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Veterans Day

People must remember that a soldier does not pick his enemy nor the cause for which he fights. He does not pick the location nor the time of the battle. He merely goes where he is deployed and attempts to accomplish the assigned mission. All of the decisions were made by people, in Washington, most of whom have never put on a uniform nor been on the battlefield. They have no clue what life on the field of conflict is like.

To all active duty personnel and my fellow vets, those who came before, those I served with and those who have followed, thank you for your service and commitment to this Republic and it’s people.

1966

Vietnam 1967-68

Aww…some Monday’s Music Moves Me

Ozark Autumn 2025

Autumn in the Ozarks is a special time of year. The temperatures drop, the leaves change colors and the land prepares itself for winter. This year the colors were awesome, if not a little short lived. My wife and I took a drive over to Dogwood Canyon.

Dogwood Canyon is a 10,000 acre, non profit wildlife and nature preserve owned and operated by Bass Pro Shops. You can walk trails, rent bikes, take a tram ride and even fish, for a fee. We chose the tram ride that took us over three miles from the main building and stopped several times for photo ops and to learn more about the area. It was a great day. Here are a few images from the excursion.

They maintain a herd of Bison, including a white one, a herd of Elk and one of Longhorn cattle on the property. These animals receive the very best of treatment.

It was a great visit. If you’re ever planning a trip to Branson, Missouri, Dogwood Canyon is a must see part of your trip.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week is Remembering our veterans with songs of inspiration, thanksgiving and praise. This just might be the most inspirational video I have ever seen of this classic hymn.

Aww…some Monday’s Music Moves Me

Aww…some Monday – CMM Preview

I know it’s a little early to post Christmas stuff, but I have begun to photograph and edit the images for my 16th annual Christmas Music Marathon! This year most of the images will come from local retail stores, flea markets and antique shops. The image above is a silk banner that I found at a rural flea market in Carr Lane, MO which is nothing more than a four-way stop with a convenience store, a boat dealer, and a flea market. It’s on the highway we use to travel to Branson, MO. For those of you new to the blog, the Christmas Music Marathon works like this. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and going through the end of the year, I will post an image or two and a song that relates to Christmas each day. There will be classic tunes, hymns, and new music that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of the Savior. Stop by anytime and view a new image and maybe find a Christmas song that is new to you.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

In keeping with the Christmas preview, here are a few examples of what you might find when you stop by during the Christmas Music Marathon. Looking forward to your visits.

Aww…some Mondays Music Moves Me

Family Traditions

Recently, the youngest great-grandson was in the house for a visit. While he was here, I grabbed the camera and snapped a couple of images of him on things that other generations of the family have enjoyed. The rocking horse was made by my dad and painted by my mother in 1976. They would be this little guy’s great-great-grandparents. They made it for our daughter, who is the grandmother to this young man and his mother as well as his two aunts and his uncle have all ridden this pony. It still has our daughters name and birthday painted on it.

The rocking chair was purchased by my parents, for me, around 1948. Around 2005 I repaired one of the spindles, re-glued everything and refinished the entire chair for the grandson. A couple of weeks ago the youngest great grandson became the fourth generation to sit in this chair. Between these two items, five generations of the family have been involved.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week is whatever music moves you. I thought I would focus on one of my favorite country artists from the 90’s. The 90’s was a golden age for country music with artists like Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn just to name a few. One of my favorites was Vince Gill. Vince had a tenor voice that few could match and guitar skills that are legendary to this day. Currently Vince is a member of The Eagles, but I want to focus on some of the music he has released since his glory years. None of these songs are radio hits, so you may not be familar with them. In fact, most them were new to me just a year or so ago. Sit back and give a listen to a country legend. Have a blessed week.

Aww…some Monday’s Music Moves Me

Aww…some Monday -Taking Flight

A couple of weeks ago there was a technological summit sponsored by Walmart and other businesses in the area. The focus was on flight and electric powered flight in particular. However, there was an air show that featured WWII Warbirds and it was the highlight of the event. I managed to capture a few images.

Ever wonder what it would be like to climb into a “drone” and fly it? Well, electric vertical takeoff & landing vehicles are here and you can own one. They do not require a pilot license or medical release. Still you have to obey rules and regulations regarding where you can fly these things, but they do look like serious fun.

Stay tuned for additional images at a later date.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week at 4M is “Halloween/Spooky themed songs or artists. It may be a few days early, but here we go. Have a blessed week.