BREAKING NEWS , There is a tough side of life

“” Uncle Jack, the Doctor just told me I have killed myself.”  Nephew Howard. (He thought he had gas and exercised hard, trying to get relief, it was a heart attack. He died a few weeks later.

“Hey Jack, the Doctor just gave me a death sentence, I have esophageal cancer, 5% cure rate. I think I can beat it,” Jim, my brother in law. He passed a few months later.

BREAKING NEWS:
May 7^th this year, from Bonnie, an internet friend, “I have sad news. I have been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer--adrenal cancer.” She said 20 days ago. I just received a message from her sister, “Bonnie passed last night at about 8:50 PM.

Most of you don’t know Bonnie. She proofed one of my books and did a fantastic job. She had a blog, “Organic Discourse”. I am not sure who read it, I know Rick did on occasion. Since Organic growing is not my cup of tea I was surprised she was so passionate about it. I read and commented on every post. She was very intelligent and witty. When she told me she was going to start blogging, I expected a blog of general content, but she loved to grow things and knew the ‘real’ names of all those weeds and flowers. She was passionate about organic.
I will miss Bonnie, I never had a chance to meet her. I am sure that is my loss. Her son and hubby are musicians. On occasions Bonnie would sing with them. She was so proud of her son Caleb. He can really pick the strings, his mandolin is my favorite.

I have lost some internet friends. Some I have no idea what happened to them. BUT since our interacting during the proofing, she was special. The book was ‘Finally Love’ and her input was good and I appreciated it.  Her son and sister contacted me to let me know of Bonnie's passing. Bonnie was a dedicated Christian.

Nite Shipslog

 Knowing my interest in auto's. Bonnie sent me this one from one of the nursery's she used.

Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day)

Historical Photo:
 They called this 'D' day. Normandy Beach. The Allies lost 12,000 troops here.

Coming in for Memorial Day!
As I have stated here I am a veteran of the USMC, USAF and the USN.  I never saw combat I never lost a shipmate to enemy action.
BUT Memorial Day is set aside to honor the military men and women who have gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Today I will honor them in my thoughts. I had brothers, uncles, cousins and nephews who served in combat and thank God they all returned.
You may argue that some died in battles that were not for our ‘FREEDOM’, you may be right, I would never argue that. BUT THEY WENT WHERE THEY WERE ORDERED TO GO. They joined or were drafted and signed a paper swearing to defend this country against all enemies domestic or foreign as ordered by the proper authority.  The soldier does not get the choice to follow the orders he likes, his duty is to follow orders. The military man does and he comes into harm’s way.
For those who have given their lives I weep. Most were young men and women, OUR BEST, and will never see their families on earth again, nor grow old like I have, to see the grand kids.  God bless their memory and their families who are left to remember, and hold a folded flag and a medal.
God love the ones who gave their lives for this country.  REMEMBER the orders, right or wrong have no weight, they died doing what they were ordered to do.
God bless the ones who died and the ones who are willing to die.  God Bless the USA, the greatest country in this world.
Nite Shipslog
North Carolina facts
My wife was born, raised and lived in North Carolina until I married her. That is the NC fact I will always remember and give thanks to God.

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 Ahhh, that military jeep.  How the ground-pounder envied the driver of this vehicle!

Still fishing, not sure the bait is right! LOL

Historical Photo:
 Charlie Chaplain and Einstein

today! 
Our home behind Shirl:

 This is the view from our picture window (windshield) to the left.

 To the right

Straight ahead. There is only one swing,  when I built this place 22 years ago I made and installed were 3 swings. We love to swing and talk. (this place is in town, but it fells country)

I really don’t intend to come across a bragging, but  I am. We have previously faced some personal and family problems. Probably not much different than some of you. Like many families we have endured our son’s divorces and addictions. We have seen death too many times, those of both our parents and siblings. Sherry’s family 6 losses, my family 5.

We have handled them. Not always gracefully maybe, but we made it thru.

This trip at home is much different than I had ‘viewed from a distance.’ Since being here we have spent time with my sister Shirl at home and in the hospital. Many Dr’s appointments, taking care of sister’s finances while handling Motor home repairs, cutting grass and plumbing a house for our grandson.
The youngest Grandson bought his first house, he is 22 years old. He bought a mill house that had belonged to the local ‘Hell’s Angels Chapter.’ We have cleaned the back yard. (That doesn’t even come close to saying what we have done there). We cut thru 30 years of ‘vine growth’ (Poison Ivy, morning glory, weeds and Sumac). So far 18 huge construction plastic bags full. (18 bags that the city refused to pick up because some residue besides yard waste was in the bags. We are working on sorting that out). But at least you can finally see the ground.

We are doing that work because Luke is the youngest and is a very hard worker himself. He saved enough money to buy the house and he is only 22 years old.

Our son Mark, his dad, keeps the road hot from Florida to NC to help his son succeed in his project. Friend Evelyn says Mark’s address is I-95. 

But we are proud of them all. Matt, his older brother, is also helping him (hanging drywall etc).

 (This concrete block and asphalt cover hides the sewer system for the motor home.)

I am a few months past 79. During this time  here I also installed the sewer system for the motor home. The Skylight is replaced, the windshield wiper and ignition switch on the coach are replaced.

We are still reading blogs. Thank you guys that take the time to read this blog.

Nite Shipslog

North Carolina facts (since we are here  I am looking forward to the time I can cover the states as I initially planned)

1.    Beech Mountain is Eastern America's highest town at 5,506ft above sea level.

2.    Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, was born in the Waxsaw area on the border of North and South Carolina.

3.    Arnold Palmer recognized as the player whose aggressive play and winning personality raised golf to national attention, honed his skills on the championship golf team of Wake Forest University.

4.    James K. Polk, born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, was the eleventh President of the United States.

5.    Hiram Rhoades Revels, born in Fayetteville in 1822, was the first African-American member of the United States Congress.