November 11 is Veteran's Day, a day to honor all living veterans. It's also Washington State Day. On Nov 11, 1889, Washington became a state, the only one named for a president.

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion, by Jane Barclay and illustrated by Renne Benoit was a nice find. It's one of those gentle books that says so much .... in this case, a Grandfather explaining what it was like to be in a war, and why it (and those who served) should be remembered.

Veterans Day: Remembering Our War Heroes, by Elaine Landau explains a lot about this special day ... how it got started, how it is recognized (in cities, towns, and schools with a great variety of activities) and why it is important.

Thank you all for your service.

And, something to celebrate Washington State Day:

This book almost made me want to drive around the state ... Spanning Washington: Historic Highway Bridges of the Evergreen State, by Craig Holstine and Richard Hobbs. There are lots of bridges in Washington State! New and old, floating bridges, draw bridges (and other ways of opening up to let boats pass), in every sort of design imaginable. Some are gone but there are pictures, others are no longer used except for tourists. Great pictures, interesting text!

Reading Hermit With Dog