Memorial Day

David and Cheryle's Flag flying proudly at home at Sweetbriar

Memorial Day is bittersweet.... I'm not from the USA but as a human being still feel the sadness of so many lives lost in the name of freedom in order to let peoples of our Planet live as 'normal' a life as we try to live it here in a civilized society...  All over on Memorial Day flags are proudly flown outside houses and almost everywhere you look, out of respect, protocol deems, that the flag is always in light, so when evening comes a light shines on the flag..in respect of all those that have fallen...thoughtful and moving..

When human beings risk their lives, with many sacrifices, willing to die because of their beliefs, in order to give other human beings a better way of life, their bravery should be celebrated and so it is here, as we do on D Day or Remembrance Sunday in the UK and other cultures do all over the world.

So we had a celebration at our friends Gail and Bruce's place just a beautiful stroll down the street in blistering temperatures.. I am not going to complain being from the UK!!! as it is oh so rare I feel these temperatures and I truly want them to sink into my skin!!Cheryle thought I was mad walking, but then thats not unusual for Cheryle to think I was mad.....she is getting to know me more and more...

                                               

Even Baxter Boy was wearing his American Flag neckerchief...Gail and Bruce's bundle of cheekiness and joy:) joining in the fun at the party...

There was so much delicious food..but this was the only plate of yummies I managed to take a pic of as I was too busy eating!!! just love the colours...we had cheesy macaroni, amazing baked beans with all sorts of goodies in there was to die for!! huge potato salad and lots of other things for the carnivores.... also tasted for the first time a Canadian whisky called Tiger Ball..normally I don't like whisky..but this was delicious almost liqueur like in its richness with a warm smooth cinnamon taste...lovely...after a shot of this I was ready to play Corn Hole......

an American game of throwing bean bags at a low shaped angled board with a hole big enough to fit the bean bag.....and at quite a distance away...all I can say is I tried my best to hold my own as I was partnering Gail's son David against KILLERS at the game her other son Bill and family friend Eddie, I maintained they should have been split up but David and Eddie would not be separated...:/

David valiantly aiming for a winner with brother Bill waiting to score ANOTHER 3 points for getting the bag in the hole, which is when you shout Corn Hole!!

Doing some limbering up exercises...and thinking of distraction strategies...

     Have to give it to Eddie though he was so GOOD at this game...needles to say strategies or limbering up had absolutely no affect, although we did give them a good return match..and were not totally annihilated!!

               Bruce umpiring the game scrupulously....

    Cheryle one of my coaches looking on at my posture and throwing style...not looking happy about it...

        Discussions after the game...head on table hiding his tears....Bruce was so bereft that even after valiant    efforts from both his son and me for a draw...it didn't happen...David having debrief with his coach/wife. Meanwhile.... my coaches Cheryle and David discussing whether I have a future playing Corn Hole for Sweetbriar or maybe they need to 'drop' me...am off to talk to the doggies and have another glass of wine....feeling confident I have a future....any offers....???

Ginger and....

Baxter rushing to the brave losers with lots of kisses and cuddles knowing what it sometimes feels to be like the 'underdogs'.....sorry Baxter and Ginger I couldn't resist that!!! 

                                                 

 *Thank you Gail and Bruce it was a wonderful Memorial Day*