My Favorite Part of Spring

Spring officially arrived last week. We have had one warm day and several cooler but comfortable days since then. Today is a bit chilly and overcast but the grass is trying to get greener and there are a few daffodils here and there. The birds are singing more and more and the days are getting longer.

I keep looking but have not yet seen my favorite part of spring -- the happy blossoms of tulips. These flowers make me happy when I see them. When we still lived in Spokane I would peer down on my tulips and try to will them to bloom. Those three to four weeks of colorful blooms were always so special especially when the flowering dogwood bloomed at the same time.

Last year we were living in an apartment in Tacoma. I bought pots of planted tulips for the deck and purchased fresh tulips almost weekly for the inside. It was while living in Tacoma that I got to do something I had always wanted to do. April 15 was a cold and rainy Saturday but we decided to drive to La Conner and see what remained of the tulips. The Skagit Valley is famous for its tulip festival and it is an amazing site toe the fields and fields and row upon row of beautiful tulips. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the Pacific Northwest in late March through mid-April. It is a beautiful area by itself but when the the tulips bloom it is almost magical.

(photo was taken 04/15/2006)

addendum: Another Day, Another Deployment

It the last post I covered our loved ones in the Army and left out our Navy member. My niece Stacy is a member of the US Naval Reserves and has been for several years. Before that she was an active duty sailor and served in the Persian Gulf during that conflict. Stacy is a "spit fire." She was tiny little girl and she is not much bigger now. She was and is very agile and athletic; a fine gymnast, volleyball player, BMX rider, skier and golfer. And, she has a mind of her own.

When this war started Stacy was a single mother. It looked for sometime that she would be deployed. It was a difficult time. How could she leave her son for a long period? I remember my mom's worry about her and about my nephew and niece's husband. We all worried about them.

Stacy, thankfully, has not been deployed for long periods during this war. She has since remarried and is enjoying life with her two sons and husband in their new home.

Like the others, I am so proud of her, her service and who she has become.

Another Day, Another Deployment

This never ending war is always on my mind. My niece's husband has been deployed three times to the area -- once to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq. My nephew has been deployed to Iraq (Kuwait) and is scheduled to go again in the late summer. And, today, my friend's son deployed. All of these men chose the US Army as a career. But the career and personal development part keeps being shelved for deployment to the Middle East. I love and respect these guys so much. It is that I simply despise this stupid war.

When I think of these men it is of younger beings. My nephew was a cute white haired little guy who hated shopping so much that he would get downright belligerent about it. Outside of that, Max was a kind and gentle little boy who grew into a wonderful man. He joined the Army right out of high school and is nearing the 20 year mark. He has seen duty several times to Kuwait and the Gulf War area, Iraq, Korea and Germany. Max and his wife are the proud parents of three adopted children. They have two boys and just adopted a baby girl.

I did not know Jon, my niece's husband, when he was a boy. I just know that his wife and family are very proud of him and his commitment. They have two beautiful children -- a girl and a boy.

Now, our friends' son, is another story. He and my daughter are the same age and they have been mostly fast friends since they were six years old. My fondest memory of them was one afternoon I looked out the living room window and there they were sitting on a limb of tree discussing in their seven year old way the world and world affairs. That was the way they were and continued to be as they grew up. Perhaps one of the happiest days for all of us was the day Nate graduated from West Point. Erica graduated from Johns Hopkins two days earlier. They savored their joy that is evident it the picture at the intro to this post. They were ready to meet the world.

Nate deployed today. His wife and young son await his return. Their second child is due this summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with them always and with all of those who are serving. Be safe and God's speed.

A Few Hours In Washington, D.C.

It was time to take Frankie back home and so yesterday Bill and loaded up Frankie and Bentley and went to Arlington where we left the dogs while we spent a few hours in the District going to the World War II Monument and to the Roosevelt Memorial. It was a beautiful day albeit cold and very windy. That did not detract from the beauty and significance of these two sights. Besides, it is always inspiring to see the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson monuments.

