Monday, December 7, 2009

Remember Pearl Harbor

At 7:55am 68 years ago today, Pearl Harbor was attacked. 187 Japanese planes began dropping bombs on the ships in the harbor as well as planes in nearby airfields. A second attack came an hour later with another 163 planes continuing the assault. When the attack was complete, of the 96 ships anchored, 21 had been sunk with many others severally damaged. Out of 394 planes at airfields Hickam, Wheeler, and Bellows, 188 were destroyed and 159 were damaged. There were 2,403 (including 68 civilians) killed and 1,178 were wounded.


The USS Arizona was struck by a torpedo, within 9 minutes the ship sunk killing 1,177aboard. The USS Oklahoma after being hit rolled over on its side, pinning men inside and underwater. Of the crew of 1,301, 429 died. The USS West Virginia sank after being struck numerous times by both torpedoes and bombs. The USS Nevada was also hit by both torpedoes and bombs. After the first attack, the Nevada headed out to sea through the narrow channel of the harbor. The Nevada almost made it when came the second attack. The planes tried to sink the Nevada with hopes of blocking the channel, but the crew chose to beach the ship instead. There were two other smaller ships, the Shaw and the Oglala, both were badly damaged. (The Oglala capsized.) The Vestal was beached. The Utah, a target ship for the U.S. military, was also sunk.

In a little over two hours, 21 ships had been sunk and over 2,000 Americans had been killed. Japan’s attack had been devastating and destructive.

However the aircraft carriers were not in port. What a blessing. This meant the American left fleet was almost intact. The aircraft carriers later proved to be the main ships used by the Navy.

America had been divided over how much involvement and aid they should give to the Allies. However when President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan the country was united. The US would make Japan pay for the attack and help to rid the world of Nazism and Fascism.

The Admiral who had planned the attack had warned the Japanese Government that in
order for the attack to be a success it must be a crushing blow. The attack was devastating, but it wasn't a crushing blow. Instead it gave the Americans a rallying cry that carried them through to the end of the war: "Remember Pearl Harbor."

This is dedicated to the memory of my grandpa, Ruben D. "Mac" McEwen, who was in the Navy and at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. May we always Remember Pearl Harbor.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord,

We come together with gratitude in our hearts on this Thanksgiving Day. We are ever so grateful to share time with family and friends. We are thankful for the food that has been so lovingly prepared, may it give us nourishment and strength.

We ask thee at this time to please bless those who are serving on behalf of others. May they feel your love, your guidance and your protection.

Help us to be mindful of your will, that we may all be an instrument in your hands.

Again we thank thee for the many blessings we enjoy.

Amen
-anonymous

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thank a Veteran Today

America is a beacon of light and hope because soldiers have and will continue to carry the torch. God Bless our Veterans
















Hug a Vet!

Friday, September 11, 2009

God Bless America Land That I Love....

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Saturday, August 15, 2009

One Summer Weekend

Last weekend Corbie and 3 friends went to experience "Wine Country" and taste the fermented fruits of the Napa Valley. (I'm sure the motivation was connected to free booze but what do I know?) Robert was at a tournament in Park City playing the only "Real Sport" any "Real Man" should play, Rugby. (Anything else is just child's play.) Therefore I was blessed with entertaining Cale (11), Morgan (7) and Ryan (3).

We started out at Cale's soccer tournament where his team was victorious taking home the first place trophy. After that we headed to Wheeler Farm to attend the annual "Kids Fest" and ride a few rides. Next was the Coalville County Fair which was definitely the highlight for Ryan. Last and certainly not the highlight of the weekend was staying at a cabin where we roasted marshmallows in an open pit. Not one of them liked roasting or eating those delicious morsels. So as soon as the bugs started dive bombing at us, we called it a night and went inside. My darling citified grand kids were grateful to be inside with their Nintendo DS, computer and their DVDs. However the bugs would have been better than the hell that broke loose inside. Cale, bless his heart, got sick barely making it to the bathroom which may have been the best thing that happened because from that point it was all down hill.

