TOMORROW IS MEMORIAL DAY - A DAY TO THANK A SOLDIER

Sunday afternoon - a first for me -- sitting down to write before evening. I've missed three nights not because I didn't have something to write about but just because I was too worn out to come out and do it!

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and yesterday we "pre-celebrated" with swimming and a fine meal of hotdogs! We did celebrate with one of our fallen hero's grandaughter. My precious little niece, Maura's grandfather was killed in Vietnam 41 years ago - and the memory of him is as fresh now as it has ever been. He was only 25 years old and if he had lived, he would be so proud of Maura. She, as well as her Dad, have his eyes and many of his traits! Maura has a "poppie" that does love her very much and is also very proud of her! I guess many of us have someone that gave their life for the freedom we so willfully take for granted! I want you to check out this website - it is Alan Jackson singing, "God Bless America." It is http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/UltimateFreedom.htm. It is beautiful - and read the words that are written on each page!

REMEMBER ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.


It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.



It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.




It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

Yesterday we did have grilled hot dogs but I had to do something special so I made Mango Strawberry Salsa and also Tomato Salsa! Both were very good and I had bought All Natural Pretzel Crisps (by the Snack Factory) and they were especially good with the Salsa! I also bought a watermelon and I plan to eat some of it, share some with my Mom and then make Watermelon Salsa. I made it once in Galveston and it was really good!

Here is a great salad - that even cucumber "haters" love! I first ate this salad when we went to Midland - years and years ago - to visit Travis' brother and his wife. It would be great for a backyard get together with hamburgers, hotdogs, or steak!

DILLY CUCUMBER SALAD

8 Cups thinly sliced and peeled cucumbers
(about 4 medium)
1-1/2 Cups dairy sour cream (Light)
1 small clove garlic, crushed or pressed
2 Tablespoons salad oil or olive oil
2 tsp. sugar (Splenda would work too)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dill weed

Place cucumbers in large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients except dill weed. Pour over cucumbers and mix gently. Sprinkle with dill weed. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving. Mix lightly before serving. If desired sprinkle with snipped parsley or cilantro.
Enjoy!!

Here is a very good cold pie for summer!

Donna's Ice Box Coconut Pie

1 Baked crust or Graham Cracker crust
2-1/4 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla (Mexican of course!)
3 Tbls. Cornstarch
1 cup coconut

Combine sugar, salt, and corn starch in saucepan. Add milk and eggs. Cook until thickens. Add coconut and vanilla.

Pour into crust and chill in refrigerator. Just before serving top with light Cool Whip.

One more for the holiday!

Mint Lemonade

2 Cups Sugar
2-1/2 cups water
grated peel of 1 orange
Juice of 2 oranges
Juice of 6 lemons
1 Cup of Mint leaves

Cook sugar and water 5 minutes. Let cool. Add fruit and juices. Pour over mint leaves. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Strain into jar and keep in refrigerator. Use 1/3 cup to a glass. Best to use 1/3 cup lemonade, 1/3 cup water and 1/3 cup ginger ale.

Now you have some great holiday or every day recipes! Hope you enjoy them!

I want to close with something George Bernard Shaw wrote:

"I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

Just think what we all could accomplish if we had that attitude! Lately I've been hearing a lot on the radio and other places -- more than I ever remember - about "doing good for others." Maybe our nation is realizing there is more to living than just taking! Have a safe Holiday tomorrow and don't forget to BE THANKFUL!!!