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Happy Memorial Day

5/24/2013

2 Comments

 
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A few random musings as we enter the Memorial Day Weekend ...

*  I always love Memorial Day weekend -- the unofficial kick-off to summer.  An excuse to grill more, wear flip-flops, hit the swimming pool, enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals, and entertain with friends and neighbors.  But I have to admit, I'm often guilty of forgetting the true meaning of the Holiday -- to recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so the rest of us can enjoy the aforementioned items.  To all the men and women who put their lives at stake so we can enjoy our country's freedoms, thank you!!

*  Here on the East Coast, the blossoms and greenery are astonishing right now.  Roses, iris, clematis, peonies, and too many more to mention are in full bloom right now.  Wow!  Decorate your house all you want, but nothing beats the color show that Mother Nature offers.  (See pictures below)

*  A little bit of history -- Did you know Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day?  Seems appropriate given the show Mother Nature is giving us right now.  After World War I people began referring to it as Memorial Day.  Hard to believe, but it wasn't an official US Holiday until 1971.

*  This spring has been one of the busiest and craziest seasons I can remember in some time.  Lots of calls, lots of estimates, and lots of great projects.  We're cranking out the work right now, and looking forward to more great projects in the pipeline.

*  Despite the fact that I've been running myself ragged between project management, meetings, and estimates, this has to be by far my favorite time of year.  Between now and early July, everybody just seems to be in a better mood.  Everybody's looking forward to summer, the kids (and teachers) are looking forward to break, the weather is gorgeous, the bugs aren't horrendous yet, everything is in bloom, the days are getting longer, the evenings are nicely pleasant -- I could go on.  Enjoy it everybody.  Before we know it we'll be in the dog days.

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*  The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects decreased numbers in travel this year for the Memorial Day weekend.  I'm not exactly sure why, but if a "stay-cation" is in your plans, I know a really good hardscaping contractor who could hook you up with a new patio.  Just sayin'...

*  As of the time I'm writing this post, I have absolutely no idea what my weekend menu includes, but I know it will involve the grill.  My top 5 grilling items, in no particular order:  Pork ribs (dry rub with wet on the side -- I'll post my recipe sometime if you're lucky), Fish Tacos, Kabobs, slow cooked Pork Butt (same rub and sauce as the ribs), and medium rare ribeye steaks.  All with a good IPA to wash it down.  There's a lot more too, but you get the idea.

*  "I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did".  ~Benjamin Harrison

*  Random horticultural thought -- Why are annuals called annuals?  Perennials I get, they come up perennially.  But annuals?  They don't come up annually.  They last one season and boom.  They're done.  And yes, you could argue that you have to plant them annually, but that seems like kind of a cop-out answer to me.

*  Canoeing and fishing are also on the agenda for the weekend.  The one drawback of doing what I do for a living is that I have very little free time in the spring to enjoy these two favorite pursuits of mine.  It's happening this weekend.  I'm psyched.

*  Happy Memorial Day everybody.  Stay safe, have fun, enjoy life, and be thankful for what we have!
2 Comments
Matt link
5/30/2013 12:04:39 pm

Memorial Day always brings back memories of camping and grilling with my Mom,Dad and three brothers. It signaled that the end of the school year was close..always a joyous occasion for me.

Now it's just a long weekend, to be taken advantage of for projects around the home...and grilling ( soon to be pizza making!)

Reply
Clark link
5/30/2013 12:52:44 pm

This was the first weekend in some time that I actually felt like my true self w/o a full to-do list looming over me. No coaching, no meetings, no computer. A few basic household chores, but definitely at a relaxed enjoyable pace. All while really connecting with the fam. Took the little one canoeing/fishing, and slam-dunked a pork shoulder on the grill. Happy summer Matt!

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC is a full-service landscape construction company servicing the Pennsylvania communities of Delaware County, Chester County, The Main Line, and the University City, Art Museum, and Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  In addition to this blog page, additional information regarding the company and our services can be found on the subsequent pages of the site.
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    Clark Linderman is the president of Clark Kent Creations, LLC, a landscape construction company based in Swarthmore, PA.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.  In addition to his passion for all things outdoors, he counts Michigan football, Phillies baseball, Superman memorabilia, Memphis R&B music, and good craft brews among his many interests.  He currently resides in Swarthmore with his wife, Sheila, two sons, his dog Krypto, and a really, really messy garage full of work supplies and toys.

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    Contact Us:
    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
    Swarthmore, PA
    Design and Construction to Maximize Your Outdoor Experience

    707-290-9410
    clark@clarkkentcreations.com
    Serving Delaware County, PA

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