Thanksgiving was more dramatic than usual.
Jason and Alisa invited us to share dinner with her mother, stepfather, brother and his wife. Ben, Dena, Dena’s dad, and their children also attended.
After we finished dinner, we were sitting at the kitchen table waiting for everyone to finish eating. Mr. Fixit said to me, “There’s something wrong.” He was very pale and Dena pointed out that his lips were blue. He was also complaining of chest pain. I panicked a bit because I had seen my father having his first heart attack when I was a little girl and I can never forget the way his lips turned blue. I knew I had to get him to the hospital right away. I didn’t think to call 911 or even to give him an aspirin. Ben and Jason helped him to the car. By that time, he was unable to walk alone. I drove him to the emergency room breaking several traffic laws.
After running several tests, the staff physicians doubt that he had a heart attack, but they said it could have been angina. They suggested that he see a cardiologist tomorrow. They let him go home about midnight.
Friday evening one of the doctors called to see how he was doing; the doctor also mentioned that Mr. Fixit has some fluid in his left lung. We don’t know what to make of that. We have to see our family GP to discuss this. It has been a long few days not knowing exactly what is happening.
He is also bored out of his skull. He gets a little testy with me when I get “over-protective.”
Maybe we will get some definitive information tomorrow.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
When Did This Happen?
What has become of that daring young man who jumped from various aircraft as a member of the 101st Airborne? What has become of the cool young man with the white Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible? What has become of the young man with the bulging muscles and tight buns who made my heart flutter and my knees weak?
He’s downstairs watching Lawrence Welk on PBS! My Gosh, he’s become my father!
He’s downstairs watching Lawrence Welk on PBS! My Gosh, he’s become my father!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Our Son, The Coach
Our younger son, Jason, has been involved in coaching little guy baseball since Noah was old enough to play. Since he coaches very young players, he emphasizes having fun and teaching the basics (how to find first base). Fall Ball is coming to a close. His team plays for the championship tonight.
Last Saturday after practice, there was a Kids vs. Parents game. These pictures will show what a good-natured guy he is. Does that sound like a mother bragging about her child? That’s exactly what it is! He is such a good man and he’s a great father.
He played catcher during the game wearing kid-sized equipment. Note - his wife, the cute blond, is in the background.
He seems to spend a lot of time on the ground.
The boy players got a kick out of his wearing our only girl player's batting helmet.
Jason and two of his assistant coaches.
This photo shows what the first one didn't. His assistant coaches are very tall!
Sometimes I look at both our sons and thank God that we are so lucky to have them.
Last Saturday after practice, there was a Kids vs. Parents game. These pictures will show what a good-natured guy he is. Does that sound like a mother bragging about her child? That’s exactly what it is! He is such a good man and he’s a great father.
He played catcher during the game wearing kid-sized equipment. Note - his wife, the cute blond, is in the background.
He seems to spend a lot of time on the ground.
The boy players got a kick out of his wearing our only girl player's batting helmet.
Jason and two of his assistant coaches.
This photo shows what the first one didn't. His assistant coaches are very tall!
Sometimes I look at both our sons and thank God that we are so lucky to have them.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Two-Year-Old Recycles
A couple of Sundays ago, the family took Mr. Fixit and me to lunch to celebrate both our birthdays (Mr. Fixit’s is Oct. 16th, mine is the 12th). Levi likes to sample something from everyone’s plate. On his dad’s plate he found a red onion ring that had garnished the plate. I assume he doesn’t like the taste of onions, but he must think it’s pretty.
He recycled it. Unfortunately, we only have one blurry picture taken with a cell phone.
He recycled it. Unfortunately, we only have one blurry picture taken with a cell phone.
