Thanksgiving as a Holiday
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for a few simple reasons. One is that it is not religious, nor is it political. Some would argue otherwise but I like to look at as a universal day of quiet celebration of family and friends. The other reason I enjoy it is because it is the least commercial of our many special days. Another is that we can all relate to being thankful. Appreciating health, family and being together is what this day is about, not about material things.
It saddens me that many stores are open on this day and keep extending their shopping hours. This day that we set aside for giving thanks should be far removed from rushing to a shopping mall. I really feel that we consumers should refrain from going to stores on that day. There is plenty of time afterward to shop and, yes, even land bargains. I just don't think it has to be on this day. I applaud PC Richards for not staying open and allowing their employees to be home with their families. I wish more retailers would follow suit.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Summer Days
Summer of 2014
It was a cool summer, as temperatures go but a spectacular one, as well. It was cool at night and warm to hot during the day. The sun peaked out most days and we had very little rain. What more could you ask for?
We spent many afternoons on Peconic Bay in our motorboat, relaxing and chatting about our day. The shimmering, blue green water and light blue skies allowed for a respite from the busy summer. Our beach friends were waiting for us the days we weren't out on our boat. We always laugh with them and learn much about life in the area.
Our children and grandchildren spent a week with us out here on the East End. It was great fun planning trips to the Aquarium and Splish Splash. Everyone came back spent but happy they went. Dinners were special with a seafood night and steak night planned ahead. Some Mores and ice cream served as the best desserts of all.
Even though it was hectic, everyone was happy they could spend time with each other.
It was a cool summer, as temperatures go but a spectacular one, as well. It was cool at night and warm to hot during the day. The sun peaked out most days and we had very little rain. What more could you ask for?
We spent many afternoons on Peconic Bay in our motorboat, relaxing and chatting about our day. The shimmering, blue green water and light blue skies allowed for a respite from the busy summer. Our beach friends were waiting for us the days we weren't out on our boat. We always laugh with them and learn much about life in the area.
Our children and grandchildren spent a week with us out here on the East End. It was great fun planning trips to the Aquarium and Splish Splash. Everyone came back spent but happy they went. Dinners were special with a seafood night and steak night planned ahead. Some Mores and ice cream served as the best desserts of all.
Even though it was hectic, everyone was happy they could spend time with each other.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Memorial Day 2014
This day always bring back good memories of parades and celebrations past. In the 1950's we marched in the Sea Cliff parades. At the end of each parade, we remembered the veterans, living and deceased of World War 11. My Dad never talked about his service but I remember that part of the parade as being a somber tribute. Later on in the day, we had barbecues with family and relaxed.
In the early 1960's, it was more of the same until the late '60's. Then Memorial Day took on a very different meaning for me. Many of my friends were being drafted and served in the army. Some of them didn't come home. It became a tearful day and a sober one, as well. We still kept the traditions of having barbecues with family and friends but the talk around the table was different.
Then came the ending of the Vietnam Conflict and the later military involvements. Again, Memorial Day brought back good memories and sad ones. Today, I reflect on all of our military and thank them in my prayers. On this last holiday, I think about the fact that because of them, I am celebrating with family and friends in my nation. No matter how flawed our nation can be, we have our military to thank for their sacrifice so that we can celebrate this day.
This day always bring back good memories of parades and celebrations past. In the 1950's we marched in the Sea Cliff parades. At the end of each parade, we remembered the veterans, living and deceased of World War 11. My Dad never talked about his service but I remember that part of the parade as being a somber tribute. Later on in the day, we had barbecues with family and relaxed.
In the early 1960's, it was more of the same until the late '60's. Then Memorial Day took on a very different meaning for me. Many of my friends were being drafted and served in the army. Some of them didn't come home. It became a tearful day and a sober one, as well. We still kept the traditions of having barbecues with family and friends but the talk around the table was different.
Then came the ending of the Vietnam Conflict and the later military involvements. Again, Memorial Day brought back good memories and sad ones. Today, I reflect on all of our military and thank them in my prayers. On this last holiday, I think about the fact that because of them, I am celebrating with family and friends in my nation. No matter how flawed our nation can be, we have our military to thank for their sacrifice so that we can celebrate this day.
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