Mimi’s Cafe

This morning, I met Esther at Mimi’s where we had a scrumptious lunch and some fine conversation. I’m so glad she is back from her travels.

I just finished my leftovers from Mimi’s. It was just as good as being there.

It’s raining again today – which we really need.

Was sad to watch Glenn Beck’s last TV show tonight. It looks as if Fox is putting on some lame show called The Five. It’ll never replace Glenn Beck.

I am a subscriber to Glenn Beck TV, but couldn’t sign in to see the first broadcast – I kept getting a server error. I expect it’s from having so many signed in at once. I’ll try again tomorrow.

I finished an interesting book by Donna Andrews today called Click Here for Murder and am working on one by Jerrilyn Farmer called Killer Wedding. One of the characters in Click Here for Murder is an AIP (artificial intelligence personality), i.e., a computer. It takes a little getting used to. There are two subsequent books which I put on hold at the library.

Until next time…

Bad Teacher = Bad Movie

Today, I went to see the movie Bad Teacher with Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake. All I can say is don’t bother wasting your time.

After I got home, my eyes started itching so bad, I couldn’t stand it. I had been going to read, but thought it better to keep my eyes shut after using some eye drops. I’ve kept from itching them for a few hours now and they are considerably better. After Rush Limbaugh was over, I started listening to the rest of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

From my cousin, it sounds as if our legal matters will be settled within the next couple of weeks. It will be good when it is all over. It’s been since last March.

Tomorrow, I’ll be meeting Esther for lunch after her 10 am doctor’s appointment.

Until next time…

Lunch with Esther (Who Is Finally Home)

An email I received today quoted Shark Tank’s Javier Manjarres on Twitter:

“If Bachmann is a flake, does that make Biden a snowstorm?”

Last night, Esther took the auto-train from near Washingon, DC to Deland, FL. We met at Applebee’s where we had a nice, leisurely lunch and caught up on things.

This afternoon, I finished my last library book and took my 7 books back to the library. I took out 8 more. Since I have read all of the Faye and Jonathon Kellerman books and all of the Iris Johansen books that were on shelves, I had to start near the “A’s” and pick out ones that look interesting. We’ll see how well I did. I mostly selected those with a skull and crossbones on them (this indicates murder mysteries.

When I took the garbage to the dumpster today, some birds caught my eye. They were in the pond next to the strawberry fields behind the park. Guess what they were! Roseate Spoonbills! These are native to Florida and I have seen them on rare occasions, but never since I moved to Thonotosassa. I remember Mark coming home and making me go with him to see some he had spotted in a little pond on Providence. I don’t think the pond even exists any longer.

I took some pictures with my iPhone, but they didn’t show much more than a pink spot. My telephoto lens on my Nikon didn’t do much better.

Time to tackle my new books.

Until next time…

The Five Principles for the American Way of War

Sarah Palin has so clearly stated what I think most Americans would agree should be the principles under which we go to war:

(1) “Commit our forces only when clear and vital American interests are at stake.”
(2) “If we have to fight, fight to win. Use overwhelming force.  Defeat the enemy as quickly as possible.  Nation-building is not the main purpose of our armed forces.”
(3) “Have clearly defined goals and objectives before sending in troops.  If you can’t explain the mission to the American people clearly and concisely,” stay out.
(4) “American soldiers must never be put under foreign command.”
(5) “Sending our armed forces should be the last resort.  We don’t go looking for dragons to slay.”

Check out the videos on Government Gone Wild:

http://governmentgonewild.org/videos

Let’s Fix Congress

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.
Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
I'm asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.
Congressional Reform Act of 2011
1. Term Limits.
12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms
2. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.
If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.
LET'S FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

Until next time…

Cars 2

Today, Karen and I went to AMC and saw Cars 2. It was delightful, at least as good as the first one. It’s always fun to guess who is voicing the animated characters. In this, there is a star-studded cast of characters including Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shaloub, John Turturro (who played Monk’s brother in the tv show Monk), Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Caine, and on and on.

Needless to say, there were a lot of car chases since the movie centered around a World Grand Prix. There were scenes that made me laugh right out loud and some that made me very sad. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this movie.

After the movie, we went to Plant City and ate at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant. I had the Chimichanga plate and Karen had the Burrito plate.

I finally finished 1861 last night and then read another book by Iris Johansen. Today, I read another Iris Johansen book and am working on a third.

It’s been raining off and on today, at times quite hard.

