Quote of the Day

Christine Renee McClintock

"Cuimhnich air na daoine on tainig thu."

Remember those from whom you are descended.

James Duane McClintock - Happy Father's Day

The loss of any parent is life altering. It is profound and rocks us at the core. My Father died when I was the younger side of 12, the summer of 1972. He had a massive coronary at a picnic for my brother's baseball team. The boys were out playing with their Dads.

My Father came in off the field complaining of not feeling well. We had no idea he but minutes to live. The paramedics were called. Back then, they really weren't EMT's like there are today. Just glorified taxi drivers. They made to my Dad but didn't know how to diagnosis a man of 34.

I remember the last words my Dad spoke to me. They will forever be written in my heart. Afterwards I was taken to the hospital to pick up his things. I will never forget the massive blood all over his clothes.

What had they done to my Dad? I was too young to absorb the violence that had been performed to try to save his life. My Mother took my younger brother to talk to the Emergency Room Doctor. My 9 year old brother wasn't processing the loss, or so they thought. I was? I wish someone had taken the time to see me and realize that I also needed to look the man who tried to save one of the most important people in my life, and ask him the questions that have gone so very long unanswered.

But I was only a daughter, not a son. Times were different then. Family and friends seemed most concerned about my brother's loss of a Father, than me and my younger sister.

It matters to a daughter too.

With aching heart
I whisper low.
God Bless you Daddy
I miss you so.

Your Daughter,
Christine

Motherhood

Copyright 2010 - Photo by Christine McClintock
Well, I am going to be a Grandma again. This time I am so very excited. You see there is a nest outside my window in the most beautiful of trees. I hadn't noticed the Mother Robin making the nest at all. But much to my delight, she sits there patiently warming her most precious little blue eggs.

Copyright 2010 - Photo by Christine McClintock

Having three children, all daughters who have each flown the nest out into the world. I miss them and their giggling. Their playful chatter and even the fighting, sisters so often do. I have learned that all things in life are in the process of growth and change. They start out as precious little eggs, hatch and one day fly away, both children and birds.

Personally, I have always believed that we give birth to our children twice. Once when they come into the world and then again, and perhaps in a more painful way, when we let them go out into the world. I do not envy the Mother Robin one bit. I do share in her Motherhood though.

So enjoy I shall, these little remembrances of my girls as I watch these little baby Robins. Gone are my parent teacher conferences, the softball and basketball games. The seemingly endless line of boys at the door and the phone calls, oh those endless phone calls! I miss all that and more. My little chicks have grown into beautiful confident young women and each has flown beautifully.

Now I can just watch and enjoy these new little lives appear before my eyes, and then happily watch them fly away some day soon.

Colorado Hummingbird 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Confederate Civil War Poem - Author Unknown

I found a poem in an old antique store this past weekend. There were many poems, mostly verses from he Bible that had been done by a caligrapher and framed. One caught my eye and resonated with me. So I bought it and brought it home.

It is simply entitled:

A Prayer
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
My unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men,
most richly blessed.

By an unknown Confederate Soldier

Denver 2010 Memorial Day Parade

It was a beautiful Saturday on Memorial Day Weekend when the Colorado Sons of the American Revolution, under the direction of David Mann, Color Guard Commander lead his men through the streets of downtown Denver in honor of our Veterans and Service men and women.

Also in attendance where Colorado members of Smokey Hill Trail Chapter, and Piney Creek Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Pictured above are Smokey Hill Trail Chapter Daughters

Both Chapters passed out American flags, booklets of the U.S. Constitution, stickers and patriotic necklaces to parade attendees and especially all veterans attending the parade.

Smokey Hill Trail Daughters (R) prepare with two Daughters of Piney Creek Chapter (L) above.

Parade pictures were taken by David Hudspeth and Christine McClintock.

To This Daughter, Veterans Day is a time to reflect the men and women who have in our countries history given of themselves in defense of our country. We honor them not just today, but everyday. I always take the time to thank any member of the military, police, fire and other services for their great sacrifice and devotion to The United States of America.

