An Honor to Serve those who Served

Every year the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge has a Veteran Fishing Day. It is a way to serve and give back to those who served in the military. The Veterans home brought the group down and it was a grand day to be had by all. It is a simple concept, fishing, but the joy it brings to the men and women was remarkable. It amazed me how simply a warm sunny day, with a pole in their hand brightened everyone's spirit. The fish that were caught were taken back to their home and prepared for their dinner. The gentleman that I was assisting had not been able to fish in 60 years. Mobility and accessibility being the main reasons.  Kaden, Isaiah and Luke all had a part of helping. They helped remove fish from hooks, re-wormed the hooks and Luke just looked cute and flirted with all the ladies, which they didn't seem to mind. Teaching my children to serve and to honor those that gave so much for this country was wonderful.  It was a honor to serve these ladies and gentlemen who served our country. May we never forget the sacrifice given for such a simple freedom as fishing!

 Keith and Kaden helping to bring in a fish.

 

 A gentleman with his fish

 Helping a gentleman get his pole set out

New Mexico visits Maine

Early this summer we had the pleasure of a visit from some dear friends from New Mexico. The Truetken family came and stayed for a wonderful week of exploring Maine and Canada.  Floyd and Karissa are those types of friends that are just great friends no matter how much time has past from your last visit, which has been 10+ years. We follow each other on Facebook and keep track of our movements each year with Christmas Cards.  Floyd was my supervisor, one summer in college, when I worked for U.S. Fish & Wildlife service. He was one of the first people to know that Keith and I were engaged. I baby sat their boys a few times and I just really enjoy talking to both Floyd and Karissa. Their kids are fantastic! My boys thought it wonderful to have older boys who actually played with them, and they loved Katherine who just joined in with all the shenanigans...or even started some! All of them were so fun to hang out with and I love the fact that exploring was exciting to them.  Like I said, they are just friends that are great to have around. It was a pleasure to host them and take them to all the places we could. I can't wait for our trip to New Mexico to see where they live! Thanks for coming Floyd, Karissa, Jacob, Ethan, and Katherine! Come back again soon!

 What a great family!!

 Fun times with friends

 Floyd being Floyd... hahahahahhaa