Until next time…

1861: The Civil War Awakening

Yes, it’s true, I’m still reading the book 1861.In fact, I still have 130 pages of the 429 pages to go. Reading a novel is much faster. I would probably have read it in about 3-4 hours if it were a novel, but this book makes you think. I cannot imagine how the author (Adam Goodheart) ever learned so much info and then was able to put it down on paper.

He brings up so many things I have never thought or heard about. Have you ever heard of the Wide Awakes? Contrast thie: Although more than 300 of the 1000 or so men in the officer corps resigned to join the Confederacy (that’s about 1/3), only about 26 privates out of all 16,000 defected to the rebels.

I have, of course, heard about Fort Sumter being the place where the Civil War started, but never realized what an effect the defeat of the Union forces there had on the support for going to war on the part of the North.

Today, I was reading about Fortress Monroe (near Hampton, VA) and was struck by what one Union scout had to say bout his wok …”covered with wounds inflicted, not by the Secessionists, but by their allies the misquitoes (sic), who swarm in the woods, and whom nothing can induce to secede.” Apparently, the war did not cause them to lose their sense of humor entirely.

Today, it rained off and on and thundered almost all of the time. I never even left my home. I finished putting together my B&D Workbench, made some really delicious Spanish rice, and did some dishes. What an exciting life I lead.

Don Martin, who lives across from 134 Wildwood Ln and has been a great friend to both Richard and me, passed away yesterday. He has been in the hospital/rehab facility since March. I’ll miss him a lot. He always joked and kidded around, but he is home with the Lord now and no longer is in pain or struggling to breathe.

Until next time…

A Great Resource

A friend of mine sent me the following link to the vast collections of the Library of Congress. Did you know you can access all of the 65,000 documents re: George Washington, personal letters, etc. etc.  Check it out:

http://www.loc.gov/index.html

So sorry to hear that Peter Falk (better known as Columbo) passed away today. He was a great actor and provided many hours of entertainment for countless of his fans.

Since I  had to wait for my cousin’s handyman today so I could let him in the shed, I decided it would be a great day to do the laundry. I not only did the laundry, I went to Walmart and to the library even though I’m not quite finished with 1861 The Civil War Awakening. I should be by tomorrow. It’s a very interesting book about well, the year 1861 – the year the Civil War started. I’ve learned stuff I never knew and have a new appreciation for what led up to the civil war. The author even talks about beards and facial hair. Abe Lincoln apparently never actually campaigned for president. It just wasn’t done in those days (except I guess Stephen Douglas managed to do so on the pretense of visiting his family throughout the country.)

I learned a lot about Charlestown Harbor, Fort Moultrie, Castle Point and Fort Sumter. Did you ever wonder what happened to our Congress and cabinet officers when South Carolina and then a bunch of other states seceded from the Union? If you want an interesting observation of that year, read the book. You won’t be disappointed.

We had a real pour down today – a gully washer – just as i was going in the house on my way back from Walmart. Now, it’s just thundering, but I think it will probably rain again. I hope so, now that I’m in for the evening.

Until next time…

Another Quiet Day in Thonotosassa

This morning, I went to Waffle House for my standard breakfast of pecan waffle, bacon, and hash browns fried crisp with onions and jalapenos. It was delicious.

After af stop at Publix, I went back to the camper and read Deadlock by Iris Johansen. After I go a few pages in, I realized I had read it some time ago, but decided to re-read it since it was a terrific book.

I finished that book and am now reading the last of the ones I took out of the library on Monday or Tuesday: 1861: The Civil War Awakening.

The thunder is rumbling again today. We had a few showers yesterday and it’s been dripping a little today. Hopefully, we’ll get some full-fledged rain.

Until next time…

The Art of Getting By

This morning, I went to Liborio’s and had a bacon, egg, and Swiss cheese Cuban. Yum Yum!

After that I went to AMC to see The Art of Getting By. It was an intriguing movie about a young man who couldn’t make much sense of his life. There were three actors I knew; the rest I didn’t. Those I knew were Emma Roberts (Julia Roberts’ niece), Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks’ wife) and Blair Underwood. Freddie Highmore played the young man. He was Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which I never saw.

The movie was sort of good, full of angst and dramatic silence and even more dramatic pauses, but I was entertained.

I gave you some misinformation yesterday. Roy Johansen is Iris Johansen’s son, not her husband. I’ve really enjoyed the books by the three of them, though the series I spoke of yesterday is only two books. I don’t know why they wrote one on a completely different subject in the middle of the other two. But, what do I know?

Back to Storm Cycle, the one not in the series.

