A start to the Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Mine has started already but it’s still just like any other weekend in some regards. I’ll have to work part of it (Sunday) but I do have the holiday Monday off for a change of pace so it’s not a total washout.

Speaking of washouts today is WET. And forecast for continued WET. That is OK though, I’m happy inside today after working out in the yard yesterday. I’m finishing up a small project for my neighbor who has a nice garden out front that attracts a ton of butterflies on the flowers and bees for the sunflowers. So I’m making them some nice prints of images I’ve taken over some years.

I’m using some photos here today to honor Memorial Day for those who died in the active military service of their country. So remember to pause for a minute on Monday at 3 pm to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom we live under. Maybe add a prayer for their families.

So this weekend is also the unofficial start of the summer. My favorite season is on the cusp of beginning. It’s certainly going to be a different summer and I’m going to have to learn to adapt to appreciate it fully.

First I’m going to make music a big part of it. Every opportunity I get I’m going to have some tunes going. Working outside, cruising, working at the computer. Music keeps my spirits positive.

I’ve got the summer wardrobe today already. Flip flops and shorts. Its a bit chilly though so I put on a tee-shirt.

I think I’ll practice my hippie throwback look and just let the hair continue to grow. I’m in no rush to hit the barber.

Next is the commitment to get my behind back outside and take some new photographs.

So here’s to a great summer ahead.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The best time of day is each minute you are enjoying it.
• Time to purge a few things in this office.
• I saw an article with the headline “How Covid-19 could change the way we fly.” Well I don’t even have to read the article because I won’t be flying for a few years at least.
• How do you know bad advice, consider the source carefully?
• I’m fine without a haircut and I don’t need to go to church to pray.

I support Wreaths Across America. They will be laying wreaths at Arlington Cemetery next Saturday Dec 15th at 8am. This holiday season and Memorial Day weekend, these grounds seem to look so special and to me the most beautiful besides the fall when the trees provide color to the vast rolling hills. But they are very different. Memorial Day invokes a great sense of pride and almost a smile. Christmas evokes the loss of family, very special memories and tears.

A week from today.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Maybe one of these years I’ll get down and help with the laying of the wreaths. I thank the many who volunteer on these cold December days.

More Random Thoughts of the Day

Working my hardest, on relaxing.

I think my cell phone is more charged than I.

My children are teaching me. Of course they have been since birth. I’m just so glad I’m open to learning from them.

I’m already anticipating Sunday breakfast. Think I’ll have a glass of OJ before bed to quell the cravings.

I am very grateful and thankful for the freedom you veterans and active duty service members provide me and my family. I wish more were appreciative of the service you provide. I’m very disappointed at the same people so willing to send you in harm’s way and then not help you in your time of need. Days like today remind me to share, donate, support and respect this day and all veterans throughout the year.

Photo by Mike Hartley

I spent a lot of time at Bethesda Naval Hospital when I was young. It was the last station for my father when he was active duty I believe. Also as a dependent it was our medical facility. I remember vividly the years as a young boy and teenager going there and seeing war injuries of kids from Vietnam. Mainly loss of limbs and other disfiguring injuries. I remember trying to make eye contact and giving a smile to them as we would pass. I didn’t want them to feel different.

I remember my mother saying to me as we saw these men rehabilitating or waiting or recovering from multiple surgeries. She would say to me to never forget, that there is someone always far worse off than you. Be thankful of your health. Be thankful for your father and those who fight for us.

Moms are Moms for a reason. They know whats right.

So my salute and respects on this Veterans Day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

It’s not that I didn’t have any random thoughts yesterday, I just thought I’d have time for a second post and thought wrong.

I got a great idea for Xmas, wonder if I can pull it off.

Feels good to be alive this fine Sunday morning. Of course that could be the meds talking.

Either this is going to be a day of rest or a day of chores. And the battle begins.

I saw the morning mist burn off just after sunrise. I saw the bluest sky in a while. I saw many brave men and women. I saw kids learning history. I saw the beauty of fall. I saw families crying. I saw my parents. I saw the changing of the guard. I saw the trumpet come out to play taps and my eyes filled with water.

A few minutes with family this morning.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Taps Man
Photo by Mike Hartley

Old Guard
Photo by Mike Hartley

I think the colors here come from below and above.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Guns, in the hands of the right people.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Each season here is unique.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Brass on the hill.
Photo by Mike Hartley

A class leaving the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Cemetery Beauty
Photo by Mike Hartley

Battle of the Bulge Memorial.
Photo by Mike Hartley

A brisk but beautiful morning. The sun was in and out of the clouds early. Which seemed to match the place I was in. One minute you had bright sun glistening off the headstones. The next a shadowy silence and the cloudy changing of the guard.

