MrsGreenThumb

I am a lover of horticulture, gardening and the environment. At age 8, I sent away for a package of Zinnia seeds for 10 cents and I've been hooked ever since. After 25 years of being self-employed, I retired. That only lasted 4 years and I now work in a water conservation program: I buy grass from homeowners who are willing to convert to desert landscaping and lose that thirsty green stuff. I pursue what interests me and you can blame my sister for getting me into this blogging thing.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day


Today we give our thanks and respect to all those men and women who have served in our armed forces. Most of all for those who have died in the cause of freedom. My Uncle Al died in World War II, I have a vague recollection of him in his uniform as he said goodbye to the family and went off to war. He was the love of my aunt's life and she misses him to this day, even though it was 63 years ago. He is only one soldier among many who is missed by their family and friends. His spirit lives on in his daughter and granddaughter and great grandchildren. What a pity he didn't live to see his heritage. This is one story among thousands and today we can show our respect for their sacrifice.



I am proud that I can fly my flag as I honor all the men and women in uniform today and all the veteran's who have served our country. My husband and 3 sons all wore the uniform of the United States. They served with honor and I am proud of all of them.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Class reunions

Last month, I went to my 50th high school reunion. I have been working on it for quite some time. I volunteered to find as many classmates as possible. Out of 395, only 50+ were not located and over 60 were deceased. This feat would be impossible without the internet. There are so many sources of information available that were not there 25 years ago when we had our last reunion. Some websites link related names with someone's name. Others give a person's age. Piecing it all together was quite a chore. This is the head committee who put this reunion together. We're all a little older and wiser than we were 50 years ago.


There were others on our committee who made arrangements at a restaurant, printed a lovely souvenier book, donated mugs, made up gift bags for each person who attended. A great deal of effort went into our weekend. We had a pizza party, a tour of the old high school, a banquet and a farewell brunch. So many people worked so hard and the results were fantastic. Everyone had a lovely time. About half of the living class mates we found came to our reunion.

I had so much fun talking to people and renewing old friendships. There are only a few people from the past who have kept in contact with me. But at the reunion, it seemed as if a day hadn't passed. It was impressive. At first, it was hard to recognize old friends. After about 15 minutes, their high school face showed through the wrinkles and gray hair. No one cared. It was fun to share stories of our lives, careers and families.

Our old high school is being torn down and the home of our memories will be replaced. A newer, more efficient facility with a new name will take it's place. It will be sad but I know everything changes. Here is HHS today.


All in all, the weekend was a success and many people want to have another reunion in 5 years. I say, it's someone else's turn to do the organizing.