Thoughts on this weekend...

I tried not to think about work or politics at all this weekend. So I did what any good Marylanders would do: I went to Jimmy Cantler's in Annapolis and ate crabs. Then, I watched the O's game. For some reason, it really wets my appetite and creativity to have a self-imposed hiatus. It worked so well that last night I had to email myself about 10 thoughts from my blackberry so that I wouldn't forget them.

But before getting into that, I'd like to recap some thoughts on Memorial Day...

- I am reminded of a dear family friend named Edgar Winfield who passed away this year. Edgar was my parents' neighbor for about forty years. (Today, I joke that they are still neighbors because he is burred next to my dad.) Growing up, Edgar was one of the nicest people I've ever met. And sixty years ago, Edgar was one of the brave men who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Edgar was in my thoughts this weekend.

- One of my best friends got married on Saturday. I got to meet his brother who just finished serving in Guantanamo Bay as a prison guard. Talking to him underscored what a tough job our men and women have today. Particularly the ones who are currently guarding prisoners. Not only do they have to deal with terrorists who would love nothing more than to kill a guard, but they have to be on their best behavior because of the microscope we have now placed on them. I am glad this young man is back in the states. But I feel for others who are still serving this great country.

- Trace Adkins has a very good new song out called "Arlington." If you haven't heard it yet, be prepared: It is a very emotional song. I am very thankful that country music is still putting out patriotic songs. You can listen to a snippet of Arlington here: here.