Memorial Day Memories

Unlike most Americans, Memorial Day brings back memories of irises and my grandmother. No, she wasn't in the military. In fact, I was an adult before I knew that it was actually a day to honor veterans and it still doesn't feel like that is the purpose of the holiday for me.

For several years when I was growing up, Memorial Day was a day that we spent with my mom's mom. The day started in her garden. She always had lots of her favorite flowers, irises, there. We would gather bunches of them for lost loved ones. We went all over central Utah to visit several different cemeteries. It meant a lot to her to do that.

This year, we had a rather uneventful day. The kids and I went swimming in the morning, stayed home for naps in the afternoon, and then had our own little bbq. I guess it is a little sad that I didn't carry on the tradition, but the only relative that is buried anywhere near us is my dad. Somehow, dragging 2 kids to a crowded veterans’ cemetery on a HOT day didn't seem appealing, especially since I had taken them there a few months ago.

I don't feel too bad. They got to visit my grandmother's grave in the desert cemetery in New Mexico on the way back from California. She would have liked that.

Christmas Guilty Pleasure

For Thanksgiving, my freshman year of college, I took a road trip with a new friend. We went to San Diego to spend it with her family. On the drive, she popped in an old cassette of Wham! In one of the songs, and deep voice came on and said, "Touch This." We laughed until we cried and kept rewinding it. I can't even tell you what song it was. Of course, I've never heard that version on the radio, but since then all Wham and George Michael songs take me back to that trip. She is still one of my best friends, but we don't live close so these little flash backs are extra special.

As many of you know, I am quite a festive person. I like cheesy Christmas music. Combine that with a Wham song & you have a winner. Unfortunately, I've only heard their Christmas song twice this year and once was in Target (so that doesn't count). ...I googled it & found the video on YouTube. I'll make you all suffer with my guilty pleasure.

Flashback Friday

This morning, I thought it would be fun to do a flashback Friday and post a Halloween picture of me when I was a kid. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any. This the only picture I found. It was 11 years ago and I was living in Houston for a few months:

Flashback Friday (London)

Ten years ago, on my way back from Qatar, I stopped in London for a few weeks. The night I arrived, I heard the news that Princess Diana had been in a car accident. The next morning, I was hit with the news that she was dead. Like everyone else on the planet, I had always been fascinated by her. As a child, I remember watching her walk down the aisle. It was on a 13" black and white TV, but I was mesmerized. During my trip, I saw tributes to her everywhere. People cried, bought flowers, stood in lines to sign books, and were in a state of shock. I signed a book in Harrods, because I also felt sorry for her boyfriend's dad. I can't believe it has been 10 years. I am not surprised that she is still missed though.

**Posted a picture of one of the many flower gardens in London.

Friday Flashback

This Friday Flashback features big bangs and braces. It was taken in 1987. Yes, 20 years ago.

Flashback Friday

I have been wanting to do the Flashback Friday thing, but growing up with lots of siblings means that there are very few photos of me without others in them. Here I am with my brothers and aunt. I was 4 years old. If you are wondering... Yes, I often hammed it up for pictures. I would like to think that I was protesting the weirdo outfits of the 70s, but like everyone else, I didn't know better. Besides, I can blame my mother, right?