As the Clouds Move In

It's a dark and glum" looking day here in paradise. We are expecting afternoon thunderstorms. Blech. Son and hubby have gone to the museum district so that son can view the exhibits for an art class assignment. He needs to go to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and to the Glassell School of Art. The latter is to view a children's art exhibit. Good day to do something creative indoors.

I just heard on the cable news channel that Cindy Sheehan is challenging Diane Fienstein's senate seat in the primary if Diane doesn't support the filibuster of Sam Alito. Wow. I'm telling you, this woman is off the cliff big time. I know Cindy has beaucoup bucks behind her now but I don't think that would match Fienstein's husband's money and connections. Plus, Fienstein is popular in California on her own.

"The students are working very hard, their attitude is very good," said Superintendent Rick Summers, of the Deweyville Elementary School students. In the small rural community of Deweyville, about 15 miles north of Orange, Texas along the Louisiana border, the students have been attending classes in the cafeteria and playing on a barren playground druing recess due to the visit of Hurricane Rita. The students were out of school completely for 6 weeks after the storm.

This past week, Czech Ambassador Petr Kolar and his wife, Jaroslava, visited the school and presented the superintendent with a check for the amount of $100,000. The government of Czechoslavakia and the Czech people are donating to the United States in gratitude for the U.S. support of Pague after that city was hit by floods in 2002. They want to return the gesture of friendship, according to Petr Chalupecky, political officer for the embassy.

Texas has the nation's largest Czech-American population and the visit was coordinated by the governor's office. The Ambassador continued on to Austin for meetings after touring the school and enjoying the pictures the children drew as thank you notes to the Czechs. The superintendent thought the donation may be for about $50,000 as that is what was originally indictated to him. Imagine his surprise as he was presented with a check for twice what he expected.

The money will be used to buy library books and pay expenses not covered by insurance. The school serves 740 students. Very grateful students.

"With one day's reading, a man have the key in his hands". - Ezra Pound

Fool of the Week

The drumroll, please...
This week's title goes to Cindy Sheehan. I know, it's too easy, but she still deserves the title.

Cindy Sheehan, grieving mom of Casey Sheehan, Iraqi war veteran/hero, has made a cottage industry out of the loss of her son. Initially, Cindy had the support of the majority of the American public as far as voicing her grief publicly went. Who could fault a mother grieving the loss of her son? However due to a shortage of fresh news over the summer vacation and a bored national press, Cindy vaulted to national celebrity status at "Camp Casey" in Crawford, Tx just down the road from the President's ranch. Claiming she just wanted a meeting with the President to voice her opinions of the war in Iraq, even though she had already met with the President several months before, every warmed over hippie baby boomer anti war activist flocked to her side. Photo ops were in abundance, media interviews were arranged by professional handlers and her pearls of wisdom could not be reported fast enough.

As a nouveau celeb, she signed on with a public relations firm to get her on the speaking circuit for a nifty fee. Her family begged her to just come home. Her husband filed for divorce. Nothing was going to stop Cindy's 15 minutes of fame.

Now that summer is long over and she is has to resort to being arrested at protests in front of the White House for publicity, she has taken her show to the international level. She was in Caracus, Venezuela with 10,000 other anti-globalization activists praising Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez.

"I admire him for his resolve against my government and its meddling, " said Sheehan. She said she hoped to meet President Chavez while there. Of course the irony here is that if she were one of her new best friend's, Chavez, citizens, she would be jailed for speaking out about his government. She would never be allowed to treat him as she has treated her own President with the personal insults and stunts she has pulled for the cameras.

Casey's memory is not honored by his mother's public meltdown.

"We have faced and we are facing today enemies who hate us, who hate our country, who hate the liberties for which we stand. They dwell in the shadows, wear no uniform, have no regard for the laws of warfare, and feel unconstrained by any standard of morality. We've never had a fight like this. And those of us in positions of responsibility have a duty to wage a broad-scale effort for the sake of this nation's safety and security". - Vice President Dick Cheney speaking at the Manhattan Institute, January 19, 2006

A Fork In The Road

The Palestinian people appear to have elected HAMAS as the new governing party in their fledging statehood. To say this is a disturbing development is an understatement. The road map to peace in the region is now seriously in doubt. The U.S. doesn't recognize HAMAS and doesn't negotiate with them as long as they do not renounce terrorism and as long as they keep the elimination of Israel in their charter. So far HAMAS has done neither. Interesting times ahead.

The President had a press conference in the White House briefing room and Helen Thomas, despite a front row seat, was not called on by the President. I don't think she should even have a front row seat. Enough is enough.

My new PDA comes complete with Bluetooth technology. My son was surprised that I even knew the terminology. I was rather insulted by that attitude.

Last night on one of the talking heads television programs, a former second in command of Saddam's army was interviewed. He is in this country now and has a recently released book published about the facts on the ground prior to the war. He said he witnessed the moving of chemical weapons - weapons of mass destruction - by air and by land, to Syria with full cooperation in Demascus, when Saddam realized that "America was coming". I won't be surprised if this book isn't given the fawning reviews of the traditional media that the books critical of the administration and the war are given. Gee, that would mean the moonbats would have to come up with a new slogan, other than "Bush lied". As clever as that is...

I think it was the previous President who was known for deficits of truth. I guess character does matter, after all, not solely the number of the Dow Jones Average at the end of the day when it comes to protecting the country. Remember when shallow American voters would justify voting for Clinton's second term by saying while they really didn't care for him, gosh, the stock market was doing so darn good. I don't remember anyone questioning the policy of rendition under the previous administration. They were the ones who put countries like Egypt into the mix of that exercise.

Even Oprah is discovering a little honesty - she now regrets supporting the bogus James Frey memoir she previously pimped for her book club. All those nodding sheep in her daily audience I'm sure will continue to follow the Queen of daytime anyway. No one pats herself on the back better than Oprah.


"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you'll know exactly what to do". - Michelle Ventor

Wandering Wednesday

My mind is wandering here and there today. Mostly I am disturbed by the situation between the Mexican government and our border state, Texas. I was watching on the news this morning confirmation of a story I began reading about yesterday. It involves 3 military style Hummers, not the current SUV knock-offs used in suburbia, roaring across the border into Texas, escorted by Mexican military personnel. Eventually they were turned back by our American border patrol, after travelling more than 12 miles into Texas. Rather than turning over assets to the border patrol, the Mexicans set one of the humvees, carrying more than 1400 lbs. of marijuana, on fire. The Mexicans were armed with assault weapons and handled them with the ease of professionals. So, our country was invaded by a neighboring country using the neighboring country's militia, endangering the lives of the border patrol, and the director of Homeland Security claims it was only a "navigation error". This is why Republicans initially opposed the formation of a Dept of Homeland Security. Republicans knew it would be just another government bureaucracy not a part of the solution, but an added part of the problem. Big surprise.

Time to finish building the big ole fence sealing off the southern border with Mexico.

Yesterday Attorney General Alberto Gonzales gave a speech about the NSA's terrorist surveillance program. To disrupt the speech, several Georgetown University students held up a protest banner. The banner read: "Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither". The quote was attributed to Ben Franklin. OK, so they wanted to be rude to the Attorney General and disrupt his speech because we know free speech only applies to those who agree with you, but the really disturbing part is that the quote is incorrect. These students at an elite institute of higher learning got the quote wrong. The correct quote is: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve niether Liberty nor Safety". Kind of brings a new meaning to the quote, doesn't it. I don't think Ben Franklin would have a problem with long term national security.

As Michelle Malkin p0ints out in her blog, another version of the quote appears on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".

Helen Thomas needs to be denied access to White House briefings/press conferences with Scott McClelland. She contines to embarrass herself by not being embarrassed about her clueless questions. I read her autobiography several years ago so I know she is a proud liberal, of Middle Eastern descent, so no big deal. But after 100 years as a White House reporter for newspapers, she is now an opinion columnist. I think that it is more important to have "real" journalists for print and tv asking questions of the press secretary. You don't see Maureen Dowd or Ellen Goodman in there.

My husband smokes cigars. Yes, it is disgusting. I was reading the tins he brought back from his recent trip out of the country. The anti-smoking warnings are really in your face, as opposed to the timid, I- don't- want- to- offend- you, warnings on packaging here in this country. Examples: Smoking kills. Smoking causes ageing of the skin (OK so they misspelled). Smoking seriously harms you and others around you. And my favorite: Smoking may reduce the blood flow and causes impotence. Wowzers! That ought to get the attention of every male of earth.


"Good and evil do not befall men without reason. Heaven sends them happiness or misery according to their conduct". - Confucius

If I've Said It Once

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times, to say you don't support the war in Iraq, yet you support the troops is a lie. I invite you to go to the L.A. Times (www.latimes.com) and read the op ed by Joel Stein titled "Warriors and wusses.

"And being against the war and saying you support the troops is one of the wussiest positions the pacifists have ever taken - and they're wussy by definition", writes Mr. Stein. In his opinion, those who show support publicly by wearing ribbons or putting magnetic ribbons on a car's bumper are merely trying to ease the guilt of the war.

"But blaming the president is a little too easy. The truth is that people who pull triggers are ultimately responsible, whether they're following orders or not. An army of people making individual moral choices may be ineffiecient, but an army of people ignoring their morality is horrifying".

"But when you volunteer for the U.S. military, you pretty much know you're not going to be fending off invasions from Mexico and Canada. So you're willingly signing up to be a fighting tool of American imperialism, for better or worse". Ah, yes, Mr. Stein. American Imperialism at play again. How original. I believe the country is still called Iraq, not Iraq, American territory, like say Puerto Rico.

