There is nothing wrong with an enjoyable extended weekend with spring doing its last hurrahs and summer looming around the corner. I do hope, however, that we never ever come to call days like this a bank holiday. It was the common people who let their own blood for this day. Farmers who put down their hoes, paperboys who traded in their caps for helmets, fathers, brothers and sons and also daughters, wives and sisters. I made my rounds to the cemetery plots to lay flowers and revive memories and more than a few of my family gravestones were adorned with the flags of veterans. My father's footstone records service in three wars from foxholes in Europe to the DMZ in Vietnam and many points between. My Uncle, his brother, who died in Normandy. A cousin who served in Vietnam, and died shortly after his return, a broken man. Two 2nd great grandfathers, both of whom were prisoners of war in the War between the States. A grandfather who served in Europe in WWI. I can go all the way back to the first line of my family to have come to this country.....Quakers who took up weapons against their own beliefs to fight in the Revolution. A great Uncle who survived the Spanish American War and volunteered to serve in the Phillipine Rebellion and died there, but his stone sits on an empty grave in the local cemetery. Yes, it's a day in our family we always remember respectfully.

mo13 You probably could just take branches from a dogwood or something and spray paint them white or silver. Before I found the fibre optic twig tree, that is what I was planning on doing. Then I was going to add some glitter to the top of the branches. I am excited that you are keeping the pics in your inspiration folder. I would like to see your purple LR. I am sure it is gorgeous. slinkey Yea he is quite the dog. I have never read the book "Marley and Me" but apparently it could have been written about Buddy. Sounds as if you had your share of laughs with Benji. I know what you mean about missing dogs. I was in your DH's place before Buddy came along. In April of 2003 our Malmute, Misty, had cancer and had to be put to sleep. I was devastated. That was the fourth dog we had and it was the first time in 20 years that we didn't have a dog. We had always had two at a time but it was getting to be too much. We also had Bear, an Austrailan Shepherd cross. After he lived to be 13, we only had Misty left. When she was gone, it was so lonely in the house. DS wasn't the same. I wanted a break from the poo, walking, destroying of things and mainly having to say goodbye. She was only 9 years. The long weekend in May, we noticed there were racoon prints around the pond. I basically looked at DH and asked "We're getting another dog, aren't we? The Tuesday, DH came home with Buddy of 12weeks. DH said I know you don't want another dog, and he is only on trial, I can take him back. Yea right!! I fell in love instantly, even tho I was the one who didn't want another. He fills our lives with love and fun and happiness. Oh and he thinks he is a lap dog. That is quite the site to see him litterly sitting on DH lap. Sorry for going on so long. kareen He is a beauty. I hope things work out the way you want. jaybird If only Buddy knew he had such an awesome fan. patty_cakes I can hardly wait to see your decorations. Oh yes, Buddy has a very special home but he worth it for what he gives back to our family. alex9179 Thank you and Buddy is blushing. purplemoon Very touching poem. They do give so much and expect so little, except when they have to go out at 2:00am every night. lol dd50 Thank you and you are so right about the dog picking you. Going back to the story of before Buddy came along. After I had asked DH if we were getting another dog. Knowing that I wouldn't win, I said "if we were to get another one, I had always wanted a big old English Sheepdog". Did the background check and decided that that breed wasn't for us. We each had our own ideas of what we would like. Truly, deep down, my dream dog has always been a Great Pyrenees. (sp?) But not practical. While surfing on the net we came across a white golden. I instantly fell in love. We all fell in love. But it was too far away and too much money. I totally let it fall out of my mind. I have always lived my life with the "que sera" attitude. Unbeliveable odds that DH would find a white retriever that no one else had wanted at 12 weeks still waiting for us to bring him home. Christmas card, I guess that could be a possibilty. Okay here a few more pics. I hope I got one of what everyone had asked about.

oakleyok.....right...huh....they'd love it! There is soooooooooo much talent here.....the eye of a photographer or a nature lover(Gazania, your there!) and it transfers to their decor.....:0) WOW guys!!!! momof6....she's beautiful!

No hot carpenters, ladies. The scout came out today to interview me and take pics. AND she filmed me to see how I would do on camera. Well, there's a deal breaker. I don't think I am a natural. The two projects I submitted were my unfinished basement and deck. I doubt I will be selected. I think they prefer couples (especially for such big projects.) Also, I am not really sure I would want to be on TV!! It could be months before I know but I will let you know if I get a call. Thanks.