Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Froggy and I have so many in our family that have served and continue to keep our country safe. Who do you honor in your family? Moms, dads, brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, your sons and daughters, grandchildren? Ponders? How can we thank them?
My 7th great grandfather on Mom's side threw down his farming tools and volunteered in the Revolutionary War. He was 57 years old at the time. Pretty sure I'm not the only one with a long line of ancestors who have served our country.
I honor my grandfather (WWI, Army), my father (WWII, Coast Guard), my father-in-law (WWII, Army), my 1st husband (VietNam, Army), my cousin (VietNam, Army). None of these fine men lost their lives, but they were all wounded, both physically and emotionally. War. Is. Hell.
Froggy and Wog, you asked how we thank them. We can never thank them enough. For me, I just remember to thank those who are still living, thank our Lord for those who are in Heaven, and keep telling history to the young people in my life. I think that praying for our country comes 1st. Telling history to younger generations comes in 2nd.
Thank you, Surfie, for sharing memories and kind words. We've had relatives in the Marines, Army and Navy. One we were told not to approach or talk to because he wasn't quite right. Another came back suicidal and had to be locked up for a while. They all come back changed.
Memorial Day is always so awash in barbeque's & store sales that it's important to remember the reason for the holiday. Of course, we Ponders always remember. I still find it jarring when someone wishes me a "happy" Memorial Day. I was heartened by all the flags that popped out on houses in our new neighborhood. People on the boardwalk wearing "Freedom isn't Free" t-shirts. It's good to see some people still have their heads on straight.
Joe & I walked up to the ocean to walk on the boardwalk yesterday and turned back almost immediately. The mass of people was just too much. It's as though the area grew 10-fold overnight. I guess summer has now begun. I just love the shore area so much during the off season, that I put up with the crowds for these 3 months. It just always surprises me. From one day to the next it's such a difference.
'Wog, I feed the fish in Puffin's Pond from time to time. My darling Puff. I miss him so. Bambu has been alone for over a year now. Poor thing is getting confused in his old age. He just stands in the middle of a room and walks in circles yelling his head off. After awhile, he goes to his food dish or goes to his bed, but I feel as though the entire neighborhood can hear him, he's so loud. I guess it's because he's deaf and can't hear himself.
Eva, I know what you mean about walking by the ocean. It takes away all the problems, all the bad things in life. It's refreshing and healing. And it just plain feels good to feel the breeze and hear seagulls.
Froggy put up Puffins Pond just for you. The fish really love to be fed. Froggy wanted two kittens (many years ago) from a shelter. They weren't going to give them to us, but Froggy wouldn't leave unless we could have both of them. She won! Named them Boris and (sister's name changed). She was called Snowflake, SnowBear, ZebraBear, ZeeBear. Finally I said I am just going to call her Zee. When Zee left for Kitty Heaven, Boris was really stressed. He would sit in front of the sofa and look under where she used to sleep. So we started giving him more attention and played with him more and picked up more. He became so spoiled...very sweet and spoiled. I could hold him, but he was always Froggy's boy.
The flooding in Texas and Oklahoma is amazing. I had no idea that those places were low enough to flood. Now that dam is in danger. I am not a climate change believer but I do think it is cyclical.
I need to vent about something. I noticed during the roll out of Obamacare that a lot of pepole were rejected because they did not show up on Experian (the credit reporting co.) Lately Scott and I have both been offered 2 years free Experian's Protect My I.D. because Premera accts were hacked into. I think Experian is in cahoots with the gubmint. Has anyone else been offered ID protection? Am I just being weird by thinking conspiracy?
Gosh, Gloria...You can't trust anything (or is that "anyone"?) anymore. Especially in the gubmint! I would do like Eva is doing...keep everything. I don't know if I am in Obamacare or not. Don't know if Froggy is either. I signed up at Group Health years ago because that's where Froggy was going. It was cheap. I don't look at it anymore because it renews automatically. Don't think I am much help for your question.
I've gotten one of those letters, Gloria, because my insurance co. (Anthem Blue Cross) was hacked into. I haven't checked it. I filed the letter away just in case.. The whole thing gives me a headache!
Hail, hail, the gang's all here ! (except for EC) . It has been so good for me to read posts from all of of you deer ladies. When you are not here I miss you terribly(like I have room to talk) ! Like 'Gibb's' on 'NCIS' "Rule #39: There is no such thing as coincidence", and I agree. God used Froggy to bring us all together to love, comfort, pray for each other and to share life's triumphs and disappointments. I simply love being in this family. God bless you all ! LOVE YOU FROGGY!
