“Have a real Happy Halloween, October 31st”
“READ: About the PUMPKIN ANGEL”
October is usually a happy time for me—my grandchildren, Daniel and Carly, get all excited about Halloween. They spend weeks beforehand discussing their costumes and dreaming of all that candy.
More than anything else, though, they love pumpkins. And not just any pumpkins. They wanted the ones grown by their great-aunt Margaret. What would my grand-kids do this first Halloween after she died?
I liked to joke that my sister Margaret had a soft spot for those kids—the compost pile in her backyard. That’s where the pumpkins grew. And she and the kids tended to them, slipping an upside-down pie pan under each one so it wouldn’t rot sitting on the ground.
Whenever I picked up my grandchildren and took them to visit Margaret, they’d barely say hello before bursting out into the yard to see what was going on in their “pumpkin patch.” They harvested them and used the big ones for carving into jack-o’-lanterns.
I didn’t know why or how pumpkins grew in a compost heap, of all places. Margaret never planted seeds. Maybe she’d thrown an old pumpkin out there one year. She had a green thumb, though. She could have dug a hole, dropped in a worm and ended up growing a rose bush.
I envied her gardening skills. If only I had inherited Margaret’s abilities after she passed away.
Halloween without Margaret’s pumpkins, Lord? I prayed one night. I wished there were some other way to make the day special. To let Daniel and Carly know their great-aunt’s spirit lived on.
Next day I went to visit the kids. I can help them with their costumes, I thought. That’ll be something, at least. “Hi!” I said, opening the door.
As soon as I walked in they said the quickest hello before shouting, “Grandma! Grandma! Come and see!”
“See what?”
“Just come!” they said, grabbing my hands and dragging me with them. We went outside. There, right on the side of the house, were half-a-dozen pumpkins. All plump and orange, with vines trailing everywhere. Growing in a spot where nothing had ever been planted.
I said, “You know what Aunt Margaret would do if she were here…” We all raced to the kitchen to get some pie pans. The biggest and best got turned into jack-o’-lanterns. The rest decorated the front porch. And they lasted for months, an autumn-long reminder for my two little pumpkin patch kids.
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“Are YOU…Getting Dressed for Halloween Party”
Are YOU getting ready to celebrate HALLOWEEN?”
Now is the time to prepare and make your own “outfits” from garments that you may have in the “ATTIC” and or from a costume pattern, maybe one, that is very nice and easy… as these usually only get the ‘one-time’ wear, but… they could be used for the next generation and, or even passed on to friends!
“Halloween Outfits” – “I Want to WEAR…”–
This “PHOTO” is really two Photos… taken in the same room…just close enough… for that healthy plant… to be a connector…so that I could place together…and now it looks like one “TERRIFIC PHOTO” of my “GRAND-Daughters” dressed so cute… that I also wish that I could dress as the little mouse on the left – – which is “MISS Jaime Aldrich” … and if ever again… that I could have a chance to wear a “Bride’s Gown” – – I only wish that I could look as sweet as a our little “BRIDE” as “MISS Alyssa Aldrich” – – and these are “HOME-MADE” out-fits… which are always rated with an extra … “A PLUS” in my book!
“For this and the up and coming HALLOWEEN… which will be next “Sunday” …
“How would you like these two special and very well dressed “Halloweeners” to show up at your front door… and to receive a very special treat ??”
To all of those that can remember, that old MOVIE, “Meet Me in St. Louis” – you will see how “Halloween” was celebrated at the turn of the CENTURY – and all of the preparation for the children – and the FUN that they all had – just for ideas!
“Sit back and enjoy!”
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“NAVY DAY’
Navy Day on October 27th salutes all of the military personnel who have
served, both past and present, in the United States Navy.
The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy currently stands as the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The service engages over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve.
Navy History
Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Navy’s importance grew. Today, the United States maintains 40 naval bases across the country, including the world’s largest Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia.
Below the sea, submarines became a part of the Navy during World War II. While experiments began in the late 1800s and during the Civil War, they did not join a large part of the Navy inventory until World War II. At that point, subs became necessary for surveillance and rescue, even though they were also armed.
With the advent of the airplane, the Navy became vital stations for the Airforce as well. As a result, the Navy modified ships into floating landing strips. Today, joint Naval and Airbases such as Pearl Harbor-Hickam provided necessary fleets of the sea and air defense.
Theodore Roosevelt and the Navy
Between 1922 and 1972, the Navy celebrated its birthday on October 27th in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birth. He elevated the U.S. Navy to a premier fighting force. During his term as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he built up the power and strength of the U.S. Navy. Roosevelt’s pursuit of the naval aircraft advanced the U.S. Navy. As president, Roosevelt was the first president to submerge in a submarine and also the first to fly. His support of the Navy led the former Secretary of the Navy, John F. Lehman, to say, Theodore Roosevelt, “was one of the architects of our modern Navy.”
