I love this time of year — the temperature just right to leave one window open in the bedroom at night, waking up to a cool breeze, the sound of steady rain and birdsong floating in to gently rouse you from sleep, and a soft, fuzzy blanket to pull around your shoulders as you contemplate getting out of bed. Seeing green leaves out the window is such a welcome change to the dreary gray skies and barren trees of winter.

I’d like to give thanks today to all soldiers — men, women, and let’s not forget the dogs — and their families that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. I’d also like to dedicate this post in honor of a dear friend’s partner in life who sadly passed away unexpectedly last week. He was a Vietnam veteran and an all-around great guy who loved fishing and his family. Rick, you will be missed so very much. My heart is with your family as they try to pick up the pieces and carry on.

I’d like to wish you all a wonderful weekend and remind you to enjoy the little things that life has to offer. Hug your loved ones and tell them how much you love them, life is so unpredictable and often too short.

In memoriam, Richard A. Roy, 1948-2013