I remember a time when the Veterans of the Vietnam War were returning home. They were not greeted with fanfare, flags and words of thanks. This bothered me so very much. Yes, it was an unpopular war, but these young men and women had served still the same. I vowed as a young girl to make a difference when I got older. I am doing that today with service to Homes For Our Troops.org and through the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

George Washington was quoted as saying, "We will be remembered by how we treat our Veterans." I have always taken these words to heart, and strived to make a difference. I have run across some veterans who tell me often that I am only the first or second person in their whole lives who has ever thanked them. "Let it not be the last," I always reply.

Thank-you, men and women of the United States Military and Service Organizations for protecting us, for being true men and women of valor. We honor you.

God Bless the United States of America.

Afterwards we took over a British Pub for lemonade and lunch, much to the delight of the owner.

Visit Rest of the Terrific Photostream of the Parade on Flickr HERE

Colorado Hummingbird 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Preserving Symbols of the Past - Fighting A New Meaning

Yesterday, I joined the Sons of the American Revolution in their drill and practice for the Denver Memorial Day Parade. We have been given the honor of first position in the parade. For the most part yesterday was a wonderful time for all, with shared stories of the great sacrifice and service of each of our grandfathers, grandmothers and family members during the American Revolution.

Conversation always turns to other time periods in American history, and I always come away with a new understanding of history. Being a student of history, it is a kin to oh...a Star Wars Convention. We all have props and antiques over 200 years old, bayonets, swords, powder horns and that is just the what the men carry. We ladies, being Daughters of the American Revolution have dresses, bonnets, mop caps and other articles from the Revolution as well. Much time and preparation goes into being a rein actor and we are always well received.

However as we marched, practicing our marching wheels, paying attention to form and presentation. A neighbor of one of the participants came out of his house to let us know he was not happy to see us. That is quite the understatement. Keep in mind that the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution are historical preservation lineage societies. We each can trace our families back to one and most often several people who fought in the American Revolution. One of mine wrote the Declaration of Independence. We are patriotic, which goes almost without saying. We do not ascribe to one particular modern political party or belief system. We are as diverse as our ancestors. Some of us are Democrats, Republicans and members of other parties. We gather because of our deep love for this country and not that which divides it.

At first, because the wind was blowing so hard and the flags slapping, we were only paying attention to our drills. The man on his front step seemed to became more agitated. We could not hear him as he began to scream at us and wave his fist. So onward we traveled back to our sponsors house. We all came into the house and had a wonderful barbecue.

Soon, the phone rang and it went to voice mail. We all stood there listening, to the neighbor who was so upset began a horrific rant. He accused of of subversion, being un-American, tearing our country apart and resented our attempts to assemble in the neighborhood and on the street where his house was located. He clearly stated that he knew we were carrying antique guns and weaponry. He told us not to do this in the future. The man made his opionions quite clear and that was we were not welcome in the neighborhood and on the streets and cul-de-sacs. Please keep in mind we have to have safe streets to practice, as we will be marching down the middle of downtown Denver in a week.

This man identified his political affiliation in the rant, which are not important to my point here. What is upsetting is the association of the symbols of the American Revolution we carry as our families did. Simple flags which have been recently attached to new agendas and political viewpoints have acquired a new Master Status, with meanings which have been adopted by the newly formed Tea Party Movement. Many of you have seen the coverage on the news recently of 'Tea Party' demonstrations where many of the participants are carrying the Gadsden," Do Not Tread on Me," as well as many historical flags.

In the various news coverages as well as in person, I have seen shots of where even President Washington's naval flag was being carried by some of these individuals. I have had occasion to inquire of some of them, simply asking if they understood the history or meaning being the flags they carried? Many of them, no I will go one further, most of them, do not know the first thing about the standards and flags they carry. One time I witnessed people carrying the Culpepper flag. I stoped and inquired from the people carrying it. Do you know what you are carrying and what the history of the flag is?, I asked. I kid you not. They told me, "the flag was 'flown only once in one battle in Pennsylvania, and did not really mean anything."

Okay, how about noooo! I took a little time that day to teach a some history. I am a Culpepper by blood and know exactly who carried it, and were they lived. Let's say there is a county named after us in Virginia. The Culpeppers were fierce. They apologized and folded the flag when I was done with the history lesson. I did not have to get angry to educate. Which is what the SAR and DAR do.

Now back to the neighbor.

