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My Champagne Victory Breakfast
November 5th 2008
Obama Rocks the World
with
a Landslide Victory!!
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Archive for OBAMA
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My Champagne Victory Breakfast
November 5th 2008
Obama Rocks the World
with
a Landslide Victory!!
[enlarge it]
Join Here
Tuesday’s Heads or Tails prompt is “GUARD”. November 4th, being America’s election day, I stand on a tall podium and am voicing my right to opinions and freedom of speech, GUARDing my thoughts and ideals —GUARDing my inalieanble rights to freedom of the land on which I live, on freedom of living the American Dream.
It’s a LONG, very long, winded speech as I stand proud and clear minded. It all follows. Be prepared to stay a while, or tho I feel saddened that you’re leaving because of my political stand, rest assured I feel that my words in MY BLOG are worthy of my personal views. I don’t expect anyone to agree with my point of view, nor am I trying to have a heated debate issue. I’m not after anything of the sort. If you disagree, fine….and I’ll state right here, right now — refrain from leaving hate remarks in the comments…I WILL DELETE!!! My post is MY post…my point, my GUARDed opinion and very personal…..
!!!I’m in BLUE —for everything Tuesday!!!
The Blue party —The American Democrats
My favorite Quote from the Campaign Trail:
“What the naysayers don’t understand is that this election has never been about me. It’s been about you.”
~~Senator Obama
Well, Tuesday is the day of a new dawn….and praying a new beginning for a stronger USofA!! There has been a ‘meme’ going on around the blog land of ours. I happen to see it at RJFlamingo’s the other day and I wanted to say, along with her and many others, it’s not a state of sadness. On the contrary!!! Not in this country. Blue is the color of PRIDE! Being blue is of the Democratic party. If you’re American, and you haven’t voted yet…Go out. Stand in line —your vote is worth it. Vote for a CHANGE. Get the Republicans out of the White House. Vote for the new commander in chief…Barack Obama!!! That is my strong opinion!! Ever since the beginning! I’ve gone to campaign rallies for months and I feel an urgent need to get this country back on its feet with a stronger foundation than what we’ve had for nearly a decade. A decline in the confidence and stability of a great nation. There is a need to rebuild our shattered country that the Republican Party is leaving behind for us as their legacy. One that we need to vote OUT of office by choosing the right man….The Honorable Barack Obama!! Facts and statements I’ve heard during the campaigns: I’ve heard so many times, over and over again around our area that people actually think that Barack Obama is NOT an American born citizen….Here’s his birth certificate. Also, the stipulation of Obama NOT being baptized. Ummmmmm, people! Religion is NOT an issue here for me, it’s who is BEST for making our country a stronger nation and once again respected as it was before, across the world —the hate and distrust I’ve seen since 9/11 in ‘our own backyard’ is disheartening –lack of respect for our OWN people, who cares if one neighbor is black, or white, or Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or doesn’t practice ANY religion…people are good, not matter WHAT they believe…there are people who are NOT so good in ANY religious sect also….believe it or not there HAVE been atheists running our country as Commander in Chief throughout our history. Jefferson for one. In the ancient times and modern times of the world, religion has been a factor over so many deaths…a crucifix comes to mind. Now, look at the death tolls from wars vs. religion…I could go on and on on this subject, but it’s not the case in point today. Then, there is the fact of the “Not wearing a USA flag pin on a lapel!” Get real!!! Is that truly an issue here? Does this actually account for being a PATRIOT? Have you all noticed that McCain doesn’t wear one? Either man, without a lapel pin of the flag….does this make either one less of a patriot? So many, MANY issues I’ve seen and heard; so many darned trivial issues, it makes my gut ache!! The thing to do is DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. - – - McCain. 1] I lived in Arizona for a dozen years. I didn’t like him as a politician then, and I still don’t. My best word to describe the man as a Senator –then, and now, would be ‘wishy-washy’! 2] He so many times has come across as weak in willpower, yet he has an unknown temper [for many people across the world] that I fear. Many many times in Washington he as thrown ‘tantrums’ and even the majority of Washington in Congress doesn’t like him. Not because he’s a maverick as he likes to call himself, it’s for the fact he makes poor choices for most. Does that say something to you? He wants America to continue with the war in Iraq. Why? Is there a purpose that we need to be there? At the cost of BILLIONS of dollars that we have doled out as taxpayers, to keep the troops there? Does this sound familiar to Viet Nam? Not to mention the lives that were wasted and are wasted, daily? Is it because of the mess that was started in Bush’s administration? Or perhaps he wants to continue with the exorbitant actions to save face? Save face for what? To show the world just how insipid and wasteful we are as a government? For nearly a decade I’ve seen the fall and decline of our government in the view of other foreign countries. What were our allies at the beginning of the Republican [NOT just Bush or McCain, but Republican in general] government, and today?…now look…so many around the world hate us instead of revere us as a powerful country. We’ve weakened in the eyes of many of our own citizens, not to mention world wide countries. During the campaigning the last several months, many-a-time I’ve heard the question arise from the Republicans: “Obama is not experienced”. Ummmmm, in my humble opinion, NO ONE is experienced to be commander in chief if they’ve never been. That is like comparing apples to oranges. You don’t have the experience at a new job until you’ve worked there for a while! Give me a break! [Not to mention Sarah Palin! She has proven HERSELF that she would not know diddly squat on how to run the American government without being prompted with a script! She's just, as she stated, a hockey mom. Nothing else. It's been brought up that she has 'ripped' into abusing her authority in the state of Alaska, the RNC has allowed a budget for clothing and her CHILDREN? Ummmmm, is this fair? While so many Americans can barely afford food on the table at night? Is this what the RNC does with the registered Republicans' donations to the GOP? I think that stinks! Truly stinks!! Unfair to the taxpayers and the Republican Party. What would she do to our citizens if, by chance that McCain would die in office? And SHE would be our commander in chief? Scary thought for me. Very scary to even visualize. It chills my bones. During her rallies, she is quoted as saying "It's nice to be among REAL Americans." Just what are all those that are not at the rallies? Democrats, mind you? Are we FALSE Americans? And, another thing lately that is bothering me about this man, McCain...he claims that he's NOT Bush [which he isn't] but yet his speeches and his policies mimic the same thing that we Americans have suffered through the seven years of this last eight-year administration! AND! Voted nine times out of ten FOR Bush’s policies? Thinking of this new homeland security lie —I don’t feel it. I feel we are no more safe today than we were in 2001. Still, Bush has breached our privacy….AND McCain proclaims to continue. McCain’s promises lately are: “I will WIN the war, I know how to win, my friends, I’ve been there.” I say: Firstly, is war the only just means of making our country safe? Have you looked around the cities Mr. McCain? Do you even comprehend the state of being of your own neighborhood, the cities in which comprise America? Just because you’re a war hero doesn’t make you fit for presidency. Another of his speeches’ stand is tax cuts….they seem to me the same as the Bush administration. Granted I don’t have to worry on this, but the issue is in every Republican presidency, the rich get richer and the poor or middle class go deeper in debt, because of the capitalistic Republican party –does deregulation ring a bell? Not to overlook the economy of our country and what the effect of the markets around the world are in now, because of it. I LOVE the fact that Obama continues to say “WE” not “I” like McCain -being the ‘we’ are the WHOLE country, and ‘I’ is John! Obama also says “Main Street”…being that USA is all American. McCain stated in one debate, referring to the plumber…”You’re rich, congratulations”. He’s probably said that to all his Republican co-horts on Capitol Hill also. The middle class or the poor, be damned. Have y’all read what McCain’s military 3] Headlines show: “McCain Flew on the Edge in the Navy”. [1960] Believe it or not, his FIRST crash [among MANY] was in Corpus Christi! He wrote in his autobiography that the engine quit….Navy investigations show differently. He wasn’t paying attention and used a power setting too low. Crashing into the Gulf. Navy Officials repeatedly shows they questioned his flying skills and judgment. His ‘most serious lapse’ was over Southern Spain. McCain was ‘clowning around’ in a Skyraider flying into electrical wires. Causing a blackout over Spain. [1961] In 1965 he crashed a T-2 Trainer in Virginia. Other ‘accidents’ are on the United States Naval Records. Yet, he never brings this up when questioned…it’s always his 5 1/2 years in Viet Nam. In the ’60s, actions that he showed then would NOT be tolerated in today’s Navy. His lapse in judgment would end his career as a Navy pilot. Perhaps McCain, being a grandson and son of Naval Admirals swayed exemption of reprimanding him? I don’t know…thing is, the GOP campaign refused to divulge any of this information to the public. Yet, it IS public record…look it up…do research. Others, of the same era, and some of the same squadron dubbed McCain ‘flat-hatter’ meaning in civil terms “showoff”. In 1965, a crash where he supposedly tells in his autobiography that -’flying to Philadelphia’, but he reported, in the record, that he was flying to Virginia!! He flew a USN plane to see an Army-Navy game…and crashed…taxpayers expense once again. Yet, of the same mentioned crash, his report and the Navy’s investigation, show so differently…USN’s investigation showed nothing wrong with the plane…yet, as he stated ‘the engine quit’ in his records. In Viet Nam his plane was equipped with SAM alarms which means that the pilot can maneuver, avoiding missiles. Hmmmmm. On the other hand, he may again be a ‘war hero’…but his prior judgment and actions -during his Navy stint AND now, today- along with his infamous maverick attitude in Congress does not make him qualify as a leader or a nation in my opinion. - – - URBAN LEGEND PROOF Found online about what David Letterman wrote [it's a proven hoax, people!!] this past month… and tho it’s interesting, it brings up other questions. Questions about why so many people agree to disagree on certain subjects of why America is ‘great in the minds of its citizens and those wanting to come to our country’. There was one statement he [FALSELY] wrote, and only one, that I would totally agree with, tho it’s still from an online ‘urban legend’ and that is “Don’t rely on the media for news!” Sure, it helps put doubts and questions in your mind…but!!! I say, check out the records…they’re public records and you can do RESEARCH before making an all important decision such as voting!!! Now, anyone that watches the David Letterman show would KNOW this is falsely written to begin with, but it still brings to mind some rebuttal issues: He supposedly wrote: Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? –I say: What about the homeless? Or the ones that have been laid off work because of the Republican economy? Do they have electricity? Or food? Or shelter? It’s not because of those that have no desire to work and panhandle on the streets…it’s about those who no longer have jobs because of the state of economy!! Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? I say: Not ALL people have these luxuries! Look around. Listen to the people, write editorials, talk to the poor who have nothing because of the state in which our ‘rich’ country treats its own people! If you HAVE the privilege of summer cooling and winter heating –a great majority couldn’t afford to have it repaired if it stopped working! Learn how many die in the summer heat or the winter cold for reasons such as not having a job/money/income/assistance. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? I say: Is their job and income efficient and enough to pay the exorbitant cost of living? While the government spends our money on the wrong war? Or feeds the rich with higher wages or corruption in corporate offices [remember the trillion dollar bail-out?]. Refer to those who have to have two jobs with BOTH parents working to make ends meet!! Do foreclosures come to mind? Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. I say: Have you traveled by car from one state line to the next? On the interstate when I’ve traveled, how many ‘in state’ autos are pulled over by patrol cars? They’re mostly from ‘out of state’. Also, I’ve seen and witnessed plain ordinary citizens of this country that are of minorities being pulled over and beaten for no reason, other than they’re different!!! Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I say: Give me a break! The ones that the minority can afford for shelter are NOT clean, nor are they safe!! Ones that ARE safe and clean are above the travel budgets for many!! The ones that are more ‘affordable’ are crack houses and prostitute hang-outs. It’s safer sleeping under the stars!! Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I say: Ummmmm, I’ve had emergency services before…many times. Our grandson has also…One in particular was a helicopter to the Children’s hospital to save his life when his heart failed and our daughter brought him back with CPR….the cost? Let me just say, nearly ONE MILLION dollars before it was over. Insurance coverage? Some…but the CEOs decided differently. Complaining? Yes. Still today. Remember Katrina? Ike? Dolly? Even farther in history…Andrew, Carol, and other national emergencies? FEMA come to mind? Oh and by the way, if you DO have a wreck…the insurance premiums go up to the point you either have to do away with most of your coverage, just to afford it again. It’s all about ‘big bucks’ and profits with the Republican Party. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. I say: For the last year or more it’s become almost impossible to HANG ON To YOUR Possession!! Foreclosures, banks going under…bankruptcy filings to an all time high!! That 70% may be the privileged ones, but my estimation is HALF of that 70% is struggling to pay the mortgage or heat their home, or make necessary repairs! Go to the ‘poor side of your town’ and take a sad look at the disrepair of their one and only possession. Or look at your neighbor who just lost their jobs because of the Bush Administration and deregulation…their homes will be having a ‘for sale’ sign, or will be repossessed by a loan company. Or sadly they’ll just LEAVE and not come back. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. I say: I’m laughing, period! I have a right to bear arms! If the intruder comes to my home…I’ll shoot on sight! We DO have an alarm system in our home. Yes, I’m one of those guys, if you look at it from that perspective. But wait….we DID have a break in. And the alarm went off! The call from the alarm company didn’t come ’til after 15 minutes!!! WE ended up calling the police! The patrol car showed up late!! Ummmm, scary to think our tax dollars protect us in time of need?!! It depends on how ‘lucky or unlucky you are’. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? I say: Issues like pro-life/pro-choice, Muslim, anti-American candidates? Not to mention “paling around with terrorists” slogan used by Ms. Palin against Obama? Ya…WE DO have these freedoms, and they should not be in rallies. Rallies should consist of what the candidate will do for the American people…not incite riotous actions of the followers…that is NOT leading a country!! Oh and by the way? If, as stated in the constitution, the government should not control religious freedoms and social freedoms…why then is there an issue with abortion rights and religion in the schools and government offices? If we should be so bold to say this to our countrymen who ‘lead’ us —IF! there is a stipulation that we should not be controlled by religious beliefs then….why not have Congress open year ’round? OR! —Christmas should not be considered a holiday with government closed?!!! Religion and abortion should be a FREEDOM, and individual choice, not governed. He also was falsely accused of stating: Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. And it’s the media’s fault. I say: I’ve heard and read enough to realize that we are NOT the best country to others, that they’re happy where they are! This false urban legend statement makes it sound like EVERYONE wants to be Americans!! I don’t think so. Look at how many left our country? Because they found out that it isn’t all honey and gold. Sure, don’t WATCH TV or listen to news or read paper/magazines…just get out and drive around your town or city…you can witness crimes/thefts/poor neighborhoods!! And lastly the legend states that he asked: So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? I say: We, as citizens, have been manipulated too long by a corrupt government, the Republican Party. We need to be discontent and disconnect ourselves; for a change in economics. Yes, I’m one privileged fellow citizen that doesn’t have to struggle. YET!! Times have been rough and money has been tight throughout our marriage. But we still have comforts. We’ve not bought things [BIG expenses that is] on a whim, ever. We still live under a roof. Cost of living goes up tho…and yet instead of ‘giving to those in need’…the government spends trillions of dollars for a bail-out, and then the CEOs of those companies party to the price tag of thousands upon thousands of those very dollars? We, as a majority, ARE pissed! [My sister is Republican, and she's wholly P O'd with the bail out also, it's not just Democrats...it's Republicans and Independents also on this issue.] We have been treated unfairly! We have been blindsided by corruption. We have been mistreated by our own government. Sure we have the two cars…or the home…or the boat….or the expensive trips….or a filled refrigerator. But we [Bud and I] worked for over 45 years, combined, for that privilege. We also see strife with two parents working to make ends meet. We also see parents saddened because they have to dip into their savings of a child’s dream of a better education in years to come —only because the costs go up and up. Losing jobs, losing homes, trying to pay mortgages, trying to keep food on the table. Trying to replenish costly fuel for their vehicles to even GET to work for their wages. Sure we don’t need a lot of luxuries, but we DO NEED the essentials and it’s getting harder to come by…we as citizens of a whole nation HAVE [in general...I don't use credit cards ---I don't believe in credit...if you can't pay for it ===in my opinion===, don't buy it!!] seen the American dream go down the drain in recent months…tho it’s been building to the climax for nearly a decade. It’s a domino effect people…..we have a RIGHT to complain and seem self-centered or spoiled. America. The land of that freedom!!! - – - Socialism vs. Capitalism Many of us, I think, don’t realize just what socialism is by the basis of fear shouted to us in recent days, by the Republican Party and what is being chanted against Obama. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production. Under capitalism, individuals, companies or corporations invest in, own, and share in profits (or losses) of the entities that produce goods, distribute products or provide services. Here again, it’s like all the big oil companies & insurance big whigs naming a few, Exxon and AIG, not to mention large banks and other insurance companies that were just bailed out…their means of capitalizing on HUGE profits…greed. Based on the now capitalistic white house administration’s deregulation bill and much more. While on the other hand, a social system [socialism] is one which favors collective ownership of the means of economic production and distribution….sharing profits such as Obama has stated regarding the bail-out if he were elected…giving BACK to the people who’s tax money is being spent to save the economy and the greediness of CEOs and the like that Republicans deregulated and multi-billion dollar profits soared! Capitalism is self-centered, individualistic – where socialism is for the people. Has John McCain said anything of the sort? NO!! Oh and by the way, I still say that “Joe the Plumber” was a set up job by the RNC. It’s mind boggling that he is now on the podium with McCain and Palin; isn’t it? Not often does the microphone follow Obama [or McCain for that matter] AFTER their rally speeches. Hmmmmmmm. Amazing how one camera and microphone happened to be there at the right time when Joe the Plumber asked Obama to explain his tax breaks! AND to top it all off, the Mr. Joe Q. Plumber isn’t even a LICENSED plumber and owes back taxes!! The American Dream is to be a citizen and share in the wealth. NOT steal from the poor and give to the rich. We’ve been ripped off by the GOP…it’s time for a change— - – - I’ve been waiting until February of this year to show these special bottles!! They’re special in a way that they’re Bud’s and they’re copyrighted!!! No, he didn’t copyright them himself, they’re copyrighted by JIM BEAM Whiskey. ©1964!! The one photo shows the bottom of the whiskey bottles [by the way they are empty...been emptied for years! LOL] that they are NOT to be sold or reused under Federal Law Protection. Under James Beam Distilling Company, 1964. These bottles are of American Political Parties, the Donkey [Democrats] and the Elephant [Republicans]. Decorating our home for the day.
