Veterans Day.

Thanks guys, and gals. Those who served in uniform and those who loved and supported them. We love you all.

Took mom out to the cemetary today, to spruice up the plots and place flags out for dady and the others.

It's a pretty place, out in what once was a cow pasture. I imagine, sometimes, deer coming up and feeding on the acorns around the plots. I know the folks would love that.



We put a flag up on Uncle Melvin's plot. He was in the army in WW2. He supposedly served during the Battle of the Bulge, working on supply trains, I think. I never really got the chance to talk to him about it. There was always WAY too much drama involved with his side of the family. But mom remembers him fondly. He married her older sister Rose when Rose was 15 and he was 19. She says he was always like a big brother to her. Something she longed for, I guess. He taught her to drive, taking her out in a field in an old Model T. Even with everything I know about him and the things he put Rose through, I still miss him.



We put another flag out for Uncle Bob. He's my cousin Bob's father. We had the same birthday, Uncle Bob and I. He served in the army during WW2, and made it a career. He was in Alaska during WW2, and served two tours in Viet Nam. I always loved him, and always thought he was really cool. Hung like a horse, the lucky bastard. I don't know if I'll ever know anyone as tough and gruff as Uncle Bob. I miss him a lot.



And then there's daddy. Yea, it goes without saying. I miss him terribly.

It was a good time, mom and I out at the cemetery. We both decided that we needed to come back out with some bags of soil and spread it around. Pull some weeds and try to get rid of the ants. I'll set mom up in a chair and let her watch while I do it all. The folks will like that.

Happy Veterans Day, to all the veterans I know...

To the guys (and gals) who offered it all up for the rest of us. Some of these folks you may know.



If you don't see your picture here, I apologize.



And if you do see your picture here, hey I apologize.



But I get to pick which ones go up. So there. They're the pictures I love to look at.



You're all my pals. That's a big deal...



And I feel lucky and proud to know you all.



It's has been, and will continue to be a blast to know you.



Here's one you don't know. This is my Uncle John, my fathers younger brother. He did a stint in the army in the 50s. Check out how he has that 1911, or whatever, in his belt.



And this is my daddy, taken at about the time he retired after 32 years and 9 months in the service. I'll be goin' out to visit him later.

Y'all all take care, and know that I'm proud to know all of you. Thanks for your service to the rest of us, and thanks for lettin' me hang around. Cheers!