Wow. With so much going on I almost forgot to blog. Almost.

We finally found a home for JR the Kelpie. We advertised him on several Kelpie rescue sites, and found a home for him in southern California. We were going to fly him down, but I just didn't feel comfortable about that, so my son D and I drove down here from Eugene to a meeting place near Kettleman City. A very long drive, but worth it. JR is with a very nice pack and can finally do the herding he was bred to do.

The trip was interesting to say the least, though. I got it into my head, to help with the cost of gas, to advertise a ride share on Craigslist. We picked up a very nice gentleman here in Eugene and for $20 dropped him off in Medford. Cool deal. He didn't even mind have JR crawling all over him.

After that it was pretty much smooth sailing down to the meeting spot. D did a great job driving, although there were a few times when I decided to drive and for the sake of not offending the teen driver, I just didn't really tell him why. (Can we say "slow the heck down!"?)

The drive up always seems shorter, and we found my friend MaryBeth's house up near San Francisco and she graciously let us spend the night. Then the next morning, after much procrastination we drove up to Berkley and picked up another rider for the trip to Eugene.

This time it was a 21 year old student from Berkley. He was on his way home to his parents house for the summer. I'm glad I have a truck. For it was him and his six plastic garbage bags full of dirty laundry that I hauled up north. Whew.

Anyway, that was just last weekend. Between that, loosing my job, looking for a job, avoiding the wolf at the door, having the bathroom remodeled, having the two day yard sale, the hubby going to Hilton Head for his brother's wedding, graduations and upcoming 18th birthdays, I'm freaking' exhausted. Oh yeah, and I decided to go back to school, starting this Summer term.

Things to ponder today of all days...

"Whoever lives past today and comes home safely will rouse himself every year on this day, show his neighbor his scars, and tell embellished stories of all their great feats of battle. These stories will teach his son and from this day until the end of the world we shall be remembered. "

William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene III

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Memorial Day Order

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way, arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.
—General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters
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Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.

Wherever you are, observe the Moment at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. Ask others to remember—relatives, friends, church, neighborhood, or co-workers to observe the Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the Moment.

Why?

To provide a time of Remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory.

To have Americans participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our Nation.

To provide a sense of history to our citizens and ensure that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to preserve our liberti

Almost done with the bathroom remodel