And a special day it is for us all...
OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE REPAID. THEY HAVE EARNED OUR UNDYING GRATITUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES.
PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This quote is found at Normandy.
26 May 2008
25 May 2008
Memorial Day
In 2006, we had a most memorable opportunity to say thank you and salute our fallen soldiers from WWII.
Memorial Day weekend, 2006, we (the boys, Daddy and me) took a camping trip with the Boy Scouts. Since I watched the 50th anniversary happenings in June, 1994, I knew I had to one day go there. We went to Normandy, to the cemetery. The scouts were able to camp ON THE GRUONDS at the cemetery. There is a line of trees to the east of the cemetery rows, and behind there is a small clearing where we were able to set up camp.
Shortly after arriving, settling in, getting up tents, we were able to wander the grounds and take it all in. We wandered down to the shore to walk where our veterans came across the beach that fateful June so long ago. The chills one gets just sitting here remembering our trip and experience of camping on the grounds... This is one memory that will always be with me. I hope that our scouts, my own boys and those who have ever had that opportunity, to just visit Normandy, will take away an appreciation of what was given that day.
We had a German bus driver for our weekend trip. The humorous part of this entire trip was that the driver knew where the brothers that the movie "Saving Private Ryan" was base upon, were buried within the cemetery. Follow this link: http://www.battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/normandy_american_cemetery.htm to near the bottom to a section about "Personalities." You will find the Niland brothers along with some other interesting facts.
A map from Google.com of the cemetery... http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/id/2571.
Something I had forgotten about, but while looking for some pictures, I found this fact: There are among the over 9000 buried there, 38 sets of brothers buried there, and there are 33 sets of brothers buried side by side. I can only imagine the pain of the families back home recieving news of ONE son, husband, brother lost in the war, but to have lost two and have them resting in the same place, it truly shows the great price the "Greatest Generation" paid for us today.
If you are out today, please be sure to thank a veteran. While we were in Germany, the other opportunity we had was to put new flags on the graves of US soldiers buried in the Heidelberg area. They had stayed and had families there in some cases. One Sergeant, who we searched and searched for his gravesite one day, was buried with his wife's family in their plot. We couldn't immediately find him because of this. But once we did, we saw a small marker stating he was a US soldier.
I, for one, am very thankful for those who have gone before. May the Lord bless and keep you and yours!
Rejoicing in Dust Bowl!
Instead of Mudville :D
Don't know the official count yet, but we had rain and more rain and even more rain yesterday and last night. I told my oldest that we'd likely be seeing farmers in the field, FINALLY, putting out crops for the growing season, however short that may be this year.
As of 1pm yesterday, Bismarck had had 1/2" of rain. They didn't mention Minot, since it's the Bismarck station. :)
But there is some good news... farmers will be planting if they haven't yet. And maybe we'll stop hearing about the drought for awhile. And my lawn will need mowed this week sometime as parts of it, the greener ones or just the GREEN ONES, are getting a little tall. Now to get someone out to clean up the deer poop from the winter! They would eat in our backyard during the winter, so there is poop and dead spots where no grass has come back yet. They hadn't had a winter with the grass in the yard prior to our moving in. Thank goodness for self help it would seem, if you like grass seed laced with weed seed. Seems they'll give you free grass seed to reseed the yard, but don't mention the weeds are also in there. So, they give you weed killer too. How nice of them, making us do the work twice :)
Hopefully this rain will have helped the greening up of the yard overall. I've been avoiding that trip to self-help.
Don't know the official count yet, but we had rain and more rain and even more rain yesterday and last night. I told my oldest that we'd likely be seeing farmers in the field, FINALLY, putting out crops for the growing season, however short that may be this year.
As of 1pm yesterday, Bismarck had had 1/2" of rain. They didn't mention Minot, since it's the Bismarck station. :)
But there is some good news... farmers will be planting if they haven't yet. And maybe we'll stop hearing about the drought for awhile. And my lawn will need mowed this week sometime as parts of it, the greener ones or just the GREEN ONES, are getting a little tall. Now to get someone out to clean up the deer poop from the winter! They would eat in our backyard during the winter, so there is poop and dead spots where no grass has come back yet. They hadn't had a winter with the grass in the yard prior to our moving in. Thank goodness for self help it would seem, if you like grass seed laced with weed seed. Seems they'll give you free grass seed to reseed the yard, but don't mention the weeds are also in there. So, they give you weed killer too. How nice of them, making us do the work twice :)
Hopefully this rain will have helped the greening up of the yard overall. I've been avoiding that trip to self-help.
