For a homebody like me, it’s been a very active Memorial weekend. In fact, I’ve had little time for writing and very little alone time. The weather continues to be outstanding, although a bit too cloudy to regularly see the glorious summit of nearby Mount Hood. It’s the beginning of what is referred to as “100 days of sunshine” in the Great Northwest between the summer holidays. You know it’s that time of the year because it’s also Cutie season, celebrating the beloved California-grown mandarin orange brand that has adopted the “100 days” slogan. In the words of John Denver, “sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy…sunshine almost always makes me high.” Finally, the ugly gray shroud of winter has lifted along with the associated depression. I have already enjoyed several days of top-down weather, including yesterday’s venture into wine country.

We had friends in town and that involved a Chrysler 300 rental car, a trip to Top Golf, and dinner at the Hairy Lobster. It was great to catch-up after years apart, and we were lucky they were able to work us in to their busy schedule around wedding activities. My wife and I were also able to watch two movies together, Red Sparrow and Solo. The dogs were well-walked and there will be some time for outdoor grilling this evening. Plus, I attended a baseball card breakfast this morning, so some “me time” this afternoon is more than welcome.

Ever since our visit to Normandy last year, Memorial Day has taken on new meaning. I want to take a paragraph and thank all of our veteran’s and first-responders for their service. It’s not appropriate to say “Happy Memorial Day” when we acknowledge their sacrifices, but people always associate “happy” with an extra day off work. We wouldn’t have this time off if it weren’t for those who served our country and preserved our freedom. All of those white crosses at Normandy were contemporaries of my father who was lucky enough to have had a life after his military commitment. In nine days it will be the 74th anniversary of D-Day. Over 425,000 Allied and German troops were killed, wounded, or went missing during the Battle of Normandy. It was a tragic day no matter which side you were on, as lives were lost and families torn apart. Today and everyday these brave soldiers and their families should be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank You for your Service. Because of you, I’m able to enjoy the sunshine today.