When I first started this blog it was in part to help me compile thoughts I had of my mother. She has been gone for a few months now but I am constantly reminded of her and my dad when I see old pictures or think about things I am doing and wonder what they might think. They grew up in the Depression and World War II marked the onset of their adulthood. Those two eras defined the strength of that generation, That strength is evident in both of the monuments we visited yesterday.

Dad enlisted in the Marine Corps the day after Pearl Harbor. He served in the South Pacific -- Guadacanal, Iwo Jima, etc. Because of this I was more drawn to the Pacific side of the World War II Monument. Each state is represented and each front is represented in this memorial. There is much to take in and one visit in the cold is not sufficient. We will go back when it is warmer and the water fountains are turned on so that we can see the full beauty of the space.

Nearby is another memorial we have not visited. I had wanted to visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial for sometime but have always found something else to do. Besides, I was not expecting much. There was so much made of the statue of him in wheel chair that I thought for some reason that was all there is of the monument. How wrong, I was. First, the statue is pretty small. Second, this is a massive but unobtrusive work. It is inspiring and very symbolic. It is divided into rooms each representing one of his four terms in office. The first focuses on the emptiness of the Depression, the second on need for hope and the New Deal, the third on the War and the fourth on Warm Springs.

My Dad never said much about Roosevelt. He always liked Harry Truman. But, my Mom really hung on his words. She is the one who always told us about listening to him on the radio and how sad it was when he died.

I have never been much of a Roosevelt buff. After visiting the memorial I think I shall study his words and works more closely. His leadership probably shaped my beliefs more than I have previously thought. Whether it is his "Four Freedoms" or words to encourage a depressed nation I think that I need to learn much more about this man.

How True!!!

Warmer Weather and Four-Pawed Family

The last couple of days it has been in the high 70's. I have really been wanting to get out and do some yard work. But, alas, it is to cool off tonight and we go back to some colder temperatures for a few days. We have managed to open up the windows and air the place out a bit and went to Dover yesterday to get the car serviced. We took a different route, for us, home and really enjoyed the green starting to show in the fields of many of the farms. You can tell that some of the trees are getting ready to bud and there are a few daffodils up.

We are sitting our "grand doggie" while Erica and Geoff take a few days in London for their anniversary. It has been quite an experience dealing with our active puppy Bentley and the more senior Frankie. They are getting along quite well and even the cat is showing some signs of acceptance.

Today we decided to take the dogs to the beach. Since Frankie is from Miami he seemed to be quite energized by the activity. Bentley, on the other hand, did not like the stairs on the board walk and didn't seem to enjoy the beach as much as Frankie and Bill. For Bill, there are no bad days at the beach.

Here is Bill enjoying taking the "boys" down the water line.

Catch the wave action in this video I took.

Clouds, Water and Birds

Wind beneath his wings.

From the day we started on our trek east I have been almost mesmerized by clouds that have appeared along the way. It intrigues me so that the landscape seems to change with the clouds and light that shines through, reflects off of, or just fills the voids. The clouds when we were travelling through the mountains were strong and almost bold. The storm clouds are always ominous and foreboding. The clouds over the ocean tell a story of the day.

One day last week we went over to Cape Henlopen State Park and walked the length of the fishing pier. This was the first day in several weeks that the temperature was warm enough to venture a bit without a hat and gloves. It was warmer but the wind was blowing very strongly. Since I had my camera with me I took some pictures of what was really interesting to me on that day -- clouds.

I have also become very fascinated but the changes in the water and sand with the temperature, wind and sunlight. Here are some pictures taken the same day from the pier featuring clouds and/or water. And, my longtime favorite but ever elusive, birds.

From the pier Birds, water, light clouds & lighthouses Churning Water

New Family Member

On Wednesday we welcomed a new member to our family. He is about 3 1/2 months old and is about 11 pounds and is a bundle of fur. We have named him Bentley.

Bentley

He is a Lhasa Apso with an apricot coat with brown tips. The breed standard says that he should have black eyes, nose and lips. He has green eyes, tannish nose and lips. Oh well, not to standard just like the rest of us. He should fit in just fine. He really has taken to Bill and already is showing signs of wanting to be a watch dog.

