Today is the holiday designed to honor the war dead – of the Civil War. Currently, it is a holiday to honor any veteran who gave her or his life in service of the country. While I am totally a “dove”, I do have some ancestors to honor. My dad’s dad served in both WWI and WWII – lying about his age both times. My dad speaks of his father as a real hero. A man who was an excellent leader, a man who inspired his men, a man who lead by example. Somewhere I have a photograph of this grandfather in front of a tank. But I do not have the image digitally – or that would have been a great one to post today. My husband’s stepfather passed away in 2005. He served during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Air Force. He’s buried in the military cemetery in the same city where I live now. I thought hubby and I might go out there and set some flowers down. But weather is major YUCK out right now. If hubby doesn’t remember I won’t mention this. We’ll go on Flag Day, which was also the stepdad’s birthday, instead.

Church Reading

Yesterday’s reading included material from the gospel of Matthew (6:24-34). It is the reading from or just after the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters. Within that reading, there is reference to food! “…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink. …. Is not life more than food …? … Therefore, do not worry, saying ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Of course I found that relevant in my life at this time. I’m still learning not to use food to handle every emotional nuance of my life. So here was a reminder to trust in God. Guess I do not need to add more at this time.

Readying for 5K

Hubby and I are registered for a 5K walk that should take place next Sunday. Walk should be in some of the hilliest areas of the city, and should be a nice physical challenge with potential for beautiful views out to the river and, if the air is clear, as far as the mountains. I am hoping we’ll do our last big walk today in preparation. But it really is pouring down buckets and the hubby hates to walk in the rain, actually he hates any activity in the rain. This always makes me laugh and picture him made of sugar. (I enjoy some activities in the rain. If the temperature is mild, a bike ride in the rain is good. If can come home to a warm shower and dry clothes a walk in the rain is good.)

Wardrobe ready!

New duds have been cleaned and folded, and I will make my debut this week in my new size clothes. Though a few have noticed my shrinking size, most have not (or at least have not commented). But I notice the new clothes really show the change. So we shall see if someone notices this week.

Checked my BMI today. Have gone from “obese” to “overweight” and I’m within 15 pounds of normal range. Encouraging changes.

Last comment on changes: Sometimes the changes are noticed in the smallest of places. Today’s blog photo is of some ceramic tiles I worked on (became a birthday gift for middle sister). At the bottom of the frame is my body, including my feet in sandals. Looking straight down, I can see my feet! Not my tummy, but my feet!

Now I’m just typing to be typing. Putting off exercise in the wet, putting off folding up clean clothes, putting off thinking about morning’s snack.

Off I go! Thanks for reading if you made it this far. May this day be a blessed one for you! -Otter