I once read a story about a pioneer woman that couldn’t stand the constant winds of the wide open plains. She finally cracked and went crazy.

Apparently my American flag can’t handle the winds, either.

I knew this day would come. The plastic Pottery Barn handle just wasn’t prepared for the gusts we face day after day in Nebraska. Slowly and surely cracks began to form… until today, when my patriotic display went headlong into the flowerbed. I wondered how long the ol’ Stars and Stripes had been laying there and how many people drove by noticing our lack of proper flag etiquette. The flag was intended to stay up as unwavering support for our friend Rob Nickeson, as long as he is stationed in Iraq, until he comes home. But knowing the pace that we complete our around-the-house projects? Well, let’s just say it leaves me with little hope of continued front porch patriotism.