Let it snow!------

We're back home! It was an amazing, fast paced road trip, but we saw a lot of things we missed and wanted to see this time around. Holiday Traffic was a mess for the weekend, and I will write all about it in due time. We ended up in Houston, Baton Rouge, and then...down to New Orleans. So fun!!! Drove over 600 miles to buy an authentic, blessed by a voodoo priestess...voodoo doll. Talk about eccentric. LOLOL [nah, that wasn't the prime reason...but it WAS in the back of my mind all along after reading the book about Marie Laveaux]. Anyway, Bud and I are glad to be home...our kitties are following us around like 'lost pups'. It's cold here this morning...nearing the freezing mark [about 37 degrees], but after the long hot summer, I'll not complain. First thing this morning, the two of us got out our tree and decorated it. So many 'firsts' this year: no cooking, no turkey for Thanksgiving, no decorating the tree during the Cowboys football game on Thursday, BUD helped decorate the tree!!, and this year NO TINSEL on the tree. It's all done in evergreen and white for a 'change of pace'. White Santa faces, white doves, white poinsettias, white snowflakes, white icicles [and some iridescent], white lights and one HUGE clear snowflake for the treetop. I have to upload the pics from the trip/camera to the computer, re-size them. And probably put out more Christmas decorations; then I'll return to blogging with tons of photos to share. BBS.

Can't wait to get back...on the road again!!!

Yesterday, cardiologist/electrophysiologist appointment went well! They told me everything sounds good...exercise...and "see you next year"!! When I returned home, I spent most of the entire computer time finishing what I started before I left...tweaking and redesigning my Holiday Blog Template and Header. This is the result. Hope it works on all browsers. LOL

Today, I'll be doing last minute packing and getting ready to leave. We're gonna pick up Erik to join us since he has the week off from teaching. So, the weekend will be with partial family anyway!!

To all American visitors over the weekend...have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. To all-------enjoy the rest of the week, and be happy. See you either Monday of Tuesday of next week!!! I'm sure there'll be a load of pictures to share.

Raindrops - "Holiday Window Shopping"---

Last Tuesday Afternoon, the rain came:

                  macro ANGEL FACE Rose in our Rose garden & Bee!

MONDAY MORSELS

Lately, the past few years, I just can't get over the eclectic, ingenious styles of NUTCRACKERS. They've come a long way from the traditional Tin Soldiers to be sure. The photo on the bottom right is of Wizard of Oz characters...[left to right the scarecrow, the tin man, Dorothy, and the cowardly lion; a set of nutcrackers]. Everything is so tempting. Good thing my wallet is bare. Walk this way...inside Macy's --- up the escalator to the third floor to "Christmas Town"....

This commercial, tho only 1/2 minute long, of the Hallmark recordable books; a soldier, a father, a long way from home. It brought tears to my eyes. Have the speaker volume up...

Have a cat? Crochet? Want to make something special for you furbaby then, for the holidays? I found this new crochet pattern --Cat Paws Christmas Stocking. Oh, and by the way, the pattern is free to download and save. For those that have dogs in the family...not to leave them out in the cold; here's a Dog Paws stocking pattern. LINK HERE

Heart Exam today!

Quiet Week

The drought continues [but we did get some significant amount of rainfall on Tuesday; not enough to break the 18 inches deficit tho. This week, there has even been a 'drought' of activities around here. What's new? "Nuttin' Honey"!!


PARKING LOT SHADOWS:










SUNDAY'S SUMMARY


This past week, it's been rather quiet around here. So, this summary is just more or less a 'chat'....

Actually, on Tuesday, it was really nice to just sit and watch the rain come down and listen to the thunder clapping in the distance.

Nothing much happening. Which is good. Just the usual, meals, laundry; stuff like that. We did go to the beach one day this week. Suffice it to say, the first part of this week was muggy and downright uncomfortably hot for November. But then, the rain and a cold front moved in for a couple of days...that was nice.

Making a list of things to do before Thanksgiving. Golly, seems that that holiday is coming up on us, around here, way too quickly this year.

