9/11 - WHERE WERE YOU?

theMuch like when JFK was assassinated, we have a tendency to remember the exact happenings of the specific day and days that followed.

I was in 5th grade when the principal came to each class and said school was being dismissed. We were not told why, that would come as we got to our homes. My twin and I were told by the housekeeper (remember parents were older & distant) and she immediately took us to her families farm in Ohio for the next several days.

As for September 11, 2001 - I was in town at my local haunt (a Greek restaurant) and someone came in and asked if I noticed that a plane had apparently crashed into the WTC. There was a small 13" TV by the register and we all surrounded the tiny thing, and it was no time before we saw another plane hit - which registered with us before the TV anchor even noticed. I had no clue what was going on - just that something tragic was happening. I came home, turned on the news (all channels were tuned in by this point), yelled for theson to come downstairs. I needed company at that point - thedaughters (both) were at work and immediately started calling home - because they had no TV and were only hearing dribs from customers coming in the store.

Theson and I were glued to the TV, tossing back and forth various theories. I reminded him of when the WTC was bombed (thru parked vehicle in underground parking lot) in 1993. He was in high school then and didn't pay attention to news like that. The hardest part was watching the towers fall - I just sat and cried, sobbing - it was all so senseless. Then the reports were being clarified of the planes hitting the Pentagon and the plane that they thought was heading to Camp David - which was Flight 93 which went down not far from here in Shankstown, PA.

Oddly enough, theson had planned on giving blood that day anyway, so we headed to the Fire Department where the line was incredibly long, but he managed to "give it up." We filled the cars with gas, and all sat around the TV for the remainder of the day, through the night, into the next several days.

Theson would be leaving for New York and training for his job, and be off to his travels around the world from that point, within a few weeks. He has encountered all the travel restrictions and changes in our NEW terrorist alert status. The new color coded "watch" chart was revealed - and our lives have never been the same.

Yes, I remember well and will never forget. I grieve for all the lives lost for such a senseless cause. I am also saddened that the almighty dollar has prevented the rebuilding at the WTC site. One would think that a structure would have been at least started by now. Bureaucracy at its best I guess!

I'm off to Amish country - even taking the camera, so I may be back on here later tonight. Have a good day all and TTFN!

Everyone just GROW UP...

I have said it before, this election for our next administration has gone on way too long. Almost 2 years, if not longer, is definitely dragging things out. But now we get into the mud and childish claims.

The McCain/Palin ticket has been traversing the Midwest and the speeches ARE THE SAME! Palin is so repetitious we can all recite her lines verbatim. McCain does not shoot well from the hip, therefore, his remarks are always the same. He introduces the issues and goes no further. We need substance and details, not rhetoric.

This latest "lipstick" issue is a little overboard for me. The remark was taken out of context by the McCain people (see the ENTIRE video) and those who missed the speech, have no idea that he was referring to the failed policies of the Bush Administration. McCain made a speech May 2, 2008, and in referencing "Hillary's failed health care plan", he directly used the same remark. Now that was a more personal attack, since he had implicitly referred to Mrs. Clinton. But that is neither here nor there, I see no hostile insult in the statement at all. One must also know that Torie Clarke, a former McCain adviser, wrote a book called "Lipstick on a Pig: Winning the No-Spin Era by Someone Who Knows the Game."

The McCain team is flooding the airwaves, through all media, that they demand an apology - as this was directed at Palin. C'mon - get a grip! Act like mature thinking adults and get on to business. Issues and facts need to be addressed - but as we can see - this election is turning into a game of personalities. Again, as I said before, Sarah Palin better grow thicker skin - she chose to play with the big dogs, she better be able to fight with them too. No whining or hiding behind McCain's media advisers.

Wow - 2 6.0+ earthquakes today - wonder if all those atoms or protons colliding did a little damage. (Can you tell I'm not a scientist?)

I'm taking a break tomorrow - my neighbor and I are going to Amish country for a little shopping. I can't really afford it, but may see something neat and interesting. I haven't been there since I last went with my late best friend Jean. Thedaughter has 2 days off in a row, so I am taking advantage of the time.

