Make a Smilebox slideshow

Had so much fun at the Renaissance Festival in Hammond, Louisiana yesterday! Good times with the family. If you ever want something to do that's unique, GO DO THIS!!! The period is set to 1550. My nephews dressed the part and Lori intends to go back in a couple of weekends with Chris and his friend. They are gonna dress the part too! Such a beautiful day to experience this!

I was privileged today to be able to take part in our small town celebration of Veteran's Day by honoring our soldiers alive and passed who have served/are serving and have defended/or defend our country during times of war. A good crowd of people for our little town came forward to honor these hero's. The poem, Freedom Isn't Free, was read and as I stood there listening to the words I wondered how many people today realize the price that was paid for our freedom? My little two year old grandson was with me today and the importance of this day passed him by. He was busy picking up fallen magnolia leaves as the speeches were given and though I tried to shush him but it did not work well. One of the veterans came to me and showed me his picture during a younger time when he was crowned with handsome red hair! Every time my grandson picked up a leaf to hand to him this man took it and said thank you. I watched all of this with even more admiration because this day was to honor this man and yet he took the time to make a little boy's heart sing because someone wanted his growing leaf collection. It may not seem like much to you but I count it an honor that this older man reached out to my little red headed boy. Truly it was and is an honor to be in the presence of these brave men and women who so unselfishly gave all they had so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. My grandfather, Jesse Everett Collier served in the US Navy in WWI. My uncle, Jessie Clayton Collier served as a S Sgt. in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. My great uncle, Ellis Woodrow Brown lost his life in the defense of Liberty in the Battle of Attu in the Aleutian Islands. My great uncle Harvey Ray Ford lost his life while on a military training mission in WWII. I salute you all.