These Men

I have so many wonderful memories of holidays from when I was young. They include warm houses, the smell of good food, and the buzz of many people talking at once. I want my kids to have these same wonderful memories but what it seems like they are getting is a kitchen that has been turned upside down, chaos, rushing, and running from one place to the next. I want so terribly bad for them to have the same memories I had. We (I) try so hard to fabricate these moments and the perfectness of the holiday that I almost miss it in the feverish attempt to produce it. This year that moment came when Tony's Papaw came to Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house. This, in itself, was not so unusual but he brought a DVD that he wanted us to watch. I have to admit that the thought crossed my mind that I didn't particularly want to watch this DVD on Thanksgiving. "I wonder how long it is?" "I wonder what it is about?" "Maybe just the men will go down to the den to watch it." Shame on me! It has produced one of my all time favorite holiday memories.

This sweet gentleman...

is a World War II Veteran.

In the town where we live there are several businesses who sponsor a trip to Washington, D.C. - called Honor Air. This trip is only for the Veterans and it's free of charge to them. These businesses collect donations and charter an airplane to make this round trip. They left around 8 in the morning and returned around 8 or 9 that night. When they left the airport in Knoxville, they got a heroes send-off. There were people lined up with flags and balloons and a few speeches were made. When they arrived in Washington, D.C. they were greeted with a heroes welcome with a band playing, and another large group of people to shake their hands or hug their necks.

During the course of the day, they visited the memorials for each of the branches of the Armed Services. They also went to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Korean War Memorial, Abraham Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. They drove by many other sites of interest but these were their destinations for the day.

What struck me so fully while watching this video was the raw emotion still so evident in these men. These men who are now in their 80's and were still crying for lost friends and comrades, these men who were talking about the real heroes being the ones who didn't come home, and these men who enjoyed spending time with other Veteran's. These men, who are sometimes overlooked because of their age and increasing feeble nature, and who are sometimes ridiculed for being old or "old fashioned" are the very brave men who, 70 years ago, had our freedom in their hands. Their very capable, strong, and unshaking hands. And they delivered. So, who am I to not want to spend 30 minutes watching a video that encompasses a large part of our history and his history that he wanted to share with me? I should have been THANKFUL that he wanted to share that video with me and my family. And I will try to be from now on.

He had a little trouble keeping his eyes open for the pictures. Trying a little too hard, huh?

Three generations: one Army, one Air Force, and the other one - we're not sure yet - but his Momma hopes his stent in the Boy Scouts will suffice...

Beautiful Alaska #2

While in Alaska, Tony saw the usual Alaskan wild animals. This moose was at his hotel - I think every time he's there he sees a moose at his hotel.

This fellow provided them with some entertainment while they were at the Kenair River.

Tony has some particularly interesting stories about bears on these fishing trips. Last year, he looked out into the river and a bear was floating down the river on his back with only his head sticking out of the water - I guess that's quicker than walking...

The bears know what coolers are. You're not supposed to leave coolers unattended but it happens. Last year, he saw a bear find a cooler, open it, take a candy bar out, take the wrapper off, and eat it.

The bears also know what fish stringers are. Why not? Let someone else do all the work, catch the fish, put them on a stringer where they can't get away, then the bear only has to get the stringer. (I could make a political joke/statement here but I won't).

This bear found a stringer of fish and had a nice lunch. Then it found someone's shirt lying on the ground and decided that would be a good place to take a rest. I guess it does get old lying on rocks all the time.

You can see the shirt in this picture (pre-resting bear photo) in the left lower quadrant of this picture.

After you have eaten a stringer full of fish, it almost feels like naptime...

If I could just get comfortable.

Out With the Old...

About four years ago we had an addition to our family. This addition to our family got a LOT of attention, received a lot of care, and was truly loved. By some of us. Some definitely more than others. This boat was like Tony's third child. When she arrived, she made her home in the garage. She kicked the truck right out. Of course, a boat can't be out in the rain. It might get wet. Huh?

There was never any question that she would be a part of our family F.O.R.E.V.E.R. Tony would never dream of getting rid of her. Or moving her out of the garage. Or not waxing her every other week. Until... that day in April at a bass tournament, when she was in 2nd place, and she betrayed him. Her engine rebelled and gave it up. She became useless. What is a boat without a motor? NOT OUR BOAT. She was sold soooo fast. On Craig's List one day and in another garage in Anderson County another. This boat that was so loved was dropped like a hot potato. This is her getting hooked up to her new truck to go to her new home with her new family in her new garage. She looks a little sad doesn't she?

AND THEN...

Before the garage was even cold in moves this beauty. The newest member of our family. She is bigger, faster, longer, heavier, wider... The new love of his life.

She even matches his truck. She was meant to be. Until her engine blows. Then she, too, will be out. Finished. Gone. Forgotten.

I'm glad I'm not a boat.