Until next time…

A Sad Day

This morning, I decided to go to Bass Pro Shop in Orlando. They had some great sales on shorts and shirts. We used to get BPS shirts for $3, but not they are $7. It’s still not too bad, but I only bought two of the $7 ones.  I bought a couple of other somewhat more expensive shirts and five pair of shorts.

One of the reasons I liked to go to the Orlando Bass Pro Shop was that there was a British pub near there called the Cricketeer’s Arms. They had the best fish and chips and the help there was so kind to my mother when we would take her there. So sad: they were closed up and there were tax lien signs all over the place.

I stopped at Denny’s on my way home and had their fish and fries. It was good and satisfying, but not the same. I guess I’ll have to go to St. Pete to the British Pub near where my cousin Richard used to live. They have great fish and chips.

Last night, I started the last unread library book I had: Shadow Zone by Iris and Roy Johansen. I discovered after I got into it that it was the third in a series. Today, I dropped off the books I had read and got the two that precede Shadow Zone. I’ll read the two that precede it then finish it. They also finally got in a book I’ve been waiting to read called 1861. My sister-in-law Rose recommended it.

It’s supposed to go up to 100 today. I don’t know if it’s there yet, but it must be close. Still, I’m comfortable inside.

Until next time…

Some Great Quotes

 

A friend sent me these quotes in an e-mail:

Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, 'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin..' -   Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter) <><> I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: - 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.' - Eleanor Roosevelt <><> Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement.. - Mark Twain <><> The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible - George Burns <><> Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. - Victor Borge <><> Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. - Mark Twain <><> By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. - Socrates <><> I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury. - Groucho Marx <><> My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe. - Jimmy Durante <><> I have never  hated a man enough to give his diamonds back. - Zsa Zsa Gabor <><> Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat. - Alex Levine <><> My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying. - Rodney Dangerfield <><> Money can't buy you happiness .... But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan <><> Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP . - Joe Namath <><> I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. - Bob Hope <><> I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.. - W. C. Fields <><> We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers <><> Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you. - Winston Churchill <><> Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty .. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.. - Phyllis Diller <><> By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere. - Billy Crystal <><> And the cardiologist's diet: -  If it tastes good, spit it out. May your troubles be less, may your blessings be more, and  may nothing but happiness come through your door.

How Is This Fair?

According to theblaze.com:

“When it comes to citizen pay and annual salaries earned, San Francisco has an interesting dynamic going on. On average, public retirees who have retired and are earning pensions are receiving higher pay than non-government residents who are currently in the workforce.”

Did you get that? Retirees get more in pensions than wage-earners get for working. Absolutely unsustainable.

Until next time…

The Green Lantern

This morning, my friend Karen and I went to see The Green Lantern with Ryan Reynolds. It was a terrific, action-filled movie with car chases, airplane chases, spooky and horrific villains, and a great statement about Fear vs Courage. Our hero (the Green Lantern) learned that it is not important or desirable to be fearless, but to have courage (a will to overcome our fear).

If I had known that Tim Robbins was going to be in the movie, I might not have gone, but he got killed during the film so that was okay. There was a cameo appearance by Jon Tenny (Brenda’s husband Fritz on The Closer) and Angela Basset was in a few scenes.

After the movie, we went to Smoky Bones for lunch. They were offering a free appetizer with an entree if you had a movie ticket. We didn’t even finish the appetizers. I had a couple of bites of my dinner and brought the rest home. I expect to get several meals out of the left-overs.

The big adventure of the day was parking in the Barnes & Noble parking lot, which is across from Smoky Bones. Their signs indicated they towed cars that weren’t there for B & N customers. I was pleased to see my truck there when we came out of the restaurant. I don’t shop at B & N too much anymore since I mostly read library books. What books I buy, I buy for my Kindle.

This afternoon, I took about an hour nap and am now finishing the book Dark Summer by Iris Johansen.

Until next time…

Harry and Bess Truman

A friend sent me this in an email.

We will never see this again.

Thought you'd enjoy this!
It's one you want your Children and Grandchildren to read.

They won't believe this happened, but it DID.

Harry & Bess
(This seems unreal.)

Harry Truman was a different kind of President.  He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him.  However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri.  His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year.  Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated,  Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves.  There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me.  You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me.  It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth.  Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale (cf. Illinois).
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician.  And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!
Enjoy life now -- it has an expiration date!

Started listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix this morning. Also, am reading The Murder Book by Jonathon Kellerman. I want to read through the Harry Potter books before July because the last movie based on the last half of the last Harry Potter books comes out in theaters … at last.