Many were paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

The tour buses were mainly empty. But there were a lot of people here paying respects to loved ones and friends.

Morning Rounds to mainly empty buses.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I try to make a holiday visit every year.

Many sweeping views.
Photo by Mike Hartley

You know you can stand there and your ears hear silence or the rustling of leaves. But if you know someone here your mind is filled with voices.

Thanks to Wreaths Across America.
Photo by Mike Hartley

My Mom used to love wreaths.

Honor Guard
Photo by Mike Hartley

People were very respectful at the changing of the guard. It gals me when the Guard has to admonish someone for bad behavior.

Every once in a while the sun breaks through.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad. As the family gathers tomorrow, look through my eyes to see the joy you have left behind. Thank you so much for all you gave me. I miss you.

Always make your parents proud.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thought’s today. Missed hugs and laughter. Missed lessons and tips. Missed wisdom and love. Jeez I miss my parents. So I went for a visit. I thought I’d beat the road closures for Rolling Thunder but NOO. That’s OK, I got in fine, a few minutes after they opened at 8am. Paid my respects to Mom and Dad and then visited another friends parents. The ride home was about double the length as normal. That’s OK, wouldn’t have missed the anniversary of Mom passing for the world.

101st Airborne Memorial outside Arlington’s gates.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Rows and rows of voices lost. So at your cookouts today and tomorrow remember those no longer with us please.

Memorial Weekend
Photo by Mike Hartley

Will be back soon for another visit Mom and Dad.

Happy Memorial Day Dad
Photo by Mike Hartley

Miss you Mom
Photo by Mike Hartley

The headstone of James A Graham who is buried next to my Mom and Dad at Arlington. I’m honored to have such company for my parents. I hope today helps us look back and realize the sacrifice many have made. I hope it helps us look forward and guides the actions of our leaders, not waste one life.

Parents Neighbor
Photo by Mike Hartley

You can’t say it enough today. Hats off and much appreciation to those who and have served.

Remembering our freedom we have today that you worked so hard for in your lives. Your children and grandchildren thank you.

Photo by Mike Hartley

James Tanner Amphitheater.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I went to see my Mom and Dad this morning. It’s the 5th anniversary of Mom passing. She would love the view on Memorial Day weekend. The place (Arlington) is awash with Flags. Hats off to the servicemen who planted a flag at each site. I went myself today because we needed to talk again.

Flags for the fallen on Memorial Day weekend at Arlington.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Each time I go myself we have a heart to heart. I thanked her for the letter I found about my Dad. I talked to them about the upcoming wedding of our Son. That our Daughter had just gotten a new home. And thanks for the good word on my behalf giving me a chance at health again.

That I found her newspaper clipping of her Mothers wedding. Another keepsake for the family. That I was searching carefully through things not to miss anything. Here it is 5 years later and I’m still sorting things out. Mom was a pack rat and I’m thankful for that because some have been wonderful treasures.

Wonderful to see our two and three wheel friends in town paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

It was a beautiful morning. I went early and got there just after opening. I figured being it was the best weather day coming up that it might be crowded and it was. After we visited for a while I went for a short drive. I always try to go to a part of the cemetery I haven’t been to before.

Wonderful to see our two and three wheel friends in town paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Today I went down Bradley and Arnold Drives. This must be where active servicemen are coming home to. Very young families and parents visiting. When I visit here I have thoughts that anyone in power in government should have had or has someone who has served in conflict before they can decide to send others into harms way.

US Air Force Memorial stretching over Arlington.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I remember these nasty thunderstorms the night she passed.

Always in our hearts.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I wish people could practice the respect they have for each other at Arlington where ever they go. The world would be a better place. For instance I can’t photography grieving families. I think that is an invasion of privacy. I know I get uncomfortable when the trams of people are coming around when I’m at Mom and Dads grave. I tend to keep my back to them, not to be rude, but for my own privacy.

I love the trees that are maintained through the property.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Much respect to those suffering loss, to those that have served and their families. Remember what we are celebrating this holiday weekend. Tip your hat or raise your glass to those who no longer can do that.

This coming week its time to visit my parents grave site at Arlington. Been a little while and with Mothers day coming next weekend its a good time to go and bring some flowers to her and Dad’s home. I look at pictures of them often. I miss them dearly. I wonder if they are proud of me. I know they miss their grandchildren and they miss them. Life is different without parents to call.

Much respect to military families and those that serve.

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Flags lined headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s easy to keep memories alive over time if there has been love and hardship. I miss my parents greatly but I visit them often. So happy Memorial Day to the both of you again. It’s a beautiful day out and your children and grandchildren are well so rest easy.

Dad
Photo by Mike Hartley

Thoughts to all of you who have had or have service members in your family.

Mom
Photo by Mike Hartley