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Texas Hootin’ Anni VOTED Early – Obama FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM |
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Tuesday’s Heads or Tails prompt is “GUARD”. November 4th, being America’s election day, I stand on a tall podium and am voicing my right to opinions and freedom of speech, GUARDing my thoughts and ideals —GUARDing my inalieanble rights to freedom of the land on which I live, on freedom of living the American Dream.
It’s a LONG, very long, winded speech as I stand proud and clear minded. It all follows. Be prepared to stay a while, or tho I feel saddened that you’re leaving because of my political stand, rest assured I feel that my words in MY BLOG are worthy of my personal views. I don’t expect anyone to agree with my point of view, nor am I trying to have a heated debate issue. I’m not after anything of the sort. If you disagree, fine….and I’ll state right here, right now — refrain from leaving hate remarks in the comments…I WILL DELETE!!! My post is MY post…my point, my GUARDed opinion and very personal…..
!!!I’m in BLUE —for everything Tuesday!!!
The Blue party —The American Democrats
My favorite Quote from the Campaign Trail:
“What the naysayers don’t understand is that this election has never been about me. It’s been about you.”
~~Senator Obama
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Well, Tuesday is the day of a new dawn….and praying a new beginning for a stronger USofA!! There has been a ‘meme’ going on around the blog land of ours. I happen to see it at RJFlamingo’s the other day and I wanted to say, along with her and many others, it’s not a state of sadness. On the contrary!!! Not in this country. Blue is the color of PRIDE! Being blue is of the Democratic party. If you’re American, and you haven’t voted yet…Go out. Stand in line —your vote is worth it. Vote for a CHANGE. Get the Republicans out of the White House. Vote for the new commander in chief…Barack Obama!!! That is my strong opinion!! Ever since the beginning! I’ve gone to campaign rallies for months and I feel an urgent need to get this country back on its feet with a stronger foundation than what we’ve had for nearly a decade. A decline in the confidence and stability of a great nation. There is a need to rebuild our shattered country that the Republican Party is leaving behind for us as their legacy. One that we need to vote OUT of office by choosing the right man….The Honorable Barack Obama!! Facts and statements I’ve heard during the campaigns: I’ve heard so many times, over and over again around our area that people actually think that Barack Obama is NOT an American born citizen….Here’s his birth certificate. Also, the stipulation of Obama NOT being baptized. Ummmmmm, people! Religion is NOT an issue here for me, it’s who is BEST for making our country a stronger nation and once again respected as it was before, across the world —the hate and distrust I’ve seen since 9/11 in ‘our own backyard’ is disheartening –lack of respect for our OWN people, who cares if one neighbor is black, or white, or Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or doesn’t practice ANY religion…people are good, not matter WHAT they believe…there are people who are NOT so good in ANY religious sect also….believe it or not there HAVE been atheists running our country as Commander in Chief throughout our history. Jefferson for one. In the ancient times and modern times of the world, religion has been a factor over so many deaths…a crucifix comes to mind. Now, look at the death tolls from wars vs. religion…I could go on and on on this subject, but it’s not the case in point today. Then, there is the fact of the “Not wearing a USA flag pin on a lapel!” Get real!!! Is that truly an issue here? Does this actually account for being a PATRIOT? Have you all noticed that McCain doesn’t wear one? Either man, without a lapel pin of the flag….does this make either one less of a patriot? So many, MANY issues I’ve seen and heard; so many darned trivial issues, it makes my gut ache!! The thing to do is DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. - – - McCain. 1] I lived in Arizona for a dozen years. I didn’t like him as a politician then, and I still don’t. My best word to describe the man as a Senator –then, and now, would be ‘wishy-washy’! 2] He so many times has come across as weak in willpower, yet he has an unknown temper [for many people across the world] that I fear. Many many times in Washington he as thrown ‘tantrums’ and even the majority of Washington in Congress doesn’t like him. Not because he’s a maverick as he likes to call himself, it’s for the fact he makes poor choices for most. Does that say something to you? He wants America to continue with the war in Iraq. Why? Is there a purpose that we need to be there? At the cost of BILLIONS of dollars that we have doled out as taxpayers, to keep the troops there? Does this sound familiar to Viet Nam? Not to mention the lives that were wasted and are wasted, daily? Is it because of the mess that was started in Bush’s administration? Or perhaps he wants to continue with the exorbitant actions to save face? Save face for what? To show the world just how insipid and wasteful we are as a government? For nearly a decade I’ve seen the fall and decline of our government in the view of other foreign countries. What were our allies at the beginning of the Republican [NOT just Bush or McCain, but Republican in general] government, and today?…now look…so many around the world hate us instead of revere us as a powerful country. We’ve weakened in the eyes of many of our own citizens, not to mention world wide countries. During the campaigning the last several months, many-a-time I’ve heard the question arise from the Republicans: “Obama is not experienced”. Ummmmm, in my humble opinion, NO ONE is experienced to be commander in chief if they’ve never been. That is like comparing apples to oranges. You don’t have the experience at a new job until you’ve worked there for a while! Give me a break! [Not to mention Sarah Palin! She has proven HERSELF that she would not know diddly squat on how to run the American government without being prompted with a script! She's just, as she stated, a hockey mom. Nothing else. It's been brought up that she has 'ripped' into abusing her authority in the state of Alaska, the RNC has allowed a budget for clothing and her CHILDREN? Ummmmm, is this fair? While so many Americans can barely afford food on the table at night? Is this what the RNC does with the registered Republicans' donations to the GOP? I think that stinks! Truly stinks!! Unfair to the taxpayers and the Republican Party. What would she do to our citizens if, by chance that McCain would die in office? And SHE would be our commander in chief? Scary thought for me. Very scary to even visualize. It chills my bones. During her rallies, she is quoted as saying "It's nice to be among REAL Americans." Just what are all those that are not at the rallies? Democrats, mind you? Are we FALSE Americans? And, another thing lately that is bothering me about this man, McCain...he claims that he's NOT Bush [which he isn't] but yet his speeches and his policies mimic the same thing that we Americans have suffered through the seven years of this last eight-year administration! AND! Voted nine times out of ten FOR Bush’s policies? Thinking of this new homeland security lie —I don’t feel it. I feel we are no more safe today than we were in 2001. Still, Bush has breached our privacy….AND McCain proclaims to continue. McCain’s promises lately are: “I will WIN the war, I know how to win, my friends, I’ve been there.” I say: Firstly, is war the only just means of making our country safe? Have you looked around the cities Mr. McCain? Do you even comprehend the state of being of your own neighborhood, the cities in which comprise America? Just because you’re a war hero doesn’t make you fit for presidency. Another of his speeches’ stand is tax cuts….they seem to me the same as the Bush administration. Granted I don’t have to worry on this, but the issue is in every Republican presidency, the rich get richer and the poor or middle class go deeper in debt, because of the capitalistic Republican party –does deregulation ring a bell? Not to overlook the economy of our country and what the effect of the markets around the world are in now, because of it. I LOVE the fact that Obama continues to say “WE” not “I” like McCain -being the ‘we’ are the WHOLE country, and ‘I’ is John! Obama also says “Main Street”…being that USA is all American. McCain stated in one debate, referring to the plumber…”You’re rich, congratulations”. He’s probably said that to all his Republican co-horts on Capitol Hill also. The middle class or the poor, be damned. Have y’all read what McCain’s military 3] Headlines show: “McCain Flew on the Edge in the Navy”. [1960] Believe it or not, his FIRST crash [among MANY] was in Corpus Christi! He wrote in his autobiography that the engine quit….Navy investigations show differently. He wasn’t paying attention and used a power setting too low. Crashing into the Gulf. Navy Officials repeatedly shows they questioned his flying skills and judgment. His ‘most serious lapse’ was over Southern Spain. McCain was ‘clowning around’ in a Skyraider flying into electrical wires. Causing a blackout over Spain. [1961] In 1965 he crashed a T-2 Trainer in Virginia. Other ‘accidents’ are on the United States Naval Records. Yet, he never brings this up when questioned…it’s always his 5 1/2 years in Viet Nam. In the ’60s, actions that he showed then would NOT be tolerated in today’s Navy. His lapse in judgment would end his career as a Navy pilot. Perhaps McCain, being a grandson and son of Naval Admirals swayed exemption of reprimanding him? I don’t know…thing is, the GOP campaign refused to divulge any of this information to the public. Yet, it IS public record…look it up…do research. Others, of the same era, and some of the same squadron dubbed McCain ‘flat-hatter’ meaning in civil terms “showoff”. In 1965, a crash where he supposedly tells in his autobiography that -’flying to Philadelphia’, but he reported, in the record, that he was flying to Virginia!! He flew a USN plane to see an Army-Navy game…and crashed…taxpayers expense once again. Yet, of the same mentioned crash, his report and the Navy’s investigation, show so differently…USN’s investigation showed nothing wrong with the plane…yet, as he stated ‘the engine quit’ in his records. In Viet Nam his plane was equipped with SAM alarms which means that the pilot can maneuver, avoiding missiles. Hmmmmm. On the other hand, he may again be a ‘war hero’…but his prior judgment and actions -during his Navy stint AND now, today- along with his infamous maverick attitude in Congress does not make him qualify as a leader or a nation in my opinion. - – - URBAN LEGEND PROOF Found online about what David Letterman wrote [it's a proven hoax, people!!] this past month… and tho it’s interesting, it brings up other questions. Questions about why so many people agree to disagree on certain subjects of why America is ‘great in the minds of its citizens and those wanting to come to our country’. There was one statement he [FALSELY] wrote, and only one, that I would totally agree with, tho it’s still from an online ‘urban legend’ and that is “Don’t rely on the media for news!” Sure, it helps put doubts and questions in your mind…but!!! I say, check out the records…they’re public records and you can do RESEARCH before making an all important decision such as voting!!! Now, anyone that watches the David Letterman show would KNOW this is falsely written to begin with, but it still brings to mind some rebuttal issues: He supposedly wrote: Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? –I say: What about the homeless? Or the ones that have been laid off work because of the Republican economy? Do they have electricity? Or food? Or shelter? It’s not because of those that have no desire to work and panhandle on the streets…it’s about those who no longer have jobs because of the state of economy!! Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? I say: Not ALL people have these luxuries! Look around. Listen to the people, write editorials, talk to the poor who have nothing because of the state in which our ‘rich’ country treats its own people! If you HAVE the privilege of summer cooling and winter heating –a great majority couldn’t afford to have it repaired if it stopped working! Learn how many die in the summer heat or the winter cold for reasons such as not having a job/money/income/assistance. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? I say: Is their job and income efficient and enough to pay the exorbitant cost of living? While the government spends our money on the wrong war? Or feeds the rich with higher wages or corruption in corporate offices [remember the trillion dollar bail-out?]. Refer to those who have to have two jobs with BOTH parents working to make ends meet!! Do foreclosures come to mind? Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. I say: Have you traveled by car from one state line to the next? On the interstate when I’ve traveled, how many ‘in state’ autos are pulled over by patrol cars? They’re mostly from ‘out of state’. Also, I’ve seen and witnessed plain ordinary citizens of this country that are of minorities being pulled over and beaten for no reason, other than they’re different!!! Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I say: Give me a break! The ones that the minority can afford for shelter are NOT clean, nor are they safe!! Ones that ARE safe and clean are above the travel budgets for many!! The ones that are more ‘affordable’ are crack houses and prostitute hang-outs. It’s safer sleeping under the stars!! Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I say: Ummmmm, I’ve had emergency services before…many times. Our grandson has also…One in particular was a helicopter to the Children’s hospital to save his life when his heart failed and our daughter brought him back with CPR….the cost? Let me just say, nearly ONE MILLION dollars before it was over. Insurance coverage? Some…but the CEOs decided differently. Complaining? Yes. Still today. Remember Katrina? Ike? Dolly? Even farther in history…Andrew, Carol, and other national emergencies? FEMA come to mind? Oh and by the way, if you DO have a wreck…the insurance premiums go up to the point you either have to do away with most of your coverage, just to afford it again. It’s all about ‘big bucks’ and profits with the Republican Party. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. I say: For the last year or more it’s become almost impossible to HANG ON To YOUR Possession!! Foreclosures, banks going under…bankruptcy filings to an all time high!! That 70% may be the privileged ones, but my estimation is HALF of that 70% is struggling to pay the mortgage or heat their home, or make necessary repairs! Go to the ‘poor side of your town’ and take a sad look at the disrepair of their one and only possession. Or look at your neighbor who just lost their jobs because of the Bush Administration and deregulation…their homes will be having a ‘for sale’ sign, or will be repossessed by a loan company. Or sadly they’ll just LEAVE and not come back. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. I say: I’m laughing, period! I have a right to bear arms! If the intruder comes to my home…I’ll shoot on sight! We DO have an alarm system in our home. Yes, I’m one of those guys, if you look at it from that perspective. But wait….we DID have a break in. And the alarm went off! The call from the alarm company didn’t come ’til after 15 minutes!!! WE ended up calling the police! The patrol car showed up late!! Ummmm, scary to think our tax dollars protect us in time of need?!! It depends on how ‘lucky or unlucky you are’. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? I say: Issues like pro-life/pro-choice, Muslim, anti-American candidates? Not to mention “paling around with terrorists” slogan used by Ms. Palin against Obama? Ya…WE DO have these freedoms, and they should not be in rallies. Rallies should consist of what the candidate will do for the American people…not incite riotous actions of the followers…that is NOT leading a country!! Oh and by the way? If, as stated in the constitution, the government should not control religious freedoms and social freedoms…why then is there an issue with abortion rights and religion in the schools and government offices? If we should be so bold to say this to our countrymen who ‘lead’ us —IF! there is a stipulation that we should not be controlled by religious beliefs then….why not have Congress open year ’round? OR! —Christmas should not be considered a holiday with government closed?!!! Religion and abortion should be a FREEDOM, and individual choice, not governed. He also was falsely accused of stating: Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. And it’s the media’s fault. I say: I’ve heard and read enough to realize that we are NOT the best country to others, that they’re happy where they are! This false urban legend statement makes it sound like EVERYONE wants to be Americans!! I don’t think so. Look at how many left our country? Because they found out that it isn’t all honey and gold. Sure, don’t WATCH TV or listen to news or read paper/magazines…just get out and drive around your town or city…you can witness crimes/thefts/poor neighborhoods!! And lastly the legend states that he asked: So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? I say: We, as citizens, have been manipulated too long by a corrupt government, the Republican Party. We need to be discontent and disconnect ourselves; for a change in economics. Yes, I’m one privileged fellow citizen that doesn’t have to struggle. YET!! Times have been rough and money has been tight throughout our marriage. But we still have comforts. We’ve not bought things [BIG expenses that is] on a whim, ever. We still live under a roof. Cost of living goes up tho…and yet instead of ‘giving to those in need’…the government spends trillions of dollars for a bail-out, and then the CEOs of those companies party to the price tag of thousands upon thousands of those very dollars? We, as a majority, ARE pissed! [My sister is Republican, and she's wholly P O'd with the bail out also, it's not just Democrats...it's Republicans and Independents also on this issue.] We have been treated unfairly! We have been blindsided by corruption. We have been mistreated by our own government. Sure we have the two cars…or the home…or the boat….or the expensive trips….or a filled refrigerator. But we [Bud and I] worked for over 45 years, combined, for that privilege. We also see strife with two parents working to make ends meet. We also see parents saddened because they have to dip into their savings of a child’s dream of a better education in years to come —only because the costs go up and up. Losing jobs, losing homes, trying to pay mortgages, trying to keep food on the table. Trying to replenish costly fuel for their vehicles to even GET to work for their wages. Sure we don’t need a lot of luxuries, but we DO NEED the essentials and it’s getting harder to come by…we as citizens of a whole nation HAVE [in general...I don't use credit cards ---I don't believe in credit...if you can't pay for it ===in my opinion===, don't buy it!!] seen the American dream go down the drain in recent months…tho it’s been building to the climax for nearly a decade. It’s a domino effect people…..we have a RIGHT to complain and seem self-centered or spoiled. America. The land of that freedom!!! - – - Socialism vs. Capitalism Many of us, I think, don’t realize just what socialism is by the basis of fear shouted to us in recent days, by the Republican Party and what is being chanted against Obama. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production. Under capitalism, individuals, companies or corporations invest in, own, and share in profits (or losses) of the entities that produce goods, distribute products or provide services. Here again, it’s like all the big oil companies & insurance big whigs naming a few, Exxon and AIG, not to mention large banks and other insurance companies that were just bailed out…their means of capitalizing on HUGE profits…greed. Based on the now capitalistic white house administration’s deregulation bill and much more. While on the other hand, a social system [socialism] is one which favors collective ownership of the means of economic production and distribution….sharing profits such as Obama has stated regarding the bail-out if he were elected…giving BACK to the people who’s tax money is being spent to save the economy and the greediness of CEOs and the like that Republicans deregulated and multi-billion dollar profits soared! Capitalism is self-centered, individualistic – where socialism is for the people. Has John McCain said anything of the sort? NO!! Oh and by the way, I still say that “Joe the Plumber” was a set up job by the RNC. It’s mind boggling that he is now on the podium with McCain and Palin; isn’t it? Not often does the microphone follow Obama [or McCain for that matter] AFTER their rally speeches. Hmmmmmmm. Amazing how one camera and microphone happened to be there at the right time when Joe the Plumber asked Obama to explain his tax breaks! AND to top it all off, the Mr. Joe Q. Plumber isn’t even a LICENSED plumber and owes back taxes!! The American Dream is to be a citizen and share in the wealth. NOT steal from the poor and give to the rich. We’ve been ripped off by the GOP…it’s time for a change— - – - I’ve been waiting until February of this year to show these special bottles!! They’re special in a way that they’re Bud’s and they’re copyrighted!!! No, he didn’t copyright them himself, they’re copyrighted by JIM BEAM Whiskey. ©1964!! The one photo shows the bottom of the whiskey bottles [by the way they are empty...been emptied for years! LOL] that they are NOT to be sold or reused under Federal Law Protection. Under James Beam Distilling Company, 1964. These bottles are of American Political Parties, the Donkey [Democrats] and the Elephant [Republicans]. Decorating our home for the day.
