The Sandcastle

Minimalism is one route to this:

TTYL,

Linda

I’ve been thinking about Veteran’s Day most of the day today.

And remembering it when I was a child.

It was known as Decoration Day in my hometown in Illinois.

In the morning we went downtown for the parade where all the military and paramilitary organizations, including the Boy Scouts, marched. My Dad played the bugle in the American Legion’s Drum & Bugle Corp’s section of the parade. We all stood and place our hands over our hearts as the first set of colors passed. And we joined in singing our National Anthem when it was played by the lead band. And we bought poppies to wear to support organizations that supported our military men and women.

In the afternoon we went to the graveyard where we tended graves of family members lost over the years.

During those years we also saluted the flag every morning as we recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every school day.

What happened to that patriotism?

TTYL,

Linda

Our apartment’s deck faces southwest. At this time of year enough sun comes in through the patio door to allow us bask in it.

The leaves are changing colors and the swamp grasses are blowing in the winds that are trying to remove those leaves from the trees.

If you look closely at the top center of the above photo you can already see cars in the parking lot of the hotel across the swamp.

As the leaves continue to fall the city will intrude more and more into our view. Soon we will see the stoplights at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 55 and I-494.

Then the snow will begin to fall and I will hibernate until Spring 2016.

TTYL,

Linda

A couple of weeks ago we had a tornado warning that was pointed directly at us and quickly coming closer. It has been a long time since we felt a need to take to the basement but we did for this one. I have been on a preparedness kick for a while now but I still wasn’t prepared to spend much time in our underground garage.

That started me thinking about what it would mean to have to evacuate for three days which is what the government says you should be prepared to do. So, I’ve been gathering things like those skinny metallic blankets and solar powered flashlights.

When it came to food, I decided I wanted light weight food that did not require any utensils or cooking gear. I, apparently, have five basic food groups I need for mental as well as physical health. So here’s a sample meal:

Protein, starch, fruit/nut, salty crunchy, and chocolate. Enough calories to keep me going but not a lot extra. I probably should add a multi-vitamin with minerals to this, huh?

And water. Lots of water. Which makes my bug-out bag heavy again. Ugh.

So I bought a LifeStraw. http://www.buylifestraw.com/en/ It will let me refill my water bottles from less than desirable sources so I don’t have to carry so many bottles.

After all, if your bag is too heavy to carry, what are the odds you will take it with you?

TTYL,

Linda

ps. To be sure this works well and to keep my supplies fresh, I’m eating this meal once a day most days. Need to restock already. 🙂

There’s a thing in blogland right now where one blogger asks others to answer a set of questions. These questions were not sent to me but I read them and found myself having the urge to answer. So, here we go.

• Why did you begin blogging, and what keeps you going?
• What is your favorite topic to write about?
• What is your favorite inspirational film?
• How would you describe your perfect day?
• What is the greatest challenge facing humanity today?
• If you could travel anywhere on the globe, where would you go?

I started blogging in 2008 when we sold nearly everything we owned and moved into an RV to go explore this country. I wanted a record of those travels. We no longer travel so I rarely add to my blog now but every now and then something happens I feel an urge to share with those few readers still with me.

My favorite topic to write about is whatever makes me laugh today. Or whatever makes me think about things I might not think otherwise.

My favorite film? You want me to pick ONE?!! Not happening.

My perfect day starts with me sleeping until I’m done, checking into my computerized relationships and hoping I am able to help someone there, sharing with Dave whatever he has picked for us to enjoy watching today, and reading a good book. I get to do most of those things every day so life is very good indeed.

The greatest challenge facing humanity today is practicing loving one another. If we could all do what is best for everyone instead of just ourselves and those in our little niche what a wonderful world this would be.

Where would I travel? Hmmm. I’ve been most of the places I wanted to go. Except Cuba. I was born in the U.S. Navy hospital at Guantanamo Bay so I’ve always kind of wanted to go there but I’m sure it is so different there now that I’m not sure I still want to go. I’ve become much more content to be a homebody again that I ever thought I would.

TTYL,

Linda