AG visits Youth Camp, recognizes volunteers
Some cool family meals images:
AG visits Youth Camp, recognizes volunteers

Image by Virginia Guard Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, visits the 10th annual Virginia National Guard Youth Camp July 30, 2015, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Va. The weeklong camp is presented by the Virginia National Guard Family Programs Office and offers the children of Virginia military members a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities, as well as trips to Ocean Breeze Water Park, the Virginia Aquarium and Busch Gardens. After a full day of activities, campers conducted a flag folding ceremony prior to the evening meal, then took turns signing each others camp t-shirts. In addition to talking with campers, Williams also thanked the many adult and youth volunteers whose efforts make the camp possible. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs)
2014 Thanksgiving Meal

Image by U.S. Army Garrison Casey
Army leaders express gratitude to Service members, civilian employees and families by serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal Nov. 27. Warrior Country dining facilities were decorated in seasonal colors, baked goods and a cornucopia of fruit and vegetables.
Hungry Heron

Image by HorsePunchKid
A great blue heron looks for a meal in the koi pond at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Leaf painting 17/05/09
A few nice family meals images I found:
Leaf painting 17/05/09

Image by Andreas-photography
A sorry picture, but today was my wedding anniversary , 12 years I have done my life sentence
My husband had booked a family meal out, it was yummy, until it came to paying and shocker he had left his wallet at home, so guess who footed the bill TUT
AG recognizes top volunteer

Image by Virginia Guard Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, recognizes Jenna Ford as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year for Region 3 Aug. 26, 2015, in Sandston, Va. Each year the National Guard Bureau Family Programs Office recognizes one adult volunteer from each of the ten regions who shows outstanding and exceptional service. Ford has actively volunteered with the Family Readiness Group since 2009 in various roles, and she has served as the FRG leader for Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team since 2012. During that time, she assisted the commander with activities and support for more than 120 Soldiers Soldiers and their families. She volunteered countless hours working with the FRG and Operation Homefront and assisted the commander with holiday meals, family day events and many other activities. She has previously been recognized by the National Infantry Association with the Shield of Sparta Award. Joining Williams for the presentation were Vickie Sais, state Family Programs Director, Lt. Col. Rusty McGuire, commander of 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry, and Ford’s husband Capt. Mark Ford and their children. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office)
Salad vert – Tomatoes, baby lettuces and balsamic reduction.

Image by ulterior epicure
Fourth Visit: Early January, 2006
Probably the best "free" salads I’ve ever had (included with your meal on "Family Night Mondays"). I’ve always enjoyed the generous slivers of tomatoes with a tuft of well-dressed greens… a bit of tang and saltiness with a hint of deep-sweet balsamic vinegar reduction. YUM. This is how salads should be done!
BanaNanba Cookies
A few nice family meals images I found:
BanaNanba Cookies