Support Your Local Economy
Well, sadly my trip to Winnipeg to see Neil Diamond in concert come September has been scratched. That old man must be in desperate need of cash, NOW. The tickets to go see him, at least in Winnipeg and Sioux City, IA, started around $115. HOW INSANE!
So, Minot hosts two big money makers, or at least, takers, each year. In July is the State Fair, and in October is the Hostfest. Both this year have some decent concerts coming in. I'm just too cheap to spend even $65 for Sugarland or Trace Adkins. So, where does this leave me?
Under $50 to see the old man of country... Kenny Rogers. Oh yeah! Well, actually, it's dependent on one thing... if the Hostfest people tell me I have to buy a daily admission ticket (last year $25 for the privilege to shop and eat, at YOUR expense - Thankfully I went on the military day so it was free and I ain't stupid!) to go to the concert. Which then brings the tickets up to about the $65-70 range, and I won't go on the principle of it. Why would I have to pay to get into a building only to see the concert? So hopefully, the ticket to the show is enough and I won't have to pay more to get into the show. I haven't seen KR since I was MAYBE a teenager.
Next thing I need to do in support of the community's economy is get a zoo pass. Since we can't afford too much travelling (thank you DC) this summer, most of our money will be spent around Minot. I figure we'll be at the zoo at least a couple times a month. Think they would bring in some new animals each month to keep our attention? :D
So, Minot hosts two big money makers, or at least, takers, each year. In July is the State Fair, and in October is the Hostfest. Both this year have some decent concerts coming in. I'm just too cheap to spend even $65 for Sugarland or Trace Adkins. So, where does this leave me?
Under $50 to see the old man of country... Kenny Rogers. Oh yeah! Well, actually, it's dependent on one thing... if the Hostfest people tell me I have to buy a daily admission ticket (last year $25 for the privilege to shop and eat, at YOUR expense - Thankfully I went on the military day so it was free and I ain't stupid!) to go to the concert. Which then brings the tickets up to about the $65-70 range, and I won't go on the principle of it. Why would I have to pay to get into a building only to see the concert? So hopefully, the ticket to the show is enough and I won't have to pay more to get into the show. I haven't seen KR since I was MAYBE a teenager.
Next thing I need to do in support of the community's economy is get a zoo pass. Since we can't afford too much travelling (thank you DC) this summer, most of our money will be spent around Minot. I figure we'll be at the zoo at least a couple times a month. Think they would bring in some new animals each month to keep our attention? :D
23 May 2008
And another thing...
I discovered yesterday that this state truly does sit about the middle of nowhere AND this country....
I was talking about how it took about 24 hours to drive to my hometown in Ohio. The assistant has a family member in Oceanside CA, and from Bismarck it's a 24 hour drive. Which absolutely floored me... I figured CA was another day away. Then again, I'm not exactly sure where Oceanside is, so San Diego could still be another day away :)
But from my home in Ohio to DC is about 6 hours. Yep. Middle of nothing, middle of the country. Ohio had a theme, might still have it, of being "The heart of it all." At least it's beating still :)
Saw this map while seeing if I couldn't find some pictures of those land features north of Bismarck... found map, no pics yet. Hopefully I can find some.
I was talking about how it took about 24 hours to drive to my hometown in Ohio. The assistant has a family member in Oceanside CA, and from Bismarck it's a 24 hour drive. Which absolutely floored me... I figured CA was another day away. Then again, I'm not exactly sure where Oceanside is, so San Diego could still be another day away :)
But from my home in Ohio to DC is about 6 hours. Yep. Middle of nothing, middle of the country. Ohio had a theme, might still have it, of being "The heart of it all." At least it's beating still :)
Saw this map while seeing if I couldn't find some pictures of those land features north of Bismarck... found map, no pics yet. Hopefully I can find some.
The Tooth Problem... Continues...
So, 4 weeks after my initial visit to the Dr Pain's office in town, I get to drive the extremely painful and boring and fall asleep at the wheel trip to Bismarck, grand metropolis of North Dakota.