He turned it into a rather stylish hat. When he was told to remove it from his head, he put it on his arm as a dandy little wrist band. (I almost said “bracelet” but changed my mind. I don’t think Dad would care for the idea of his son wearing a bracelet.)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My Last Political Post Until. . .Something Makes Me Angry Again
The McCain campaign people are showing the same judgment after the election that they used before the election. While I think that Governor Palin was perhaps the worst choice as a running mate anyone could make, anonymous sources within the campaign are now airing all their dirty linen with Gov. Palin being the object of their derision. Granted, she may deserve every unkind criticism, but for these people to start telling tales out of school is disgraceful. In an article on the AP Wire today, they went into the gory details of her rogue (not maverick, rogue) diplomacy with the ersatz President of France, the wardrobe expenses, her resistance to “coaching” before the Couric interview, and her general lack of knowledge of world affairs.
My point is that some of these advisors are probably the same ones who suggested to Sen. McCain that he asked Palin to be his running mate. Have any one of those advisors explained why there was little or no investigation into Palin’s background? All anyone had to do was read the newspapers to learn of “Troopergate” and “The Bridge to Nowhere”. Didn’t they know that her husband had belonged to an organization that called for the secession of Alaska and that he worked for BP? I had been reading these stories for a long time before her name was brought to the forefront as a candidate. If they had been doing their jobs correctly, they would have known her many shortcomings.
These anonymous sources from within the campaign should have the integrity, honor, and character to just shut the hell up. I suspect that the advisors lost the election for their candidate by recommending Palin and are now trying to cover their butts instead of accepting responsibility for their own mistakes. They don't even have the guts to cast off the "anonymous" cloak. I wonder if McCain had a more acceptable running mate the election would have turned out very differently. Now that’s a scary thought.
(I know that my son and my DIL are very surprised to read this after hearing of my vehement opposition to Palin. In fact, I bet it knocked their socks off!)
My point is that some of these advisors are probably the same ones who suggested to Sen. McCain that he asked Palin to be his running mate. Have any one of those advisors explained why there was little or no investigation into Palin’s background? All anyone had to do was read the newspapers to learn of “Troopergate” and “The Bridge to Nowhere”. Didn’t they know that her husband had belonged to an organization that called for the secession of Alaska and that he worked for BP? I had been reading these stories for a long time before her name was brought to the forefront as a candidate. If they had been doing their jobs correctly, they would have known her many shortcomings.
These anonymous sources from within the campaign should have the integrity, honor, and character to just shut the hell up. I suspect that the advisors lost the election for their candidate by recommending Palin and are now trying to cover their butts instead of accepting responsibility for their own mistakes. They don't even have the guts to cast off the "anonymous" cloak. I wonder if McCain had a more acceptable running mate the election would have turned out very differently. Now that’s a scary thought.
(I know that my son and my DIL are very surprised to read this after hearing of my vehement opposition to Palin. In fact, I bet it knocked their socks off!)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hate - The Texas Version
These comments were taken from a metropolitan newspaper in Texas. Again I have simply copied and pasted with no editing except to excise the screen names of those who commented on an article about the election of Sen. Obama to be our next president.
"As a business owner who employs 30 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama, will be our next President, and that my taxes and fees, will go up in a BIG way.To compensate for these increases, I figure, that the customer, will have to see an increase in my fees to them of about, 8%. I will also have to lay off 6 of my employees.This really bothered me as I believe we are family here and didn't know how to choose who will have to go. So, this is what I did. I strolled thru the parking lot and found 6 Obama bumper stickers on my employee's cars. I have decided these folks will be the first to be laid off.I can't think of another fair way to approach this problem. If you have a better idea, let me know.I am sending this letter to all business owners that I know"
"WILL NEVER BOW DOWN TO THIS MAN, I WILL NEVER OBEY HIS WORDS. I AM A CHRISTIAN FIRST AND AMERICAN, WIFE, MOM, GRANDMOM. I BELIEVE IN MY COUNTRY, BUT THIS MAN WILL NEVER BE MY PRESIDENT."
"Obama to Inherit Economy in Worst Crisis in 70 Years"Good, I sincerely hope he goes through 4 years of utter hell."