Image by Wootang01
With my friend Paul, I spend five days in Osaka, Japan. The trip provided much refreshment, and excitement, not to mention many challenges. It was my first visit to the country, and, I feel, it certainly won’t be my last, as there are still many places left to see, and so many new things to learn.
We had several destinations highlighted on our itinerary, the foremost of which was Universal Studios. We spend an entire day there, going on rides and more often than not, queuing for them. The excruciating wait times were worth it, however, for such exhilarating fun, especially on the Hollywood Roller Coaster, my personal favorite. The next morning we followed up that successful endeavor with a trip to the Himeji Castle, a place which came highly recommended by my colleague, whose succinct description of the heritage site was, "awesome." Indeed, as a history buff, I enjoyed walking the storied grounds and climbing through the maze-like interior of the keep which was designed not so much to comfortably house the royal family as to confound the invading enemy. The castle is a must-visit. Other attractions of note include the Osaka Aquarium, and the Tennoji Zoo; both teemed with animals of every shape and size. We also at length ventured into several shopping districts inside of which were myriad stores, selling all sorts of fashion and gadgetry, countless restaurants and several gambling parlors – the Japanese, it seems, love their slot machines as much as the Hong Kong Chinese love their horse racing. Lest I forget, we frequented several video arcades to play the latest and greatest games; Paul played well, while I more often than not got 0wn3d. There is a lot to do in Japan.
Japanese culture, of which I’ve heard so much, really is distinct and separate from other Asian cultures. Their patterns of action and their peculiar artifacts certainly aren’t the same as those which feature prominently in Hong Kong. For one thing, the MTR culture was more civilized and less stressful: people queued up for trains and let passengers alight first before permitting themselves to board; cellphones never rang and cabin cars were as quiet as bedrooms at midnight; and to imagine all of these people enforce their norms without public service announcements, without any coddling, conspicuous signs – that’s amazing. What proved difficult was trying to find a garbage can. It was easier to find a vending machine, from which one could purchase a variety of drinks or cigarettes, than a bin in which to dispose of these delectable, perishable goods.
As for the general citizenry, they were most accommodating and hospitable, with several individuals going out of their way to help Paul and I find our way around the dense sprawl of the city. Language wasn’t a concern despite our limited Japanese; amazingly enough, our comfort was their concern! I won’t forget their selfless service, as one day, I hope, I’ll be able to return the favor. That the girls were quite attractive and that I demonstrated a propensity to ask attractive girls for directions go without saying; however, I understand now that their sexiness and sophistication stem not from comely faces but coherent attire. Rather than adorn themselves like a typical Mong Kok girl in a ridiculous neon rainbow palette, with jeans or unseemly spandex underneath dresses, skirts or other tops better left to stand alone, Japanese girls opt for more somber, sensible colors – black and cream-colored – and what’s more, they aren’t afraid to whip out the tasteful pantyhose or to show some skin, even. We had plenty of time to ogle the ladies, and to their credit, freezing temperatures weren’t enough to dissuade many of them from forsaking, icing their shorts, as we saw countless pairs being worn on the street. That’s what I call fashion professionalism!
Overall, Japan is a marvelous little land full of the eccentric, as well as the endearing. It was a fascinating place to explore, and I’m thankful that it was done in the company of my friend , with whom candor was not at a premium. We both learned a lot and look forward to the next trip!
IMG_1604

Image by Wootang01
With my friend Paul, I spend five days in Osaka, Japan. The trip provided much refreshment, and excitement, not to mention many challenges. It was my first visit to the country, and, I feel, it certainly won’t be my last, as there are still many places left to see, and so many new things to learn.
We had several destinations highlighted on our itinerary, the foremost of which was Universal Studios. We spend an entire day there, going on rides and more often than not, queuing for them. The excruciating wait times were worth it, however, for such exhilarating fun, especially on the Hollywood Roller Coaster, my personal favorite. The next morning we followed up that successful endeavor with a trip to the Himeji Castle, a place which came highly recommended by my colleague, whose succinct description of the heritage site was, "awesome." Indeed, as a history buff, I enjoyed walking the storied grounds and climbing through the maze-like interior of the keep which was designed not so much to comfortably house the royal family as to confound the invading enemy. The castle is a must-visit. Other attractions of note include the Osaka Aquarium, and the Tennoji Zoo; both teemed with animals of every shape and size. We also at length ventured into several shopping districts inside of which were myriad stores, selling all sorts of fashion and gadgetry, countless restaurants and several gambling parlors – the Japanese, it seems, love their slot machines as much as the Hong Kong Chinese love their horse racing. Lest I forget, we frequented several video arcades to play the latest and greatest games; Paul played well, while I more often than not got 0wn3d. There is a lot to do in Japan.
Japanese culture, of which I’ve heard so much, really is distinct and separate from other Asian cultures. Their patterns of action and their peculiar artifacts certainly aren’t the same as those which feature prominently in Hong Kong. For one thing, the MTR culture was more civilized and less stressful: people queued up for trains and let passengers alight first before permitting themselves to board; cellphones never rang and cabin cars were as quiet as bedrooms at midnight; and to imagine all of these people enforce their norms without public service announcements, without any coddling, conspicuous signs – that’s amazing. What proved difficult was trying to find a garbage can. It was easier to find a vending machine, from which one could purchase a variety of drinks or cigarettes, than a bin in which to dispose of these delectable, perishable goods.
As for the general citizenry, they were most accommodating and hospitable, with several individuals going out of their way to help Paul and I find our way around the dense sprawl of the city. Language wasn’t a concern despite our limited Japanese; amazingly enough, our comfort was their concern! I won’t forget their selfless service, as one day, I hope, I’ll be able to return the favor. That the girls were quite attractive and that I demonstrated a propensity to ask attractive girls for directions go without saying; however, I understand now that their sexiness and sophistication stem not from comely faces but coherent attire. Rather than adorn themselves like a typical Mong Kok girl in a ridiculous neon rainbow palette, with jeans or unseemly spandex underneath dresses, skirts or other tops better left to stand alone, Japanese girls opt for more somber, sensible colors – black and cream-colored – and what’s more, they aren’t afraid to whip out the tasteful pantyhose or to show some skin, even. We had plenty of time to ogle the ladies, and to their credit, freezing temperatures weren’t enough to dissuade many of them from forsaking, icing their shorts, as we saw countless pairs being worn on the street. That’s what I call fashion professionalism!
Overall, Japan is a marvelous little land full of the eccentric, as well as the endearing. It was a fascinating place to explore, and I’m thankful that it was done in the company of my friend , with whom candor was not at a premium. We both learned a lot and look forward to the next trip!
Nice Family Meals photos
Check out these family meals images:
Nabe 1