Just Strollin' Through

Sometimes I am able to post some very good pictures on this site and other times they are not so good but truly represent what I am trying to convey. Today, I must post a picture or two of a visitor. This fellow has been roaming through the neighborhood most of the morning and because he is usually too far away, it is snowing steadily and I am trying to focus the camera through two panes of glass and a black window screen the images are not as sharp as they should be.

Our visitor, a red fox seems to be stalking local rodents. As he is ready to pounce his tail fluffs up very much so. It has been pretty fun watching him off and on this morning. I have only seen red fox in zoos or running across the highway in southwestern Montana. This fellow keeps coming back to a patch of trees in the adjacent lot and then trots on through our yard. Maybe it is because it is snowing that he is spending so much time here. Whatever, I am going to go now and see if I get a better picture.

Update

Just a quick posting to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns for Eileen. Eileen went home from the hospital yesterday and is now focusing on recovering. The kidney is working well. Jose is also doing well. Also, our black kitty George Ann is getting healthier even though we are having difficulty adjusting the insulin. She has gained 1 1/2 pounds and is looking much better than she was.

More of the Surrounding Area

It was kind of crusty and cold on Tuesday but we had not been out for sometime. We decided to drive to Ocean City, Maryland. It is just over 30 miles to there from here. Because we arrived in this area at the start of winter and now winter is just ending, I am still trying to visualize the area in bloom and "boom." The trip south to Ocean City is mixture of very tightly populated areas where one beautiful house is built almost on top of the next beautiful house or condominium unit and quiet almost undisturbed stretches of Atlantic beaches. The above picture is of beach area near the Indian River Inlet. There is some road and bridge reconstruction going on in the area but there is also great care to protect the dunes.

Ocean City is on a narrow strip of land that seems to go on forever. We drove all the way to the pier and amusement area. I have to say that the cold day and it being an off season time of year made for a lonely scene.

Here we are at the pier. It is so very gray out and uninviting. It makes the uninitiated (us) wonder what all the big fuss is about.

Just a few feet away from where the last picture was taken is this scene of the beach. I am just beginning to imagine how many people will be setting up their umbrellas here in a couple of months.

If you listen carefully you can almost hear the sounds of delight and fright of the summer visitors.

When I put on my "business advisor" hat I look at this picture with sadness because there is no commerce going on or so it appears. But, these shops are closed for the winter and will be opening in just a few weeks. For some it will be in just a couple of weeks. Then they will bustle with visitors buying t-shirts, Italian ices, hot dogs, jewelry and more.

For me the number of hotels, motels, apartments and condominiums on this strip of land called Ocean City is numbing. Yes, I know there are places where the impact is greater but on this cold day in February with most just contractors in view I had to wonder "Why?" It will probably become more evident as summer approaches.

A sampling of just some of the motels and condos.

Please Say a Prayer for Eileen

Tomorrow Bill's niece Eileen will undergo a kidney transplant. This will be her second transplant. Her first one which took place about 12 years ago has failed in the last couple of years. Please join us in saying prayers for her health and well-being. We are also saying special prayers for her friend Jose who is donating his kidney to her. Thank you Jose. Get well Eileen!! We love you.

Proof in the Picture

Robin came through with a picture of us standing in line waiting for the theater to open.

A Wonderful Birthday Present!!

Yes, my birthday was in December and my friend Robin's was in October and Rachel's was in September but this past weekend we received our gift from Erica. She got us tickets to the new production of A Chorus Line. And, Sunday was the day we went.

Saturday, Geoff and Erica drove from Arlington to Delaware to get Bill and me. After a quick lunch we set off for New York City. Erica arranged for Bill and me to stay at the Millenium in the Theater District. Our room was just off of Times Square. She and Geoff stayed at Geoff's parents apartment. After we checked into the hotel we changed our clothes and checked out the tourist information in the room. Erica and Geoff arrived a little later and we took a cab to this wonderful restaurant on East 82nd. We, Bill and I, have been wanting good Mexican food since we moved to Delaware. We have not had very good luck in that quest so far. But, this restaurant we went to on the recommendation of Geoff's mother was excellent. Zocalo is among the best Mexican restaurants I have ever enjoyed. After dinner, we were almost overwhelmed by the lights of Times Square and Broadway on the taxi ride back to the hotel.