Everyone play nice - and I will be back - maybe sooner than later - one never knows! TTFN!

I am so GOOD I amaze myself...

This is for theson....I fooled with the html and look I figured out the margin issue!! I am getting better with age! heehee

Religious beliefs....OFF LIMITS!

I will say it here and now, one thing I would never attack is ones' religious beliefs. It is a courtesy that I wish to be afforded me and definitely respect others in that area. The one statement I will make...it should NOT be an election issue. I believe in separation of Church & State - if only more people would step in line.

It is an unfortunate commentary that religion shapes ones opinion on so many vital matters. For example, birth control. the Catholics, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalians, on and on - all have varied viewpoints. Please, please, someone come up with another way to address these issues - or ---is there even another way??

Oh, could it be that government has become too intrusive in our lives and lawmaking already? That might be it. This subject can be argued back and forth through eternity - so I will leave it there.

My point...any candidates religious views are Off Limits to this blogger.

He actually SAID it...now I can vent a little...

Theson has been going through a very rough time for over a month, and his blogs have been tearing me apart. As it is with our children (no matter what age) we worry about their well-being constantly. He decided in April to ask his girlfriend of three years to marry him, bought a beautiful ring and was going to ask her in Aug or Sept
on a fantastic trip to Finland. When I visited in May, everything seemed fine and they were debating times to take the trip, etc. Then his world came crashing down the beginning of August.

Theson wears his heart on his sleeve, and when he loves someone, he loves unconditionally and solely. Monogomous is the word. He never tolerated his father's cheating ways and it just isn't in his "make-up" to be like that. His fine qualities far outweigh his "weirdness" at times. He has been going through the feelings of being 30 and possibly never finding "the one," which preys heavily on him.

As a mother, I can only encourage and try to lift his spirits - so much. I have had trouble sleeping, because all I can think is that he is so far away and I can't do a thing to help. He has a wonderful group of friends that have been supportive via the blog, which helps immensely. He will be meeting a good friend in Munich, Germany the end of this month for R&R - and hopefully a wonderful time. Of course he will, I think Oktoberfest will be wrapping up.

He has to move on and enjoy life as it is right now...one never knows what the future holds - there are always surprises around the corner.

I love ya son, and will always be here for you - ALWAYS!! Thegrandson misses him so much, everyday he asks if he is on Skype, but we haven't been able to see him that much lately.

Just a mother being able to speak out for now. Your support network is here!!!

My "sign-off" for the night...

Thanks Toni...I have seen this before but my neighbor and friend brought it to my attention again. The main point to this is: INCONSISTENCY!! I just can't make myself believe that McCain is physically/mentally able to handle the ills of this country, and this video somehow reinforces that fact.

Trying to be fair and balanced here, but I haven't found an argumentative Obama video to post yet.

Earmarks??? This may vary

by definition. This is one area that upsets me at times - depending on what the money requested is designated towards. Face it folks, earmarks are a much necessary evil. If we in "small towns" around the country had to come up with all the dollars necessary to upgrade our sewage treatment plants, major improvements to hospitals, and many huge projects we take for granted - they would never be done. It is the items "tacked" on for personal, stupid requests that need to be halted, i.e., the bridge to nowhere. But when appropriation time rolls around, that is when all the Senators receive requests from their constituents of their NEEDS. There is never a guarantee of approval, but if these monies were not requested for appropriation - every town would literally become a ghost town.

I suppose the alternative would be to increase property taxes, up any local income tax, add a wage tax...but we are TAXED to hell and back now. Realistically, these projects would still remain unfunded.

The "earmarks" of Obama which McCain is referring to can be found here. This is quite a list, but please, see what projects the requests are for. As a note, my understanding (and if anyone has the answer) is that hardly any of these earmarks were approved. But certainly 90% of the requested funds I find quite legitimate.

