Ensign English

What a proud weekend. The video is of Matt getting his first salute from his Drill Instructors. It is tradition that after the official ceremony the DI's salute the newly commissioned Ensigns. You can see that the DI has just the slightest bit of a smile on his face.

You may be wondering what they are doing with their other hands. Another tradition is that the new officers give a coin to the DI - the coin tells him what kind of job he did. Silver means great job - any other metal means terrible job. Matt gave silver.

Maybe it will work again

I have been looking at old blog postings, and today I came across a posting from three years ago where I was reflecting on how much I loved tulips. Miraculously a beautiful bouquet ended up on my table shortly after the posting. Maybe the flower fairy is looking out for me and within the next day or two a beautiful bouquet of flowers will appear.

It's Wabbit Season

We have been battling with a skunk for the last 6 months. You would think that with the calendar saying winter we wouldn't be bothered by the black and white beast. Well when the temperature says spring what's a furry little creature to do but stalk my dogs.


Christmas night Butch got sprayed for the 4th time this year. Dan and the neighbor are determined to catch and destroy the little varmint that is calling our high grass home. Elmer Fudd would be proud.