Veteran's Day

Give thanks to those who serve.
Pray for those who are away from their families.
Honor those who paid the ultimate price.
Comfort those who stand and wait.


Murietta CA - Field of Flags
(thanks to my friend Adria for sharing)

Sunny Day - Sweeping the clouds away....

Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street!!!

Goggle created a cute header for today - the actual birthday.



I have fond memories of singing the theme song and watching the show in my living room. We had a huge console television that my Dad built. At that age it was like having a private movie theater.

I watched every afternoon before my brother and sisters got home from school. The characters were my friends and I used to pretend I was playing with them whenever my other friends couldn't come over to play. I still remember when Bert and Ernie got into a fight because Ernie ate cookies in bed, and when Mr. Snuffleupagus traveled to find his home - a mountain shaped just like him. The count would scare me a little with his laugh, but I'd count right along with him. Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird...all of the characters were a huge part of my childhood growth.

I'm thrilled they are still around to teach today's children about counting, letters and how to deal with life's little issues.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!!!

Sad Week

Its been such a sad week stateside for our brothers and sisters at arms.

The memorial service for the Guardians of CG-1705 and the two USMC pilots who were lost on October 29 was beautiful. Thanks to the efforts of many, we were able to participate in the memorial via online link.

To add to the burden already on our hearts, an officer of the US Army opened fire on Ft. Hood. To date, 13 are lost, while 28 still struggle for life.

While one was an accident, both events serve to remind us that the dangers are not only overseas. Our husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers...all are at risk no matter where they are. When they put on those uniforms and step forward to do their duty in serving our country and protecting what our founding fathers created, they are at risk.

So, as the week closes I have one simple request.

Regardless of your religion, your voting preference, your opinion of the current international situation, your opinion of our government or the men and women in power...

...step up and support those who serve.

Put a yellow ribbon on your door or around your tree.
Put a candle in your window.
Fly our country's flag with pride.
Shake the hand of a service member when you see them - without hesitation.
Send a package to a soldier or sailor overseas.

Show pride in the country that gives you the right to voice your opinion! Without these men and women in arms, you and I would not be allowed so many of the freedoms that we all take for granted every minute of every day.

For those who have an immediate family member in the armed services - please, order a blue star flag and hang it with pride.

Its Our First Pumpkin Charlie Brown!!

Hubby and I have been married 11 years. Can you believe we have never done a pumpkin together??

The first five years we didn't do one because we always went to my parents house for Halloween. Chili and board games while passing out candy and catching up with all the neighbors was a blast, and we still miss it. Most of the kids I grew up with still live in the area. Now they bring their children to the old neighborhood to go Trick or Treating. Its like a reunion every year.

Then we moved to Boston and John was usually gone for the holiday. Since we lived in apartments for the first several years, I opted out of the holiday.

Three years ago, we closed on our condo on Halloween - so no Tricks there...just a big Treat! The following year, we were only one of three residents in the complex and no kids came to the door. Last year we though no one was coming so we made other plans, only to discover that there was an impromtu party in the courtyard. OOPS!!

This year we did it right. Candy, homemade chili and card games together. It was so nice to have him home. We answered the door together and passed out all of our candy!



Oh - and carved out a pumpkin!!

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

I love social media!!

Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn - all of these platforms are an amazing way to keep in touch with old friends, and make new ones at the same time...and all over the world!!

Since I'm a Capricorn, and since Capricorns are known to research and carefully plan their entry into anything new, I did research on running before actually going out and taking that crucial first step. In my research, I've encountered some wonderful resources, and have kept in contact with many of them through the social media sites I mentioned above.

Gradually, I've started connecting with individuals as well as companies and I must say I've met some pretty awesome people.

The best part though, is that I've been able to connect with other "beginners" - people who are doing what I'm doing. That is, they are getting out there because they want to get back in shape. I love this part especially because its so nice to compare notes with people and encourage them to keep on track with their goals.

Now, don't get me wrong...Boo has been my #1 supporter since the very beginning and I love her even more for sticking by me. But its awesome to have a network of people because you get different information from everyone. Plus, I'm a girl, and really...what girl doesn't love connecting with other people and chatting about something we all have in common. Especially over a good cup of coffee??

Anyway - I've just "met" someone new and I love her goals.

There is a reason why I'm walking 3 to 4 miles per day now. I want to walk in two upcoming events: The Talmadge Bridge Run, Walk, or Crawl in December and the Tybee 5K in February of 2010.

First - the name of the first walk just seems to say that its going to be a challenge!
Second - the name of my hubby's sister ship is Tybee, so who can't love that!

And, well, she's doing a cool giveaway and really, who doesn't love those!

So - swing by her blog would you and give her love in true 'Spazzy fashion!

Georgia dear, I raise my mug to you!!

Autumn

New England is a wonderful place for so many different reasons. However, my favorite is Autumn.

The colors on the trees turn the landscape into a Monet painting, the slight chill in the air makes up pull out our cozy sweaters and yearn for long walks in the parks, and pumpkins, mums and bales of hay pop up everywhere.

Just the idea of being cool enough to enjoy our favorite hot beverages makes every day seem so cozy, so relaxing. Its like actually living in an LLBean catalog!!

Its hard to describe, but there really isn't anything like a crisp Fall day in New England.