Blog Your Blessings: Burnt Bridge Creek Trailhead Walk!

Nothing like a short walk on the trail on an "Indian Summer" day like Thursday!  (Looking down on the trail head from stairs above).

Yes, once again I traveled the first part of the Stewart Glen trail.

Autumn colors have arrived!  At least some of them!

That blue sky wasn't half bad either!  This shot would make a good jigsaw puzzle. . .

I thought it was an apple tree but looking closer, I discovered a pear!

Several bridges cross Burnt Bridge Creek along this trail.

Autumn is showing up slowly at Burnt Bridge Creek!.

Burnt Bridge Creek made a perfect backdrop for this shot!

When the seedpods have burst open, you know FALL HAS ARRIVED!  It's not too hot and not too cold for a walk along Burnt Bridge Creek's first 2 miles.  This was one of my blessings this week. If you want to join, go here: http://slchome.blogspot.com Sandy (I forget how to make a link.)

Pretty in Green

Each year, the lady that lives here puts different kinds of metals in the soil and these flowers become different colors.  It is always exciting to see what color she chose for this year.  Unique!

Any way you look at it . . .

 

 

 It's beautiful!

The changing colors of Autumn . . .

 

 

God sure gives us a new gift each Autumn!

Contrast in green with pink surprises

Saw this scene near my bank . . . the contrast of greens was surprising and caught my eye  BUT the pink flowering seedpods were most unexpected.  I have no idea what the tree is, , , and surprised to see something "blooming" in the Fall.

Autumn returns gracefully . . .

A few more of the trees are showing signs of autumn. . . and it rained again finally on Thursday.

In Remembrance . . .

On Wednesday afternoon, I attended the POW-MIA ceremony called "In Remembrance" and held on the VA hospital property/memorial garden site in Vancouver.  The ceremony was very moving.  I could not help but shed a few tears for those families who still hope to learn something of their family members who served in Vietnam and 

never

returned. . .

.

In Remembrance

The table is set for one, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men:  REMEMBER!

The tablecloth is white, symbolyzing the purity of their motives when answering the call to dury.  REMEMBER!

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the families and the loved ones who keep faith awaiting their return.  REMEMBER!

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.  REMEMBER!

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.  REMEMBER!

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers,  REMEMBER!

The glass is inverted, as they cannot share a toast with us.  REMEMBER!

The chair is empty, they are missing.  REMEMBER!

Copies of the above words were also available to anyone who wanted them.

The merchant seaman was not a part of the military but were drafted into service during war.  This honor of recognition is well overdue.

This reflecting pool for the MIA-POW has individual bricks with names of missing in Vietnam.  The water re-circulates in several places around the edge.  There are 5 benches  around the edges of the garden setting (not shown).  It is very moving!

The Korean War Memorial is very touching-- the bench is a part of it.  One day, I will post to my bench blog again and show you both sides which are beautiful addition to the monument it faces.

CLICK to enlarge and read the words.  They say it all!

I almost missed out on the cake by time as I circulated around the gym at the VA looking for interesting information at the tables!  

This was a wonderful ceremony. . . I am glad I found out about it!  I hope you enjoyed the photos and words of this experience,

Silhouette in the sky. . .

Sometimes the sky is not pure blue but overcast. . . not to worry, my camera and I find photo opportunities anyway. . . (taken earlier this summer.)

Whose been painting the leaves?

It looks like someone spilled powdered milk on this leaf. . . CLICK on it to see how beautiful all the veins are!

Pretty in Pink . . .

Autumn might just be right around the corner BUT this flower doesn't know it as it stands there and struts its beauty!

Honoring fallen comrades on this day in history 10 years ago. . .

This origami bird was made by clerks at a "paper place" the day after September 11th, 2001.  I chose this young woman's family to pray for.  She was only 24 when her life was taken from her on 9-11

This poster is in a window across the street from where I live.  I asked the manager if I could have it when they are finished displaying it..  He told me to come see him then. . . Hopefully, I can get a better photo of it when it is  not in the bright sunshine we have experienced the last week.  Enlarge it by CLICKING on it to read the words at the bottom of poster.

God bless America and keep her free forever!  Truly a blessing to live in America!