Appointment cost of $45 later, and $44.05 to top off the tank on the way home, I am root canal-less. Yes! YAY! no problem, right? Well, no. I wasted my DHs and mine afternoon (my baby's last in Kindy) driving across hell to see a man who dresses like a gas station attendant, poke and prod and make my teeth (which finally DIDN'T) HURT again, only to be told (and this is a good thing LOL) I didn't need a root canal. BUT, I do need a filling, ASAP, then if there is still trouble, I can make that "short" trip to "town" to get a root canal done. Then again, it's better to have the expert in this procedure say "NO you don't need this." and send me on my way than the dentist locally to have tried it herself and made things worse.
So, here I sit, tooth hurting on and off, again, but with an appointment to go see the original dentist on Tuesday for a nice juicy filling on my back molar. Have I mentioned that I'd much rather give birth again than to endure 5 minutes in the dental seat of torture? I let both the local gal and the endo in Bismarck know my feelings. :D Bad Mom! BAD!
Of course, the assistant is making small talk as I sit in tears waiting for this exam yesterday... "How long you been here?" I say "This time?" "Oh you came back." Not that we really had a choice. I was nice about it and said how we were probably where we needed to be with my son's autism and a good free education. Plus, Bismarck has all the cool food! Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel and yesterday's meal of choice prior to the appointment... RED LOBSTER. I had to crack up (and should have said something - maybe I can email them LOL) when they bring out the little board with "Today's fresh catch" choices. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... I do know that at one time this was an area underwater (should remained so!) and probably had lots of seafood, but it's not today. So, me thinks "fresh" catch was "fresh frozen" to make the trek to the great white north of ND.
Speaking of the fact this once was ocean... coming north out of Bismarck are some really cool land formations. I need to remember to stop and take pictures next time I am sleeping on the way to/from Bismarck. Mini volcanoes like dot the landscape west of Highway 83. It looks like an old ocean floor bottom! So, I did find something neat to look at, briefly, in ND. We venture to Montana next weekend, but not enough time to do much siteseeing... maybe I'll find more. Might have to stop at the Dino museum that's in Dickinson and only open like 2 months of the year. If I didn't blog about that, I might have to give a brief story on that fall fiasco. At least we didn't DRIVE ALL THE WAY THERE, to find out it was closed. Talk about having been even more upset that there is nothing here to do. :)
Well, off to find some advil/ibuprofen to get rid of this ache. I have a feeling me and the grease monkey will be meeting up later this summer. I wonder if he could just schedule several days of root canals in minot, use someone's office, and just do it here. When gas reaches $5, I don't know that I'll be able to afford another trip to freaking civilization.
Appointment cost of $45 later, and $44.05 to top off the tank on the way home, I am root canal-less. Yes! YAY! no problem, right? Well, no. I wasted my DHs and mine afternoon (my baby's last in Kindy) driving across hell to see a man who dresses like a gas station attendant, poke and prod and make my teeth (which finally DIDN'T) HURT again, only to be told (and this is a good thing LOL) I didn't need a root canal. BUT, I do need a filling, ASAP, then if there is still trouble, I can make that "short" trip to "town" to get a root canal done. Then again, it's better to have the expert in this procedure say "NO you don't need this." and send me on my way than the dentist locally to have tried it herself and made things worse.
So, here I sit, tooth hurting on and off, again, but with an appointment to go see the original dentist on Tuesday for a nice juicy filling on my back molar. Have I mentioned that I'd much rather give birth again than to endure 5 minutes in the dental seat of torture? I let both the local gal and the endo in Bismarck know my feelings. :D Bad Mom! BAD!
Of course, the assistant is making small talk as I sit in tears waiting for this exam yesterday... "How long you been here?" I say "This time?" "Oh you came back." Not that we really had a choice. I was nice about it and said how we were probably where we needed to be with my son's autism and a good free education. Plus, Bismarck has all the cool food! Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel and yesterday's meal of choice prior to the appointment... RED LOBSTER. I had to crack up (and should have said something - maybe I can email them LOL) when they bring out the little board with "Today's fresh catch" choices. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... I do know that at one time this was an area underwater (should remained so!) and probably had lots of seafood, but it's not today. So, me thinks "fresh" catch was "fresh frozen" to make the trek to the great white north of ND.
