Derrick's Wanderings and Such

Whose Woods are These I Think I Know...

2011-01-10T16:55:00.000-05:00

Took the camera out for a trek around the farm a little earlier today. Made me think about one of favorite poems:

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

~Robert Frost

The 10 Most Hated Celebrities of 2009 | Bumpshack.com

2009-12-31T12:34:00.001-05:00

Interesting list... no surprise who got first place...

http://bumpshack.com/2009/12/31/the-10-most-hated-celebrities-of-2009/

Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can...

2009-11-01T13:49:00.000-05:00

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no-one but yourself, and sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together.
~Attributed to Marilyn Monroe

Life is too short to wake up with regrets...

2009-09-15T19:56:00.001-05:00

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one’s who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Address in the Stars

2009-09-07T08:23:00.001-05:00

Address in the Stars - a Caitlin & Will site

Shared via AddThis

Life in 3 words…

2009-07-30T19:49:00.001-05:00

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
Frost, Robert

I find this interesting today because yesterday (July 29) would have been my Dad’s 79th birthday. We lost him in December 2004 to liver cancer…. and as much as it seems cliché – this quote is true. While life sucks (and no other word seems to best describe cancer) for quite a while after losing someone that close – eventually, in time, you do, somehow, go on….

Happy Birthday Dad…

Walter Cronkite on...

2009-07-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

A few interesting quotes from Walter Cronkite that are probably as true today (if not more so) as they were 20+ years ago...

America's health care system is neither healthy, caring, nor a system.

I think it is absolutely essential in a democracy to have competition in the media, a lot of competition, and we seem to be moving away from that.

In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.

There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free.

We are not educated well enough to perform the necessary act of intelligently selecting our leaders.

And that's the way it is.

Walter Cronkite Dies At 92

2009-07-18T11:39:00.001-05:00

WE SHALL KEEP THE FAITH

2009-05-24T18:41:00.002-05:00

It is Memorial Day weekend - Monday officially marks the day set aside to remember those soldiers that have died in all U.S. wars and conflicts - from the Revolution to the current conflicts in the Mid-East.

On May 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton released a resolution that called for a National Moment of Rememberance to be observed at 3pm (local time) on Memorial Day. "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

Take a moment to remember all those that lost their lives while in service to this country.

I just realized that Northeast Georgia has it's own connection with Memorial Day history. Anyone who has driven from Athens to Monroe along US 78 will recognize the name Moina Michael. I did not realize until now who she was.

The information below is from GeorgiaInfo, a part of the Digital Library of Georgia:
http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/mmichael.htm

__________________________________________

Born in the Walton County community of Good Hope on Aug. 15, 1869, she attended Lucy Cobb Institute and the Georgia State Teachers College--both in Athens--and Columbia University. On Nov. 9, 1918--two days before the armistice was signed ending World War I--Michael was reading the Ladies Home Journal and saw a poem entitled "We Shall Not Sleep" (which was later called "In Flanders Fields") written by Col. John McCrae:

WE SHALL NOT SLEEP

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Moved by what she read, Michael took a pen and wrote the following poem in response:

WE SHALL KEEP THE FAITH

Oh! You who sleep in "Flanders Fields,"
Sleep sweet -- to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And, holding high, we keep the Faith
With all who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

Thus was born the idea of selling memorial poppies to assist disabled veterans and their families. The movement caught on, and for the rest of her life Michael was known as the "Poppy Lady." During her life she received many awards and recognitions. She died in Athens on May 10, 1944. Four years later, the Post Office issued a commemorative stamp in her memory. In 1969, the Georgia General Assembly designated the stretch of U.S. highway 78 between Athens and Monroe as the Moina Michael Highway.

Roses and Wildflowers

2009-05-10T18:49:00.001-05:00

Took some photos this afternoon of my grandmothers old rose bushes - a "Seven Sisters" and an older form of the "American Beauty" rose. Also took some photos of a few wildflowers (and one tree) that are in my yard...

Visit the Picasa Album to view them all...

Healthiest Nation in One Generation

2009-04-06T19:26:00.003-05:00

You might think we’re one of the healthiest nations, but we’re not. Compared to other developed nations, we’re lagging far behind. The thing is: It doesn’t have to be this way. We can make this the healthiest nation in one generation. Committing to a healthier America is something we all can do.

from: http://www.generationpublichealth.org/

AAARGGHHHHH... I'm sorry, but Windows has been deleted...

2009-02-16T19:27:00.002-05:00

Well I had to reinstall Windows this weekend... seems SOMETHING decided to delete about half the c:\windows folder! Fortunately I don't really store much on that drive (preferring to use a network drop for all 3 of my computers. Got Office and a couple of other programs re-installed. I guess I will re-install other programs as I need them. It's a good idea to clean out the hard drive on occasion, but not this way!