He threatened all of us and told us we were tearing our country apart and we would be sorry for what we doing and wishing for, as we clearly to him represented the new destructive movement of the Tea Party.

I speak for many of us, when I state that those who pull symbols of our very rich past and heritage using them attaching new meaning, are making a huge mistake. Not only will the people who oppose you politically not appreciate your use of our shared symbols, but we who know what they mean will call you out on it.

Why? Because we are the blood of those who first carried them. In fact conceived of them. We have a right to bear arms, even if they are antiques, and to assemble peacefully in public, to freedom of speech, and to celebrate the rich history which is the United States of America.

My advice. Do not tread on us, or our familes who actually sacrificed their lives and treasure so you could stand on your front lawn and rant at us. Remember, "United We Stand, Divided We Will All Fall...."

We invite you to join us at the Denver Memorial Day Parade on May 29th, in downtown Denver. We are there to honor the thousands of men and women who fought for our country over it's history, many of them giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Happy Memorial Day

God Bless The United States of America

Hummingbird

Truly one of the old great tunes. One of my favorites for reasons easy to understand on my blog. Listen and enjoy from this hummingbird.

Scotland

A view of the Scottish scenery taken from across Scotland. Accompanied by the music Last or the Mohicans Theme Tune. Performed by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.


Enjoy.

Remember to Thank our Service Men and Women

Two Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding enforcement on I-15, just north of Oceanside, San Diego , California ...

One of the officers was using a hand held radar device to check speeding vehicles approaching the crest of a hill. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began reading 300 miles per hour and climbing.

The officer attempted to reset the radar gun, but it would not reset and then it suddenly turned off.

Just then a deafening roar over the treetops revealed that the radar had in fact locked on to a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was engaged in a low flying exercise near this, it's home base location. Back at the California Highway Patrol Headquarters the Patrol Captain fired off a complaint to the US Marine Corps. Base Commander for shutting down his equipment.



The reply came back in true USMC style:

'Thank you for your letter.
You may be interested to know that the tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of, and subsequently locked on to, your hostile radar equipment and automatically sent a jamming signal back to it, which is why it shut down.

Furthermore, an Air-to-Ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also automatically locked on to your equipment location.

Fortunately, the Marine Pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status and was able to override the automated defense system before the missile was launched to destroy the hostile radar position.

The pilot suggests you cover your mouths when cussing at them, since the video systems on these jets are very high tech.

Sergeant Johnson, the officer holding the radar gun, should get his dentist to check his left rear molar. It appears the filling is loose. Also, the snap is broken on his holster.'


Semper Fi

Images from Blue Planet; Edited by Musica Eternal.

Check Out Lisa Gerrard Music Here

Victorian Peaks Collection - Parker Colorado

Victorian Peaks rose from the ground in Parker Colorado like beautiful jewel on the prarie. It is a business center, but also a community gathering place. There shops, restaurants and offices and the most unique antique store I have been in quite some time. It is an 8,000 square foot antique store! There are antiques, reproductions, model home furniture, home decor, rugs, candles , anything you are looking for they have or, can help you get.

There are the antiques to die for, as you can see in the Flickr photostream above, but classes may be taken here in a variety of creative arts, including jewelry, painting, soap making, wine tasting and more. In addition there are home designers there to help you with your selections which include home interior.


So next time you are in downtown Parker, take a turn off Mainstreet on to Pikes Peak Drive to 11020 S. Pikes Peak Dr. #50. Stop enjoy a carriage ride during the season, listen to music performing while you grab a bite to eat from any of the restaurants in the complex. Then head down the elevator or the side stairs and take a journey back in the past.

Visit Victorian Peaks Website Here


You will enjoy all that is Victorian Peaks...I did.

Ceilings of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild - Musée Ile-de-France

Let's redecorate! Giggle!

Built by Baronne Ephrussi de Rothschild, this is one of the Côte d'Azur's legendary villas. Born a Rothschild, the baronne married a Hungarian banker and friend of her father, about whom even the museum's curator knows little. She died in 1934, leaving the Italianate building and its gardens to the Institut de France on behalf of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The museum preserves the wealth of her collection: 18th-century furniture; Tiepolo ceilings; Savonnerie carpets; screens and panels from the Far East; tapestries from Gobelin, Aubusson, and Beauvais; Fragonard drawings; Boucher canvases; Sèvres porcelain; and more. The gardens contain fragments of statuary from churches, monasteries, and palaces.


