Flag Day, Father's Day and Go Army!

Saturday was just wonderful! The weather was absolutely perfect in the 80s, and later in the afternoon, a little bit of light cloud cover rolled in, making everything feel even more peaceful and refreshing. 

Above is the wreath I picked up at Hobby Lobby! It's nothing too extravagant, but after a nice 40% discount, it only cost me $14.99!

My Dollar Tree wind sock!

Next week, we hope to receive decorative rocks that will enhance our landscape. I feel frustrated when I think about our current situation. In 2020, we hired a contractor to do some work, but he didn’t deliver as promised. Although the initial work seemed acceptable, its quality has deteriorated over time. Now, five years later, the weed barrier he installed has torn, allowing weeds to invade our landscape. He also used only a thin layer of decorative rocks, which was inadequate. 

Simple cotton rug for the front. 

I believe after the discount it came to $5.99

Last week’s delightful temperatures made it easy for us to be productive, especially with our early 5 a.m. wake-ups. We enjoyed our morning coffee while planning our day, allowing us to complete most tasks by noon and have the afternoon free for relaxation. This week’s forecast shows pleasant weather with highs in the 90s, including 101 on Wednesday, still below our average for this time of year!

Alright, I’m ready to put it out there...

Isn’t it disheartening that, as a society, we have become so fearful of expressing our genuine beliefs and values out of concern for offending others? It's a curious paradox: those who are quick to take offense often seem quite willing to voice their criticisms, sometimes in harsh or hurtful ways. This state of affairs suggests that we are increasingly shying away from honest dialogue and meaningful exchange, opting for silence to avoid conflict. In doing so, we risk losing our authenticity and courage, effectively becoming a conformist society where fear overshadows conviction.

BUT Thank God for the United States Military. 

I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the Army parade, watching with admiration and nostalgia. Perhaps it resonated with me more deeply because my dad served in the Korean War as part of the Army. Throughout the parade, memories flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but think of my Dad, who would have been so proud to witness such honor and celebration. I can imagine how the sights and sounds would have brought him to tears, a mix of pride and emotion in his heart.

There's also a personal connection that runs deeper; I was conceived at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and spent the first year or two of my life in the army myself! 

As my dad’s “first son,” I grew up immersed in the world of war movies and Westerns. I remember the thrill of hunting and fishing trips we shared. While I appreciated the girl stuff,  I was always eager to step into the role of son when Dad needed that. Heck, I needed it too! 

Thank you, Dad, for your unwavering service and sacrifice. Thank you for giving up a significant part of your youth to serve a cause greater than yourself. I am immensely grateful to his fellow soldiers who supported him during those perilous times and ensured he returned home safely to me. 

As I explore my family tree, I uncover a fascinating lineage of military service. One of my 5th grandfathers served as a surgeon in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, playing a vital role in caring for wounded soldiers. Dr. Robert Rose. 

My great-great-grandfathers took up arms for the Union during the Civil War, contributing to the fight to preserve the nation. Aside from the Spanish-American War, my grandfathers also served in World War I and World War II, all as dedicated members of the Army. Additionally, my uncle served in the Army Air Corps, which later became part of the U.S. Air Force.

Given this rich family history of military service, I would never apologize or be ashamed for watching the Army birthday parade. While there are many parades throughout the year that may seem trivial, this particular celebration of the Army's storied past and contributions is truly long overdue and deeply meaningful to me!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.