Harmless Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Charcoal and Cows

2012-01-30T21:31:00.001-05:00

It was a beautiful day in Flyover Country....so we went hiking.

While I was in Virginia helping my daughter with her beautiful twins, our good friend Mr Williams took my husband out to find some missing cows. Mr Williams is a long-time resident of Flyover Country. He's lived here all of the over 80 years of his life (except for a stint in the US military). I love to ride horses with him, and the "excuse" he usually uses to ride is that he has to check on cows, or open gates, or take salt out for them. Since it's winter, he doesn't ride horses, but still has to go check on his cows. The best thing about going anywhere with Mr Williams is that he tells stories; about Flyover Country, about the pioneers and people who settled here, and about the Native Americans who were here before. He knows all the stories, and it's so entertaining (and informative) to listen to him.

So, about week or so ago, Mr Williams asked my man to go with him. They rode around in Mr William's pickup, looking for cows and telling stories. I'm so jealous! Anyway, Mr Williams showed my husband one of the places where the pioneers, the "old-timers" who settled Flyover Country built a charcoal oven. Since it was so beautiful out today, we hiked up to the site of the oven.

Although the roof has fallen in, it's really in pretty good shape; it's amazing what those "old-timers" could do. I'm not certain what they used the oven for, or even if they made charcoal in the oven (although that's what it seemed like it was designed to do and there was some evidence of charcoal on the ground outside). It was pretty neat to see the oven, and the countryside around it was beautiful.

Oh yeah....we even found one of Mr William's missing cows.....

Home

2012-01-28T11:32:00.001-05:00

Home. If you really think about it the concept of "Home" is a powerful concept. It carries with it all kinds of emotions, all kinds of memories, all kinds of baggage (both good and not-so-good).

My dad was in the military, so I grew up in a lot of different places. I had a lot of different "homes," but none of them ever kept a place in my heart...not really. There were really great things about all the different places I lived as a kid, and my family did things to make most of the places fun, with good memories attached; but none those places was really "home." That place where your heart yearns to return.

When I got married and went out on my own, I tried to adopt the place my first husband grew up as "home." It worked to a degree. It was the place where my folks lived after my dad retired from the military. It was where my first husband's heart was, and where his childhood friends and memories were. I did, and do, love that place and love to visit there. It's beautiful and the people there are special to me; especially (of course) my parents and siblings who still live there. But it never, quite, became "home." Since I was military, we travelled and lived in a lot of different places, and I tried to make a home for my family in each of them; but none of them became that one place where my heart wanted to be.

For me, there has always only been one place that has touched my soul, where my spirits rise when I arrive, where I feel relaxed and more "me" than anywhere else. Flyover Country. When I was a kid, this is the place where we would come for one or two weeks each summer to visit with my grandparents. I had friends here, with whom I could pick up the prior summer's conversation and friendship without pause. I loved visiting here. I loved the beauty of the place, the history, and the people. I still do. I've chosen to live here, even though it's rural and remote. (Maybe, though, that's part of the draw for me.) I've chosen to live here, even though there are some inconveniences. I've chosen to live here, because it's home. I'm so fortunate that my husband loves this place as much as I do.

I'm so fortunate that he has chosen to adopt my home as his own. They say that, "home is where the heart is." For me, on many different levels, my home is here: in Flyover Country with my man.

There's no place like home.....

2012-01-21T18:26:00.001-05:00

I've been away from home for 16 days. I've loved being here with my daughter and her family. I've loved seeing my other daughter and her husband, at least for a little bit. I've loved being able to play with Travis, Alyssa and (for a bit) Corie. I am so happy to have the chance to get acquainted with the two new babies, and to be able to help my daughter adjust to twins in the family. I'm blessed, and I know it. But....

I'm ready to go home. This is the longest I've been away from my husband since we found each other (again). I have to say that I don't like it. I miss him. I used to think that I was very independent. To my surprise, I've found out that I'm not. I'm a lot more dependent, on him, that I ever thought I was. Strange, that.

I've also found out that I love being home; my home. Where my heart is. Where my spirits soar when I look outside and see the beauty that is "Flyover Country." Where I can relax and just "be." Where I feel joy. Where my man is....that's home. I'm ready to put on my ruby slippers, and turn around three times, whispering, "there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home....."

