As a college student in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Vietnam War was a vivid and troubling part of my life.
I did not agree with the war itself, but I certainly thought it was wrong to not support all the young people who were drafted into service -- or volunteered -- and were dying for our country. There were plenty of war protests held on college campuses across the country.
Every campus, including mine, held memorial services and moratoriums on classes when the tragedy of Kent State occurred.
I wore a POW/MIA bracelet in honor of a serviceman missing in action. Fortunately for that person, he was found and could return to his family. But that steel bracelet never left my wrist while he was still among the missing.
And so many memories came rushing back Saturday when I visited the Vietnam War Moving Wall Project at the Hatfield American Legion on Koffel Road.
I have been to the original memorial in Washington, D.C., but this exhibit was no less impressive. And once again I found the name of Larry Gleason, a boy who went to the same schools as I did and was in 4-H when I was. I also found the name of Robin Miller, the late brother of Martha, who has written about him and shared his letters in her blog, Mom on Caffeine.
It's hard to put into words how this Moving Wall could take me back through time to my teenage years, the turmoil of our country back then, the deaths of so many young people, the murder of a president and, later, his brother, and of civil rights leaders.
If you haven't yet visited this moving tribute, you can still do so today. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.
You, too, will be moved.
I should have been home doing the laundry, cleaning and mowing the lawn.
I had very good intentions of getting so much accomplished on Saturday.
And then my daughter texted and asked if I wanted to go on a garden tour. Wentz's United Church of Christ was holding its third annual tour, it was a gorgeous day ... well, it didn't take much to convince me to forget my chores and head out the door.
And what a great decision that was. The weather was perfect and the gardens were awesome!
A fantastic magnolia at Hidden Hollow Farm in Worcester. What a glorious spot this was ... I can only dream of ever having such an estate!
Very cool birdhouse at Hidden Hollow...
A tour of Pennypacker Mansion in Perkiomen Township ... inside and out ... was a real treat as well.
My personal favorite was the home of Melissa and Jim Jamison near Perkiomenville. It was so secluded, the boulders were fantastic and the love and labor that went into this site were hard to believe. My daughter said it would be like being on vacation year-round to live here ... I had to agree. I could have stayed there forever. I don't think the hosts would have approved, however...
What a potting shed!! It had everything, including a sink that looked just like the one I had in my first apartment!
So beautiful!
Of course I loved this whimsical cat at the Benner home near Pennsburg -- looks like one of my kitties (but he can't ride a bicycle!).
If you missed the tour this year, watch for it next year. Ditch those chores and take the tour!!
The first day of summer is here! And it's a beautiful day indeed.
Yes, it's that great day of the year when we enjoy the most sunlight.
Of course, as one of my friends reminds me, it also means that now we start losing that daylight, bit by bit.
No worries... just enjoy the summer, and all that it brings.
Here are a few photos to get you started...
Of course, all the thoughts of a busy summer may just wear you out. That's why Grim and Disaster advise taking plenty of naps...
HAPPY SUMMER!!
I can't believe Ken Zepp is gone.
Many of you surely know him, since he worked for The Reporter for so many years, both as a skilled photographer and a wonderful sports writer. He seemed to know everyone. He seemed to be a friend of everyone. He was so bubbly, so energetic.
So respected.
The news of his death this weekend has hit hard. And my deepest sympathies go out to his family.
I know this type of loss is devastating.
Ken was such a wonderful man, skilled photographer, true friend, compassionate, funny and a straight arrow. I loved his smile, sense of humor, Phils cap and his "set 'em up" line ... So many years of working with him at The Reporter came running back into my mind today.
He was so kind to my daughter as well, and she loved the photos he took for her over the years. We were just talking about him on Saturday, a few hours before we heard the initial rumors of his heart attack.
Ken, I'll never forget what a true gentleman and artful professional you always were. My deepest condolences to your family.
Ken, I hope they're "setting 'em up" in heaven for you.
Here is the obituary, from Huff & Lakjer in Lansdale...
Kenneth S. Zepp, 65, of Lansdale, passed away June 1, 2013 at Abington Health – Lansdale Hospital.
Born May 19, 1948 in Lansdale, he was a son of Elizabeth (Franklin) Zepp, of Lansdale, and the late Sherwood Zepp.
Ken served his country honorably with the U.S. Air force during the late 1960’s-70’s having served in Frankfurt, Germany. He was a player and coach for the Lansdale Legion baseball team and was very talented at both. He enjoyed formula one racing and was a close friend of the late race driver, Al Holbert.
A professional photographer by trade, he was formerly employed by the Reporter Newspaper and will be remembered for his many outstanding photos and articles that he contributed to the publication over the years.
Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, son and brother. His family has now lost a huge part of their lives. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children, Kevin Zepp and his wife, Crystal, of Garnet Valley and Samantha Asay and her husband, Christian, of Edmonds, WA; his grandchildren, Cooper, Makena, Kendall, and Aidan; and his brother, Charlie Zepp of Lansdale.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 1:30-3 PM, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446, followed by the memorial service at 3 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s name to the American Heart Association, 1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103 would be appreciated.
Don't you love lazy weekends? Nothing special to do, nowhere you have to be...
Ah yes, no one loves them more than my cats, I think.
Here's a glimpse at a few of them, dreaming the weekend away.
Domino and Marmi love sharing space on the bed....
Where you find Edward, you usually find Disaster (the buff-colored kitty)...
