![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190531_102547.jpg?resize=290%2C343&ssl=1)
“Must resist temptation!” I tell myself. But I quickly…
![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190531_101455.jpg?resize=296%2C394&ssl=1)
…stroke the tail!
![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190531_105121.jpg?resize=292%2C222&ssl=1)
“The lion sleeps tonight”. I hope!
![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190531_101338-2.jpg?resize=306%2C408&ssl=1)
Mmmm! Soft!
![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Burst_Cover_GIF_Action_20190531103809.gif?resize=306%2C229&ssl=1)
I’ve gone a bit too far…
![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190531_103659.jpg?resize=315%2C236&ssl=1)
…but my hand is safe! Heck, Dougy likes his tail stroked. It wasn’t that scary to do after all.
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![](https://i0.wp.com/phainopepla95.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_0154.jpg?resize=624%2C468&ssl=1)
The Quilt of Valor organization for the Panhandle of Nebraska honored me with a beautifully made (and very comfy!) quilt at Friday’s Class of ’66 monthly get together at the Korner Grill. I was totally caught off guard (as you may note from ny slightly bemused or confused smilish expression in the photo above. Thanks to fellow classmate Dave Deitz for the photo.)
I feel those who served in war zones are more deserving of this sort of thing, and am a bit uncomfortable receiving this considering my three years of service were mostly in Germany in a very comfortable job as a motion picture photographer.
That said, those who chose to show me this consideration have my thanks, but I hope future quilts can go to fellow veterans who endured time in war zones, perhaps were wounded emotionally or physically, and, as I understand the Quilt of Valor organization’s intent, are the men and women the organization wants fellow Americans to recognize for their sacrifice.