Memorial Day

I have thought a lot about our military and its sacrifices over the past few days. I'm sure that it has also been on most Americans minds too. I hope the loss of eight of our troops due to an IED in a field somewhere in Afghanistan recently did not go unnoticed. When you are a patriot and are a workamper it's hard not to appreciate all that we have in this country since you work most holidays. You get to see the bounty our country holds both materially and spiritually. Funny how the smell of firewood and the happy gatherings of thousands can evoke such thoughts. I am going to admit publicly that patriotic ceremonies can and do bring a tear to my eye. My sister surprised me by admitting the same thing. I have two other thoughts while I'm on patriotism. My father is chiefly responsible for instilling this fervor and pride in me. My service did the rest. Finally, I find it difficult to accept peoples criticism (or making light) of my service. While I did not slog through the rice paddies of Vietnam, or assist in the rescue of students in the Dominican Republic, or help topple Noriega; I gladly entered the service during a time of conflict in this country. I did, however, serve in one of the most elite military units in the world both as a Marine and a Embassy Guard. As they say, all gave some, some gave all.

Ruminating

I wasn't trying to use a "big" word to title this post; it just fit. Yesterday was the grand opening of the hotel where we are workamping. We had Senators, Representatives, mayors and more in attendance. Tours of the hotel resulted in almost universal praise of the facility. I stepped into yet another pair of shoes yesterday and toiled at keeping the garbage picked up and the facility presentable. Workamping is definitely not for those who think some jobs are beneath them. All in all a high note in our stay here.

On a very low note, a dear friend passed suddenly yesterday. We knew him from our days on the competitive chili circuit. He was talented and sang and played in a group named the Paperboys. He always seemed to have an upbeat attitude and we shared many a good time together. He did not survive a heart attack; which seems odd these days with all the awareness and advances in that field. Further adding to the oddity; at least three or four of us have all had close calls lately. And, I believe, all of us though that we were a lot closer to meeting our maker than him. Reality likes to let you know she is here on regular basis. Sad indeed.

So, I'm ruminating.

Wacky Weather (Again!) and More

Most workamping jobs put you in a place where you can recreate, using the surrounding facilities. We have canoed, rafted, rode horses, rode ATV's, etc. It finally got really hot here (high 80's) and we had a chance to ride jet skis. I have to say this was a first for me. We had the choice of a Yamaha Wave Runner and a "hot rod" I can't remember the name of. I got comfortable on the Wave Runner while Missy and our host zipped around leaving me in their wake. I tried switching Missy over to the Wave Runner in the middle of the lake and...into the water we went. Anyway, fun was had by all and I got the "hot rod" up to near 70 mph! The day ended with hot pizza and cold tea-we had a great time. CAUTION-jet ski's are addicting!! Well, 3-4 days later and we can't break 60 degrees during the day and 40 at night. The campers are showing up, though, so that's good. We had a "soft opening" at the hotel the other night and management asked us to attend. VIP's and invited guests only! Lot's of fun and food and it's a swanky place. Did I mention the food? My sister would love the rooms and she can be picky ( -: By the way the food caterer has opened his cafe on the marina side and it has great food. Things are picking up steam here with Memorial day right around the corner along with the Grand Opening of the hotel. More soon!