Toledo, OH

Toledo, OH

It's a Wednesday evening, light breeze, comfortable temperatures and a setting that God must have designed especially for this event. Friendship Park - located in the Point Place neighborhood of Toledo.

I had the honor of attending the 4th Annual Support the Troops Rally that is held in my little berg and am still in awe of all the folks that turned out. From infancy to WWII Vets - and every age in between. All together to celebrate and honor our servicemen and women for the sacrifices they give.

All the branches of the armed forces were represented - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and all the respective National Guard units. The faces of these men and women will remain vivid in my mind for a long, long time. They are our neighbors, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins, friends, co-workers, classmates and friends we haven't met yet. They are the ones that protect the freedoms that we enjoy today.

AND MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!

One of the older veterans asked a woman, "Can you name two people in this world that would die for you?" The woman paused - apparently a little too long for the older vet's taste - so he said, "Jesus Christ and the American GI."

I was truly humbled to be among them. To see their smiles, to hear them talk with young children about what it's like to be a soldier. To watch the youngsters of today develop a desire to be a soldier tomorrow. I can't find the words to express how incredible this was.

So, in the absence of words, I'd like to share some photos with you. And as you look at the photos ... please say a prayer. For their safe return, for their families, for their children. The sacrifices are great and we owe them an extreme debt of gratitude.

The next time you see one of our defenders, please thank them for your freedom.

This man had served proudly and was a true pleasure to talk with. His stories are many and his pride unmistakable.

Young Marines - Bloodstripe and cover

The Sea Cadets practicing their flag presentation and folding.

Pride - it can't be anything else. Pride.

The Patriot Guard Riders were in attendance. What a tremendous group of people!

A special brotherhood that is not defined by age.

A HUGE flag that was unrolled by a group of active military, retired military, spouses, children and supporters. An awesome sight to see.

Thanks to Howard Pinkley of The Flag Store in Point Place for providing this breathtaking symbol of American freedom.

Members of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club.

GOD BLESS US ALL! If not for these wonderful folks we would not be able to enjoy the life that we do.

I love FREE advertising!

Just 5 houses away from my listing, Extreme Home Makeover is currently filming. Hopefully I will get a few interested buyers and/or sellers from the throngs of people walking by morning, noon, and night. The property is already pending, but maybe somewone will call asking about price.

I love FREE advertising.

I went over to the build site tonight. It's amazing how organized it was. Several of the people (most likely producers) were firing up the crowd with a good old-fashioned Ohio State vs. Michigan fight song competition.

Then they had a group of grade school (6 or 8 years old) cheerleaders all dressed up and doing a "Move That Bus" cheer.

Police all over the place directing traffic.

I was told that they offer the neighbors hotel rooms for the week.

Anybody else have any interesting Extreme Home Makeover Stories?

Ty and his team are in Toledo and I am honored to be a volunteer!!! This Thursday, I will be among many volunteers helping to build a home for a deserving Toledo family. I am so thrilled at the prospect! I looked up the schedule and I am on Drywall day. I don't know they first thing about drywall but I will be there at 6 am sharp (I haven't seen 6 am in a VERY LONG TIME!).

Unfortunately, we are not allowed cameras at the site or I would come back with some very cool pictures! Maybe I will go back after my shift and see if I can get some. From the talk around town, there are a lot of people who are planning on doing the same thing!!

Okay, okay, OKAY - I know it's spelled "Dear", not "Deer".

But actually, I meant to spell it DEER, because that's exactly what it is, Dear.

A DEER!

I am trying desperately to actually take some time for myself lately, so I have been walking twice a day, BelvaDear Holyfield in tow. (Yes, she's my dog. Which is different than a DEER.)

And below is what Belva and I came across while we were walking.

A dear DEER, Dear!

I'm relaxed just looking at this again!

(Have a relaxing Labor day Monday!)

Extreme Home Make Over is coming to Toledo, OH!

Tim Schlachter with Buckeye Specialty Homes is the builder.

One complete home in 106 hours.

Click on the link below to volunteer!

BuildwithBuckeye

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition arrives in Toledo on Sept. 7th, 2008 to stand on the lawn and scream at the top of their lungs, "Good Morning, So-and-So Family!" This deserving family will receive a new home built by The Buckeye Real Estate Group.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's Ty Pennington and his team will choreograph the build in 106, YES, 106 hours. That's seven days!

Five families living in the Greater Toledo area are currently in the running and the chosen family will be announced on Sunday, September 7.

Don't forget to click the link to check for more details!

And don't forget to volunteer!