Today is Mr. Decor's Birthday. As you can see he has always been the life of the party. Happy Birthday Mr. Decor! Happy Birthday Mr. Decor Eric, AKA Mr. Decor was born in Panama which I am sure inspired his smooth style and love of adventure. He is a fantastic family man and knows how to treat a lady. I am sure I have his two older sisters to thanks for that. Or else! He's really smart. He'll graduate with his Master's Degree later this month. There is not a ... View the Post
How Will You Celebrate
How Will You Celebrate Thanksgiving? Will it look something like this? How Will You Celebrate I was raised celebrating Thanksgiving day fairly traditionally. We would begin the day watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, followed by football. As the last of eight kids, our 20 ft table practically groaned from the weight of the turkey and all the trimmings. "Freedom From Want" by Norman Rockwell I've even been to Plymouth Rock and of course heard the story of the first ... View the Post
Veteran’s Day
This is a favorite Veteran's Day image of mine. I never cease to grow teary when I view it. Veteran's Day I am deeply indebted to the many men and women who have taken leave of their families, jobs, and daily lives in order to ensure my freedom and the freedom of those living in other countries who are unable to fight for themselves. A few of my favorite veterans are: Mr. Decor's paternal grandfather, Landen, who was a Marine during the 1930's. Here's my paternal grandfather, ... View the Post
Boy Scout Council Building In Phoenix
I recently went to the Boy Scout Council Building In Phoenix. It is actually quite nice. For my regular readers here is a quiz: What style is the building? :) The interior courtyard with a lovely fountain. Another view of the courtyard. The Boy Scout fleur de lys emblem set into the concrete walkway. The gardeners were there pulling out the summer flowers and replacing them with fall plantings. I am sure this will be quite a lovely spot when they are finished. Inside I ... View the Post
Argh Matey Join Me For A Pirate Party
Sweet Boy turns seven today. It is not unusual for him to be dressed like this while watching Peter Pan. He loves the pirates. Argh Matey Join Me For A Pirate Party Argh Matey Join Me For A Pirate Party When I found the following cards on clearance for $1 it shivered me timbers and a theme was born. We had a lunch of boiled pirate fingers (hot dogs) out on the patio. The table was laden with jewels, shells and pirate paraphernalia. A truly motley crew. Fellow buccaneers saying ... View the Post
My Dad
Today a great man passed away. My Dad. His name was Norman C. Phillips. Not only was he a great man, he was a great dad. My Dad He was also a very brave man. Thirty-two years ago he married my mother, Nadine. Did I mention that she had six children? He also had two sons, so that meant eight kids total. That is what I call love. He loved big band music and was a fantastic dancer. Here he is cutting a rug with my sister in law Lisa at my wedding. My dad was one of the original ... View the Post