Today, I finally got the pin out that I had put in wrong when assembling my B&D Workbench. Just a few more steps and it will be done.

Until next time…

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

What a great movie! I loved it. It stars Jim Carrey, Carla Cugino and Angela Lansbury (I was going to say Jessica Fletcher, but caught myself just in time). The penguins stole the show, as you can imagine. Though there were only six (well, for the most part), it was kind of like the seven dwarfs – they all had appropriate names: Captain, Bitey, Stinky, Loudy, Nimrod, and ???.

It’s a far out movie, not at all believable, but so fun. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it. The audience really did.

After I got home from the movie, I took a nap and have been reading True Detectives by Jonathon Kellerman. Tonight, I should make it through most of The Murder Book by the same author.

I talked to my sister-in-law Esther today. She’s doing well, was in Johnson City with my brother-in-law Don and sister-in-law Rose.

We’ve been getting a lot of thunder for the past couple of hours, but so far no rain. Hopefully, it will rain. We really need it.

Can you believe the pervert Anthony Weiner may still be able to collect 1.28 million dollars from his Congressional pension. With the state our economy is in, if our representatives had an ounce of integrity, the ability to collect a pension after only one term (that’s only 2 years for someone in the House of Representatives0 would be one of the first things they would cut. Let them pay for their own pension plan like the common folks.

Well, it’s getting late (7:19 pm) and is time to go to bed (and read).

Until next time…

A Big Shower

Last night, not only did we get lots of thunder and lightning, but also some wonderful rain. In fact, it rained steadily for at least 3 or 4 hours. We really needed it.

This morning, I replaced a board in my cousin’s ramp. The worst part was getting the old board off. It probably took 3/4 of the time for the whole project to get that board up. It split in 3 pieces, but that’s why it had to be replaced. I had Home Depot cut it to the proper length and must have measured right because it fit perfectly.

For lunch, I had a hot dog and chili cheese fries at Kazbor’s. I had to go to Plant City for groceries anyway. It was extremely good and I ate the whole thing. The chili cheese fries were like a side order, not their huge platter they bring if you order them that way.

When I got home, I had a nice nap. Now, I’ll be able to read later.

I went to the library and got some more books to read. Still working on the Kellermans and Iris Johansen.

My cousin Richard arrived at his sister’s house today --- finally. I guess he ran into a lot of construction on Rte 15 in Pennsylvania.

I hope you have all seen this video. If not, please watch it here.

Until next time…

A Little Shower

Today, we got a lot of thunder and a little shower – the thunder lasted a lot longer than the rain. It just about dampened the ground.

I got up early (around 5:30) and began my day trying to put together a Black & Decker Workbench 425. At first, I thought it was missing some parts and I couldn’t figure out from the diagram and instructions just exactly what I was supposed to do. Now, I have figured it out and am about halfway done. I guess I’m a little slow, but I put a pin where it shouldn’t have gone and have to wait til I find the right tool to get it out.

I also read another Jonathon Kellerman book(Gone)  and hope to have another(Obsession) done by tomorrow. Then, it’s back to the library for some more. I did pre-order a new J.A. Jance book on my Kindle today – I think it comes out in July.

My cousin Richard thinks he left his cell phone at his house, but I can’t find it. I called it a couple of times while walking around inside the house, but couldn’t hear it ringing. I looked for it everywhere I could think of, but couldn’t see it anywhere.

I spent a little time today watching In Plain Sight and Covert Affairs on the Internet. I really enjoy both of those shows and today was a good day to watch them since my connection will reset tomorrow.It’s funny but the heroine Annie on Covert Affairs went to Paris and I got to see some of the same sights I’ve been enjoying pictures of on Facebook. My niece Denise and her husband Mark were there and took the most stunning pictures. It was almost like being there.

Until next time…

Living in Florida

I don’t think I’ve ever spoken about how much I love living in Florida. Today, on my way to see Super8 at AMC Regency Theater, I saw two Sandhill Cranes pecking around in someone’s front yard..These are pretty good-sized cranes with red on the top of their heads. I see one or two of these almost every week. According to Wikipedia, these birds also live in Northern Siberia. What would have thought it?

Sure, it’s hot here (it’s been in the 90’s every day for days), but the sun shines almost every day – much better than being constantly cloudy and depressing all of the time.

The movie Super8 was a Steven Spielburg/J.J. Abrams collaboration and, as you can imagine, an excellent movie. “Super8” refers to the type of camera (Mark and I had one) with which you can take videos, but without sound. The primary actors were teenagers and I didn’t recognize a single one of them, though the Super8 web site says one of the stars is Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning’s sister. What an actress she is. Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights plays a Deputy Sheriff and the father of one of the kids. These kids are terrific actors and the action is non-stop. Everyone should see this one.

