August 6

…is a strange mix of emotions for me.

I.

It’s Mother’s birthday.  She’d have been 86.  I miss you, Mom.

Martha and Pat, about 1928 (?)^  Pat did what good dogs do, he gave his life for his mistress.  A stranger (not a bad guy, just unknown) came in the yard and came up to her.  Pat protected Martha, and bit the guy.  In those days, when a dog bit a human in anger, the dog was killed and examined for rabies.  Pat didn’t have rabies, he protected his mistress.

1942^

About 1954^

1958^

1965^

1968^

1978^

1984^

1998^

2002^

2005^  (Still rockin’ the jewelry)

2007^

I tried to put the last two up, but I just can’t.

Happy birthday, Mom!

 

II.

On August 6, 2007, I moved back to Houston. 

From this:

to this:

And yes, I’m glad I moved.  It was time.

 

III.

Tomorrow morning, August 6, 2013, my friend Russ is deploying to Japan for 7 months with the USMC.  Be careful, Russ, and come home safely to Matt.  He loves you so.

Russ is on the right (my left in the picture).

>>o<<

So, a lot of weirdness tomorrow.  Probably not my best blog effort; too many weird emotions. 

Next time, more upbeat!