HOW TO OBSERVE #NavyDay
Recognize Naval service members and their dedication to their country. Visit a Naval museum to learn more about the Navy’s history. Discover more about naval training, the types of ships in our fleets, and where they sail around the world. Use #NavyDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL NAVY DAY HISTORY
The Navy League of the United States organized the first Navy Day in 1922, choosing October 27th to honor the birth of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Navy Day received particular attention from President Warren Harding. Harding wrote to the Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby:
“Thank you for your note which brings assurance of the notable success which seems certain to attend the celebration of Navy Day on Friday, October 27, in commemoration of past and present services of the Navy. From our earliest national beginnings, the Navy has always been and deserved to be an object of special pride to the American people. Its record is indeed one to inspire such sentiments, and I am very sure that such a commemoration as is planned will be a timely reminder.”
In 1949, the Department of Defense Secretary Louis A. Johnson directed the United States Navy’s participation on Armed Forces Day in May. Although, as a civilian organization, the Navy League was not affected by this directive and continued to organize Navy Day celebrations as before.
Then, in the 1970s the “birthday” of the Continental Navy was found to be October 13, 1775. CNO Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt worked with the Navy League to define October 13th as the new date of Navy Day. However, Navy Day in the United States remains primarily recognized as October 27th.
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“14 fun things to do together during a first visit”
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Take a picnic to a park or the beach
There are few things more romantic than sharing a nice bottle of wine on a picnic blanket at sunset. Picnics are also great for giving you time to talk without the intensity and pressure of being home alone together. So pack up some treats and find a lovely spot to spend some time soaking in the beauty of the outdoors, as well as the beauty of each other.
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Go to a concert or a musical
Do you both like the same sort of music? Is there a famous musical you’d like to see? Take the opportunity to catch a special show together. It doesn’t have to be epic (U2 at the Rose Bowl in LA… Best. Concert. Ever!). Just being out together with some great music will make for a great time.
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Go to an amusement park
Are one or both of you thrill seekers? Do you like the energy and fizz of rides and games and cotton candy? If so, an amusement park might be the perfect way to spend a fun day together—and there could be lots of time to talk if you have to wait in line for the rides.
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Do an adventure activity
If you are adventure junkies (or even if you’re not, but you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone) go and do something adventurous. What can you do near where you live? Can you go ziplining, canyoning, or white-water rafting? Go-karting, horse-riding, or parasailing? Find something that sounds awesome (but not too scary) and book it in.
A quick word from the wise on this one, though: Don’t go bungee jumping or parachuting. The goal when picking something in this vein for a first visit should be “fun-scary” not “OMG-maybe-I’m-actually-going-to-die-scary.” Save the truly terrifying stuff for at least visit #2.
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Go to the zoo
I don’t know how you feel about animals in captivity—but a long stroll through a nice zoo can be a great way to spend quality time with someone. After all, who doesn’t love watching monkeys play?
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Take a long walk
Get your walking shoes on. Go for a hike or take a long walk through the city. Hiking is another great way to enjoy the beauty of the natural world and do something together where you can talk at the same time.
Just a word of warning on this one, though. Make sure you’re both on the same page about what constitutes a “fun hike.” Mike once took me on a “little hike” to see the sunset in LA. I thought we’d be walking for 20 minutes and then kicking back and opening a bottle of wine. Ninety minutes after we started walking we were still sweating our way up a trail in the San Bernardino mountains, it had already gotten dark, and I was… pretty mad.
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Go grocery shopping and then cook a meal together
Spending time together during your first visit doesn’t have to be all about epic concerts or roller coasters. In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Doing something completely ordinary like doing the grocery shopping and cooking together is a wonderful way to spend relaxed, quality time together. And as a bonus, you get to enjoy the meal together instead of with a video screen in between you. Add some candles to the table and you can’t get much more romantic than that, for real.
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Play a board game
As long as you can keep your competitive side in check, playing a game is an easy, cheap way to spend some time laughing together. Put some thought into the game choice, though. Unless you are die-hard trivia fans or word nerds, Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble can make people feel, um, “less than smart.” Try something like Settlers Of Catan, Carcassone, or an online game you both love already.
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Have a games night with a few of your close friends
If playing games sounds good to you, why don’t you broaden the circle a little and take the opportunity introduce your long distance love to some of your friends? Hosting a games night is a good way to get the group laughing together and introduce everyone to each other in a low-pressure sort of way. Taboo or Apples To Apples are good group games, if you’re looking for suggestions.
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Have a dinner with family and friends
You don’t want to spend the whole visit alone, especially if you have more than a weekend together. (Well, you might want to, but you shouldn’t.) If you’re playing host for this visit, it would be good for your new partner to meet some of your friends, and vice versa.
One way to make that happen is by organizing a pot-luck dinner. Have this as a picnic, or at your place. Make it pot-luck or go out to a restaurant so you don’t have to spend heaps of time and energy preparing for and hosting a group.
