Within one week, two soldiers that graduated from our local high school have died in Iraq. The first died in a helicopter crash and his funeral is going to be this morning. The second one died in a plane crash and will be buried in Arlington Cemetary.

Last night, our local TV station did a story about a radical group that is known for protesting military funerals plans to picket the first funeral. 10 members of the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church will picket not because of anything related to the war, but because they believe God is punishing the U.S. for homosexuality. They showed them with signs stating "God Hates the United States" and God has cursed the US".

Now another group - The Patriot Guard Riders, whose main mission is to honor fallen American heroes, has come forward and offered to act as a buffer between the protesters and those participating in the funeral. From what I understand they will attend the funeral as invited guests of the family and stand between the funeral party and the protesters holding US flags so that the funeral goers will not have to look at the protesters who by PA law must stay at least 500' away from the funeral party.

No matter what any of us think about the war in Iraq, it is sad that this families attempt to bury their own is going to be turned into a "circus". My heart goes out to them.

One of the things I will miss the most when we move is the view from my kitchen window. That is where I got the idea for the name of my blog "Jackie's View" The window faces east. Each morning I am able to take a quiet moment before the kids wake up, drink my cup of tea, and watch the sunrise before the day kicks into the normal craziness we call life. I will really miss this.

For some reason, this window has become almost like a friend to me. I could look out at the squirrels and birds in the trees outside while washing dishes. I could check on how the apricot trees in the yard were doing - anxiously awaiting the ripening of their delicious fruit. One year we had a pigeon nest right on the sill and I watched the mother and father take turns tending the nest and caring for the young birds.

In the new house, our kitchen window faces the west, so I guess I will have to watch the sunset instead. Of course, weather allowing, I can always take my cup of tea out onto our new front porch and watch the sunrise from there. /n

I have been busy lately packing items that I don't think I will be needing within the next month. Actually, I am surprised by the amount of things I have but I haven't used in such a long time. However, I am reluctant to part with many of these items in case they are needed for the future, so they are packed in boxes instead of being disposed of.

I know I am going to have less space in the new place and some things must be donated to the local Goodwill. Hopefully they can find new owners who will be able to give these items a loving home.

On the other hand, it is so easy for me to look at the items my two grandkids are packing and say to them "You don't need that." or "You will never use that again." Like my granddaughter who has 3 large Rubbermaid containers of stuffed animals - mostly Beanie Babies. They sit in her closet and every so often she brings them out and looks at them and then puts them back. I keep trying to get her to go through them and dispose of "just a few" of the ones she doesn't really want anymore. However her reply is that she loves each and every one of them and couldn't bear to part with them.

Then I think of my stash of craft supplies that take up so much room. It is so hard for me to part with even one tiny swatch of fabric or small ball of yarn that may be just the thing needed to complete a project I am working on. What if I give it away and it could be used! I have promised myself that after we move, I will concentrate on projects that will use up my stashes instead of purchasing more materials unless it is something I "really" need.

Oh well, I guess we can find room somewhere for all those stuffed animals that were her "friends" in younger days and hold alot of memories for her.

Back to packing.......

Well, I found my keys down the side of the recliner. The car still doesn't start though....think it might be the fuel pump.

I am so proud of my 16-year-old granddaughter, Amanda. She came home from school yesterday with information on the "Relay for Life" in which she wants to participate. This is the first time it will be held at our school.

In case you aren't familiar with the project, it is the American Cancer Society's fundraiser which will be held at different locations throughout the US. Participants become members of teams consisting of 8-15 people. On relay night particpants pitch tents and decorate in the theme their team has chosen and there is a 24 hour relay in which at least one member from each team must be on the track at all times. After dark, a Luminaria Ceremony is held where candles are lit in remembrance of those who have lost their battle with cancer and in honor of survivors. There is also entertainment, games, music, food, etc. to help raise additional money.

Amanda and Paul, my two oldest grandchildren lost their mother (my daughter) to Leukemia at the age of 26, so I know she understands what it is to lose a loved one. I am also thinking of taking part in the program, but I know I have to get in shape by starting to walk daily now. If anyone would like more information on the event, or to find out about one in your area, you can call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-227-5445, prompt #3.

Yesterday was a weird day for me. Everything that can go wrong did! But this morning, I decided that in order to meet my Happiness goal for this year, I needed and attitude change.
So here goes:

Yesterday:
My car wouldn't start again!

Today:
I am blessed with friends and family who will give me a ride when I need one.

Yesterday:
I lost my set of keys!

Today:
I still haven't found them, but I am happy that other family members will loan me their keys and the boss has an extra set of keys to the shop so I can open the office door. Also, I am happy that my boss is understanding and doesn't get mad that I have misplaced the keys to his business.

Yesterday:
I am panicing trying to organize what I need to get packed, get rid of, and wondering how I will get all this done before March 1.

Today:
I am thankful that I found an apartment that is still in the same school district, will save me money, I can have a garden, and Amanda can have her dog.

Hopefully, I can carry this new attitude throughout today and keep smiling.