Image by ORAZ Studio
This is nabe, a Japanese traditional meal. A large pot is placed over a gas burner, usually in the winter. Various vegetables, meat, mushrooms and other ingredients are placed in the pot and left to stew. The meal is considered warming and comforting. The nabe pot comes to symbolise comfort, warmth and family and is something Japanese look forward to throughout the humid, uncomfortable summer months.
Merlin (f. columbarius) Makes Meal of Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Image by Wayne W G
Merlin (f. columbarius) with Mourning Dove
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco
Species: F. columbarius
Picture Perfect
Image by The Pointe at Kilpatrick
Jeanette Phelps is ready to "go to Hawaii", decked out in a tropical print dress, floral lei and matching flower in her hair.
Nice Family Meals photos
Check out these family meals images:
Malbun

Image by hey tiffany!
Malbun is the only ski resort in Liechtenstein. We took a bus up the mountain to Malbun, enjoyed the view, and enjoyed a delicious and really fun vegetarian meal with my friend’s classmate and her family. Unfortunately, it was completely pouring the next day, so we decided against hiking and made our way to Lugano, Switzerland, where it was also raining on arrival.
2013 – 3rd Annual Flyfest

Image by Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Northern VA
More than 65 people attended the Third Annual PHWFF Flyfest held at Harman’s North Fork Cottages in Cabins, W.Va., Dec. 6-8. The event was hosted by the PHWFF Fort Belvoir and PHWFF Quantico Programs and more than 35 Warriors and several family members from seven different PHWFF programs fished 1 ¾ miles of the private access trophy trout stream during the three-day weekend trip.
In attendance during the weekend were Volunteer Guides and Warriors from the two local programs in addition to members from programs in Martinsburg, West Va.; Richmond, Va.; Atlanta, Ga.; Winchester, Va.; and Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Va. For 14 Warriors, it was the first time they had traveled to Harman’s. Also, three professional fly fishing guides/instructors attended and donated their time to the event.
The air temperatures never rose above the upper 30s and often included wind chills in the teens with heavy rain and snow during the weekend’s festivities.
Bigg Riggs Farm, owned by Calvin Riggleman, an Iraq Marine combat Veteran and small farmer from Loom, W. Va., provided all meals for the three-day event.
Friday and Saturday evenings included Warrior raffles for prizes donated by supporters from around the country. Additionally, three small businesses donated products through the two PHWFF programs’ relationships on social media.
Evenings were filled with various fly tying instruction at different cabins to include wet flies, soft hackle flies, streamers and clouser minnows. Volunteers and professional guides provided the free instruction.
The stream had been recently stocked by Harman’s with rainbow and brown trout, ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches. However, due to extremely heavy rains on Friday, Saturday’s fishing schedule was pushed back and instruction on fly casting and fly tying were held during the morning and early afternoon. Fishing was limited to “shore only” during the afternoon. Even though fishing was limited, Warriors caught fish.
Sunday morning, attendees woke to a winter storm and many left early in the day. Those who were able to stay fished from shore. Five Warriors decided to extend their stay to wait for the storm to pass so they could safely travel home. (photo Lally Laksbergs)
Cambodia – Host Family

Image by ShanMcG213
Typical meal…rice, grass and pieces of chickens that are considered garbage in the U.S. My host family was so welcoming, but the food situation was less than desireable. I remember actually like the green stuff in the picture above. I asked what it was and after much effort to translate I realized it was grass from the backyard. Lovely 🙂