"Hooooray!! I'm so excited for this day in history! We have elected a terrorist to the white house! Next thing, i guess Hugo and Osama will be sipping tea and having meetings at the White House! A historic day indeed!"
"If you thought things were bad before, watch 'em go straight to hell now."
"He is not my President. Like some of my friends did with Bush, I can turn the television off when he is on, vigorously exercise my right to free speech, and, I guess, send him a big check every April. And pray, which would no doubt anger him the most."
"To quote Obama on the subject of global warming and greenhouse emissions: "the cost of electricity will skyrocket". Did anyone think their light bills weren't big enough already?And what is his Civilian Security Force all about - something he says will be funded equally with the military - sounds a little like Hitler's SS.Spreading the wealth giving tax credits to those who don't owe taxes is socialism.He refuses to wear the American Flag lapel pin because others might be offended for what it represents. So just what country is he planning on representing?I mourn for our country. We have lost our way and it's pretty much the fault of the Republican party who drifted away from its core conservative base so republicans had no true incentive to vote. McCain was 7th or 8th down the list of potential candidates. This election was between bad and worse and worse one."
"6% black....50% white................44% ARABIC"
"The worst has happened, the downfall of the America we know now begins. McCain's concession speech showed the type of man he is - calling for people to work together, th think of Obama as president, etc. Any doubts that Obama concession speech would have been full of racism? I sincerely hope that all of you who voted for this clown, especially the young people who are started out as wage earners, I hope you feel the pains of his ecomonic plans - that might be the best lesson you wll learn in life. Watch for the foreign aid to Kenya to increase"
(To me, the following is the most offensive comment. I thought it was offensive when Mrs. Obama said something similar, too.)
"Today, for the first time in my life I am ashamed to be an American"
Again, as in the earlier post, I point out that not all the comments are of this ilk. Many are patriotic and hopeful that President-Elect Obama will be a good president who will help solve the many problems we, as a nation, are facing today. It is just astounding to me that so many people who claim to be Christians and patriotic Americans harbor such hate in their hearts. I'm also sad to say that I suspect that the hate comes from a different place than simply disagreeing with his policies.
"As a business owner who employs 30 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama, will be our next President, and that my taxes and fees, will go up in a BIG way.To compensate for these increases, I figure, that the customer, will have to see an increase in my fees to them of about, 8%. I will also have to lay off 6 of my employees.This really bothered me as I believe we are family here and didn't know how to choose who will have to go. So, this is what I did. I strolled thru the parking lot and found 6 Obama bumper stickers on my employee's cars. I have decided these folks will be the first to be laid off.I can't think of another fair way to approach this problem. If you have a better idea, let me know.I am sending this letter to all business owners that I know"
"WILL NEVER BOW DOWN TO THIS MAN, I WILL NEVER OBEY HIS WORDS. I AM A CHRISTIAN FIRST AND AMERICAN, WIFE, MOM, GRANDMOM. I BELIEVE IN MY COUNTRY, BUT THIS MAN WILL NEVER BE MY PRESIDENT."
"Obama to Inherit Economy in Worst Crisis in 70 Years"Good, I sincerely hope he goes through 4 years of utter hell."
"Hooooray!! I'm so excited for this day in history! We have elected a terrorist to the white house! Next thing, i guess Hugo and Osama will be sipping tea and having meetings at the White House! A historic day indeed!"
"If you thought things were bad before, watch 'em go straight to hell now."
"He is not my President. Like some of my friends did with Bush, I can turn the television off when he is on, vigorously exercise my right to free speech, and, I guess, send him a big check every April. And pray, which would no doubt anger him the most."
"To quote Obama on the subject of global warming and greenhouse emissions: "the cost of electricity will skyrocket". Did anyone think their light bills weren't big enough already?And what is his Civilian Security Force all about - something he says will be funded equally with the military - sounds a little like Hitler's SS.Spreading the wealth giving tax credits to those who don't owe taxes is socialism.He refuses to wear the American Flag lapel pin because others might be offended for what it represents. So just what country is he planning on representing?I mourn for our country. We have lost our way and it's pretty much the fault of the Republican party who drifted away from its core conservative base so republicans had no true incentive to vote. McCain was 7th or 8th down the list of potential candidates. This election was between bad and worse and worse one."
