Hello Everybody……………….today is the day we remember all those who have fought for our country in the military or in any other capacity to make us the “land of the free”. Before I bring on the Memorial Day Picnic goodies (of course I have food!), I want to take a minute to remember my Grandpa………….my Mom’s Dad was a career Air Force officer and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. My Mom has the flag that draped his casket and keeps it in her studio in a case so it stays beautiful forever.

This is my Grandpa two years before he went to the Bridge, escorting my Mom down the aisle when she married my Dad!
My Mom wrote this poem in memory of her Dad several years after he passed away……………
IF I COULD HAVE KNOWN
Pamela June Kimmell
Time has softened the razored edge of loss
His final breath is no longer my first memory
I can see things now that I couldn’t see then
For I was young and always right
Now I appreciate the words of wisdom he spoke
For what they really were…..
A Father’s hope for his daughter’s happiness.
We hope all of you have a special day of memories and love – and however you choose to acknowledge or celebrate it, remember the reason for the holiday!
NOW – on to my Memorial Day Picnic/Party!!!!
Now if you want to continue with some fun – head over to my friends Raz from Friends Furever AND Gracie from Goodness Gracie – because THEY have even MORE Memorial Day fun in their blogs!!!! Just click the posters for each blog and ENJOY YOUR DAY!
See you all tomorrow for TUESDAY TEASER!!!!!!!
Hugs, Sammy
That poem is wonderful and I so agree… and today I understand that our dad’s always were there to protect us and to help us to live a life full of happiness… Have a good Memorial Day, enjoy the food and the time with friends and please ask for a doggie bag for me :o)
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Hi Easy! I’ll mail you a doggy bag full of food (I wonder what the mailman will think of that!!!!)….hahaha….how about instead of me sending food, I just think of you while I’m munching away at the picnic today? You’re right – we’re all SUPER lucky that so many were willing to fight for their country and make the world a better place……my Grandpa was SO proud to have a career in the military – I guess Cat Scouts is my contribution????
Love, Sammy
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Sammy I’m afraid the postman will call the pawlice when the doggie bag arrives… it probably smells like crime after that 87 years La Poste will need :o) I’m sure your Grandpa would be proud of the Cat Scout Sammy… and he would smile while reading about your adventures :o) (and he probably would laugh at our wild guesses at your tuesday teasers lol)
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Oh Easy I think you’re right – the pawlice would think I’d mailed a body part that went bad!!!! EEEEK!!!! Well never mind about that……trust me though – it sure tastes GOOD! I like to think of my Grandpa watching me and Mom have fun at Cat Scouts and with our lives PERIOD. My Grandpa knew some of my Mom’s other cats in life but didn’t get to meet me……I think I would have liked him! See you in the morning for Teaser!
Hugs, Sammy
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I also had a grandpa and uncle who served in the military. So proud. Great pictures, S.!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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I’m sure you’re super proud of your grandpa and uncle Cupcake………….it’s a day to remember all they did to make our world a better place! Have a super duper day!
Love, Sammy
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Lovely poem! He looks so proud in that picture. Sweet memories. Happy Memorial Day, Sammy. Looks like some serious picnicking going on!! xx
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Lovely poem by your mom, Sammy.
What a great picnic! Motor Mommy loves those red, white and blue deviled eggs!
Love, Sundae
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Great food don’t you think Sundae? Thanks for the comments on Mom’s poem – she wrote that over 20 years ago………..it still rings true!
Love, Sammy
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OH, Sammy and Mom, I have tears reading your poem regarding your daddy. I understand the heartbreak when he passed. I still miss my dad so much. Now, I am coming for some of that roasted corn on Memorial Day! Mommy can’t have any! She’s not a kitty!! xxooxx
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That’s right Katie! No humans allowed (well MAYBE a nibble or two?!). I’m glad you liked my Mom’s poem….some heartaches just never stop.
Love and Hugs, Sammy
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Your Mom’s poem is lovely. Funny how we see things differently as we get older.
I’m sure your Grandpa is very proud of your achievements as a Cat Scout.
The picnic bash if fantastic…we’ve got loads of food too….come on over.
