I was sitting in my apartment this morning wondering what I could do today.  What kind of mischief I could get into and what was cheap.  Then it struck me to do something that was meaningful and maybe appropriate.  You see, San Antonio, and more specifically Ft Sam Houston has a very large National Cemetery.

I am somewhat ashamed to say that it has been since the 70's since I have been there.  What is so sad is that so many young soldiers are now there.  So I went over to take a few pictures and thought I would share a few.

What was no nice today was the flag was not flying at half-staff.  That means that no funerals were scheduled for today.  And, I remember as a youngster growing up in So. Illinois and being in the Cub Scouts that every year for Memorial Day we would go to the National Cemetery and place flags at every head stone.  This is still being done by the scouts.  From what I understand. because this cemetery is so large, it took them a couple of days to accomplish this feat.  So my hat is off to the scouting program.

The bells, benches and the above plaque are near the front entrance to the cemetery.  The benches represents Medal of Honor recipients.  These are just three of many.

It has always amazed me just how all headstones are in neat rows and how they all look whether looking straight down, diagonally or left to right.  They are lined up.

These last two pictures are of a husband and wife.  His name and service information is on the front side of the headstone and her's in on the reverse.  For those that don't know, when husband and wife are buried, they are stacked.

Ladies and Gentlemen.  I know that each of you have been anxiously waiting for my next blog and here it is.

I think that I  have mentioned before that "Livin' the Dream" can and be more that just a travel guide.  Even though this is some about my recent travel it is also why I made this trip.  Who would ever think about driving about 1300 miles just to attend a luncheon.  A Girl Scout luncheon at that.  I have done a lot of foolish and stupid things in my 70+ years, but this was not one of them.

The luncheon entitled "Gem of STEM."  STEM in an acronym for S=Science; T=Technology; E=Engineering; M=Mathematics.  This is a nation wide program for the Girl Scout program to encourage young ladies that these areas of studies are not just for boys.  The program recognized women in the local area that have excelled.  I might add that each of these women recognized are also mentors to the young ladies that are wearing the uniforms of the Girl Scouts

There was a second part of the program, and this was the real reason I traveled those 1300 miles.  You see my Mother was also being recognized.  The "Julia Jackson Leader Award" was being presented to a scout leader.  A leader in scouts as with coaches, teachers, etc., are always reaching into their pockets to help their "kids."  The award given to a Girl Scout Leader credit to be used at the Girl Scout Catalog.

Now without further ado, and for those of you that do not remember my Mother, I would like to introduce her to you.  Julia Jackson

Mom and Dad's Wedding Picture 

Dad, Me and Mom

Mom on a cruise ship with her radiant and captive smile.

I went to Florida as a surprise to my sister Sydney.  In fact I brought with me our cousin from Durango CO and her husband and our (much) older sister Jean.  I had coordinated this surprise with Sydney's husband Mel and the Co-Chair of the event and told them that this was to be kept as a secret.

Much to my surprise, there were several people at the event that knew of our arrival, but no one leaked a word about what was going on.  At this time I would like to introduce you to the family and extended family:

Front row from left:  Sister Jean Swift, Stacy Liebman (Geoff's wife), Karen Steele Feller (cuz from Durango CO)

Back row from left:  Sister Sydney Liebman, her husband Mel Liebman, son Geoff Liebman, me and Dave Feller,

(husband of Karen) not pictured is our other sister Joni Eden.

Now you know the reason for the trip and you also know the family.

Now for a little history lesson.  How many are aware that Ft Pierce FL is the home to the Navy Frogman, the predecessor to the Navy SEALS?  Well it was.  All training for the Frogman and for the Underwater Demolition Teams was conducted here.  There is a museum with some pretty neat stuff and it seems to be growing and growing.  In about a year they will be housing a Black Hawk Helicopter.  The life boat that was used by Capt Phillips and his captors is on display along with many other boats that were used by the Frogmen and SEALS.  Here is a smattering of what you can see at the museum:

The next set of pictures are from the beaches at the House Refuge in Stuart FL.  These are the only rocky beaches you will find in Florida.  I only wish that I had been there at high tide to see the waves crashing into the rocks.  I understand that is a sight to see.

While taking pictures of the beach and rocks I noticed some surfers out in the distance.  I have to pat myself on the back on how well the lone surfer came out.  In fact I have it on my desktop.  And, while taking those pictures, lo and behold look what came up walking down the beach.  I will swear on a stack of bibles that I did not see them until they were walking away from me.   I'll have to admit that it made my day.

So there you have it, the latest chapter of "Livin' the Dream."  I hope I haven't bored you all too much.