Memorial Day Weekend

Of course I paused today to observe our men and women lost in battle. Of course I stopped to think about and thank those servicepeople both alive and dead, that defended our nation, that took the initiative to serve us and promote democracy.

My sixth great uncle was Thomas Jefferson. My grandfather was in the Marines. My father was in the Air Force. My step-father was in the Army. All my life I've felt very patriotic and proud of our nation.

A long time ago I turned-down a scholarship to go to West Point and tried to enlist in the Navy. I wanted to serve our nation by being on a nuclear submarine. I passed the NQT (Nuclear Qualifications Test) with flying colors and I even went to Atlanta to take the physical and be sworn in. I got to the LAST room right before the 'oath room' and as I sat there taking my eye exam I could hear the group before me taking their oath. I failed the eye exam and was given papers that stated I couldn't join due to my poor vision.

Years later I'd corrected my vision somewhat, I had letters from Senators and Congressmen in hand, but decided then not to pursue what was once my dream. (Thanks Sam Nunn, anyway!) I don't regret that decision, as my life I have now is very different because of that moment. I am pleased with the way things turned out.

I still paused today as I hope all of you did, and honored our lost men and women that gave their lives for a cause.

But as we all know, today isn't just about the memory of lost servicepeople. It is also (and this is not to take away from the day's purpose, I'm just stating what is true) a day off of work. Many people use this long weekend to go on vacation. Some use it to do work around the house. And such is my long weekend spent,... doing work around the house. Today its the recovering of Mom's old dining room chair cushions.

And so, today I also honor my mother. I cherish the memories I have of her, as I recover those chairs I've seen since I was a child. Today is Memorial Day in more than one way for me. I love you, mom. You are missed.

Florida Sun

Last week I drove down to Florida to visit family. I stopped in Albany, GA on the way and stayed with my friends Keith and Dude. Thanks for letting me crash on the couch, guys! I got to go out to eat with Keith, Jimmy, Susan, and Susan's siblings. I'm glad I got to spend some time with them. They're all great people and great friends. Keith, I'm proud of you man - not only for the weight loss but for taking the initiative to take your career further. Dude, I'm happy I got to hang out and bug you at work a bit. As always, thanks for the great conversations. Jimmy, really good to see you bud and I'm sorry we didn't get to show off tats like we said we would. Maybe next time. :) Overall, my one night in Albany wasn't enough. I wanted to go visit more friends. I'm sorry to those of you I didn't have time to contact. My stay was a bit unexpected. But if you know me, you know this is normally the case with anything I do.

Then I made it down to Florida. Yay! Yes, I know. This is one odd looking trio. But no matter how odd we are, this is me, my brother, and my sister. I love my family very much even as whack as we are. :) I'm really pleased I got to see my siblings. I don't get to see them often at all, but when we do see each other, we always have an immediate connection with each other. Megan, you take care in Gainesville and I hope your transfer comes through! Please let me know what happens with that and your schoolwork. Joe, I wish you the best of luck down in Venice. Don't forget to keep in tough with Carrie, even if it is a phone call a week to find out how Holden is doing. If you don't do at least that, you'll regret it. I hope you do well down there. Keep in touch Bro, so I know where you are if you move again. :)

On the trip to and from Florida, I got rather burnt on one leg and one arm from the sun shining in my truck on one side. I know, hilarious. :P Ha. Ha. My forehead got a bit burnt just because I was out in the sun helping Dad move hay and fence gates and doing things with the cattle. I'm glad I got to spend some time with Dad, Mom, and Dot-Dot. I love you all very much!

All better?

Yesterday I got my truck back. Yay! I haven't driven it a lot yet although I will soon. One thing I noticed is, the air conditioner doesn't seem as cool as it was before. The weird thing is, I didn't think the AC got damaged in the wreck yet they said it was. Is this some scam to steal my freon? >.<>

As for the driving, I'll find out more soon, but for right now it seems fine, although the brakes seem a bit soft in application whereas before they were pretty taught. And naturally after riding in a little Mazda protege for a few weeks I feel up higher again. This is a good thing though. I hate that after the wreck, Uber (yes, that's my truck's name - I name all my vehicles) just isn't the same. But don't get me wrong, I'm VERY glad to have my own vehicle back!!!

Spring cleaning

Who am I to break the tradition of posting a "spring cleaning" message?!? I could break the tradition, especially since I like breaking traditions. I'm a rebel like that. But today I think I'll conform. Don't expect the same tomorrow though! Mwahaha!



Anyway,... it is spring. And although the temperature has already hit the mid 80's a few times, it feels like spring with the flowers blooming and the pollen in the air. *takes a deep breath*

Yesterday the stump-grinding guy came out and finished off the stumps that were hidden previously by the 4+ inches of debris left by the former forest in my backyard. I worked in the yard quite a bit yesterday hand-cutting smaller stumps and roots out with an axe. Despite the blisters on my hands and the soreness in my back and shoulders, I feel good about the yard. It is starting to shape up. In a few weeks it will be the perfect time for planting grass seed. (Centipede is planted usually later in spring or early summer.) I've gotten price quotes from landscapers to do that for me, along with a final grading and fertilization / aeration plan.

For now I just have to maintain the place by taking care of my front and side yards. Prior to spreading seed, the landscaping company is going to grade off the backyard. I am getting excited to watch grass grow. Is that weird? Yeah, yeah, bite me. I know I'm weird already.