- – -
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I’m going to get a little carried away with the posting for a few reasons. Not only my two show n tells, but how I came about getting them…a little side trip outside of town, and ebay.
I will start off with my new china nesting cup set. I just got it yesterday. You see, we’ve been having our carpeting cleaned all week. The ones we had come out to do it, will not move any furniture. Which is understandable to me for many purposes, mainly for insurance for the company. For that, I’ve asked them to come out several days this week to give us a chance to take out some furniture for each room. And early Bud and I moved stuff out of the rooms that wasn’t too heavy, then they shampooed. When they were done, we left to keep from tracking around on the wet carpets. Yesterday was the last room…the dining room; and the smaller hallway. When they were done, we had ourselves ready to leave as soon as they left. We ended up taking a short trip outside the city, up north about 40 or so miles along the coast. To Rockport. It’s a favorite of mine. It’s very quaint…it’s a fishing village more or less. There is a maritime museum there. We stopped there and spent an hour or two. [got a few photos which I'll share at another time] Then, went to lunch. Afterwhich, we ended up back in the car and driving just a bit further up the highway to Fulton, Texas. There is an historical mansion there that has tours on some days of the week. [also some photos of this mansion will come at a later date]
When we got there, it was locked, but the tour would start in just about 15 minutes from our arrival. So, we ventured out and around the historic gardens and the carriage house, etc. When the tour was completed; about an hour…I stopped in to look at the ‘toys’ they had for us. Souvenirs. I spied this beautiful nesting cup set [above photo]. Hadda have it!!
- – -
Now my e bay winning bid!
No where in town can you find anything that is of any particular political party. We did get a ‘hand sign’ when we attended the Obama Rally in February. I had the privilege of shaking Senator Obama’s hand. I was fortunate to have him sign my book of his. But the only time I saw any political T-shirts was back in February at the rally. And being that we attended the rally with thousands of people in one auditorium, I took no cash with me. I was kicking myself. Well, not really. The simple white t-shirts with his slogan was going for $25; some higher in price. That’s not for me. Oh, I suppose if I had the cash on me, I probably would have got one. But I didn’t. Then, after the rally…as I said, no where in town were they selling. The online store at his website has them…but again, they really weren’t what I would have liked. I was determined to find something tho. So, I went out on e bay. A woman had one that was ‘shiny’. No sparkly as in glitter, but shiny. I loved it. Not only did she have them in the size I needed [they're new with the tags on them], I got it for under $20!! AND!—-the shirt is 3/4 length sleeves. Now, I really liked that. Different! I love different. I’m now a proud owner of a really cool Obama shirt!
This week’s theme/prompt is:
HEADS *OR* TAILS - Peace *OR* Piece
I’m going with PEACE this week! I think I’ve probably posted this before, not sure…
In November of 2003 I published a written poem of mine, “Capture the Sun”. It won 3rd place in the competition. It’s all about the peace of mind and the vision of my life as it were —
CAPTURE THE SUN*
© 2001 — 2008
The soft winds of time make me realize what life has held.
I remember the days when my childhood was free…
To be up in my treehouse with filtering sun kissing my cheeks—
This was a place of fantasy in which I longingly dwelled.
Then I go back in memory of days so long ago,
where the butterflies flitted before my eyes
and stopped to drink a flower’s nectar.
Yes, nature at its finest…
creatures innocent and untroubled as I.
Memories of days long ago.
I capture it now with the retention of how things were.
Back then the world was at peace and joy was for the asking.
A childhood of precious memories
and happiness was all-surrounding….
The world was green and blue without terrorists’ masking.
Have you ever, now that you’re grown, sit down and ponder
Of the days in your past and dream—-wonder?
Wonder why you can’t return to that once ignorance and bliss
Memories of days long ago?
Stretch your neck and gulp the liquid blue sky.
Hold out your arms and enfold the billowy clouds.
Become intoxicated with the warmth of the sun.
Take a chance of your childhood, innocent
Memories of days long ago.
The teenage years were quite a bit different.
I marched into life in a whirl.
Friends came and went…
Life was fun and games but still,
situations grew more tough and decisions were upon my shoulders.
Yet, learn I did; by my mistakes and behold
I turned each day into a classroom, turned o’er boulders
that were events of a lifestyle. But, where did I go—
No longer innocent but still untroubled.
Afterall, I yet remained only a girl.
Days, years passed without much ado.
Adulthood struck me as a challenge,
not merely growing but learning.
The world was becoming mean and hateful.
What happened, I say
to all the wonders around me?
- – - -
I birth my own offspring and teach and guide.
The world keeps turning.
Days become nights.
Nights become weeks, and
weeks become years. I venture each day
with a heart-filled sadness that one time soon
The world will be harmless and all’ll find gladness.
You can’t run, you can’t buy time….
You can’t crawl under the rug and hide!
Stretch your neck and gulp the liquid blue sky.
Hold out your arms and enfold the billowy clouds.
Become intoxicated with the warmth of the sun.
Breathe in the fragrance of a rose!
Capture in your heart the color of a spring flower.
Take a chance of
Memories of days long ago.
Stretch your neck and gulp the liquid blue sky.
Chase the rainbow with colors in rows!
Become intoxicated with the warmth of the sun.
Walk along the shores of your life—
Pick up that shell, feel the beauty within!
Hold, in your heart, the color of prose.
Watch your children grow while you nurture.
Reach for the stars, and capture that wind!
Life is precious, and withheld in memory—
Most of all, recall YOUR house in the tree!!
Take a chance of
Memories of days long ago.
…..of memories from long ago.
*copyrighted material
Hootin’ Anni
all rights reserved
PEACE [part II]
If you look at my sidebar at any time while visiting you know who has captured my interest on the campaign trail for the next presidency of USA. Last week, in Oregon while holding a primary rally, the city of Portland hosted Obama….to an all time record breaking attendance. I read in the paper from our local printing that there were even another estimated 15,000 who couldn’t fit in the park! In attendance on the tarmac were 75,000 people!! Also rumored that there were boats along the Willamette River with listeners and along the city’s bridges near the park!!
Look at this crowd! Even if he doesn’t become our next president, even if Clinton or McCain is nominated/elected, this astounds me…mainly because we all, Democrats AND Republicans alike have a renewed interest in the election! For that, I say —finally, it’s about time!! We Americans have become, in my estimation, very lackadaisical in our country’s best interests. We seem to be happy that we have our two cars and our home mortgages and our ‘plastic’ money when the government deems it necessary to take all they can get from us. As long as we, as an individual, are okay and our lives are not disrupted, we are satisfied…At least that was the sole perception I had a few months ago…now, my views have changed, we ARE aware and we want change!!! And at a fevered pitch!!! I applaud the American voters.
