Overall a good week. Had a quick dinner with my sister on her birthday and then a couple days later we went to the movies - something we hardly ever do. I even had a facial - I won this last Xmas and decided it was time to use it. I even had to grocery shop a couple of times - you all know how much I love that!
This morning was the community Veterans Breakfast. I am sad to say because of personality issues the HOA and the Friendship Club refused to assist and in a few ways tried to stop it. They tried to put up a couple of roadblocks, but you know I did not fall for that. Most of you know that I'm all about fairness and I am like a dog with a bone when I want something done or I am trying to right a wrong. Remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned I need to have a battle to keep me occupied well I took this on big time. I do not understand why they could not put their differences aside for something that impacts veterans and the community - you would think we were in grade school instead of dealing with people over 55! The overall issues have not been resolved, but I will be working on them over the next few months. Any way, I helped the coordinator and got up at o'dark thirty this morning to cook sausages, breakfast wraps and quiche at my house and brought everything to the facility. Luckily, crock pots make great warmers. I also had a cookie created to give out to each attendee (picture below). When the event started, the coordinator handed me the microphone and said you handle it! I knew I was going to say the blessing and possible recite the names of those who died this past year, but I did not expect to emcee the event. I have to say my work life prepared me for many things in life including talking off the top of my head. I believe the final count of attendees was 62 so there was plenty to eat and many got to have leftovers. I received lots of positive feedback and met a few people that knew my parents. I was tired when it was over, but overjoyed that I had a part in honoring the veterans in the community.
A laugh for my former work colleagues: The coordinator of the event calls me boss all the time. He told me he likes when I deal with some of the other folks because I'm more diplomatic! I almost burst out laughing at that statement as I don't think I was ever called that at work. Perhaps retirement has made me more diplomatic...LOL!
I have to admit that I'm recording lots of Christmas movies to watch when the TV shows go on hiatus. I love to watch them....so sentimental. I have listened to Christmas music in the car as well. How about you? Starting to feel the pressure of the holiday season? Remember to breathe once in a while.
I am going to leave it here for tonight. I'm tired and my brain is just not working at top speed. I hope you have a wonderful week. Stay warm. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
---The found the following online last night. I don't have the author, but I read it today at the breakfast.
BLESS THE VETERAN
Dear God: Please bless the veterans who wore the faded uniform. May they know the peace of a career well-served, and service completed. Give them our thanks for the doors opened, paths paved, and battles fought. Give them our thanks for the freedom preserved, future defended, and the ideals embodied. Bless the veterans who defended our country with strength and selfless devotion. Amen