Let the Flags Fly

We had the opportunity to go to the Coast Guard Expo and a special tour of the USCGC Mellon.
I'm a total civilian when it comes to these things and I learned much about the....well, all of it. It was very interesting.

The Coast Guard tours the world's coastal waters to save lives on rescue missions (like EMT's), help in drug busts, problems with poaching and sea vessel safety checks (police), they have guns, they jump in waterfalls on their days off near El Salvador, but otherwise figuratively and literally put out fires (like firemen who carry the same equipment).

Our guide. He was very nice and a smidgen competitive. I didn't know what "three crows meant," in reference to his rank, but I wagered that his toils on the bridge of the ship would mean that we'd get a pretty professional tour. He had to help me help Allison up and down the stairs (which I'd unlovingly call "ladders") many times.

Twas my first time on a boat serving bigger purpose than what could be used on a lake and we took the three hour tour. Our guide Hollyfield was the real deal: he was not impressed with the "fly boys" so we skipped the rest of the rescue demonstration to begin; they were totally showing up his mastering and commandering. There's a lot of culture I learned here, too!

Showed us everything. Danielle even got to use the captain's bathroom. We luckily fit in there together.

The most spacious place was the mess hall.

Stairs in the middle of it leading... somewhere.
There's also an operation table in case of emergencies; the rest of the time it is used for lunch.

Each flag means something and can be used in various orders to convey specific messages.

We were sponges, so to speak, and no one in my little party fell in the drink. So I'm thankful for that.

Thanks to the officers of the Coast Guard, the Border Patrol, ROTC, local enforcement, the moms and dads and kids who take part.

They are wonderful, youthful, service minded people. Including my friend Amanda who's a nurse in Port Angeles for the next couple of years.

"...for a three hour tour." Still kinda funny. To me.

Please, God, Bless America!

A Shrimp is a Shrimp is a Shrimp

Our first Shrimping trip was like poetry.

It transported us to another place.

So did the motor boat.

There were nymphs (who almost blew away in the salty wind),

and a few blasted pirates (which took our catch shortly before--not kidding).

I was beginning to think that the last line would end with "I went shell fishing and all I caught was this lousy starfish...sunfish, whatevs."

But it was a pretty cool sunfish that we released...
Back into the harbor, so bountiful, so deep.

And my captain is literally a
Jack of all trades and master of all,
He gave us some shrimp fine-cooked from last haul.

We just ate them plain to enjoy them.
Pacific treasures, God may spin to convoy them!

A shrimp is a shrimp is a shrimp is a shrimp...

Things are Humming

We are busy as bees.

Traversing terrain,

Searching for sweet things to enjoy,

Being sociable,

and Sharing the environment,

...Searching for sweet things--Relentlessly ("Maybe dere's CANDY under dere!" one says to the other, while they shake their bums in the air).

Never forgetting where home is,

And reputing just attention for everything that grows...
(weed glamour shot experiment)

With highest regards for life.

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.