Outraged!

Today, I was running errands when I came upon a battalion of Marines from Camp Pendelton "fundraising" by running a car wash in a local mall parking lot. At first, I found this rather mysterious and wondered if it was legitimately the USMC. So, I inquired.

I was surprised that it was indeed the USMC, and after gathering my composure I asked more.

Thinking it was a local effort, I asked, "What are you fundraising for?"

Marine: "For equipment we will need in Afghanistan, Mam".

Me: "Equipment? What kind of equipment? Do you mean things like laptops and IPODs?"

Marine: "No Mam (they are so sweet and polite). For things like rifle supports to help keep them steady when we have to lie prone, Mam".

Dumbfounded, I asked him to repeat what he had just said. When he did, I said that I found this hard to believe. I asked what else.....

"Well Mam, things like gloves to help protect our hands, they have special knuckle protection so that if we need to we can use them as a weapon."

I asked who was in charge. I was assured that this battalion like others, will be given all they "need" upon deployment, but that the fundraising will buy them those things that will allow them do a better job...such as the rifle support, the gloves, special flashlights, knee pads.....and more.

When I asked how much they needed to raise to buy the things they need - the answer was, "About ten dollars a marine, Mam."

!!!!????!!!!

At $10 a head, these young men should not have to raise their own money for needed supplies to increase their chances of being an effective soldier and coming home alive. Before deployment, they should be spending their weekend time with their family, not in a parking lot washing cars for "any donation". There is something terribly wrong when the USMC cannot afford to provide ALL that is necessary to those fighting on our behalf.

I am sorry, I know this blog is not about politics, and is really sincerely meant for things of a peaceful nature....but, some things just have to be said.

Quilter's - do I sense some support here? We can start by writing to our members of congress.

Fall into Color

With school back in session and many sewing machines now being dusted off, many of us are looking for some new inspirations. When I think of Fall, some things naturally come to mind, one, is of course Houston. What an incredible quilting event, one that always seems to get my creative juices flowing.

However, the color changes during this time of year are unbeatable for a quick get away as well as inspiring vistas. Here, courtesy of VBRO, are some top scenic Fall self driving tours perfect for a quick weekend get-away. It's your chance to, "Leaf" all your worries behind this season.

Pick one of North America's most popular leaf peeping drives below and time your fall weekend getaway to watch the trees turn colors for some fun fall quilting inspiration and time with your family.

Park Loop Road - Acadia, ME
Mohawk Trail - Berkshire Mountains, MA
Brockway Mountain Drive - Upper Penninsula, MI
Kancamagus Highway - White Mountains, NH
Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive - Poconos, PA
Cape Breton Trail - Nova Scotia - Canada
Coconino National Forest All Around Peaks Loop - Flagstaff, AZ
Mt. Baker Scenic Skyway - Bellingham, WA to Mt. Baker, WA
San Juan Skyway - Durango, CO to Ouray, CO
Skyline Drive - Front Royal, VA to Cherokee, NC
Blue Ridge Parkway - Shenandoah Valley, VA to Smoky Mountains, NC