And the closing thought from Mr. Stein: "I'm not advocating that we spit on returning veterans like they did after the Vietnam War, but we shouldn't be celebrating people for doing something we don't think was a good idea. All I'm asking is that we give our returning soldiers what they need: hospitals, pensions, mental health and a safe, immediate return. But, please, no parades". Well, "we" think the removal of Saddam was a good idea. And "we" think it is so generous of you to not call for spitting on vets.

How terribly liberal of you.

Today's Vote

This morning the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on sending Sam Alito's nomination to the Senate floor. It will be a party line vote, with 8 Democrats voting against, 10 Republicans voting for the nomination. No vote could better illustrate a major difference in the political thoughts of conservatives versus liberals.

Advise and consent to the Executive branch is the responsibility of the Senate concerning judicial nominations. Nowhere does it say the nominee must think as either side thinks. The judicial philosophy of a nominee is reflected by the President nominating him or her. What could be more basic of common sense - a conservative president will nominate a conservative judge to the Supreme Court, given the opportunity. The same goes to liberal presidents and nominees. President Bush said he would nominate conservatives to the bench and, as is his character, he has kept this word on this campaign promise.

In previous days, when the political atmosphere was not so toxic, nominees were voted into judgeships based on qualifications and personal integrity. This is how it should be. When Charles Schumer, D-NY, came onto the Judicial Committee as a freshman Senator after years in the House of Representatives, he made it his mission to pressure the other members on his side of the aisle to make personal philosophy the main consideration. Shame on him for turning the committee into a bunch of political hacks.

Judge Alito has been more forthcoming about answering the committee's questions than any recent nominee to the Supreme Court. To state that he didn't answer the questions is nonsense. It just means the committee member didn't like the answer.

To say that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor must be replaced with another moderate judge is silly. Since when was this the standard? Ruth Bader Ginsburg replaced Byron White and the two could not have been further apart in philosophy. Status quo is not a requirement for the Supreme Court, unless maybe you are a part of the minority party feeling a little pain.

Elections have consequences.

Women will die if Sam Alito is on the Supreme Court. This is a rallying cry from the abortion lobby. This has been the cry since Souter was nominated and for each justice nominated by a Republican president since. I am a pro-choice conservative and I find it utterly unbelievable that one political party in this country is so beholden to one special interest group that they have been rendered submissive in hopes of votes for re-election. It is the same old tired argument proven wrong again and again. No Democrat in today's political atmosphere on the judicial committee will vote for Alito, even though 3 did vote in committee for John Roberts, for fear of angering the far left.

So far, only one Democrat, Ben Nelson D-Neb, has stated publicly that he will vote for Judge Alito in the Senate floor vote. During the Roberts Senate floor vote, 22 Democrats voted to place him on the Supreme Court. I don't think anywhere near that number will be honest enough to vote for Alito. Says a lot about today's liberals.

With liberals out of power in Washington, D.C., the judicial system is all they have left. They claim they are the watchdogs of separation of power among the three branches of government yet insist the judicial branch legislate from the bench.


"Joy is the feeling of grinning on the inside". - Dr.Melba Colgrove

National Pie Day

Happy National Pie Day! I like pie. I like fruit pie, cream pie, ice box pie, pizza pie. Pie is good.

This last weekend flew by. Here it is Monday already. Hubby arrived home safe and sound from the record breaking freezing cold of the former Soviet Union. After a month of that fun, he was ready to be home. He was able to relax and catch up Saturday and Sunday. I won't be serving cabbage anytime soon around here!

Son and I went to the Theatre District Saturday afternoon and watched a local high school's production of "South Pacific". A friend of son's was in the cast. A good time was had by all but that was one loooong production. For the second act, sailor caps were distributed for audience participation. Nice touch. Seems it is the school production season around here. Next weekend I am committed to go to my girlfriend's son's production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and son was promised a friend he will go to her school's play Sunday afternoon as she has directed a one act play.

Anyhoo, remember that 16 year old kid from Fort Lauderdale who decided he would further his journalistic dreams by going to Iraq and reporting first hand, on his own? The media here went gaga over the story. What a strange, yet brave young man. Didn't you think something was funny, and not in the good way, about that story? Well, seems it isn't really as the press would have you think it is. The boy, Farris Hassan, was not enrolled in a journalism class at Pine Crest School, as was claimed. And he was never given an "immersion journalism" assignment. His father, Dr. Redha Hassan, not only knew of his son's travel plans, but also authorized his absence.

Dr. Hassan not only knew of his son's travel plans, but he arranged for the flight into Baghdad through political connections. Further investigation into this family shows that Dr. Hassan was arrested by the FBI in 1985 for forging 2000 Iraqi passports and military ID cards and he was seeking to forge 2,000 more. Dr. Hassan asked his next door neighbor, a print store owner, to make the documents. Hassan claimed they were for family in Iraq. So, the print store owner reported this to the FBI and worked with them on the case. Two of the boy's uncles and an activist labeled "pro-Khomeini" were also arrested with his father. Under the name of Redha K. Alsawaf, Dr. Hassan was the President of a Florida non-profit, now defunct, World Orphanage and Refugee Relief Foundation.

The boy spent 10 days in Beirut after being turned away at the Iraqi border due to the upcoming elections. While in Beirut, he met with a media relations officer of Hezbollah at their Central Press Office. The meeting was arranged through his family's friends.

Perhaps now this family's association with Hezbollah will be investigated. No mention in the media after glamorizing this kid's journey. Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim organizaton based in Lebanon and tied to Iran. With a large presence in Iraq, its army's mission is to drive Americans out of Iraq. Hmmm...


"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend". - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Fool of the Week

Drumroll, please...
The Fool of the Week designation goes to New Orleans Mayor, Ray Naquin.

During the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New Orleans, Mayor Naquin decided to prove to his audience just how black he is truly. He chose to use the race baiting term of "chocolate city" when describing New Orleans.

Orginally the mayor claimed that the hurricanes of the past season were brought on by the wrath of God. New Orleans was hit because God is mad that we are at war in Iraq and God wants New Orleans to be a black city. Nothing like a speech laced with touches of venim to celebrate a man who appealed to our greater angels.

When challenged about the fact that God wants New Orleans to be an African American city, he quickly backpedaled and stated that New Orleans would be a chocolate city again. You know, you get chocolate by blending dark chocolate and vanilla together and the result is a delicious drink.

Mayor Naquin stated that he didn't care what the people of Uptown New Orleans wanted, a predominantly white population, New Orleans would again be an African American city. I guess Mayor Naquin forgot the people of Uptown New Orleans voted 90% in favor of the mayor in his election. Naquin received less than half of the black vote in the city.

The African American population has voiced concerns about the sincerity of the mayor to return the city to its previous ways. When he appointed the Bring New Orleans Back Commission it brought disapproval from some sections because the people appointed to the commission are mostly wealthy white men. You know, the mayor is dancing with the ones who brung him.

A political novice, the mayorial race was Naquin's first run for office. His lack of experience in civic leadership was saddly all too apparent as film coverage of the poor, the black, the elderly, and the sick populations of New Orleans exposed the lack of rounding up resources in a timely manner to survive Hurricane Katrina.

God doesn't care what the color of New Orleans looks like.

Thursday

Today I am hoping hubby's travel plans are in motion and he is making his way back home. He plans to be here tomorrow afternoon. He's been gone a month so it is time.

Today's calendar includes lunch with my friend. My favorite activity. We'll be getting together Saturday afternoon, too, to watch another friend's daughter in a school production of "South Pacific". Son will be joining us as the daughter is a former classmate and still good friend. Monday was the one year anniversary of the death of my friend's only child, a former classmate of my son's, who would now be a 16 year old Sophomore in high school.

Haven't seen a lot of coverage of Laura Bush's trip to West Africa this week. Also along on the trip was her daughter, Barbara. Remember when Hilary and Chelsea broke the previous national record on traveling and expenditures for foreign adventures and all the glowing coverage they got? Interesting. Barbara Bush has been active in African issues such as HIV/AIDS vaccine distribution on the continent and hopes to do something in country career-wise. Jenna Bush is a teacher in Washington, D.C. now at a charter school. Chelsea Clinton, now back from Oxford in England and partying with Madonna and Gwenyth, works for a Wall Street brokerage firm and lives in Manhattan. Her starting salary was well over $100,000.

It seems the Democrats (the good government party) held a private retreat in April 2001 with 42 or the 50 Senate Democrats in attendance. The purpose was to hear from experts and discuss ways to fight a Bush administration's effort to remake the judiciary. What? Encouraging cheap political tricks to undermine the nomination process to place judges on the bench? This information came to light in, you guessed it, The New York Times earlier this week in an article by Adam Nagourney. Again, the newspaper choses to release the information in their possession since 2001 at this time, now that the Alito hearings are over and it looks as though it will be some time before another Supreme Court nomination is needed.

Perhaps the GOP should have a hearing about the continuing collusion between the New York Times and the Democrats. When did Nagourney know this info and what is the extent of the knowledge? After the reincarnation of Joe McCarthy by the Senate Democrats during the Alito hearings, brought on out of desperation towards questioning a more than qualified nominee, the aides to the Democrats were shocked that Mrs. Alito's breakdown was covered instead of the camera hogging of the likes of Ted Kennedy. Shocking, indeed.

Earth to Democrats: as long as you continue to smear good people and vamp for the camera, the people of this country will continue to show a true disconnect with you. Elections have consequences.

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give". - George MacDonald

Connections

All throughout the 9/11 Commission's hearings, the American public was incessantly told how important it is to connect the dots in deciphering intelligence reports concerning national security. We were told the previous administration, Clinton and company, did not connect the dots. We were told the newly inaugurated Bush administration did not connect the dots. It was a recurring theme.

