Stick People Families

Every once in a while, I contemplate buying a new vehicle, but never for too long. I drive a minivan, and ... much to my surprise ... I actually love it! I remember how depressed I was when I broke down and bought it. I was driving a Maza 626, and I loved it. But, I have three kids and the Mazda only sat five people. Only one kid could have a friend spend the night on Saturday night because there wasn't room in the car for more than one extra person ... because if you spent the night with us, you went to church with us Sunday morning!

I needed a vehicle that would allow me to carry myself and six passengers ... one extra spot for each child to bring a friend. I really wanted a Durango ... NOT a minivan! I test drove several Durangos and I liked them, but they cost a lot more than a minivan. Try as I might, I could not justify spending that much more simply to haul my kids and their friends around. I had a long talk with myself, pointing out that I needed a minivan, I only wanted a Durango. I could have easily afforded the Durango, but I did the responsible thing ... sigh ... and bought a minivan.

At first, I hated it. I liked sitting up higher, but I wasn't used to the extra length ... and I did NOT want to drive a minivan! I had never wanted a minivan ... ever ... and now I was driving one. I found it depressing. Not long afterwards, gas prices started to soar, and I was thrilled that I hadn't gone with a gas-guzzling V-8. It wasn't long before I was parallel parking the van like an expert ... even against a curved sidewalk. I woke up one morning and discovered I actually loved my minivan!

I'm glad I bought it and no one is more surprised than I am that I don't want to trade it in and get something more suited to my current lifestyle. My boyfriend smiled at me one day and casually quipped that now that my kids are grown, I could finally get rid of the minivan. I'm sure he was thinking ... as most people do ... "Who is their right mind would drive a minivan if they didn't have to?!" (It's certainly what I always thought!) I almost burst into tears at the thought of getting rid of my minivan!!! Seeing how distressed I was at his comment, and realizing I was one of those (very) strange people who wanted to drive a minivan, he quickly retracted his statement.

The van has a few scratches, but it they're minor. When it's washed and waxed, it looks shiny and new. It's mechanically sound ... and, best of all, it's paid for. It also has a remote starter ... which I LOVE!!!! There is nothing nicer than getting into a pre-heated car on a cold winter morning! I know there are a lot of cars out there with remote starters now, but they don't all have them, and I couldn't bear to give up my remote starting capability!

But don't worry ... I haven't completely succumbed to the minivan mindset ... there was never a "baby on board" yield sign hanging in the back window, and I do not have a stick figure family frolicking about ... but if I ever did, it would reflect what it's really like to be a single mom of three ...

LST 325

The kids and I visiting the LST 325.

Landing Ship Tanks, LST's for short, were built here in Evansville during World War II. They were crucial for the success of the D-Day operations 70 years ago. Although not all of the LST's were produced in Evansville (the LST 325 was manufactured in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Evansville did produce more than any other city. One of the ships that took part in the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach, Normandy, the LST 325, calls Evansville its home port.

During World War II, Evansville produced a number of items for our troops and allies. The Evansville Shipyard was the nation's largest inland producer of LSTs. The Plymouth factory was converted into a munitions plant, which produced billions of bullets. In 1942, a factory adjacent to the Evansville airport began manufacturing P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft, known as the P-47Ds. Evansville produced almost half of the P47s made during the war.

I took the kids to see the LST 325 when it first came to Evansville. It did not have a permanent home port at that time, so I had no idea if it would ever return. I thought it was important for the kids see it, so we spent an afternoon touring the ship. The tours are quite interesting, and I recommend you go ... or go again! I toured the ship again not too long ago. The guides answer questions as they escort you through the ship, and since the questions are different on each tour, you'll learn something new every time!

Not long after the LST first came to Evansville as a floating museum, it was decided that Evansville would be it's home port. I was happy to hear the ship would be staying in Evansville.

Now, however, there is talk of the LST moving to another city. They would like a more prominent place along the riverfront to bring in more tourists, which I can certainly understand. Even though this particular ship was not built in Evansville, it would be a shame if we were to lose her, especially to a city with no historic connection to the LST's. I really hope something can be worked out and the LST 325 continues to call Evansville her home.

