It was a rather gloomy day, perfect for my annual doctor visit, but not so nice for Harry. He had to leave early, before it was light, to go down dark country roads to the Femme Osage Valley. He speaks to Wounded Marines four times a year. A group of soldiers come from all over the country to a beautiful farm west of the Missouri River. The Femme Osage Valley was Daniel Boone’s choice for his final farm and home, and it is one of the most beautiful places in Missouri.
These wounded soldiers are given various therapies and advice together in an extraordinary place for a week, all privately funded. Called Focus Marines, this organization founded by one Marine, who has enlisted friends to help, tries to change the focus from disability to possibilities. It illustrates the powerful effect one individual can have on the lives of many. Harry feels lucky to be part of it, even though he is a Navy man, not a Marine himself. It is a difficult thing, and draining, but uplifting at the same time.
The morning was made hectic by the death of a deer in the woods to the east. I heard Cedar barking and went to investigate. When I found the body, which was recently deceased, I contacted a conservation agent. Since deer are overpopulating around here, it is worrisome. This is the third dead deer in two months. Unfortunately, because it is so warm, he didn’t think it was worth taking a sample today, but at least we made contact. Harry and I checked the carcass this evening and already the coyotes have feasted on it, which is good. We cannot let the dogs out until the coyotes have done their work, or there will be noxious accidents around here. The dogs are quite put out at being confined to the back yard.
The bad news is that I found a deer tick on myself, and Harry found FIVE ticks, just from a short walk into the woods! Spring brings more than flowers and frogs, alas.
After I returned from the doctor with a clean bill of health, the trailer was ready for pick up with its five new tires and wheels. The new (better) tires come on slightly larger rims, so the spare had to be replaced, too. Jane went through the very same process last week. We now know that having tread on tires is not the only consideration. After 6 years, tires should be replaced, regardless of wear. To my horror, this means we will need to replace the SIX tires on the truck, which have been on it since 2013. This is a very expensive lesson, and ironically was discovered because of our impending trip to Ohio, which is no longer happening. But we will go places soon enough.
I had company on the trip to the trailer place.
Back home, Marmalade had a “Marm alarm” run for the house. I don’t know what set him off, but he flew past.
Bird pictures were no good. There wasn’t enough light with the clouds and rain. All I have to offer is a red bellied woodpecker during a clement hour.
Mistletoe spent the day napping, after wearing herself out yapping. Her new hairdo is quite a change. She is still adorable.
The horses were on a self exercise program today between rains. Bart is still coughing, but all temps are normal, and nobody else is coughing.
Harry in the kitchen after a long day. He still has to cook, of course.
My favorite daffodils are blooming despite clouds and rain.
Be safe, be well, be grateful, be strong. Peace.
Harry is a hero.
Yes! Harry is a hero, and only partly because he cooks! I saw on the news tonight that there is a new species of tick in Mo, IL, and several other states, which is quite potent. I don’t remember its name, and the body seemed to have white lines on its back. Be alert.
Anne, on another topic, I would like to know if your dad ever gave his opinion on the abilities of General Patton, and General Montgomery. Did he ever wonder how it was that Patton was killed in such a bizarre manner?
Thanks for the interesting, enjoyable, and informative postings. Be safe. Love to all. Mary Beth
No, Mary Beth, my father never expressed views on Patton or Montgomery that I remember. But, being a girl, he might not have included me in talks about masculine things like war. I will ask my brothers if he talked to them of those things. Thanks for the heads up on yet another tick to worry about!
How wonderful that Harry does this. Yes, I am sure it must be quite draining, a labor of love. You know what I think about ticks! Stay safe!
On our way to a show last summer, with four horses in the trailer, we blew two tires due to dry rot. The tread looked fine. Good thing it was before noon on Saturday so the repair guy could come out.
Yikes!
Harry, you are such an effective speaker; you have so much warmth. I can imagine how well the Marines connect with you and your message. Draining for you, and inspiring; inspiring to them, and uplifting. You are doing a real mitzvah.
Patti, you have made Harry’s day. A mitzvah indeed. And you would know – you are a heroine to me (and many others).
‘Marm alarm’ and Mistletoe-with-brindle underneath are the fun surprise views here, because it is quite clear that Harry is a hero (and it’s probably even better for the inspiration he gives that he speaks like Robt. Redford!) Beautiful bird shot and horses stunning as ever.
Anne — Patti forwards some of your [daily?] comments to me which I find very interesting and informative; your photos are excellent and I assume you might be using a more sophisticated camera than an iPhone, yes ?
And Harry doing his usual high calibre talks before our FOCUS Marines sessions, why I thought he had retired from when I first got him to doing them years ago. So Harry, [Attention !!] I now declare you an honorary Marine, with the full obligations and responsibilities attached thereto. [now, at ease, Marine !]
Ken Streett, Capt. USMC [retired]
Oh, Ken – thank you for the compliments. Yes, I do use an iPhone camera, but also a Nikon D3200.
Harry is honored by his promotion (?) and is very pleased that he can participate in the FOCUS mission, thanks to you. I think it is an exceptional private philanthropic endeavor, and am so proud of you Marines! Of course, I wish for peace and no need for a program like this. But the real world is a complicated place, and FOCUS makes it a better one.