Between last night and today, I read a couple of Iris Johansen books. I don’t think I’d ever read any of her books before, but they are thrillers with good plots and well-developed characters. Thankfully, our library has quite a selection of them.

I have a couple of Jonathon Kellerman books to read and then it’s back to the library.

By the way, I was so disappointed to hear that Michelle Bachman hired Republican strategist Ed Rollins to run her campaign. He’s a RINO (Republican in name only) and a classic politician. It’s awful to see someone with great, conservative ideas and ideals working with someone like him. I probably won’t be rooting for her anymore. I guess it’s natural to judge people by the people they have around them.

Until next time…

Backfire

This morning, I had breakfast with my cousin at Bob Evans. He then topped off his gas tank and headed for his NYS.

After that, I went to the library, returned all of the books I read and picked out six more. The first one I picked up to read was one I had read just a few weeks ago, but I think the others are okay.

I did manage to get my laundry done, went to Taco Bell for lunch and then home to read.

Backfire

From theblaze.com this morning:

“The Main Stream Media supposed dirt digging is backfiring as reporters pour over the 24,000 pages of emails released by the state of Alaska…

SARAH PALIN’S COMPLETE LETTER TO HER FAMILY ABOUT TRIG (this is a very moving letter and gives great insight into the Palin family’s joy in welcoming their youngest son – grab the tissues… K)

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I’ve heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I’ve answered them because Ionly want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn’t think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be “Trig”, because it’s so fitting, with two Norse meanings: “True” and “Brave Victory”. You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig’s mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news – that way Piper wouldn’t have so long to wait and count down so many days – just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days… you all really like cake .) I know you, I knew you’d be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig’s mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing . But I gave Trig’ s mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I‘ve given Trig’s mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I‘ll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig’s challenges, but I won’t impose on you…

I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig’s life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters . The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven’t experienced yet. He’ll show you what “true, brave victory“ really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is ”normal“ or ”perfect”. You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad‘s little buddy and he’ll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He’ll love to be read to, he’ll want to play goalie, and he‘ll steal his mom’s heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for in fact Trig will – in some diagnostic ways – always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it “Down’s Syndrome”, and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig‘s mom and dad don’t want people to focus on the baby’s extra chromosome. They’re human, so they haven’t known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I’m giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won’t understand… and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won’t be considered “perfect” in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider “perfect” or even “normal” anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as “perfect” on t.v.? Have you noticed I make `em all shapes and sizes? Believe me ,, there is no “perfect”!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don’t want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: “My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts… for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!”

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book ! Look it up! You claim that you believe me – now it’s time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won‘t give you anything you can’t handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can’t wait to meet you. I’m giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig’s Creator , Your Heavenly Father

Regulations

Our government has levied 34,000 pages of new regulations on business just in the first half of this year. Wonder why jobs are so scarce.

Until next time…

Olde Towne Pizza Once Again

Today, my cousin Richard and I went to Olde Towne Pizza in Plant City again. We had the same old same old: he-large strawberry walnut salad, I-small strawberry walnut salad, both-corn fritters with butter and Old Town Pizza (all the meats), thin-crust, of course.

Richard’s getting ready to go to New York for a month to attend his FIFTIETH Northside High School Alumni Celebration. I shouldn’t say anything; my FIFTIETH is next year, but mine is for Painted Post High School (much better school :)).

This morning I read an intriguing book called Prism by Faye Kellerman and her daughter Aliza. It involved a parallel existence where people could not understand the concept of getting better if you got sick. There were no doctors or hospitals or ambulances. Makes you think.

I also started and finished a Linda Howard book called Death Angel. I’ll soon be starting another book by Linda Howard called Kiss Me While I Sleep.

About half way through Death Angel, the heroine dies for an hour. During this time, she encounters her stillborn son who is about 30 years old. It reminded me of a theory I heard somewhere that when we die we will probably appear around 33 (no matter how old we get), which is the age Jesus died and was resurrected. Something to think about. Unfortunately, the book was very “works” heavy and not at all grace-oriented. All I can say is if I had to rely on good works to get to heaven, I’d be in big trouble. Thanks be to God that He paid the price – one of my favorite verses (it even appears on my checks) is “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of itself. It is the gift of God not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Until next time…

Not Much Going On

Other than visiting Richard for a while and going to the library to pick up a couple of books I had put on hold, I didn’t do too much today except read. I have finished Compulsion by Jonathon Kellerman and have started Blindman’s Bluff by Faye Kellerman.