This post isn’t about WHO I’m for…it’s about my pride once again; a virtuous feeling that excels, when I see and read something like this……
[photo courtesy of Caller Times - Corpus Christi Texas]
Something like this brings a profound peace of mind for me!!
I say to this. I’m not a jerk. Okay, so you believed that didn’t you? Come on now…I see those sly looks. You were willing to take me on. But truly, the only thing I can think of is being a ‘pest’- to my sleeping kitties…..
For Fun Monday this week our hostess asks:
- Have you ever “accidentally” ruined a favorite shirt of your spouse just because you didn’t care for it? Come on – it’s confession time! List the small things you do that make you a jerk and elaborate just a bit on each one.
When they’re all asnooze on the floor beside me, I tend to ‘pick on them’ sometimes. [insert evil grin here] But only when I’m in the mood! Afterall, they jump up on the bed at 3 a.m. —this sounds like Hillary I know, but it’s true!—while I’m in deep slumber and one of them, either Winston or Tahoe, kneads my stomach while purring and, seeming like hours, making a circular nest, and then plop themselves down atop me…making me hot and unable to roll over. Why? I ask. See, I’m not a jerk like I stated above. I will lay there and suffer and not try to get them off. I Let them sleep. They know me all too well. I’m a pushover.
BUT, hold your horses, folks!! Let me tell you, revenge is sweet. After dinner, and the TV is on, they’re near me…I’ll start by petting them to where they’re purring and very contented. THEN —the massage gets rougher and rougher to the point where they’re P O’d! *If you enlarge the photo of Tahoe, look at her golden eye…she’s ticked off and readying for attack!* Oh oh…my furry companion begins to run away, but then…guess what? No matter which one it is, they both’ll make a big turn-around and come back, in attack mode. Yep, I’ve been bitten and scratched with their hind legs. But this is more fun for all involved – besides, it makes me feel superior – or visa versa, I don’t know what kitty is thinking. Finally, finally –they will either submit, or leave entirely, and all I see is a furry butt with their tail twitchin’. But, honestly, they don’t learn. They come back the very next day while I’m watching my movie or sports and the social behavior begins anew.
—
Oh wait. Maybe I AM a JERK come to think of it! You see, Bud is a definite case for a psychiatrist! He ‘suffers’ from OCD. You know – OCD is marked by an insurmountable preoccupation with fixed ideas and gestures. His is carried to the extreme of having things in order. All day –and into the night. He can’t go to sleep if something of his is in a state of disarray. Trust me.
Even down to the point where his socks, once taken off, [the dirty ones are FOLDED together] and put in the laundry shoot as ONE. It has to be that way for him; his way or no way! Seriously. He can’t NOT just toss them in as he takes them off his stinkin’ feet. [He actually does this with all his soiled clothes...FOLDS them neatly before putting them into the laundry] And then the nightly ritual begins. He chooses his clean socks from the drawer, and puts heel to heel…straightens them, as if ironing the wrinkles, neatly folds them, then lays them in perfect 90 degree angle from his shoes. ON TOP of his shoes.
Okay, I’m always laughing at him because of his compulsive disorder. Always. Sometimes aloud, other times laughing to myself. I know from working with psychiatrists that this is curable and it is a ‘sickness’….but to me, why bother? It isn’t life threatening, and I look at it as something that SOCIETY has put a label on just to medicate the one who is afflicted. Honestly, I think in terms of having a chance to pick on him! So, this is what I’ve done in the past to throw him for a loop.
You see, I wait ’til he falls asleep; then the fun begins. I actually move his shoes…why not? He’ll find ‘em no matter. And then….once he’s snoring breathing evenly, I get up, Yes, I not only move his shoes where they’re strewn and in a disorderly state, I then take the neatly folded, laying just right, socks and…….
TIE them in knots! Okay, so, ya, I guess I am a jerk. At least I’m sure that that is what Bud is thinking. To put it in a kinder, gentler term.
Next week our hostess will be Mariposa.
~…end Fun Monday
[scroll below for commenting]
I wanted to send along some sincere words of thanks here for everyone that stopped by over the weekend with their wishes sent to Bud and me for our special anniversary! It meant a great deal to me, truly! Your thoughtfulness and friendship made our day so much brighter!
It happened that it was also mother’s day. I told Bud, no flowers. And of course both our kids have heard me say over and over, “don’t waste hard earned money on bouquets for me”, so no, no flowers for me. I’d much rather see them spend their money for themselves. I don’t need anything but a simple “Hi Mom” over the phone.
Which I received. Both kids remembered. My sister also called to wish us a super 40th anniversary. So, not ignoring dear man of mine, but I spent a few hours on the phone.
It rained early in the morning. We went out for our usual Sunday Brunch. Came home and read the newspaper. Bud put our bottle of champagne in the ‘fridge to chill for evening, after going out for dinner. We didn’t do much of anything special during the day. Most of the morning was dark and gloomy. But the sun came out by mid afternoon and the temps stayed half way comfortable. Later we showered and dressed for our dinner. We decided to throw all our eating habits of health foods out the window yesterday —So we ended up and Montana Mike’s. And as much as we’ve been doing to stay away from red meats these days, we both decided a thick juicy steak was just what we deserved! Bud ordered the T-bone and Baby Back Ribs combination….colossal servings! *gulp* And I ordered The Surf and Turf -rib eye steak and butterflied FRIED shrimp! Both of us had the baked sweet potato with cinnamon and butter topping. Of course along with the house salad.
The sweet waitress overheard us ‘toasting’ each other after our glasses of wine were served as she walked by us serving others in the table behind us. At the end of the meal, she surprised us with their dessert specialties of the house. Which we could not even begin to think of consuming….we were stuffed to the gills!!
She had them box it up for us to take home.
By the time we arrived home, the two of us were quite uncomfortable. Yes, we ate that much. And consumed a bit too much alcohol. After we both changed clothes to our lounging around the house stuff….ELASTIC waist bands and such. LOL —we stretched out together and watched a little TV and let our bodies digest the rich foods. Did I say we were over-stuffed and miserable.
Anyway, a few hours later, we dimmed the lights, lit some candles, put on our favorite music and opened our champagne. Bud surprised me with this—-
A Ruby & Diamond heart!!!
What a guy. Incredible…or incredibly stupid for still lovin’ this jerk!
I’m so lucky!!!
He’s my man….
- – -
Now today, it’s our grandson’s 19th Birthday!
Are we ancient ones or what?
19….wow.
…and it’s back to ‘healthy foods’ for us…we’re too old for that rich food.
Photo courtesy of NYTimes & Obama Family
Also, I found this compelling story of the USA’s Democratic Presidential Campaigner…Barack Obama’s Mother’s Story that was on his blog for Mother’s Day.
For Fun Monday this week, Mariposa has challenged us with TWO topics. One is our blog name. The Who, What, Where’s and Why our blog is named such as it is. And the second section of the week’s challenge is our ‘most common dish’.
[I'm assuming by dish, you're not talking Johnny Depp our mates? No? Ohhhhhhhhh, you mean food? Okay. Will do. At the last of my Fun Monday. But, really, it's not as appealing. Trust me.]
Okay, to get started.
My blog’s name.
To fill you in on little bit of history. I HAVE been blogging for about four years now. My first blog was by a pseudonym of which it’s not important today. And the ‘old’ blog of mine, still in existence but not active, was actually based on my childhood and early adulthood memories – a blast from the past, with the likes of Pez candy dispensers, hula hoops, cards pinned on my bike’s spokes, raising two goofy infants filled with humor; things like that. Boring!!! The previous blog, which I blogged on from 2004, came to an end Christmas Day in 2006 for personal reasons! I haven’t added to it since I began publishing blog posts in my ‘new improved’ blog. The one I now use daily; good ol’ Hootin’ Anni’s! And naming it that is a simple story, really. My name is Anni. And I’m a hoot! [Now that I read what I just typed for the last couple sentences, it sounds like an AA meeting!]
Moving on….