My Father - D-Day, June 6, 1944

Daddy's Line Crossing Certificate, dated June 6, 1944.
(Click on any of the photo's to enlarge.)

Seventy years ago today, on June 6, 1944, while most of the world was anxiously listening to radio broadcasts for updates on the Allied invasion of Normandy, my father crossed the equator aboard the SS Boschfontein, a Dutch cargo vessel serving as a troop transport, heading for Milne Bay, New Guinea. While the world was riveted by the carnage on the beaches of France, General MacAuthur was keeping his word ... to return to the Philippines and take back the island from the Japanese. My brother shared with me our father's Line Crossing Certificate. (If you enlarge the photo, I've placed a red square around the date ... June 6, 1944.)

I had never heard of such a thing, but apparently it is a time honored tradition where a ceremony takes place every time a military vessel crosses the equator, turning the "Pollywogs" (those who have never crossed the equator) into "Trusty Shellbacks" (those who have). It's of enough importance that this event is logged into the record of servicemen and woman.

Daddy, aiming the machine gun in one of the airplanes he serviced during the war.
Biak Island, Dutch New Guinea, 1944.

Daddy was part of the 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron (you can read more about it here 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron). The 3rd ERS was to become part of General MacArthur's fighting force to take back the Philippine Islands from the hands of the Japanese. During his time at a camp at Dulag on New Guinea, the Japanese launched a suicide paratroop attack. The attack was subverted when the Japanese were shot down by small-arms fire. Daddy and another soldier each retrieved a parachute, which they sent to their respective homes.

I remember my father talking about Japanese attacks, but I don't recall him speaking about the suicide paratrooper attack. I remember him saying they would get in fox holes when the sirens sounded. The fox holes were partially shielded with a metal "roof". As a joke, Daddy and his fox hole buddies would grab handfuls of sand or gravel or dirt and toss it onto the metal "roof" of nearby foxholes. He laughed when he said he could hear the men in the other fox hole saying "Man, that one was close!" I'm sure they played other jokes on each other, but I was his daughter, and I doubt you tell your daughter too much about the things men do to entertain themselves.

Daddy took this photo sometime in 1944.
It was probably taken on Biak Island, Dutch New Guinea.

After the the surrender of Japan, the 3rd ERS was one of the first US forces to arrive on the island of Japan. Daddy received an Honorable Discharge from the Army on November 19, 1945. His discharge papers list his Battles and Campaigns as Southern Philippines Luzon; New Guinea; Western Pacific; Air Offensive Japan. His Decorations and Citations were Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon w/5 Bronze Stars; American Theater Ribbon; Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/1 Bronze Star; World War II Victory Medal; Good Conduct Ribbon.

Daddy and Harry Calhoun (whoever that is)
 in front of a wing from a Japanese airplane.
Luzon, Philippines, 1944 or 1945.

I have a copy of my father's draft card. He was drafted on February 2, 1942 at Fort Benjamin Harrison. I asked my brother where he was between 1942 and 1944. He said Daddy was training in Biloxi, Mississippi. So, that explains why I have a picture of my father taken in New Orleans in April of 1942!

The men who fought in this war, the women who nursed the injured, the civilians who lived through the horrors of war, and the survivors of the Holocaust who experienced atrocities we cannot even begin to imagine at the depraved hands of the Nazi's are now aged or have already passed on. One day soon, there won't be anyone alive who bore witness to this war, and it will be up to us to honor their memories by telling their stories.

BFF's ... Again

In the winter of 2013, my oldest daughter "kidnapped" Olivia, taking her to her house to live because my middle daughter wasn't being a very good cat mom and my oldest felt sorry for her. Olivia and Louie became fast friends. My daughter moved from a house to an apartment that spring, and the apartment complex only allowed two animals, so she had to bring Olivia back. When Olivia came back, you could tell she missed Louie, and poor, lovesick Louie moped around looking for his lady for a long time. 

