Sep 15, 2007 - After the memorial ...
So most of the participants headed off to share time with each other and enjoy Colorado Springs, and the outlying areas. Some spent time with the families they presented flags to.
And then there were the rest of us who were with "Mama" Rose, doing some kitchen time. I cannot say I was deep in the trenches. I visited, took some pictures, oiled some bread, helped pack, and not much more.
Meanwhile, Rose and her son, Frank, spent nearly every moment of their time in the kitchen at the Doubletree. Kevin & Hailey had KP for a lot of their time.
Poor Hailey was dragging, and caught cat naps where she could ... and we caught pictures of her every chance we got. hehe
Even our Marine, Jonathan, was drafted into kitchen time. He went in willingly, but soon found out that his drill sergeants had nothing on this small bundle of energy heading up the kitchen!
Kevin and Jonathan were plotting while working. Joe kept us laughing, cuz it seemed like every time rose would blow up, it would crack him up.
Suffice it to say you had to be there. In the midst of the storm it was crazy and chaotic. Looking back, it was crazy and chaotic ... but it was delicious, and a memory I will keep always.
And even more, it brought happiness, smiles, hugs & more, from our USAFA Firefighters.
Dinner was filled first with silence as everyone dug in to some wonderful homecooked food. Then there was laughter and silliness, then a lot of full bellies, and recognition that most every one of us had eaten too much of a good thing, and couldn't wait for more!
And then there were some of us who ate so much they fell asleep on the spot. Good thing there was a camera around, eh?
But from the other side of the house came a huge sticky, sweet and yummy trifle made by one of the young firefighters. She's a camera shy lass, but one heck of a firehouse cook!
After dinner, we tried to get some photos in the bay, but it is always hard to get inside shots like that, especially at night. So there are a number of them. As usual, there are a number of very similar big group shots, so that hopefully everyone can get a good pic of themselves in the group.
A really special touch was made for Rose as we sat at one of the rigs, a young firefighter presented Rose with a wood carving he had made for her, depicting the raising of the flag at Ground Zero. They all signed the back of it, and it was obvious from her reaction that it truly touched her heart.
So, no matter the heat in the kitchen ... would I do it again? Ummm, hmmmm ...YOU BETCHA!
A salute to our Academy heroes!
lj
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