Talked with Erik on Tuesday. He informed me that he received confirmation that all the required personal references needed to be accepted to Rice University were sent in by the five that are obligatory. I'm still probably more anxious than he is about this. He seems to be willing to acquiesce to the fact that his dream may not become a reality...good for him. Me? I'd be sorely disappointed if the university turns down his application. Erik's a bigger man than I would be. I asked him when he'd find out one way or another ---he said: "Probably sometime in February".

Irene is graduating this next month with her Bachelor's Degree in Religious Counseling. And she and the boys are keeping extremely busy with BACA [Bikers Against Child Abuse]. Her job is very rewarding at the Safe House as a counselor, and soon she's to be its full-time manager.

I did make a couple of reservations for the holiday weekend. I can check that off my 'to do' list!!

Since there's nuttin' much newsworthy this week, I thought I'd answer some questions left in my comments for the recent week: "Gosh, do you have flower weather there all winter???" Yes, we seldom get freezing temps during the winter. And a lot of our flowers thrive. Have you had heart problems? Again, yes. Had heart laser surgery [heart ablation] three/four years ago. I believe it was 2008. I always shopped at the H E B in Houston. I especially loved the brown bags at the cash registers. Do they still have those? I've only seen these around the holidays. And they're NOT at every store here in town. They do have brown bags we fill ourselves also....for the C C Food Bank. The Erik in the bottom photo is your son mentioned on the sidebar? That's our son, Erik...yes, but the Veteran's/Marines Birthday post I shared a photo of Erik...Erik was 19 back then...he's now nearly 40. :o) Where did you find those Deluxe Junior Mints? Last year it was our local grocery store...but this year, I found them at our Target Super Store [department store/grocery store combined]

Mowed, edged back yard lawn. Also pulled weeds back there. Amazing how GREEN weeds remain, and grow, when everything else is parched.

I spent one morning this week designing my Christmas Holiday template for my blog. Tried several different designs, and settled on the one that is more fitting to our area of the country which, I guess, would be considered "seaworthy". LOL I'll have to make sure I tweak the layout in order that the blog text doesn't interfere with the right-side image. It's been a long time since I've worked on CSS and HTML; but, it'll come back to me. Probably a good thing to change the layout once in a while so I won't forget how to do it. And I'll probably just move the 'sidebar' that blogger has clear to the bottom. I'll begin working on this tomorrow since I'll be busy getting last minute preparations done for our short weekend trip.

After the rain, I went out and took a lot of photos of water droplets on my roses. Tomorrow, I have planned on posting one...my Angel Face Rose with an unexpected guest on a petal!!

Sign of the Times....

Spoonbill [Roseate Spoonbill]
taken several months ago [before drought]
at Indian Point Park
between Corpus Christi
and
Portland, Texas
Camera Critter












Linked to -Saturday 9: How Long
Thought I'd play along with this meme to be different---

1. Have you ever discovered a betrayal? If so, did you ask, “How long has THIS been going on”? Let's just say I've felt betrayed a few times, but I let it just fall off my shoulders. I'm sure I've betrayed others so, turn around is fair play. Y'know?

2. What is the longest line you've ever stood in? Would you do it again? Actually, in 2008...the campaign speech from Barack Obama ---in line from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.--that's when the doors opened. Would I do it again?---Depends.

3. Someone has hung a sign around your neck, and you have to wear it all day long. What does it say? In all reality, with Congress these days, I've been tempted to make a sign for myself. And it would say: I'll hug your elephant and you kiss my...donkey.

4. As the Christmas season approaches, what song is it that you just can't wait to hear? I love Christmas in Sarajevo.

5. What Christmas song do you dread to hear? Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

6. How often do you read the last chapter of a book first? Never

7. Do you have a favorite movie that you just love to see each year during the holidays? Polar Express

8. Do you enjoy winter in the area that you live? Yes...no snow!!!

9. At holiday I think we all show more kindness. In your opinion, is this a “concept” that has value (like money or other tangible things) or does it exist as simply emotion? Why? I ask, why just during the holidays? Should be kind ALL the time. Now THAT IS THE CONCEPT!!!



