Monday, May 30, 2011

Freedom Is Not Free



I want to thank all the soldiers and veterans for their sacrifices on my behalf.  I live in the best country in the world, where I have many freedoms other people in other countries do not.  But that Freedom is not Free.  It comes with a price.

Today I honor all those who have paid that price by death or who are still with us but suffering from the traumas of their service to our country.



This past Friday here in Bozeman, we had local wounded soldier return from Afghanistan.  He came home missing his legs and one arm after stepping on a land mine.  You can read the story here and here.



I especially want to give thanks to my dad and father-in-law for the sacrifices they made while in Vietnam.  

My dad is suffering from the effects of agent orange he was exposed to in Vietnam.  He is only 66 years old but has lost so much of his health and quality of life directly related to this exposure.  He may be 66 but his body is like that of an 86 year old man.  He has lost his right eye, he suffers from diabetes and heart problems, as well as many other issues... all brought on by this chemical.

My father-in-law as a helicopter pilot witnessed and experienced much bloodshed and violence.  There are events he lived through that no one should ever have to see and be a part of.  No one knows everything he experienced.  But I can imagine he relives it in his mind often.... too often.  I have witnessed a little of his emotional feelings about his experience there and my heart aches.  

They both are very lucky to make it out of Vietnam alive as they each experienced their brush with death. However, thousands of soldier's did not make it home.  In Vietnam alone there were over 58,196 casualties.
 




So please make sure you give thanks and respect to our soldiers and veterans.  Because we would not have the freedoms we take for granted every day without their service and sacrifice to our country.  

Thank You to both of my Daddy's!  Love you!



Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Is it really spring???

It is finally beginning to feel like spring here.  That is if you consider rainy weather spring.  That is what's happening so far this week.  Which is much better than the snow we had last week.  The temps are getting to be so nice also!  Right now I am sitting by the open window, listening to the patter of the rain, enjoying the cool breeze while I watch Army Wives and write this post.

Between storms on Saturday we took our brand new canoe out for a spin row around a small area of Ennis lake.  It was a good time.  Our doxie even loved it!  She also loved having her life vest on which really surprised me.  I was worried that she would be afraid of the boat and the water but she wasn't.  She really loves her adventures!  Here are a few pictures.







Even though there are no pictures of me (the camera lady), I assure you I also joined in the fun.  It was a wonderful afternoon followed by a nice dinner on our way home at a small town restaurant built in a historical schoolhouse. Great food, great atmosphere, excellent company!

I am just really happy that it is finally beginning to look and feel like spring.  I am happy about the warmer temps and the trees and flowers beginning to bloom.  I am looking forward to upcoming hikes, geocaching, camping, fishing, more canoeing and getting out to use our hovercraft that my DH just got finished rebuilding. We also have a trip to Texas in June that I am excited about.  There are a lot of things to look forward to now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner.  I can't wait!

What are your spring and summer plans?