Travel, remembering and honoring.

This isn't a current flag, it's hoisted and proudly flown at Fort McHenry in Maryland. I took this photo a few years ago, while hubby and I were touring. Look at the size of this flag. I wanted to share it with you today, July 4th as we celebrate our Nations Birthday. It's a day to be proud, a day to remember how we got here, who's sacrificed for us.

Sadly, many of those who did serve and protect us, who fought for our freedoms probably aren't celebrating today, not with a family picnic and fireworks. Why? Because they are homeless! They live hand to mouth, out in the elements, in unsafe conditions, wondering in some cases if they'll make it through the night. Wondering if they'll ever be dry and warm again. Yes, it's summer across the country and they currently are going to freeze at night; but the warmer months pass all too quickly. Soon, they'll be huddled against the wind, the rain, the snow and sleet.

Accordingly to The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 1/3 of all adult homeless people are Veterans. Half those homeless Veterans served during the difficult Vietnam Years. While the bulk of homeless Veterans are male, about 5% are female, and that number is rising with more females in the service of our country. Most homeless Veterans are single, and live in an urban area. Many have health issues, be they mental illnesses, alcoholism and or drugs; or a combination thereof.

As you celebrate with a good meal and fun times with your loved ones today, make a commitment. A commitment to make something for the homeless. Making one thing can be HUGE. Knit or crochet and make a difference. Make a hat, a scarf, a pair of slippers, a pair of mittens, a cotton washcloth, or a square. They've given so much, let's say Thank You and serve others through our yarn.

**This is repost from my charity blog, Bridge and Beyond. Please let me know if you can help. Doing so, is one way to show your patriotism**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Adding this for your enjoyment

Low Mileage Travels

(pretty pink lillies in my backyard, notice the rain drops on the 2nd photo)

Gas isn't cheap, time can be tight, so can money. That doesn't mean you can't travel. It's summer, pack the kids up and head out for a day. Pack a picnic lunch, play in the park, see a lighthouse, visit a museum (always good to get in our of the rain or hot sun), go swimming on the shore, visit the zoo, visit and learn from one of the many historic areas, take a walk, go for a hike, sit by a water fall. All of that exists locally! Right here in Ohio.

Here are 28 adventures with Flat Stanley, something for everyone. Use his guidelines when you visit similar areas in your area. Kids can learn all summer long....so can you!

Check out adventure in the little town where I was born, Urbana, less than an hour from the center of the state.

Dance, watch a sunset, have a picnic, enjoy life music, visit historic parks or landmarks in the parks in the Capital of Columbus

Visit the state's first Capital, Chillicothe, see Log Cabins, fish, go swimming, smell the flowers, go hike, climb the hills, visit and or lunch in haunted areas.

The skies the limit. Ohio is the Mother of all Presidents, there are monuments.

Click on Ohio in the cloud there are 41 posts to give you lots of ideas of places to go, things to see. Enjoy!

Traveling your BackYard

Traveling doesn't have to mean buying a plane ticket or packing the car. Turn on your sound and travel with me around my back yard.

Well, phooey, I can't seem to upload the movie I made for you all. So will post separate pictures. My suggestion is to take the kids around and identify the flowers in your yard. Then go for a walk around the neighborhood and see if they can find the same types of flowers as yours. Let them color a picture, take a photograph, then look up the flower they like best on the computer and learn something about it. That could be a good days activity.




Do math, by counting and adding how many varieties you have, how many of a certain color, add to that what they see when you go for your walk. Do spelling with the names of the flowers (not the scientific names, heck most of us adults can't spell those). Make a word puzzle with the words. Everyday can be an adventure, and a learning opportunity.

General Eichelberger and I, Famous!

Rarely do I leave home without my camera, even when I'm not on vacation and doing "real traveling". Why? well, you just never know when something might present itself. I have a small easy, inexpensive for just that reason. I can put it in my purse. Remember you can always enlarge the pictures by clicking on them. While traveling to and from Urbana, Ohio to visit my elderly aunt in an assisted living center, I spotted this historic sign, right across from Mercy Hospital in a beautiful lush green park setting. Come to find out, I'm not the only famous person to have been born in Urbana, Ohio. Imagine that! General Robert Lawrence Eichelberger was born there too, so slightly before my time since he was born in 1886.

His list of accomplishments is huge and quite impressive. He graduated from West Point as a 2nd Lt. in the Infantry, married the daughter of a judge in North Carolina and served. Boy, did he serve our country. He served in Panama, on the Mexican Border, in Siberia as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. He was the Superintendent of West Point when Pearl Harbor was boomed. He trained flying Army Officers. He served in World War II in several locations; but is most remembered for his leadership in The Pacific. General MacArthur is known to have said, "Bob, I want you to take Buna, or not come back alive". He defeated the Japanese there and elsewhere. He became The Commander General of the entire 8th Army and lead the invasion of The Philippines, the occupation of and rebuilding of Japan. He was highly decorated earning The Distinquished Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster, and The Navy Distinguished Service Medal among many others.
He retired in 1948, a few years before my important birth there in the same city, and is was buried with full military honors in 1961 at Arlington National Cemetery.
Keep your eyes open as you make your daily travels to and fro, you really never know when you'll see and learn something that's not ordinary. A great man, all have stories to tell. Was pleased to learn his story in my travels.

Other posts about Urbana
Historic courthouse and
Traveling is always an Adventure
Town Round About