TAKE A GRAND TOUR

Située entre Nice et Monaco, la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild est un magnifique palais entouré de célèbres jardins, dominant la Méditerranée. Découvrez la Villa créée par la Baronne de Rothschild à la Belle Epoque qui présente une magnifique collection de mobiliers, tableaux et porcelaines rares. Le salon de thé offre une vue extraordinaire sur la baie de Villefranche. Un lieu unique dédié aux jardins, à l’art et à la beauté.

Proving the old addage that everyones home is their castle.... Pour moi, chaque maison de femmes est son château. Oui?

Homes For Our Troops - Building a Home For a Patriot in Elizabeth Colorado

Marine Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse was in Ramadi, Iraq in October 2005 when while patrolling on a late night mission, the vehicle in which he was riding as part of a convoy was hit by a dual stacked IED. The HUMVEE exploded, ejecting LCpl Hinkhouse and leaving him near death with injuries including a depressed skull fracture, collapsed lungs and a severe leg injury.

Airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany it was determined that his right leg required amputation and 45 % of his skull needed to be removed in order to alleviate the swelling, and to allow his brain to heal. Upon returning to the United States, LCpl Hinkhouse spent several months at Bethesda Naval Medical Center before transferring to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he spent more than a year and a half recovering from a cranial plasti surgery to repair his skull, and enduring countless hours of rehabilitation.

LCpl Hinkhouse is pleased to be living in Colorado, near family. Kade enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and pretty much anything that has to do with being outdoors. He is a member of a shooting and team and aspires to one day get involved with the US Paralympics Shooting Team. LCpl Hinkhouse’s goal is to further his education, possibly becoming an X-Ray Technician. He and his wife, Becky are looking forward to starting a family and know that with the gift of a specially adapted home they will be able to focus on family and recovery as they look to the future.

If you want to volunteer to help build the house for Ret. Marine Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse, please come out for the sign up day.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Location: Highlands Ranch Ace Hardware
Street: 9579 S University Blvd
City/Town: Highlands Ranch, CO

Please come join us for a fantastic event! Kade and Becky Hinkhouse are having a home built in Elizabeth Colorado. Kade is a retired Marne. Please visit the H.F.O.T. website to read about the incredible work they do.

Be a part of the change you want to see. Make a difference in the lives of Veterans.

We would love for all of you to help us spread the word about this project along with helping to find donors of materials and labor and funds. This is going to be so much fun participating in the effort this home building project for a wonderful Patriot and his wife.

LINK TO HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS.ORG

Hope to see or hear from you!

Security on The Internet - Starting with Your Password

It amazes me when I run into people who are distresses because their identity has either been compromised, or they have been the victims of phishing on any of their Internet accounts. I find out it was due to some troll who got a hold of their password. Most people would not hand a loaded gun to someone to point at themselves, so don't make your passwords so very easy to guess!

Password Study

In the above linked article from P.C. World, the list will be an eye opener for some. They give some good advice, but to it, on the list of what not to choose as a password, I respectfully add.

1. Your dog, cat or pet's name. You love them, leave it at that.
2. Your birthday, I know it is your day! Pass up these easy digits!
3, Your anniversary, Sorry ladies, it is not a good way to get your husbands to remember it.
4. Family names. Like your last name, with say the day you were born on. Bingo!
5. Do not reverse names or titles of offices. This is a great place to start for hackers after an organization.
6. Change it often. This is not ancient Rome people, we do not have to carved these into stone. It is okay to change, change is good and safe.

Make it hard, make it safe, and write it down in a little journal book. So you can refresh you memory if it has been awhile since you have signed on to a particular account, or for your family should you join a heavenly choir, and your executor needs the numbers to your Swiss Bank Accounts.

Good Luck. May the Force be with you....you are going to need it.

Israel Answers The Call in Haiti

Israel proves again and again that it knows how to step up to the plate to help in a humanitarian crisis. Their field hospital in Haiti is like non other.

So when you take a moment of prayer for the people of Haiti, also thank God for the Israelis. The people they serve certainly are.