WEEKEND FUNNIES



Mother Goose and Grimm
Used with permission
According to directions for fair use, I must add link to Mike Peters's home page...LINKED HERE





courtesy of About.com -while searching Occupy W $treet signage

It's beginng to look a lot like Christmas -aka Window Shopping---

As I mentioned this past Sunday in my summary, Bud and I went window shopping around town. I thought I would share some holiday spirit a bit early and show you some Texas Pride from one store [each image has mouseover caption]...I believe this was Kohl's here in town---

Black Friday is coming soon...and earlier than Friday. Some stores'll be opened on late Thanksgiving Day? Hmmmmmm. What's wrong with this picture? Seems sad. Boycott comes to mind. Stay home with family and enjoy the company. Or if you're traveling ---well--- travel. If you decide you must shop...then, I feel sorry for you. Heck, to me, as much as I don't like the Dallas Cowboys, I'd much rather be home watching a lousy football game than be out on a day of thanks spending money and fighting crowds. And, in fact, I have NEVER shopped but one time on the Friday after Thanksgiving...and I vowed to never do it again. Madhouse on the streets and in stores. Not worth the stress. Don't get me wrong....as I love to shop. It's just NOT on the Thanksgiving weekend for me....and as you can tell by this post, window shopping is just plain fun. I'm like a kid in a toy store. :o)

Is $28.99 plus tax too much to spend on that adorable Texas Santa Rocking Chair Nutcracker [above] ? It's so cute and would go just swell in my collection. LOL ---Nah, I'll save my money for a better one that comes along.............. Maybe.

Target --- that store has the BEST tasting hot popped popcorn -at their snack counter- ever.

While window shopping a perusing the stores at the strip mall, Hobby Lobby is disappointing this year. Nothing 'new' and worthy. {{{insert audible sigh}}}

I've been looking for a special holiday boxed candy. I only find 'em around town this time of year; and the store that I bought them from last year didn't order any [I asked specifically for them when the dude filling the shelves asked me if he could help me find something - guess I looked desparate!]. But I spied them at another store --DELUXE JUNIOR MINTS! They're huge and so salivatin' good!! Bought 'em? CHECK. I've seen 'em online through sites, but I'm a stickler for purchasing locally to keep the city's economy strong. Bought two boxes. There are only ten to a box. Serving size = 3 pieces...craziness; that'll blow over our house like a fart in a wind storm. Not enough for those who love 'em. I don't think so!!

Coming soon - the large mall...more holiday stuff.

Ducks and Song...

THE DUCK SONG
Lyrics and recording by Bryant Oden
YOU TUBE VIDEO LINK
photos of ducks taken at various times...mostly around Lakeside Park here in town and around the reserve in Aransas Pass Texas. The 'footprints in the sand' are actually sea gull---but, it was a good place to put it; I figured...

A duck walked up to a lemonade stand
and he said to the man running the stand



Hey. got any grapes?

The man said no we just sell lemonade. It’s cold and its fresh and it’s all home made. Can I sell you glass? The duck said “I’ll pass”.
Then he waddled away. Till the very next day.

When the duck walked up to the lemonade stand



And he said to the man that was running the stand
Hey. You got any grapes?

The man said no, like I said yesterday, we just sell lemonade okay?
Why not give it a try? The duck said Goodbye.
Then he waddled away. He waddled away. He waddled away
Till the very next day.

When the duck walked up to the lemonade stand



And he said to the man that was running the stand
Hey. You got any grapes?

The man said look, this is getting old. Lemonade’s all we’ve ever sold. Why not give it a go? The duck said “No.”
Then he waddled away. He waddled away. He waddled away
Till the very next day.

When the duck walked up to the lemonade stand



And he said to the man that was running the stand
Hey. You got any grapes?

The man said THAT’S IT!! If you don’t stay away, duck, I’ll glue you to a tree and leave you there all day, stuck.
So don’t get too close! The duck said Adios.
Then he waddled away. He waddled away. He waddled away
Till the very next day.

When the duck walked up to the lemonade stand



And he said to the man that was running the stand
Hey. You got any glue?

What?

You got any glue?
No, why would I– Oh!

Then one more question for you:
Got any grapes?

And the man just stopped. Then he started to smile. Then he started to laugh. He laughed for a while.
Then he said, “Come on duck, let’s walk to the store. I’ll buy you some grapes so you won’t have to ask anymore.”

So they walked to the store and the man bought some grapes. He offered one to the duck and the duck said “No thanks. But you know what sounds good? It would make my day. Do you think this store, do you think this store, do you think this store… has any… lemonade?”

