Thursday, November 11, 2010

I Love A Parade

I dare to hope... and am reasonably certain that patriotism is alive and well in our country. I know without a doubt that it is alive and RAMPANT in Las Vegas.
Today, November 11, 2010, we watched the full three hours of the Veterans Day parade. I was amazed (and thrilled) at the number of high school Junior ROTC groups that marched... Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine. Just as I was impressed yesterday by the high school students who heard Ray and several other veterans tell the stories of their wars and their military experiences. They were attentive and respectful; some of them came & thanked the speakers and some of them already have plans to go into the military when they graduate.
Most of the 'floats' in today's parade were simply filled with people who were/are in the military or who represented some organization which is connected to our military men and women. Of course, flags were everywhere; when the color guard marched by most people stood... a few did not. (My friend, Jayne, was screaming in my head "go across the street & tell those jackasses to stand up & respect our flag"... but I didn't.. cause I'm chicken).
Las Vegas is full of veterans... and apparently, most of them ride motorcycles... and they were all in the parade. FANTASTIC... there were lots of beautiful machines. We especially liked the three-wheelers. Hm-m-m-m, I think that's something my Raymie and I could do. (Note to children: hope you don't mind... Mom & Dad just spent your inheritance on a BMW three-wheeled motorcycle... see ya later).
The group I loved the best (even though it made me cry) was the Gold Star Families. There were moms and dads, wives, children, brothers and sisters of the fallen. They all wore white shirts, and gold stars. Many carried placards with pictures of their heroes; we must strive to remember not only those who have gone from us, but those who remain and must carry on without a loved one who left too soon.

Yessss... I just love parades... whether it be the 'Pioneer Days' in Watonga, Oklahoma (followed immediately by the bed races) or the biggest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi here in Las Vegas. And it is even more special when it includes a patriotic Santa in a pink sequinned suit.
God bless America


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Zippity Doooo Dah No. 2

I guess this proves the apple (acorn/walnut/whatever) doesn't fall far from the tree. This is son Steven on his trip down Fremont St. He was just a few seconds ahead of me... there are four ziplines so four brave souls can be floating above the crowd at the same time.

He and I agreed that this was a great adventure! I hope it remains in place so my other kids/grandkids(?) can take that ride.

Zippity Do-o-o Dah!!!




It is I
... clinging for dear life and sailing along Fremont St. waaaay above the cheering crowd.
Steven & I finally found the 'launching pad' ...after walking the length of 3 or 4 football fields... and rode the elevator up 5 stories. My first thought, as they were strapping me into the harness was: "why is this harness so small and flimsy"? Second thought: "I knew I should have gone to the restroom first".

Then we climbed the stairs to the launch pad where we were hooked up to this (hopefully very strong) cable, and after a few words of instructions which I couldn't hear because I was in the No. 4 spot... the attendant unclipped me and shoved me off into the wild neon yonder.

As I proceeded down the 800 feet of cable, I began to twist and turn and was uncertain if that was supposed to happen... not that I could do anything about it. So when I arrived at THE END platform, my back was turned & I wondered how I would stop this thing... but not to worry. Trained operators were there to bring me to a screeching halt and, of course, a photographer was there to capture the moment.

THE END