We got up Sunday morning and walked to Times Square. I tried to imagine all of the people crowded there on New Years Eve. The traffic, the pedestrians, the lights and the sounds of the spot overload the senses. The bitter cold wind only added to this feeling. Bill and I then went back to the hotel to wait for the others to join us before we set off for brunch. Rachel and Robin had spent the night in Greenwich, CT and drove into the city from there. They and Geoff and Erica met us and we went to an Argentinian restaurant in SoHo. It is the New York version of one of E & G's favorites while they were in Miami last year. The restaurant, Novecento, was OK but not as good as Zocalo. It was over-staffed (more staff than diners) who did not provide the best of service. Too bad, because the food was pretty good. Erica and Geoff's friend Ian joined us for brunch.

After wonderful conversation and laughs, Geoff and Bill set off on a walking tour and we girls strolled a little of SoHo before taking a cab to the theater. Bill took the camera so there are no pictures of us waiting for the show to start. That's OK. It was wonderful. Erica and Rachel had taken dance lessons and attended dance camps together when they were kids. They really love this stuff and so this was a very special treat for them and yes also for their old moms.

After the show, Rachel and Robin went back to Connecticut and Erica, Geoff, Frankie, Bill and I headed back to Delaware. Erica had to work today so yesterday was a very long one for her. Thank you ERICA. Thank you Geoff. We had a wonderful time.

Looking uptown from Times Square

More of the Square

Good Morning, America happens here.

I love these graphics and all in lights.

Rachel and Erica

Here we are waiting from brunch. That's Ian in the mirror. See the flash spot.

A banner in SoHo

Bill & Geoff's Walking Tour --

After our lunch in SoHo Geoff took Bill on a walking tour of Manhattan. On this tour they went to the financial district and Ground Zero. They then took a subway from lower Manhattan to Grand Central Station and then walked around the sites there before going to Geoff's parents apartment to pick up Frankie (our grand doggie) for the trip home.

The time they spent was special for Bill as he was able to see the city through Geoff's eyes. It always makes a difference when you learn of a place from someone who is a native and who loves the place.

Here are some pictures they took on their excursion. The first five photos were taken of Ground Zero and cannot reflect how poignant and hallow that ground is.

Construction equipment and other signs of activity.

Pictures of people offering to help. The man in lower photo is holding up sign saying O+

More scenes of the tragedy.

Sign marking the day.

Faces of victims

From Ground Zero they went to other areas in Lower Manhattan including Wall Street and monuments along the way.

The tomb of Alexander Hamilton in the Trinity Church yard.

The headstone for Francis Lewis a signer of the Declaration Independence.

The cemetery at Trinity Church.

Wall Street

This marks the spot where George Washington took his first Oath of Office.

Bill and Geoff took the subway from this area and proceeded to Upper East Side of the city. They stopped at Grand Central Station and saw many more sites as they wound up their day.

Bill at Grand Central

Geoff at Grand Central

The Product Number Is. . .

Around our house Bill is the one who buys peanut butter. That's at least 90% of the time. If I buy it I will buy Jif or Skippy., never anything else. So, when the announcement regarding Peter Pan and salmonella I thought nothing of it because to my way of thinking there is never Peter Pan in our house. But, Bill announces that he did buy Peter Pan last time and he checked the product number and what we have is OK.

This morning he announces that he was looking at the wrong number. Yes, there it was right on the lid the leading digits 2111.

That many digits in a lottery would yield a prize. Not so here. We dutifully threw away an almost full jar of peanut butter and took the lid to grocery store for a refund. Gratefully we did not get sick but it was a little disconcerting.

I usually do not pay much attention to product recalls. I think I shall from now on.

Roses for Valentines

Instead of the the whole bouquet, I thought I would share this bud. Really, like almost all Valentines Days for the last 31 years I received a dozen roses from Bill. If I can't count on anything else in this life, I can count on him to deliver roses.

He learned very early on how much I love roses, red roses in particular. There is just something about them that makes me feel good. They are so beautiful. I really do love them and I love getting them. So, thank you Bill for being my Valentine this year and always.