On Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, after an active weekend working on various projects around the house, the vineyard, and in our winery, we went to a BBQ held at our friends’ vineyard. We had lovely time. The weather was absolutely sublime, sunny and warm enough but not too hot. My contribution to the feast was a huge pitcher of Sangria infused with lots of fruits, mixed together with our red wine and brandy. It was a nice drink to go with the appetizers and grilled meat served at the BBQ. It was a hit. I also made a rum cake from scratch. The cake was soaked in rum that I bought and carried home from Grand Cayman. My piece of rum cake was yummy with sips of Sangria. It was quite a pleasant day. Of course, being among wine lovers and winemakers, we also have various wines from Ramona as well as other places in the world. Good food, good wines, wonderful company and lively conversation with lots of laughter. It was indeed a wonderful world!

Before the BBQ started, our friends had a Memorial service carried out with help from the local VFW chapter and a local couple who provided a cannon and a WWII Jeep. So there we were having our own private Memorial service for the veterans on Memorial Day. Sweet! As I listened to the speeches, the salute and music, and watched the whole scene played out in front of me, my heart was filled with gratitude for the freedom and liberty that I have enjoyed as an American because of the sacrifices of the men and women who serve this country with courage and honor. Then my thoughts went to the three important men of our lives who had sacrificed and served their countries with honor: Carl James, my God grandfather, my father and my father-in-law. Although they are no longer with us, they are always our heroes. To the present, I am thankful for having our cousin, Frank, in our lives. Frank has inspired us and continues to be our role model just by being who he is and what he represents. Frank has served in both Korea and Vietnam wars. His long service in the U.S. Marines meant so much to me and all of us in the family. What we have today is because of many people like Frank who have given so much to this country and to the world by their actions and sacrifices.