Friday Errands
POW/MIA Table
I added the meaning to the elements at the end of this post.
My goodness, how did it get to be
Friday so fast?
This morning, we were at the VA Service Center early. We found out that if my husband were to pass away now, his pension would go to his ex-wife because he did not change the beneficiary to me (even though he thought he did).
They provided him with a phone number located in a mid-western state. He called them, and they will check it out for him. It will take a few weeks, but at least he is on the right track. I did tell him that he shouldn't go hiking or do anything dangerous. LOL, Just kidding. (Hmm, am I?) 😏
While we were at the VA office, the representative asked him if he wanted to apply for an increase in his disability rating since he is getting older. At present, he is rated as 40% disabled, but due to ongoing service-related issues, he needs to pursue an increase.
Today was a bit different as I didn't spend the day out with my son like I usually do. Instead, I had a nice outing with my husband. We took care of some errands and finished off the day with a brief trip to the grocery store. I'm planning to do my major shopping on Monday.
I hope this finds you all doing well and looking forward to the weekend. It doesn't matter much to me if it is the weekend or not. I actually prefer weekdays! We have been having cooler weather. (95+ degrees) I'll take it any day over 119!
And before I sign off, the Park Fire that practically ruined my July is at 429,262 acres and is 49% contained. There's another fire in Humboldt County called the Boise Fire. It's at 10,533 acres and 0 % contained. It's in the Klamath National Forest. The smoke has been blowing over to us -
down the street from me
One of the signs of Fall is when I start seeing turkeys leisurely strolling down the street in my neighborhood. It's a charming and amusing sight that never fails to make me smile.
I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of my favorite season, Autumn! I am scouring my surroundings for any hints of its impending arrival. Despite the high temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees, I can still sense its presence as the sun sits lower in the sky, and I observe subtle changes day by day. I can't wait for Autumn to finally arrive!
Take Care,
Debby
POW/MIA Table
The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country's call to arms.
The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.
The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.
The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.
The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends.
A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.
The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones.
The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation's call.
The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.
The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.
The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.
The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.
Fall is my very favorite season, too. I do love the long warm days of summer and beautiful plants but look forward to crisp autumn mornings and bonfires.
ReplyDeleteI used to volunteer at the VA clinic. We have the largest VA clinic in the USA here (that is not also considered a hospital). It's a beautiful facility. When Covid hit all the volunteers left and most of us did not go back. I loved the vets and enjoyed every minute of time there.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend-xo Diana
After the pandemic hit, I can relate to the impact of COVID-19. I used to volunteer at the Veterans Home, but when COVID-19 started, all the volunteers left, and it took a while. However, I've noticed that slowly but surely, more volunteers, both those who have been there before and new ones, are starting to come back.
DeleteI never knew about this symbolism. It is very poignant and meaningful. Good thing you found out about the insurance! I have never seen a wild turkey walking around!
ReplyDeleteYeah the turkeys do this every late summer and all through Fall. They walk in the street like they own it.
DeleteWhat wonderful symbolism. So meaningful.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes it is touching.
DeleteThat was interesting information about the POW/MIA table. Can you catch a turkey and eat it? We don't get fall here in So CA. I bet is lovely where you are. Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteShasta County Turkey season is mid-November. If you have a tag or permit, you can bag two birds a season.
DeleteI don't care for wild game - or wild turkey. I prefer them walking down the street.
What a meaningful way to remember the fallen and missing loved ones who have served our country, Debby. I had never known about this until you explained it here. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHope your husband can get everything straightened out! Blessings!
Oh, I'm sure he will. I won't let him forget it. I do have life insurance on him so I'm fine but both him and I do not want his ex, receiving his pension.
Deletesounds like a good thing you checked on the pension. hope they can get it straight for you. I have never seen the Va table or heard its meaning. beautiful. I wonder if the turkeys are running from the fire zone. glad you are safe and pray they will get that fire under 100 percent control. it is so devestating
ReplyDeleteIt will be okay now that he's got the ball rolling. I'll make sure he keeps at it.
DeleteNo, the turkeys do this every year. Hunting season starts in November here. They just like to show off their babies and strut up and down the street.
That's neat that Turkey's walk through y'all's neighborhood like that.
ReplyDeleteFall is my favorite season too. Summers here can be brutally hot. It's been feeling pre-Fall here in SE Georgia. This morning was 69* again! Yippee!
Thanks for sharing the symbolism. I didn't know all that.
Hope the fires stay away from people. Y'all be safe. 💙
It's a very nice 85 right now and we're all loving it.
DeleteSounds like you took care of some very important business. Thank you for sharing the meaning of the table. Sorry about the fires. It is all so sad. That is something about those turkeys. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe're getting it done - crossing those t's and dotting those i's.
DeleteOh, I miss the turkeys taking walks around the neighborhood in my hometown. It was such a delight to see and always made me laugh. I'm glad to hear the Park Fire is half contained, but I want it all contained. And another scary fire going on right now. I've never heard of a POW/MIA table. Learned something today.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I’m with you. I want the fires out! Sick of it.
DeleteSome weeks go by in a flash others drag by slowly, well that's how it seems to me, my weekend was a good one did bugga all
ReplyDeleteMy weeks fly past too.
DeleteHere in Michigan an ex can apply for a spousal social security if they want to. Not sure if that is country wide though. Hope you get the pension settled soon. With the cooler temps here at night, I did start to decorate a little for Fall. I so love the colors of this season. How cool to have wild turkeys just in everyone's yard. Many years back we had a flock gobbling in our front yard. It made our cats go crazy at the time. I know they are around, but I dont see then anymore myself. Working too much. Janice
ReplyDeleteWe’re all set with social security.
DeleteThe turkeys do get the dog and cat all flustered. It’s funny to watch. Those turkeys actually get over the picket fence inside my yard; some standing on the fence. They’re characters.
Hello, I read the meaning and had a young girl set the table at a church gathering a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt made several people cry.
God Bless our Military.
Carla