Then he waddled away. He waddled away. He waddled away.

Emerald Eyes... I wish....

EMERALD EYES -yacht's name
notice the satellite dish to the far left - I guess that's called the bow of the boat--for TV I'm sure. A yacht with a TV...must be one difficult life to have such a luxury when out to sea, huh? LOL Oh, and on the stern [to the right in the photo, a small wind generator?] Whoa. But, I LOVE the emerald green sails!!!
[photo taken at the marina downtown]


- - -
SPEAKING OF EMERALDS - Emerald City Just read the news of Wizard of Oz Munchkin's death...he was 93. The article I read HERE tells of how his father sold him to European "Traveling Show" because of his dwarf size....how sad.
- - -




WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember? I answered the phone...it was a phone call from my youngest older brother. He told me that our dad passed away. I drove to my dad's house to find my brother there pacing the floor. To make a long story short: When I finally drove home with blurred vision through my tears, I heard the song on the car's radio: "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?" by Michael Bolton. That's just how I was feeling at the time. I had to pull off off the street into a parking lot and bawl my eyes out....and the song still reminds me of that day back in 1994 when dad left us behind.

2. What's something you've given up on? Congress as it is today. I want to vote 'em ALL out of office. If only I could rally each and every state's registered voters to follow suit.

3. What's something you'll never give up on? Freedom/Our Rights as American citizens.

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be? Right now, being this early? I'm thinking a breakfast omelet with peppers, ham chunks, cheese, onion, and salsa....with toast.

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music? No. Well, no in a way anyway. I'm window shopping; getting ideas. It's just the two of us so, what I send to our kids and grandkids has been purchased already. So, yes and no would have to be my answer. I guess. I always get Bud a little something special, but again...like I said, just window shopping right now. And as for music and decorating. Not yet, that is for the week after Thanksgiving for my tradition.

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding? I know what day, WHERE, and who was witness to the event. That's all.

7. I can't believe I am not gonna be cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year. It's a FIRST for me. For over 50 years and especially 43 years of married life I've either cooked the entire meal, or prepared pies, desserts, main courses or something. Nope, not this year. And it'll be a very odd thing I'm sure.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I love humor, and I love to know sharing humor makes one smile/giggle! It's good for the soul. A local priest and a rabbi were fishing on a bank on the side of a road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" and showed it to each passing car. One driver that drove by didn't appreciate the sign and shouted at them: "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!" All of a sudden the two men fishing heard a big splash. They looked each other and the priest said to the rabbi, "You think we should just put up a sign that says 'Bridge Out' instead?"

And a secondly:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away...








photo taken 1/1/11
Luby Park Beach Access
Mustang Island, Texas

Sea Gull silhouette

What carries in the Gulf Stream...

Last week's topic for Tina's Picstory was "indoor" ...theme for this week "you can show *heart*"! I've posted about these sea beans before [link], as I've posted this photo before also. It's one that Bud found while we were combing the beach one day. It's the most 'perfect' form of heart that we've found as of yet. They're quite popular to collect, and seldom found on the beaches except for Spring months. Most often you see them into jewelry and women's belts...

"The Seaheart supposedly inspired Columbus to find new land in the west. The Gulf Stream carried sea-hearts to northern European beaches, where they were commonly made into snuff boxes by polishing, cutting them in half, and attaching little hinges. In the Azores, the sea-heart is called Fava de Colom (Columbus bean). The seaheart is often referred to as a Lucky Bean. Ed Perry states "In general, seeds have long been worn as good luck charms. Especially seeds that also double as "sea-beans" or driftseeds. For hundreds of years they have been seen as symbols of good luck, longevity, endurance, fertility, etc. Some of this is due to their ability to float ocean currents for years/decades before coming to rest on foreign shores (often with their powers of germination unimpeded). Other reasons may be due to their relative "rareness" on many beaches north of the Tropics. Entada seeds are revered world wide as good luck charms, and have been for centuries."

                      Sea Heart Bean [Entada gigas]

And, speaking of hearts:

A mechanic was removing the cylinder heads from the motor of a car, when he spotted the world-famous heart surgeon in his shop. The heart surgeon was standing off to the side, waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his car. The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hello Doctor, please come on over here for a minute."

