Sunflowers

When Midge and I got engaged in Italy in 2006, we agreed to incorporate an Italian theme into our wedding plans.  We wrote and said our vows in Italian; the singers that performed at the ceremony sang a few Italian songs; and Midge included sunflowers in her bouquet.  So, when we read in the Washington Post about the sunflowers that were reaching their peak in Maryland, we took a road trip to see the vast fields of these beautiful plants.  Here's one of the hundreds of photos that we took that day!

Blizzard of 2010

This picture was taken in the Overlook development in Alexandria shortly after a snowstorm in December 2009 -- prior to the "snowmageddons" of February 2010.  I submitted this picture in a photo contest sponsored by a printing company in Newington, VA.  Surprisingly, the photo won first place.  So, I will be able to have this picture included on the company's January through March 2011 calendar.  I expect to receive some of the calendars shortly...  Hopefully, before December 2011!

Hiding Out -- A frog's life...

With over 12,000 pictures in my digital library (and counting), I have made the finals in a photo contest.  The picture below is one of six finalists in The Washingtonian Magazine's November photo contest.  The theme was "Flora and Fauna" in metro Washignton, DC.  Go to the link below to cast your vote.

This picture was taken at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, Virginia.  While Midge and I struggled to find the "ribbit" source, we came across this frog, camouflaged in the wetlands.

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/16804.html

Ribbons Identified!!!

Thanks to Bill Swiger for assisting in identifying some of the US Army ribbons that were awarded to my Father during WWII.

These numbers correspond to the insignia and ribbons above:

1. Marksman Badge
2. Expert Infantryman
3. Army of Occupation Ribbon
4. WWII Victory Ribbon
5. European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon
6. Unknown -- So, I could use a little help if you know what this is.
7. Good Conduct Ribbon
8. Purple Heart Ribbon

There is a medal that corresponds to each of these ribbons.  However, the only one that my Father still has is the Purple Heart.

If I have mislabeled any of these, please let me know.  And, yes, I am aware that one of the ribbons is upside down.  Do you know which one?

World War II Memorabilia

Like many men and women of my father's generation, they served proudly in World War II.  For many it was their first trip outside of the continental United States; for others, it was their first travels outside of their local communities.  Such was the case with my father.

Again, like many of his generation, he refused to talk much, if at all, about his experiences during the war.  I knew that he had been wounded during the war and spend six months in a Parisian hospital, but he didn't provide much information.  "Where were you?"  I've asked on multiple occasions.  "Somewhere near the Rhine River, I think."

So, to help me piece together some of what is now fading from his memory, I'm looking for someone to help me identify the ribbons, medals, and other memorabilia.

Constabulary Force

I know that he served in the Constabulatory Force after the end of the war.  He also serves in both the 4th and 11th Armored Battalions as evidenced by the patches with the lightning bolts.  If you can add to my knowledge, please post your comments here.  I'd love to hear from you. If you have any sources or personal connections that may benefit from knowing my father's name, please send me an email to brs1227@gmail.com.

Yes, Purple Heart, Marksman, others?

4th and 11th Armored Battalions

People end up looking like their dogs

This biker and his dog were riding through Annapolis, Maryland.  As I crossed the street in front of him, I asked if I could take his picture. Despite the other drivers blowing their horns, I took a few seconds to get this shot of them.

Respect the citizens where you visit

Our taxi driver surprised us on the way to the Rome Airport with a side trip to Avertine Hill. As we tried to speak in our broken Italian on the way to the airport, he showed his appreciation by saying that he wanted to show us something that he "Showed his best friends."  He wanted us to see "la buco."  Try as we might, we couldn't find this word in our abridged Italian-English dictionary.  So, as we drove through Rome, the three of us chatted in Italian and English, anticipating our finding "la buco."  When we got to the top of the Hill, we parked at an area that was founded by the "Knights of Malta." 
.
Our driver promptly jumped out of the car, opened our doors, and walked across the parking lot saying, "buco, buco, buco."  As we quickly discovered, "buco" was the "Key Hole in the Door..."  If you look closely through the key hole, you can see an archway.  I looked through the key hole and saw the Vatican in the distance -- the only thing that you could see.  I grabbed my camera, held it up to the key hole and took several shots, trying to capture the amazing sight.  My picture did not come out very clearly.  So, the sight that you see below is the "Vatican Through the Key Hole" that I found online.  It was taken with the doors open, but the shot is amazing.  Bottom line -- speak the language no matter how little you know or how bad your pronunciation.  You are a visitor in another land and you will be blessed with amazing opportunities.

Knights of Malta...

Key Hole in the Door...

Vatican Thru the Key Hole!