Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead.

Just a little history lesson there...I was interested in when observing Memorial Day actually started. Now we all know. LOL

The weekend has started off quite nicely. I woke up around 7:30, which means I got an additional 3 hours sleep, and it is sunny and warm outside. The woods out back are alive with chirping and screeching and all other noises the little creatures make. I've showered and got laundry going and had a couple cups of coffee already while sitting outside on the deck. Cal mowed the lawn last night for me and there is still that fresh cut grass scent going on out there. I am not liking a section of the yard though that has become a bit overgrown with weeds and junk I can't recognize so I think I am going to stop at the flower shop down the road later and pick up a few flats of pansies and assorted colorful flowers and brighten up that area. I've got day lilies and a rose bush in that area but that stuff won't bloom for another month and I want to see some color. Everything in my yard seems to be a few weeks behind everyone else's yard for some reason. The violets and lily-of-the-valley are just now starting to bloom. The irises are tall but still have a way to go before blossoming. I've also got black eyed susans and daisies coming along. I love my neighbors lilac bush and wish I had one of my own. I think I'll go clip myself a bunch after they leave this morning. LOL

It is supposed to be in the mid 90's today which is fantastic since last weekend I had to have the heat on because it was so cold and rainy and raw. I've got the windows open and it is 77 out now but there's a nice breeze blowing and the sun hasn't settled on the house just yet. Once it does, it will get quite warm in here, but there is no humidity to worry about so it will cool down nicely this evening. I haven't installed the air conditioner just yet, I think I'll wait awhile and enjoy the fresh air for a few more weeks.

I've got a few errands to run this morning but then the weekend is pretty much free for yard work, reading and BBQing. I'm taking it easy. Last weekend was so busy and there was hardly time to breathe. I want to just slow it down and be a little lazy.

I suppose I should get the clothes out on the line and get moving. The sooner I get my chores finished, the sooner I can sit outside and start reading.

Be safe this weekend!