Sunshine and Wind

At a beach in Santa Barbara, California, next to the pier, a group of Veterans and some wonderful volunteers spend their Saturday mornings putting up crosses and candles for every death of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some one sleeps on the beach to watch over the display so it is not disturbed. Every cross bears the name and the date of birth and death of each soldier. Someone does care.

A strong desire for fish and chips led daughter Patricia and me to the Sporthaven beach area where we sat by the window of the restaurant and watched the tide come in. The wind was strong pushing the waves in thunderous roars as it broke right there by the rocks. The lonely seagull didn't seem to mind one bit as it watched the water recede slowly before the next onslaught of the waves.

After we had some delicious haddock with cold slaw and no chips we drove the car around to the beach area and I got out to take the pictures with my new camera. It works much like the old one but without the aid of the view finder. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to use it but so far so good. There was quite a few wave watchers along the beach area and I didn't think to take a picture of the trucks and cars. A lot of old timers come out to walk their dogs or just sit on one of the benches and watch the waves roll in.

So today, join the Santa Barbara veterans in prayer for the men and women who have died in the tenacious battle to rid the world of terrorism. Take a walk out and lift up your head and your hearts to honor them just because you can. Share a stipend to the Veteran's organizations to help 'cure' the men coming back trying to survive the 'horrors' of war. We have no real idea of what they have been through, now so many need a helping hand. On the air waves this week we heard the cry of John F. Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" . . . well these men and women have given their all , as have their families . . . 'there by the grace of God go I' . . . so do your bit. Hugs to all.