I understand all areas are back to school now so I hope your routines are going well. In the mornings, I drive by a line up of children (elementary school age) and parents at a bus stop. I always try to time it so I get by before the school bus comes - there has to be over 50 people at this one stop. What I have noticed and it makes me so sad is how many parents are on their phones. They are not looking at or even talking to their children or other parents, just head down on the phone. Even those that are walking toward the bus stop are on the phone. They are definitely setting quite an example for their children. But what truly makes me sad is that everyone looks miserable. I just want to shout out at those parents to pay attention and be present. I know it's my perception as I drive by, but it's just sad.
I had a day trip adventure to Schellsburg, PA with my friend Mary. We had a gorgeous weather day and the drive was not half as bad as either of us thought it would be. It's about a three hour drive from here. We only got to explore a little bit as we were on a mission with a time schedule to meet someone. We did find the fruit orchards (lots of them) and stopped at one to pick up a few items. The only places to eat in town were a market/cafe and a Subway. We chose the market and had a nice sandwich. It is truly a quaint small town in the middle of nowhere. Most of us from here have made the trek from Northern VA to the Pittsburgh area more than once because it seems that most people are from there; so we have all stopped at Breezewood. Seems to be the gateway to PA at least in my mind...LOL! Any way, we made our normal break there and I have to say it was depressing. Many of the hotels have closed or fallen into disrepair, several restaurants and gas stations are no longer there. Perhaps no one is stopping in Breezewood any more.
Lady had her first vet appointment here at the Herndon Animal Medical Center. I went the week before to check them out and be sure I would be comfortable with her there. Once I made the appointment, they contacted Lady's old vet and her records were emailed over within the day. Lady serenaded me in the car coming/going, but not as much as in previous car rides. This vet's office moves you almost immediately to a private room so dogs don't have to deal with each other and they try to stagger appointments to help. You know Lady and I appreciated that. A very caring place where the vet and technician got down on the floor with Lady after examining her on the table. Lady was very well behaved even after a rabies shot and blood work. The technician laughed when she saw how Lady turns her head away when she's in my arms as if to say, "I'm done with you." The technician followed us out to get a urine sample. I told her as soon as we get out this room she will squat either in the lobby or directly outside the front door. At least Lady waited until we got outside the front door. Lady then came back in so I could pay the bill and proceeded to wander all over the lobby. I will say my picky Lady refused almost all treats as I guess they were not up to her standards.
I had the privilege yesterday to be a volunteer greeter at Dulles Airport for an Honor Flight from upstate New York. Although I had heard of Honor Flights and had researched a little bit as a possible trip for my dad, I recently learned about this local group and decided to sign up for the incoming flight (you can sign up to be on the departure end as well). You can sign up to be a greeter at the gate (inside) or after they come out of security (outside). I was outside and we lined up to escort them to the bus. We then waited until the bus was ready for departure and waived them off. I met so many people who have been part of this group for a long time. Some volunteers have met over 150 flights and the stories I heard were so touching. Some of the volunteers were new, some were from church groups, scout groups, families, etc. The volunteers represented all age groups. I met people that were part of other groups as well and have been part of the entire process from start to finish. There are some larger flights and believe me when I say I'm already looking at the schedule to see when I can go again. This flight had 15 veterans and their escorts. This flight had one woman veteran and one veteran from World War II. As a surprise, the World War II veteran's family (his granddaughter is in the army stationed at Walter Reed) met him at the gate and they would be part of the tour group for the day. I can't explain how it felt to see the veterans in their wheel chairs with their escorts, all smiles, shaking hands, reaching out, I saw many hugs and lots of tears (on all sides). As I walked to my car, my heart was full of joy, I felt my dad smiling down at me. I learned a couple of days ago about a group that does this type of day for local veterans so I have already started my research.
I did not finish any books this past week. I guess I had too much other stuff going on...LOL!
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
September 8
Grandparent's Day - first Sunday after Labor Day
International Literacy Day
National Ampersand Day
National Date Nut Bread Day - or December 22!?
National Pet Memorial Day -second Sunday in September
Pardon Day
September 9
Teddy Bear Day
September 10
Sewing Machine Day
Swap Ideas Day
September 11
911 Remembrance
Make Your Bed Day
No News is Good News Day
September 12
Chocolate Milk Shake Day
National Video Games Day - also see Video Games Day in July
September 13
Defy Superstition Day
Fortune Cookie Day
Blame Someone Else Day - first Friday the 13th of the year.
Chinese Moon Festival - date varies
Friday the 13th
National Peanut Day
Positive Thinking Day
Uncle Sam Day - his image was first used in 1813
September 14
International Crab Fest Day
National Cream-Filled Donut Day
I am going to leave it here for today. Thank you to all of you that "liked" my page on FB; I had lots of new people this past week. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.” – Josiah Gilbert Holland
“Nurture your mind with great thoughts. To believe in the heroic makes heroes.” – Benjamin Disraeli
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn