Memorial Day / Honoring Those That Served

Today I went to the Klamath Falls Veterans Park for the Memorial Service to honor all who have served our Country but especially those from World War 2.I don't know why I just felt so compelled to go and see.  I was not dissapointed at all.  Mr. Joe Collins from the local VFW Post was the Master of Ceremonies. He gave a welcome and then the 173rd Fighter Wing Pilots did a flyby that was awsome!  There were plenty of people there and then a senior from Henley High sang our National Anthem.  His name is Sean Carter and he did a great job! Next a retired SGM Ron Ballard led with the Pledge of Allegiance.  It was just so cool to see all these patriotic people loudly say one nation UNDER GOD , I became emotional to think that there are those in this country who want that taken out.  The next speaker  was a World War 2 POW (1943-1945) survivor. Mr. Ralph Kesling.  He was in a plane and was shot down over Germany and told of his capture and conditions and later being moved to one of the Stalag Camps.  Then he was part of the death march across Austria which he called the Austrian Stroll.  One morning he woke up covered with 2 in. of snow. His legs were infected from the bug, lice and mice bites from the Prison camps.

We heard another amazing story of ret. Lt.Col Bill Harris.  He had been a fighter pilot and had over 33 successful combat fly kills and escaped the war unharmed.  He was one of over 11,000 planes we had and at the end of the war in 1945 there were only 1,000. 

I consider myself as lucky to meet these men and to shake their hands and let them know how thankfull I am for their service. 

Then they had all veterans of World War 2  come forward.  What a surprise to see so many from this area still living.

I tried to take their pictures but when I got home and put the chip in the computer I had no group picture.  What a shame.

This woman served in World War 2 as an Army nurse.  I am sorry I didn't get her name but she was so nice to talk to and I overheard her saying that anyone who didn't believe in

God was just crazy.

I came away from todays events a different person.  I have alway had great respect for all of our veterans, my era was the Vietnam War and America was not supportive of those men and women who fought that war and so they didn't return as heros but now I do believe that Americans

honor them as they should as our Countrys Best along will those that have served and are serving.  Remember that we have our freedoms because of all the men and women who serve this nation.

Another World War 2 veteran.

Waiting to plant garden

Well, first of all I can't believe this weather here.  I know Oregon has a much shorter growing season compared to California but now I am getting mad.  It looks like we can't plant our garden untill June 10th from all the experts who live in this area.  With all this cold in the middle and end of May I know the plant would freeze if they were up now.  So we sit and wait.  Not Happy!

So I am busy piecing together my MaryJanes Swap blocks on my quilt.  I have some great blocks from gals all around the U.S.  I am re-arranging the blocks in different places to decide how I am finally going to place them in the quilt.

It is fun and relaxing to quilt.  I just started for the first time in Feb. and have finished 1 quilt and am in the middle of 2 more.

Klamath Falls Dog Show

Well, this weekend after the Chicks brunch on Saturday and again after church on Sunday , Mary and I checked out our local AKC dog show.  Wow!  what a huge assortment of dogs.  Everything from a tiny chihuahua to a Tibetan Mastiff. Some were groomed to perfection too.  I think every moment they weren't in the show ring they were being combed and brushed. 

One good thing was being able to talk to all the breeders and handlers and learn some of the personality traits of different breeds.  Overall it was fun , but my problem was I wanted one of everything.  I loved them all.  Good thing I don't have my own place yet with a nice backyard.  I would have lots of dogs if I went to many dog shows.

welcome home

Last weekend we went to the Mule sale and show and I was interested in the cast iron cooking demonstration.  They made biscuits and stuffed chicken breast, enchilada casserole and a great bread pudding.

Then on Monday evening I went to our Mother Hens house and housesat for week while she went to the coast.  She took her dog so it was so quiet at her place and I enjoyed it very much.  I worked on a quilt and finished to top while I was there and took care of her 6 chickens.  It was great to get away and relax but it's always good to come home.  This was how the calves showed me just how much they missed me as I was trying to unload the truck when I got back.

 Gidget was so happy to see me , she wouldn't leave my side for 2 days.  It is nice having her little body on the end of the bed at night. What would we all do without our pets?

Girls Night Out

Well last night some of us Klamath Falls Charming Chicks went to the Ragland Theater to see The Four Bitchin Babes and their presentation of Diva Nation.

We started the evening with "Margaritas" at El Palacio then walked to the theater.  We were treated to a wonderful evening of comical songs, stories and music. It was great to have our own time together. We need to do this more often.