After the attacks on our shore on 9/11, intelligence reports took on a whole new importance. The country was united in the effort to hold those responsible who killed our fellow citizens and visitors. The Patroit Act was passed as a tool for those protecting this country to keep us safe from future attacks. We are told a future attack is not "if" but "when".

The popular mode of attack of the deranged Bush haters now is to belittle the administration for using the tools available to protect our country from incoming threats. FISA was enacted under Jimmy Carter's administration and was never meant to be the only standard in today's times. Under the Clinton administration, Jamie Gorelick, the assistant Attorney General under Janet Reno and a member of the 9/11 Commission, argued that the administration was entitled to do warrantless searches if the situation called for it. The usual case brought as an example of this is the Aldrich Ames case where his home was searched without a warrant with the blessing of the Reno Justice Department. No outrage then.

So, under the auspices of the public's right to know, the New York Times published an article about the wiretapping of people in foreign lands speaking to people in this country. Not necessarily even American citizens, just people in this country on a telephone. No abuses can be pointed to from any of the critics but organizations such as the ACLU, Greenpeace, and journalists have filed a lawsuit against the Bush administration claiming they were unduly monitored. Again, no one has been able to point to any abuse of freedom but who needs anything other than anger for the administration to do anything in this political climate?

Instead of being outraged that treasonist acts, like what occurred at the New York Times, is happening, the administration comes under fire. Much like the hand wringing over the renewal of the Patriot Act, those claiming loss of civil rights without any proof to substantiate this claim forge on. No civil rights have been lost from any citizen. Not even racial profiling at the airport screening stations is allowed and our country has not been attacked on our soil.

Recently reported on ABC News was a story about the FBI monitoring bulk purchases of cell phone like the ones typically used in terrorist attacks. These cell phones are the disposable kind that can be purchased without the customer giving out any personal information. Use and toss away. In Midland, Texas 6 men of Middle Eastern origin were attempting to purchase a large quantity of these cell phones and at least one of the suspects was identified as being from Iraq and another from Pakistan. Police were able to identify the men as linked to a terror cell. Was this a coincidence that the attempted purchase occurred just days after the New York Times article was published with details of wiretapping? Of course the bad guys would change patterns of operation and switch to non-traceable disposable cell phones.

We are at war. The bad guys still want to kill as many of us as possible and destroy our country. We know who they are, for the most part, and we know where they come from.

Connect the dots.


"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can". - John Wesley

Happy Birthday, Ben!

Today is Ben Franklin's 300th birthday.

Benjamin Franklin, a wise and steadfast founding father of our country, would not think that President Bush has overreached his Constitutional authority in using wiretaps on phone calls between people in America and people overseas suspected of links to terrorism. In 1776 he and 4 colleagues on the Continental Congress's foreign affairs committee said it was not possible to tell the American congress about help France was giving to the American Revolution. The committee was concerned about leaks, yes, even back then, and knew that Congress was too large to be free of the leaks. Franklin viewed the leaks as a fatal experience for the country.

In yet another example of why The New York Times no longer is deserving of the trust of the American people, a photo appeared on its website, which has since been taken down, showing among the ruins of a home, a sad faced little boy and a turbaned man, in Afghanistan, with a long cylindrical part with a conical tip. The caption references the failed attempt to take out al-Qadea's number two man, al Zawahiri. Bad American soldiers not getting the job done. Problem is that the picture was outted as a posed picture. The military artillery put in the photo is not what would have come from the drone that launched the attack. I love the blogosphere.

So, now that the opinions disguising as news stories have been noticed by the country, the newspaper moves to staging photos. Freedom of the press? And this is the same newspaper that claims the Bush administration promotes propaganda. All righty.

This is the same newspaper that published the "secret" wiretapping by the administration. They claim it is in violation of the FISA law. The newspaper was asked by the administration to not publish their report as it endangers American lives. They sat on it for a year and then went public, again while the administration asked them not to, so that one of the newspaper's reporters could publicize his new book about the program. That's some kind of ethics, I'll tell you.

As I have said before, Senator Leahy's staff is known for dirty tricks. Now the agreement he and Senator Spector, the Chairman of the Senate Judicial Committee,had has been broken as to when the committee vote on Samuel Alito will take place. The democrats, according to committee rules, had the option of delaying the vote for one week. They chose to take the week's delay before the hearings began to postpone the beginnings of the hearings. This was done. Now, however, they have decided to not honor this agreement and demand another week's delay. The vote will not take place as scheduled this week and it will now occur next week. Again, new lows in behavior.

Senator Hilary Clinton said in a speech at a African American church yesterday, during a MLK tribute, that the Bush administration treats the citizens of this country as if it were running a plantation, "and you know what I mean". Gee, think that would be lauded as a fine speech if Trent Lott had said it? Low even for a Clinton. But, hey, it's an election year. Anything for Hilary's career. And Harry Belafonte was a speaker at this tribute/rally, too.

Son is in a new session of acting classes. He is excited about this production. It is "Victor Hugo In Rehearsal". He plays a bishop. It's good to see his enthusiasm.


"Condoleezza Rice is a very cruel, offended woman who lacks men's attention, " he added. "Such women are very rough. They can be happy only when they are talked and written about everywhere." - Vladimir, leader of Russia's Liberal and Democratic Party.

Martin Luther King Day

I have been thinking today about what Martin Luther King, Jr. would say about some of the people claiming to represent the civil rights movement in our society. Would he be proud? I think Dr. King would be saddened by the divide brought on by the likes of Jesse Jackson, Jr. who was a young man in Dr. King's entourage. Jackson is no more than a race baiter now and it is a tired old schtick. Same with Al Sharpton, Charlie Rangel, et.al.

The AARP needs a good talking to...the organization has named Harry Belafonte as a person of the year. BET cable network has named Louis Farrakhan as their person of the year. Both choices are offensive.

Mayor Ray Naquin claims that God told him that New Orleans must rebuild and remain with an African American majority. Well, Mayor Naquin, if God is tight enough with you to give you this information, where was the help and wisdom during Hurricane Katrina from this relationship you have?

I think Dr. King would demand much better from all these prominent African Americans.

"The ulitmate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ghetto to Gold

She was born in a Brooklyn ghetto 85 years ago. She died Saturday in Beverly Hill, California. Shelley Winters as a two-time Academy Award winning actress for more than five decades.

She received her first Oscar for best supporting actress in The Diary of Anne Frank, in 1959. Her second best supporting actress Oscar was in 1965 for her role as the vicious mother of a blind girl in A Patch of Blue.

Off screen Winters admitted to a hearty appetite for men and food. She named such actors as Sean Connery, Errol Flynn, Farley Granger, Sterling Hayden, William Holden and Burt Lancaster among those with whom she had affairs.

Shelley Winters died Saturday of heart failure at the Heart Rehabilitation Centre of Beverly Hills. She had been hospitalized in October after a heart attack.

Rest in Peace.

Some Thoughts

Son tried to go back to school yesterday but called at 10:30 and needed to be picked up. Poor boy. He slept all day and went to bed at a reasonable hour (for Mom). He was to do the Boy Scout troop's service project, tree planting, but I nixed that outing. I expect him to stay in and catch up on schoolwork.

I read an article by Robin Givhan of the Washington Post yesterday concerning the attire of Judge Samuel Alito and his wife, Martha-Ann, for the Senate hearings. You'll remember this is the same writer that criticized Judge John Roberts wife and small children for looking like a Leave It To Beaver fifties-style family. In other words, they were appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Ms. Givhens noted that the Alito's did not look like the typical political married couple. Mrs. Alito did not always have the best posture sitting in her chair, did not do the fawning face of a political wife and wore wire rimmed glasses similar to her husband of 21 years. She mentioned they were somewhat coordinated in color as though they were off to Sears for a family portrait. I guess this is a dig at the common person.

Frankly I find it refreshing that this couple doesn't feel the need to comply with typical behavior within the beltway. They are not a political couple, he is a lawyer turned judge and she is a former teacher and librarian. Sounds plenty respectable to me. I am relieved Mrs. Alito didn't show up in a St. Johns knit suit and do the Nancy Reagan smile for the cameras. The elites are full of hypocrisy - every day kind of people are not really good enough but the rulings of Judge Alito are criticised by the moonbats that claim he doesn't give the common man a fair shake. Both thoughts were soundly proven false and the chorus looks nothing but foolish.

I have been thinking about the process of becoming a judge in this country, or sometimes just a local politican for that matter. The scrutiny of one's personal life overrides professional capabilities when political agendas get in the way. If the opposition party is determined to keep you off the bench or out of office it seems now acceptable to go after the nominee by way of personal defamation. Both sides have been guilty of this practice but it seems to have reached new levels.

When former President Clinton nominated Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to the Supreme Court, the Republicans knew they were too liberal in judicial philosophy for their taste. So what? The President of the United States is charged with nominating candidates to the bench and the Senate is to hold hearings speaking to the capability of the candidate. If nothing in the candidate's background is found to be so extraordinary to disqualify the candidate, then the vote moves to the Senate floor. To vote against the candidate for purely political reasons - say because the special interest groups that give your campaigns contributions tell you to vote against the candidate - is dishonest in the most basic way. Ruth Bader Ginsberg, for instance, received a vote of 96 in the affirmative. She was a former lawyer for the ACLU and known for quite out of the mainstream judicial opinions but she received a fair vote based on her legal qualifications, not how the opposition guessed her future opinions on the bench would be.

