Thank You!!!

It's not everyday that one gets the opportunity to visit a place that is as sacred and unforgettable as the American Military Cemetary in Normandy, France. I can honestly say that chills ran through my body as I made my way around. I am grateful that not only was I able to visit this special place (and when I say special, I mean SPECIAL) but I was able to visit this place with my brother Jake. As we walked through the cemetary I reflected on the fact that not only am I extremely proud to be the grandson of both William Simpson and Thomas Roan, both of whom served admirably in WWII, but I am forever proud to be an American citizen. I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that this is a pretty damn good country we live in and we forget the sacrifices that those of us who came before us gave up so we can live in a country that is free. We walked along the beach at Omaha and I could almost see those young boys coming ashore almost 63 years ago this June. They faced insurmonutable odds, both through determination, character of the American spirit, and the grace of God were able to take the beach that day. So I just wanted to take the time to thank all of those who preserve our freedom and that I do not take it granted. God Bless the USA!!!!!

Over 9,000 graves at Normandy

3 strapping young bucks

Omaha Beach

Here Lies in Honored Glory A Comrade In Arms

Known But to God

Down in Jersey #3

At Laura & Bill's

A couple of real swingers.

Liz and Tom.

Down in Jersey #2

At Nanda and Ricky's

Nanda demos an Indian delight.

The newlyweds discuss financial issues.

Ted and Pete, male models.

Hizzoner S&B.

Down in Jersey #1

At Fellowship Village

WB gets off a good joke.

Entertains special guests.

Shows the hands of experience.

Some photos from our weekend with good friends from Portland, OR.
Hope you east coasters are surviving the Nor' Easter!


Beach combing

Produce market, not yet open for the season.

First Nations Art

Smooching the Capn'

CHIPS AHOY!

Back in the carefree 1970s James T. "Huntie" Hunt starred in that penetrating seriocomedy CHIPS: CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL.

Here's Huntie, still a man on two wheels, in retirement. Let those syndication dollars roll!

The Cadillac Escalade
12 city, 16 highway

KV

kurt vonnegut died today.

he was a pacifist, a socialist, an incredibly original writer, and a great american. here are a few tidbits from his oeuvre:



How nice--to feel nothing, and still get full credit for being alive.

One of the few good things about modern times: If you die horribly on television, you will not have died in vain. You will have entertained us.

I really wonder what gives us the right to wreck this poor planet of ours.

I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different.

We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap.

After a lifetime of too many thoughts I draw this conclusion: kindness is the only plausible reason for being here.

So it goes...

A NEW PLEDGE FOR POLS

Just when we thought U.S. politics had hit rock bottom, Mitt Romney gets caught lying about, of all things, his hunting experience. It’s no big surprise; nobody gets elected in this country by telling the truth. But the disturbing thing is what poor old Mitt chose to lie about. Apparently you don’t get nominated these days without a tip of the hat to the multi-million dollar gun lobby.

While the Mittster’s mischief represents a new low in electoral politics, it provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to set standards for future candidates. I propose that henceforth, ALL applicants to public office be required to swear as follows:

1. I have served patriotically in the U.S. military.
2. I have never had sex with anyone but my spouse/spouses.
3. I have never inhaled.
4. I have used a firearm to pursue and kill at least one large mammal.
Note: Subsequent eating of said mammal is not mandatory.

Easter Sunday

We heard through the grapevine that the forests surrounding Qualicum Falls were spectacular, and that they were. We viewed the falls, hugged some trees and worked off our massive chocolate intake from earlier. It's raining now, which happens here a lot, but it's a good excuse to get back to my Easter basket. Hope everyone had a nice holiday.
Love,
Sara


Little Qualicum Falls


The arbutus tree sheds it's own bark.


I haven't made it to the redwood forest yet--but this guy had some girth.

Road Trip

We're officially left coasters! The road trip was great, we sailed right through in 6 full days. Hit some interesting weather in North Dakota, but the snow was followed by a sunny day in Montana and Idaho. We tried our best to take advantage of as many sights as we could, considering the giant dog who just had to come along. Bozeman, MT and Wallace, ID were two of our favorite towns and the extra sharp cheese I purchased in Wisconsin was the best we've ever had. We're glad to be able to stretch our legs today, and the sun just peaked through the clouds here in Nanaimo. I'm going to take advantage and hit the ground running, literally...
Love,
Sara

WHRHS Reunion in Costa Rica

Mr. Bird brought a nasty virus from Florida that attacked him and later Miss Lynn and Doug's wife Joy.
Does anyone recognize this fellow?
The Anaconda and his bride.
Howler Monkeys in the trees next to Gary's house.

Interesting excursion to Costa Rica. We spent a great deal of time driving up and down the very bad dusty roads in order to get to the beach. The dust is so bad that at night its like driving in a heavy fog. Gary and Lynn are very concerned with security and their house is outfitted with heavy iron gates over all doors and windows. The house itself is unusual and quite unique with a beautiful view of the surfing beach. Everyone was glad to see each other and we had many good yucks, storytelling, and Raz's outrageous name dropping. Politics did not rear it's ugly head until the last night and if you think Goldenrod is farther right than that big chump vp Dick Chaney you would be right. He does not think global warming is real so you can imagine what else he thinks. I don't really want to know. More later.

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