The Cabbage Patch

7 Quick Takes ~ When It Rains It Pours Edition

One

Rain.  I've been loving the rain.  However, I was a bit annoyed with it when it arrived on Wednesday, the day after I had 6 cubic yards of topsoil delivered.  Perhaps I should've waited to have it delivered.  Luckily, my dad was still around and we were able to cover it with tarp.  I don't think we lost but a handful.  

Two

So, on Tuesday night, I went into the garage.  It must've been the blessed silence in there, but I heard a drip.  A drip...drip...drip.  I feared looking in the corner.  But, I had to.  Alas, it was the hot water heater.  Darn!  The plumber came out.  The hot water heaters are under warranty.  I guess I'll be getting the same kind.  But, do I want to?  Well, I don't really have a choice as I don't necessarily want to shell out more money than I have to.  So, almost $800 to install the water heaters.  Did I mention I have two?

Three

Thursday night.  The refrigerator.  Darn it.  

Four

Gas prices keep rising.  I'm not pleased.  That means EVERYTHING will go up.  And, they say the economy is getting better?  Really?  Because I'm not seeing it.  Even here where the economy must be pretty good as a great deal of the citizens are employed via the armed services.  Ben makes a decent amount of money.  But, I'm getting stressed.

Five

I need a vacation.  It's no longer a want.  I NEED a vacation.  Beach anyone?  But, see above.  How will we afford it?  

Six

I'm afraid to find out what else will break.  I shouldn't ask.

Seven

Hunger Games.  Have you seen it?  It was awesome.  I had some issues with it.  Main one?  These people are supposed to be half starved.  None of them looked half starved.  Isn't that one of the big points of the book?  Keep them hungry and control them with food.

7 Quick Takes

One

We went strawberry picking at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls.  We left at 7:30 arrived at the farm at 9 and finished picking by 10:30.  There have been some  years where we don't even finish one box in an hour because there weren't any strawberries.  One time we had only the bottom layer filled in.  I think that was the year Pumpkin was a toddler.  We have all matured and grown since then.  

Two

Our spring performance season is about heat up.  I've started working on patterns.  I know the girls are very excited to find out what they will be.  The name of the show is "The True Jewel".  As always I know it will be spectacular.  It will be bittersweet as we are losing many of the company girls and friends to PCS (permanent change of station) moves.  

Three

Ben received a Bronze Star last week.  It is the 4th highest military honor.  We are all very proud of him and were happy that his mom flew in for the award's ceremony.  The children all had a great time with Gramma.  A very good, fun visit as always.  

Four

As we were driving away from Marble Falls, Brother asked if PFC Payton Jones was famous.  We told him that sadly, no.  Then he asked what famous meant.  Ben replied that famous is when lots of people know who you are.  So, my first thought was, well, why isn't he?  Why don't we know his name?  Why did I not know that he was one of the two soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier they were mentoring when that soldier turned a weapon on them?  Instead, all we hear about is that woman.  That person who elected to go out in public to talk about her personal life.  It's an upside down world we live in.  This young man was 19.  My heart just hurts for his family.  I had to fight the urge to kneel right there and sob.  As it was I was weeping quietly.  

Five

The Patriot Guard rode as an escort for the return of PFC Jones.  I really love these volunteers.  They ride at the invitation of the families.  They were there at the funeral of my friend, Dave.  That awful "church" group was there as well yelling during the funeral.  Someone came out with hymnals and they sang to drown out them out.  When I read that I became an instant fan although I would've been a big fan anyway for what they do.

Six

Brother is going to play baseball at the local rec center.  I'm very nervous for him.  His love of baseball came from nowhere last year and it's been going strong.  I'm not worried about his skills because I know he can catch and throw.  I'm worried about him socially.  Prayers (for me and him)?

Seven

Pumpkin has a stye the size of a pea.  It's awful.  I'm waiting for it to pop.  Ewww....she's still really cute though.

Requiem in Pacem PFC Payton A. Jones

PFC Payton A. Jones returned home today.  Ben, the children and I had just walked out of the Bluebonnet Cafe when we saw the flags. 

We were honored and privileged to have been present to welcome home a hero.  He gave his life in service to this country.  May we learn his name.  May we honor his sacrifice and the sacrifice of his family.

 

This hero died at the young age of 19.