Remember this knitting project?

Well, here's the finished project.

Memorial Day memories Revisited

This is a re-post frrom a couple years ago.

When I was a toddler, my mother and I lived with her brother, Billy, and Grandma Cora. Uncle Billy had survived WWII in Europe. He was stationed at Fort Story, Virginia Beach. I have vague memories, not sure if they are real memories, or if Mom told me.

In the past few years, Mom has been downsizing and clearing out things. She gave me a box of photos. Included in the photos were things that belonged to Uncle Billy and photos taken when we lived with him. While looking at the photo’s I have a warm feeling of love. Can photos bring on feelings? Anyway , I’ve decided that they can.

I have Uncle Billy’s Purple Heart and awards from WWII. I have the original telegram informing Grandma that he had been killed in action in Korea. The box of photos also included Uncle Billy’s last letter home. He was killed within days of arrival in Korea. Just writing that makes me sad.

I’ve often wondered how different my life would be if Uncle Billy hadn’t gone to Korea. I know Mom wouldn’t have gone back to my father (he was a drunk), but then I wouldn’t have my brothers. After years of living with my father, Mom finely had enough and left him for good.

Years later, Mom met the man I called “DAD”. He was one of those men that took on a readymade family and no one ever knew we were not his children by birth. We were his kids. Even when my little sister was born, we were still his kids and all treated the same. Dad and Mom made a life for us.

Dad spent over 20 years in the US Navy. He worked a second job to ensure his kids had everything we ever needed. When Dad died a few years ago, I found out how many people knew and loved Dad.

When going through his stuff, I found Dad’s military documents. He lied to get into the Navy during the end of WWII. He spent time on the LOWA in the Pacific.

Our family has a lot of members that have served in the military; Grandma Cora servied in WWI, Uncle's Billy, Gene and Bubba served in WWII, Dad served in WWII, my brother's Rowland and Chucky served in the military, my husband and son served in the US Navy.  Tom served in Vietnam.

On this Memorial Day, remember all who have served. Today is a day to remember  those that gave their life for their country, remember the vets that came back and made this country better.

Just a little knitting

I’ve been quietly knitting away. In the last few weeks I’ve completed a couple sweaters (size 1 and 2), a shawl (not blocked yet), a scarf and a mystery blob.

Can you guess what the “blob” is going to be?

Happy Birthday, Tommy

Just some random thoughts

We've lived in Germany for over a year now.  I expect we'll be here at least another year, maybe two.  It's been nice for Tom to get to see his family.  His Uncle Joe died earlier this year and I'm glad Tom got to spend some time with him.  Tom's Aunt Micky and her husband Helmut have been so very nice to us.  Helmut's family have treated us like we were their family.

It's hard being away from my family and friends.  The internet has made it a little better as I can use web cam and Facebook to keep in touch.  My oldest grandchild, Meghan, graduates from high school next week, and she starts college in July.  Tom ordered her a new laptop and accessories and she got them today.  Seems that she's "Thrilled".  But it made us wonder what to get her brother for his birthday in August.  

Tomorrow is our son's 35th birthday.  Tommy is still our baby.  I paid for his plane ticket to see Meghan graduate next week.  Tom sent Tommy a Best Buy card so he can pick up what he wants.  It's weird to think of Tommy as 35.  It was just last year when he graduated high school, wasn't it?

Although I have friends here, they are not like having my best friend "Lucy" around.  Whenever I really start to feel homesick, I just pick up the phone and Lucy's on the line.  She makes me smile. 

I miss my "knitting buddies".  I love knitting and sharing my knowledge.  I can get some great yarns here, but not really anyone to share it with.

If I didn't like my job so much, I'd retire and fly back to the states for a visit.  OH, wait a minute.  I'm going to fly back to San Antonio next month for work.  I know I'm going to spend time with Lucy.  Hope I can fit in a visit to my old job office to say hi.

Gotta go, Knitting calls.