How would the members of the Senate Judicial Committee stack up if nominated for the screening process in use today?
Ted Kennedy - obvious personal problems of alcohol abuse, womanizing, cheating in college on a Spanish exam, allowing a young woman to drown after a car accident and leaving the scene while not reporting it for 8 hours while consulting lawyers and advisors, divorced, and to this day a member of a club at Harvard called the Owl Club which has a reputation as sexist and elitist and even booted off the campus in 1984 for violating federal anti-discrimination laws.
Joe Biden - caught up in plagerism charges during 2 political campaigns and during a previous presidential run.
Dianne Feinstein - a problem concerning a Guatemalan housekeeper. She was fined $190,000 in 1992 for failing to properly report $3.5 million in campaign expenditures. Her husband's company scored a $600 million Iraq war contract.
Charles Shumer - As head of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, two employees of this committee are being investigated for illegally obtaining Michael Steele's credit report last. Mr. Steele, a Republican lt. governor of Maryland, is African American and running for the governorship. Shumer narrowly escaped indictment for misusing state funds in his 1980 Congressional race.
Dick Durbin - Previously pro-life on record in the 1980's as saying "he believed that Roe v. Wade was incorrectly decided" and that "the right to an abortion is not guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution".
Patrick Leahy - Caught leaking confidential information in 1987 while on the Senate Intelligence Committee. His staff has the reputation for dirty tricks.

Double standards abound.

"The judiciary should do what it is supposed to do, but it has to have respect for the political process. And the judiciary's role is confined to enforcing the Constitution, and enforcing the laws, and not going beyond that". - Judge Samuel Alito, Jr.

Fool of the Week

Drum roll, please....
The winner is Harry Belefonte, of course. Several Americans were strong runners up to this title, but Harry "Day-O" Belefonte is the winner.

Harry Belafonte, age 78, travelled recently to Caracas, Venezuela on behalf of UNICEF, as a goodwill ambassador. During a speech at a gathering, Belafonte referred to President Bush as "the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world". Hate speech by an American citizen towards the President of the United States on foreign soil brings treasonous acts to mind. Perhaps Toyko Rose is a heroine of his from an earlier time.

I almost decided to ignore this spectacle and award this week's honor to another but then I read yesterday's Houston Chronicle. In yesterday's newspaper, an editorial appeared denouncing Belafonte's speech. Now, the Houston Chronicle is a big city newspaper with a decidedly left of center outlook on reporting news. So, when the editorial board decides to denounce someone of their political leaning, I take notice.

Belafonte was in Venezuela leading a group of American activists. The group included the actor Danny Glover and Princeton University professor Cornel West. Belafonte spoke glowingly about Hugo Chavez, the socialist leader of the country. Chavez is a willing protege of Fidel Castro.

The editorial ended with the following quote: "Belafonte seems to take himself very seriously. No one else should". I agree. Yesterday when questioned about the sincerity of his remarks about President Bush, Belafonte affirmed the sincerity of his remarks and said "Stay tuned".

Someone who needs to get a life: Sean Penn. While appearing as a surprise speaker at an anti-war rally featuring Cindy Sheehan, Penn remarked of his difficulty with quitting smoking. He blamed anxiety associated with the Presidency of George Bush as the culprit. I can't make this stuff up.


"Courage is fear that has said its prayers". - Karl Barth

They Got Nuthin'

The democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee responsible for questioning Samuel Alito, Jr. for the position of Supreme Court Justice, are so frustrated by lack of anything negative with this nominee that they now look like bitter, silly, nasty people. This good man continues to daily prove he is a man of high intellect, personal integrity, and a strong work ethic. Boy does that irritate those on the opposition side.

John Podhoretz, a political commentator, notes, "A Kennedy who has never known a moment's worry about money is now grilling a lifelong middle-class public servant with no family fortune from New Jersey about the public servant's mutual fund -- which memory serves, was and is the world's most popular mutual fund, currently serving more than 18 million investors. Kennedy, by contrast, is showered with money from his family trust. Have you no shame, Senator, at long last?".

My son is home yet again today. I expect him to make a go of it tomorrow and go to school. Monday is a no school day for MLK Day so he will have a long weekend to make up missed class work and assignments. His blood work came back good, according to the doctor, so I guess it is just one of those winter stomach bugs.

Still don't know definitively when husband will be home. Soon, just not sure when exactly. I know he is ready to get back home by now.

Planning on continuing with the hearings today. I have some things around the house to attend to during their breaks. It's a quiet day.

"Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best". - Henry Van Dyke

Totally Tuesday

Son still home today. Took him to the doctor so he could get the once over from her. He woke me up at 12:30 last night asking for help with his bed. He threw up on the comforter but fortunately not on the sheets underneath. So I washed that before going back to bed. Today the doctor gave him a prescription for nausea. And told him to stay home tomorrow, too. Poor guy.

Been watching the Alito hearings today. The usual suspects are making themselves further inconsequencial. These old white men just don't know when to quit. The senior senator from Massachusetts is even getting snickers from the press corps now so that's a new development. The big line of questioning from him to Alito was about Alito not ruling in favor of the little guy or in favor of minorities. This was of course, rapidly disputed by the other side and by the ABA itself. Kennedy sited a study he asked his old friend Cass Sunstein of the University of Chicago Law School to conduct on dissenting opinions written by Alito. Even Sunstein made frequent reference to the fact that Alito is a fair and reasoned judge. Kennedy didn't bother to make mention of that when referencing the study. Teddy better get back on his meds.

Also, I see in the newspaper that Ted Kennedy is authoring a childrens' book about the life in the day of a Senator and how a bill is made into law. He uses his Portugese Water dog, Splash, as a central character. Splash accompanies the senator to his office on a regular basis. Senator Kennedy has a dog named SPLASH! Hello? Is that you, irony, calling?


"My mind is a garden. My thoughts are the seeds. My harvest will be either flower or weeds". - Mel Weldon

Monday

Here it is Monday and not much to say today. Son is home not feeling well so not much for me to do but hang out and hope he feels better this evening.

Today the hearings begin in the Senate Judicial Committee for Judge Sam Alito, Jr. I am not paying much attention to it today as it is mostly the individual Senators and their opening remarks - 10 minutes each, and there are 18 of them - so I am channel surfing. Not much on for daytime tv if you aren't watching the news. I did see a good show on scrapbooking, though earlier on the DIY network. I have begun gathering supplies for this hobby and hope to delve into it this year. Lord knows I have photos out the wazoo that need attention.

So, I guess I'll go read more of the newspapers and see what I can learn.

"A love affair with knowledge will never end in heartbreak". - Michael Garrett Marino

Happy Birthday, Dear Husband, Happy Birthday To You!

Last night, about 10:00 our time, dear husband calls. I was just relaxing, catching up on some reading. After answering on this end, I hear husband's voice saying, "Wish me a happy birthday"! I do and state for the record it is not his birthday officially here yet. Then I asked him if he felt older yet. I always do that, I'm just obnoxious like that.

Husband is still freezing in the former Soviet Union and hopes to begin his journey home this week. Still on the lookout for a good Russian hat to bring home. He said he found one made of wolf fur with the tail attached in the back, like the coon skin hats of Daniel Boone times here. It joked it would be Boris Boone there. Yeah, I'm hilarious.

Took son for haircut yesterday afternoon. He has been going to my stylist since I highly recommended her. She is great. She is Vietnamese/American and her husband is Romanian. Welcome to Houston. One of these days I'm going to splurge and get a pedicure in that salon. Can you believe I am 50 years old and never had a professional pedicure? I just always do that stuff myself. I used to get manicures when the spirit moved me but that is long gone, too. I'd rather spend the money on books or Starbucks!

In honor of my husband's birthday I will share tips on aging gracefully I noted in an article by Andrew Weil, M.D. :

* Pay attention to your breath. Minding the breath is a way of expanding consciousness beyond the ego.
* Connect with nature.
* Make a list of people in you life in whose company you feel more alive, happy and optimistic. Spend more time with them.
* Bring flowers into your home and enjoy the beauty.
* Listen to music that you find inspirational and uplifting.
* Admire a work of art that raises your spirits.
* Reach out and try to resume connection with someone from whom you are estranged; practice forgiveness.
* Do some sort of service work. Do not just write a check to charity.


"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is listen to each other's stories". - Rebecca Falls

Cookie Ordering Time

Happy Saturday! Our day began with a ringing doorbell at 9:30 this morning. The house was very, very quiet with son still asleep and Max the dog and me watching tv in bed. The sound was magnified by the silence. Dressed in my flannel nightgown, hey, it was cold last night!, I race Max to the door. I was all prepared to lecture whomever it was that the hour was a tad early for sales calls on a weekend morning. I open the door and there stands a sweet little eager face shining back at me. Drats. So much for indignation. It was a little neighbor girl and her daddy selling Girl Scout cookies.

I calmly asked her to come back in just a bit and I would be ready to place an order. She and her daddy politely thanked me and I shut the door, muttering to Max as I head to the shower.

I shower, dress, and dry my hair in record time. I gulp half a cup of coffee while waiting for the little girl to return. She was back in less than an hour, order form in hand. I made an order - two thin mints, one peanut butter, one shortbread - and prepared to write the $14.00 check. She says they are to be paid at delivery. That's unusual these days but I did as she said. Checkbook closed, pleasantries exchanged, and off she went down the block.

As I was a Girl Scout, back in the dark ages when a box cost 50 cents, I know the work that goes into cookie sales. I am a good customer to each kiddo that hits me up from the neighborhood. Last year only two girls caught me. We'll see how full the pantry will be of cookies this year.