Hello All, I have been lurking and reading, just with DH home for 5 months and all the PT haven't had much chance to post. I was really worried about Surfie with the storms and checked in to find her posts, what a relief. How is Paget doing with her DH situation? We were really lucky with DH, his company put a workers comp company on it immediately and we were paid with all med bills covered, even his crutches and cane. He got back on the road May 5, 14 hr days makes it's a struggle still but he is doing OK getting his muscles back. Gloria, look into LIFELOCK for ID protection, we have used it for 2 years, I think if you use Rush's name it's worth a 10% discount. DH was Army and when we joined the DAV, the Nam guys were the babies and WWII the dads, so many are gone now and our guys are now the old men.
We had a burglary here yesterday that locked down 4 schools, I keep my little friend right here on the desk and got my 85 lb Molly Lab. When I was in training I got in trouble for head shots, they said body mass, BS, they could have a vest on. I was a lone female on the road for many years and as some ad says 'don't leave home without it'. Never thought I would have to worry in the house. I fell again, stupid, Waste Pro required huge trash can, I was dragging it up the driveway, it tipped over and slammed me into the concrete , so have a goose egg on my right hip, so wasn't driving and the battery went dead. I have a terrific mechanic that sent I guy over to 'jump' it, but I took it in Wed. , told them don't bring it back until it is tip top, I can't be here, by myself, without a dependable vehicle. It is a 1996 Lincoln and runs wonderful and is big enough for ( Phooey) I-4 but if I don't drive it the battery dies. So I should hear tomorrow, now you know why I haven't been writing, it sounds like I am whining when so many are really hurting. I am blessed so I will shut up.
EC, you are a caution. Hope that saying isn't too old to make sense. You have enough adventures for a book! As for The Pond...come by anytime. I took a few days off myself. Now it's HOT in Seattle, but cools off in the evening. Still don't think that we have summer. Bizarre weather. We could use some of that Oklahoma rain.
I've been away from the pond for a few days. Thank you for your advice and best wishes. Surfie, I appreciate all your information! Jeff's visit to the ER was covered by L & I, but for some reason, the ER doctor closed out Jeff's claim that day, even though he mentioned that we really should see a cardiologist about Jeff's abnormal heart rhythm. We didn't find out until later than his claim had been closed. Daughter is a paralegal for a personal injury lawyer, and told us we have to wait 60 days to reopen the case. To add insult to injury, hubby's unemployment claim was turned down, even though they told him he was laid off. Since the ER doctor closed out the claim, his work thought Jeff had a pre-existing heart problem, and was using that to get out of work. All his tests and a previous EKG from last fall, show that his heart was in good condition before he had the accident. We see the cardiologist specialist in Spokane on June 3rd. We're just hoping and praying that he'll sign a form that says there's a probability that the accident caused Jeff's heart afib. The doctor's we've dealt with seem reluctant to sign anything.
Enough about me and my hubby! I know that everyone here has had challenges they've struggled with and managed to overcome. You all inspire me!
Froggy and Wog, you deer sisters are so special to us all. Thank you for this blog, it brings us together from all corners of the country and in between. I love hearing everyone's point of view.
Eva, what great news about your niece being pregnant! How exciting! Sorry to hear about Nathan's leg. Poor little guy.
Surfie, I'm glad you hired a good co-worker! I wish I had you for my boss! You sure have some wild weather in Oklahoma. Stay safe!
Gloria, have a nice trip over here to eastern WA. The weather has been beautiful lately.
Phooey, it's always great to read your posts! I love it when you visit the pond!
EC, you sound like you are totally capable to handle anything that might come your way! Sorry you hurt yourself. That sounded painful. :(
This post is so long. I don't always jump in and comment when I should, so I'm catching up tonight. One day left until the weekend. I think I can make it.
Paget, you are so sweet to drop by. We look forward to hearing from you. As for L&I and stuff, keep everything. And get a calendar just for hubs problems. Keep track of dates and doctors and everything. Put all the paperwork in 8X10 envelopes and write on them with magic marker. Rubber band the calendar to the front of your envelopes. That's how I deal with important things. Something is just not right the way they are taking care of you.
So great to hear from Phooey, EC & Paget. I always look forward to hearing what you all are up to. Not much news here, but you know, I'm starting to think no news is good news. Maybe it's me, but it seems as though all the news I hear lately is bad or unfortunate or annoying. On the other hand, maybe the good stuff is out there but just doesn't get written about because it doesn't have the same appeal. I don't know.
