Flags of Honor

The purpose of my trip to Indiana was not to
evacuate Florida due to Hurricane Irma, but
to get to my daughter Emily's place and retrieve
Willis.  It was been three long years since
he has lived with me, and it is long overdue!
Ellen had him for 2 1/2 years, and then he
was passed off to Emily when she moved out
west this spring, before the hop to Okinawa.
I love the furry beast 😻
The other reason I could not put off getting him any longer is
because she will be moving soon.  Her boyfriend is purchasing
a home in Pendelton. They both are making big moves!
I was able to see the house on the afternoon of my arrival.

It was built in the 1880's, but it has been completely
stripped down to the studs and renovated.  The
contractor did a beautiful, tasteful job!

The character and integrity of the old home was
maintained, including the high ceilings and tall
windows, but the fixtures give it a modern feel, too.
I am so happy for them!

After viewing the house, Em and I went to my daughter Jennessa's
(who also lives in Pendelton) to visit the grandkids when they got
home from school.  It was so good to see them again!  I treated us
all to dinner at Sahm's, then the adults went out for drinks after
dinner to celebrate the new home and being together again.
Cheers to that :)

We had a leisurely morning on Saturday, then decided to go for a
walk at Minnetrista Center in Muncie.  It was a gorgeous fall day
day here in Indiana, bright blue sky, hot sun, but a chill to the air.
It felt a perfect 72 degrees, unlike southern Florida this time of year!

The fall gardens were in full bloom with cone flowers,
black eyed susans, chrysanthemums, sedum, helenium,
mums, and a variety of grasses.  I miss gardening!!!

Though we missed the morning Farmer's Market, we went to
the Orchard and bought some apple cider to drink as we took
a walk about.  When we pulled in to Minnetrista, we were
taken aback by the beautiful display of American flags.

We took a walk through the field of flags, and
met up with this man, Dave McGalliard.  He is
the acting President of the Muncie Exchange
Club who puts on the traveling flag display.
After a few minutes of conversation, he made
the connection that I was a former guidance
counselor to his wife, Linda, who was principal
of Shenandoah Elementary- small world!

You can sponsor a flag to memorialize your loved ones.
When Em found this flag dedicated to AF veterans,
I knew I wanted to get on board.
"...these dead shall not have died in vain, that this
nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom,
and the government by the people, for the people
shall not perish from Earth."
-Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863.
I am only sorry I did not include ALL of my family members who have served, or are
currently serving our country.  My apologies to my daughter, Capn. Jennessa Johnston,
USAF, and her husband, Sr. Airman Andrew Johnston, USAF, who are both veterans. 
Included here are Sgt. Vernon Kiester, Army, my grandfather who served at Pearl Harbor. 
Next are Majors Austin and Carissa Deeney, my daughter and son-in-law who serve
in the USAF, and 1st Lt. Herbert Ice, my daughter Ellie's husband who is a USAF pilot.
Thank you ALL for your service and sacrifice- you are true patriots <3
After a walk through the Flags of Honor, we took a stroll
through the prairie, and followed some trails into the woods.
It was a picture perfect fall day- Minnetrista Center is such
a hidden gem in Muncie- and it is free!
  
Meanwhile, back at Em's, Willis T has been doing what he does best...

...chillin' REAL HARD.

Such a sassafras!

G'nite, y'all!








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