Last night I watched "The Book of Daniel" on NBC. I admit the hype, both good and bad, got my attention. I don't understand what the hubbub was all about. I loved the show. It was a two hour introduction to all the characters and I thought it was really entertaining and well-written. Especially for network tv. Who can resist Aiden Quinn's absolutely beautiful blue eyes? I have always been a sucker for blue eyes. The two men in my life (calm down, now!), hubby and son, both have blue eyes.

Anyway, the theme of the show, I think, is that every human is only human. Doesn't matter if they are an Episcopalian minister or kid. The show incorporates all the subjects of debate in our society - religion, sex, drugs, marital fidelity, same sex partners, even Alzeheimers disease. Like I said, I really enjoyed it and was certainly not bored!

"Kindness is wisdom". - Philip James Bailey

Who Takes The Fool of the Week?

Though there were many contending for this week's Fool of the Week honor, this is a fairly easy decision. Drum roll, please... Rep. Jack Murtha, D-PA is our winner.

Rep. Murtha, a veteran of two wars and 37 years of service in the U.S. Marines, you remember, is responsible for the end of the year tantrum calling for the immediate withdrawal of our military from Iraq. Later, after this was put to a vote in the House of Representatives, even Murtha did not vote to make it the recommended policy of Congress. Anyhoo, ever since then he has been the darling of the mainstream media and an embarassment for regular people.

Seems at the core of his distress is the real or imagined snub from the White House staff of a letter he sent to President Bush voicing concerns with how this war in Iraq was going. Since the president did not either see the letter or did not respond to it, Murtha had his feelings hurt and took off the gloves. He has been the subject of numerous interviews in print and on the air and runs to the cameras for press conferences at every opportunity.

The most recent example of his mouth running at the expense of our military was on the tv program, "Nightline". I didn't realize this program was still on, but I digress.

Murtha was asked, "Would you join the military today"? Murtha replied, "no". "Let me tell you, war is a nasty business. It sears the soul," he said. Well, that's a real insight, isn't it. How deep.

Yesterday during my channel surfing, I found a news conference with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Peter Pace and the Pentagon press corps. Pace was asked about this and said the following: "It's damaging to morale of the troops who are deployed, and it's damaging to the morale of their families who believe in what they are doing to serve this country". General Pace is a veteran of the Vietnam War and the first war in Iraq. He is the first Marine serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He is a no nonsense New Yorker who maintains a professional attitude throughout what is at times completely inane questioning.

Despite the current rash of bed wetting and hand wringing from the moonbats, recruitment goals are again being met and in some cases, such as the Army, exceeding goals. This is good news for our country.

We are at war. This is a world war. Some view the war on terror as World War III. It is ugly and it is hard. All wars are this way. God bless those who put on the uniform and protect our way of life every day, at home and abroad. Our military is all volunteer and the rest of us, even during this time of war, have sacrificed very little. Other than showing support to the troops by sending care packages and cards in the mail, nothing much has been asked of us. No rationing like during World War II, and our dependence on oil from the Middle East continues despite rising prices at the pump.

All veterans of the Armed Forces deserve our thanks. Our love of freedom binds us all together as Americans. When this respect is twisted by bitter politicians for benefit at the ballot box in an upcoming election it is time to demand better behavior. The world is watching. The enemy is watching. The woulda, coulda, shouda conversation is for another day. The matter at hand is victory. Anything less is defeat.


"We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same". - Carlos Castaneda

Today's Phrase

The phrase of the day: Hook 'em, Horns! Yeah, that's right. University of Texas beat USC in the Rose Bowl last night. I couldn't care less, as I am an alumni of neither, but you know, I live in Texas. What can you do? Go with the floe, as a penguin would say.

The news of Ariel Sharon's massive stroke is troubling. If he survives, and that is a big if at this point, he'll not be the same and won't be governing Israel. So much for the road map to peace in that area of the world. He has been a part of the history of Israel since it's conception and now the time has come for others to rise up to lead the peace process.

Hubby called Tuesday night and said he's still cold. He's being held over for some more testing on the oil rig. I guess after the drilling company gets someone of expertise there, on site, it is hard to let him go! He'll probably miss his birthday here on Sunday. It'll all keep until he arrives home.

The Jack Abramoff scandal will be the political story of the year. It is an equal opportunity scandal for both parties and that is where the entertainment lies, my friends. Yes, probably more Republicans are listed as recipents of money but that is to be expected of the majority party. What was surprising to me of the Democrats listed initially was the entry of Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island. He is listed as having received $139,000. What? I must have missed something along the way about the importance of that Kennedy.

I'm feeling full of random thoughts today. My body is a chemical kettle of different meds. I hope my body can sort it all out and everything goes to the right place. I take my usual blood pressure and thyroid meds first thing in the morning, per instructions, then I have to move on to Advil for my knee pain, another round of antibiotics for the head congestion, Travist and nasal spray on the recommendation of my physician and on it goes. Yuk.

I now fully understand why Leno has overtaken Letterman for so long in the ratings race. I rarely watch either but Letterman continues to show himself as just another angry moonbat. Leno is mature and usually funny, which is what he is paid to do. Leno has proven to be the right choice to replace Johnny Carson. Carson was funny with a biting edge but never abusive of guests. Letterman was just ugly with Bill O'Reilly the other night. I'm no big supporter of O'Reilly but it seems beyond the pale to me that Letterman criticises O'Reilly, saying he thinks 60% of what O'Reilly says is "crap", and in the next breath says he never watches the show. And the stooopid stunt of stirring the guest mug of water with a pencil just before O'Reilly comes on so the audience will laugh when he takes a drink? You see why he is a graduate of Ball State University, don't you?! Oops, how elitist of me.

So, today I am heading out to check out what kind of Mardi Gras decorations I can find at the party store. My mantle is clean and mostly bare after undecorating from Christmas.

"A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes." - Hugh Downs

Wednesday is Full of Woe

Such a sad start to the new year. Prayers and thoughts going out to the families of those West Virginia miners who so tragically died Monday morning while starting into the coal mine for their work shift. Plus the added grief of misinformation about the recovery of the bodies. First the families were told the miners were alive, which turned out to be false information, as a result of party line style rumor. Remember the old party line telephone service? Or the childhood game of telephone where a person would whisper in the ear of another and this would continue until the last person would say outloud what she had been told? It was never right.

So, after 3 hours of thinking their loved ones were alive, the families and friends learned this was not the case. Only one survivor was to be pulled out of the mine. Everyone wishes him well.

Equally disturbing to me was the rush to start questioning the mining company on the safety of the mine. I kept thinking, please, let's get the men out and then the other stuff can go on. If it were my husband down there, finger pointing would be the last thing I would want to waste energy on. First things first.

I suppose the media is suffering from post-hurricane fatigue but did they learn nothing from it? Even the major newspapers, such as The New York Times and USA Today ran with the survivor story to meet the deadlines for the papers. It wasn't confirmed information from the mining company or even the governor of the state, but the deadline must be met so they rushed to print it as the truth. Just like the false information about the behavior of some in the New Orleans Superdome and the reaction by the chain of command, it just wasn't correct.

The governor of West Virginia, Governor Manchin, has been a rock through it all. Very interesting perspective from him as he lost an uncle in the 1968 mining tragedy nearby. It had been the worst disaster up until Monday for the mining community in West Virginia. His emotion is genuine and it comes through the camera lens that way. He doesn't appear to be just another politician putting it on for the press conference.

Such a dangerous way to make a living. Doesn't get more real than that.

Three Kings Day

It is fast approaching Three Kings Day, January 6. Just when you thought you had safely made it through the holiday season! As the Wise Men on the legendary journey arrived a little late to the stable, the festivities in some communities continue. Commonly known as The Epiphany, or The Feast of the Epiphany, January 6 is the official end of the twelve days of Christmas.

But, for those of us with a life history associated with south Louisiana, Three Kings Day is the first day of the season ending with the celebration of Mardi Gras. And you know what the favorite eating ritual of the season is, don't you? King Cake, of course! Now we are talking about a sweet treat! I am placing my order for a King Cake to be mailed from my favorite bakery in Lafayette, our old stomping grounds. My only concern is choosing from the delicious fillings now available. I do lean toward the classic pecan praline filling, though.

I notice the availability of King Cakes in the grocery stores here in Houston in recent years, but unfortunately, they do not compare with the ones from our neighbors to the east. And, due to the over cautious approach in the food industry to avoid lawsuits, I'm sure, the baby, representing the infant Jesus, is placed outside the cake. I assume the purchaser is to hide the baby on her own. Bah humbug.

The tradition is that the person who gets the baby in their piece of cake is to purchase the next King Cake. The cakes are glazed with a white icing glaze and sprinkled with colored sugar. The colors of Mardi Gras, gold, purple and green, are arranged in a festive stripe pattern in the glaze. The cakes are particulary tasty with morning coffee.

So, today I will be looking up the phone number of "my" bakery and soon a King Cake will be on the way. I hope hubby makes it home to enjoy a piece. Once that cake hits the front door, all bets are off!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Nice is Good

Thursday, at Houston National Cemetery, Earl Loggins was laid to rest. His coffin was flag-draped and he was the fine old age of 82. He was a native Houstonian, World War II vet, Booker T. Washington High School graduate, attended the University of Houston earning a certificate in human relations. From Cornell University, he earned a certificate in supervisory management and techniques. He worked his way from maitre d' to being named one of Houston's most influential personalities by Houston City magazine. He was a fixture of the Houston Club for 44 years and his life was profiled by PBS in a tv special in 2004.

Thursday, just before the memorial service began, a black SUV pulled up and four men in blue blazers emerged. They were followed by former President Bush, who took his seat among the other mourners. "I loved the guy", he said. Former President Bush referred to Mr. Loggins as a "gentle giant."

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee referred to him as an early mentor for her political career. President Bush met Mr. Loggins in 1959 at the Houston Club. Along with Loggins' sense of humor and zest for life, Bush admired him for his commitment to Houston's black community. And for his golf game.

Margaret Loggins, the widow, was not surprised to see the former President at her husband's service. "He's been a part of Earl's success story for 32 years, " she said and noted that the two men had been friends over the years and that President Bush often attended events organized by Mr. Loggins. Bush lingered after the service to visit with Mrs. Loggins and other family and friends.

His life's motto was: "It's always nice to be important, but it's very important to be nice." Words we would all do well to live by, I think. A good New Year's goal.

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody".
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Happy New Year's to everyone. I'll raise a glass of cheer to that.

Tying Up Loose Ends

I am breaking in a new pair of glasses. Son and I picked up new glasses yesterday afternoon. Talk about an easy way to spend a chunk of change. We also got perscription sunglasses. My lenses are progressive bi-focals so they are always higher in cost.

This afternoon I am taking Son for a flu shot. We usually get him one each fall season and this year got behind schedule as he was sick with a cold the last time he was at the doctor's office. So they say they still have some vaccine available and it is not too late to get one. Better late than never, I guess.

Such a quiet few days around here. So relaxing. I could get used to this.

Happy Chanukah

It is the season of Chanukah. For the first time in many years, the holidays of Christmas and Chanukah fell on the same day this year. I am drinking my morning coffee out of a very ample mug decorated with the Star of David, symbol of Judiasm.

My lineage contains some Jewish history. My grandfather, on my paternal side, was Jewish. He lived in St. Louis, Missouri and was the owner of a nightclub. Apparently he was quite the dandy. My grandparents were divorced early in the life of my father and his sister and my grandmother moved them to southern Indiana where she opened up her own dress shop. She was raised as a Catholic, of German and English descent, and was returning to family.

My grandmother, as it turns out, was a woman well ahead of her time. She was a business owner and a divorcee, both subjects of small town gossip in her day. She would have been approaching 100 years of age if she were still alive today. She was a working woman until the age of 70 when she finally retired from office management with a small company . She always looked younger than her true age and used that fact as a way to stay in the working world. She routinely claimed to be 10 years younger than she really was and, therefore, employed.

My son requested the purchase of the mug a couple of years ago. He is blessed with a strong sense of curiousity and has studied the religions of the world since he was a young child. He buys books on the subjects and studies on his own. When he learned of his Jewish ancestry, he was fascinated and learned as much as he could. We did a make-it-yourself menorrah and he thought the whole thing was very cool. I do, too.

I was raised as a WASP, in the deep South, in the Presbyterian church. Quite boring and bland. Religions, like Judiasm, with the elaborate ceremonies and traditions are so interesting to those of us raised differently. I'm glad my son thinks so, too.

Back To Normal

Our house is getting back to normal this morning. MIL was off quite early. I put her in a taxi and tipped the driver generously to treat her well. It was dark and chilly this morning and now I don't have to deal with morning rush traffic after dropping her off at the airport.

Son got out of bed to say goodbye to Grandma, after I made him, so that was taken care of for the goodbyes.

I don't mind visitors staying in the house but it sure is good to get the house back. A charity truck is scheduled to come by on the 30th so I am planning to clean out some closets and put what we don't need anymore to good use. Two birds with one stone, you know.

We went to see "The Producers" yesterday afternoon. It was so funny and we all enjoyed it. We set out to see "The Geisha" but it was sold out. I never realized so many people went to the movies on Christmas Day. It was the first time I ever had and it was amazing with the crowds. Who knew?!

My small standing rib roast came out really well. Surprised me! A little rare on the inside like MIL and son like it and well done on the ends like I like it. No complaints. Served steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with it and it was plenty. Ice cream with toppings for dessert. Keepin' it simple.

And now I have some laundry to catch up on. :)

Merry Christmas, Y'all

Merry, Merry Christmas to all! A little chilly this morning but the weather this holiday is beautiful. The temps are in the mid 70's and the sun is shining. Feels good.

Hubby e-mails of a white Christmas in the "Stan" country. Not surprised there! Much coldness there.

I believe we started a new family tradition last night. Son, MIL, and I joined an old friend and her son at a local dinner theatre for dinner and the Christmas musical extravaganza. It was truly wonderful. They began with 40's music, which was right up MIL's alley - think Bing Crosby and Gershwin music - then they did a salute to the military. They did songs for each of the 4 branches of the military and asked the veterans to stand and be acknowledged. Then the finale was all Christmas music. It was a fun mix and just really fun. Good company and good fun with good entertainment. No complaints.

Son and MIL loved "King Kong" big time. We may go to a movie later today. I am cooking a small standing rib roast for our Christmas meal, then we may feel like going out. MIL leaves early in the morning so I'll be hitting the hay early myself.

I wish all the best to all of you. Onward to a great New Year!


"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him."
1 John 4:9 NIV This is the Christmas thought on the Christmas cards I sent out this year.

Airport Not So Good

So, MIL arrived just fine yesterday afternoon. The trip to the airport from our house went well, not too much traffic or any delays. The plane arrived early. Son and I thought we were at the correct terminal baggage area to meet her. No. We went back and forth on the terminal shuttle train twice before we figured out the right way. Then to add to the adventure, we couldn't figure out the right parking lot to retreive the car. It was unbelievable. The airport has 5 terminals now, up from 4, to squeeze in as much humanity as possible. Not a fun time. Hubby got a kick out of the story when he checked in last night. He, of course, knows all the horror stories with his travels worldwide. He's a sick man.

Today son and grandma will go to "King Kong" and then we'll go to dinner. I have decided to drop them off and come back home for a final wrapping session. Then I'll pick them up and we'll eat. MIL and I have had a relaxing morning visiting and catching up. She gave me my Christmas gift early - an old slide bracelet she had made for herself in her younger years and she no longer wears regularly. It is lovely and I plan on wearing it often. A fob hangs from the end of it that was once a part of a piece of jewelry owned by her father. She collected the charms over the years before she had enough to have a bracelet made.

Not much else this morning. Keeping it really calm and quiet around here. That's how I like it!

Merry, Merry Christmas. Happy Chanukah.



azsxdc123

As Clean As It Gets

OK, the house is as clean and as organized as it is going to get this holiday. Fortunately my MIL isn't a clean freak or critical of clutter. Son was helpful yesterday as I was stressing about everything I wanted to finish. I still have to wrap presents, though. That can be done any time when son is distracted!

MIL suggested yesterday, when we checked in on her, that she and son go see "King Kong" Friday. He's looking forward to that extravaganza. I plan to see something else with the same show times, though. Something more my cup of tea.

I love reading comments from readers and I so enjoy all the new people I have met since I began this blog. I have been thinking about blessings and blog friends are one.

Not looking forward to the drive to the airport later today. It is always a zoo to do parking and getting to the terminal. She leaves on Monday and I plan to put her in a taxi for that. It's an early morning flight and I know it will be crazy.

Hope everyone is staying calm and moving forward. Stay warm.

Countdown

So, the big countdown is on. Pressure, pressure. Finishing up cleaning up the house as MIL arrives tomorrow. Doing the obvious stuff. The house won't be clean clean but such is life. These antibiotics I am taking kick my butt and the colder weather aren't helping me get out of bed.

I survived the trip to the Galleria Sunday afternoon. It was great to see old friends and have a good lunch visit with them. The reason for the trip was it planned by a 16 year old girl! My son and the other guy who were planning the get together with her didn't have anything better to offer as a suggestion. Kids. The family that moved to Australia was happy to see everybody. The mom sent out the coolest Christmas cards made by the Austrailian Red Cross as a thank you note. Four of us moms had lunch together and I picked up the check. No biggie, it was only Chili's! Since it was the time it was on a Sunday afternoon, the drive was relatively ok as was the drive home. My son and one of the other guys remarked that neither of them had been there since the 4th grade ice skating field trip they had at their old school!

Got my hair done yesterday so that puts a little zip in my step. Lots more highlights and good cut. My hair is getting lighter and lighter...

Not much more for me to say now. Just trying not to spaz out and continue on. My son's XBOX 360 came in the mail, remember I shop online as much as humanly possible. I went ahead and let him have it. Since it is just me and him and he is on school break, I thought why not. He picked out the stuff to order anyway so it wasn't a surprise. He'll have other stuff to open on Christmas Day and his stocking. I still do a stocking for him. And Easter basket, too. Can't help myself. A perk as an only child, I suppose.

Today's Christmas cd: "Christmas Rocks!", a mix of everyone from Elton John, Chuck Berry, to B.B.King, and Elvin Bishop. Keepin' it lively today!

Everyone stay safe and warm.

Onward

I am stoking up with caffeine - the last of the Community brand dark roast laced with CoffeeMate's Toffee Nut creamer - and about to prepare Belgian waffles for the boy and myself. I am hoping that enough caffeine and sugar will bode well with the rest of the day. This afternoon son and I are to meet some friend at The Galleria. The Galleria, a hugh rather upscale complex of shopping hell. The only way I would agree to such a dismal way to spend the Sunday before Christmas, for me anyway, is because some old friends, now living in Australia, are in town and we want to see them. Son is meeting up with a conglomerate of pals to visit with the son in the family and I am meeting the mom for lunch and talk.

I am not a mall person. Have not been in ages and hope to continue on as so. Malls are boring. Cookie cutter stores with overpriced merchandise so that the franchises can pay overpriced rents within a totally artificial setting. Not my idea of a fun time. This place we are heading out to is know for its skating rink - a novelty in hot, humid Houston, and for premier stores like Neiman Marcus - Nirvana to Texans.

