Some Gave All

I knew a man called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don't understand
About the reasons we are free

I can't forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cries
As he said these words to me

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all

Now Sandy Kane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo through out our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man

Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died America can't you see

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all

And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall, yes recall
Some gave all

--- Billy Ray Cyrus - Some Gave All

Two Became One

Yesterday afternoon my kid brother became a married man, and I gained a sister. Congrats to you both!

And a couple of the best pictures I could get my hands on right now....

5th of....

I celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a day long trip to Holland. Michigan, that is. I have half a million pictures of tulips, another half million of the Dutch Village, and plenty of silly pictures of statues, all of which will have to follow much later, sometime after I do the last set of TX pictures and sort through all those from Marquette. I played a life-sized game of checkers, chatted with a few random strangers, and ended the day with the most Dutch Subway sandwich I've ever had. By which I mean it really wasn't Dutch at all, but neither is any other Subway sandwich I've ever eaten.

Aside from all that, life in MI has been very quiet. I spent a week in Marquette hanging out with my brother and soon-to-be sister, sleeping in late, discussing wedding details, watching T.V., and now and then going out exploring. Since then, I've spent my time in Ann Arbor doing extremely mundane things such as cleaning my room and editing three years' worth of pictures. More recently I've also started fussing with hair styles and make-up to prepare for my brother's wedding, mostly unsuccessfully so far. As much as I miss the noise and bustle of every day life, and I really do miss it all, it's also been nice to take things slowly and have so little to worry about. It also leaves me with very little to talk about on a day to day basis.

The main point, though, is that I'm enjoying myself. And that there are plenty of pictures to come (yes, I will limit myself). And things will soon start getting busy again, as I cram in last chances to see people, a Tigers game, and then wedding events every day this weekend, culminating with a long drive home Monday and Tuesday. I wouldn't mind another week first, but no one's asking me, so... bring it on!