John McCain has been making the same comment repeatedly "in 24 years I have not had one single earmark." Excuse me, let's go back to 1992 first, John McCain had no qualms with this request. I have the links to more, but need to check them out first. Face it - it is a matter of definition as to what constitutes an earmark. Some Washington agencies state that an earmark is a project worth more than $52 million. So would that mean that a project under that figure would NOT be an earmark - guess so!

This is the semantics game underway. In the whole scheme of things, I want to see the bottom line on Health care plans, tax structure, employment. I have a feeling these facts will be coming soon from at least one camp - one has to wait and see.



My suggestion to Sarah Palin, QUIT REPEATING the same old things. I don't want to hear about that damn bridge, the Ebay plane sale (ha) and how you stood up to Big Oil. The facts are proving her wrong on so many fronts. October 2nd - she will debate Joe Biden - I plan on being glued to the TV for that one.

Oh well, must read more...must read more...must read more!!! I may be brain damaged by Nov. 4th at this rate.

Have a good one all!!! TTFN

Ruh-roh...the first mistake of Palin....

While making a speech in front of the masses in Colorado Springs over this past weekend, it appears Ms. Palin has made the first mistake - thanks super high paid speechwriters!

She handily refers to the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac situation as "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." Yoohoo - Palin, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac are not taxpayer funded - but operated as private companies! The best part, there is McCain right beside her nodding in agreement.



The possibility exists that a taxpayer bailout may be required during the reorganization, but I have not heard that mentioned yet.

So, here it is - in your face - a demonstration of Sarah Palin's complete lack of understanding of economic matters that will undoubtedly be faced in the next few years.

I have a hard time with her reference to "we, the middle class." She is making $130,000/yr and her husband, at last report was making $40K+/yr. Let's see, are we bloggers (as a rule) in that income bracket??? I used to think I was middle class - but have now been downgraded to POVERTY level. Actually, I have been at that level for quite some time!

I will now be waiting for her speechwriters to let her speak out on foreign affairs. They write eloquently - yet not quite factually. She is definitely not versed enough to know that facts may be distorted or incorrect, and like her party - trust that if I say it often and loud enough - IT WILL BE TRUE!!!

Folks, this is the year we need to "Get the Vote Out!" I have encouraged as many as possible and will continue for the next many days. More to come, I'm sure! TTFN



THIS WAS ME YESTERDAY - FOOTBALL SEASON - STEELERS WON!!!!! Doesn;t take much to make me happy!

A laugh for the weekend!!

I have squirrels around the house and have never seen one run then lay down like this. It is hilarious to watch and listen to the announcers. I honestly think the SQUIRREL WON!!!!

This is so sad...not far from where theson is located!

I am not sure of the exact location of this tragedy, but in the pictures I took and some videos when I was there in May, there were so many of these "shanty towns" around Cairo. And to me, it looked like they were situated DOWN below these quarries. I have no idea if they will be able to move these 70 ton slabs to rescue the approximately 500 people trapped, or not. I should hope they have the ingenuity and equipment to make it work. All this will have to be undertaken in 100 degree plus weather. Also, to happen during their Ramadan holiday, makes this extremely sad. Everyone wish the best for these people.

Correcton...to post below "fingers bleeding"

It was brought to my attention, through articles I missed, that the special needs program for the State of Alaska was NOT cut by 62%. When scouring through the FY budgets for 2005-2006 and 2007, it is not clear at first blush, but the line item for Alaska Challenge Academy has been moved to another source in the budget, which gives the impression of a large slash in budget. I apologize for that error. I should hope that those more intelligent than I - will correct the mistake.

I try to research thoroughly, but I am human and if you catch me on something, thanks for calling me on it.

This fact alone, does not change my stance - so as the "games begin" we will see what transpires.

Thanks again.

Former POW says McCain is

Take it for what it is worth!

THIS IS A MUST SEE!!! FUNNY BUT TRUE!!

My fingers are bleeding from internet research!