The Florida Furkids
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Hi Raz! I stopped by your place – YUM!!! It’s quite a nice picnic at Scouts too – thanks so much for your help my dear friend. I will miss you when your humans are out and about……truly I will.
Love, Sammy
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Your Mom’s poem is very sweet… I am sure he is very proud of her. It is a special day, we always remember those who fought to keep this great place we live free.
Enjoy this special day!
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Hi Miss Pix! I hope you and CH are having a quiet and cheeseburger-filled Memorial Day holiday……….my Mom and Dad are cooking out tonight but not cheeseburgers (sadly) – they’re having what Mom calls “WIBS” (hahaha). Some nice BBQ pork ribs and corn on the cob. I’ll watch from afar. Ribs are not my “thing”….now if you wrapped those babies up in bacon – MAYBE!
Love, Sammy
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WIBS! We have had a wonderful Memorial Day holiday and know you have too! Tonight, after all the FOOD, we had chili mac… Steak and Shake style. CH would do almost anything for those WIBS you are having! Hugs and scritches to you Sammy! Is it Fall yet?
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Oh man I have a feeling I’m gonna wish it was FALL by the time this week is over! It’s gonna be in the 90s all week – eek. The WIBS were FABUWOUS (haha) so says Mom. I’m glad you and CH had a good Memorial Day too!! Onward to the Teaser this morning…………tee hee
Hugs, Sammy
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What a lovely poem — time does bring understanding.
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Yes – and the maturity to realize that what was tough at the time, was from love………………
Hugs, Pam
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PAM WHAT A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO YOUR DAD….I WISH I HAD THOUGHT TO USE MY DAD’S FLAG LIKE YOU DID. LOTS OF HUGS CECILIA
MADI AND HER ‘MYSTERY GUEST’ WILL BE AT THE PICNIC!!
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Oh we’re so excited Buttons is at the picnic!!!! WOO HOO!!! Thanks for the compliments on my poem Cecilia – the flag in the case is in my studio and I say “hi” to my Dad whenever I enter the room………he’s always here and always in my heart. I know you feel the same way. Having fun at the picnic!
Love, Pam and Sam
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That is a beautiful poem and photo of your Mom with her Dad. My Sammy will see you at Scouts- party time 🙂
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YAY SCOUTS PICNIC!!!!!!! Glad you liked Mom’s poem too! 😉
Hugs, Sammy
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We enjoyed the poem. Happy Memorial Day Sammy.
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Good to see you Brian…….hope you’re having a RESTFUL day!
Hugs, Sammy
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Sweet post. Have a blessed day.
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Thank you!!!! We hope your day is special too………..
Hugs, Sammy
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What a lovely poem. Happy Memorial Day to you all.
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Thank you Christy! Hope you’re having a good Memorial Day……….
Love, Sammy
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Dat be a bootyful poem Ms. Pam. And a gweat pposty Sammy. We will take a bit of everyfin’ ‘cept da beans. Weez’ll skip those. MOL
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
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HAHAHA on the beans….I “get” ya! Glad you liked the poem – that was written over 20 years ago by my Mom but she still feels that way……….
Love and Hugs, Sammy
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MOL Glad yous get it Sammy. MOL
Yous mommy weally luvved hers daddy, we can tell.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
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Most excellent Memories! Wes sorry wes has to forgo the picnic, Mommy ate something yesterday that has caused all kinds of distress and mes must takes cares of her.
Kisses
Nellie
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Oh Nellie I’m sure with you taking care of your Mom she’ll be fine very soon……..I know you’re an EXCELLENT nurse!
Love and Hugs, Sammy
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Lovely tribute. Have a great Memorial Day ! Purrs
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Thank you so much! 😉
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Happy Memorial Day! My human’s dad served during WWII… although he never left the U.S.
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Hi Summer! There were a whole lot of people “behind the lines” who supported all those out front and if not for everyone doing their bit, the conflicts might have turned out differently. Bravo for your human’s Dad!!
Hugs, Sammy
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What a beautiful tribute to your Grandpa and to all who served our country so well!!
Happy Memorial Day.
Woos – Ciara and Lightning
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Thanks Woos……………….and we hope you’re having a terrific Monday tooooo!
