Winter's Teeth

Winter's teeth...coming around the corner.

and I cannot wait.

A New Baby - BMW

Yesterday, I bought my new car. A gently used, fully loaded BMW from a trusted seller. I am so happy that I have to announce it like it was a new baby. Because to me, it is. I take such good care of my engines that my cars live for a long time. (knock on wood)

This little baby moves like the wind and has superb handling and leather seats! I am so happy. She is one sweet ride. Did I mention the sound system and custom steering wheel?

Now to my old car, a 1991 Honda, I have always told my close friends that because my blue Honda has lived forever, she would need a proper and emotional send off. After driving Honda's for so many years I can honestly say, I love them, and would own one again. They are reliable and economical to own.



We are planning a bagpiper and 'lawn party wake', to take place in front of our place. Invites will be arriving shortly. Nothing is too good for a car that took me over 250K. After we make a few toast to her and nosch on some food, I will say my final good-byes. She then will be ceremonially taken by flat bed truck to her final resting place adorned with sprays of flowers and on top of her.

Detail on the great send off of the of the old car willl be forthcoming.



Here is one good song for my dearly departed Honda.

A Gift of Flowers

Sometimes we need to stop and enjoy the blossoms of life. Our summer here in Colorado this year has seen many an afternoon thunderstorm, and as a result we have flowers everywhere. I saw these beauties and had to bring them home as a memory. I do that a lot nowadays. Life is such a blessing and I natually want to share them with others.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Hummingbird

Gold Star Rememberance - Remembering the Brave Ceremony

Remembering the Brave will be hosting their annual ceremony on the evening of September 10, 2011. These families will be from all over the country. The organization was founded by a Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, assigned to the Colorado region, who made the notifications and the mother of one of the fallen. The mission of this organization is to preserve the memories of the fallen service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Since 2005, they have held annual Remembering the Brave Ceremonies in different locations across the country. This year the event will again be in the Denver area and will be at the Red Lion Hotel in the Stapleton area. The event brings together the families of the fallen to honor the bravery of their loved ones. The families are presented with a set of their loved ones mounted medals, a bouquet of yellow roses, as well as any posthumous awards and decorations. The number of roses in the each bouquet was the soldier's age at the time of his or her death. The presentation is done in a formal military ceremony along with a Hall of Heroes display for each hero honored. Please take a moment to view the slide show from last year’s ceremony.

PLEASE TAKE THIS LINK TO VIEW VIDEO

Learn More About This Outstanding Organization

During World War II, in March 1942, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. organization was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers who had sons or daughters in active service in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in a window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. Living servicemen were represented by a Blue Star and those who had lost their lives were represented by a Gold Star. Today, membership in the Blue Star Mothers is open to any woman living in America who has a son or daughter in the US Armed Forces, or who has had a son or daughter in the US Armed Forces who has been honorably discharged.The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.

Army Capt. George Maines conceived the apples idea for the Blue/Gold Star Mothers. He ran a newspaper article in Flint, Michigan, in January 1942, requesting information about children serving in the armed forces. More than 1,000 mothers responded. By March 8, 1942, more than 600 mothers organized the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. That same year, chapters quickly formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Oregon, Iowa, Washington, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and New York.

The blue/gold star flag was designed and patented by World War I Army Capt. Robert Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front line. The blue flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. The gold star replaces a blue when a soldier is killed.

The Blue Star Mothers’ original goals were to bring their sons and daughters home, to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service members' families, support each other and to be there if something happened. Over the years, the goals have broadened to rehabilitation, hospital work, children’s welfare and civil defense.

God Bless The United States of America.

and the brave men and women who serve her and give the ultimate sacrifice.

Summer Poetry - Poetry of Life

Photography by Christine McClintock Hudspeth All Rights Reserved 2011

Poetry gives us words for the hot breezes that stir the soul,

not just the cold harsh winds of winter's snow.

Poetry is the vibration of strings on the cello of life,

for it comes when the air is full of warm rhythm's light.

~ 2011 Christine McClintock Hudspeth

American Writer

LIFE

A beautiful message to share.