Fully Fragmented

Thanks to Traci at A Star In My Universe, this wonderful place called Friday Fragments is still a bright spot in my blogging life, where I can share the exciting events of my life! At my age, it is usually encompasses my getting out of bed unassisted, and pouring myself a cup of coffee each morning! Once these two events have taken place, my world is ready to begin!

Today, I am blessed to celebrate 39 years of marriage to a great guy!  We've had many a storm, but managed to come out of them practically unscathed.  We've laughed and cried and embarrassed the heck out of each other.  We raised four extraordinary children, who managed to live through all of our parenting blunders (thank you, God, for therapists) and who now are each on their own path to rule their world.

Media has changed the way we all live our lives, and this week has been full of many reminders of the tragic events of 9/11/01.  Many of us will forever be touched by actions of this date.  I believe that it made us stronger, and brought out the best in the human condition as evidenced by the selfless acts of those who wanted, and still want, to help. God rest the souls of those who fell, and God Bless the rest of us who remain.

I'm going to have a second cup of coffee.  Would you care to join me?

Forever Changed

It has been 14 years to the day since the most horrendous event in my lifetime occurred. I will never forget the images of the day and the helplessness that I felt for the weeks that followed. As we became glued to our televisions, we learned more each day.  And with each new report, my heart would break into a million pieces over and over.  I was fortunate to have four children that needed my attention...and distraction. It was very important to me to keep their eyes and ears away from the news as much as possible.  I prayed every single day.

Each year on this day, we solemnly remember the events and celebrate the lives of those who were lost.  We honor those in heaven, as well as, the thousands of people who stepped in to help someone in need.  I still hear new stories of heroes who made a difference in the lives of those who were suffering.  They continue to make a difference every single day.  God Bless each and every one of them.

There were babies born on that day; birthday parties were planned; anticipation was building for an anniversary or family reunion celebration.  All of these celebrations have been touched by this event, but by no means diminished.

On September 11, 2001, I was expecting to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary.  We decided to postpone our event for a later date.  We continue, by God's grace, to celebrate our wedding anniversaries and feel blessed to have had so many years together.  Cute couple...don't you think?

Thank you for your visit today.  I hope your weekend is wonderful!

P is for Peacock

              Peacock - The male peafowl that can spread its long tail feathers to make a colorful display

 

What I found interesting was that Peacock is the name given to males only, and that they are the beautiful birds full of color and flash.  The female is called a Peahen, and, like so many other females, is very drab in color.  The males need "flash" in order to attract the females.  The females need to blend in with the bushes so that they can protect their eggs while incubating. 

Most of these beautiful birds originate from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and central Africa.  They can be enjoyed in many American Zoos thanks to International cooperation. A group of peafowl is called a "party" or a "pride"! The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India and is protected in that country. In the Hindu religion, the peafowl is a sacred bird, because the spots on the peacock’s tail symbolize the eyes of the gods.  (http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/birds/peacock) 

                  Peacock - The human male who can strut his manhood and display his colorful flash

He must be flashy in order to attract the female human, even if it means transforming himself into a dreamboat with attitude; or 

Expressing his "flash" by verbose and unintelligent communication, and still managing to get women to fawn over him day and night; or simply

Acting like a child, but with all of the privileges of a man, speaking nonsense while looking dreamy and full of flash! 

 Peacocks come in all forms, and some of them sure are pretty to watch, aren't they?  

The Letter "P" has been brought to you by Jenny Matlock...Off On My Tangent.  Please stop by her classroom and see what other "P" essays have been turned in!

Thanks for stopping by today! 

Fragmentally Speaking...

Thanks to Traci at A Star in My Own Universe, I have a comfy and safe place to come on Fridays!  It's the end of the workweek, it's the day before the weekend, and it's always a happy place for me to be!

I don't always have something exemplary to talk about, nor do I have a plethora of pictures to share, but I do like knowing that I am working on my writing...so to speak...or write...or something!  Every little bit helps in the long run, right?