The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic where he stood. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So doctor, look at this here. I also open hearts, take valves out, grind 'em, put in new parts, and when I finish this will work just like a new one. So how come you get the really big money, when you and I are doing basically the same work?" The doctor smiled, leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic

"Try doing it with the engine running!"

Garden flowers & American Nonsense

more flowers from our yard this past week:
[mouseover captions]










MONDAY MORSELS

I'm sorry 'bout this, but after reading it...tho, at times I honestly think the world has gone "mad", this article just 'bloggled' my mind!!! Here goes:

Lawyer Complained that Catholic University is Too Catholic
Nov 10, 2011
Can a Catholic university that's so Catholic that it's actually called Catholic University of America, be too Catholic?
That's what law professor John Banzhaf thought and he's filing a human rights complaint against the school:
A lawyer has filed a human-rights complaint against Catholic University, on the grounds that the prevalence of Catholic imagery there violates the rights of Muslim students. Catholic University admits students of all faiths, but attorney John Banzhaf says there is almost nowhere on campus where Muslims can "pray without having to stare up and be looked down upon by a cross of Jesus."

After further reading, I am assuming that all the different students of different religions have no complaints...in fact, they're all satisfied of the school. They are respected, they are treated well, they're getting a high education with great academic qualities throughout. So, why the upheaval by this certain lawyer? I certainly can't understand the uproar at all. Only in America!!!

Do you think Mr. H. Cain [a presidential hopeful for some] should take a lie detector test? ---Only in America!!!

The government now is trying to impose [but delayed] a Christmas Tree Tax of 15 cents on fresh cut trees. To help promote sales of said trees? The average consumer now buys artificial trees [some reported 17.4 million]. Uhhhhhhmmmmmm, ya, adding a tax to fresh trees'll do it!! More consumers will jump at the chance to be taxed on something else these days. Only in America!!!

A Steven Tyler [lead singer of the group, Aerosmith] cabbage patch doll? Only in America!!!

Breakthrough: Aging without wrinkles?
Scientists say they managed to rid mice of old cells linked to age-related diseases. Could this change what it's like to grow old? ---Only in America!!!!

[all articles in full, can be viewed HERE]

Yard Shadows & Sunday Summary

The yard photos I took just this week while out doing some gardening work...finally, flowers are coming back to 'life' and the lawn is getting green again; after such a dry summer!! All images have mouse over captions---







SUNDAY'S SUMMARY

Oh boy, I finished the Voodoo Queen by R. Tallant. Excellent. I highly recommend reading it if you like historical fiction. And if you noticed on my sidebar's 'Book I'm Into', I began reading this week, Of Bees and Mist. Now, this genre isn't something I normally find of interest. But, I must say, this has captured my fancy so far. I've read about 20 chapters, and I'm finding myself not wanting to put it down; trying to find out just what is going to happen next. It's about ghosts, apparitions, family secrets, a 16 year old girl marrying into another suspicious-acting family...very good. One more thing...the hardback dust jacket is something quite unusual also, it has hidden objects in the cover's graphic. I didn't realize that until I read what someone wrote about the cover - I've seen the book a few times before I bought it...] If you want to take a look at the front side to see if you can find some hidden items ---check it out here

Now that the computer room/library has had the hurricane shutters removed, windows scrubbed, and shutters replaced, I moved the yard's bird feeder nearer the window. I can sit at the computer, look out the window, and watch the feathered friends' feeding frenzy. [our cats think it's a peachy idea too!]

This past week, I found myself making a Thanksgiving weekend itinerary

I called in to make my annual appointment for heart monitoring with my electrophyisologist [click here if you don't know what it is]. For the 21st. And 7:30 a.m. Whoa. Early, but I'll be the first patient in on that day [I like being the first - no waiting time]. I also need to get an appointment for blood work and an annual exam with my PCP.

Bud and I went to see "Puss n Boots"...ehhhh, so so. Not really as good as the previews show, even tho it has been the #1 movie for the last couple of weeks. Cute, but really I found myself asking - what's Humpty Dumpty got to do with "Boots"? Still, how can you go wrong with Antonio Banderas? Sweet. Actually, I fell 'in love' with Puss in the later Shrek movies...

