days.
What to do?
Take whatever you can to get your foot in the door, even if it's fast food or whatever. Then you can eventually progress back to the career you had or a new one necessitated by the uncanny market. Take training, even if it's on your computer - to add to your resume. Build a good resume and get online with it.
But don't forget to be humble. I sure didn't want to work fast food, but it was a start and I eventually worked up to fry cook. My most challenging order was to cook 42 hamburgers and fries and make 42 milkshakes. I got the order from an old schoolmate who was in the National Guard; I was the only one working. But I did it. Cold shakes and hot fries, probably not. But I was willing to do what I needed to do.
As a kid I picked peas and berries at local farms. It was spending money. I worked a total of over 18 jobs in my life and was a government management analyst when I quit working. I look back. I remember and will share my work history with you on down the line.
What I remember the most is working like blazes to make the interviewer want to hire me. I was "hungry" for work. I wanted a better life. I worked at getting a job just as hard as I worked doing the job.
My husband was laid off his engineering job in the 70's. It was tough. He was luckily only out of work for four months. Because I never finished my Bachelor's degree I had to do things the hard way. But I did them. I never let pride get in the way.
It may seem hopeless, but believe in yourself, folks. You can do whatever you need to do to get a foot in the door. Take that job you said you'd never work. Then look ahead for bigger and better things. You are worth it.
There are many avenues. Think outside the box; start a new business, like baking pies for a local restaurant. Use whatever skills you have. Volunteer. Sometimes that will open up a door to a job. Keep up your skills or learn new skills.
What you make it makes all the difference in the world and you will eventually get you to where you want to go. Make getting a job your new job. Your most important job. Don't rule anything out.
I'm wishing you the best.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day After Thanksgiving
Did you all have a good Thanksgiving?
We had our kids and grandkids over (missing two this year) and had a great day, good food, peaceful atmosphere, lots of football; the day was over before we knew it.
There's just something about turkey on this holiday. Do you all have turkey?
What's your most favorable Thanksgiving memory over the years? I'll await your responses.
My favorite memories are sitting around the table with a big turkey and close family enjoying the meal and the special day together. The laughter, the smells, happy atmosphere, good food always play a part. My mother and mother-in-law were great cooks. Now I, my children and granddaughters cook. Two of them put together a cherry pie that was excellent this year; we always have pumpkin pie, too. I also like mincemeat and pecan pie.
My least favorite Thanksgiving I had to work; my husband and brother cooked our meal and we celebrated after my shift was done. Though I loved seeing my brother, this was not a happy day until I got home from work.
I hope every day is like the good memories of Thanksgiving for all of you.
We had our kids and grandkids over (missing two this year) and had a great day, good food, peaceful atmosphere, lots of football; the day was over before we knew it.
There's just something about turkey on this holiday. Do you all have turkey?
What's your most favorable Thanksgiving memory over the years? I'll await your responses.
My favorite memories are sitting around the table with a big turkey and close family enjoying the meal and the special day together. The laughter, the smells, happy atmosphere, good food always play a part. My mother and mother-in-law were great cooks. Now I, my children and granddaughters cook. Two of them put together a cherry pie that was excellent this year; we always have pumpkin pie, too. I also like mincemeat and pecan pie.
My least favorite Thanksgiving I had to work; my husband and brother cooked our meal and we celebrated after my shift was done. Though I loved seeing my brother, this was not a happy day until I got home from work.
I hope every day is like the good memories of Thanksgiving for all of you.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
First Cold Frost of the Fall Season
My walk yesterday was a perfect time to gather some leaves along the way. This is one image I want to share; it reminds me of all the fall art I did as a kid. Remember putting a leaf under a sheet of white paper and then using the side of your pencil lead rubbing over the leaf to make an image of the leaf? So much fun.
I use leaves to design stationery. You are welcome to take my image for whatever you'd like to do with it. Enjoy a piece of fall wonder.
It was 20 degrees when I stepped out the door this morning. Brrr. Prompted me to walk a little faster, which is a good thing. I love the coolness when I walk, but this is a bit cooler than I like. It has been minus 21 degrees here in past winters. A few years ago we had eight feet of snow. Not ready for that yet.
Doesn't this time of year make you want to hunker down, do some baking and enjoy the taste of the season? Here's a recipe that will put you in the spirit:
Pumpkin Pie Squares
Combine 1 c. flour, 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. brown sugar and 1/2 cup margarine. Mix until crumbly, then press into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.
Mix 1 lb. can pumpkin, 13-1/2 oz. can evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 3/4 c. sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger and 1/4 tsp. cloves with a whisk, pour on top of baked crust. (We like more spice, so I usually add more cinnamon.) Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and remove from oven.
Mix 1/2 c. chopped nuts, 1/2 c. brown sugar and 2 T. softened margarine. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture and finish baking 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cool, cut in squares and serve with whipped topping or whipped cream. This is an easy version of pumpkin pie.
Keeps well refrigerated, but at our house it doesn't last long! It's delicious. When you want a quick taste of pumpkin pie, this fits the bill. Pour some hot cider or enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Enjoy the fall colors and tastes. Bon appetit!
My walk yesterday was a perfect time to gather some leaves along the way. This is one image I want to share; it reminds me of all the fall art I did as a kid. Remember putting a leaf under a sheet of white paper and then using the side of your pencil lead rubbing over the leaf to make an image of the leaf? So much fun.
I use leaves to design stationery. You are welcome to take my image for whatever you'd like to do with it. Enjoy a piece of fall wonder.
It was 20 degrees when I stepped out the door this morning. Brrr. Prompted me to walk a little faster, which is a good thing. I love the coolness when I walk, but this is a bit cooler than I like. It has been minus 21 degrees here in past winters. A few years ago we had eight feet of snow. Not ready for that yet.
Doesn't this time of year make you want to hunker down, do some baking and enjoy the taste of the season? Here's a recipe that will put you in the spirit:
Pumpkin Pie Squares
Combine 1 c. flour, 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. brown sugar and 1/2 cup margarine. Mix until crumbly, then press into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.
Mix 1 lb. can pumpkin, 13-1/2 oz. can evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 3/4 c. sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger and 1/4 tsp. cloves with a whisk, pour on top of baked crust. (We like more spice, so I usually add more cinnamon.) Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and remove from oven.
Mix 1/2 c. chopped nuts, 1/2 c. brown sugar and 2 T. softened margarine. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture and finish baking 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cool, cut in squares and serve with whipped topping or whipped cream. This is an easy version of pumpkin pie.
Keeps well refrigerated, but at our house it doesn't last long! It's delicious. When you want a quick taste of pumpkin pie, this fits the bill. Pour some hot cider or enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Enjoy the fall colors and tastes. Bon appetit!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Brrrr!
September 3rd and 38 degrees on my walk this morning, even though it should be in the 80's today. Not ready for fall.
This thought for the day from former President Dwight Eisenhower:
"An "intellectual" is a man who takes more words than he needs to say more than he knows."
I seem to be more proficient on paper than speaking aloud; my speaking vocabulary is lacking. But I love a good saying when I see one.
Random thoughts:
The best way to improve your writing is to be free with your words, then edit, edit, edit.
A day is a miniature Eternity. Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Joy's smile is much closer to tears than laughter. Victor Hugo.
Aren't words wonderful?
We can paint a beautiful picture with words, but we must be careful to not use them in a manner that encroaches on others.
We can also use pictures to tell a story or to go with or without our words. What does this picture bring to mind? It pretty much contrasts with the photo on the left of the screen. It's the past. An old photo.
Sometimes a smile or a frown can tell a story. Words aren't needed.
My words are too random today. Enough said.
Have a beautiful day!
This thought for the day from former President Dwight Eisenhower:
"An "intellectual" is a man who takes more words than he needs to say more than he knows."
I seem to be more proficient on paper than speaking aloud; my speaking vocabulary is lacking. But I love a good saying when I see one.
Random thoughts:
The best way to improve your writing is to be free with your words, then edit, edit, edit.
A day is a miniature Eternity. Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Joy's smile is much closer to tears than laughter. Victor Hugo.
Aren't words wonderful?
We can paint a beautiful picture with words, but we must be careful to not use them in a manner that encroaches on others.
We can also use pictures to tell a story or to go with or without our words. What does this picture bring to mind? It pretty much contrasts with the photo on the left of the screen. It's the past. An old photo.
Sometimes a smile or a frown can tell a story. Words aren't needed.
My words are too random today. Enough said.
Have a beautiful day!
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