Saturday, May 31, 2014

Last Day of May!





                    Just the everyday . . . .that would probably best describe my blog . . . the every day moments that make life what it is.  That is hopefully a wonderful Journey for everyone.   Just the everyday moments that I want my kids to remember or at least be able to look back on . . .
                   It was a good end to the month of May . . . . Carnival, Parade, Finishing May Grid on the last day . . .  now to go back and fill in the days - well that is not so wonderful.
          Carnival rides at night are really fun to look at- so colorful against the night sky . . .  I do not however like to ride any of the Carnival rides, in fact there are a few that just watching them is touchy.  In and out,  up and down, round and round, these folks must have very strong vestibular systems.  I was not gifted that.
                May 2014 went fast, dinners out, Theater2x, a Confirmation, Mothers Day Brunch, a College Graduation, an Eagle Ceremony, 2 Parades, Cemetery duties and all the other wonderful day to day bits and bobs.  Like meals, laundry, cleaning, making cookies, the parts individually that are not noteworthy but together  they make a whole, a whole wonderful life. May we love the Lilacs, the longer days, the return of Tree Frogs and birds, nesting birds, quiet mornings and warmer nights, May is a most delightful month and I look forward to its return next year!

Friday, May 30, 2014

Volunteering . . .



                So this morning I am pondering  . .Why do some people volunteer their time while others sit by and watch?  Why are some willing to help where needed and others can actually poke fun at those that are doing an act of kindness or volunteerism?   " what - you don't get enough snow shoveling at home?  - as one shovels the walkways at church . . .  " Oh don't worry Jason will do that . ."  " Oh Jason can do that"  " Just ask Jason"   But why?  Why do these individuals not step up themselves? Why always think that someone else will?  Is our time not as valuable as theirs?  Do those volunteering have skills that others do not?  - I could agree for some specialty things but not general things.   ( ie being an EMT vs helping at a Bake Sale)   Are people intimidated by volunteering, are they nervous or are they just lazy-?  " Oh the Walton's will do it - they always do"  This article from Volunteer Maine discusses some of the thoughts about why people Volunteer.



Wikipedia defines volunteering . . .

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.



Why do people Quit volunteering . . ?

.Number 7: No flexibility in volunteer opportunities or scheduling
Number 6: Too much wasted time in useless or unproductive meetings
Number 5: Lack of communication
Number 4: Lack of professionalism
Number 3: The feeling that the volunteer is not really making a difference
Number 2: No feedback from leadership about how the volunteer is doing

And the Number 1 reason: The volunteer leader who doesn't know how to lead

            So as I look at the list above, I can agree with many of the points . . . in other-wards every organization that needs volunteers must be organized like a well run business, I can totally agree and support except  - that to get to that point it is a lot of volunteer hours.
            I think one of my big issues is those that complain a lot about what is not happening or information that they are not getting but those same individuals are never the ones that are helpers. Step up folks, make a difference, or at least give support and thanks to those that do.  But do not make fun of your volunteers, they give their time and talents to make the world a better place.  


 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Just thinking . . . .

" When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; your're probably just a little eleven o'clockish."   Winnie the Pooh

Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day 2014



Before the Parade!


View from the Hammock -dappled sunshine, gentle breeze, summer's coming!

Sweet Scones and Doughnut Muffins on the deck with Tea of course

The current Read . . .

After breakfast with Korean War Veteran Grandpa Bob
Every year the boys march with Scouts from in Town to the cemetery, where a short ceremony will take place, the Middle school band will play a few numbers, the Legion will lay a wreath and fire some shots. We give thanks for the Veterans of today and of yesteryear for those that remain with us and for those that have passed on.  We can have this public ceremony to thank them today because of their service to protect our freedoms- you only need to watch World News this week to see how precious those freedoms are.
                   We went out for Breakfast afterwards and got my Dad to tell a few stories.   He served in the Korean Conflict in Sapporo, Japan on the Island of Hokkaido in the National Signal Core as an Interceptor. He listened to Morse Code during all of his shifts and translated it.  He told us on the boat ride over- he did not have a job.  He was in the middle of about 5 berths deep for sleeping and his head was by a water fountain and frequently he would get sprayed while sleeping.  On the return trip he worked in the on-board bakery. " oh we made jello and pie bars for the men in big sheets"  " we used some steam to cook the jello until we found out it was not safe"  "The officers and their wives got real round pies. We had a little cooking area and we cooked eggs or things if we got hungry, it was a good job"  He served there for 3 years.  I would love to interview him and record it on video- these times and stories are fading fast.   Happy Memorial Day to one and all.  We are blessed.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Flowers right now . . .





Some of the colorful beauties in Bloom right now. The pink Gerber Daisy and Red Hibiscus are both potted plants that were given to me but they look great!  The Lily of the Valley is so sweet at night. We have been having some campfires this weekend and smelling them and listening to the tree frogs and - Oh my Goodness there have been lightening Bugs out!! Early but they have been there. Summer may actually be tryint to make an arrival!!!

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Flag Planting 2014






Every Year the Scout Troop Plants about 400 flags on the graves of veterans in our towns cemetery.   They range from recent to back into the 1700's.  They first search to  find the veterans correct resting spot. Plant the flag, stand at attention and then give the veteran a salute.  We had about 4 teams working and it takes about 2 hours. A job well done, memory not forgotten.  This instills wonderful civic inspiration in today's youth.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Graduate 2014 #1


“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go! 


A.S. in Biology Liberal Arts and Sciences  White Color Tassel
A.A.S. Wildlife Science and Fisheries  Rust Color Tassel

It was a good day. Cooler than we needed but comfortable.  Dinner out at a favorite restaurant. Brownies and Ice Cream and a Chick Flick that night. Wishing my daughter all the best as she now moves onto bigger and better things ahead of her.  Fly, stretch those wings and fly.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Happy May Day- Throwback Thursday . . .

Happy May Day- Throwback Thursday . . . .

 Wall Paper May Baskets . . . flowers cut from the garden, hang them on the neighbors door, ring the bell and run . . .oh so much fun . . .but in 2014 this no longer happens.  My babies have grown up  and out of this tradition until perhaps they have babes of their own... we will still celebrate here at Chestnut Hill but just not in the same way.  I can see by this picture that the garden was much further along 6 years ago when this was taken.  it has been a cold, damp snowy spring here this year.  Still looking forward to some warm sunny days but not this week- lots of rain . . .  So Happy May Day to you!!!