I have been trying to write this post for a few days and I really don't know where to start....I like to write about happy things, but something bad happened last week, April 19th, yes, Patriots Day. We were home that morning, just outside, it was a beautiful warm, sunny day. The phone had rung and we did not hear it. When I came in there was a message from our son, he said Mom, Dad, I just want you to know I am OK...something really bad happened here today, I am not at liberty to say right now, but no matter what you hear I am OK. They will be shutting down communication so you may not hear back from me for a few days....don't worry I am OK. I knew by his voice it was bad, but had no idea what happened. Please call Grampa and Kaylee, let them know I am fine....I can't make anymore calls, I love you guys! My son is in Kabul, Afghanistan at Camp Phoenix with the 1st Battalion 101st Field Artillery Regiment, based out of Fall River MA.
I am so thankful my son called.....we received a call later that afternoon from his unit telling us there had been enemy conflict, eight soldiers were wounded and one KIA......I gulp KIA??? Killed in Action? Yes ma'am. Your son was one of the wounded, but is back to work. Wounded, how? I am sorry ma'am I do not have that information. We will have a meeting tomorrow night at the Amory and should have more details at that time......oh my God, please keep my son safe. My mind races, what Mother, wife, child, father lost their son....please God give them comfort. What happened? The reality really hits home, too close to home. Scared, sick, thankful, scared, scared,the emotions are so great.
The meeting....ahhhhh we learn that some Afgani, stole a uniform and strapped several bombs on himself and came walking up to the soldiers who are there to train them....a suicide bomber. How? Why? Who can do this? A soldier died, a father, a son...21 yrs old a mere babe. My son kept saying he was such a good man, a kind man, a friend. This part of the tribute my son posted on his face book page:
19APR2010 A daughter lost her father, a veteran lost his son, a mother lost her son, our squad lost a friend, and the 1st-101st lost a hero!! You are loved and missed by us all. And we know that bright light that your soul brought to us will help guide us through the dark. 19APR2010 GOD CALLED HOME AN ANGEL!!!WE WILL NEVER FORGET. R.I.P. SGT ROBERT BARRETT.
I have cried my eyes out and only wish I could give my son more comfort or the man's family some peace.
Now this is why I am writing this.....on Sunday the Nat'l Guard was doing a blood drive and they were standing at every corner in town to raise money for wounded soldiers. My husband and I stop and made a donation...they came right up to the car, no time or effort involved for us. We took a minute to Thank the men for their service and tell them we were proud. Now do you know how many cars whisked by, no stop, no ask, look away...pretend you don't see soldiers on the corners. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE????? Men are risking and giving their lives every day so that we can live in freedom! What is wrong? How can they just ignore what is going on. I am sensitive right now I cry at the drop of a hat.
Six Hundred soldiers left New England in January. DO you know how many families are suffering, missing loved ones, praying for their safety? All so you can whisk by on a Sunday morning, maybe go to church or breakfast, with out a care in the world.
I know the warm kind thoughtful people out there in Blog land, but what is wrong that people can be so thoughtless, so untouched? We live in a great country with freedom. I think more people need to stop and appreciate what we have here. They need to appreciate the proud strong men and women who defend their FREEDOM!!!
I have been busy with work and trying to get my garden planted and yard work done. We got our tomatoes, cucumber, eggplants and squash in over the weekend. The compost bins are full and need to be worked into the soil...and did I mention I have been busy with work? Things are looking better around here, but oh I need to clean inside too. The pollen is everywhere. How does so much get in when I leave the windows closed? Ok, I am going to go do some dusting....
Reclaimed wood, made right in Barnstable MA
Pretty tiny sitting area outside the bedrooms, like a landing at the top of the stairs.
What a way to recycle..I could live with this.
My table again, but oh this light was beautiful...another use for burlap.
This Mixed media acrylic by Carrie McGee was called "5 strands"
This was just off the kitchen. I love the insides of the bookcase painted black.
Parting view, sigh~
Diving in for some sweetness....I boil 4 cups of water with 1 part refined sugar until dissolved and change the sugar water every 3-4 days. No need for the red coloring.
They usually come back around May 1st....it was the second the first day I saw them. I love watching them. The sweet little birds seem to leave around Sept 15th. They are one of my simple pleasures.
I realized I needed to bring some Spring into the house. I opened the windows and like a breath of fresh air....it happened! I felt a little better. It was the first day I have had off in a month. I dug in the garden a bit, cleaned a bit and brought out some Spring things. First on the counter as you enter the back door. My little ol' tray, a white geranium and a small bird.
Then I cut some lilacs. I just love their scent.
Outside the clematis is starting to bloom, in a day or two it will be a massive amount of blossoms.
Out of the urn came the dwarf Alberta spruce and in went a deep red geranium.
Now when I want to work all day and not think about coming in to cook....this is a fave. Great for a party or a bunch of unexpected guests. The Barefoot Contessa is always a hit in my home. I have all her books and use them regularly. I have lots of cookbooks that sit on the shelf, but not hers, they are well used. This is her ~Chinese Chicken Salad~
8 split chicken breasts, bone in skin on
This is the wonderful book I found the recipe in. A great way to end a wonderful day. Take it to a picnic, serve for lunch.Yummy!