Eva, we all love to hear from you. Tell us about your trips to the ocean or shopping or anything. You are such an interesting person. The Pond is lucky to have you.
OK. Hands-down, this is my favorite place on the internet, especially when so many Deers who haven't been around for a while chime in. We worry about you when you are quiet for such a long time!
I have a serious prayer request. Karen has been acting weird lately, and our worst fears have been confirmed. The brain tumor is back. They couldn't take it all out back when she had surgery because it was wrapped around her carotid artery. She went through radiation to kill that part of the tumor. Obviously, radiation didn't kill all of it because it's back. She is scheduled for surgery on June 12. Karen is her usual rock-solid self. She knows how serious this is, dreads the ordeal of another brain surgery, but is totally at peace with it all.
Karen and I have been best friends since we were kids. We lived half a continent apart from each other for most of our adult lives and remained best friends. Karen would kick my scrawny little self back to California if I let her health challenges interfere in my living life and doing what I need to do every day.
So, I am doing what I need to do today. Today, I am looking for a new place to live and going to the grocery store. Today and tomorrow, I am cooking food that Karen can put in her freezer so she and her hubs and kids don't have to worry about what to eat.
We are soul sisters. Please say a prayer for Karen and please include her in any prayer group you are a part of. Thank You, Deers.
You got them, Surfie. When I read your post, I shivered. Karen is so brave and she must really be strong to go through this again. I'd be a puddle on the floor, I know. We'll surround her with our love from afar and hope that helps. You're such a good friend!!!
Oh Deer Surfie, Froggy and I are in The Pond prayer circle. Karen has been a part of The Pond because of you. We will send prayers to her everyday. Let us know what else we can do for your Deer Friend.
Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
ReplyDeleteFroggy and I have so many in our family that have served and continue to keep our country safe. Who do you honor in your family? Moms, dads, brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, your sons and daughters, grandchildren? Ponders? How can we thank them?
My 7th great grandfather on Mom's side threw down his farming tools and volunteered in the Revolutionary War. He was 57 years old at the time. Pretty sure I'm not the only one with a long line of ancestors who have served our country.
ReplyDeleteI honor my grandfather (WWI, Army), my father (WWII, Coast Guard), my father-in-law (WWII, Army), my 1st husband (VietNam, Army), my cousin (VietNam, Army). None of these fine men lost their lives, but they were all wounded, both physically and emotionally. War. Is. Hell.
Froggy and Wog, you asked how we thank them. We can never thank them enough. For me, I just remember to thank those who are still living, thank our Lord for those who are in Heaven, and keep telling history to the young people in my life. I think that praying for our country comes 1st. Telling history to younger generations comes in 2nd.
Thank you, Surfie, for sharing memories and kind words. We've had relatives in the Marines, Army and Navy. One we were told not to approach or talk to because he wasn't quite right. Another came back suicidal and had to be locked up for a while. They all come back changed.
DeleteMemorial Day is always so awash in barbeque's & store sales that it's important to remember the reason for the holiday. Of course, we Ponders always remember. I still find it jarring when someone wishes me a "happy" Memorial Day. I was heartened by all the flags that popped out on houses in our new neighborhood. People on the boardwalk wearing "Freedom isn't Free" t-shirts. It's good to see some people still have their heads on straight.
ReplyDeleteJoe & I walked up to the ocean to walk on the boardwalk yesterday and turned back almost immediately. The mass of people was just too much. It's as though the area grew 10-fold overnight. I guess summer has now begun. I just love the shore area so much during the off season, that I put up with the crowds for these 3 months. It just always surprises me. From one day to the next it's such a difference.
'Wog, I feed the fish in Puffin's Pond from time to time. My darling Puff. I miss him so. Bambu has been alone for over a year now. Poor thing is getting confused in his old age. He just stands in the middle of a room and walks in circles yelling his head off. After awhile, he goes to his food dish or goes to his bed, but I feel as though the entire neighborhood can hear him, he's so loud. I guess it's because he's deaf and can't hear himself.
Eva, I know what you mean about walking by the ocean. It takes away all the problems, all the bad things in life. It's refreshing and healing. And it just plain feels good to feel the breeze and hear seagulls.
