Memorial weekend always seems to arrive with a little shift in the air. The days stretch a bit longer, the smell of barbecue drifts through the neighborhoods, swimming pools begin to sparkle under the patio lights, and calendars often fill with cookouts, lake trips and family gatherings. For many, it quietly marks the unofficial beginning of summer....a season of sunshine, FLIP FLOPS, watermelon slices, and staying outside a little longer.
This year...our plans are a very light. In fact, we really have no plans at all. And honestly...This sounds pretty wonderful to me. I believe that sometimes the sweetest weekends are the ones without a packed schedule. Around here it will most likely be slow mornings and simple meals. This is our schedule...if you want to call it a schedule. I plan to just enjoy the gift of an unhurried weekend.
Still, Memorial weekend carries a much deeper meaning beyond the food and the festivities. While many people celebrate the arrival of summer, others spend these days remembering loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Behind every flag placed at a cemetery, every folded banner, and every moment of silence is a story of courage and one of sacrifice.
FREEDOM HAS NEVER BEEN FREE!!
Whether your weekend includes traveling, grilling burgers, gathering with your families or simply resting at home (like we plan to do)...may we all pause long enough to remember the brave men and women who made freedoms possible. Their sacrifice deserves more than a passing thought. It deserves gratitude carried in our hearts long after the holiday weekend ends.
"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of every soldier who dies protecting it." unknown
Here are a few food ideas!!
* Backyard Burger Sliders 🍔
* Loaded Ranch Potato Salad 🥔
* Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans 🫘
* Watermelon Feta Salad 🍉
* BBQ Chicken Kabobs 🍗
* Strawberry Pretzel Salad 🍓
* Patriotic Berry Board 🍒
* Peach Tea Punch 🍑
Good food, grateful hearts!
Prayers for everyone's safety!!
Shug....(((Big Hugs)))
Dear Shug, enjoy your weekend, my friend. No plans is good as it gives us a chance to rest, rejuvenate and meditate, and this can help both our mental and physical health tremendously.
ReplyDeleteWe have no plans either, and that's ok with me!
ReplyDeleteI love your food ideas. There are some good sounding things, perfect for summer.
I am happy to hear that Sam has had a better week. Praying that he tolerates the chemo pill well.
We have no plans either - it feels good too. I pray Sam tolerates and improves with the chemo pill. I am glad he feels better. Your ideas sound good!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Sam is having some good days. Continued prayers for you both. ❤️
ReplyDeleteWe owe so much to those who keep us safe, in all disciplines.
ReplyDeleteWe owe them so much. In the UK we celebrate Remembrance Sunday near 11 November.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I am happy to read Sam is having some good days, been keeping in prayer. We are doing nothing too...actually hubby has locked the gates, and we plan on just staying put and staying in the pool. Yes, we owe our service members so much. Freedom is never truly free, smiles.
ReplyDeleteYum on all the food ideas. I'll have a little of everything. No plans for the weekend here either.
ReplyDeleteWe are just staying close to home, too, Shug. Let us take intentional time to remember all those who gave their lives that we might live free. Praying for Sam!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have a public holiday on Monday which always signals the start of summer for me. We don't have anything planned either. I think I might have a potter in the garden and that's about it. It's supposed to be really hot here with record breaking temperatures so I will be mostly trying to stay cool. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGood Food and Grateful Hearts ... yes that sounds just about perfect.
ReplyDeleteOur holiday is going to be extra quiet too, as Dave continues to regain his health and mobility. His PT ( for gaining his strength and mobility) is coming on the holiday Monday before noon, so that will be the excitement for the day.
Prayers continuing for Sam as he begins the chemo pill activities. Praying that there are miracles along the way for both of you. Thrilled to read of Sam having 3 days of better energy and things looking up.
Love you my friend...
Sue
Since I live about 90 miles from the "entertainment capital of the world" (as the local newscasters say), travel around here is nuts. We are staying at home, cars in the garage, just enjoying our freedoms to live in peace.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the foodie suggestions you listed, they all look amazing. Strawberry Pretzel Salad is one of my favorites in the entire world. (Not exaggerating at all) However, with that said, this weekend we are grilling steaks and having apple pie.
My weekend is too busy, but each activity in and of itself is important, so I will suit up and show up for each of them.
ReplyDeleteShug, you sure deserve to have some peace and quiet!
ReplyDeleteI love the last line of your post about the flag. Lovely post about Memorial Day . Sometimes nothing to do is the most relaxing Enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see an update on Sam! Our daughter-in-law is taking a chemo pill. She had some pains in her side at first, but the doctor said that the side effects from these pills will go away once her body gets accustomed to them. And that was true, she is doing fine now. I know there are different kind of chemo pills, but maybe you will find this helpful. Oue weekend has consisted of many doctor visits, which I call or dates now! Likely followed by a drive-thru visit and then Starbucks.
ReplyDeleteShug, no plans here either. We spent some time with our adult children today and that is always the best. Glad to read that Sam is tolerating his chemo pill and I truly hope it works for him. Continued prayers for you both.
ReplyDeleteSometimes just staying home is the refreshing we need, especially when the roads are so busy! Love the quiet of home today. The whole family has all gone in different directions. I love the word shift as it's not radical but slow and smooth mostly.
ReplyDeleteAnd I will continue to pray for Sam and the numbers or report is not always seeing what God is doing! May God bless you and yours and this amazing country!!
These colors don't run...
Hugs, Roxy
Blessings on your nice restful holiday weekend. Love your food ideas. Strawberry pretzel salad is an absolute favorite!! 🇺🇸💙❤️
ReplyDelete