Month: November 2022

An Angel Went Back to Heaven

/ justdrivewillyou / 9 Comments

Oh, my sweet, sweet Lizzy…

For over fourteen years, you and your sister, Izzy, made our home a happy one. You filled it with love and laughter. Your sweetness warmed our hearts.

And now you’re gone, our hearts are broken, and our grief is almost unbearable.

You were so cute the day we brought you home from the shelter.

And you remained cute, and sweet, all your life. Mom and I told you so, several times a day. We had no children, so you and Izzy were our babies, and we loved you so very, very much. You were Mama’s girl; you gravitated toward her as Izzy did toward me, and she found you absolutely irresistible, as did I. We spoiled you every chance we got!

And I’m glad now we had those chances. I just wish we could have more.

We will miss you every day, Lizzy. Right now, it hurts so much. But you left us so many happy memories, sweet girl, and we will cherish them always.

And we’ll take good care of your sister for you. I promise.

Goodbye, sweet angel. You’ll live forever in our hearts. 🐈‍⬛❤❤❤❤

The Artful Dodger

/ justdrivewillyou / 2 Comments

I’m getting excited.

Elton John, my rock and roll hero for nearly 50 years, is performing Sunday night, November 20, from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Why is that a big deal, you say? Glad you asked.

One, this concert is his final North American appearance on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which concludes next year. His last stop in the USA, over 50 years after his epic American debut at the Troubadour Club (also in L.A.). The L.A. Times music critic, Robert Hilburn, attended that show and predicted in his review, “He’s going to be one of rock’s biggest and most important stars.”

Boy, was he ever right.

Two, this event will be livestreamed on the Disney+ streaming service, beginning at 7:30 P.M., Pacific Standard Time, with “Countdown to Elton Live” from Dodger Stadium, with the concert scheduled to start about 25 minutes later.

Dodger Stadium, in case you didn’t know, holds an important place in Elton’s history, as well as the stadium’s.

He performed two sold out shows there in October, 1975. The last act to perform in Dodger Stadium prior to that was…the Beatles, in 1966.

In 1975, Elton John was the biggest thing in rock music. His two latest albums, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy and Rock of the Westies, BOTH entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at Number One, the first time any artist had accomplished that. (Twice that year, he had four albums in the Top 200!) He sold out shows everywhere; over 100,000 people saw him over the two Dodger Stadium shows. He ruled the airwaves; you could hardly turn on the radio without hearing at least one of his hits.

Elton was at his zenith that weekend in Dodger Stadium, the biggest name in the world. Man, what that must have felt like.

And now, as he concludes a lifetime of touring, he returns to that summit one more time.

And he’s invited us all to join him. It’s gonna be an amazing experience, a helluva show.

I absolutely can…not…wait!

40 Photos from the 1982 Dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

/ justdrivewillyou / 4 Comments

Here’s a wall worth talking about. This month marks the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. D.C. This blog post from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund shares photos from November 13th, the day of the dedication. I share it with you, for your consideration and reflection. Gratitude and blessings to all our men and women in uniform, then and now, and Happy Veterans Day Friday. Larry

Your Stories. Your Wall.

In 2022 – we’re commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Throughout the year, we’re highlighting lists of 40 things related to the Vietnam war/era.

For the final month, we’ve compiled 40 photos from the 1982 Dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial:

A program from the 1982 Dedication laid at the base of The Wall.

A view of the George Washington Monument during the Dedication Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 13, 1982.

Once the Dedication ceremony was over, visitors were able to get an up-close view of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 13, 1982.

The back of the crowd during the Dedication ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 13, 1982.

A view from above the apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as veterans, friends, and family scour The Wall looking for names on November 13, 1982.

Jan Scruggs, founder of the Vietnam…

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I Did It

/ justdrivewillyou / 1 Comment

Okay, I just went and voted this morning. Fortunately, it was quick and easy.

Have you voted yet? If not, today’s the day!

Remember, in the U.S.A., we have a say in how our country is to be governed. That is our privilege, it is our right, and our responsibility.

I’m sure you’ve already heard and read enough about what’s at stake this year, so I won’t rehash it all here. You know.

So go, if you haven’t already, and help us determine our future.

And here’s a reminder from TokyoSand at politicalcharge.org:

And remember, if you run into any problems casting your ballot, (or know of anyone who has issues), call (866) OUR-VOTE immediately. The trained volunteers at the Election Protection Hotline will be able to help you.

Have a good day, and thanks for voting! 😊🇺🇸