Cheater!

2008-11-09T15:27:00.001-05:00

Joey+Rory... gotta love it!

You might recognize them from their new commercials for Overstock.com - but they have been singer/songwriters for many years in Nashville.

Don't forget to check out their website...

www.JoeyandRory.com

Where were you...

2008-09-11T19:13:00.001-05:00

They say each generation has a moment that helps define them and that is forever etched into their minds.

My grandparents had the "date of infamy", December 7, Pearl Harbor. My parents had November 22, the day JFK was shot. I had January 28, the day the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. Then September 11, 2001 happened, and we all had another moment in time burned perpetually into our collective memory.

8:45am | 9:03am | 9:43am | 10:10am

I was sitting in my office in Athens, Georgia when my friend yelled out that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center (North Tower)... I remember thinking "What a terrible accident!".

I will never forget frantically searching for more news when she yelled out again that another one hit the other tower.

It was terrible... but this time we all knew it was no accident.

Where were you...?

What Derrick Means

2008-08-03T19:33:00.002-05:00

Did one of those quizzes you see on MySpace:
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz

It is actually rather accurate I think (most of it anyway)

What Derrick Means

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.
People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

When in the course...

2008-07-04T19:48:00.001-05:00

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

The Bulldawg Nation Mourns "A Damn Good Dog"

2008-06-30T19:07:00.001-05:00

On Friday, America's best mascot passed away. UGA VI, the University of Georgia's most famous football star, died in Savannah. Whether you followed football or not, UGA VI represented all UGA students, faculty and alumni well.

As the Rev. Claude McBride put it at the official internment ceremony on Monday: "Sic 'em, Uga. Woof, woof! Amen."

Farewell to "a damn good dog"

LINKS to other stories:

AJC: Georgia officials pay final tribute to Uga VI

Baked, Broiled, Steamed or Fried?

2008-06-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

Any way you look at it - it's too dang hot!

It hit 100+ (OK, just a little +) on my front porch Saturday PM. And this was in the shade!

Sheesh... it's only June 7th!

Welcome to Summer in Georgia!

A Bump in the Road in the Land of Spirit...

2008-06-07T22:07:00.003-05:00

I am a bit of a history geek - I especially I like local history - one of the things I miss most about my dad. He knew the history and while I remember many of the stories - I know that some of them are lost with him.

Friday night I attended one of the initial performances of a local folk play about local history. Land of Spirit tells stories of Franklin County's past - some I knew, some I had forgotten and some I never heard. It was one of the best nights of entertainment I have had in a while (OK, so I'm not exactly a party animal :-) )

I was impressed on many fronts with the production. First, it is local stories, portraying real people and events, portrayed by local people. From the very young to the very young at heart (a couple of the performers are 91!). My friends and neighbors tell the story of our past. It was well written, including several original musical numbers. The set is unique - you are a part of the set - it's taking place around you - there are truly no bad seats!

While most of the stories are designed to be light-hearted - and downright hilarious in a couple of instances... there are a couple of moments where you feel the emotions that is often hard to describe.

If anyone actually reads this, and you are near Lavonia, Georgia - I highly, highly suggest that you try to make it to the next performance. It's going on most weekends (Thurs-Fri-Sat) in June and again in October/November. More information is on their website: www.landofspirit.org

I'll never be able to hit a bump in the road again - without laughing....
(if you attend the show - you will understand this!!!) :-)

2008-01-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

Friend sent me this story - I feel doomed.... doomed I say!

Understanding Role Of Stress In Just About Everything

ScienceDaily (2008-01-11) -- Stress, to put it bluntly, is bad for you. It can kill you, in fact. A study now reveals that stress causes deterioration in everything from your gums to your heart and can make you more susceptible to everything from the common cold to cancer. Thanks to new research crossing the disciplines of psychology, medicine, neuroscience, and genetics, the mechanisms underlying the connection are rapidly becoming understood. ... > read full article

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-23T17:14:00.000-05:00

Here's to that special time of year.... may your Christmas be calm and bright (we can dream can't we?). Hope that you spend time with those you love and that you make special memories that last a lifetime.

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth,
the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father,
brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me,
let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be Peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me.

Words and Music by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, Circa 1955

Photo from StockXchange: http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=918909 by Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo

11 11 11

2007-11-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

The 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the end of WWI - called Armistice Day - now known simply as Veteran's Day.

We take a moment to say THANKS to all those who have served in the armed forces. To all those who came back - and the many who didn't.

The photo is of my father in the early 1950's - a man who was proud of his time as a US Marine.

Drive down memory lane...