Love, Sam
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Sammy that poem was beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us. Your picnic is meowvelous too! xoxo
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Thanks for stopping by Miss Caren and Cody! It was a wonderful day……..glad you liked Mom’s old poem…….my Mom was truly a “Daddy’s Girl”!
Love, Sammy
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Have a happy Memorial Day
Lily & Edward
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We hope you kiddos have a great one too!!
Love, Sammy
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Happy Memorial Day! Loved the picture of your Mom and Grandpa.
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My Mom loves that photo too………………sweet memory.
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Happy Memorial Day!
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Right back atcha Travis!!!!! 🙂
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MMM pizza an cake was deelishuss Unccle Sammy!!
Wee saloot Lady Pam’ss Pappaw! *standss to attenshun*
Fank you to all thee peeple what keeped our countriess safe fur us today….
An fankss Unccle fur a luvley BarBQ event.
**nose kissess** Siddhartha Henry an ((hugss)) LadyMum xxxx
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Thanks for joining us for the Memorial Day picnic Siddhartha!
Love, Uncle Sammy
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Yur berry wellcome Unccle Sammy an Lady Pam!!!
Thee bacon on thee pizza was so-o good!!! 😉
**Hi-5’SS** neffkitty Dharth Henry xxx
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Happy Memorial Day, Sammy. That poem is really nice. Your grandpa sounds like he was a great guy.
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Glad you liked Mom’s poem and hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!
Hugs, Sammy
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Love the poem Sammy’s mom. Very touching. Mom is all choked up because she feels the same way. Vets are important.
(((Shoko)))
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Hi Shoko………..glad you liked Mom’s poem to her Dad……..and hope you had a nice time at the Picnic at Scouts!!!!!
Love, Sammy
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The poem was beautiful. The picnic was awesome. Just like all the cat scouts event are. Did you do the Botany test? Do you know I tried it twice and would hit a key and get thrown out and once out you can’t get back in. Denmaster must think I was particuliarly stupid on the weekend. Never did get it all done. I have 2 tests that are partially done. It was sure easy to be thrown out.
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Glad you liked my Mom’s poem!!!! I agree that it was a fab Memorial Picnic and really I guess the botany thing was a pain in the tushie but OK………we got thrown off once too RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING and I panicked and wrote Denmaster – fortunately she was online at the time and wrote right back and said “no worries – just log in with a different name and password” so I did and all was well…….too bad people got thrown off – like you did and some others but EVENTUALLY everyone who was GOING to take the test will. I saw that she said she’d work on yours and another one to make sure you could finish it!!
Hugs, sammy
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That was a truly beautiful post. America is Australia’s big brother and freedom of speech is something that we value over all.
God bless all those who fought so we can live in peace. ❤
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Well said………We’re reminded of freedom of speech every time we do our blog…..and visit everyone else’s…..and we truly do honor EVERYONE who by their sacrifice made the world a better – and safer – place to be!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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Oh my, oh my! How mouth-watering, finger-licking yummy!
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Indeed!
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Happy Memorial Day Sammy. How special that your mom got to keep the flag from your Grandpa’s funeral.
Wally & Sammy
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Hi Wallace and Samuel!!! My Grandpa had a full military honors funeral at Arlington National Cemetery and part of that is giving the family the flag that was on the coffin. It sure is nice to have it in a case to keep it forever and ever!!!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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Your mother’s words brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing and I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day.
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Glad you liked my Mom’s poem!
Hugs, Sammy
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Hey, Sammy, any leftovers hanging around. Your noms look incredible so we sure hope so. Mau stuffed himself at Cat Scouts yesterday, and the rest of us did the same at Raz and Allie’s party. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
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It was quite a day for food but then again, that’s almost always the case on a holiday with Scouts (or almost ANY day at Scouts come to think of it!). Glad you enjoyed visiting the blogs AND thanks for coming to the Scouts “do” ! It was just plain GREAT!
Hugs, Sammy
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What a beautiful poem – and so nice to see the picture of your mom and grandpa!
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Thanks – Mom STILL thinks the words she wrote back then apply!!!
Hugs, Sammy
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