A new manager took over the apartments a few months ago and decided my daughter's dog was no longer welcome, citing it as "a restricted breed". Unable to find another place to live that would allow pit bulls, she moved back home while she searched for another place. It's been nice having her back ... it's been a long time since my three little ducklings were all living at home! When she moved back, along with Roo and Louie, Louie was thrilled to see Olivia, but she wasn't thrilled to see him ... not at first, anyway. Now, they play together all the time. My oldest daughter has found a new place, so she'll be moving in the near future, and Olivia will probably stay here. But Olivia is the love of Louie's life, and he won't take kindly to losing his soulmate.

Just before I snapped these photo's, Olivia and Louie were laying down, facing each other, holding hands. It was really cute. Then Olivia pounced, and it was game on!

Why People Have Kids

My son poked his head out the door last Sunday and asked me if I wanted a sandwich. Sure! He asked what kind, so I picked the easiest ... peanut butter ... spread very, very thin. A few moments later, he delivered my lunch to me in the pool, along with a bottle of ice cold water. It may not be gourmet, but I was thrilled.

This is why people have kids!

My Superpower

Sewing by hand is (apparently) my superpower! (Even though I'd rather have been given the ability to fly or become invisible.) The hem was falling out of one side of my boyfriend's pants, so I offered to fix them for him. He comes to my house and does all kinds of honey-do's, so it's only fair that I return the kindness ... and I really don't mind one little bit. I enjoy doing things for him. He's genuinely appreciative of everything I do for him, so lending whatever skills I have to make his life easier brings me a great amount of pleasure!

I'm pretty sure I'd get an "A" in home-ec for this!
See, Mrs. Burris ... I was paying attention!

Aren't the Leaves of Red Honeysuckle Divine?

Meet Seymour ... My New Best Friend

I bought a new vacuum for the pool ... and I'm absolutely, 100%, head-over-heels in love! The vacuum that came with the pool was really a joke, and I was never satisfied with it. My pool is an above ground pool. It's (obviously) nothing fancy, but it's perfect to float around and get some sun or to cool off in the heat of the day, and it's plenty big enough to hold the large herd of giant teenagers/young adults that seem to congregate here!

The vacuum that came with it would pick up most the debris that falls to the bottom of the pool, but the fine dirt would just be stirred up, creating a dust cloud around the vacuum. The pool filter would clean it up (eventually), but you had to keep it stirred up for those particles to ever reach the filter. If the pool got very dirty from a big rainstorm or had algae in it, it took a lot of diligence to clean it to my satisfaction. I tried buying hoses and fittings to connect the old vacuum into the filter system, but it never worked as well as I had hoped.

I could have bought a replacement for about a fourth of what I paid for this vacuum, but I wanted something that really worked ... and this one does!! Since it cost so much more than the other vacuums I had to choose from, I figured if it didn't work as advertised, I'd take it back and settle for whatever I could get. I tried it out yesterday and was amazed at what a good job it does!

I've had this pool for about three years now, and have struggled to find an affordable solution for keeping it vacuumed. I couldn't figure out why in-ground pools had such good vacuuming systems, and the ones for above ground pools were so inadequate. Surely they make something for above ground pools that actually work and don't cost two or three times as much as the pool, don't they? Yes ... they do! And I found it!!

And I'm in love!!!

I realize Seymour and I are still in the honeymoon faze, but I'm an incurable romantic ... and I do believe he and I will have many happy years together!

Things I Don't Understand - Episode 5: Cheese on Everything!

Me!! ME!! I said it!!!!

Now don't get me wrong ... I love cheese ... in moderation ... and just not on everything! I love cheese cubes and I can eat twice my weight in cheese balls. I make a casserole with a cheese sauce that is to die for and I can eat the cheese that comes with cheese fries at Burdette by the spoonful (but I don't like it on the fries!). I love macaroni and cheese, nacho's dipped in cheese sauce, and I often gross-out my cheese-obsessed children by eating a cheese sandwich with mayonnaise (as evidenced here). And who doesn't love grilled cheese?