2007-08-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

I ended up taking a day off last week (well, I had planned to take off for something, but it fell through, so ended up just taking the day as a nice day to relax).
I eventually found myself on Lake Hartwell - well, several places on Lake Hartwell to be accurate. One of the places I wandered off to was Tugaloo State Park - a place I spent many hours (days is more like it) as a child. Though I had not been up there in a couple of years (despite the fact that it is less than 20 minutes from home).
As I drove around the campground areas, many great memories came flooding back of days spent camping (in this very spot - see photo) growing up. Days with family and friends - cooking together, eating some great food (something about hamburgers and catfish on the lake that just makes them taste better!) and sitting around just "talking".
We shared these days with some special family - two great people in particular: Bill and Ethelene...
Those days (and that drive) just reminded me of how much family means...

Happy 231st!

2007-07-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday America! Wow - 231.... still just as kid by most standards. We've grown fast and hard over the past 230+ years.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Trees of the Bible

2007-06-29T20:29:00.001-05:00

Trees of the Bible

Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate.

Dec 23 to Jan 01............Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11............Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24............Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03............ Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08............Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18............Cedar Tree!
Feb 19 to Feb 28............Pine Tree ,
Mar 01 to Mar 10............Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20............Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only)...............Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31............Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10............Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20............Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30............Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14............Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24..........Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 ...........Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13............Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23............Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only)...............Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04............Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14............Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25............Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04............ Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13............Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23............Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sept 02...........Pine Tree
Sept 03 to Sept 12..........Weeping Willow Tree
Sept 13 to Sept 22..........Lime Tree
Sept 23 (only).............. Olive Tree
Sept 24 to Oct 03...........Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13............Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23............Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11............Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21............Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01............Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11............Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21............Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only).............. Beech Tree

YOUR TREE (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (the Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (the Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (the Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc).

Birch Tree (the Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (the Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (the Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (the Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (the Noble-mindedness) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (the Sensibility) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends,
enjoys children and animals, few sexual relationships, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (the Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (the Extraordinary) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (the Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (the Doubt) -- intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but
extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (the Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (the Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (the Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids agg! ression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (the Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (the Uncertainty) - - looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (the Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does
not forgive.

Walnut Tree (the Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious, strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (the Melancholy) - - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh

24 notes...

2007-05-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

...that's how long,what can seem like the longest song you've ever heard, is. Of course, the primary reason is that it is usually only heard when we are at our emotional worst.

Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep.
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Taps, that haunting, slow melody that we associate with military funerals originated as a simple alternative the "lights out" bugle call during the Civil War.

Anyone who has ever stood in a cemetery and heard a lone bugler sound those 24 notes knows the chilling effect that they can have. I have only been to one military funeral in my life, but that sound, filling that small cemetery will never leave me.

Have a safe Memorial Day...

What Have We Learned, Charlie Brown?

2007-05-27T09:41:00.001-05:00

I remember seeing this post's namesake many years ago - and it's ultimate meaning has stuck with me for years - and it seems appropriate to mention it now as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day 2007.

The thing that stood out was when Linus (of blanket fame) recited John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields"

For more info on "In Flanders Fields" visit:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

Photo of poppies by me, May 2007.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Photo by Tony26: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/tony26

_______________________________________
Regardless of your views on our current military strategy or leadership, we should never forget that those who died, died doing something that most of us will, luckily, never have to do. We should never forget...

Even Franklin County, pop. 20K, has lost three of it's own this year: Daniel Allman, Blake Harris and Ryen King.

Please visit Farewell Marine : http://00f2630.netsolhost.com/farewellmarine.html ***-LINK UPDATED 9-11-2008-***

The Empty Table

2007-05-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended my first Relay for Life. A friend was the chairperson this year and asked that I take photos of the event for them. I had walked past a round table several times during the day before I really noticed what it symbolized...

_______________________

“The Empty Table”

We call your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. They have been diagnosed with cancer, and they are some of the names and faces behind luminaries.

The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.

These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory.

The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the medical profession: doctors, nurses, and researchers who help fight the battle for life.

The single rose in the vase signifies the enduring love of their families and friends and the strength of a patient’s will to fight the disease that ultimately claimed many of them.

The pink ribbon on the vase represents the ribbons worn on the lapels of millions who support a continued search for a cure not only for breast cancer, but for other cancers as well – cancers that are expected to kill over half a million people in the United States this year.

A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of the bitter battle against a deadly disease, a battle fought by more than 1.3 million new patients each year.

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless tears of personal anguish shed by the patient and those shed by family members and friends who have lost a loved one.

The glass is inverted in memory of those people who are not here to join our celebration of successes.

But, the candle represents the light of hope that lives in the hearts of all of us – hope represented by cancer survivors and the hope for cure discovered as a result of the detailed work of the medical profession made able through funds generated through events such as Relay For Life.

