Memorial Day

As a child, Memorial Day was a three day weekend, a chance to play and picnic with family and friends,a sign that Summer was closing in and that the end of school was near. Later in life it became a day to honor those who fought, and continue to fight for our country so that we can enjoy our freedom. In the last ten years it's turned into a special memorial for lost family members and friends.

This year, will be the tenth anniversary of my mothers death and the first for our dear family friend, and my sister Gerri's best friend, Fred. Joan {my mom} and Fred had quite a relationship full of quick wit and much sarcasm ..it made for many laughs..although it wasn't always funny. The fact that we honor them on the same day, May 30th, is ironic.I really wonder what bits of trouble they are causing, wherever they are and if Bonnie, Gerri, Jim or I will get some kind of message. I do believe in those messages from the other side. We shall see..

However you celebrate Memorial Day, I hope it's meaningful.

Mom, feeding General Nuisance and Fred with his beloved Bobina

Grimsvotn..Mother Natures magnificent trouble maker...

Volcanic Eruption in Grimsvotn, Iceland May 21 2011 on Vimeo


I've been reading a lot about people "hating Iceland" because the erupting volcano is disrupting their lives. Folks..we can't control Mother Nature, and I'm not saying a cancelled flight or any other inconvenience should make us jump for joy ...but hate? It's such a strong word, and I try not to use it. Instead of thinking of ourselves, how about considering how the eruption is affecting the people, farm animals, and wildlife who inhabit the area around Grimsvotn...perhaps that will put things in perspective.

Grímsvötn Eruption 2011 - a set on Flickr

Icelanders are very hardy folks..I have every faith they'll survive this latest challenge..without any complaints.