Speaking of the fact this once was ocean... coming north out of Bismarck are some really cool land formations. I need to remember to stop and take pictures next time I am sleeping on the way to/from Bismarck. Mini volcanoes like dot the landscape west of Highway 83. It looks like an old ocean floor bottom! So, I did find something neat to look at, briefly, in ND. We venture to Montana next weekend, but not enough time to do much siteseeing... maybe I'll find more. Might have to stop at the Dino museum that's in Dickinson and only open like 2 months of the year. If I didn't blog about that, I might have to give a brief story on that fall fiasco. At least we didn't DRIVE ALL THE WAY THERE, to find out it was closed. Talk about having been even more upset that there is nothing here to do. :)
Well, off to find some advil/ibuprofen to get rid of this ache. I have a feeling me and the grease monkey will be meeting up later this summer. I wonder if he could just schedule several days of root canals in minot, use someone's office, and just do it here. When gas reaches $5, I don't know that I'll be able to afford another trip to freaking civilization.
11 May 2008
Has American Culture Ruined You?
After 2+ years in Europe, I don't need a steenkin' quiz to tell me this :D
You've Been a Little Ruined by American Culture |
 Whether you live in the US or not, deep down you're a little American. And there's nothing wrong with loving American culture, but it may have negative effects on your life. Slow down and enjoy what you have. Reconnect with life's simple pleasures. You don't need to be in a consumerist rat race. Life's too short to overwork yourself! |
What Kind of Pie Are You?
Me to a T... I must say YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
You Are Apple Pie |
 You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional. You prefer things the way you've always known them. You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that. Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style. Those who like you crave security. People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them. You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin. And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect. |
What Dessert?
Makes me think of when my uncle returned from the desert and GWI. The welcome home party invite said to bring a "desert item." Someone misspelled DESSERT, as in sweet and yummy vs sandy and hot. A wonderful friend being a good sport (and elem school teacher) brought a stuffed camel AND dessert.
You Are Cheesecake |
 Rich, sweet, and simply perfect. You're not boring - you're just the best! |
10 May 2008
New Chuckle
I'm spending more and more time at Matthew's school. This week was teacher appreciation so we had lunch for them each day.
Yesterday, the principal and I had quality time that didn't involve my child being in trouble... well, not exactly.
He asked if I'd heard the story of Matthew and the custodian. I said that I hadn't. I'm intrigued as I've just gotten to know the guy this week as well. LOL
Well, Matthew was in the hall with MrsG and MrT was out there as well. Matthew, plain as day, and as innocent as can be, says "Good morning MrT!!! How the hell are you?" Of course, MrT and MrsG have to stifle their laughter and tell Matthew how wrong it is to say such things.
Guess this explains the note earlier in the week that said "Matthew had a little trouble with language today." I just wonder where he got that phrase! I don't know that I've used that one exactly.
I can only imagine, as the principal pointed out, how many things one hears in a 20-30 year career that are gems. My note to you today is WRITE THEM DOWN!!!! You might compile enough for a book one day. And you certainly don't have to be a teacher or a parent to find these type gems in life :)
The picture is of Matthew yesterday at the bowling alley. They trekked down to the BA (as we affectionately call it) for a couple rousing games of bowling under the flourescent lighting. Good thing they did it early! It started raining yesterday afternoon. (and then it was snow by dark)
And You Wonder WHY I Don't Care For The Place?
Let's see.... this is my jeep last night... MAY NINTH. Can you see the snow flakes? I can. On the ground, in the air, ON THE FREAKING JEEP! Should I be happy to know that it SHOULD be in the 50s today and the 60s tomorrow? Well, most normal people would be, but the problem is that quick weather change means quick get sick time. I already have one child on antibiotics for a nasty sinus infection that started in another change of weather time. Lovely.
Ok... I'm still figuring out adding pics to this stupid thing. The second picture is of the manchild last night at his JROTC banquet. (OK... I've played with it again and figured it out! YAY ME!) He got three new ribbons for his uniform, 2 of which he didn't expect to get. The biggest surprise? When the MC described the award, I had written him off already... "For sustained superior performance in the cadet corps exemplified through outstanding leadership, AFJROTC participation, academic performance and service to the community, school and unit." I said, "That's not CG." And tuned out. Then I heard his name. I was so proud that he won! (I watched one of the other freshman win one after another after another in the fall, so I expected to see her shiny little (she's about 4' MAYBE) face up there :)) Imagine my surprise and pride in the manchild! He's struggling with other stuff but seems to enjoy this class. The award was given out by Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. I think he was most proud of that award. :)
Well, as this week finally grinds to a halt, maybe I can find my sanity again. Today is the postal service food drive. I should go to the food pantry sometime today and see how that is working out. They've got a couple of airmen working to put stuff in and up on the shelves if I remember my talk with one of the firsts earlier in the week, when I hadn't completely lost my mind. Tonight will be the first night I stay home and not go out since Monday. Oh heck. I just realized we were out Monday. BUT, it was with the boys. So maybe that's why CG remembers me being home that night LOL
Here's to the snow melting, quickly, soon... i see sunshine and I saw drips off my gutters. And I see steam out my window.... how strange... My luck would be the backyard on fire. Wouldn't that be fun!
