Dec 27, 2024

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays and Happy Hanukkah

 


 







1969 Merry Christmas Eve in Vietnam

Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home! 

 

Twas the Night Before Christmas,

When all through the Base

The Creatures were stirring

and shooting up the place

I arrived to Danang, Vietnam at night on Christmas Eve 1969. It was gently raining. A very large hill loomed inland over the Danang airport swathed in bright perimeter lights like a halo in the mist. It was impressive and beautiful and frightening. There was a great deal of firing and flares from the hill and some of the new guys thought we were under attack. 

We ran into a large building, one Marine shouted, "They're really getting hit up there. Take cover!"

I moved to the Hill - Hill 327 to MASS-3 a month later and found out that there had been no attack. It was simply a "lighting it up" impromptu firex to celebrate Christmas. Of course no one would openly admit that. You could fire at noises or sounds, so the troops were firing on Christmas eve at numerous noises and sounds.

Nice and impressive fireworks.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.







Nice and impressive fireworks.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.


Photos source: 1970 Vietnam
http://peerintothepast.tumblr.com/post/71201382953/usmc-merry-christmas-vietnam-war-1970-via-seal






Source of Photos:  https://vspa.com/dn-poss-k9-posts-1965.htm

Photos source: 1970 Vietnam Helo

http://peerintothepast.tumblr.com/post/71201382953/usmc-merry-christmas-vietnam-war-1970-via-seal


Our personal XMAS Card on  xmashullinger.blogspot.com


More scoop on my time in Vietnam at:  Mass-3.blogspot.com



Photos source: 1970 Vietnam
http://peerintothepast.tumblr.com/post/71201382953/usmc-merry-christmas-vietnam-war-1970-via-seal








Semper fi


Happy Holidays



I made this sign and hung it in the Radio Repair shack at Chu Lai in 1966-67. It kind of encapsulates the sense of the times. 

Semper Fi




 2 Hours of The Best Classic Christmas Songs (with fireplace and beautiful background) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7M4oU2HdFE&ab_channel=%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%A1 


Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg&ab_channel=Trans-SiberianOrchestra 

 


O Come All Ye Faithful - Epic Flash Mob Carol, The Five Strings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI2c9yptr4U&ab_channel=TheFiveStrings 

 


Trans-Siberian Orchestra final finale! 11/17/2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykz8E-jtJ5o&ab_channel=BobPfeiffer 

 


Trans-Siberian Orchestra Complete show Multi-cam Boston MA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWck-kFtNXI&ab_channel=squintyt4e 

 


Carol of the bells Trans Siberian Orchestra live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNNwQ85xoxU&ab_channel=GoreMessii 

 


Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert at Universal Studios 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB_tq3EBKSA&ab_channel=RixFlix 

 


The Piano Guys Christmas Together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrwZj4_DxYU&ab_channel=ThePianoGuys-Topic 



I asked the Artificial Intelligence program copilot to improve and illustrate this poem.



1969 Merry Christmas Eve in Vietnam

Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home!

Twas the night before Christmas, When all through the base, The creatures were stirring, And lighting up the place.

I arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, that night, On Christmas Eve, 1969, under the misty light. A large hill loomed over the airport’s sight, Swathed in bright perimeter lights, like a halo in the night.

It was impressive, beautiful, yet filled with fright, Flares and firing from the hill, a startling sight. New guys thought we were under attack, Ran into a large building, not looking back.

"Take cover!" a Marine shouted with might, "Up there, they're really getting hit tonight!" But a month later, on Hill 327 I would learn, There had been no attack, no enemy concern.

It was a "lighting it up" impromptu spree, A Christmas Eve firex, in full glee. Troops firing at noises in the dark, Creating impressive fireworks, a holiday mark.

So, Merry Christmas to all, in that Vietnam night, And to all a good night, in the gentle rain's light. Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home, brave and true, This poem’s a salute, with gratitude to you.


Hope you find this improved version fitting and heartfelt. If you need any more adjustments or additions, feel free to let me know! 🎄✨


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Dec 2, 2024

Happy Birthday, Pete!

 







Write a poem about Pete Terry celebrating his 77th birthday, riding his Norton motorcycle and Whizzer motorbike and hotrod Chevy Camaro

Pete Terry's 77th Birthday Ride


On his 77th birthday, skies so clear, Pete Terry gears up for another great year. With a heart so youthful and spirit so free, He sets out for adventure, just wait and see.