Time Magazine made interesting choices for Person of the Year, don't you think? Bono, my man, deserves the honor, no doubt. I love his passion. But Bill and Melinda Gates? Huh? Honor him for giving away his money but never for the way he changed the world with the personal computer? And Melinda, what, because she married Bill? So, the libs who love to speak with disdain of capitalism now honor it when the person is giving away said dollars made thru raw capitalism? Hmm. Interesting.

Hubby called from the neighboring country with Russia last night. He is fine and working. Trying to stay warm, no easy task. He is searching for a fine, warm Russian style hat. Son put in his request for one, too. The phone connection was especially poor but it's always good to hear from him when he is gone. I am grateful to be married to a man who is so good about calling home whenever the opportunity presents itself.

To The Galleria. Onward.

Gitalong Home, Cindy, Cindy

Wow. Cindy Sheehan led a protest in front of the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain and only 100 people showed for it. The protest was also to memorialize Jose Couso, a Spanish television journalist killed in Baghdad in April, 2003. Is Cindy losing her star appeal? Even the Europeans, supposed to be so anti-American foreign policy, aren't flocking to Cindy's side? Wow.

Checked in with my doctor for the results of yesterday's bloodwork. All looks good. She thinks my body is fighting off a bacterial infection and is prescribing anti-biotics. All righty then.

It is cold and damp here. Rain seems to passed through now. Max the dog is pleased.

Off to get the drugs.

It's Raining, It's Pouring, The Teenager Is Snoring!

Quite a wet morning out there today. Son's Boy Scout project has been postponed until next month. The troop was to plant 15 live oak trees as a service project this morning at the church that sponsors the troop. And since it is 39 degrees with the rain, not so much interest with the adult leaders. I let Max the dog out at 5:30, as usual but now he has to cross his legs for a while.

Today's morning treat is pepperridge farms' cinnamon swirl bread, toasted, along with the mandatory mugs of java. I can't believe we still have a couple of Christmas mugs, penguins of course, that have made it through all these years. I bought them in 1985 in Dallas when hubby and I were living there - during the oil crash of the mid 80's- and I picked them up at a Fitz and Floyd's warehouse sale. I love Fitz and Floyd's stuff. They have a new outlet not far from me and I am very excited about that.

I am looking forward to seeing "60 Minutes" this Sunday. Not normally a thought I have but I saw a blurb in yesterday's newspaper from Morgan Freeman, a fine actor and native of Mississippi, that intrigued me. He says the concept of a black history month is "ridiculous". He says black history is American history and can not be relagated to a single month. He rocks my world. He says there is no white history month and the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it". Amen.

How many times have I, as a white woman raised in the deep south, rolled my eyes at the charge of racism being slung, no matter what the real or imagined transgression? Overuse of the charge leads to complete ineffectiveness. Even acts of mother nature this past year have been blamed on our white president. Remember Kenye West's charge at the telethon that George Bush hates black people. What a truly moronic thing to say but of course he is up for a grammy award now. The moonbats in charge of the entertainment industry loved it. Average Americans didn't and they are the ones buying the products but, hey, don't worry about that.

I have lived in the deep south and I have lived in the Midwest and I have traveled this country. I have encountered many more instances of blatant racism in the northern regions of this country then in the south. And in the Northeast where all the intellectuals dwell? Please.

I already admired Morgan Freeman because, as a native of Mississippi, he has opened a restaurant in his hometown and supports the community. Giving back. He could be bitter and loud about the segregated south in which he grew up but instead goes the other route.

Bless him.

Such a Prick

Well, now that I have your attention, the prick was from the end of a needle drawing blood from my arm this morning for blood work. My doctor thinks I may have some sort of bacterial thing going on that is making me feel lousy. I'll know tomorrow when I call for the results. I would just like some drugs to take and be done with it. I have a house to make ready for Christmas visitors.

After starting off the day with a needle shoved in my arm I felt entitled to a Starbucks treat, specifically my fave Peppermint Mocha Latte. Love it, love it, love it. Also purchased a 16 oz bag o' beans, the official Christmas Blend. The last bag in stock at this location. I dearly love the stuff. I grind beans myself and it is a heavenly aroma.

The Senate has failed to extend the Patriot Act for now. Bed wetters rejoice! How superior are you going to feel when the inevitable next major attack strikes this country and once again you are on the wrong side of history? Sleep well tonight.

More than 11 million people voted in Iraq. Any big stories on the front page of the New York Times? No, but fortunately James Risen, a writer for the paper has a new book coming out and was able to make front pages news with a leaked story crying foul with the National Security Agency. Lots of big claims about "secret" measures taken invading privacy in this country. Only towards the end of the article does it mention that judges, Senators and Congress folk were informed all along the process to track the bad guys. Don't worry, I'm sure in the next few days lots of railing will be heard about the evil administration. Did I mention James Risen has a new book coming out?

Today's cd for Christmas music listening pleasure: The World's Greatest Christmas Songs. A mix of artists from Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra to Patti Labelle and Mahalia Jackson.
I do so love the bargain bins for music.

That's Victory

What is the definition of victory in Iraq? Lots and lots of purple fingers, that's the definition of victory in Iraq. It is so incredibly moving to watch the Iraqi people lining up to vote in a true election for the first time in decades and how proud and courageous the people are to be risking their lives to do so. For all the naysayers, and those truly hoping deep down for failure in the region, due to misguided raw political ambitions, just step back for a moment, open your eyes and your hearts, and look at the pictures. How could you be so black hearted as to not be optimistic? So selfish not to root for the good in this world and freedom for those other than yourself? I just don't understand it and I hope I never do.


Record numbers of Sunni voters came to the polls. The Sunni leaders got the lesson that if you do not participate in democracy, in free elections, you do not have a voice. Temper tantrums and not voting to spite others is only counter productive in the end. A good lesson to learn, if you ask me. I think the dour looks on many gutless wonders disguising themselves as politicians while doing everything possible to discredit this country's administration to the world wide press say it all. Iraq is well on its way to a new beginning despite their favorite expression of "I support the troops, but not the war". Such a stupid expression.

My friend has received a phone call from her husband and all is well with him. He is in country and doing his work.

Christmas break begins for my son at noon today. Looking forward to the break. Over the break he will be working on a project for his AP English class which involves the use of family photos. Sounds like a really fun kind of project.

Read any of the e-mails released by the governor of Louisiana's office? Seems she and her staff were overly concerned about her wardrobe choices like they were heard to criticize Michael Brown of FEMA. She continues to be a source of embarrassment. She was on C-Span yesterday demanding $230 billion from the federal government - that's your tax money - to rebuild the New Orleans area. The governor of Mississippi, dealing with the complete destruction of many small towns and the city of Biloxi, asked for $30 billions dollars. Quite a difference in attitude, don't you think? He was explaining that Mississippi doesn't expect the federal government to be responsible for all the problem solving.

Most of New Orleans is still standing and slowly opening back up. The lower ninth ward, hit the worst by breaking levees, is the source of debates as to if it should be rebuilt. The governor of Louisiana blames breaking levees for the flooding of New Orleans. Well, yeah. But where does the blame lay that over the period of several decades these levees were not properly maintained or repaired with the federal money sent to the state for such maintenance and repairs? Is it the entire country's responsibility to rebuild a city wrought with political corruption? This corruption relies on the very people displaced by Hurricane Katrina from the poorest section of the city to continue the status quo.

Where does government responsibility end and personal responsibility begin? If the cycle of generational poverty has a chance to be broken, is it not the responsibility of elected officials to block personal political ambitions and strive to do everything possible to break the cycle? The lower ninth ward in New Orleans was government housing. All the usual problems of poverty were present: high out of wedlock births, high drop out rates in schools, joblessness due to lack of training and ambition. These were the same voters being bussed to election polling sites, given a few dollars, and told how to vote. This has been the process for generations.

If the government is going to house, give food stamps to, and keep you on the dole, why should you strive for better? How do you learn to take care of yourself and your family?

The City of Houston is full. That was the word of our mayor yesterday. As of yesterday, the vouchers issued by the city to evacuees providing 12 months of free rent and utilities are no longer being given out. That's right, a full year of free rent and utilities. People are being tracked coming here from the other areas they evacuated to as the word gets out about the sweet deal in Houston. Our city services are struggling to accomodate the new surge in population. Our city, the fourth largest in the nation, is known as a generous and welcoming city. We are proud to be so. However at times our good will is tested. This is such a time.

Wet Wednesday

Today is warm, wet and humid. Yuk. I am striving for a positive attitude nonetheless.

Last night I met an old friend, the one from my elementary school days in Louisiana, for a bite and visit after she finished her work day. We met at a Tex-Mex restaurant and enjoyed a Margarita together as we caught up on each others' lives. Then we split a large order of quesidillas and guacomole salad. Tasty.

I am concerned for my friend as she has some unverifiable, at this time, worries of her husband's current journey back into Iraq. He is non-military and that is all I will say for now. I don't want to acknowledge the potential concerns any further than we have to for now. If you are inclined to pray, it would be appreciated if he was added to your list of people you are praying for at this time.

Got home in time to catch the last hour of the two hour grand finale of the Amazing Race. I still love the show even though I never could get excited about this season's format with the families. Next race begins in February. I'll be waiting.

This from an Iraqi voter yesterday, in Michigan, I believe:
"Anybody who doesn't appreciate what America has done, and President Bush, let them go to hell!". - Betty Dawisha

Go, Betty.

Tuesday Thoughts

Today's brew: Community Coffee Dark Roast with Toasted Almond CoffeeMate creamer.
Fixed Son a fried egg sandwich for breakfast, as opposed to the standard cold cereal, to give him a little extra brain power for final exams today. He washed it down with a little chocolate soy milk.

