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May 26, 2008
In Observance of Decoration Day
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Inspiration for the Poem
On 2 May, 1915, in the second week of fighting during the Second Battle of Ypres Lieutenant Alexis Helmer was killed by a German artillery shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae. It is believed that John began the draft for his famous poem 'In Flanders Fields' that evening.
Posted by Carol at 3:16 PM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2008
Princess Ella
Our trip to Disney with Ella was wonderful. She is the perfect age (she will be 5 at the end of July) and temperment for all the magical Disney sights and sounds and attractions. We had great weather - hot but not too humid, no rain but some nice heavy overcast skies now and then. Trips like this are a tidy investment so it is always nice when everything goes so well!
Posted by Carol at 9:58 AM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2008
There and back
My weekend in Minnesota was quite fine. My folks were thrilled to have their children at home to celebrate their 60th anniversary which is actually today, May 14. We attended church, then had a wonderful coffee hour with the Norwegian wedding cakes and tables decorated with flowers. We all went to a delicious brunch at the New Ulm Holiday Inn, followed by more festivities at my folks house including a toast to their happiness and opening some anniversary gifts and of course Mother’s Day presents. Three of their nine grandchildren were able to join in so that was an added bonus. My folks continue to amaze me - they have a zest for life and activities that leaves me rather breathless! Both Steve and I will travel back to Minnesota for their big open house dance on May 31st, but first comes our trip to Disney with little Miss Ella on Friday till Monday.
Posted by Carol at 11:30 PM | Comments (0)
Hello there!
Hey Gloria! I am glad that you found your way back - would have left a comment on your post but something is not right with that deal and I can't seem to log in under the comments. It is always hard to decide to actually be done with a living tree, but sometimes we have to do so for the greater good!
Posted by Carol at 3:43 PM | Comments (0)
Lighten Up
I spent a few minutes (well more than a few, Carol is very faithful to journal on this site) to capture the thoughts of my friend Carol. I have long been absent from this little spot. In fact I do not recognize the format so I do hope I am where I ought to be!
Yesterday a very old grew up on its own Silver Maple tree was cut down in our back yard. It was significant in height and trunk circumference but not particularly elegant in form, such the growth pattern of Silver Maples. It was ever so close to our house and the trunk was tri-furcated...is that a word? So the decision was made to slay the beast. The change would be noticeable for sure but the surprise to me was the light that has come to the space it once took for itself. I have gardens near where is stood and now they will enjoy a whole new view from the sunny sky. I am excited to watch what happens to the little green folk that live there. Instead of two or three blooms on my coneflowers I may be delighted with many more. So then thank you to the old Silver Maple and the sacrifice it gave to my garden...new life...I think I have heard about that mystery before?
Posted by Gloria at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
May 6, 2008
Hummers return
I hung the hummingbird feeder up last week and on Sunday we had our first customer - a beautiful male Ruby-throated hummingbird. Yesterday there was a pair of Baltimore Orioles in the back maple tree. I heard them before I saw them, which gave me time to run inside for my camera. Got a couple of good shots, then I raced back inside for an orange - cut it in half and put it on a plate on top of the gas grill in hopes of attracting their attention. So far I haven't seen any takers, but I am still hoping!!
Posted by Carol at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
May 4, 2008
One thousand photos
That's about how many pictures we took out our road trip week before last! Steve and I had each our own camera, and thus double the amount of pictures were taken no doubt. So it is taking me a long time to upload and edit and finish out photo order! We had a fantastic trip - enjoyed every place we went, and had good weather the whole time.
Next up, a trip to Minnesota ~ I am flying up to my folks to help celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary (May 14) plus Mother's Day!
Posted by Carol at 10:17 PM | Comments (0)