THURSDAY MORNING WALK ~~ IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT ~~ PARTING SHOT

THURSDAY MORNING WALK

Last week we decided to go on a walk at Tahoma Cemetery. I know I have documented walks at this cemetery before, so I hope I don't repeat myself with pictures and videos already posted. Still, there were a few things going on there that were new.

A few days ago I saw a post on Facebook about a new memorial at Tahoma Cemetery to honor Yakima's only Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Jack J. Pendleton. Linda and I found the memorial without much trouble because there was a blue flag flying overhead. It is a very beautiful memorial. The back side of the headstone tells the story of how Sgt. Pendleton ordered his squad to stay back while he crawled toward the enemy. He was able to distract the enemy long enough for another squad to advance and complete the mission by knocking out the machine gun nest. Sgt. Pendleton was shot several times and killed within 10 yards of the machine gun. I'm glad he was finally recognized for his sacrifice.

Yakima's Medal of Honor Recipient

Sgt. Pendleton's original headstone

Continuing on in the cemetery, we came upon another veteran's grave that was sweetly decorated for the holidays.

Sad but sweet

We like to walk the cemetery in the summer months because everything is nice and green and the huge trees are full of leaves, providing welcome shade from the hot sun. However, in the winter the scenery is very bleak, with bare trees and not much color to be had.

Linda spotted some activity in one area, so we walked over to check it out. There is a Japanese Garden in the cemetery that was started a few years ago but work apparently was put on hold. On the day we walked, there was a cement truck pouring concrete footings around the circle area, so hopefully they will resume work on the gardens in the spring. It would be nice to have some plantings around the archway.

Japanese Garden in the works

If you would like to learn more about the Tahoma Cemetery, click on the link here to read an interesting article from our local newspaper.


Walking on around the cemetery, we came upon a group of birds. Linda recognized them immediately. So now we finally know where all the quail have gone...to the cemetery! This group was busy foraging around in the grass beside the road. It was strange to note that most of the quail in this group were males, as evidenced by their large topknots and black throats. Even though these are fairly large birds, they can still move pretty fast! It was so nice to see them again.

IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Yesterday Linda and I had a coffee date at Starbucks. We like to do this about once a month when we save up enough reward points to get a free drink. Our favorite Starbucks is the one on Summitview Ave, which is nearby our local bookstore, Inklings Bookshop. We like to go there and browse around after our coffee. One of the employees at the Summitview Starbucks made this gorgeous Christmas wreath out of coffee cups that had been dropped on the floor and were unusable. What a great idea! By the way, if you like an occasional holiday drink, but find them too sweet, ask for it "half syrup." Believe me, it is way better tasting!

A unique wreath

Nothing better than Starbucks holiday drinks!

PARTING SHOT

Summer Girl is taking every chance she gets to sleep on the big bed. I disturb her every now and then and I get a half-hearted "mew" for my trouble. At least when she's asleep she isn't trying to head-butt my camera!

Sweetie Pie!!

The Southerner in the Northwest is going to be taking some time off until after the first of the year, for holiday doings. Be sure to check back here on Wednesday, January 2nd, for our first 2019 post! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and Happy New Year. Be careful out there, my friends!