Which leads me to another thing... The county we are surrounded by, Ward, is under a burn ban due to drought conditions. The base, all knowing, lifted its ban the other day. Someone related a story of someone driving on their street and flicking out a cigarette as they drove past. (her DH did his thing and person came back to pick up the butt) Why do some people living in a community like ours think they're so isolated??!!? Just lifting the "ban" on base doesn't mean we magically are immune to a grass fire breaking out because of some dumb broad's stupidity. Flick your butts in the car folks! I like my new house for the most part. And I don't know that the triplets could get funding for more housing again. I'd hope it were funding to close a place down that has snow on MAY NINTH!!!!!
07 May 2008
Today's Chuckle
Seen at school, on sign in/out sheet for kids: Reason for tardiness - BAD DAD
That is funny! Apparently he was running a little late :)
That is funny! Apparently he was running a little late :)
The Multi Billion $$$ Question
In what I always considered a conservative state, can someone answer why the Wonder Triplets Congressmen are ALL democrats?
I only ponder this out loud today because of the dinner the boys and I had tonight in town. We stopped at Kroll's. I like people watching, but had to eavesdrop instead on conversation. (and NOT ALL of it, just caught the political since I LOVE political stuff) The table closest to us was talking about the primaries last night. "I don't want her (Hillary Clinton) in the White House; it'll be Mr & Mrs President." I just chuckled. My oldest kind of looks at me like a screw had loosened or fell out, but I found it quite funny.
Later they spoke about the conservative nature of the state. I didn't think anyone else questioned the fact of the Wonder Triplets being liberals representing them, badly. I always wondered how they remained in power, election after election. I felt so gooooood hearing someone from here say out loud the things that I wonder about when watching the latest moves in DC thru the Minot news stations.
And being that the Triplets have served at least since the mid-90s, perhaps, maybe, it's more like TRILLION, not Billion. Reference the new BS (bomb squadron silly people!) or the latest attempt to provide aid for farmers in the US) Maybe they're from Fargo? Ed Schultz is from over that way. He's just a little lib. I remember him swooning on AFN on his national show last year sometime when Hillary was on his talk show. Imagine MY surprise to learn where he did his show from!
Til later... it's a busy week around here... Maybe when I have time I can add up just what the Triplets have passed in Congress and find out if it is B or TR. :)
I only ponder this out loud today because of the dinner the boys and I had tonight in town. We stopped at Kroll's. I like people watching, but had to eavesdrop instead on conversation. (and NOT ALL of it, just caught the political since I LOVE political stuff) The table closest to us was talking about the primaries last night. "I don't want her (Hillary Clinton) in the White House; it'll be Mr & Mrs President." I just chuckled. My oldest kind of looks at me like a screw had loosened or fell out, but I found it quite funny.
Later they spoke about the conservative nature of the state. I didn't think anyone else questioned the fact of the Wonder Triplets being liberals representing them, badly. I always wondered how they remained in power, election after election. I felt so gooooood hearing someone from here say out loud the things that I wonder about when watching the latest moves in DC thru the Minot news stations.
And being that the Triplets have served at least since the mid-90s, perhaps, maybe, it's more like TRILLION, not Billion. Reference the new BS (bomb squadron silly people!) or the latest attempt to provide aid for farmers in the US) Maybe they're from Fargo? Ed Schultz is from over that way. He's just a little lib. I remember him swooning on AFN on his national show last year sometime when Hillary was on his talk show. Imagine MY surprise to learn where he did his show from!
Til later... it's a busy week around here... Maybe when I have time I can add up just what the Triplets have passed in Congress and find out if it is B or TR. :)
Like this was a Surprise?
You Are 81% Manic |
 You're not just manic ... you're a complete maniac! You never stop to do anything, including think things through. While your mania is definitely a wild ride, maybe you should consider pacing yourself. |
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