First of all, I am not a Sarah Palin fan...there was just something in her initial appearance in Dayton that turned me off. In the days since, I have been non-stop researching various facts on her and her former political positions. So here are some facts I have gleaned:

Palin was elected as a councilperson in '92 and '95, a position which is considered the legislative body of the local government. All the ordinances and codes are crafted and voted upon by the council representatives. (Pay approx. $65K+/yr.) She was elected in '96 and re-elected in '99 as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska (Pay $75K/yr), a position with the power and duties as follows:
Chapter 2.16.020 - The mayor is the chief administrator of the city, has the same powers and duties as those of a manager (which she hired in '96) under AS 29.20.005 and shall,

1) Preside @ council meetings. The mayor may take part in the discussion of matters before the council, but may not vote, except in the case of a tie;
2) Act as ceremonial head of the city;
3) Sign documents on behalf of the city;
4) Appoint, suspend or remove city employees and administrative officials, except as provided otherwise in AS Title 29 and the Wasilla Municipal Code;
5) Supervise the enforcement of city law and carry out the directives of city council;
6) Prepare & submit annual budget and capital improvement program for consideration by the council, and execute the budget & capital program as adopted;
7) Make monthly financial reports and other reports on city finances and operations as required by council;
8) Exercise legal custody over all real and personal property of the city;
9) Perform other duties required by law or by the council; and
10) Serve as personnel officer, unless the council authorizes the mayor to appoint a personnel officer.

Now, reality kicks in - in cities across the nation of comparable size, the mayor salaries are well below $10,000/yr. Job duties and requirements are comparable also. As an aside, I truly believe we should ALL head to Alaska where everyone appears to reap the benefits of BIG OIL!!! For example: in 2008, each and every resident received a check for $2000 as a dividend (another oil benefit) and Palin issued another "resource payment" of $1200 per individual. That is $3200 per!! Anyone packing their bags yet?? That means the Palin family received a whopping $22,400 for doing NOTHING!! I am checking Orbitz now.

She took a town of 7000 people that was debt free in 1996 and ran it over $18 million into debt. There are implications that she may have over-stepped her duties in this area which hints of misfeasance by either intimidating or misleading her council.

I am still working on some fact-finding regarding the status of $700K worth of office furniture in 2003 yet in '96 there was approximately $300K of office furniture. C'mon, give me a break. I have seen pictures of their Town Hall and as James Carville stated, "it looks like a bait shop from New Orleans."

I am sooooo tired of hearing that she has superior qualities to Obama when it comes to executive matters. Way overblown.

Of course she gave a rousing speech last night, if I had professionals writing for me, I guarantee the Republicans would be knocking down my door to run also. BTW, she made the comment that she "would be an advocate for mother's of special needs children" if making it to Washington, yet as Governor, she cut special needs programs by 62% - hmmmmm...go figure.

Too much to say at one time - but I love being able to vent. More later, no doubt.

"THE NICE PART ABOUT LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN - WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING, SOMEONE ELSE DOES!" (Maxine, I think)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THEGRANDSON!!!

Since thedaughter is working an early shift (7-3:30), thegrandson crashed with me last night and I have the duty of getting him to the school bus on time. I was up earlier than the little stinker, and planned on surprising him with the loud rendition of Happy Birthday...but he surprised me! Without a sound, he crept up behind me (I didn't hear him rustle), and said "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" To which I replied, "Nope, I changed my mind, it is another day!" Of course he is not having any parts of that idea.

He is off to school now, and his class is having their first field trip, to the Belmont county Fair - whoopee!! He is excited and that is what counts. We are having a few people over tonite for cake and ice cream, but the plan is for Saturday, he and his mother are going to the movie of his choice and then to his favorite restaurant - West Texas Roadhouse, which he calls "the peanut place." He doesn't eat much, but has fun opening peanuts, throwing peanuts (thanks Uncle Zac) and then throwing them on the floor. We will open more presents on Saturday.

His mother called him from work before we left for the bus - so he is on cloud nine for the day! He has the subtle ability to inform people that "don't you have something for me since my birthday is coming?" I kicked that one in the butt real fast. Unlike his mother who had a daily countdown to remind people of her birth date! And me....I could care less, my birthday is just another day! I have more fun with others birthdays.