For supper this evening, I had a bag of Orville Reddenbacher’s Kettlecorn. I never used to like that stuff, but now it’s my favorite. One bag more than fills me up. In fact, one-half of a bag would be just right.

I was finally able to get connected to the Solitaire games my sister-in-law Rose and I have been playing. I’m convinced that Facebook made some changes to the way they’re handling them and temporarily broke something. Of course, it could just be I’m totally inept at this sort of thing.

On Facebook today, there were pictures of my great-nephew Nathan’s graduation. So tall and handsome. There were also some wonderful pictures of him with his parents and with his grandmother as well as one of his brother Daniel playing in the band.

Can you believe Anthony Weiner? New York State must be so proud: Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner --- their very own perverts. Now, Weiner is going to take a leave of absence to get treatment. Somehow, I think the treatment he gets won’t do him much more good than it does your run-of-the-mill child molester. I think, in his mind, his only problem is that he got caught. How can the people of NYS want someone with his lack of judgment representing them?

Until next time…

Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer

Weird title, huh? Well, today I went to AMC and saw that movie. It was for kids, which is probably why I liked it, and silly, which is also why I liked it. I didn’t really recognize any of the folks in the movies with a singular exception: Jaleel White. Remember Steve Urkel on Family Matters. Well, he’s all grown up, as you can imagine. He was in the movie a little bit.

I spent the rest of my day reading the book A Cold Heart by Jonathon Kellerman. I’m getting ready to start Compulsion by the same author. I like reading books where the characters are already familiar, but it is a little confusing to read them out of order.

In fact, it’s time to get started reading.

Until next time…

Proposed 28th Amendment

A friend sent me the following email. It’s a great idea.

No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay. While Politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any sense.

Monday on Fox news they learned that the staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back student loans. This will get national attention if other news networks will broadcast it. When you add this to the below, just where will all of it stop? 35 States file lawsuit against the Federal Government Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention. This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on. This is an idea that we should address. For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.. This is one proposal that really should be passed around. Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

Wouldn’t this stop a lot of the corruption we see in Washington?

Until next time…

Accomplishments

Today, I tested, well, actually used, my new Black & Decker Rechargeable Weed-Eater to get rid of the weeds around my camper. First, though, I parked my pickup across the street. A lot of the weeds were where the pickup is usually parked. It worked really well. Of course, my arms were a little weak afterward. I’m not used to so much physical activity. And it does look better.

I was going to take before and after pictures, but forgot until the after was all over. I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it.

I also tried baking some of those Pillsbury Grand biscuits in my toaster oven. They came out okay, albeit a little singed on the bottom. They were certainly edible, even tasty. I need to get a smaller package next time.

The other highlight of my day was going to the library where I took out six new books. I’ve already read one of the: Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard. It’ a book I’ve read before, but it was so good, I didn’t mind reading it a second time. I’m getting ready to start Double Homicide by Faye Kellerman and Jonathon Kellerman.

Until next time…

Another Hot, Hot Day Here in Florida

Wow, I don’t think it’s ever going to cool down here. It is so warm – no hot – it’s hard to summon up the ambition to do anything. We may get some rain later in the week and we really need it.

Today, I drove down to Brandon and had lunch at Long John Silver’s. I don’t go there too often. Mom and I used to go once a week or so. She just loved there fish. However, we both did prefer Captain D’s or the fish at the Sugar Shack in Zephyrhillls.I think the only one who loved fish more than my mom was my aunt Iona. Mark and I used to take her to Arthur Treacher’s down on the “miracle mile” in Horseheads. Now that was some good fish, too.

Since the weeds are growing up around my camper like you wouldn’t believe even with it so dry, I went to Home Deport and bought a rechargeable weed-eater. There were two batteries in the box and they were offering a free battery in addition (a normal cost of $40). I’ve got it put together and am charging the first battery as we speak. Each battery takes 9 hours for the first charge. I doubt very much that weed-eating around my place will take very long, but who knows.

I should finish my last library book tonight and will go pick up some more tomorrow. I’m trying to work my way through all of the Faye Kellerman, Jonathon Kellerman and Linda Howard books right now. A new Janet Evanovich book (Smokin’ Seventeen) comes out June 21st, but I’ll get that on my Kindle.  I have to wait until November 21st for the next Sue Grafton book (V is for Vengeance). So many books, so little time.

Well, off to read.

