Family and Friends

Nik & Jazz

Grandma's Pride and Joy

Life never becomes
a habit to me.
It's always a marvel.
...Katherine Mansfield

Christian Adam

Beauty is one of the 
rare things that do not lead to
doubt of God.
...Jean Anouilh

Support Our Troops

Semper Fidelis

The Few

The Proud

The Marines

When we know how to read our own hearts,  we acquire wisdom of the hearts of others.
...Denis Diderot

The block of granite which is an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone
in the pathway of the strong.
...Thomas Carlyle

Good Friends are like shock absorbers.
They help you take the lumps and bumps on the road of life.  
...Frank Tyger

Friendship makes prosperity more brilliant,
and lightens adversity by dividing and sharing it.
...Cicero

Dogs come when they're called;
cats take a message
 and get back to you.

...Mary Bly

Mary Bly
doesn't know Bogie.

...Linda Waymire

"Bogie"

"I'll do what you want
when I'm good and ready."

...Bogie

Tribute to America's Armed Services

Regardless of how you feel about any war,
Our country owes a debt of gratitude to the
Brave men and women who so selflessly serve.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

   The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

 "Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

 The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

 I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

 If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

 There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

 "Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

 ~Author Unknown~

 
It's the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us the freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politicians
That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.