Memorial Day....

When "Memorial Day" comes around each year, my mind always go's to my grandfather "Daddy Tom"!  The photo above is of my sister, on one of the many trips we have made to Hollywood, Florida, to visit my grandfathers grave.  "Daddy Tom" died because of a war wound he received during his many years of service as a "Chief Warrant Officer" in the U.S. Coast Guard, during WW2.
I'm proud to say the USCG has always been a huge part of my family.. My Father, Uncle, Grandfather and both my "Lt. Son" and "First Class Son-in-law" are serving careers in the USCG.

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:
You can observe Memorial Day by

visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

by visiting memorials.

by flying the U.S Flag at half-staff until noon.

by flying the "POW/MIA Flag" as well.

by participating in a ""National Moment of Remembrance": at 3pm to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day.

by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

My thoughts go out to all who gave their lives, and to those who have and are serving our great Country. 

Family Room tables.. drab to fab!

I've had these three heavy duty tables for many years, and now that my entire design idea has turned to "White", it's time for them to make the change!
    At first I thought of 'Spray Painting", but, since I had  full gallons, of both "Primer and Cabinet Enamel" I thought better of buying new paint, as my cabinets came out beautiful and very durable. Time to  take them all out on the deck, and sand with my handy-dandy electric sander.   I want the 'Distressed' look.. so I did sand them to create 'worn' edges... after the paint, the 'worn edges' did not show? 

  The tables had only varnish on them so all I had to do was take off the shine... was  very fast work!

The first step in painting was the 'Kilz Primer"..... That first coat went on so beautifully I could have not even used the paint, it covered the wood so well.  For some reason "I love to paint with a brush"... relaxing to me!

Our weather here on the "Gulf Coast of South Florida" was in the 90's, so inside they went for the first coat of paint...The  paint went on so smooth.  I did let the first coat dry over night then applied a second.   

What a difference!  Really.  I have to tell you, my husband thinks "I've lost my mind" ( whow! In July we will be married 30 years!) Painting everything "White". "He will be a believer", when the entire house has taken on the "Soft hues" I'm after. ( to be quite honest, at this point in our lives, he really does not care what I do with the house.. he trusts me.) 

I'll tell you, "After living with dark wood for all these years"... 

"It's time for a change"!

I have a "Wine Rack" that I use as a stand, for the "Bird Cage" (notice it to the right of the end table, above),  blond wood, hmmmm?

Think I should paint that also?  Poor "Choopie and Molly"!! Their next!

"Run for your lives birdies"

Now I need to "Beat up the wood" a little,,,, but , it's so nice and clean looking?

Ok, Ok, when the outside is a bit cooler I'll take them on the deck, and do a bit of "distressing". But 'not today'... it's in the 90's again, and I'll surely pass-out!

To be continued......

I'm linking up to 


Second Round of Fabulous Friday