Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

Wilson Arch

We stopped to water the dogs and take a break from driving at Wilson Arch along US 191 south of Moab, UT. We’ve seen this arch many times over the years as we navigate through Utah. Photo from my Samsung Galaxy. Clickable.

From Brave Leo AI:

Wilson Arch is a natural sandstone arch located in southeastern Utah, just off U.S. Route 191 in San Juan County, 24 miles south of Moab. It has a span of 91 feet and a height of 46 feet. This arch is easily accessible and can be viewed from the road, with turnouts and interpretive signs available.

For those interested in exploring further, a short 0.4-mile hike offers a spectacular view of the majestic rock formation and the blue Utah sky beyond. The hike is considered easy and rewarding, with a chance to stretch your legs and explore the natural marvel up close.

Wilson Arch is also a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts, with the changing light and shadows around the arch providing endless inspiration. Its imposing structure, set against the vast desert sky, creates a striking contrast that begs to be captured.

11 Jul 2025 by Photography Retirement Travel Wanderlust 0

Monument Valley

After sort of a long day of travel, we’re camping in Monument Valley for a couple of days. The trip was uneventful and only punctuated with a little summer rainfall north of the San Francisco Mountains in Northern Arizona.

We will be traveling eastward but not before heading north from here up into Colorado to drop by a couple of Ancestors burial places. More on those stops later.

Meanwhile, we’re relaxing in the valley made famous by John Ford, John Wayne and others in various cinematic performances of yore. Regardless of the cinematic fame, this place is awesome and one of God’s greatest creations.

08 Jul 2025 by Photography Travel Wanderlust 0

Happy 249th, America!

Happy Independence Day, America! On the 249th anniversary of independence from our tyrannical overlords of yore, we seem to be enjoying much in the way of prosperity, peace and the blessings from above.

From The Patriot Post:

On July 3rd, the day before the Continental Congress affirmed our Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that the 4th of July “ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” He continued, “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

He added: “You will think me transported with Enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

The defense of Liberty requires eternal vigilance…

Image above: Proudly flying our National and State flags over our little domicile. Click on the image to view enlarged.

Today, we celebrated with prayers and thanks for our freedoms, followed by a steak and salad dinner.

UPDATE: Here is an interesting AI generated spam comment linked to some irrelevant music platform:

Really appreciate how you tied John Adams’ words to the present moment—his vision of posterity ‘triumphing’ feels especially relevant as we reflect on 249 years of hard-earned freedom. Your mention of prayer and gratitude before a simple, celebratory meal struck a meaningful balance between tradition and mindfulness. It’s a good reminder that patriotism can be both spirited and reflective.

It’s interesting how the AI robot parses the post and then generates a somewhat apropos comment. Of course, we won’t link to their clickbait. AI comments are getting to be more frequent, but still caught by the Askimet anti-spam plug-in.

04 Jul 2025 by Arizona Holidays Patriotism 0

A Hardy Feast on Fathers Day

It is interesting that “Fathers Day” and “Hardy Feast” are anagrams of one another; that is, each phrase contains all the same letters in a different order.

In fact, the entire weekend – Friday the 13th, Flag Day and Fathers Day each featured a “Hardy Feast.” Patty Melts on Friday, a Seafood Bake on Flag Day and Surf and Turf with Beef Tenderloin Steaks (a.k.a. Filet Mignon) and Salmon Steaks served with a green salad on Fathers Day.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads, Granddads and Great Grandads out there. If there are any Great-Great Granddads left, then a special shout out to y’all.

15 Jun 2025 by Family Food & Dining Holidays Humor Notions

Flag Day 2025

About Flag Day

Flag Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. The flag has a rich history and is a symbol of freedom and justice, with its design representing the 13 original colonies and the 50 states. The flag’s colors have specific meanings: red represents valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The first flag of this design was carried into battle on September 11, 1777, during the Battle of Brandywine. Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed nationally, and Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday. The largest Flag Day celebration in Michigan takes place in Three Oaks, which claims to be the nation’s largest Flag Day celebration.

Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, was born on June 14, 1946. This date coincidentally coincides with Flag Day, which is celebrated on June 14th to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag.

June 14 is also the 250th anniversary of the Commissioning of the United States Army. Hooah!

About our Flags

In the image above, we proudly fly the American Flag on most days of the year. The flag shown in the image was manufactured in the USA by Grace Alley Flags, a company that produces high quality flags available from their website or through Amazon. Their flags have embroidered stars and sewn stripes. No cheap printed colors.

We have recently procured another high-quality American Flag, also produced in the USA, from Alliance Flags, who produce the similar quality as the Alley flags, but cost about three times as much. As of this writing, Alliance is offering a 25% discount across their product line. You may have seen Alliance advertising on TV in recent weeks.

14 Jun 2025 by Holidays Notions Patriotism Something Shiny

Operation Overlord 81st Anniversary

Image credit: deviantart.com.

Operation Overlord: A Turning Point in World History

Operation Overlord was the codename for the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France during World War II. It took place on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, and marked a significant turning point in the war. The operation involved a massive airborne assault and amphibious landing on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast.

The invasion was carried out by a coalition of American, British, Canadian, and French forces, with the goal of liberating Western Europe from German occupation. The operation involved over 156,000 troops, 5,000 ships and landing craft, and extensive air support. The Allied forces faced fierce resistance from German troops, but ultimately secured a foothold on the continent. The successful execution of Operation Overlord paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe.

After all of the blood treasure lost during the “Crusade in Europe,” it is a damn shame that many of the “liberated” European countries have gone to the hard left and are again flirting with socialist policies that generally have doomed nations in the past. Combine that tendency with the influx of foreign (read Islamist) insurgents to further endanger the citizenry to “intifada.”

We pray daily for the Almighty to temper the growth of the invasion and to restore freedom and for those nations to eject the invaders.

On this anniversary of D-Day, we will be remembering the efforts of the western nations and our USA Armed Forces to liberate Europe from the evils then, and praying for those nations to regain the liberty that they were given by the sacrifice of so many who believed in restoring their freedom in 1944.

06 Jun 2025 by Military Nostalgia

Memorial Day 2025

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan

Honoring the Fallen

As we observe Memorial Day, we remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Their ultimate act of service is a testament to the enduring spirit of patriotism and courage that defines our nation. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, American heroes have fought and died for our country, leaving behind families, friends, and communities forever changed by their loss.

Let us reverently remember them on this Memorial Day.

26 May 2025 by Holidays Military

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