"6% black....50% white................44% ARABIC"
"The worst has happened, the downfall of the America we know now begins. McCain's concession speech showed the type of man he is - calling for people to work together, th think of Obama as president, etc. Any doubts that Obama concession speech would have been full of racism? I sincerely hope that all of you who voted for this clown, especially the young people who are started out as wage earners, I hope you feel the pains of his ecomonic plans - that might be the best lesson you wll learn in life. Watch for the foreign aid to Kenya to increase"
(To me, the following is the most offensive comment. I thought it was offensive when Mrs. Obama said something similar, too.)
"Today, for the first time in my life I am ashamed to be an American"
Again, as in the earlier post, I point out that not all the comments are of this ilk. Many are patriotic and hopeful that President-Elect Obama will be a good president who will help solve the many problems we, as a nation, are facing today. It is just astounding to me that so many people who claim to be Christians and patriotic Americans harbor such hate in their hearts. I'm also sad to say that I suspect that the hate comes from a different place than simply disagreeing with his policies.
Hate Is Alive and Well
The following quotes are taken from comments made by readers of a local newspaper. There were also a few comments wishing the new president-elect well, but those comments were far out-numbered by these (I have simply copied and pasted them with no editing except the names of the commenters):
"The worst has happened, the downfall of the America we know now begins. McCain's concession speech showed the type of man he is - calling for people to work together, th think of Obama as president, etc. Any doubts that Obama concession speech would have been full of racism? I sincerely hope that all of you who voted for this clown, especially the young people who are started out as wage earners, I hope you feel the pains of his ecomonic plans - that might be the best lesson you wll learn in life. Watch for the foreign aid to Kenya to increase"
"Change is coming. The people wanted change and now they are going to get it.
Lost jobs because of increased taxes.High gas prices again because of increased taxes.Dead americans from terrorist attacks.He will make our military surrender to the enemy opening us up to more terrorist attacks.
Our country is in serious trouble.But you got your change"
"We'll see if he backs up all his promises he made while he's in Office or if he's like every other Politician and lies and deceives voters to just get into Office. I'm a Republican and did not like or endorse John McCain and that Idiot Sarah Palin. Hopefully next election the Republican party will have better Candidates than those two clowns to run for the Offices of President and Vice President. To the Obama supporters that voted for him based on his ability to run this Country, Congratulations. To those voters that voted for Obama because he was black, you are Idiots and racist and shouldn't even be allowed to vote."
"GOD HELP US!!! WE ARE GOING TO NEED HIM NOW MORE THAN EVER!"
"AMEN God have mercy on the United States of America that has turn their backs on Him. Pray for our country that we as true Americans will turn back to Him"
"The thing that alienated me more than anything, is the news-nerds and their biased coverage of this election. At least they used to pretend to be unbiased. And I'm glad this election wasn't about race... could you imagine the news coverage then. I heard Martin Luther Kings "I have a dream" speech 2 times in 30 minutes this morning. Jeez, I can't stand the news-nerds.witnessed an Obamanation (interpret as you please)."
"I could not agree more! I too, pray I am wrong, but America has turn away from God and we are in serious trouble and I do not believe this is the man that will lead us back to the beliefs that this great country was founded upon. God help us all, our country has lost its way!We should all pray for our new President!!"
"I'm one to always expect the worst but hope for the best. I'm not sure if there is a "best" in this situation. I just hope that God will help us now because He is the ONLY one that can!!!!"
"The worst has happened, the downfall of the America we know now begins. McCain's concession speech showed the type of man he is - calling for people to work together, th think of Obama as president, etc. Any doubts that Obama concession speech would have been full of racism? I sincerely hope that all of you who voted for this clown, especially the young people who are started out as wage earners, I hope you feel the pains of his ecomonic plans - that might be the best lesson you wll learn in life. Watch for the foreign aid to Kenya to increase"
"Change is coming. The people wanted change and now they are going to get it.
