With all of the wild financial stuff bombarding our ears and eyes, I thought maybe you would enjoy seeing a little party we had at our home three years ago.
We had just moved into our new house---one we had built. It was constructed to be kind to us in our elder years---you know the story: one level, maintenance free exterior, wheel chair accessible doorways, etc..
My husband was so taken by all of the flag poles in the yards through out our neighborhood he just wouldn't rest until we had one planted in our front yard.
He ordered a super-duper collapsible number---so all you have to do is clip Old Glory on to the appropriate spots and then expand the pole to it's fullest height!
After the flag pole arrived and we settled on where to place it, we decided to have a Flag Raising Party. It was really kind of a Housewarming Party---our first big event to be held in our new location.
We planned our menu and invited our guests and shared our theme with them. Not any of them had been to a Flag Raising Party---what fun this would be!
After our meal, we paraded the group out to the front yard and my husband proudly positioned himself next to his precious flag pole. He had a little speech prepared!
He delivered his touching few words about Patriotism and how lucky we are to live in the USA and then he started extending the flag pole--section by section.
While the the pole was getting taller and taller, we placed our hands over our hearts--- a CD Bonnie had brought over blared out the National Anthem! It was really a moving moment.
I am standing on the porch next to the fellow in the red shirt. He was our builder. I don't recall what I said to him at that moment---probably something like, "Aren't you glad you're finally finished with us?" and I'm certain he grinned and said "Yeah!"
As my husband gave a mighty heave to the final section of pole, a little problem became apparent.
Whoops!
Some folks continued to sing, some were laughing and, fortunately, some of the younger and faster guests were racing to the aid of the Flag Raiser!!
Whew---a near miss!
The flag pole was manhandled back into its proper position. I don't think it was too difficult, as I just now noticed that the two lads who were helping didn't let go of their beverage cans for an instant!!!
The Flag Raiser, with his coveted flag pole proudly displaying the Red, White and Blue, was at last a happy man!!!
As I said, that was three years ago. The Flag Raiser doesn't put the flag up every day, but he is very careful when he does!!!
(L to R)THE STONE RABBIT and his buddies Flopsy and Curly have spent hours chasing each other around the pole---but they do scamper away quickly when they see the Flag Raiser getting ready to put up the flag!!!
I hope you enjoyed those photos. I want to thank my friend Bonnie---she was the smart gal that decided to take pictures of the event!!!
DANA
AWWWWWW! I remember that party fondly! What a day! That was such fun!
Hope you are having a great week!
Love, DIL :o)
Posted by: DIL | October 16, 2008 at 02:07 PM
We didn't want to add insult to injury by letting the flag fall into a puddle of "beverage," so we held our beverages tight while keeping Old Glory from hitting the ground.
Posted by: Lad #2 | October 16, 2008 at 02:44 PM
He looked so proud!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!! I am looking forward to what you and The Stone Rabbit are up to next!
Kim
P.S. My next giveaway will be easy peasy!
Posted by: Kim V | October 16, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I do believe you are as "nutty" as me! (Lovingly spoken) I love your blog stories and pictures. Thanks for sharing such CUTE items and I love your rabbits - they are quite a group!
Betty in Oklahoma
Posted by: Betty | October 16, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I remember it well. As I was taking the photo of yh, I thought the flag pole
was coming down. Thanks to the youngins' all was saved. Anyway, great flag raising/house warming party!
Posted by: Bonnie | October 16, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I noticed the stone rabbit and his chickee friends didn't have a beverage, honey pie! They get warm running around too, ya know. LOL God Bless the USA!!!!
Smooches,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | October 16, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Dana,
This was so cute!
Jill xoo
Posted by: Jill | October 16, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Loved it! So funny!
I've never seen a flag pole like that.
Posted by: Pat | October 16, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I would love to have a flag pole, too!
Did you get my package? Let me know!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 16, 2008 at 05:43 PM
I love the picture where he is hugging the flag pole...that proud look on his face is priceless!
Posted by: nikki | October 16, 2008 at 06:11 PM
What a great idea for a party! Thanks for sharing those photos with us....we all need to be more proactive in showing our love for our country especially in these days!
Posted by: [email protected] Picture is worth.... | October 16, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Nice reason for a party! We have had a flag pole for years and recently added a spot light directed on the flag so that it can stay up round the clock. Raising and lowering it in good weather isn't a problem, but come winter in Michigan, I am too bundled when outdoors to manipulate clips and flags.
Posted by: Knitty | October 16, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Oh dear I was chuckling before I even got to the end of the story...you were telling it so well.
Well I'm glad everything turned out well in the end. That is such a nice thing to do, to have a flagraising like that. So patriotic. Loved your story.
Come by my blog tomorrow...I have a giveaway.
Have a nice evening
Judi
Posted by: Judi | October 16, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Very cute. Never been to a flag raising ceremony.
Blessings,
Sher
Posted by: Sher's Creative Expressions | October 16, 2008 at 07:19 PM
What a great party. And what's a party anyway without a little laughter?!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Looks like that was a fun day for all even with the near miss. I'm that just added more excitement to the day!
Posted by: Linnea | October 16, 2008 at 07:38 PM
What a riot. I saw that one coming, Dana! Your hubby is a good sport for letting you blog about it! Have a happy weekend. Warmly, Cat ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | October 16, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Love that story!! And I love the style of flag pole!
Posted by: MizSmoochie | October 16, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Dana, I didn't get to you until now because guess what? We have company again. My niece from California and her mom, my sister, are on their way to Washington DC. A couple of days to visit first. I adore them of course. This is the sister who lives in Atlanta.
Now for the flag raising party/open house. This story and the action photo's are great. You go Bonnie! The whole event when the flag was raised was hilarious. thank goodness for the fast thinking guys. I love your
story today. Have a great day.
Hugs...Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | October 17, 2008 at 06:20 AM
Dana, this is a great story. I do believe the flag raising episode must have been the talk of the party.
Posted by: Beverly | October 17, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Hi Dana :)
That is too cute! Rich would have had a heart attack with that near miss LOL
Love the Bathroom Diva pics!!
hugs,
rue
Posted by: rue | October 17, 2008 at 11:34 AM
That is so funny. Sounds like it was a great party to me!! Glad there were helpers there to aid your husband when the "little problem" happened! He does look like a proud, happy man with his flag!
Posted by: Darlene | October 17, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Whew! I was worried there for a second... when you pointed out where you were standing I thought...no I hope the flagpole doesn't come down and hit her somehow. Nice save by all and those guys must have had something really good to drink since they didn't let go of their cans. So glad the good 'ole Red, White and Blue was saved.
I didn't know there was a Flopsy and Curly too. Guess the Stone Rabbit is the extrovert of the three animals, huh?
Happy weekend, Dana!
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | October 17, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Rofl...I knew where this was going. So glad you didn't disappoint! Too funny that the two men didn't drop their drinks for one second!
Kady
Posted by: Kady | October 17, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Great story and I'm so glad it had a happy ending!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | October 17, 2008 at 10:44 PM