Memorial Day at Home

Posted on May 25, 2020 by vanbraman

Today many people will have spent Memorial Day at home.

sausage on grill, picnic, Friday LunchI am sure that many still celebrated with a BBQ, or had a special meal. I had planned on making some loose meat sandwiches, but since it was so hot I decided not to cook.

Little Arlington, Veterans, Tracy CaliforniaI will usually visit a cemetery on Memorial Day and take part in the memorial ceremonies.

Memorial Day, Wreathes, Tracy, California, Cemetery, Unknow VeteranHowever, this year the cemetery did not have the ceremonies because of social distancing measures. They also did not put flags on the graves this year.

Memorial Day - Little Arlington - Tracy, California - Graves of VeteransHowever, I did take some time to look at some pictures from previous years to help me remember those who gave their lives for our country.

Our local cemetery has a Little Arlington section, and I will often walk through it on Memorial Day reading the names of the soldiers.

Memorial Day - Franklin D. Roosevelt quote - Forget in time that men have died to win themI also read quotes about Memorial Day like this one from President FDR.

Picture Magazine, Grinnell Iowa, Frank Andrea MillerI also reminisced about past Memorial Days where I spent time in a park with others celebrating.

Lots of memories on this day.

Steven

 

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James the Antique Man

Posted on May 24, 2020 by vanbraman

Tonight I receive news that my childhood friend James the Antique Man had ended his life.James the antique man, covid-19, Iowa, memoriesIt has been a sad night as I am remembering some things from our childhood in Ottumwa, Iowa and also our many late night chats on Messenger through the years. I was a few years older than James, but our Mother’s were good friends and we went to church together so we spent a lot of time together. I also have memories of other members of his family.

antique man, raccoon forks antiquesJames worked in an antique shop back in Iowa and also had several Facebook sites. I would always enjoy his talks about antiques and the many pictures that he shared.

cameras, bellows cameras, old camerasI liked the pictures of the old cameras that he had and he was watching out for a Zeiss camera for me.

marbles, marble pouch, playing marblesHe posted about marbles sometimes and they always brought back memories of playing marbles when I was young. I may have to go buy some old marbles once antiques stores are back in business as they make me think of him.

old bicycle, bike repairJames also repaired old bicycles. He had some really nice pictures of the bicycles both before and after he worked on them.

I am not sure of all that has led to his passing, but I know that he had been struggling with a physical condition that kept him from sleeping.

I will miss my late night chats with James and all the pictures of antiques that he posts.

Please pray for his family as they go through this stressful time.

Steven

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