Until next time…

Forty-Five Years Ago

Forty-five years ago today, my late husband Mark and I graduated from Houghton College. The day before was the first time he and I went on a date. It’s kind of a bittersweet memory, but mostly sweet. Our first date always brings a smile to my face. Mark had this Corvair that had to be pushed sometimes to get it started. Houghton College was out in the middle of nowhere so we rode around in that car until after midnight. To this day, I couldn’t tell you where we went. I know we did stop at Rushford Lake for a few minutes.

By August 1st of that year (1966, in case the math is too difficult), we were engaged and got married on February 11th of the next year.

How can Anthony Weiner take “complete responsibility” for what he did even though he doesn’t resign? Imagine if a Republican did this.

The Ignorance of the Lame-Stream Media

I’m sure you’ve heard about Sarah Palin being ridiculed by the “lame-stream media” for making a mistake about Paul Revere. Well, come to find out – SURPRISE! – she was right! Even the LA Times and the Boston Herald say so.

You know how Sarah Palin said Paul Revere warned the British? Well, he did. Now, who looks stupid? (from LA Times)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/06/sarah-palin-says-paul-revere-warned-the-british.html

Experts back Sarah Palin’s historical account (from Boston Herald)

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/2011_0606you_betcha_she_was_right_experts_back_palins_historical_account/

Until next time…

Sing Live Tampa Bay

What a lovely night I spent last night. First, I had the privilege of going to hear Sing Live at the First Baptist Church in Tampa and then shared a wonderful meal with the family at Village Inn. Esther was there, my nephew Steve, my niece Jane, her husband David and their sons James and Bradley.

The music was really good. They sang show tunes from Starlight Express, Aladdin, Grease, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Lion King, Civil War, Blood Brothers, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Les Miserables.

I particularly enjoyed Esther’s friend Dawn Waggoner singing as Ursula from The Little Mermaid. I thought I was taping her and found out, when her song was almost over, that I hadn’t turned on the camera.

Time Warp from Rocky Horror Picture Show was my next favorite part of the program.

The best part of this group is that anyone can join. You don’t even have to audition, but it does require dedication. You have to show up for practices. This year they’ll be going overseas once again. Last year, the group sang in the Vatican, at St. Mark’s in Venice and some other places in Europe. They also sing at Epcot Center.

See www.singliveUSA.com for more info.

Can you believe I slept until almost 9 am today. I think I only got up once in the night. I must have been exhausted.

Until next time…

San Francisco…Where Else? (for June 4, 2011)

Went tonight to see my sister-in-law Esther in Sing Live Tampa Bay. Didn’t get home til after midnight. More about it tomorrow.

What are they smoking on the west coast?

Perhaps you have heard that San Francisco has an measure on the ballot this November which could ban circumcision. This is aimed at the Jewish (and, I guess Muslim) religion. If you want proof that this is anti-Semitic, just check out the following article:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/proof-that-s-f-s-circumcision-ban-is-anti-semitic/

Medical experts around the world tout the health benefits of circumcision – mainly, that it prevents disease in men and the women with whom they are intimate. Just search for “the health benefits of circumcision” and you’ll see.

 

Federal appeals court opens doors for prayer at Texas graduation

   see the article at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/04/us-graduation-prayer-texas-idUSTRE75300O20110604?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&rpc=22&sp=true

Until next time…

Anti-Semitism

Today, I finished the book Straight into Darkness by Faye Kellerman. When I started it a couple of days ago, I put it aside and decided not to read it, but after reading a book that came before it (Street Dreams), I decided to give it another try. It was set in Munich, Germany in the 1920’s when Hitler was coming to power.

What is scary is that there are so many parallels to today in the US. The economy in Germany was terrible after WWI. Germany was in debt and tried to print their way out of it. There was hyperinflation – it took a wheelbarrow of German marks to buy an egg.

Whenever there is trouble, we humans always want to assess blame. Hitler was a master at blaming: the Jews, the Communists, the Social Democrats, the Royalists… anyone, but particularly the Jews.

In view of our economy and the devaluation of the dollar, inflation rises and hyperinflation is a very real possibility. The crops we produce will be affected by inflation, floods and tornados and, of course, the use of corn for ethanol. (Speaking of ethanol, my cousin was told today that the reason they couldn’t keep their weed-eater going was probably due to the ethanol in the gas.)

