Roller ball, Fires and flags.

We had an interesting weekend. Friday we went to see Roller Derby. Our team which we sponsor is called Roller Dames and they are the ones in the red. Some of our nurses are on the team. As a kid I roller skated all the time and was considered a tomboy. I would have joined this about 35 years. Great exercise and great fun if you don't get hurt.





Lots of tumbles, but most just pop right up again with their protective gear. The game was very close and we ended up winning the last few minutes. The crowd went wild.




Then today we saw black smoke in the distance. Driving downtown we saw one of the old buildings on fire. I think it was empty unless it was accidentally started by a homeless person. I didn't get any details. Fires are cool though when it is an empty building.



Through the smoke you can see another old building with a tree growing out of the top floor window. I have been watching that tree struggling to live for about 3 years or more now and was happy it wasn't that building on fire.


We were down wind from the smoke when I was taking shots but man did it stick. I would have hated to be in one of apartments close by. Last I saw they were still working on keeping it from starting up again and the roof had caved in.


And then later we went to the river front for flag day. Below are some of our newest citizens being welcomed to America.


The music was wonderful and stirring. Seriously I get tears in my eyes sometimes when they are this passionate when they sing. What a sap I am.



There were many veterans which is one of the reasons we have our freedom today. We are so grateful.


This young lady told about escaping from Cambodian. As a child they lived though the killing fields and she saw her peers turn each other in when they became young communist. They were starving and life was so dangerous for them. They dreamed of escaping to this country to be free. While she was telling this wonderful story people were boating in the river behind us. Children were playing in the playground and people were biking by. Not at appreciative to what we have in this wonderful country as this young lady who escaped here with nothing but hope. Another tearful moment for many of us.


The flag folding was interesting as they told what each fold represents. I have heard it before but it was nice to remember.


So it was a lovely weekend. Tomorrow I work. Extra. 12 hours. And after today. I am grateful I have a place to work. And am free to do what I want to do. Hope everyone had a great weekend also.