I went to a memorial service today. Christina, a good friend of mine, lost her mother in December and held a memorial service today. Her mother served in the U.S. Army during WWII, so the army provided a color guard. Chris asked me and my sons to attend in our full dress Pathfinder uniforms, and we were happy to honor her mother’s service that way.

Chris asked our pastor to deliver a message during the service, but he was unable to do so, as he was out of town. I was surprised when Chris asked me to do that, but I agreed, and it actually went pretty well. The Pathfinders (including me) stood in formation next to a table which held a box for her flag and an urn with her ashes. The color guard marched in and stood at attention. Then Chris made some opening remarks, telling a few stories about her mother. Following that, I spoke my piece (based on John 11, 1 Thessalonians 4, and John 14). Then I returned to the PF formation and the color guard folded the flag and presented it to Chris. The PFs were standing at attention, facing away from the color guard, so we didn’t get to see that part. Afterwards there was a buffet.

When we got home and changed, I went outside with Penny (my dog) and Beth (my daughter). I logged my flowers the previous day, so there was not too much more to do in that regard.

I decided to look for animal tracks at the pond, having found some chipmunk tracks there the day before. Today I saw none though, other than the tracks Penny made as she chased her soccer ball into the water. Beth and I went to the garage and I was able to find my mason’s trowel. Then we returned to the pond and smoothed out the mud (so we’ll have an easier time finding new tracks tomorrow). I let Beth work the trowel and she did great until Penny sprung out of the pond and shook her fur dry right next to her. Beth got all wet and then cried, so I told her she should go in a take a bath (which she did). Tomorrow morning I’ll check the mud again and look for more tracks. I’ll hafta check, but I think this is the last requirement I need before I can get my Animal Tracking honor.

So. I guess that’s my first post. I dunno where this blog will go, but we’ll see.