Oregon Coast Pictures Redux. ** DIAL-UP WARNNG

I was supposed to be there (Florence, Oregon) this weekend, and it would have been worth the traffic jams. How some ever. the pics from last year will have to do:

Daytime:




My nephew TJ:


Sunset:








And in case I don't catch y'all, Blessed Memorial Day to you all, everyone of you who donned the uniform, everyone of you who stood on the wall., everyone of you who ever stepped up to the challenge.

I've never worn the uniform, and I am not a blind diciple of the military. But I will say this:

to the best that I can, to the best I am able, not having been in your situation, I wish you the best. and hope that you come out of this as intact as you can.

BLESSED MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL OF YOU: THOSE WHO WORE THE UNIFORM, THOSE WHO STILL DO, THOSE WHO HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER STILL IN SERVICE, AND ALL OF YOU TO WHOM THESE MEN AND WOMEN MEAN MORE THAN WORDS ON PAPER.





:patriot: :loveya: :patriot: :patriot:

I would also like to echo the Blessed Memorial Day sentiment!

:patriot:

Most especially for the Memorial Day sentiment. Damn, but those men and women have so much courage -- much more so than I do. I'm not so blind that I do not see that some have taken the wrong path, but again, bless 'em all. Until I've walked in their boots, who am I to judge?

:patriot:

:thumbsup:

How I wish I could be there this weekend! But wires got crossed, and another family is taking residence in the vacation home this weekend. Oh well, there will be other times.

In the meantime, as I said, Blessed Memorial Day to any and all who took it upon themselves to don the uniform and serve this country and the citizens who dwell within.

:patriot:

Wow! Each one of those are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them! :hug::loveya:

It is a truly beautiful place, and I'm fortunate to be able to visit there now and then. :loveya:

Thanks for sharing them! :bounce: :loveya: :hug:

And a Happy Memorial Day to you, too! You are right about how much they mean to us. :grouphug:

I love the Oregon coast!

And yes, they mean a lot to us, as do the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters they leave behind.

Bless 'em all.

:grouphug:

He was in Vietnam when I was a kid ... and wasn't himself again for over 30 years. I lost him for most of my life, he was so traumatized. He finally was better a year or so before he died. I'm glad we at least got that. I worry about my daughter and son-in-law, even though they're still state-side. I hope against hope that they can stay home. I know that's selfish of me, but that's what I hope.

:grouphug:

As parents, we want our children to be safe and sound, to have a better life than we have had (no matter how good or bad that may have been).

AM, my child (age 26) is not in the military, so I will never EVAH pretend to know what it's like for you and other parents who DO have children in the military.

But I will say this: As parents, we want our children to be safe, to be secure, and most especially, to outlive us. I send my blessings to you, and to your fine children. Along with my hope that they will all stay safe, secure, and that wherever they may be stationed, they come back to you as whole as possible.

Bless them all.



:grouphug:

That's how old my military daughter and son-in-law are. They're my babies. :loveya: The one in TN is older and she ALMOST joined the Navy. We're breathing a sigh of relief that she changed her mind.

You don't have to have one in the military to know what it's like to want their safety. I get upset all over again every year when they send me the latest "family care plan" paper ... the document that says I get their son if something happens to them.

Thank you for your blessings! That means a lot! :grouphug:

As a parent, I have come to realize that, no matter much we want to protect them. mo matter how much we want to keep 'em safe, at some point we have to let go.

I think that's the hardest, most challening part of being a parent. :loveya: :hug: :grouphug:

i've got a story to write about those we've lost and those who've come back

i don't understand, but i :patriot: none the less

I hope you will share it, either here or in GD. I have a feeling it will be worth the read.

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :loveya:

I'm awfully tired, and that means my self-restraint is gone!

:blush: :blush: :blush:

Okay, I'm going now.........:hide:

And your nephew is so cute. :D

He IS cute -- and he is our future. I hope to whatever God there may be that he and all the other children of his generation don't have to face what the children of my generation do.



They are all worth it, aren't they?

I've got nieces and a nephew myself, and I love them as though they are my own children. I'd do anything to ensure they have a good future ahead of them.

Doesn't matter if you birthed them or not. If you love 'em, if you care for 'em, that's what matters.

I was just going to turn off the 'puter and head to bed. I'm so glad I didn't do that before I saw your post, and your pictures of your wonderful son!

My eyes are filled with tears, but they are tears of happiness. The middle picture of Ben is so beautiful! I am so sorry that, as a mother, you have gone through (and are going through) this frigthful experience with Ben,

But please know that from the bottom of my heart, and from the depth of my soul, I want the very best for you, for Ben, for your family, and for all the wounded and affected men and women who dare to don the uniforn of the US military.

Many healing thoughts to you, Ben, your family, and to everyone who has been affected by this war. There is no way I can truely express my feelings.

:grouphug:

It is wondeful and awe inspiring...

As is the sacrifice the people who serve this country make each and every day the don the uniform...

We have learned a lesson or two from Vietnam...

Don't hate the warrior...

Hate the war monger who sends our boys and girls to places we should not be....

These pictures were taken in Florence.

And the town they filmed One Flew Over in......

Coos Bay, I believe it was called...

That whole area....

We were in Salem and traveled the coast area when ever we could scrape up enough cash for Gas money and a camp site....

And Renier Beer, of course....

your photos SG, clearly a beautiful part of our country. And I too echo your sentiments. Memorial Day weekends are always bittersweet.

:hi:

If you don't mind me asking, SG, what town is that?

We usually go to Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park (one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen) with a little side trip to Seaside so the kids can do the rides and play skee ball and eat ice cream and all that.

Another question: I haven't been able to explore the Washington State coast yet. How do you think it compares to Oregon's?

When I was in high school (Springfield High), the senior trip every year was to Cannon Beach. Beautiful place, isn't it?

:toast:

Thank you so much for these wonderful pictures!

And for your Memorial Day Prayer....I salute you!

My brother went to Vietnam, and came home alive and OK, but entirely changed...

The military families have carried this country for so long.....

And now they are being betrayed by the current administration.....

And we owe all servicepeople a huge debt of gratitude.....It can never be repaid!

:grouphug: :patriot: :patriot: :grouphug:

Thank you. :grouphug:

Those are some white legs. :P

Looks like a fantastic trip.

The NW coast is an embarrassment of riches.

The Washington and Oregon coasts are so beautiful, though I think Oregon has a bit of an edge.

Long Beach, Cape Disappointment.

Cape Disappointment is wonderful, with that gorgeous cove that you can go down into when you're back there on the trail to the lighthouse and the old fort. Sometimes you can get down to that enchanted cove, and sometimes the stairs/trail are too battered, damaged, or washed out, but I have had many happy afternoons down there, watching the ocean among the high mossy walls and huge boulders.

Love Florence, OR, though, and volunteered for the Oregon Beach Cleanup this year (was assigned to Manzanita on a great day). This pic is from Depoe Bay, my usual Thanksgiving destination. I'm sure you have eaten at the Sea Hag and have watched Gracie play the bottles and tell bawdy jokes:

:bounce: