Memorial Day

I am a little ashamed I couldn't include a picture of the infinite gratis flags we saw at the busy cemetery. Please note that the young children pictured, the families gathered in one peaceful place, and the tradition and abundance shared, equate a Patriotic Thanks-Giving for all that has been done. Thank you.
It is the veteran that holds the door for me while I'm out.
There are many such retirees in my community.
I see them bend to pick up trash as they go about their day--who knows what they see and have gone through themselves--noble, to me.
Allison was in blue all weekend,

Danielle sported red stripes.

We even had a lifeguard, which was good.

Because this dutch oven food requisites many reactions:

Curiosity ("What is that and should I eat it until I'm satisfied?")
-fried pickles, of which haven't enjoyed since I was ten on a fishing trip-

Heart Palpitations (self explanatory.)
-fresh honey mustard and herb glazed chicken, Food Network inspired-

Planning ("How much can I fit on my plate to try it all?")
-including lasagna dutch oven, the likes of which inspired the great painters to begin with-

Social Anxiety ("I know we are riding home together after this, but I'm just going to go first.")

Environmental Awareness ("I promised myself last year to not wear a belt...")
-apple crisp, among all good desserts-

Bliss ("The grass feels too good, I'll eat later.")

Generosity ("There's too much here. I'm calling the missionaries.")

Happy Memorial Day.

Memorial Weekend Report (published draft)

I felt like I filled every square inch of time and space that holiday weekend.
Jake and I even snuck away on a date. We went bowling. We were sore afterward. Don't ask me how.
(Does bowling make any of you youngsters sore??)
And before we even met up with family for festivities, we went on a beautiful hike. Refreshing. Wonderful. Jake did most ALL the work.

oops.

The thing I love when it comes to hiking around here, is that you can sense every season of the year in a one mile to-the-river-and-back. There were late spring flowers blooming, green summer growth, and the smell of fallen leaves still moistened on the ground. The air was cold and still.
And all this freedom isn't free. T'was the perfect thing to do that weekend.

I made a dumb assumption when I asked Jake why it was "second growth" forest; assuming I'd see a lot of cut stumps on this little adventure. Well, the second growth is about 50 years old. And the "old growth?" the stumps were like gigantic gloomy, thriving mushrooms that muscled around to watch us all along the way.

By Monday, we were pooped. Jake had some paint balling injuries, and I was grateful still for all the Boyscouters of America that have made a habit out of dutch oven feasting.

Hope you had a great Memorial Day 2010. We surely did!