I asked Bud to rearrange things in the garage so I could once again make room for my long-stored Gazelle [gym equipment]. After he made room for it out there, I set it up and cleaned off the dirt and grime, and began building up a routine I have long neglected. I started out doing 15 minute work-outs and am extending the time by 5 minutes every other day. Up until I get to a one hour work out. It's been about a year and half or so since it's been up and ready, so I am once again ready myself. In the past, when I used it quite often, it works your entire arm muscles, your leg muscles -toning and shaping. And it's good for your cardio exercising.

The two of us have been window shopping at the malls. Tho we never been big on seasonal 'shopping sprees' for the holidays, I love looking at the stores' holiday scenes to get decorating ideas for myself. And love walking around looking for santas for my collection. hehehehe

?ORDER? in the court.....

"I always pick a window seat!".........







WEEKEND FUNNIES



These that follow below are actually court recordings during trials - Questions are by lawyers of course; Answers by witnesses on the stand:


Q: What is your date of birth?
A: July fifteenth.
Q: What year?
A: Every year.


Q: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
A: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.


Q: Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?
A: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.


Q: All your responses must be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
A: Oral.

...my favorite of all time is next...

Q: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
A: No.
Q: Did you check for blood pressure?
A: No.
Q: Did you check for breathing?
A: No.
Q: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
A: No.
Q: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
A: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
Q: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
A: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere.

Texas Style...

So many times I've wanted to share some TEXAS Spirit with y'all!! You see, there is a state-wide, 'home operated' grocery chain that originated in Kerville, Texas. The chain store is called H E B [we lovingly call it HEEBS around here in our home. LOL] The H stands for Howard...the E is his middle initial and the B stands for Butts. And his family is in the top of Fortune 500. I must say, I have never EVER had such a great experience shopping for groceries as I do in their facilities. I really don't know just how many are in Corpus alone, but I do know that just about every few miles or so, no matter the direction you're driving/walking...there is a neighborhood H E B store. We have two super centers...and I wish for one closer to our home. LOL Anyway, to get back to what I started out talking about is each month the owners publish a magazine [free] for seasonal, coupons, stories, letters, health issues, etc. etc. etc. The recipes are what I've wanted to share so many times. But I figured there is a copyright issue that I don't want to infringe upon by posting them. Well, come to find out...duh!!...the "My Texas Life" magazine produced by the store chain is ONLINE!! Free for ANYone. This month's issue for November is all about Thanksgiving and the recipes are some I NEED to try. Especially two...the "Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars" and the "Pecan Pie Shortbread Pudding".

HERE is the LINK for you...click on: MY TEXAS LIFE MAGAZINE - it's done with Flash, so you need that installed...and you can 'turn the pages", view other past issues, enlarge to view recipes better. To your heart's content.

I'm going to add a link to their magazine site on my sidebar in case you're interested in viewing upcoming issues with me.

Happy 236th Birthday!!!!

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!"



            ~Eleanore Roosevelt

"Yes, I know the Marine Corps is part of the United States Navy....the MEN part!!!"

"OOrah"!!!

Before the song loads...a bit of Marine Corps Cadence---

You can keep your Army khaki,
You can keep your Navy blue.
I have the world's best fighting man,
To introduce to you.

His uniform is different,
The best you've ever seen.
The German's called him "Devil Dog,"
His real name is "Marine"

He was born on Parris Island,
The place where God forgot.
The sand is eighteen inches deep,
The sun is blazing hot.

He gets up every morning,
Before the rising sun.
He'll run a hundred miles and more,
Before the day is done.

And when he gets to heaven,
St. Peter he will tell,
Another Marine reporting, sir,
I've served my time in Hell.

NOVEMBER 10, 1875-NOVEMBER 10, 2011

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title



Of United States Marine.


Our flag's unfurled to every breeze



From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job --
The United States Marines.


Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy



Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded



By United States Marines.



[photo credits: Marine Corps sun catcher, mini USMC flag in my computer room/library, Bud's Navy Ship plaque = USS O'Hare [destroyer] *the back clear disc (the cross hair lines) is part of the ship's gyro compass equipment*, and Erik on Graduation parent's visitor's day nearly 20 years ago -the day before graduating and all the pomp and circumstance - from USMC Boot Camp...San Diego California.]