For years and years, I’ve had so many people tell me, with much laughter, that “Oh Anni, you’re such a hoot!” Life is so filled with tragedies and despairing goings-on that I wanted to blog for the fun of it! Whatever hit my fancy for the day. I wanted jokes, fun, and a ‘feel good’ blogging experience. AND –with audience participation. One day, after dear hubby said just those words -”Anni, you’re such a hoot…a real hooten-anny.” I went out to Google and typed in “define Hootenanny”…it came up for me as- Hootenanny: An Informal Performance with Audience Participation
Hence the blog name. My very first attempt at designing a blog with “Blogspot” – the old style, I figured out on my own how to make my ‘personalized’ template. Back then with the older version it was quite simple. I still have my original blog background image that I used and the title ‘header’ for sentimental reasons. Being in Texas [tho, I'm on the coast line] people assume living in this state, it’s filled with dirt, cactus, hillbilly life style, and perhaps an armadillo or two. I went with the flow….made it a bit ‘atmospheric’ for the name plate. Afterall, a hootenanny is a regular ‘hoedown’ of a party. As you can see in the old auto in my ‘header’…Bud and I are coming home from such a get together and still clinging to the idea!! And the ‘sign’ keeps us from getting lost in the Texas desert —directing us to our ‘home’ behind the oversized armadillo in the shanty on the right!!! Or maybe the “Welcome to Hootin’ Anni’s” sign above the entryway perhaps takes us into an Old West barroom that we own; with whiskies and gunslingers ready to greet us for the day –a real thirst quencher of a place there in the arid Texan land…who knows. Now, the once ‘beta’ blogger was all new and xhml coding. A bit more of the most confusing, cascade style sheet, work in the layout. I have a friend who helped me get the whole gist of how to style the new blogger and I went from there —loving the fact that I can restyle the atmosphere around here to coincide with holidays or how I feel at a certain time in my life. Right now, if y’all have really looked at my header above, you can just about guess how I’ve been feeling. LOL – I feel like a horse’s ass!!! ROFLMAO
What better way to blog and meet new bloggin’ friends when you’re having fun?!! Right?
- – -
As for my ‘favorite dish’….if you’re here often enough, you’ll know that I love everything that is bad for my health! Pizza, cheese, eggs, burgers, fries….you name it. And I love to cook too. When we’re planning on having cheeseburgers and it happens to rain or storm and the grill is outdoors, I end up cooking them indoors on top of the range/stove with a skillet. Ya, I fry ‘em sometimes. And it tends to become a messy situation with grease splatterings and melted cheese. So I learned a newer way to cook the cheeseburgers indoors and that’s to make them “inside out”.
You make your beef [or ground turkey in my case] VERY thin. And you double the amount of burger patties made. In other words if you’re wanting two cheeseburgers, form FOUR very thin patties. Place your cheese slice on top of one of the burger patties, and then the 2nd patty on top of the cheese. Pinching the two patties closed around the edges. Cook at a medium heat until well browned!! Voilá!! Delectable burgers without the mess!
…and further:
A man and his wife are sitting in the living room and he says to her: “Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state dependent on some machine. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.”
His wife gets up and unplugs the TV.
~…end Fun Monday
If you’re not interested in American Politics, scroll down to the last ‘Obama bumper sticker’ to leave a comment.
My new bumper sticker!
Well, at long last, our company has left. They left about 2:30 Sunday afternoon. We had a lot of fun catching up on life back in the state we left behind! My niece, my brother’s oldest daughter and her life partner hold 1/3 interest each [with a third party who is 'holding down the fort' for now] at a gallery in West Colorado. After this winter, or so it seems, they’re all seriously wanting to get out of the state. Can’t blame ‘em. Afterall, hubby and I wanted out too! I guess it comes with age. [She turned 50 just 6 days before I had my birthday. I remember the day she was born. My brother told me I was an aunt. And I couldn't be, I told him....I wasn't married yet! The only aunts I KNEW were married at my tender age of 8!! I couldn't possibly be an aunt. What did I know?] The two left here heading now to California. They’ve got some property prospects in San Francisco. Anyway, it was a lot of fun!! I had a great time.
This past Friday [the above news clip -I'm in the front row to the far left --in red! Next to the gal in black who is signing for the deaf], when they went up to San Antonio to view some prospective buildings becoming vacant soon, we stayed here. We had a day of destiny planned for us. I so desperately wanted to see Senator Barack Obama in person. Our son gave me for my birthday Obama’s book, and with the campaign rally here in Corpus, I thought I had a window of opportunity open before my very eyes; to maybe, perhaps, get his autograph?
We weren’t pleased with Hillary’s campaign speech just the week prior. I really wanted to hear Mr. Obama’s take on his run. Now, to get things started, when we attended Ms. Clinton’s speech, her talk was scheduled to begin at 2pm. She was late. There was a crowd of estimated 3000-4000. A lot of people were kept outside the hall because she had her staff cordon off hundreds of seats for school children!!! ‘Nother bad feeling from me! These were children of ages 9-12 years old….not old enough to vote! And yet the voters were left outside to hear the campaign that was taking place from indoors? Oh well…..that’s over and done. Let me get to the Obama campaign rally.
His speech was slated for 4PM, Friday. I wanted to get there early enough to be one of the first inside. Well, we got there at 11AM prepared to spend the next 4 hours or so in line. HA!!! Hundreds had the same idea. We weren’t even CLOSE to being the first 500 in line [eventually the paper told us that his 'gathering' was close to 6000!!! Eat your heart out Hillary!]. We were finally allowed to enter the arena through the metal detectors [just like at an airport]…empty pockets, etc, etc, get ‘frisked’ with the wand, and then enter to find a place to be during his speech.
Fate was on my side!! I was the first one through, then hubby followed behind. While he was getting the once-over with the wand, I was waiting for him. A girl came up to me with a badge “Campaign Captain” on her blouse. She said to me:
- “Ma’am, would you be okay with standing another hour during his speech while being up on the podium with Mr. Obama?”
I replied in these words:
- “Oh my god! You’re damn straight, I would!!”
Well, she asked if my husband would be there with me, and I said “Yes” without even asking him. LOL We were then escorted back stage where they had us sit until it was just about time for the speech to begin. Once we were told where we were to be, we were lead to the podium and we were there!!! Right there!!! I got to meet personally, Representative Juan Garcia and shake his hand. [He gave me a peck on the cheek and told dear hubby he was happy to see he brought his daughter with him"]…ya, politicians!!! Geez. ::giggles::
He arrived on stage [in fact about 5 minutes early!] to an outburst of applause and whistles and cheers of “Yes We Can”…had an opening prayer, and a moment of silence for the fallen policeman of Ms. Clinton’s motorcade…he lost his life while driving a motorcycle, escorting Hillary. In Dallas, I believe it was.
Then, the speech!!! A lot of serious talk, amongst more pauses of cheering. And a bit of humor that we ALL appreciated. In fact, I would almost guarantee that ALL Americans would have found this ‘cute’….he said at least there isn’t a Bush on the ballot, & that Washington was gonna send him back to Texas…..:::lots of laughs and whistles and cheers for the fact that Bush will finally be an ‘ex-president’:::
After the speech, he made his rounds shaking hands. Yes, I got to shake his hand. So did Bud!! We were thrilled. “Perhaps I got to shake the next president’s hand” —
We then were instructed to file out from backstage. I asked the girl escort if there was a possibility I could get my book [which I held during the entire time] autographed. She took me further ‘backstage’ to a Secret Service dude and I told him what I wanted. He told me to give him the book and wait out in the lobby. Okay…ya, I can do that. I was then directed to stand by another secret service dude [a real cutie patootie too!] and wait. Finally yet another secret service dude came back to me with my book!! Yessiree, I got it autographed!!!
We then went out to dinner. Got home around 8PM and made sure we watched the 10 o’clock local news. And there we were; on the news!!!———-
What a day. What a night! I couldn’t fall asleep. I was running through his speech over and over, making up my decision that I had pretty well already conceded that he’d get my vote if he’s nominated for the Democratic Party. And perhaps for the first time in nearly 12-16 years, hubby and I are in agreement on the nomination. Hey, I’ve never said life in politics at Hootin’ Anni’s has been easy. LOL
If you want to drop by my special Obama Page for February 22nd, Here’s the link. It’s not much of anything but photos…. It should take you there via a new window.
For Fun Monday this week, Mariposa has challenged us with TWO topics. One is our blog name. The Who, What, Where’s and Why our blog is named such as it is. And the second section of the week’s challenge is our ‘most common dish’.
[I'm assuming by dish, you're not talking Johnny Depp our mates? No? Ohhhhhhhhh, you mean food? Okay. Will do. At the last of my Fun Monday. But, really, it's not as appealing. Trust me.]
Okay, to get started.
My blog’s name.
To fill you in on little bit of history. I HAVE been blogging for about four years now. My first blog was by a pseudonym of which it’s not important today. And the ‘old’ blog of mine, still in existence but not active, was actually based on my childhood and early adulthood memories – a blast from the past, with the likes of Pez candy dispensers, hula hoops, cards pinned on my bike’s spokes, raising two goofy infants filled with humor; things like that. Boring!!! The previous blog, which I blogged on from 2004, came to an end Christmas Day in 2006 for personal reasons! I haven’t added to it since I began publishing blog posts in my ‘new improved’ blog. The one I now use daily; good ol’ Hootin’ Anni’s! And naming it that is a simple story, really. My name is Anni. And I’m a hoot! [Now that I read what I just typed for the last couple sentences, it sounds like an AA meeting!]
