Hillbilly was in one of the clearest, most positive and friendly mood I have EVER seen him today. I usually get along with him just fine, but today he was attentive and talkative, but willing to listen as well.

I brought him the Santa hat he requested last week. There was never a day where he was out wearing it, so I never asked if I could get a picture. But he was out today, and wearing it with pride. After I gave him breakfast (and lunch), I asked if I could get a picture. "Where do you want me? Over here? Where's the best light? I want to show this one to Sandro!"

Yes, Hillbilly has had his picture taken by Sandro Miller before. In the studio that is not too far from where Hillbilly resides. And this is not just a "tale", the picture is up on Sandro's website, a holiday reminder from a few years ago that we should not forget our military veterans.

Hillbilly has a LOT of tales to tell. And what I've found out is that quite a few of them are true. It really IS quite a life he has led.

And movie accurate ref lol

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out or omitting identification numbers.)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out or omitting identification numbers.)

Opium Ayumi in the Silkstone fashion, "Lavender Luxe." I wasn't sure if the dress would work with her aesthetic before I put it on her but I think it looks splendid on her!

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out or omitting identification numbers.)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck speaks to the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Alan Wang)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Alan Wang)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Alan Wang)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey) Portions of this image were masked for privacy reasons.)

Portage, Mich.

This sign held such a prominent place on my mental map of the Kalamazoo area when I was growing up that it was truly a shock to see it go. I could always count on the flashing orange arrow to mean "almost home" as we passed by on I-94 after a trip. It was notorious for never having the neon working on all of the letters at once, which only added to its charm. The motel remains, but the sign and one of the strongest personal landmarks which lent a sense of place to my hometown of Kalamazoo became a casualty of a freeway widening project. The replacement sign has a pleasant enough font, but it is a far cry from its predecessor.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey) (Portions of this image were masked for privacy reasons.)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Alan Wang)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2023) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the class of 2027 during Induction Day 2023. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy in-processing began today for midshipman candidates for the Class of 2026 who come directly from the fleet, attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, or are international students. The NAPS and prior-enlisted midshipmen candidates provide mentorship and guidance to their classmates during Plebe Summer, the demanding six-week indoctrination period intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy in-processing began today for midshipman candidates for the Class of 2026 who come directly from the fleet, attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, or are international students. The NAPS and prior-enlisted midshipmen candidates provide peer leadership to their direct-entry classmates during Plebe Summer, the demanding six-week indoctrination period intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett Walker)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 30, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy welcomes the midshipman candidates, or plebes, of the Class of 2026 during Induction Day 2022. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey) Portions of this image were masked for privacy reasons.)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

Continental Holiday Silkstone Barbie in a Fashion Royalty gown! I don't remember the name of it right now but it is gorgeous😍

Made to Move Barbie in one of the 2016 Barbie fashion packs!

Holiday decoration of the piney variety.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy in-processing began today for midshipman candidates for the Class of 2026 who come directly from the fleet, attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, or are international students. The NAPS and prior-enlisted midshipmen candidates provide mentorship and guidance to their classmates during Plebe Summer, the demanding six-week indoctrination period intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 29, 2020) The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming 4th class midshipmen, or plebes, of the Class of 2024 during a four-day induction process due to restrictions set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for this 2020 year. I-Day marks the beginning of a demanding six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer, intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)