I realize I am alone in my lack of love for cheese, but I hate melted cheese on a sandwich ... except for grilled cheese. I mean, let's face it ... a grilled cheese without cheese is just toast! To me, melted cheese makes the meat taste rancid. I have eaten exactly two cheeseburgers in my entire life, ten years apart, and I did not enjoy either. I even remember when I ate them! One in 2003 and one in 2013. I remember them because they made in impression on me ... a yucky impression! The one in 2003 wasn't as horrible as the one in 2013, but only because the 2003 one was on a very large, very thick burger. It had one slice of cheese, so the meat to cheese ratio was very small. The 2013 one was a McDonald's burger. I ate it because I was starving, but I made a face like I was drinking sour milk the entire time.

When I was in high school, we could go off-campus for lunch, so when lunchtime rolled around, we would all pile into a car and go to McDonald's or Burger King. I would always order two hamburgers or a hamburger and fries, while everyone else in the car ordered as many cheeseburgers as their lunch money would buy. More often than not, we would get the wrong bag ... and it would contain nothing but cheeseburgers ... and always way more cheeseburgers than we had ordered. We would never go back and trade it for the right food order because everyone was so excited about all the cheeseburgers they'd get to eat. Nevermind the fact that I put my lunch money towards the order, and keeping it meant I wouldn't get to eat that day because I didn't have the money to buy anything else.

I'm not sure who's idea it was to put half a slice of cheese on a fish fillet at McDonald's, but they should be flogged! And while we're at it ... why half a slice of cheese? Everything else comes with a whole slice! Anyway, when my boyfriend and I go to McDonald's, I order a fish fillet with no cheese and extra tartar. They charge me a quarter for the extra tartar. My boyfriend orders a fish fillet with extra cheese and no tartar, and they charge him an extra quarter for the cheese. If a half-slice of cheese costs 25 cents and extra tartar costs 25 cents, shouldn't the price of our sandwiches remain the same? But, I digress.

I went to Wendy's one Sunday a while back and picked up lunch for me and my boyfriend, then took it to his studio where he was playing music. I ordered a single hamburger. I didn't check the order at the drive-thru window ... and I got a cheeseburger. I should have checked it, because if I check, the order is always right ... but if I don't, my order will have cheese on it ... always! I waited until I left the studio to take it back. Instead of asking for a hamburger, I asked for my money back, then I went to McDonald's and got a fish filet ... no cheese, extra tartar ... for 25 cents extra. I checked the order at the drive-thru window ... and they put cheese on it!!!

Quit trying to make me eat cheese! It ain't gonna happen!!

When I go to Subway, I get pepper jack cheese on my sandwich, but I never have it toasted. I don't have it toasted for two reasons ... one, I don't want melted cheese on my meat, and two, I add so many veggies that it's plenty crunchy without toasting the bread.

I went to Hardee's a few years back and ordered a hamburger. I opened the burger to start eating as I was driving back to work, and ... surprise, surprise ... they gave me a cheeseburger. I drove back to Hardee's and went in. I told the girl behind the counter that I ordered a hamburger, but was given a cheeseburger.

She looked at me and smiled a nearly toothless smile and said "But our hamburgers come with cheese!"

I told her a hamburger with cheese wasn't a hamburger ... it was a cheeseburger.

She looked at me and smiled a nearly toothless smile and said "But our hamburgers come with cheese!"

I told her I ordered a hamburger because I didn't want cheese on it.

She looked at me and smiled a nearly toothless smile and said "But our hamburgers come with cheese!"

I told her I don't want cheese on it, that's why I ordered a hamburger and not a cheeseburger!

She looked at me and smiled a nearly toothless smile and said "But our hamburgers come with cheese! If you want a hamburger without cheese, you have to order a hamburger without cheese."

I told her a hamburger without cheese was a hamburger without cheese. If you add cheese, it's no longer a hamburger, but a cheeseburger!

She looked at me and smiled a nearly toothless smile and said "But our hamburgers come with cheese!"

Holy cow ... this could go on all day!!

Clearly, I was dealing with a superior intellect. I know when I'm whipped, so I changed my strategy.

Defeated, I caved and said, "I want a hamburger without cheese."

As I left I reminded myself to cut her some slack ... life is harder when you're stupid.

A Summer in Ocracoke at the Library

On an end cap at the Central Branch :)