Memorial Day Reflections ...

I was hanging out at the VA Hospital in Portland (Oregon) yesterday, waiting for Dad to finish his appointment so I could bring him home.

As I sat in the lobby, watching the veterans and their families come and go, I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride. And loss. And stories untold. Tears were very near the surface.

Maybe it was because this is Memorial weekend ... when we remember and honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms ...

It breaks my heart to see what Memorial Day is quickly becoming ...
A weekend to buy something on sale, with everything from cars to mattresses being advertised as "Memorial Day" specials.

Or maybe this weekend should be renamed as "Camping Day Weekend".
It seems those who aren't in the stores are being encouraged to pitch their tents, and hang out around campfires eating hotdogs.

While there's nothing wrong with Memorial Day activities and celebrations ... I hope that each and every person will take a few minutes of their time to honor our fallen soldiers ... and reflect on their sacrifices.

For those who have served.
And their families ... who have paid a high price for our freedoms as well.

"Weekend Reflections"

Stuff.

You can find all sorts of "Stuff" at this place ...
I guess.
It was closed when I went by!

To see signs for more "stuff" from around the world, join us over at Lesley's "Signs, Signs"!

Heart Tree in Spring

Our weather has improved lately ... spring is here in full force!

And my "heart tree" is sporting beautiful tender heart leaves!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on "Guest Heart Thursday"!

An Interesting Walk This Morning ...

The morning sun was out as I walked along ...
glowing through the dandelion seeds.

I crouched down, trying to catch the radiance.

And found rainbows as well.
What a beautiful day!

Then ... "crash, bang, clank".
I stepped into the (formerly) abandoned building, and looked around a corner.

This is what I saw ...

Metal thieves! I snapped a picture, sneaked back out and called the police.

They caught the guys making a run for the freeway.
And hinted they are responsible for multiple metal thefts across the county.

I sent the police a copy of the picture I took, and they thanked me profusely.

And I decided it's high time I started taking my walks elsewhere.

Eagle Perched on Snag

(Join us over at Tina's PicStory for her "Just One Pic" photo challenge!)

TTV Fun for Friday Fences

(My highly complicated and specialized TTV Equipment)
(LOL)

I always wondered why there were coffee cans perched on top of my uncle's fence posts.
I finally asked him ...
Uncle Dale, a man of (very) few words answered thusly ... "RAIN. ROT."

NOW I get it!

(P.S. - It's Friday Fences time!!!)

A plain hedge I've walked by many times without really seeing became a jungle of reds and greens. It makes me wonder how much beauty do I walk by every day ... and not even notice???