Monthly Archives: May 2016

Memorial Day

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs:

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty.

So today while you enjoy your picnics and kick off the start of summer, take a moment to remember those members of the service who gave their lives so you can have the freedom to celebrate.

I am going to post my father’s headstone.  He did not die in the line of duty, but he was injured in Korea and served in the Army for 32  years before he retired on June 30, 1976.  He and my mother are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Hello Again!

It has been quite awhile since I posted. Life has been moving on, and the children are growing up. Liz and Mandy are entering their last year of college. Liz is finishing her degree in biology and Mandy is completing her degree in Chemistry. We continue to home school the remaining children. Douglas is entering his senior year of high school. Becky, Emma, and Patrick are entering 11th grade. The “little” girls are not so little anymore. They are starting the fourth grade and will be 10 in October. WHERE has the time gone?!

My life took and interesting and unexpected turn in December 2014 when I began working as a Legislative Aide for a Council Member of the Harford County Council. I applied for the position on a whim when I saw an opening posted during the 2014 election season. I was hired by one of newly elected council members. In this position I have daily interactions with all levels of county government, help citizens resolve concerns and issues, research legislation issues for the council member, and complete a bi-monthly newsletter. It is an exciting job, and I am enjoying it. So much so, I have begun my Masters in Public Administration. Mandy laughed when heard about it because she says we have switched lives. She planned a career in politics, and I had wanted to pursue a career in science.

This summer is going to be an active and busy one. Douglas will be working at the Broad Creek Scout Reservation here in Harford County for ten weeks in his first official job. Richard and Patrick will be attending Mt. Norris, a Boy Scout Camp in Vermont the second week of July. After they return, they will be working the Harford County Farm Fair with Boy Scout troop. Right as Farm Fair ends, Emma and Becky will attend Camp Veritas, which will last through the first week of August. Some time this summer we hope to squeeze in a couple of days at the beach as a family.

I wanted to give a quick update on us and I hope to be posting more regularly from now on. 🙂