Lost jobs because of increased taxes.High gas prices again because of increased taxes.Dead americans from terrorist attacks.He will make our military surrender to the enemy opening us up to more terrorist attacks.
Our country is in serious trouble.But you got your change"
"We'll see if he backs up all his promises he made while he's in Office or if he's like every other Politician and lies and deceives voters to just get into Office. I'm a Republican and did not like or endorse John McCain and that Idiot Sarah Palin. Hopefully next election the Republican party will have better Candidates than those two clowns to run for the Offices of President and Vice President. To the Obama supporters that voted for him based on his ability to run this Country, Congratulations. To those voters that voted for Obama because he was black, you are Idiots and racist and shouldn't even be allowed to vote."
"GOD HELP US!!! WE ARE GOING TO NEED HIM NOW MORE THAN EVER!"
"AMEN God have mercy on the United States of America that has turn their backs on Him. Pray for our country that we as true Americans will turn back to Him"
"The thing that alienated me more than anything, is the news-nerds and their biased coverage of this election. At least they used to pretend to be unbiased. And I'm glad this election wasn't about race... could you imagine the news coverage then. I heard Martin Luther Kings "I have a dream" speech 2 times in 30 minutes this morning. Jeez, I can't stand the news-nerds.witnessed an Obamanation (interpret as you please)."
"I could not agree more! I too, pray I am wrong, but America has turn away from God and we are in serious trouble and I do not believe this is the man that will lead us back to the beliefs that this great country was founded upon. God help us all, our country has lost its way!We should all pray for our new President!!"
"I'm one to always expect the worst but hope for the best. I'm not sure if there is a "best" in this situation. I just hope that God will help us now because He is the ONLY one that can!!!!"
Monday, November 3, 2008
Election '08
I have avoided commenting on the election. To tell you the truth, I am sick of the meanness of the campaign. I’m sick of the misleading rhetoric on both sides. I’m sick of the endless political ads. I just want it over!
I wish the electorate would check the facts instead of listening to every half-truth from the lunatic fringe. Do I care how much the RNC spent on Gov. Palin’s clothes? No!!! Do I care that she is an ignorant, overly ambitious, ethically challenged twit? Yes!!! Do I care if McCain mentions his former POW status in every speech? No!!! Do I care that he has the potential for starting a nuclear war? Yes!!! Do I care that Sen. Obama’s middle name is Hussein? No!!! Do I care that he says he will try to get us out of Iraq and he will try to fix the economy? Yes!!! Do I care that Sen. Biden is not my first choice? No!!! Do I care that he is better qualified to be vice president that his opponent? Yes!!!
McCain and Palin terrify me. I have 5 very good reasons to vote the Democratic ticket.
They are Cole, Noah, Isabella, Owen and Levi, my grandchildren. I want them to have a chance for a safe, prosperous life, and I feel that McCain and Palin will do real harm to them and this country if elected.
I wish the electorate would check the facts instead of listening to every half-truth from the lunatic fringe. Do I care how much the RNC spent on Gov. Palin’s clothes? No!!! Do I care that she is an ignorant, overly ambitious, ethically challenged twit? Yes!!! Do I care if McCain mentions his former POW status in every speech? No!!! Do I care that he has the potential for starting a nuclear war? Yes!!! Do I care that Sen. Obama’s middle name is Hussein? No!!! Do I care that he says he will try to get us out of Iraq and he will try to fix the economy? Yes!!! Do I care that Sen. Biden is not my first choice? No!!! Do I care that he is better qualified to be vice president that his opponent? Yes!!!
McCain and Palin terrify me. I have 5 very good reasons to vote the Democratic ticket.
They are Cole, Noah, Isabella, Owen and Levi, my grandchildren. I want them to have a chance for a safe, prosperous life, and I feel that McCain and Palin will do real harm to them and this country if elected.
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