Happy Birthday, Punkin'

2012-01-16T10:21:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1981....my second daughter arrived in this world. From the very start she was beautiful, loving, smart, and stubborn; and she still is all of those things. I love her with all my heart. She's a wonderful mother to four great kids....including two just-born infants. I admire the woman that she's become. She's my girl and my friend. Happy Birthday, Punkin'.

Welcome into the World!

2012-01-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, January 2, 2012, my beautiful daughter gave birth to two sweet little twins, Mr. O and Miss A. "O" weighed in at 5 pounds 6 ounces, and "A" weighed in at 4 pounds 15 ounces. Thankfully, both are healthy and thriving. For the last week, I've been staying at my daughter's house to help her with the twins, and with her two older children. Although I miss my home and husband, who is back home in Flyover Country taking care of the dog and horses, I feel so blessed to be able to spend this time with my daughter and her family. It's been wonderful getting to know these two new little souls. Even though they're only just over a week old, each already has a distinct personality.
Mr. O is a cuddler. He likes to be held; but he also has temper and isn't afraid to express it with a loud cry. He doesn't like being wet or hungry. He doesn't like it if Grandma has cold hands when she changes his diaper. When he wants to eat, he wants it NOW! Even with that temper, he's so sweet. He likes to hold onto something (like Grandma's fingers) when he eats. He doesn't like to take a break from eating to burp, but shivers with pleasure when he does let out a big belch. After he eats, he wants to be held until he falls back into full-tummy-stupor. When he's awake, he looks at you with those big, slightly-unfocused, baby eyes that feel like he's looking directly into your heart. He loves to look at the light, and enjoys being rocked.

Miss A is also a cuddler, but she's got a laid-back temperament, compared to her twin. She wakes up slowly; stretching and squeaking herself awake. She doesn't cry very loudly, but she will protest if she's cold or if you take too long to feed her once she's decided it's time to eat. She takes a while to wake up, so don't try to feed her right away....she'll just fall back asleep and then she doesn't get enough to make it to the next scheduled feeding. When she does decide to eat, she goes about it deliberately, but slowly. She doesn't like air-bubbles in her tummy, and will squirm until you burp her; and more often than not, she'll take a bit of a snooze until she gets the burp out. Like Mr. O, she doesn't like cold fingers on her tummy or bottom; nor does she enjoy a baby-wipe that hasn't been warmed up first. Also like her brother, she likes to cuddle after she eats and loves to look at bright lights.

Right now, these preemie-twins are so little that their life consists of eating, burping, sleeping, taking care of the natural consequences of eating, and growing. It's going to be so much fun to watch these two precious beings grow and develop. They've already got a big place in Grandma's heart.....along with their big brother and big sister and their two cousins.

Welcome to the world, Mr. O and Miss A!

Blogging (Again)

2012-01-11T12:03:00.001-05:00

OK....so it's been a loooong time since I posted in this Blog. Sorry, again, I'm not sure why. I still see something, or read something, and think; "that would be good to talk about in the blog...." but somehow it doesn't get done. I can blame it on being busy....there have been lots of changes in my life recently (including a new home), but if I'm totally honest with myself, my lack of posting is due to ambivalence about blogging coupled with a touch of laziness.

When I started this blog, it was with a desire to participate in the blogging conversation going on "out there." I supposed I needed an outlet for some reason. I had just left the military, after serving for 23 years. I had a job I loved, but that wasn't really challenging. I spent a lot of time reading blogs, particularly milblogs, and wanted to add my voice to the issues addressing the military and the country. Then my life changed....drastically.

I left my job, my home, and my then-husband. I went to live in the middle of "Flyover Country." The phrase "life changes" doesn't describe it. After all was said and done, it was the absolutely right decision for me. I guess I could have blogged about my thoughts and feelings during that time; but that's really not me. I don't "share" my very innermost being easily.  Then there was the attorney-side of me that was wary of posting anything that could have somehow come back and "bite" me. So I denied myself the blogging outlet that some folks use to express themselves. Just not really my style.

As 2012 starts, life has stabilized (a bit). I still live in the middle of "Flyover Country."  I'm absolutely certain I live in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. My home is within a 10-minute drive of two different National Forests and a National Park....yet there isn't a single US Highway in the entire County.   Don't get me wrong....we have a great road system (including Highway 12, the first highway designated a "Scenic Byway"); it's just that they're all State highways. I love where I live. I'm remarried to a wonderful man, who loves me as much as I love him, and who takes care of me. I have three horses, a dog, and beautiful home. (Actually, I have two....a 75 year old home that we remodeled and a wonderful new home we just bought....the remodeled home is for sale....). I've started a small law practice. I have great friends. I love my children, and adore my grandchildren (I now have six). Life is good.

