I love the song, America the Beautiful. From sea to shining sea reminds me of the trips we took with my Mom back in the day. First to Alaska and then to New York City where we were able to go to Ellis Island and see where Mom's parents came into America and started a new life here. How brave they were to come to a country, not speak the language, raise 5 kids...although my Grandmother passed away when my Mom was 10yrs, old. Her Dad came with only $26 in his pockets and the rest filled with dreams. He raised his children alone, worked, owned businesses, and became a citizen. Yes, we saw the country from one sea to another that year and Mom sat on a bench at Ellis and cried thinking of her own family who may have sat at the same spot. My uncles served in WWII and so did Dad.
My brothers served in Vietnam. Thankfully all came home from those wars and lived good lives. I'm so grateful for all our service men and women who have served, who serve today, and those that gave their lives for our freedoms. I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day that included time out to reflect on this holiday we have to honor them. I've been reading a lot of books about the women who played a big part in WWI and WWII in helping win those wars. This will be the final post of this month as June is just around the corner. Jack and I have been working outside to get the grounds weeded, planted, painted, cleaned, etc! Lots of work but nice to have good weather to do it. It's been a wetter and chillier Spring than last year. Jack won't complain about the cooler temps as he does not enjoy the heat. I think next week will bring some more seasonal temps and I know those that have pools will be happy! I did get to Chicago as my past post said. Midge and I got lots done to get ready for the family reunion at the end of June. Only a month away actually! It was fun to be with her and also be a help. There's lots planned for that weekend and then I might have some better blog posts! Here's just a few pics from the Pines to end this. Have a good rest of the week everyone!
5 comments:
Hi, YaYa!
My eyes are misty after reading about your dear mother weeping at Ellis Island at the thought of her parents arriving in this country all those years ago in search of the American dream and successfully forging a new life. It is sad that she lost her mother at the tender age of ten. Every year when Memorial Day rolls around, my thoughts turn to your mother and to your great father who proudly and selflessly served his country.
Our spring weather has been a lot like yours, delightfully cooler than last year with more abundant rainfall. Outside my window, it is raining right now, and the forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain all day and into the wee hours of tomorrow. As I mentioned at Shady's Place, Mrs. Shady and I toiled many hours yesterday planting three new shrubs we purchased from a local nursery. The rain arrived just in time to give them a deep soaking. We also had the community landscapers add a fresh layer of black mulch to our planting beds a couple of weeks ago, which really made them pop.
My sweetie Annabelle looks like a plush stuffed toy in that picture! I like the owl's head peeking out from behind your bush. You should not be afraid to get creative in decorating your landscape. Your property is so beautiful with the colorful, healthy looking plants and flowers, handsome fencing, sprawling green lawn and trees. This is the ideal time of year to take Annabelle for walks in the Creepy Woods to visit the alpaca and the yeti.
Yessum, trees and kiddos grow up fast. That before and after comparison is striking! Your property reflects years of honest hard work and you can be proud of it. Please stay well until we meet again late next month, dear friend YaYa!
I do think about those that came and did not know the language even now.
My family is from England my family has a long list of people who served.
Down to my cousins in Vietnam and my nephew.
your yard looks wonderful and how fun to look forward to a family gathering.
Cathy
Well I, for one, think this was a wonderfully reflective and beautiful post - no need to wait for the reunion! :-) What a remarkable history your family has and one of which you should be incredibly proud. I did not realize your parents had so recently come to this country. And your grandfather - wow! He certainly had his hands more than full. He certainly must have worked very hard at fulfilling his American dream. Our weekend weather was cold and damp - with intermittent (and unexpected) showers off and on - at least at the lake. I have so much "property" work to do at both places. I can no longer keep up with the gardening tasks (weeding, mulching, cutbacks, etc.) thanks to my back. Not sure what to do in that department. Yes, trees and kids do grow quickly. That oak is a great testament. When we moved here after we got married, our yard had no deciduous trees in the yard. One year, for Mother's Day, my husband and my (then quite little) son went to the neighbor and asked him if he could go into the woods and get a couple of trees. They planted them and they took off. Each time I look at those majestic trees now I think of that day and all the years represented by their growth. Love the wild phlox too!! How I wish I had a Creepy Woods like you to wander in! Have a good rest of your week!
My great grandparents came over from Poland and France. None of them knew English but worked hard to raise a family and lived the American dream. My dad was in the Korean War. So sorry about your owl. I do love your new fence and the bunting is perfect! Janice
Ya ya I hope all is well I will try and write♥️am
I gap This is Munir
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