Since the TV was down in the living room we decided we would camp out there and watch a movie. I of course was sound asleep before my head hit the pillow only to be awakened by Cale throwing up on Morgan's sleeping bag. (This was to be the first of several up chucking episodes through out the night.) I immediately jumped out of bed setting my feet upon what felt like frozen ground. It was very cold so I found a small space heater to use and then re-bundled Morgan and Cale with extra blankets. I stayed awake for an hour or more making sure it was warming up (hoping we could all avoid frost bite) and making sure Cale was a sleep.

I finally dosed off but within minutes or so it seemed Cale threw up again, on the blanket on top of his sleeping bag. Again I got up to help him and clean up. The temperature was climbing it was cold but at least we couldn't see our breath.

I found a pan for Cale to use should this happen again. Staying awake for another hour or so I watched my darling little boy fall asleep before the Sandman closed my eyes. As I was closing my eyes and slipping into sleep; again I was brought back to consciousness by Cale throwing up one more time. I thought thank goodness I gave him the pan but much to my dismay when I opened my eyes he had thrown up on his sleeping bag not in the pan. What a blessing it was the last clean up.

About 5:00am the cabin was warm the kids were sound asleep and as I was dosing off I thought, "I'm not good as the entertainment committee".

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Funnies

I received this today in an e-mail and almost peed my pants laughing. Hope it makes you laugh too!

These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.


ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
___________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He's twenty, much like your IQ.
___________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shitting me?
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8Th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Take a guess.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Are you qualified to ask that question?
______________________________________

And the best for last:

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

Monday, May 25, 2009

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Memorial Day is one of the Holidays which finds me walking down memory lane and grateful for the walk. It brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face simultaneously.

Years ago my grandmother asked if I would go with her and Grandpa on their Memorial Day cemetery route. This amounted to cleaning around the headstones of all of Grandma's relatives, even those she never knew. (I was grateful Grandpa's family was in Arkansas and California or one day would never have been enough.)

On that particular Memorial Day Grandma was showing signs of age and I know she wanted me to pick up the torch and take over for her. Unfortunately Grandpa had the final words with regards to my choice. As we watched Grandma shuffle over to her parents' headstone, he said to me, "You know Carol I have been doing this every Memorial Day for over 50 years. Your Grandma is hoping you will continue the tradition and I am telling you don't. Memorial Day was created for fallen soldiers and it has turned into a florist's payday. When I die don't bother I won't be here, I'll be around but it won't be here."

For the record I don't totally agree with Grandpa, however I haven't been back to their grave site. There are times I feel Grandma is probably a bit disappointed but I know Grandpa is grateful I took his advice. He was correct they are around; they just aren't there.

However yesterday my trek down memory lane was picture laden as I searched for a picture of G & G Corbie wanted. While I rummaged through boxes I came across so many pictures of Grandpa and Corbie together. Absent from the photos was Grandma, the photographer, who always made sure she had plenty of photos of those two.
Now years later as I cry my way through these pictures the only way I can think of thanking Grandma is to at least go clean off their headstone and leave behind a few Irises and Roses her flowers for this day.

Grandpa will probably smile as he tells Grandma, "You know I told her never to do this don't you? So why do you suppose this year she is doing it? I bet she is getting soft in her old age."

Well, Grandpa I may be getting soft, but the truth is it is just a small token of my appreciation for all you both did for me.

Oh, and thanks for all the wonderful memories,

Love Always,
Carol

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Change is Coming Hold on to Your Wallet

How can you borrow your way out of debt? How exactly does that work? There must be a glitch in my thinking; I have yet to grasp how you rob Peter, pay Paul and everyone comes out on top. It seems to me that while Paul is feasting on his good luck Peter will then struggle to keep his head above water and the robber/debtor still owes money. Isn't that like a Ponzi Scheme? For some reason I see it more as a pathway to bankruptcy or worse prison. Of course I'm not an accountant or an attorney so I may be ill informed. However if you knowingly spend money you don't have or money that belongs to someone else I think it is considered criminal behavior. Unfortunately I have first hand knowledge of people going to jail for this type of behavior (they may have been my friends). So how could anyone think this type of economics could bring about positive change?