I'm sure I will have something to say in a little while (political), after watching, printing off and analyzing the Palin speech last night. I was really pissed off - but that is what professional speechwriters are for!

Penn Jillette - my hero!!

Penn Jillette, the big buffoonish comedian, actor, magician but not a good dancer - has said it so succinctly.

Tha-tha-tha-that's all folks!!!!

I know I promised, and I tried - but I just can't...

stay away from Political issues. This damn presidential race has me fired up. My low tolerance for stupidity and inane comments is getting the better of me. Just a few things come to mind today:

1. This is new journalistic territory. When Geraldine Ferraro ran as Mondale's VP nominee - her children were raised and she had held a highly respectable political position for quite some time, prior to that nomination. Yes, some of her decisions (political) were questioned, as they should be, but there were no in-depth family type investigations. I do believe the daughter should be off limits (although I think she is being forced into a marriage at too young of an age).

2. It also appears that there is the "double standard" relating to her (Palin) as a parent. I cannot remember any male being questioned as to "how and who will take care of the children." Sen. Rick Santorem has 7 children and I honestly don't believe that question came into play. I do resent this!

3. As to Fred Thompsons' speech last night - I have to admit I love him as an actor, despise him as a politician - he referred to Gov. Sarah Palin as being so popular because she is the executive officer of the largest state in the union. OK - let's get real - it is geographically the largest state, but ranks 48th (see post below) in population. She went after more "pork" than some predecessors and is admittedly in love with the "earmarks" - face it, I would love to live in Alaska and get a royalty check annually because they "cater to/with the big oil companies!!!!!"

4. Ben Stein was interviewed today and he is quite vocal about the stupidity of nominating Palin. This statement just about floored me, because having listened to Stein lately - he would agree with just about anything the Republican party proposed. I was impressed. Then he had to top it off with "I do believe in Intelligent Design too!" Argh!!!!!!

5. OK McCain - I know you were a POW for 5 1/2 years, and yes you were tortured, we empathized with you then and for quite a few years after...but much like a death in the family...life goes on. Thirty five years later, it is the proverbial dead horse.

The McCain team has been locked in a hotel room with Sarah Palin, most of today, working on her speech which may (or may not) over-exemplify her qualifications, so I will be watching this one for sure. Levi Johnson, the "fiance'" of Bristol Palin will be in attendance also.

As for the next 2 months, as Bette Davis once said, "fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride!" I know the Keating scandal will be coming up along with Cynthia McCains drug problems and there will probably be comparable mud thrown Obama's way.

Everyone will have to trudge through the mire and use all the brains and logic you have - so that on November 4th, the right person gets elected.

****Just an observation: I have never seen so many gum chewing people in one place in my life, as the RNC. Has anyone else noticed that the arena is not full to capacity like the DNC and the people SIT a lot at the RNC!!! Whew I really DO need a life.

I can't help it...have to speak my mind...

Population Alaska: 683,478 (rank 48th)
Population Ohio: 11,466,917 (rank 7th)

I think our Governor has more credence (with representation).

Thedaughter gets really upset with me, because I constantly have the news channel on, even while running around the house cleaning or whatever. And - knowing how opinionated I am, I think she is wanting me to get on Xanax or something, because I am getting so upset over some of these interviews relating to Sarah Palin, presumptive Republican VP nominee.

Yesterday, primary coverage was on Hurricane Gustav, with break-ins for the truncated version of the opening of the Republican convention. But ALL, and I repeat ALL the republicans were extolling how Palin is far more qualified for the VP position than Obama/Biden. Excuse me...here goes my blood pressure again...I BEG TO DIFFER!!!! Let's see if I can simplify this:

1. Palin has more "executive" experience.
I don't think so...as council person and mayor of a very small town, the "executive" experience is so highly limited. To be honest, a stay-at-home mom, who manages a household has more responsibilities. I know what I am talking about, as I have had my foot in local politics for many years. I was president of the Board of Trustees which oversaw the local utilities and account collections for over 6 years. OH WAIT...THAT MEANS I COULD BE VP!!!

