Gone To The Reunion

  

Ship's Crest (my tattoo, too)

We are leaving today on a drive to Dallas, TX, for my ship, USS FRANK E EVANS DD 754, reunion.  This is the one thing I look forward to each year.  It gives me another chance to see my old shipmates and those who came before and after my tour.

 

(HMAS MELBOURNE R21 Crest)

Another great thing about our reunions is that almost everyone has had someone from the Australian Aircraft Carrier, HMAS Melbourne R-21 in attendance.  This year I expect around five men to show up.  Some for the first time!

Many of those Aussies are suffering from PTSD pertaining to the 3 June, 1969 collision that took the lives of 74 brave men (though none of the Aussies had anything to do with the decisions made that night.)  I know one who will be there who went into the sea to try and save our guys.  His torture is that he couldn’t save one more.  It doesn’t matter that if he tried and helped pull two from the water, but he would have gone down with the front half if he went after one more.  But all were affected that night. 

The reunion has been a big help in easing the PSD of our survivors.  Maybe it will help the Aussies, too.  There is a time set aside for the survivors and the families of the lost and the Australian sailors to meet in private for their time open up and to heal.

And there are many more, Aussie and US sailors, who visit the association's Facebook page that will not be able to make it to the reunion due to age, or physical limitations.  But we feel their spirit at the toasting of the evenings…Lest We Forget…

It will be a busy week and I may not have time (or be able) to post much.  I have a pub crawl to attend, and several evenings of buying each other a beer or 12.  But I will try, and I will try to post pics as I do.  I want you to meet my mates.

So till next time, ta-ta.  And may you have fair winds and following seas to help you navigate through life.

Fall And Halloween Time Suggestions

Now that it is officially FALL, it's time for Fall and Halloween decorating, and party planning.  Below is a bit if information from Bob Matthews to help you through the season…I hope. 

And, no, I have not turned gay.  Just passing on some information I received and though you seasonal types would appreciate it.  That’s all.  Honest!  I AM NOT GAY!!!

1. About Scarecrows
2. Fall and Halloween Decorating

3. Get the Jump

4. Recipe Suggestions

5. On the Light Side

1. About Scarecrows:

Scarecrows have been used by gardeners for pest protection for thousands of years. They are the oldest form of garden bird control. They are also a very big symbol of the fall and harvest season. They are easy to make, and will really make your fall yard scene look great!
* Learn about Scarecrow history and how to make a scarecrow at: http://www.gardenersnet.com/birds/scarecrow.htm
* Also see Scarecrow Trivia at: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/halloween/scarecrows.htm
 

2. Fall and Halloween Decorating:
If you haven't set a few pumpkins out on display, or brought out other fall decorations from storage, what are you waiting for!? Many people think that the colorful fall season, with a nip in the air, is the absolutely best time of year.
Set, the mood with a great fall, and later Halloween, display.
* Pumpkin Picking Tips, for young and old: http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/pumpkinpickingtips.htm
* Halloween Decorating, see: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/halloween/halloweendecoration.htm
* We've got you covered, with a great selection of Fall and Halloween merchandise, all at great prices. Don't miss out on out. Shop for Fall and Halloween now at: http://www.goestores.com/catalog.aspx?Merchant=PremierStarCompany&DeptID=29149
 

3. Get the Jump on Halloween Party Planning:
Fall is a busy season. Halloween comes up fast. if you are planning a Halloween party, and we sure hope you are, start that planning now. Here's some information to help you to have the absolutely best Halloween party ever!
* Halloween party ideas: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/hween/parties.htm
* Halloween party games: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/hween/games.htm
* Pumpkin Carving parties: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/halloween/pumpkincarvingparty.htm
* Halloween decorating, party and pumpkin carving: http://www.goestores.com/catalog.aspx?Merchant=PremierStarCompany&DeptID=29149
 

4. Fall Recipe Suggestions:
It's time to cook and bake with some of our favorites…pumpkins sand apples!
May we suggest
* Apple Crisp, an old family favorite: http://www.gardenersnet.com/recipes/applecrisp.htm
* Pumpkin Zucchini Nut Bread: http://www.gardenersnet.com/recipes/pumpkinzucchini.htm

* More garden recipes: http://www.gardenersnet.com/recipes/
* Pumpkin recipes galore: http://pumpkinnook.com/cookbook.htm
 

5. On the Light Side:
* Brush up on your pumpkin knowledge and impress your friends: http://www.gardenersnet.com/fun/pumpkintrivia.htm
* Fall Festivals, you’ve e just gotta go. Find one: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/giants/festival.htm
 

In just a few weeks, we will find out if the giant pumpkin world record will be broken again. (of course it will!!!) Will the one ton mark be reached? Find out first right here…. So, stay tuned…
 

Bob Matthews
GardenersNet.com
PumpkinNook.com

PARAPROSDOKIANS - Know What I Mean?

PARAPROSDOKIANS, (Winston Churchill loved them), are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous.

1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.

3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left...

7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

8. They begin the evening news with 'Good Evening,' then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

9. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

10. Buses stop in bus stations. Trains stop in train stations. On my desk is a work station.

11. I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks.

12. In filling out an application, where it says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.'

13. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

14. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

15. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

16. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

17. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

18. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

19. There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

20. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

21. You're never too old to learn something stupid.

22. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

23. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

24. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

25. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Thank You, Pax...and Sorry!!!

Reading my Aussie Gal Pal’s blog today I realized I have let Pax down (head down, embarrassed look on face).A few weeks ago she was looking for some ideas for a giveaway. She suggested perhaps a poem or limerick of some sort would do.
So I sent her some very poor examples to let her know why I couldn’t enter the contest.

I have no talent when it comes to words other than a varied use of the F word with accompanying adjectives. I also have been known to use some lesser words of the vulgar persuasion type, too. But I am best with the F word.Anyway, she chose to show her appreciation ( I guess, rather than trying to pay me off to say away) she sent me a coin and a pin.



















The coin is the Aussie Army Rising Sun on one side and the Australian Flag and Slouch Hat on the back. I have added this prize to my Coin Collection with honor and pride. But I am overlooking the Army part as I am a sailor at heart. So I will tell everyone it is the Australian Defense Force Coin that covers the Navy, too. (Yes, I am biased.)

She also sent me a pin honoring the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. And, YES, they are bears because they are Koala-fied to be one. (I am sorry about the sideways view…too computer illiterate to make it stand at attention. Is there a Viagra for computer pictures???)

Anythanks, I hope being late is better than never, and that she will not be too mad at me.

You can’t help but luv the Sheila. For all her support with Soldiers Angles and the Marines, she deserves more respect than I have shown her.

Sorry Luv xxxoooxxx