Memorial Day

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, and I'd like to remember the members of my family who have served.

My great-great-great Grandfather Levi Ashbrook served in the Revolutionary War. My great-Grandfather Aaron Ashbrook served in the Civil War on the Union side, as did his brothers, one of whom died as a result. My Grandfather Roy Wilson Ashbrook served in the US Army in the Spanish-American War in the Philippines and lost an eye there. He then went on to train soldiers for WWI. My uncle Roy served in the Army in the Battle of the Bulge and had frostbite as a result. He then went on to serve in the Army of Occupation in Japan. My uncle Ed Allatt was a bomber pilot in the Mediterranean and had two planes shot out from under him and had to ditch in the water. My father was a pilot ferrying supplies to Australia for the Navy in unescorted, and unarmed planes. My first husband, Mike, was a Captain in the Canadian Army, serving in Korea and in the Congo under the UN. My husband, Bill, made his career in the Air Corps for 22 years. David, my son, was in the Navy for 12 year. And I almost forgot my great-grandfather Searles who served as a drummer boy for the Union in the Civil War.

To all of them - Thank you.

Memorial

This is always such a hard time for our family. I looked at Lesley's blog today, and tears streamed. Too many memories - but some of them are such good ones. I love looking at the pictures of Rachel and Amy. And I remember that weekend at the cabin when the girls had such a good time in the snow. Memories.

Off and Away!

We leave soon for our trip back to the mid-west for several important events. First we'll get to meet Sylvie - a very important new member of the family - our great-niece in Colorado. Then a stop in Kansas to visit a member of Bill's family - His cousin Sabine who is his first cousin's daughter from Germany. Then to Nevada, Missouri and Catherine's graduation from Cottey - and a visit with Val and Neal and Catherine before they head for San Diego and we head on up to Lincoln, Nebraska. There we'll visit the Jacksons and Schers. And that will be a fun time for me with Maddie and Emily! And then on home. We're keeping fingers crossed that the weather will be nice to us!

Finis!

Today I took my memoirs to the printer. I worked hard on them, and hope they reflect something of my life without too many bumps and bruises. Thanks to Alison for the title. I don't know what I'll do for writing now. I'm not creative enough to start on something in fiction, and I've done my life. Not good with poetry. Oh well - time now to read!

What Can I Say?

I am so discouraged by the terrible things that are said by people on Twitter, Facebook and various talk shows. I don't understand where courtesy disappeared, or why. Why is there so much anger? Does anyone really think we should "wipe the bastards out" who voted for health care reform? Is this the way to run a country, by stirring up anger and viciousness. People are being spit on. Posters are made that show nothing of the owner's character except ignorance. Why do we allow all of this? Well - we do have something known as "free speech" and I suppose as long as that exists we will have the Hannitys and Limbaughs spewing their hatred. I worry that the young people of this country will begin to think that this is the only way to project your opinion. Too sad.

The Saga of the Refrigerator

We now have water damage to our hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Evidently the hose to the ice maker leaked. The wood floor is wavy and the linoleum in the laundry room has lifted. The insurance adjuster was here yesterday, and the verdict is that the flooring in the kitchen, dining room, living room and powder room must be repaired and refinished. And the laundry room will need new lino. So we will have to move everything out of all those rooms, and then move ourselves out for three days. Our deductible isn't very big, and the insurance will pay for our staying in a motel, so we won't have a lot of expense with all of this, but we will have a lot of bother! I don't look forward to boxing up everything in the buffet, china hutch and bookcases. We'll have to hire people to move the furniture and disconnect the gas clothes dryer, etc., etc. Such fun. We also have to get a plumber to fix the hose connection to the dear new refrigerator!

Max Raabe and his Palast Orchester

What a great evening! The music was wonderful, the audience was very enthusiastic and we didn't want it to end. At the interval about fifteen women dressed in the 20's and 30's style came forward and were allowed backstage to visit with members of the orchestra. Most of the women were in their twenties and were having a wonderful time! Very cute idea.
We had seats in the first row center, so were able to see all the orchestra and the faces they made - especially the pianist. They are all such good musicians - and interact with the audience constantly. Many funny moments.
I couldn't stop smiling, and noticed most people leaving the theatre were also smiling.
I hope Max Raabe continues to have success and will come back to Portland soon.