2. She is Commander-in-Chief of the Alaska National Guard.
Excuse me, the federal National Guard Bureau established policy and guidelines for the operations of each of the states' National Guard units. Note..the governor commands the Alaska National Guard while it is NOT in active federal service. Her supporters have stated that she personally, sent her Guard into Iraq. That did not happen. I have not found anything cited to state that she has had to "call out" the Guard for any state emergencies since she has been Governor.

3. Women are so excited to have her on the ballot - she will pick up some of the lost female voters.
I believe I have addressed this one...women (most free thinking ones) are insulted to be pigeon holed into this area. I even heard the comment last night from Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, (who never blinks) that women are flocking to Sarah Palin as a BETTER choice than Hillary, because she truly represents ALL women. Wait a minute, I have to go flog myself here...this Congresswoman needs to get out into the real world and speak with REAL women. I loved her comment earlier this month to Nancy Pelosi regarding environmental issues: "We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet - we didn't need Nancy Pelosi to do that!" Argh!!!!

Being described as a "uniter & reformer" I beg to ask the question...of what? If she is going to unite the Republican party, more power to her. As to reform...I see her setting women back a hundred years. I do not want my "choice" taken away and dictated by a certain party or a group of men. I prefer the word EQUALITY. I want to see equal pay for women and as it goes - equal rights across the board.

I find it ludicrous that the Republican party feels they have cornered the market on "traditional family values" and "morality". I feel these issues should be blanketed rather than party affiliated. It is probably the word "traditional" that throws me for a loop - whose tradition are we speaking of? Who do we allow to dictate the ground rules...and so what, if someone veers away from the norm as long as no one is being hurt - we need to stay out of setting those guidelines for all.

Had these politicians NOT started campaigning over two years ago - we could have more productive conversations and interviews...but the American public is TIRED of it all. This is not a good thing I believe. People have a tendency to make rash decisions when they are fed up and just want the whole process to be over. So, I will try to limit my opinions (I will definitely need drugs) and not upset anyone in the future. At least until the next stupid statement is made.

I think I am getting a headache now...have to do up some dishes and finish some laundry. Oooh, I lucked out and got an appointment to get the dog scalped for tomorrow. I had her clipped in April and it is just now growing back in - and it is all the undergrowth first and I have HAIR everyhwhere. Since she is huge and thinks she is a poodle, she spends very little time outside - I am going to keep her clipped thru the winter. I will see how it works out!

Have a good day - later guys!! TTFN.





This is the Congresswoman who NEVER blinks!

If your kids don't listen...

I am not going to make a big issue on the fact that Bristol Palin, 17 year old daughter of VP nominee Sara Palin - is 5 months pregnant. I can relate to being pregnant at such a young age (I was 18 with my first and unwed) - but my main gripe is that Sarah Palin does not believe in birth control or abortions...and has been preaching ABSTINENCE for quite some time.

Someone missed that class. Can we envision rebellion on the home front?

I wish the young lady all the luck in the world and would hope that a marriage at that young age, while in high school (does not have the odds in her favor) - that the relationship works out positively for all involved.

Enough said!

What more can I say???

Leave it to Cindy McCain, the self professed former drug addict (also accused of stealing drugs from place of employment years ago)...this is all I need to know to switch my vote for McCain/Palin. DUH!?!?!?!

Visiting The Huffington Post, there were quite a few links to further descriptions and viewpoints relating to Sarah Palin. No matter what...just being a mother does not make her credentials superior to Obama. I just don't get it (like McCain), my fingers are sore from scouring ALL sides of this matter and when I hear the Republicans with all their "glowing" remarks...I want to down a bottle of pills!!!!

Oh well, not done yet, more research to do - what else does one do on Labor Day? Picnic? My neighbor is coming down later for a small cookout - hope the neighbors don't ask us to "keep it down!"

Later all...and Happy Ramadan (is that appropriate?) to theson in Egypt!