Memorial Day and freedom to fly

Today is Memorial Day.  We have a 20' flag pole that proudly flies the American flag.  Because we have it lit, we are able to fly it 24/7.  And we do so with great pride.  Many members of my family have served in various branches of the military as did my husband.  Early this morning I lowered the flag to half-mast, as per protocol, then raised it back up at noon, again as per protocol. 

Today was also the day we became empty nesters.  Or rather, the robin's nest on our drain pipe became empty.  I was able to witness the first fledgling plop out of the nest a few days ago.  I missed seeing the second but saw the third and fourth as they took their second flights from our back stoop to the fence.  As big as they were in the nest I have no idea how the four of them stayed in their so long!  And even today they were still showing little wispy feathers around their heads.  See them?  They looked rather comical!

This was the first one to leave the nest.  The vinca vines and mulch helped provide a comfy mattress for his first landing.

Here's #3 on the back fence.  I talked to it quite awhile and explained that it couldn't stick around for long because the neighbor has 2 outdoor cats.  'nuff said about that!  He seemed to be listening, too, but still wasn't sure about this flying stuff. 

So I looked down the fence line and here's his sibling.

He bird-talked to his sibling and in no time they were off!  I look forward to seeing another family grow up in the same spot next year.

So all this brings me to my entries for Claudine's altered puzzle pieces.  The first piece commemorates Memorial Day and the second the robin's leaving the nest.  Perfect timing!

Ingredients:  white/black/red/orange Sharpies; white/black card stock scraps; Dylusions sprays (Postbox Red/London Blue); Hero Arts stamp D2401; archival inks (Jet Black/Potting Soil/Tree Branch); Tim Holtz stencil (Tracks); Tim Holtz stamp (Bird Crazy); Studio 490 stamp (Let Your Art Have Wings); white gelly pen; distress inks (Spiced Marmalade/Fossilized Amber/Tea Dye/Brushed Corduroy/Walnut Stain); Tim Holtz die (Alphabetical)

So enjoy your day of freedom...but remember how it was achieved.