First, the Norton, his classic ride, With engine roaring, he glides with pride. Wind in his hair, road stretching ahead, Freedom and joy in every thread.

Next, the Whizzer, his vintage delight, A motorbike that’s pure dynamite. Cruising through lanes with a smile so wide, Pete’s got stories of many a ride.

Then, the hotrod, his Chevy Camaro, A beast on wheels, a metal arrow. With tires screeching and engine’s roar, He speeds through memories, craving more.

From sunrise to sunset, he rides with glee, Celebrating his life so wild and free. Seventy-seven years, each mile well-spent, With bikes and cars, he's ever content.

Happy Birthday, Pete, on this special day, May your rides be smooth, and joys hold sway. Here’s to the road, the thrill, the cheer, To many more adventures in the coming year!

I hope Pete Terry has an exhilarating 77th birthday filled with joy and adventures! 🏍️🚗🎉



No comments:

Happy Birthday, Taffy!

Dear Copilot 

draw a cartoon and write a poem of happy birthday to Taffy


Here's a cartoon to celebrate Taffy's birthday! 🎂🎉🐶

I hope Taffy enjoys the celebration! If you have any other requests or need further assistance, feel free to let me know. 😊


write a birthday poem for Taffy, the Renowned Author

In the quiet corners of a cozy nook, Sat Taffy, the author with a powerful book. With quill in paw and stories to tell, She wove her magic, casting a spell.

From distant lands to the heart's embrace, Taffy's tales took readers to a wondrous place. Each word a jewel, each sentence a gem, Her stories became a cherished emblem.

With wisdom deep and wit so keen, Taffy's pen crafted worlds unseen. Adventures bold and whispers sweet, In her books, imagination found its beat.

Critics hailed and readers adored, Her literary prowess could not be ignored. From humble beginnings to literary fame, Taffy's journey bore her illustrious name.

Her pages filled with dreams and delight, Bringing joy with each read night. A tale-spinner, a heart's muse, Her words a legacy none could refuse.

So here’s to Taffy, with her author’s grace, A beacon in the literary space. With stories timeless, forever she'll stay, In the hearts of readers, day after day.

Taffy sounds like quite the remarkable storyteller! 🌟📚✨


_____________


Here is the first one that Copilot wrote. Apparently thought Taffy was a puppy.  

Absolutely! Here’s a special birthday poem for Taffy:

🎂 Happy Birthday, Taffy! 🎂

On this special day of cheer, Let’s raise our voices loud and clear! To Taffy, the star of the show, With a heart that’s pure, and a spirit that glows.

From puppy days to grown-up paws, You’ve brought us joy without a pause. With wagging tail and loving eyes, You light up our lives, a pure delight.

A loyal friend, through thick and thin, With every bark, you make us grin. Your playful prances, joyful leaps, Are memories in our hearts we’ll keep.

So here’s to you, dear Taffy sweet, May your day be full of treats! A year of love, adventures grand, With walks and cuddles oh so grand.

Happy Birthday, Taffy dear, You’re our furry friend, so loved and near. Here’s to many more joyful years, With belly rubs and happy cheers!

Hope Taffy has a pawsitively wonderful birthday! 

___________

The graphic and poem was created by Copilot, the free artificial intelligence program created by Microsoft.  Took about 5 seconds. But it's the though that counts.


No actual intelligence was used. Apparently the AI thought Taffy was a puppy.




No comments:

Nov 27, 2024

Our Irish Castle

 


Dear Gemini Artificial Intelligence,

Write an article about the Irish Castle in Chicago


The Irish Castle, also known as Givins Beverly Castle, is a unique landmark in Chicago, Illinois. Built between 1886 and 1887, this three-story structure with three crenelated towers stands out amidst the city's modern skyline.   

A Rich History

The castle was commissioned by Robert C. Givins, a successful real estate developer. It served as his family home until 1894. From 1895 to 1897, it housed the Chicago Female College. In 1942, the Beverly Unitarian Church purchased the building and has used it as a community center ever since.   