______________________________________

It also reopened many memories of what cancer takes from us. For me, it was my dad. On December 4, 2004 he succumbed to a short (known, anyway) fight with liver cancer. There are days that it seems like only yesterday he was still with us, there are a lot of good memories left to carry on, and I find that I am reminded of him in the simplest of ways. Yes, I miss him at holiday, birthdays and family get togethers - but I find I miss him most in the simple, everyday things - like driving down the highway and hear a song, or pulling down the driveway and seeing his truck - thinking that any minute now I'll see him in the garden...

SPRING!

2007-04-21T18:46:00.000-05:00

Spring has officially arrived when the Granddaddy Greybeard (Chionanthus virginicus) is in full bloom - as it is now... takes me back to my childhood and days spent outside, climbing the tree (or more appropriately the parent to this tree). Today was absolutely gorgeous - about 70°, bright blue skies - with the occassional soft pillowy cloud passing overhead... aaaaahhhhhhh.

Full Moon

2007-04-01T17:21:00.000-05:00

It only took about 400 tries, but I finally got a decent picture of a recent (March 2007) (almost) full moon.

Christmas in Heaven

2006-12-24T12:38:00.001-05:00

For all those who have lost a loved one this past year...
Please read a some poems that I found helpful a few years ago when, just before Christmas, I lost my own dad to cancer...

http://www.christmasinheaven.net/christmas.html

http://our.homewithgod.com/mkcathy/MerryChristmas/cmasheaven.html

http://forums.dealofday.com/showthread.php?t=111569

Wishing one and all a Very Merry Chistmas! ~Derrick

Christmas at the Gas Station

2006-12-23T11:09:00.001-05:00

         The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

        Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

        He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to he stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, "Stew ... made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh." Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken."

         George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

        "But Mister, please help ." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

         George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

         George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

        "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

         As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

         George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

        "Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

        The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

         He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

         George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with
time your gonna be right as rain."

         George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time

         The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

         "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

         "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

         The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

         The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

         He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pee shooter away."

         George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and
son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week ."

         George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can." He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

         The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

         "Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said.

         George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer

         "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

         "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

        Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

         George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

         "That guy work here?," the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

         The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

         Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

         "Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

         George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

         The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man "It means something to you."

         "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

        George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

         The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family."

         The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

         "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

         George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

         "Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

         The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George.
         You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry.
         The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.
         The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists.
         The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

         George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

         "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

         The stranger moved toward the door "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

         George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

         "You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

         George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord."

~ author unknown

The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

2006-11-11T14:39:00.001-05:00

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~José Narosky

Please see the video "A Pittance of Time": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkP03MZCpc0

For more info on "A Pittance of Time: http://www.terry-kelly.com/pittance.htm
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The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, is marked on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – marking the much-celebrated moment when World War I ended in 1918. WWI was supposed to be the "war to end all wars," but as the years went by and more wars broke out, Congress passed legislation changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill in 1954.

In 1968, Congress passed a law changing the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. From: http://www.cnsnews.com/facts/factorama.asp

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From Wikipedia:

Veterans Day is an American holiday for honoring living war vetarans. It is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. It is both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states. All major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice . Armistice Day was first commemorated in the United States by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, and many states made it a legal holiday. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 inviting all Americans to observe the day and made it a legal holiday nationwide in 1938.

The holiday has been observed annually on November 11 since that date - first as Armistice Day, later as Veterans Day. When holidays in the United States, with the exception of New Year's Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day were moved to Mondays to create long holiday weekends, the celebration was moved to the fourth Monday of October. However, after protests by veterans groups it was moved back to November 11th in an effort to make the holiday more important. Unfortunately for those groups, the result was the opposite. Even though it is a federal and state holiday, it is formally observed in most parts of the United States only by government offices and banks. Most schools and almost all businesses stay open on regular schedules. As a result, most public transit systems are on regular schedules. Most businesses cite the holiday's proximity to Thanksgiving (when many businesses close for a four-day weekend) as the main reason for staying open on Veterans Day; but most schools and businesses also stay open on Columbus Day, a full month earlier.

On November 11, 1953, the citizens of Emporia, Kansas staged a Veterans Day observance in lieu of an Armistice Day remembrance. Congressman Ed Rees of Emporia, Kansas subsequently introduced legislation in the United States House of Representatives to officially change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day [1]. Following a letter-writing campaign to secure the support of all state governors in the observance of this new holiday, the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day (enacted June 1, 1954), to honor those who served.

The day has since evolved as a time for honoring living veterans who have served in the military during wartime or peacetime, partially to complement Memorial Day, which primarily honors the dead. There has been some discussion of whether a person's veteran status depends upon his/her retirement or discharge from any of the armed forces. However, the term applies to any that have honorably served their country or that have served in a war zone as directed by their superior officers or as directed by lawful orders given by their country

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From: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.