DeleteFroggy put up Puffins Pond just for you. The fish really love to be fed. Froggy wanted two kittens (many years ago) from a shelter. They weren't going to give them to us, but Froggy wouldn't leave unless we could have both of them. She won! Named them Boris and (sister's name changed). She was called Snowflake, SnowBear, ZebraBear, ZeeBear. Finally I said I am just going to call her Zee. When Zee left for Kitty Heaven, Boris was really stressed. He would sit in front of the sofa and look under where she used to sleep. So we started giving him more attention and played with him more and picked up more. He became so spoiled...very sweet and spoiled. I could hold him, but he was always Froggy's boy.
Surfie, I'm thinking about you and hoping you haven't been flooded away!!
ReplyDeleteAlso thinking about all those in Texas.
The flooding in Texas and Oklahoma is amazing. I had no idea that those places were low enough to flood. Now that dam is in danger. I am not a climate change believer but I do think it is cyclical.
ReplyDeleteI need to vent about something. I noticed during the roll out of Obamacare that a lot of pepole were rejected because they did not show up on Experian (the credit reporting co.) Lately Scott and I have both been offered 2 years free Experian's Protect My I.D. because Premera accts were hacked into. I think Experian is in cahoots with the gubmint. Has anyone else been offered ID protection? Am I just being weird by thinking conspiracy?
Gosh, Gloria...You can't trust anything (or is that "anyone"?) anymore. Especially in the gubmint! I would do like Eva is doing...keep everything. I don't know if I am in Obamacare or not. Don't know if Froggy is either. I signed up at Group Health years ago because that's where Froggy was going. It was cheap. I don't look at it anymore because it renews automatically. Don't think I am much help for your question.
DeleteI've gotten one of those letters, Gloria, because my insurance co. (Anthem Blue Cross) was hacked into. I haven't checked it. I filed the letter away just in case.. The whole thing gives me a headache!
ReplyDeleteHail, hail, the gang's all here ! (except for EC) . It has been so good for me to read posts from all of of you deer ladies. When you are not here I miss you terribly(like I have room to talk) ! Like 'Gibb's' on 'NCIS' "Rule #39: There is no such thing as coincidence", and I agree. God used Froggy to bring us all together to love, comfort, pray for each other and to share life's triumphs and disappointments. I simply love being in this family. God bless you all ! LOVE YOU FROGGY!
ReplyDeleteAND WOGGY !
DeleteHa! There you are and I really mean it this time!!!!! Good to see you again.
DeleteHello All, I have been lurking and reading, just with DH home for 5 months and all the PT haven't had much chance to post. I was really worried about Surfie with the storms and checked in to find her posts, what a relief. How is Paget doing with her DH situation? We were really lucky with DH, his company put a workers comp company on it immediately and we were paid with all med bills covered, even his crutches and cane. He got back on the road May 5, 14 hr days makes it's a struggle still but he is doing OK getting his muscles back. Gloria, look into LIFELOCK for ID protection, we have used it for 2 years, I think if you use Rush's name it's worth a 10% discount. DH was Army and when we joined the DAV, the Nam guys were the babies and WWII the dads, so many are gone now and our guys are now the old men.
DeleteOh yea, EC is here too!
DeleteGlad your DH is able to get back to work. I have been thinking about Lifelock. There has to be something better than the gubmint recomended way to go.
Summer is here. Did you hear about the shooting right here in Snohomish? Yep, right here.
Phooey, all your ladies worry when we don't hear from you. We just need a little Phooey every few days to keep us going!
DeleteWe had a burglary here yesterday that locked down 4 schools, I keep my little friend right here on the desk and got my 85 lb Molly Lab. When I was in training I got in trouble for head shots, they said body mass, BS, they could have a vest on. I was a lone female on the road for many years and as some ad says 'don't leave home without it'. Never thought I would have to worry in the house. I fell again, stupid, Waste Pro required huge trash can, I was dragging it up the driveway, it tipped over and slammed me into the concrete , so have a goose egg on my right hip, so wasn't driving and the battery went dead. I have a terrific mechanic that sent I guy over to 'jump' it, but I took it in Wed. , told them don't bring it back until it is tip top, I can't be here, by myself, without a dependable vehicle. It is a 1996 Lincoln and runs wonderful and is big enough for ( Phooey) I-4 but if I don't drive it the battery dies. So I should hear tomorrow, now you know why I haven't been writing, it sounds like I am whining when so many are really hurting. I am blessed so I will shut up.
ReplyDeleteEC, you are a caution. Hope that saying isn't too old to make sense. You have enough adventures for a book! As for The Pond...come by anytime. I took a few days off myself. Now it's HOT in Seattle, but cools off in the evening. Still don't think that we have summer. Bizarre weather. We could use some of that Oklahoma rain.