So now I'd like to start up this blog again.  Maybe it's the Presidential election....makes me want to discuss politics and I enjoy joining that conversation to give my thoughts and opinions. Maybe it's because I no longer feel "threatened" that anything I say could come back to hurt me. Maybe because life is good, and I want to share (again) with friends and family. My husband tells me that I analyze things too much....that sometimes I should just let things "be." It could be he's right. For whatever reason, I want to start writing again. So here goes.......

Sgt Dakota Meyer....a True Hero and a "Regular Guy."

2011-09-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

Gotta love the Marines....and this true Hero is wonderful!

Pioneer Stories....

2011-08-01T00:26:00.000-04:00

I love history. I love the stories that come with studying history. Like a lot of people, I’m interested in the stories of my family. I love to hear stories about my parents and grandparents. The stories “round out” what I know of them. I also love to hear stories about more distant relatives; particularly relatives who are also "characters." One such character was my grandfather’s grandfather, Elijah Heitt Maxfield.

Elijah was an interesting man, who lived an interesting life. He was one of Brigham Young’s “boys.” He was involved in a number of adventures, including the traveling as a teamster for a number of immigrant companies, working a silver mine in Cottonwood Canyon, and spying on the United States Army for Brigham Young during the bloodless "Mormon War." He was one of the volunteers who helped to rescue the stranded Willie and Martin handcart companies after the pioneer companies crossing the plains pushing or pulling handcarts were caught in Wyoming by an early blizzard. He rode for the Pony Express and he was one of the earliest settlers of Wayne County, Utah.

Elijah or “Lige” was born in 1832 in Prince Edward Island, Canada, to a rather well-to-do family. He was 12 years old when his family listened to a talk by Elder J. Skerry, a Mormon missionary. I don’t know the exact date of his baptism into the LDS faith, but I know he followed the example of his parents and other extended family members and joined the Church. In June 1850, when Lige was 18 years old, he joined his family as the heeded the call to journey to "Zion," which, by that time, meant a journey across the country to the Utah Territory. Lige and his family left behind 600 acres of timbered land, an active saw mill, a horse raising business, and interest in a shipbuilding company to journey into the unknown.

The Maxfield party journeyed to Iowa, the "stepping off place" for many Mormon immigrants, but arrived too late to travel to Utah in 1850. So they waited until the next spring to start their journey. Lige, at 18, was the third child of 11 born to his parents. While they waited at Winter Quarters in Iowa, Lige’s little brother, 15-year old Jesse, went back across the Missouri river to get medicine for the smallest child, who had been sick for a while. On the way back, Jesse slipped and fell into the river and drowned. They found only his hat. The baby, 3-year old Quincy Benjamin, died shortly after his brother. I could not imagine the terrible grief that Lige's parents suffered, having two of their children die so close to each other. What is amazing to me is that their story is not unique. So many other pioneer families lost family members on the trip West; yet they did not give up.

Despite the tragedy of losing two children, Lige’s parents decided to continue to Utah and they left Winter Quarters the next Spring, in May 1851. Lige’s mother, Elizabeth, started the journey five months pregnant. As the time for the child's delivery grew near, Elizabeth became increasingly ill, so the company they travelled with delayed for two days at Ham’s Fork in Wyoming, 150 miles from the end of their journey in Utah, to see if her condition would improve. It didn’t. The wagon company had to move on, so the family had to decide if they would leave their mother and wife and remain with the company or stay with her in Wyoming. Because of the dangers of a small party traveling alone the family had to choose. They could stay with their mother until she died, and risk unfamiliar terrain or the possibility of Indian attacks, or they could continue on with the wagon company and enjoy the protection of numbers. The family made the very tough decision to leave Elizabeth with a man and his wife who were camped at Ham's Fork. So after making preparations for Elizabeth's burial, and saying their "final farewells," the family, including Lige, continued on their journey.

Elizabeth gave birth to a son a couple of days later, and her health improved. A small party of pioneers passing through Ham's Fork agreed to give her a lift into the Salt Lake Valley, and amazingly, she arrived before her family. I can only imagine the reunion when the wagon company finally arrived in "Zion" and found not only their mother, safe and well, but a new baby brother as well.

The Maxfield family’s story is just one of the multitude of stories of sacrifice, loss, triumph and faith that we can tell of our pioneer ancestors. We come from amazing people.