Moving on….
For years and years, I’ve had so many people tell me, with much laughter, that “Oh Anni, you’re such a hoot!” Life is so filled with tragedies and despairing goings-on that I wanted to blog for the fun of it! Whatever hit my fancy for the day. I wanted jokes, fun, and a ‘feel good’ blogging experience. AND –with audience participation. One day, after dear hubby said just those words -”Anni, you’re such a hoot…a real hooten-anny.” I went out to Google and typed in “define Hootenanny”…it came up for me as- Hootenanny: An Informal Performance with Audience Participation
Hence the blog name. My very first attempt at designing a blog with “Blogspot” – the old style, I figured out on my own how to make my ‘personalized’ template. Back then with the older version it was quite simple. I still have my original blog background image that I used and the title ‘header’ for sentimental reasons. Being in Texas [tho, I'm on the coast line] people assume living in this state, it’s filled with dirt, cactus, hillbilly life style, and perhaps an armadillo or two. I went with the flow….made it a bit ‘atmospheric’ for the name plate. Afterall, a hootenanny is a regular ‘hoedown’ of a party. As you can see in the old auto in my ‘header’…Bud and I are coming home from such a get together and still clinging to the idea!! And the ‘sign’ keeps us from getting lost in the Texas desert —directing us to our ‘home’ behind the oversized armadillo in the shanty on the right!!! Or maybe the “Welcome to Hootin’ Anni’s” sign above the entryway perhaps takes us into an Old West barroom that we own; with whiskies and gunslingers ready to greet us for the day –a real thirst quencher of a place there in the arid Texan land…who knows. Now, the once ‘beta’ blogger was all new and xhml coding. A bit more of the most confusing, cascade style sheet, work in the layout. I have a friend who helped me get the whole gist of how to style the new blogger and I went from there —loving the fact that I can restyle the atmosphere around here to coincide with holidays or how I feel at a certain time in my life. Right now, if y’all have really looked at my header above, you can just about guess how I’ve been feeling. LOL – I feel like a horse’s ass!!! ROFLMAO
What better way to blog and meet new bloggin’ friends when you’re having fun?!! Right?
- – -
As for my ‘favorite dish’….if you’re here often enough, you’ll know that I love everything that is bad for my health! Pizza, cheese, eggs, burgers, fries….you name it. And I love to cook too. When we’re planning on having cheeseburgers and it happens to rain or storm and the grill is outdoors, I end up cooking them indoors on top of the range/stove with a skillet. Ya, I fry ‘em sometimes. And it tends to become a messy situation with grease splatterings and melted cheese. So I learned a newer way to cook the cheeseburgers indoors and that’s to make them “inside out”.
You make your beef [or ground turkey in my case] VERY thin. And you double the amount of burger patties made. In other words if you’re wanting two cheeseburgers, form FOUR very thin patties. Place your cheese slice on top of one of the burger patties, and then the 2nd patty on top of the cheese. Pinching the two patties closed around the edges. Cook at a medium heat until well browned!! Voilá!! Delectable burgers without the mess!
…and further:
A man and his wife are sitting in the living room and he says to her: “Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state dependent on some machine. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.”
His wife gets up and unplugs the TV.
~…end Fun Monday
If you’re not interested in American Politics, scroll down to the last ‘Obama bumper sticker’ to leave a comment.
My new bumper sticker!
Well, at long last, our company has left. They left about 2:30 Sunday afternoon. We had a lot of fun catching up on life back in the state we left behind! My niece, my brother’s oldest daughter and her life partner hold 1/3 interest each [with a third party who is 'holding down the fort' for now] at a gallery in West Colorado. After this winter, or so it seems, they’re all seriously wanting to get out of the state. Can’t blame ‘em. Afterall, hubby and I wanted out too! I guess it comes with age. [She turned 50 just 6 days before I had my birthday. I remember the day she was born. My brother told me I was an aunt. And I couldn't be, I told him....I wasn't married yet! The only aunts I KNEW were married at my tender age of 8!! I couldn't possibly be an aunt. What did I know?] The two left here heading now to California. They’ve got some property prospects in San Francisco. Anyway, it was a lot of fun!! I had a great time.
This past Friday [the above news clip -I'm in the front row to the far left --in red! Next to the gal in black who is signing for the deaf], when they went up to San Antonio to view some prospective buildings becoming vacant soon, we stayed here. We had a day of destiny planned for us. I so desperately wanted to see Senator Barack Obama in person. Our son gave me for my birthday Obama’s book, and with the campaign rally here in Corpus, I thought I had a window of opportunity open before my very eyes; to maybe, perhaps, get his autograph?
We weren’t pleased with Hillary’s campaign speech just the week prior. I really wanted to hear Mr. Obama’s take on his run. Now, to get things started, when we attended Ms. Clinton’s speech, her talk was scheduled to begin at 2pm. She was late. There was a crowd of estimated 3000-4000. A lot of people were kept outside the hall because she had her staff cordon off hundreds of seats for school children!!! ‘Nother bad feeling from me! These were children of ages 9-12 years old….not old enough to vote! And yet the voters were left outside to hear the campaign that was taking place from indoors? Oh well…..that’s over and done. Let me get to the Obama campaign rally.
His speech was slated for 4PM, Friday. I wanted to get there early enough to be one of the first inside. Well, we got there at 11AM prepared to spend the next 4 hours or so in line. HA!!! Hundreds had the same idea. We weren’t even CLOSE to being the first 500 in line [eventually the paper told us that his 'gathering' was close to 6000!!! Eat your heart out Hillary!]. We were finally allowed to enter the arena through the metal detectors [just like at an airport]…empty pockets, etc, etc, get ‘frisked’ with the wand, and then enter to find a place to be during his speech.
Fate was on my side!! I was the first one through, then hubby followed behind. While he was getting the once-over with the wand, I was waiting for him. A girl came up to me with a badge “Campaign Captain” on her blouse. She said to me:
- “Ma’am, would you be okay with standing another hour during his speech while being up on the podium with Mr. Obama?”
I replied in these words:
- “Oh my god! You’re damn straight, I would!!”
Well, she asked if my husband would be there with me, and I said “Yes” without even asking him. LOL We were then escorted back stage where they had us sit until it was just about time for the speech to begin. Once we were told where we were to be, we were lead to the podium and we were there!!! Right there!!! I got to meet personally, Representative Juan Garcia and shake his hand. [He gave me a peck on the cheek and told dear hubby he was happy to see he brought his daughter with him"]…ya, politicians!!! Geez. ::giggles::
He arrived on stage [in fact about 5 minutes early!] to an outburst of applause and whistles and cheers of “Yes We Can”…had an opening prayer, and a moment of silence for the fallen policeman of Ms. Clinton’s motorcade…he lost his life while driving a motorcycle, escorting Hillary. In Dallas, I believe it was.
Then, the speech!!! A lot of serious talk, amongst more pauses of cheering. And a bit of humor that we ALL appreciated. In fact, I would almost guarantee that ALL Americans would have found this ‘cute’….he said at least there isn’t a Bush on the ballot, & that Washington was gonna send him back to Texas…..:::lots of laughs and whistles and cheers for the fact that Bush will finally be an ‘ex-president’:::
After the speech, he made his rounds shaking hands. Yes, I got to shake his hand. So did Bud!! We were thrilled. “Perhaps I got to shake the next president’s hand” —
We then were instructed to file out from backstage. I asked the girl escort if there was a possibility I could get my book [which I held during the entire time] autographed. She took me further ‘backstage’ to a Secret Service dude and I told him what I wanted. He told me to give him the book and wait out in the lobby. Okay…ya, I can do that. I was then directed to stand by another secret service dude [a real cutie patootie too!] and wait. Finally yet another secret service dude came back to me with my book!! Yessiree, I got it autographed!!!
We then went out to dinner. Got home around 8PM and made sure we watched the 10 o’clock local news. And there we were; on the news!!!———-
What a day. What a night! I couldn’t fall asleep. I was running through his speech over and over, making up my decision that I had pretty well already conceded that he’d get my vote if he’s nominated for the Democratic Party. And perhaps for the first time in nearly 12-16 years, hubby and I are in agreement on the nomination. Hey, I’ve never said life in politics at Hootin’ Anni’s has been easy. LOL
If you want to drop by my special Obama Page for February 22nd, Here’s the link. It’s not much of anything but photos…. It should take you there via a new window.