As the dollar deflates and the price of necessary commodities inflates, we may soon see shortages. We may not know be able to afford enough food to stay alive. When people don’t know where they are going to get their next meal, they get testy and scared and want to blame someone. The Obama administration is already playing the blame game: the rich don’t pay their fair share, big oil, etc. What incentive do people have to produce more if they know any gain they get will be taxed unfairly. And, if anyone has been watching Obama, you know he is an anti-Semite. How could he not be and sit in the pew listening to Jeremiah Wright for 20 plus years.

I hope everyone who reads this post will stand with Israel, defend the Jewish population, and speak out against anti-Semitism. I also hope that each of you will store a little extra food (well, actually, a lot of extra food) and other necessities just in case prices get unmanageable or we have food shortages.

And chaos would play right into the hands of socialists and Marxists who think they know how to spend your money better than you do. They would be delighted to have everyone look to the nanny state for sustenance.

Sorry, all, didn’t mean to preach, but I feel so strongly about it.

Until next time…

Interesting Facts

Awhile ago, I received a graduation announcement for my niece Dawn’s son Nathan. Along with the announcement was a picture of my very handsome great-nephew (his brother Daniel is also very good looking, but I didn’t get a picture of him). I finally spent this morning scanning all of my paperwork including Nathan’s picture.

He’s always been cute as you can see by the following (he’ll probably want to kill me for showing you this):

  I think his eating habits are a little neater these days.

Freedom Trail

Today, Sarah Palin spoke about the Freedom Trail in Boston, MA (see http://www.sarahpac.com/posts/freedom-trail). Mark and I walked the Freedom Trail (it’s 2 1/2 miles long and wanders through Boston with lots of historic places). I took some of the best pictures I’ve ever taken there and then found out I had no film in the camera. With digital cameras, that is not a problem, but with film cameras – how disappointing. If you’re ever in that area, please take the time to follow the red bricks on the Freedom Trail. We did get to go back and take a few pictures of the Freedom Trail.

In this picture of the Old State House near the Bostom Common, you can see the red bricks denoting the Freedom Trail.

In this one, kind of at the other end of the trail is the USS Constitution, better known as Old Ironsides.

 

Interesting Facts

Since its inception, I have made it a habit to check theblaze.com several times a day, Interesting Facts found there include:

1. 77,000 federal employees make more than the governors of their states per http://www.theblaze.com/stories/77000-federal-employees-make-more-than-their-state-governors/
2. Aside from GE, the other companies that barely paid any taxes were American Electric Power, Dupont, Verizon, Boeing, Wells Fargo, FedEx, Honeywell, IBM, Yahoo!, United Technoloties and ExxonMobil. per http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-some-major-u-s-corporations-are-paying-0-tax-rate/
3. The man who avoids paying his own taxes says the “We must increase taxes.” per http://www.theblaze.com/stories/charlie-rangel-on-debt-we-must-increase-taxes/
4. the number of limousines owned by the federal government increased 73 percent during the first two years of President Barack Obama’s presidency. per http://www.theblaze.com/stories/limousine-liberals-report-shows-major-growth-in-governments-limo-fleet/
5. The Obama administration said Wednesday that the government will lose about $14 billion in taxpayer funds from the bailout of the U.S. auto industry. per http://www.theblaze.com/stories/obama-admin-admits-govt-will-lose-14-billion-on-auto-bailout/ (I wonder if this includes the huge subsidies the government has been giving for those who buy the Chevy Volt)

The comments at the end of the articles found on theblaze.com are often as insightful as the articles themselves.

Until next time…

Rain, Wonderful Rain

Today, it rained … a lot and boy, did we need it. For the last couple of days, we’ve been smelling smoke from wildfires over in neighboring Polk county and from some as far away as Orlando. Hopefully, they got some of this much need rain.

A quiet day here. I’m reading Street Dreams by Faye Kellerman.  I think I like her books just a bit more than her husband Jonathon’s, but not enough to make a difference. I also got a book from the library by their son Jonathon, but haven’t read it yet.

I saw in the TV Guide that came today that Jeff Conaway of Taxi fame passed away on 5/27. How sad. I guess his life was one big struggle with addiction. So handsome and I’m sure he had a lot of money, but what good does that do anyone?

I guess Sarah Palin is driving the “lame-stream” media crazy with her tour of the USA. The very idea! She won’t give them her itinerary – as if she cares if they follow her.Wouldn’t it be fun to follow her around to all of these places, but I’d want to spend more time in them than what she has – you can’t appreciate Gettysburg in one day and that’s the truth. We all should try to visit our national treasures as often as we can so that we can keep alive the spirit of our founders and appreciate what has been sacrificed for us.

Sorry, no more preaching.

Until next time…