Monthly Archives: February 2012

100 Mile Run

This is a poem I wrote for my cousin after she finished her first (of many) 100 mile run.  The run took place in Vermont at the Vermont one hundred miler.

 

24:57:35

Morning dark, stomach fluttering awaiting the gun
Start, I’m here, I can do it, Bang! It’s just begun
Light in hand up hill and down
Just beginning, hours to go, I won’t fall down

 

Aid stations pass 3, 5, and 9, with many more in due time
Continue on, forever the flow, as other runners go
Stage road aid, friends abound, one marathon down
Up hill and down, sometimes I put on a frown

 

Thoughts running too, I think I’ll sing
A happy song, eliminating my feet’s sting
Camp 10 bear for the first time
Heat on my mind, will I make it on time

 

Runners come, walkers go, one foot more, I’m gonna go
This I must, do it all, 100 miles, that is all
At 10 Bear two, I complete sixty eight point two
I’m on my way, to make a hundred, this day

 

Night comes on, but Gilly’s my light
The G.A.C. has entered the fight
As we run and hobble on, just in time to turn it on
Green lights line the bend, I’m all a glow, it’s gonna end

 

Finish nears with friends I hear, aunt, cousin, daughters ever so near
The moment, why, they’re all here, it’s almost time to enter in cheer
Complete this day they all have come, to see Vicki and
Her one hundred mile run, outcome

 

Patrick J. Page

Texas State Flag

The Lone Star state is the only state that has flags in size 30′ x 60′ ready to go.  This goes right along with the saying everything is bigger in Texas.   At one time, Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States have all flown flags over Texas. They encompass the six flags of Texas.  The Texas flag itself, consists of 

Texas flag

The Lone Star

a large white star that was first used on flags carried by Texas during the Texas Revolution against Mexico in the 1830s.  It is thought that the star comes from the Bonnie Blue Flag used in 1810 by the Settlers in West Florida. An official flag with this star was chosen in 1839, although during the Civil War, the Confederate flag was flown.  The flag’s color blue stands for loyalty, white for purity and red for bravery.

Texas State Flag Adopted:  1839

The 28th state, admitted 1845


The Blue Service-Star Banner

What are those banners with the star in the middle that I see in windows?

Designed in 1917, by World War One Army Captain Robert Service Star BannerQuessner, the in service star banner is traditionally hung in the window of the home of a person who has a family member currently serving in the United States Military.  That person can be a son, daughter, wife, husband, etc.  The blue star represents one family member currently in service; a gold star on a banner represents a family member who was killed during service.  Seeing these banners today in windows of homes reminds everyone of us that war is not something that happens overseas on far-away lands, but is something that affects every street and neighborhood in our country.  Banner is 8″x15″ with crossbar and a gold cord and tassel.  The service star is also available in a 3×5′ flag.

What Size Residential Flagpole

What size flagpole should I install at my home?

Fiberglass flagpole

Northwood Little League

It depends, most residential flagpoles are between 20′ and 30′ and made of either aluminum or fiberglass.  The height of the home and the location helps in determining the right size.   When the flagpole will be located near the home be sure the flag won’t fly too far above the roof, otherwise the flagpole isn’t really seen as a part of the landscape.  If you took a picture of your home from the driveway entrance, the complete pole and flag should be seen in the photograph.  When a flagpole is installed in it’s own area such as a field or garden, any height goes.  The decision is usually determined by your pocketbook and how large of a statement you’d like to make.  A 40′ white fiberglass flagpole with a 10’x15′ American flag, surrounded by colorful flowers makes a beautiful display and says a lot.

Patrick

History of the POW/MIA Flag

In 1971 Mrs. Michael Hoff, an MIA wife and member of the National League of Families, saw the need for a symbol of our POW/MIAs.  Mrs. Hoff found Mr. Rivkees, Vice President of Annin & company, who felt sympathetic and along with Annin’s advertising agency designed a  custom flag

POW/MIA flag

POW/MIA Flag

to represent our missing men.  After receiving the League’s approval the flags were manufactured for distribution. Other than “Old Glory“, the League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House.

One Minute

 

One Minute is all you need to think

One Minute is all you need to drink

One Minute is all you need to speak

One Minute is all you need to Freak

 

One Hour is all you need to eat a peach

One Hour is all you need to visit the beach

One Hour is all you need to go for a hike

One Hour is all you need to ride a bike

 

One Day is all you need to take a class

One Day is all you need to make a glass

One Day is all you need to head out west

One Day is all you need to do you best

 

One week is all you need to learn how to ski

One week is all you need to remember to be free

One week is all you need to buy a flag this season

One week is all you need to end this rhyme of reason

 

 

 

Most things only take a minute, so please come early for all your flag and flagpole needs this season.

 

Patrick