This and That

We are further along with the rocks than in this photo 

The weeds in this area have been taken care of -

Sadly, more weeds to go - 

And due to the weeds on the hill, we now have snails and slugs. 

Most I have seen in years. Lord, God I hate those little suckers. 

The soap trick so far has worked with the grape vines and it looks like we just might have a healthy harvest this year. 

When you live near mountains, they affect your weather, so we get thunderstorms. Poor Laydee, trembles but she is better during the day. At night, she shakes so severely that we end up having to give her Trazadone. And even that doesn't do the trick. Last night she paced up and down the hallway. 

I haven't heard about any lightening induced fires - nothing has been reported so far - so I am hoping we were spared. Sometimes it takes days before the spotters can pinpoint the exact area through webcams and drones. 

Yesterday we drove on up to the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. So nice to see children there and many young families - There were those in the audience who brought photos of their loved ones, who died in foreign wars. 

Old Glory sure looked beautiful. 

One of the keynote speakers, a Marine told his story and broke down and cried. He felt so guilty that he made it through - 

The former Cal Veteran Home administrator also spoke, an Air Force Veteran and she too, broke down and cried. There was not a dry eye anywhere. Even the guy who sang broke down. 

I've made it my little personal mission, to find every young person who died in the last three wars, at the cemetery. I will then, for next year make up a list of them to hand out to people on Memorial Day. 

Years ago I was the VFW President of the Ladies' Axuilary here. They never wanted to do anything and this should have been something we as a group would do. As in many groups, it seemed to be mostly about potlucks and dances. 

Interesting note - the Auxillary folded a couple of years later. 

I'll contact the administrator of the cemetery for the names and then see if I can get a print shop to donate the paper and all to print up these cards. If not, it shouldn't cost that much. I believe we have a total of 22 young men and women - not all of them are at this Veterans cemetery. 

The cemetery is relatively new - built in 2005 so unless a family moved their loved one to this Veterans Cemetery, we do not have any that died in battle from the previous wars. The first one I recall was in 2009 and my son,  Navy, and I went to the airport, along with other crowds of people, as his body was brought back home. Then there was a procession to the funeral home. 

No, Dad did not die in battle - he lived for 75 years - too short if you ask me. 

These are the incredible views surrounding the cemetery

A month ago, those yellow grasses were green - it doesn't take long for them to turn golden thus one of the reasons we are called the Golden State, which can be traced back to the Gold Rush in January 1848.  "The Golden State" also refers to California's stunning natural beauty. California's diverse landscapes feature a variety of golden hues, from the rolling golden hills to the golden poppy, the state flower that blankets fields and hillsides each spring.

This morning, my husband had a doctor's appointment down in Red Bluff. A good 45-minute drive south of us. He's seeing my surgeon for his shoulder. 

Good News - He has a shoulder impingement. The Doctor gave him a cortisone shot and in a week he will start physical therapy. The weed-pulling and rocks will have to wait a few days. 

Oh, and I also volunteered to be the Literature person at my Tuesday meeting. I don't know exactly what it entails but will figure it out as I go along. 

Tomorrow we go to the Veterans Home for a ceremony for those who died during the Pandemic - and never had an acknowledgment or ceremony - or nothing. It's been three years since Pops died (not of Covid) and finally, his name will be placed in the memorial, along with many others. 

I hope this finds you all well and happy on this Tuesday. 

Debby