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Go to your favorite restaurant
Do you have a restaurant you love? Share it! Great food + great company = all the ingredients you need for a lovely night out.
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Take them to one of your favorite spots
In a similar vein, take your long distance love to some of your favorite places. They will love seeing the spots you love, and you will love sharing them. When I lived in LA I used to take people to the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Bowl, the Huntington Gardens, or rollerblading around the Rose Bowl.
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Play tourist in your own city
Another fun way to get out and about in your own city is to play tourist. Go to TripAdvisor and look up your own city. Find something that you’ve never done before that sounds interesting and go do that together. That way you’ll both be having a new experience.
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Watch a movie
There’s a reason this a classic couples date night favorite, and it can a great way to spend some time together during your first visit. Grab some snacks, a blanket, a good movie you’re pretty sure you’ll both enjoy (don’t waste this time on a sub-par movie), and snuggle up together on the couch. Enjoy the cuddle time and the chance to relax together. After all, how many nights have you spent dreaming about the chance to do something simple together like this?
I hope…
I hope whatever you end up doing, you have a really awesome time together. I think you most likely will. But, occasionally, when you meet someone for the first time, things won’t go as you’d planned and hoped. That’s OK, too. Chalk it all up to valuable learning in life.
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“College takes on Biden administration”
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Dear Friend,
The Biden administration is making brash moves to mandate gender identity ideology on Christian college campuses.
In nearly eight months on the job, President Biden has spared no effort in attempting to insert a radical gender identity ideology into federal policy. Even if that means disregarding religious freedom—and common sense.
And now the administration is threatening fines and jail time to strong-arm people of faith into falling in line.
Religious freedom needs protecting. And you can help do that today in one critical case.
The Biden administration has issued a mandate forcing colleges and universities to open their dorms, bathrooms, and showers to members of the opposite sex.
This is blatantly unconstitutional. And one brave college in Missouri is standing up against this edict.
The College of the Ozarks is a religious school in Missouri and the Christian faith is integral to how it operates.
Not surprisingly, the college believes that sex is unchangeable. And it runs its dorms accordingly.
But now, the Biden administration is trying to FORCE the college to violate its religious beliefs and allow men and women to share dorm rooms … and even showers.
With the help of ADF attorneys and the support of people like you, College of the Ozarks is challenging Biden’s mandate in federal court.
The directive applies to all colleges where any student can apply—even private, religious colleges that turn down every cent of federal money. That means there’s no way out.
If College of the Ozarks doesn’t comply with the mandate, it could face fines above six figures.
It’s time for believers everywhere to send a CLEAR message to the Biden administration: We will not stand by and watch as you trod on our religious freedom.
Will you help fuel our case by chipping in $25, $50, or even $100 today?
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College of the Ozarks isn’t backing downThe Wall Street Journal dubbed College of the Ozarks “Hard Work U.” That’s because every student at the college has to work. Students work for at least 15 hours per week at one of nearly 100 jobs on campus. And they graduate without student debt because of it. Ninety percent of the students have serious financial need. Some are the sons and daughters of missionaries. Some grew up in foster care. Others have 10 siblings and parents who run a farm.
These students aren’t afraid of a little hard work or an uphill climb. And neither is the college’s president, Dr. Jerry Davis.
Dr. Davis, born during World War II, was one of three boys abandoned by their parents. Raised by his grandparents, Dr. Davis found his purpose in a work school. And now he finds himself at the center of a major federal lawsuit.
“You’re never going to get me to agree that the government has any right to tell us that we can’t honor our deeply held biblical convictions,” Dr. Davis says. “[The Biden administration doesn’t] want religious liberty on the national agenda, but we’re going to put it there.”
He’s not willing to sacrifice his conscience for anyone’s agenda.
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The Biden administration is hostile to religious freedom“The Biden administration is very aggressive in pushing the LGBTQ agenda. And they don’t respect free speech at all,” ADF attorney Julie Marie Blake, who represents the college, says. “They think everyone who’s against them is a bigot, and they intend to give no quarter unless directly ordered by a court to do so—and, even then, not until they’ve exhausted all appeals.”
Colleges that refuse to comply with the directive risk paying massive fines and even criminal penalties.
Bankruptcy could result. Even prison.
This case is about countering an administrative agenda that is at direct odds with religious freedom. It’s about ensuring that a radical gender identity ideology isn’t forcefully imposed on anyone. And, ultimately, it’s about guaranteeing that faith-based colleges can operate based on their faith.
Will you help defend College of the Ozarks and protect religious freedom today?
In November, ADF attorneys will argue on behalf of the college before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit (which is one step below the U.S. Supreme Court).
Your gift today will help ensure that we have all the resources necessary to give the college the best defense possible.
But, more than that, your gift will send a message. It’ll tell the Biden administration and other government officials that—like College of the Ozarks and Dr. Davis—you will NOT allow religious freedom to be trampled.
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“Just for the Young Children”
Just a little something for the KIDS…
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