Veterans Day.

Couldn't let Veterans Day weekend pass without sharing this photo of Terry and Cali on the day he left for his one and only tour in Iraq.  We had already said our good-byes, almost home when Terry called and asked us to bring his sunglasses back (he'd forgotten them in the car).  He was already checked through, stripped and armed, and they weren't allowing him back outside the gate.  Calista kept asking him through both tears and the fence, "Daddy, I just want one more hug.  Please!"  He consoles her, "Honey, Daddy can't.  One more kiss, and don't you worry, I'll be home soon."  This picture truly captures heartbreak real-time, just one small account of the many out there.  We are lucky - Daddy came home, and in one piece.

A friend of mine [Anthony Roberts, author] wrote this tribute:  "Terry Campbell.  Served as a Marine in the Iraq war. One word best describes my friend, Terry: honor. He served his country and now he serves his family and community. A friend who is always there to lend a helping hand, without question, without fail."

An expression of heartfelt gratitude to other Veterans we love:
Albert Prestidge Sr.
Uncle Lui
Jerry Arnall
Daniel Arnall
Steve Sakoda
Christopher Camero
Amy Segovia
Byron 
Wayne Moore
Justine Orlob
Mike Paradiso
Pete Casebere
Frankie Moreno
Scott Matthews
Verenea Benitez
Kory Cole
Patrick Cox

And to all Veterans, who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life", we THANK YOU.

Thanks, Giving. Giving, thanks.

Winter has set in - the rains have subsided today, the sun struggling to gain back it's place in our sky.  The garden is literally soaking in the water, hoping it's not too much - is there such a thing as too much water?  Yes.  As the sun peeks through to dry the saturated earth, I go outside to feel warmth of the rays on my face - it's like I'm stepping into a sauna, but one that makes me happy to feel moisture between my toes, my rubber slippers wet and sticky.  Not suffocated, in fact, the opposite.

Change of seasons brings icky sickies, but just zap it with Oil of Oregano and probable OD on Vitamin A.  Again!  Not too much, Keala, moderation is key:  in everything.

Convention anticipation - be READY, WILLING, HEARING, LISTENING.  No need to worry about the natural stuff, focus on what matters.

These ramblings make me feel like my Mama and Grandma Jesse.  I read their journal entries with tears, feels too intimate, I'm intruding on their thoughts.  But then, I am THANKFUL:  I realize - the best in me comes from them.