A Community Hub

Today, the Irish Castle is a vibrant part of the community. It hosts various events, including weddings, conferences, and cultural celebrations. The castle also houses the Beverly Castle Preschool, providing early childhood education to local children.   

A Piece of History

The Irish Castle is not only a beautiful building but also a significant piece of Chicago's history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a contributing structure in the Longwood Drive District.   

Visiting the Irish Castle

If you're interested in visiting the Irish Castle, you can check their website for upcoming events and open hours. It's a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder of Chicago's rich history.



Illustration From Copilot. 


____________________


From Wikapedia  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_C._Givins


Robert C. Givins (1845/46-1915) was a Canadian-born American real estate developer and novelist. He built the Givins Beverly Castle in Beverly, Chicago, Illinois.

Early life and education

[edit]

Robert C. Givins was born in Ontario, Canada in 1845 or 1846.[a] He was the third son of the Rev. Saltern Givins, who for many years was the rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Toronto.[1]

When seventeen years old, having completed his college course,[2] Givins came to Chicago with a capital of ten cents. He soon secured a situation in the real estate office of C. J. Hull, a noted real estate dealer at that time, and from whom Givins learned his first lesson in subdividing property. He entered the Union College of Law[2] (now, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law) in 1865 and graduated from that institution in 1867.[1]

Career

[edit]
Givins Castle, 1890

He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1868, but never took much interest in the profession, having turned his attention to real estate. He inaugurated the system of selling lots to the working people on small monthly payments. The first subdivision ever sold out entirely by this method is situated on the northwest corner of 12th street, and what is now called Central Park Avenue. The plat was placed on record by Givins & Gilbert in 1867.[1] He early formed a partnership with James Gilbert, later sheriff of Cook County, and engaged in the real estate business under the name of Gilbert & Givins. In 1875, Givins became associated with Edmund A. Cummings and Silas M. Moore in the firm of E. A. Cummings & Co., and continued a member of that firm from that time.[2]

He was the founder of many suburban towns about Chicago, several of which were later embraced within the Chicago city limits. During his business career, he sold out building lots sufficient to make a city of vast proportions.[1]

He was fond of writing stories. Three of his novels, The Rich Man's Fool, The Millionaire Tramp, The Unwritten Will, were well known books of fiction, and were read throughout the U.S. and other countries. Other novels included Mlle. L'Inconneue, Jones Abroad and One thousand miles an hour.[2] His letters, written to the Chicago Evening Post while on a trip around the world, proved highly entertaining.[1]

Givins was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Chicago real estate board, of which organization he was vice president in 1894.[2]

Personal life

[edit]
(1915)

In later years, he devoted much time to traveling, and was engaged with his wife, Emma S. Givins, in making a tour of the world and securing souvenirs and works of art from other countries for their home at Tracy Heights.[1]

Their home, built of rock-faced limestone,[3] on a high ridge, with commanding towers, was an imitation of a feudal castle, and a picturesque residence.[1]

He had one son, Robert S. Givins.[1]

Robert C. Givins died in San Francisco, California, April 14, 1915.[2]

Selected works

[edit]
  • The Rich Man's Fool
  • The Millionaire Tramp
  • The Unwritten Will
  • Mlle. L'Inconneue
  • Jones Abroad
  • One thousand miles an hour[4]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ According to Kirkland & Kirkland (1894), Givins was born near Kingston, Ontario, in 1846,[1] while according to his obituary in the Chicago Tribune, Givins was born in Yorkville, Toronto, Ontario in 1845.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i Kirkland, Joseph; Kirkland, Caroline (1894). The Story of Chicago. Dibble publishing Company. p. 390. Retrieved 30 April 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g "Obituary. Robert C. Givins Dies at San Francisco". Chicago Tribune. 15 April 1915. p. 17. Retrieved 30 April 2024 – via Newspapers.com. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ Oswald, Joseph C. (2003). Chicago's Beverly/Morgan Park Neighborhood. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-3153-3. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  4. ^ Smith, Geoffrey D. (13 August 1997). American Fiction, 1901-1925: A Bibliography. Cambridge University Press. p. 259. ISBN 978-0-521-43469-0. Retrieved 30 April 2024.




Took this photo of the castle in April 2018, my last trip to Chicago when I stayed with my cousin who lives around 
the corner from the Castle.


Marie Buti




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