We have the first wedding of the family coming up in November.  I'm lucky that the first one is my son, and not a daughter, as I am learning just how much planning is involved in this wonderful event.  Life was a lot simpler (and less expensive) 39 years ago when we planned ours!   I think the key is to make a list, and then stick to it.  It's going to be a wonderful day for everyone!  Both the ceremony and reception will be held at a winery away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  It will be nice to slow down a bit.

Speaking of slowing down...one of our weekend excursions (aside from grocery shopping and gassing up the car) includes a trek to our local thrift shop.  Yes, I lead the most interesting and exciting life!  It's a haven for compulsive shoppers!  Think of the deals one gets if one only takes the time to look around.  We usually come home with something that we've needed, like a "granny" fork, or small clock for the living room wall because we are too lazy to walk into another room to see the time on that room's wall.  It doesn't matter that we have watches that tell time, or phones that tell time...but heavens...we'd have to pick up the phone and actually press it to get the time!  This way, we always know the time while we are sitting on our butts watching TV!!!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Please check out the fragments of some friends over at A Star In My Own Universe. I hope you have an interesting and exciting weekend!

90 and Not Even a Little Fragmented!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was going to attend the 90th birthday party of a dear family member.  Alice Yasek, my mother's sister, has entered into her ninth decade, with the appearance and energy of a 60 year old!  Alice is an amazing woman who has never let anything or anyone stop her from living her life to the fullest.

Twice a week she swims at the Y.  She used to compete in a Masters Olympics program and has a roomful of medals to show off.  These medals are well-deserved!  Alice was a member of the 1940 Olympic Swim Team...part of US Olympic Team that did not participate that summer as the games were held in Germany...not really a safe place to be at the time.  My heart swells knowing how much disappointment was felt, but the safety of our athletes could not be argued.

In addition to regular exercise, Alice volunteers at her church thrift shop, drives for Meals on Wheels and finds time to stay in touch with many close friends.  Her five children are spread out over the United States (California, Washington, New York and Massachusetts) and she travels to see them as often as possible.  She became grandmother to my children (and mother to me) upon the passing of my mother 30 years ago.  I have been blessed to have her in my life, and so have my children.

My trip was a very fast, but extremely enjoyable, three day visit with Alice in her New York home.  I was able to visit with my cousins, as well as, see many of her friends.  We had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family in the "party room" at her church.

Alice with Friends

What, no pony?

Sustenance!

The Best Part of the Day!

I was told that she slept for a week after everyone went home!  It was a wonderful day AND weekend for all concerned!

Please stop by A Star In My Own Universe and say hello as you read the Friday Fragments of other bloggers like me!  Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a wonderfully Fragmented Weekend!

                                                                           

Visions of Summer

I remember the carefree days of summer in California. We had the beach, the park and a gazillion pools!  I miss those days!

The Park

Grandma at the Pool

Little Tykes after a swim

Dipping with the Bro

Mother's Beach, Long Beach, CA...no teens, no adults without kids!

Camp Pendleton, CA

Unheated Pool in Woodland Hills, CA

Newport Dunes, CA

Hope you enjoyed some of my best memories of summer when we lived in California.  Please visit Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop to enjoy more stories of some of her favorite people!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great summer weekend!

Feeling Fragmented?

I love this place!  It's like coming home from work on a Friday night, knowing that you can let it all go away for awhile.  Thanks to Traci at A Star In My Own Universe I now have an extra reason to look forward to Fridays!

I am excited to be celebrating with my favorite aunt, Alice, as she turns 90 next week.  She has been a force in my life that has guided me while raising my children.  She stepped in when my mom passed away and, pretty much filled some really big shoes!  She is an amazing woman who has lived her life giving to others.  The plus is I get to go to New York for the party!

We had a fun celebration last weekend when we attended the "Eyes to The Skies" event in Lisle, Illinois.  Please take a moment to learn more about it here.  We didn't know what to expect, and ended up having a wonderful time!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Please click on "A Star In My Own Universe" above to enjoy the Friday Fragments of some great blogger friends!

Have a wonderful weekend!