Why I'm Going Back To Bed ...

It's my cats' fault.

I woke up to Junsu in my face. Literally. Inches from my nose. Just staring at me. Wow.

Then I noticed several more sets of eyeballs nearby and I knew ... it was breakfast time ... and the cats' food dishes were empty ... our six hungry cats seemed to be using their mental powers collectively to make me behave!

So I got up and opened the new bag of cat food I got yesterday. I knew if I didn't, the next step would have something to do with being fileted!

That's when I found what seemed to confirm my feline companions' opinion ...

Which is why I'm going back to bed.

Maybe when I get up again, I will be a winner!!!

Found Photo Fun

I have a hard time leaving other peoples photos in the bin at the thrift store. I know the next step for these one-time treasures is the shredder ... and recycle bin.

So what do I do with the photos I can't resist bringing home?

Well ... some stories are just begging to be told!!!

Snicker.

I'm having waaaay too much fun with these!

Remembering "Fido"

I found several small "Remembrance" cards scattered in a bin at the local thrift outlet store ... I was curious, and opened one up to read it. The other shoppers surrounding me must have wondered at the strange laughter that consumed me ...

The card apparently came from a canine memorial service ...

But it's what was written inside that made me smile.

"I remember"

Oh the things I find at the thrift store!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to remember and appreciate the heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

I was going through Dad's photos after he died, and happened across an old photo album filled with pictures from the 1940's ... among them were 3 pictures of a man named "Tiny".

I remember Dad talking about Tiny - he was his cousin and best friend. They were closer than brothers ... and in fact were born just 2 days apart! But Tiny was "killed in the war" (WWII). While Dad was being held as a prisoner of war.

Tiny was known by many names ...

Tiny Martin

Percy Martin

Percy O. Martin

Percy Orson Martin

Percy Orcin Martin

Brother

Cousin

Friend

Son

Marine

This is Tiny's headstone, courtesy of "Find-A-Grave".

It doesn't tell much.

Like his nickname "Tiny". I'm sorry I never asked Dad about that one! "Tiny" was, by all accounts, a fairly large man!!!

Or the fact that he died on Iwo Jima during WWII ... only 2 days into the brutal and bloody battle there.

The headstone doesn't show how handsome he was!

How full of fun and life he was.

Or how he loved being a Marine. He even sent Dad a letter teasing him for joining the Army instead.

I never met Tiny - he was killed long before I was born.

But I still sit here with tears in my eyes.

He is a hero to me.

And I'm so glad to have made his acquaintance through the memories of my father.

Found Photos - WWII

Whenever I see them at the thrift store outlet, I pick up old photos, negatives and slides.

I found these (negatives) a couple of months ago, and was shocked that they had ended up being thrown out.

These appear to be WWII era photos, taken in Europe (?).

The first clue as to the identity of these photos is the insignia on the equipment (26th Infantry Regiment).

The second clue is this scoreboard, which reads "Blue Spader Field". 

I have had no luck in finding out the location of this field.

The grandstands of the game were filled with servicemen in uniform (complete with weapons!), and a couple of guys dressed in white selling refreshments in the stands.

This photo made me chuckle. It appears to be a rifle inspection. Out of the 5 weapons on display, only 2 are displayed uniformly. Two of the others are on their sides, while one is upside down! No wonder the poor guy looks to be rubbing his eyes.

There are more photos in the set, and I will attempt to post them in the next few days.

I am linking this to "Vintage Weekly" ... for the first time in a while (sorry Jane!)

Found Note ... With Hearts

It made me sad to find this cute little handmade note in a bin at the thrift store.

To me, it's a treasure!

But I felt good rescuing it ...

And enjoying the hearts!

Share the hearts you find in your world on "Guest Heart Thursday"!

Brother Blowing Bubbles

I found a bunch of old family photos and negatives I had never seen before ... they appear to be from the mid-1970's. This one is one of my favorites ... my brother blowing bubbles into a mud puddle.

I am linking this with "Vintage Weekly"!

Be Careful What You Wish For

I found this delightful note in Grammie's papers. It was written by her nephew when he was a child.

"Dorothy has a baby its name is Roger and Roger has a tooth. He is so cute when he pounds the piano. I wish I had a piano and a baby."

A wish only a child would make, eh?

Love Note Hearts

I haven't posted for a long time ... but figured what better way to celebrate my "comeback" than to share this delightful "puppy love" note I found on the road a while back.

I think it is absolutely adorable!

"Guest Heart Thursday"