View allAll Photos Tagged Contented
A bit of lunch remains, stored on the lip for the future.
(And wow, do I ever have a backlog of photos to upload ... this was a few weeks ago.)
Despite having an injured toe, this Forest How squirrel is happy to munch his way through some nuts.
SET-BACK
The last month of the year found the squadron resting contentedly in its comfortable mansion at Sous-Bois, not realizing that they would soon face adventure, excitement, discomfort and loss of life.
At Sous-Bois everyone was happy in their surroundings. The Pilots were nonchalantly breezing throught the air on scheduled flights. The ground echelon, self-satisfied, was well organized and happy. The officers were pleased with the unity and progress of the Squadron.
Everything was running smoothly. The Air Strip, after much attention and work, was ready for easy take-offs and landings. Planes were being made by the Special Services Section to invite forty Belgium War Orphans to a Christmas Party at the Mansion. A New Years Dance Committee was appointed; a date set and an orchestra obtained. Motion pictures continued to be shown every other day in the mess hall. At times, beer was served to bolster morale. Besides, men had a day off each week; passes were issued every evening to those who wanted to go to town. On a seemingly frequent schedule robot bombs would menacingly fly above the area giving the outfit a grim reminder that a war was going on. The front was not far away, but the Squadron, systematically, went about its business and pleasures just as they did back home in Indiana, Texas or New York. Something did happen which upset the smooth-riding applecart. Before mentioning that, may I discuss a few more incidents which occured while the outfit was "Riding High" at Sous_Bois.
On December 10, 1944, Captain Donald B. Martin, Intelligence Officer, was sent to Paris to pursue a course given to Information and Education Officers. In this capacity, Captain Martin came back with much enlightening information. an Educational Program was initiated; a survey of the men was made so that everyone would be given the opportunity to broaden their education and prepare for the future. Discussion groups were continued weekly, and many a lively debate ensued following the presentation of a current topic. Results proved that the Enlisted Men were thinking.
During the month there were several new additions to the roster of Officer personnel. Captain Milton M. Greenberg relieved Captain Leon C. Schultz as Medical Officer. 2nd Lt. Coleman F. Cody became the new Assistant Operations Officer and Flight Officer Stephen H. Briggs, Assistant Tech Supply Officer.
Then, with little forewarning, the intensity of enemy actions around us increased. The ringing guns nearby bellowed an ominous note. The sky was full of planes. Something had changed -- we soon heard about it. The Germans had launched a strong counteroffensive in our sector. There were reports that they were near Malmedy -- some said that Malmedy had been taken.
Major James R. Cooper, Commanding Officer, issued the order which made all of us immediately aware of the ominous situation. "Pack your duffle bags, be ready to leave on five minutes notice." His words were curt, but meaningful. We knew what he meant -- evacuation.
On December 18, 1944, the day the Squadron evacuated Spa, All courier and relative services were discontinued and were not resumed until December 26. The Air Echelon moved to an Air Strip near Liege from where they continued limited operations because of the bad weather. The Pilots were occupied doing reconnaissance
This one is pretty noisy and not that sharp, but the contented post wedding look on Duncan's face makes this about my fave of the day.
Ulrika & Jalal wedding shot #4. I liked their expression right then and there, tried to frame it with an angle to make it more "settled". The wedding took place at a small stage, this shot was taken soon after the ceremony.
poor Rocket hasn't gotten that many chances to doze in his favorite spot lately, poor babe. Fortunately, since we brought the second kitten (Jasmine) into the house, the first kitten (Yoda) spends his time chasing Jasmine around, instead of harrying the elders, so now he can curl up between milady's legs, as he loves to do!!
after she had played around in the garden Dizzy likes to jump up on the table next to where we are sitting so she is at the same sort of height as us for keeping an eye on things and, of course, for getting some of the attention that she so clearly deserves :-)
When I was 7 or 8 years old my father who was a Sergeant in the Canadian Army shipped off to the Korean War. He was a tank mechanic. His tank, the Contented Cow had no large gun on the front and was fitted with a crane on the back. Kind of like a tow tank.
They had to go in and repair damaged tanks and get them back into action.
I recently came across a few old photos of him and the tank.
They were pretty faded but PhotoShop can do wonders.
I have been such a busy little beaver that I have had to stop my 365 days self portrait project ..... maybe I will start it again soon.
Spring has sprung and its all about new blossomings:
Looking for a new house with my boyfriend, quit my job, looking to establish myself as a full-time artist again, and starting a new phase in my life where everything is bright shiny and exciting.
Suffice to say I feel like life is exactly as I have always dreamt it to be.
Life is filled with unconditional love, possibilities, freedom, abundance and amazing people.
I'm very contented & grateful.
I keep pinching myself and high-fiving "God", the universe or whatever you want to call it
Its amazing how you can transform your life if you truly want to
You can have it all!
Having now walked north on the embankment, we are much closer to the Canada Geese on the old wharf. The turtle can still be seen, but not as clearly from this angle.