USO Canteen FReeper Style....Liberty R&R to Michigan .... July 20,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

.

.

CASUAL SATURDAY AT THE CANTEEN

Liberty commences at the beginning of today's
FReeper USO Canteen thread
and, depending on your division assignment,
expires when the new thread for Sunday is posted.

***** A special invitation to our troops and Veterans
to join us in today's cyber trip. *****

Michigan is the great outdoors—and the exciting variety of activities that go with an outdoor state. With over 3,200 miles of shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, 5,600 miles of snowmobile trails, dozens of downhill ski resorts and four national parks—there’s no need to miss out on a moment of outdoor fun.

Let's drive over to Holland, Michigan and see the beautiful Tulips.

Thank you DoughtyOne for the great ride today.

As we arrive in Hammond Bay we are up early enough to see the sunrise.

Our trip over to Mackinac Island is so special and we get a special place to stay for the day for all of us at the Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel beckons you to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm. Back to a time of horse-drawn carriages, Afternoon Tea, and croquet on an endless lawn. An era of dining to chamber music and dancing the evening away.

Here, no automobiles are permitted, and nothing intrudes on the serenity and natural beauty of the Island. The crown jewel of pristine secluded Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel has been the world's largest summer hotel since 1887.

For those that love to fish there is Stream Fishing.

Beautiful roses surround us at Anderson's Rose Garden.

Let’s travel the scenic Blue Star Highway between South Haven and Saugatuck, Michigan to discover some of Southwest Michigan's finest artwork. From pottery, sculpture and jewelry, to weaving, blown glass and paintings.

Over at the Original Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Michigan, where the internationally-beloved hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Rev. George Bennard wrote and completed the hymn in 1913. Pokagon is located in Cass County, southwest of Dowagiac.

A cool breeze come up and we enjoy the 11th Annual Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire.

Jugglers, jesters and jousters await thee at the 11th Annual Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire, which runs the last three weekends in July (July 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, 2002) at Kalamazoo County's River Oaks Park

Featuring sword battles to Celtic tunes and live theatre performances.

The Manistee Break Wall Lighthouse is very special to see.Lighthouses are such a wonderful part of our history.

Toward early evening it is such fun to go to the Venetian Festival on the St. Joseph River is Southwest Michigan's largest community celebration. Lasting four days and attracting more than 150,000 visitors annually, this event offers fun and activities for the whole family. With musical entertainment in four areas, children's activities, a sand sculpture competition, a juried craft show and the taste of Southwest Michigan, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

They took the name Venetian from the famed lighted boat parades in Venice Italy. Thus the Venetian Festival, and its signature events, was born.

Before heading back to our Canteen Cottage, we enjoy a parting goodbye to Michigan as we watch the Sunset on Lake Michigan.

God Bless our Troops and for those that are from Michigan, a special thank you today for serving our country.

[Snow Bunny]

.

.

.

Tribute To HEROES

.

If there's anything that identifies and personifies all military people, it's the dogtags.
It's one of the first things we get, and sometimes it's the last reminder of who we are.
They signify our unity of purpose and our dedication to our country.

COB1

.

.

Tribute to Vietnam Veterans
Please click on picture.

.

The great intangible of America's wars beyond logistics,
beyond strategy, beyond wonder weapons and Generals,
is the spiritual force of its fighting men and women -
and that is the force that the USO so serves.

.

Free Republic....Click for Donations

.

For our Troops, and supporters of
those serving now, and our Veterans.

Partners

.... ....

.

To Jim Robinson,
Founder of FRee Republic and Navy Veteran

Thank you, from all those
who frequent the FReeper Canteen

.....................................................................................................................................................................................

[Snow Bunny]

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you Misty.

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you Stumpy for sending this to me.

Between the field where the flag is planted there are 9+ miles of flower
fields that go all the way to the ocean. the flowers are grown by seed
companies. It's a beautiful place close to Vandenberg AFB.
Checkout the dimensions of the flag.

The 2002 Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains
the proper Flag dimensions as described in Executive Order #10834. This
Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 50
pointed Stars comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in
diameter; Each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain
more than 400,000 Larkspur plants with 4-5 flower stems each for a total
of more than 2 million flowers. You can drive by this flag on V Street
south of Ocean Ave. in Lompoc, CA.

Aerial photo courtesy of Bill Morson

[Snow Bunny]

[SAMWolf]

Morning Bunny. Looks like another good day for Liberty in Michigan.

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you,you are all so special in your wonderful support of our troops and the Canteen.

God bless our troops, their families and our Veterans.

[Snow Bunny]

Hi Sam ( big smile ) thank you so much.

[JohnHuang2]

Good morning =^)

[JohnHuang2]

[MistyCA]

Fantastic thread, Bunny! Thank you!!!!! :))

[Snow Bunny]

Hi John,

(((((((((((((( hug ))))))))))

Thank you!! Have a fabulous Saturday.

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you Misty. I was worried I did not add anything from Detroit and the music. Motown stuff. hahaha

[leadpenny]

A Hillsdale* Bump!

Good Morning to you two night owls.




*my original hometown. And when I think of heaven, I think of little Cub Lake outside of town where I grew up. Although, some of my friends back there would dispute the "I grew up" part.

[MistyCA]

Isn't that floral flag great? A lot of people who have allergies find it difficult to live in Lompoc because of all the pollen and the fairly constant winds. It's a neat little town right next to Vandenburg AFB.

[SAMWolf]

<=== Mash this

[SAMWolf]

<=== Mash This

[SAMWolf]

<=== Mash this

[MistyCA]

Yippee! Michigan sounds wonderful! I have not visited very much of that state and it is definately on my list of places to explore! A friend recently moved there and has been after me to visit! I have heard many, many wonderful things about that state from her! :))))) Thanks, Snow Bunny!

[Snow Bunny]

LOL.....I never want to grow, older yes but never stop being a big kid.

I love seeing you my dear friend.

(((( hug )))