Veterans Day 2026

 

I have always loved the poem “In Flanders’ Field.” It was written on May 3, 1915, by Canadian physician and Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. It was inspired by the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, during the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium.

 

Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day, originally proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to mark the end of World War I. Congress changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all American wars.

 

I know I’ve posted this poem before, but it always bears repeating.

 

  

 

 

This or That – Fall Edition

There’s a fun little meme-type called “This or That” where you have a list of choices between two things. I like to use this in my pen pal letters. But I like to then explain my choices. This is the one I’m using for Fall/Autumn…

 

Hot apple cider OR Hot chocolate

For me, if it’s a gathering, the cider wins. With cinnamon, orange slices, cloves, nothing better. Maybe a little splash of whiskey. Hot chocolate is more for alone time.

 

Pumpkin pie OR Apple pie

I will NEVER turn down a slice of either one. Pumpkin is more traditional, of course, for the colder months. LOTS of whipped cream! Warm apple pie with a scoop of ice cream is always appropriate, too.

 

Carve a pumpkin OR paint a pumpkin

Carving is the best for Halloween. So much work! But ultimately better with that candle burning inside. I’ve seen some awesome painted ones, but that is NOT where my talent lies.

 

Bonfire OR Fireplace

A bonfire is better for early Fall. Not so cold. AND there is the added bonus of marshmallows! When it’s really cold out, though, nothing beats sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book and a cup of something warm and yummy.

 

Halloween OR Thanksgiving

Halloween is OK, but it’s never been a big thing with me. When the kids were little, it was fun to get them all dressed up and go get candy. Thanksgiving is the big one, though. Food and fellowship and remembering what we have to be thankful for.

 

Candy corn OR Caramel apples

BOTH!! I know I am one of the weirdos who really loves candy corn. It’s usually seasonal, though, and once it’s gone from stores, that’s it. But caramel and apples go SO WELL together. And you can have that any time of the year. Get some juicy apple slices and caramel dip and you have a meal…

 

Turkey OR Ham

I’ve always preferred ham over turkey, but for Thanksgiving, you MUST have turkey! It’s downright un-American not to! I hate leftover turkey, though. Once a year is just fine for me. Otherwise, it’s ham every time.

 

Cranberry sauce OR Stuffing

Both! Again, you MUST have some form of cranberry sauce. It doesn’t have to be much, but you must have at least a little. Stuffing with gravy is food for the gods.

 

So…what are YOUR choices??

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Random Thought

Some people are a biscuit away from having their own gravitational pull

 

 

Coffee or Side Tables

 

I love weird furniture. I might not have any in my personal house, but I truly appreciate seeing pictures of them. An unusual coffee table in front of the couch or perhaps a side table at the end of the couch might spark interesting conversation. Like: “What???” or maybe “Did you actually pay MONEY for that???” or even “Were you drunk when you bought that???” And I do love providing entertainment for my guests…

 

 

“Eve and the Snake”

Personally, I would chose a different figure/historical scene, but this one was done beautifully. I would probably go for a mermaid. I know, that is not historical, but if it’s in my front room, it’s gonna be something I love. And I do love mermaids.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

 

“Mr. Croak”

What’s not to love about this one?? Isn’t he cute? You could have lily pad coasters.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

 

“Chappaquiddick”

Too soon…? Anyway, I would prefer a different scene. Maybe fish and sea plants under water. Maybe a small pirate chest. More on the lines of a fish tank kind of tableau. Maybe add a little octopus.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

 

“Out of Tune”

Don’t really care for this one. Neat idea for repurposing old guitars though. LOVE the hole for a bottle of your favorite adult beverage. And if you happen to spill…that just adds a bit more character to the table.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

 

 

“Ssssnake!”

And we’re back to the garden…sorta. I LOVE THIS ONE!!! I haven’t decided whether there should be two snakes to add symmetry or if one is enough. The tail is certainly enough for stability. What do YOU think? One or two snakes? OR MAYBE THREE???