Uncommon Valor

"Uncommon valor was a common virtue" - Chester Mintz, March 16, 1945.  Mr. Mintz was an American Admiral who was reflecting on the sacrifice of the Marines who fought at Iwo Jima.

I thought this would be appropriate for today since Memorial Day or "Decoration Day' as we called it growing up was just celebrated for our fallen hero's.

Here is a hero in our family who was in WWII as a radio-tower operator bringing the war planes to a safe landing.

My Dad

Other than leaving flowers have you ever seen or heard of placing coins on top of service men and women's headstones?

There is a practice of placing coins on the grave stones of the soldier that you visit.

Penny -- a friend has visited

Nickel -- the visitor trained with the deceased

Dime--  the visitor served with the deceased

Quarter ---  the visitor was with the deceased when he died

Ann

Linking with ABC WEDNESDAY

Trees

Trees in your yard add so much interest and beauty.  They can be quite an investment so taking care of them is essential.

I have three two trees that I really enjoy watching grow.  Three years ago I planted this Capalta tree from a seedling that a fellow blogger sent me.

It has grown to about 6.5 feet, the leaves are very large and look almost tropical. This is the first season it has flowered.

It will probably grow to 20 feet and hopefully shade our front windows.

Additionally I really enjoy my Japanese Maple that I bought about 5 years ago, it was on the isle of markdowns--she looked pretty sad.  I got her into the ground and she looks wonderful in our back yard. I love the purple color!!

Linking with ABC WEDNESDAY

Ann

Sewing Chest

Many moons ago when I was 19, newly married and living as a wife to an Airman 3rd Class making a wee salary I started searching for a job.

I landed a job in an insurance company and needed to have some nice things to wear.  No pants or jeans then-just nice dresses.

I had never sewed before but began to teach myself.  My Dad wanted to make something special for me and sent me this sewing chest.

It has lasted 50 years and is still is great shape.  The front opens for patterns and the top opens up for all the necessities.

A constant reminder of a Father's love for his daughter.

On our Second Wedding Anniversary I was able to make this dress and jacket.

Sewing has been a joy for me and still is.

Linking with ABC WEDNESDAY

Ann

Mothers Day Memories

When our Son was in elementary school he created a Mothers Day Card for me. He is now 47 and I have kept my treasure all these years.

Mind you I was about 29-30 years old when he made this!!!!!Don't you love how they view age when they are kids!

My Mama is now 90 and this is a picture of her standing by her garden at the home I grew up in.  She loved growing Zinnias. She was around 40 years old.

Praying everyone has a fabulous Mothers Day!!!

Linking with ANYTHING GOES PINK SATURDAY

Ann

Yellow Brick Road

R stands for road (yellow brick one) that runs  through our back yard. I've been wanting to get this done for awhile, I needed some sunny days but not too hot. It was perfect weather the last few days.

Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road, follow follow follow follow follow the yellow brick road. I do need some road signs though.

I gave my hot air balloon and Lion new coats of paint for the summer. Toto too!!!!

Toto is happy in the basket. The bicycle is my bike that I got in 1957 as a gift from my parents, I have restored it to its original colors.

Linking with ABC WEDNESDAY

Ann

Ornamental Allegro Poppy

Last fall I purchased two poppy plants and they came up this spring and I have been waiting and checking everyday for a pod to open.  YEAH !! It happened yesterday, and I have plenty more pods to open.

Orange scarlet.

This one is on the verge!!

Poppies always remind me of the Wizard Of Oz being a Kansas girl. How all the characters took a deep sleep in the poppies.

Poppies are used to symbolize peace, death and sleep. They grew in the fields where trench war was occurring in WWI.

Hoping everyone is enjoying planting and reaping the rewards.

Linking with PINK SATURDAY

Ann

Quarter

Per Google, a quarter is each of four equal parts into which something can be divided.

 1.  A period of 15 minutes or a point of time making the transition from one fifteen-minute period to      the next.

2.  A coin representing 25 cents, one fourth of a US dollar.

3.  One fourth of a measure of weight.

I could list numerous definitions but today I'm going to focus on 15 minute intervals.

I spent eight of those 15 minute intervals working in one of my gardens yesterday.   I'm planning on making a perennial  garden.  It now houses my vintage windmill and Mr. Tin Man.  I'm planning on moving my peonies there and adding some miniature roses.  It sets in the center of our yard so I'm looking forward to the scents fill the yard.

I alternated from a shovel to a hoe and taking breaks at those quarters pulling up weeds!!!! Next is newspaper and mulch. I took some breaks on that little yellow chair that is still sitting there!

It's been raining here in the Midwest for the past week and we got a break yesterday so I could work. It's back to raining again but hope to get back out there soon.

Linking with ABC WEDNESDAY

Ann