Veterans Day and I salute sister Helen who is the only sibling to serve!

 TERRY

Terry had a big day yesterday as daughter Kim and grandchildren Zach, Tori and Josh spent much of the afternoon here.  I popped my head in and out so as to leave Terry alone much of the time with the kids.  She had not seen them in about two years.  AND I should not say "kids" as the four of them are 21, 23, 25 and 27!  Sam could not come.  They will be here again this afternoon for a spell.  I think the afternoon was exhausting as Terry is not used to activity like that even tho she did not get out of bed.  So I think it was maybe 4:00 or so and Terry said she had it for the day.  Terry spent MUCH time with those kids as they were growing up.  Zach was born in 1994 and at the time Terry was serving as a state senator from her district.  Two years later she decided NOT to run for reelection as she so wanted to spend time with those kids even tho they lived across country.  With the perk of free airfare she went back and forth a lot.  So as you can see all four kids are pretty darn special to her.  Terry will have one more afternoon with them as they fly back on Friday.  Terry has been doing pretty well the last few days.  Perhaps looking forward to and have company was a factor.  BUT come Friday she will be back to "Carmen" and I hope I can fill the bill!

Most days after I look at my e-mails I need to pinch myself as I usually get a note about burial insurance and I just wonder IF these electronic devices these days know something I don't!  I do make sure, when I wake up in the morning, that I still am live as I wash my face with cold water and the check to see if I still have my PJs on!  So far so good at this stage of life!

It is Veterans Day today and it seems each year as it comes up I think back on my growing up and wonder IF I should have enlisted.  At the age of 18 I was given a college deferment.  Then as a freshman in college ALL guys were required to take ROTC the freshman year as I was at NDSU.  I enrolled in the Air Force class and got A's for the terms.  Then I got a financial package for my second year that included an ROTC package.  I know this is crazy but as a young boy my cousin Marvin brought a home video of new members of the army crossing the equator and that stuck in my mind forever!  I just could not picture myself having my face rubbed in garbage and then thrown into a pool!!!  Anyway I did not take ROTC my sophomore year.  Brother Dave was actually called in for service as his number was drawn in the draft that took place in 1966 I think.  He was excused as he had this heart condition.  I need to say that I mentioned nobody in our family served except Helen but by that I meant us 6 kids and Dad.  BUT in our family there are many who served and for long times like John, Bob, Bryan, Quinn and I think Ron was in the reserves but not sure.  Anyway today brings back many memories.  

Well I was sidetracked but am back to sign off.  It is now 8:45 and Terry is still sleeping.  I think the company tired her out yesterday as she is not used to that.  So as I look out at the sunny warm/cool day I sipt he last of my FP and say good-bye for today BUT not before I post a picture of sister Helen in uniform.