I often wonder if I could have taken that walk in faith; that leap into the unknown. I don't know if I have the qualities of character that our pioneer ancestors had. I wonder. I know that all of us can do what needs to be done, but in today's world, we are not asked to leave everything we own and everyone we know and take a journey toward a promise. I think that I need to find those pioneer qualities that my great-great grandfather Lige had within me.

Elder Dalin Oaks of the LDS Church explained it best. He said,

The foremost quality of our pioneers was faith. With faith in God, they did what every pioneer does—they stepped forward into the unknown: a new religion, a new land, a new way of doing things. With faith in their leaders and in one another, they stood fast against formidable opposition. When their leader said, “This is the right place,” they trusted, and they stayed. When other leaders said, “Do it this way,” they followed in faith.

Two companion qualities evident in the lives of our pioneers, early and modern, are unselfishness and sacrifice. Our Utah pioneers excelled at putting “the general welfare and community goals over individual gain and personal ambition.”

Faith, unselfishness, and sacrifice. These are the pioneer characteristics that I need to emulate. I am a beneficiary of Lige's faith, his unselfishness and his willingness to sacrifice. I want to honor him, and his family, for their courage. What better way to do so than to remember their stories and to try to live with the same characteristics of faith, unselfishness and sacrifice?

"My Love for You is Deathless...."

2011-07-28T20:24:00.000-04:00

Many of the early battles of the Civil War were fought 150 years ago, including the first Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run, if you prefer). It was a time of intense struggle for our country and its citizens. Today, many of us (including my Happy Cousin) honor those who lived and died during that period by reenacting the time period and the battles. The PBS series on the Civil War opened that history, and it's stories, up to all of us. I love that series. I think it's because I love the human stories that make up history. One of the stories brought to the public in that series was the story of Major Sullivan Ballou.

Major Ballou was a Union soldier who fought with the 2d Rhode Island Regiment in the First Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run). He was mortally wounded there, on July 28th, 150 years ago. He died a few days later. The battle was a bloody one, with over 3,500 dead and wounded, and over 1000 missing or captured. The night before the battle, Major Ballou wrote a letter to his wife. It was this letter, this story, that Ken Burns used in his PBS series to demonstrate the cost of the war and the internal struggle that a soldier goes through before battle.

The famous letter is exquisitely written, and it's words touch our hearts even today. The emotions Major Ballou describes are so poignant; perhaps because they are so real, perhaps because for anyone who has a loved one serving today....they are so timely.

Read it for yourself. Here's the letter:

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done.

If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter.

I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles I have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us.

I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been!

How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood.

Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters.

Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them.

O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Great Dogs!

2011-07-11T16:15:00.001-04:00

If there really are such things as "dog people" and "cat people," then I'm definitely a "dog person." I love dogs. All types of dogs; big dogs, small dogs, furry dogs, skinny dogs. I just love dogs. Dogs keep your feet warm at night. Dogs want to go with you when you go anywhere. Dogs love you without condition. Dogs are the definition of a best friend.

We have a great dog, Bella. She's a mix of Australian Sheppard and Border Collie. We found her at the pound and rescued her. She's the smartest dog I've ever met. She loves to go. Anywhere. It doesn't matter if we're hiking or riding horses, she's right there with us. She loves to ride in the back of the Razr (a side-by-side 4-wheeler, for those who don't know). We take her just about everywhere we go. She's a very polite dog. She's also protective. When anyone stops at our house, or comes in our yard, she'll come rushing through the doggie door to tell us someone's there. She doesn't bark, much, but she'll tell us anyway. When my horses got out, she kept coming in to let me know. It just took me a bit to figure out what she was trying to tell me. When we're travelling, she always stays between me and any stranger....which is sometimes frustrating because she'll watch the stranger instead of taking care of "business." She's a great dog!