Nevertheless I am willing to give it a try. I would like all of my family, friends and acquaintances to invest their hard earned dollars with me. (Keeping in mind it is just an investment.) I promise to invest it in what I think will bring about the most change (as in coin). When I think your investment has run it's course I will let you know the outcome of change (as in difference) it made.

You can rest assure I will treat your money as if it were my own. I will spend it wisely on what I think is necessary to bring about the change needed (in my life). While you patiently wait for your change (coin) to come. It won't take long before you will see the benefit of your investment. It will make me happy, rich and filled with love and gratitude for all my investors. There will be such a nice change in me how could anyone refuse to invest?

If you are interested in great change, please send me your money immediately. I promise I won't let you down, I'm positive change will come.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Words of Wisdom

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Truth About Hugs

There's no such thing as a bad hug, only good ones and great ones

Hugs are

non-fattening and they don't cause cancer or cavities...

Hugs are

all natural with no preservatives, artificial ingredients or pesticide residue...

Hugs are

cholesterol-free, naturally sweet, 100% wholesome and they are a completely renewable resource...

Hugs are

Easy to care for they don't require batteries, tune-ups, or x-rays...

Hugs are

non-taxable, fully returnable and energy efficient...

Hugs are

safe in all kinds of weather... In fact,

Hugs are

especially good for cold and rainy days and

Hugs are

exceptionally effective in treating problems like bad dreams or Monday blues...

Never wait until tomorrow to hug someone you could hug today,
because when you give one, you get one right back your way !

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

BIRTHDAY WEEK


In our family February is for birthdays. It started February 12th, 1998 when Cale was born. Four years later here comes Morgan on Valentine's Day 2002. Another four years and who should show up on February 10th, 2006 but Ryan. By the end of the week everyone is exhausted and Corbie is dead on her feet. But every year she does the impossible; 3 parties in a 5 day period.

I think of this as more of a blessing week. I received three from one, who could ask for anything more? Again I am so blessed!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy Birthday Corbie

It was thirty-two years ago today I received my greatest blessing, I became Corbie's mom. How lucky I have been since that one moment in time. As we celebrate Corbie's Birthday I will celebrate with incredible gratitude my 32ND personal Mother's Day and acknowledge, What a Wonderful Life! I AM BLESSED!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

One Day at a Time

Recently I spent the day with someone who was celebrating eight years of sobriety. What a milestone! For those who have courageously walked down that road they realize staying sober takes one day at a time, and very often it is one moment at a time. They also know there are no guarantees for many a person has fallen off the wagon after years of being sober. Everyday a person is sober is a great accomplishment and every year it is monumentous.

Hats off to anyone taking one step at a time, and may serenity be yours.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Bring on 2009 It is Mine

What the heck happened to 2008? - here today gone tomorrow. Where was I? I really can't begin to tell you. It just vanished. This year I won't be so oblivious I'll show up for life's party.

My first New Year's resolution is to be present. I will try not to multi task (another word for half-assed) and be in moment. When speaking to someone I will earnestly make an effort to give them my undivided attention. For those of you who know me it could be a runaway train.

Second: I am going to complete the uncompleted. Like the 30 year Levis quilt, a 2 year sweater, 8 month scarf, scrapbooks and whatever else I find as I clean out my project closet.

Third: I am going to get together with friends and family that I have given lip service to by telling them, "We need to get together", and never do.

Fourth: I'm going to get my 10 hugs a day for optimum health. I may be parked at Corbie's house begging for them but I am going to get them. I should be able to pull one or two out of Cale (if his friends aren't around), Morgan is good for three or four and Ryan may have to supply the rest.

Fifth: I'm going to count my blessings daily and thank God for all he has given me.

Sixth: I'm going learn to use chopsticks. Yes, I said chopsticks. Every time I eat sushi it is a great achievement to get something in my mouth and monumental not be wearing my meal. (I should use them every meal, I'd probably loose some lbs.)

Last and certainly not least: I am going to laugh more. Many may think it is impossible, but I still think there are laughing moments I let slip by. So I will find more laughter and hopefully joy will fill my life.