View From The Bridge 11/13/19

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
11/13/19

VETERANS DAY
It is now shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Monday 11/11. It is very cold, the temperature at 2 above zero. However, the sun is shining brightly that makes it look warmer than it is.

I am ready to be picked up at 10:45 a.m. to attend the ceremony at the Veterans Park. What is called the “Veterans Cross” is being dedicated in the park this morning.             

I am writing about this because some of our readers on the internet did not see the article in the River Press. They have told me that the View keeps them in touch with the old home town. I wish you were here to celebrate with us although the cold will keep some people at home.

I’ll get back to you when I return this afternoon. The VFW has invited those of us who attend to have lunch at the Club House.

It is now 12:30 p.m. and I just returned to the apartment after having a very moving time at the Veterans Park. Yes, it was cold but I was not cold at all. I was so engrossed with the ceremony of the Veterans Cross dedication and laying of the bricks.

It began with the school choir singing the National Anthem. There was a very good crowd because of the many youngsters who attended besides the choir. The dedication took place, the 21-gun salute, singing of Shenandoah (my favorite song) by the Choir, and Commandant Wood asked that the bricks be placed. Those who ordered bricks early found their brick and placed it on the walkway. It was done with a very proud feeling for those Vets who served but are no longer with us as well as for those that are with us now. God bless America and all of you too. We would not be free if it were not for you.

We then proceeded to the Club House where the VFW provided us with Beef Barley soup, chili, and corn bread. It was a perfect luncheon after being out in the cold. Thank you to the VFW. You are such an important part of the community as is the American Legion.

Keep the Veterans in your daily thoughts. They need all the support that you can give them. With losing 22 Vets a day to self-destruction, it is something that it is difficult to understand for those of us who are untrained. Hopefully it will be resolved quickly.

TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER
We are off again on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. to the Golden Age Senior Center for a free dinner for Vets. What a wonderful idea and I, for many, say thank you to the seniors. Most of them are of the Greatest Generation and know the horrors of war. Keep them in your thoughts also as they slowly disappear.


ENOUGH ALREADY
By the time you get this issue of the River Press November will be almost half over. Winter should make its appearance a little over a month from now when the days begin to lengthen.

Meanwhile……we have been tolerating cold rain that turns into ice, and snow. The calendar relates to six weeks of winter already. Woe is me!
           
I know that I keep promising that I will not discuss the weather again BUT what else is there to talk about. I could talk about how early stores are pushing the Christmas season. But that is not a favorite subject. (Where do early shopper parents hide presents for two months? Yes, it would be that long as Christmas sales started before Halloween.
             
I asked the manager of a store, several years ago, why they began Christmas shopping in October. His reply was that they had to order early in the year and when it was delivered there wasn’t any place to store it. So……they put it out. (What do you think about that reasoning?)

I do not indulge in social media and I am wondering what is going on there. Are there complaints about this subject? Call me if you have any of that kind of information. (I’m in the book.)

THANKSGIVING
I’m on to a more pleasant subject. The holiday is late in the month this year. That leaves three weeks until Christmas. Hopefully it will fly by.
             
We have so much to be thankful for. Fort Benton is such a blessing for all of us. We haven’t had a flood for many years, no horrendous fire, or losing electricity for days at a time. We have dedicated volunteers who arrange events to keep us out and about. There is always something going at be it at the Library, the Ag Center, and other gathering places.

I am mentioning this because I saw a 100- year old woman on Backroads of Montana a couple of weeks ago. She was such an inspiration because she enjoyed every minute of every day. In her late 90’s she took up “POOL.” She said she did not want to sit around twiddling her thumbs. GO 100-YEAR OLD WOMAN.
           
Even though our weather isn’t perfect, I know that there is no other place you would rather be. Think about it!

FOOTBALL & VOLLEYBALL
Awesome! What an exciting season for all of your fans including me. It has been a long time and thanks to the coaches who are doing such a fabulous job with the Youngsters who give so much time for practice. GO LONGHORNS!

REMINDERS
CCPA coming up on Tuesday the 19th. Hallie Loren has the most beautiful voice and you should not miss this one.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Coming up in December but purchase your wreath as soon as possible. Call Nancy LaChapelle to order. There isn’t a better way to remember your loved one. You get the wreath placed at the cemetery if you cannot do it. I know that personally, would not be able to shop for a wreath and take it to the cemetery. I want to remember my loved one at Christmas and how convenient for Wreaths Across America to do it for me. JUST DO IT!

CHOUTEAU COUNTY COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
It is coming up on December 6th, 7th, and 8th. It is not too early to be making your list and checking it twice. I love this event for the entertainment, the Taco Soup and Sandwiches to take a break with. Besides shopping until you are dropping. See you there!

BINGO
Next Monday night is Bingo night at the Club House by the VFW. I never thought that I would ever be playing Bingo but I love it and the night out. It is a barrel of laughs and wonderful to see old and new friends. See you there too!

ABOVE ALL…BE KIND.
TRY TO DO A GOOD DEED EVERY DAY.
VOLENTEER WHEN YOU CAN TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
LIGHT ONE LITTLE CANDLE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICEOFFICERS, FIREMEN AND WOMEN, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’S.