I saw a program Sunday night that I thought I would share. It was about the positive events happening in Iraq, in contrast to the usual if-it-bleeds-it-leads stuff normally reported. This reporter went out of the Green Zone into all three distinctly different regions of Iraq and spoke about them to the audience. Here are some thoughts I found interesting:

There is a thriving retail business for electrical household appliances! Electricity is free in the country to its citizens. Shortages of electricity sometimes occur due to overusages. Like our big city brown outs. Electricity is coming to most of the country and engineers are working on it every day for the rest of the areas in the country. For most of the country, pre-war, electricity was always spotty. My husband saw that during his travels in Iraq before the war.

Future oil profits will be distributed to each citizen.

The stock market of Iraq is thriving. Yes, a stock market. That is a true sign of optimism by the people of Iraq.

Workers are doing 30% better now in salary comparisons. In the next few years, according to The Brookings Institute, the prediction is continued rise in salaries.

Weddings are booming. Especially in Baghdad.

Iraqi is awash in new media freedom. Scores of newspapers are being published. Satellite dishes are a common roofside sight. They even have a very popular reality style show on tv. It is called "Labor and Materials" and it shows home makeovers! Another popular show is all about video taped confessions of terrorists. I guess it would be along the lines of shows like America's Most Wanted. The producer of the show is continually threatened by the bad guys but he is determined to show what cowards the terrorists are as he stated in his interview. This is a man who is missing a hand due to tortue from Saddam. He was one of the Iraqi men brought to Houston to receive artificial hands, courtesy of the genorousity of Houston surgeons, and then these men were brought to the White House to meet President Bush.

Northern Kurdistan has a booming resort area on a lake that receives tourists from surrounding countries. It is a family style resort featuring fun and sun on the beach. The program showed men enjoying a beer while the women and children were splashing around in the water.

So, in just a scant 23 months, the country of Iraq has written a constitution and brought about a national government while addressing the needs of three distinct regions of the country. The Sunni population, once diehard Saddam supporters with the most to lose if he is not running the place, have now realized boycotting elections gets them nowhere fast. They have Imans in the mosques telling them to vote this time around so they can have a voice in the governing of their country. Good lesson to learn.

Despite all the naysayers, it is turning around, this battle for freedom in Iraq. Voting has begun for Iraqis not living in country and even with prisoners not yet convicted of a crime. Ballots are being distributed in hospitals. This is the third time the Iraqis have risen to the occasion and excercised the right to vote at great personal peril.

If the people of Iraq are optimistic about the future of their country, why wouldn't I be?

Some everyday Iraqis mentioned the greatest freedom to date has been the freedom of speech in the country. My husband had mentioned the problem of people being afraid to speak in public before the war. He stayed in a hotel in Baghdad and word spread like wildfire among the hotel workers that an American was a guest. They were cordial to him but that was all. Spies for Saddam were commonplace throughout the country and neighbors turning in neighbors for alleged crimes against Saddam, like a satellite dish bringing in tv, if they could afford a tv in the first place. Conversation on the street were not allowed.

I read an article in today's Wall Street Journal about Bernard Lewis, an 88 year old British-born Princeton University historian. He has been used as a consultant to the Bush administration about the Iraq policy and he was quoted : "If Churchill and his team had to face the same sort of opposition as does President Bush, Hitler might well have won the war."

Food for thought.

Staying Warm, Inside and Out

Son is wearing a Santa Cap around the house. It was purchased yesterday when he accompanied me to the grocery store. The cap is a nice one with white "fur" trim and a white "fur" pom pom at the cap's end. The clincher, though, for him is the Texas A & M University logo! That's my boy.

Son doesn't care that much about wearing regular baseball style caps worn by the guys. He has many with all different logos on them, from school names to sports teams names. He marches to a different drummer. When he went to the local downtown aquarium he chose a hat as a souvenir. This aquarium showcases three white tigers. I don't know why, but it does. Son came home with a hat with the white tiger stripe design. He calls it his pimp hat!

We have quite a collection of Christmas cd's in this house. I count 17 in the pile I choose from to listen to as I putter around the house. Currently in the cd player is Luther Vandross. What a smooth, velvety voice that man had. Next up - Elvis Presley, Blue Christmas. I like variety!

Hubby packing for trip tomorrow. He is packing his own Santa cap to celebrate Christmas as the day comes there. Lucky for him that Russia celebrates Christmas, too.

Arnold, make the decision about Tookie Williams already. Enough. Everyone and his brother is on tv waxing poetic on the whole thing. Now the LA police are worried about riots if he doesn't grant clemency.

Stay warm, y'all. I have Belgian waffles to make and a house to clean.

This Year

"This year Santa Claus is wearing camoflague fatigues and boots and delivering freedom to Iraq".
_Sgt Josh Howard, reporting from Iraq

Well said, Sgt Howard.

Happy Friday, Y'all

The wind blowing is minimal today, thank goodness. It was so cold here yesterday, the damp and dreary kind of cold, and the wind was blowing so much that it felt much colder than the 38 degrees it was. Today is to be a bit warmer, more into the upper 40's, so a warm up has begun. Yesterday was just plain miserable. I stopped to fill up my gas tank and the wind blowing made the cold air chill me to the bone. Gas price here: $1.96/gallon.

Living most of my life in the deep South, I have an expectation of mild winters. As a child in Louisiana, even living way up north in Shreveport, I was in shorts on Christmas eve. Did those of you in south Louisiana just smile? "Way up north" is what the Cajuns say about the Shreveport area of the state. The most snow we ever saw was maybe a dusting once or twice. As a child, I was sure we were missing out on great fun being deprived of a decent snowfall, you know. As an adult, I have come to my senses.

For about 8 years or so, I lived in the midwest and I have had all the snow and ice I will ever need again. Snow is a beautiful thing for about the first hour when it is still clean and white. After that it is just nasty and dangerous to the driving public. Or the walking public for that matter. I have busted my ass on ice more times than I care to remember.

I'm spoiled about warm weather and I know it. Last year we received about 1/2" of snow on Christmas eve and I took photos of it to document the snowfall! My son was not impressed. When my son was in kindergarten I took him to Montana for Mardi Gras week vacation to see snow and mountains. We were living in Lafayette, Louisiana and the school kids get time off for Mardi Gras. Lafayette has become increasingly popular with tourists as a family-friendly alternative to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. The Cajun culture in Lafayette celebrates Mardi Gras in unique ways. Anyway, to escape some of the extra congestion brought to the city by extra tourism, he and I went to visit my sister and her family in Montana. It was time for my son to experience snow.

We had a great time. My sister bought him a pair of snow boots before we arrived. He had his first heavy duty parka and gloves with him. His cousins, one the same age as him, enjoyed seeing him. We went to a local skiing area about 20 minutes from my sister's home and my son got up close and personal with a mountain for the first time! Snowball fights followed and watching skiers go up on the ski lifts was entertaining, too.

New adventures, viewed through the eyes of a child. Doesn't get any better than that.

I Forgot to Mention

I forgot to mention the one good thing about this cold morning. I get to wear the 100% alpaca sweater that my hubby brought back for me from his trip to New Zealand a couple of years ago. Only been worn a couple of times so it's still like new. Sweet.

The Heat Is On

Holy crap. It is so cold this morning I can't believe it. Icy roads in outlying towns. Even colder tonight. Son left his jacket, the new one, in the scout meeting room last night so we were digging through the coat closet for the older version. And the new neighbor, the woman of the pair, was too chipper with her good morning greeting, if you ask me. Bah, humbug.

I am so over the discussion of the decision of the air marshall to take out the potential bomber at Miami's airport yesterday. I think it is amazing that this is the first time marshalls have used their weapons since the ramped up program took effect after 9/11. I am sorry the guy was off his meds and it all happened but I applaud the marshall for using his training and doing his job.

Last night's holiday show was the White House holiday show with a glimpse into preparations for the season. The decorations are so unbelievably over the top beautiful, I was in awe watching these super busy people getting the job done. I would love to see it all up close and personal sometime.

Too many things to do to be sitting in front of this computer, but I can't help myself. It's so nice and warm in this spot. Even Max the dog isn't interested in going outside this morning. When I first let him out at the usual 5:15AM time today, I think he set a record for shortest time taken to pee. A personal best for him.

I don't like eggnog. Spiked or not spiked. It just doesn't taste good to me.

I Can't Make This Stuff Up

Did you hear the one about the 3 point buck loose along the freeway in Houston during morning rush hour? The police rounded him up and tied him to a wrecker truck. Fish and Wildlife agency is on the way now as I type. I sure hope it wasn't Dasher checking out the lay of the land before the big night.

I watched the Charlie Brown Christmas presentation last night. I love the innocence and sweetness after all these years. Too little of it in today's world. Then I watched Amazing Race. Next week is the big 2 hour finale. It's still one of my favorite shows though I haven't enjoyed the family team format as much as the normal two person format of past races.

Sister in law just told me she has sent MIL's Christmas gift to our house so she can open it here. Turns out she is gifting MIL with the same thing we are. MIL loves big tote bags so I ordered her one from Land's End in the leopard print she favors. Sister in law ordered MIL one from LL Bean, as it turns out. Great minds think alike, I suppose.

Hubby's trip moved to him leaving Monday instead of this Friday. Not unusual in his world. So, now he'll miss New Year's Eve besides Christmas. Poor guy. Hopefully he'll be back by his birthday on Jan 8th......

Off to do some errands. Have to stock up on AA batteries for son's stuff and find a battery for my camera. Talk to you later.

On a Lighter Note

Tonight will mark the 40th anniversary of the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Enjoy it with me, won't you?