DeleteHello deer pond friends,
ReplyDeleteI've been away from the pond for a few days. Thank you for your advice and best wishes. Surfie, I appreciate all your information! Jeff's visit to the ER was covered by L & I, but for some reason, the ER doctor closed out Jeff's claim that day, even though he mentioned that we really should see a cardiologist about Jeff's abnormal heart rhythm. We didn't find out until later than his claim had been closed. Daughter is a paralegal for a personal injury lawyer, and told us we have to wait 60 days to reopen the case. To add insult to injury, hubby's unemployment claim was turned down, even though they told him he was laid off. Since the ER doctor closed out the claim, his work thought Jeff had a pre-existing heart problem, and was using that to get out of work. All his tests and a previous EKG from last fall, show that his heart was in good condition before he had the accident. We see the cardiologist specialist in Spokane on June 3rd. We're just hoping and praying that he'll sign a form that says there's a probability that the accident caused Jeff's heart afib. The doctor's we've dealt with seem reluctant to sign anything.
Enough about me and my hubby! I know that everyone here has had challenges they've struggled with and managed to overcome. You all inspire me!
Froggy and Wog, you deer sisters are so special to us all. Thank you for this blog, it brings us together from all corners of the country and in between. I love hearing everyone's point of view.
Eva, what great news about your niece being pregnant! How exciting! Sorry to hear about Nathan's leg. Poor little guy.
Surfie, I'm glad you hired a good co-worker! I wish I had you for my boss! You sure have some wild weather in Oklahoma. Stay safe!
Gloria, have a nice trip over here to eastern WA. The weather has been beautiful lately.
Phooey, it's always great to read your posts! I love it when you visit the pond!
EC, you sound like you are totally capable to handle anything that might come your way! Sorry you hurt yourself. That sounded painful. :(
This post is so long. I don't always jump in and comment when I should, so I'm catching up tonight. One day left until the weekend. I think I can make it.
Love and prayers to you all, from Paget
Paget, you are so sweet to drop by. We look forward to hearing from you. As for L&I and stuff, keep everything. And get a calendar just for hubs problems. Keep track of dates and doctors and everything. Put all the paperwork in 8X10 envelopes and write on them with magic marker. Rubber band the calendar to the front of your envelopes. That's how I deal with important things. Something is just not right the way they are taking care of you.
DeleteWhat can us (or we) Ponders do to help you?
So great to hear from Phooey, EC & Paget. I always look forward to hearing what you all are up to. Not much news here, but you know, I'm starting to think no news is good news. Maybe it's me, but it seems as though all the news I hear lately is bad or unfortunate or annoying. On the other hand, maybe the good stuff is out there but just doesn't get written about because it doesn't have the same appeal. I don't know.
ReplyDeleteEva, we all love to hear from you. Tell us about your trips to the ocean or shopping or anything. You are such an interesting person. The Pond is lucky to have you.
DeleteOK. Hands-down, this is my favorite place on the internet, especially when so many Deers who haven't been around for a while chime in. We worry about you when you are quiet for such a long time!
ReplyDeleteI have a serious prayer request. Karen has been acting weird lately, and our worst fears have been confirmed. The brain tumor is back. They couldn't take it all out back when she had surgery because it was wrapped around her carotid artery. She went through radiation to kill that part of the tumor. Obviously, radiation didn't kill all of it because it's back. She is scheduled for surgery on June 12. Karen is her usual rock-solid self. She knows how serious this is, dreads the ordeal of another brain surgery, but is totally at peace with it all.
Karen and I have been best friends since we were kids. We lived half a continent apart from each other for most of our adult lives and remained best friends. Karen would kick my scrawny little self back to California if I let her health challenges interfere in my living life and doing what I need to do every day.
So, I am doing what I need to do today. Today, I am looking for a new place to live and going to the grocery store. Today and tomorrow, I am cooking food that Karen can put in her freezer so she and her hubs and kids don't have to worry about what to eat.
We are soul sisters. Please say a prayer for Karen and please include her in any prayer group you are a part of. Thank You, Deers.
You got them, Surfie. When I read your post, I shivered. Karen is so brave and she must really be strong to go through this again. I'd be a puddle on the floor, I know. We'll surround her with our love from afar and hope that helps. You're such a good friend!!!
DeleteOh Deer Surfie, Froggy and I are in The Pond prayer circle. Karen has been a part of The Pond because of you. We will send prayers to her everyday. Let us know what else we can do for your Deer Friend.
Delete