So, when I read this story by Cpl Jeff Drew about "Willy Pete," I was touched by his dedication and loyalty....but then that's what dogs are about. Here's the story (with a hat tip to Lynnis):

Afghan dog fights like a Marine

Posted by regionalcommandsouthwest on July 11, 2011

Story and photo by Cpl. Jeff Drew

COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - "Willy Pete" and Marines with Company D, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), rest before going out on a recent patrol. Willy has gone on more than 30 combat patrols in the last 60 days.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Helmand province, Afghanistan – He defends Marines and sailors with love and tenacity, protecting them as any Marine would protect a brother-in-arms. He is the epitome of man’s best friend, shielding service members from the enemy while providing companionship and camaraderie. His name is Willy Pete, and he’s a warrior, a protector, a friend. He’s also a dog.
Company D, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), arrived in the Khan Neshin District in the summer of 2009 for a seven-month deployment and established a coalition presence in the Southwest part of Afghanistan. The LAR Marines pushed west to gain a firm position in a town called Qal’ah-ye Now, where they found two dogs in a compound they began using as a patrol base.
The dogs were beaten and malnourished. One of them was pregnant and the Marines named her Sandy; the other dog was small and frail, and the Marines fittingly named him Scraggles. The company adopted the two dogs, who accepted the Marines as family. Sandy soon had her litter of puppies, one of which would be named Willy Pete. All the puppies went to local residents to protect their farms and herd livestock, but Willy had a different opportunity – he went to the Marines of Company D for companionship.

Scraggles and Sandy grew fond of the Marines in Qal’ah-ye Now and began to protect the patrol base, keeping unwanted dogs and suspicious people away. Willy began to demonstrate the same protective traits of his mother as he grew. He also learned how to patrol with the Marines, what a patrol formation was, and how to react when they came in contact with the enemy. Willy has gone through three complete combat rotations since then as each LAR unit has taken charge of the area in the past two years.
The veteran dog usually takes the lead when the Marines go on patrol now. He stays in front until the Marines pass through the bazaar outside the combat outpost. Local residents often look up in recognition of the dog, who seems to fancy himself a Marine. Willy relocates to a new position once he establishes a clear path for the Marines and begins moving from one side of the patrol to the other, warning Marines of anyone’s approach with a quick bark or a low growl.

The many stray dogs in the area tend to be very aggressive and travel in packs. Marines routinely spot Willy scrapping with a pack of wild dogs that approach his Marines.
“I had my squad on a local security patrol in Kala Shureh – we refer to the town as ‘Dog Town’ because of the large amount of wild dogs in the area,” said Sgt. Joshua Davis, an Auburn, Maine, native and squad leader with Weapons Platoon, 2nd LAR. “All of the dogs were overly aggressive and tried to stop the patrol’s movement by intimidating the Marines. Willy Pete single handily fought off five wild dogs to protect them. After Willy engaged the dogs, my squad was able to push through the village to complete our patrol.”

Willy also remains an integral part of security when the Marines and sailors return to the patrol base. He tours the grounds with the sergeant of the guard, chasing stray dogs out of friendly lines and warning the watch standers if anyone approaches the outpost.
The Marines said they appreciate Willy’s dedication, as he provides them companionship and demonstrates his loyalty each day by returning to the fight.
“Willy never walks in the other direction or tries to hide when he sees a squad heading out for a patrol,” said Lance Cpl. Philip Bulford, an Alabaster, Ala., native and mortar gunner with the company. “I believe that Willy believes it’s his duty and an honor to protect us from what may lie ahead.”

Willy bears the scars from the explosion of an improvised explosive device and a gunshot wound from an enemy insurgent due to his relentless enthusiasm and unyielding vigor to protect the Marines. Still, his loyalty to the Marines is unrelenting.
“He is a proven veteran and a wounded warrior,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony J. Eichler, a Pittsburgh native and the platoon sergeant for Weapons Platoon. “Willy is always tirelessly watching over what I would assume he considers ‘his’ Marines. He is a friend of all Marines, and he works hard every day on patrol and for the security of [the outpost]. He’s been knocked down a few times, but continues on with the mission just like any Marine would be expected to do.”

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

I went to church today. That, in and of itself wasn't so unusual; I go to church just about every Sunday. But today was something pretty special. First of all, it was the first Sunday of the month, which meant it was the Sunday reserved for members of the congregation to bear their testimonies. The members of my church congregation are pretty eloquent when publicly expressing their love for their Savior. Fast and Testimony meeting at our Ward is always filled with the Lord's Spirit, as the members of the congregation publicly express their gratitude for blessings and their belief in the Gospel.

What made this Sunday a bit different was the number of people who attended today's services. I live in a very small town, in a very rural county. My church's congregation draws its membership from two very small towns, one with a population of 191, and the other with a population of 171. Today, we had just over 500 people join our services. Most of the people were visitors to the area, who had come to enjoy our natural resources (we may not have a lot a people, but we have a National Park and two National Forests within a 10 mile radius) or who were visiting family for the 4th of July weekend. Some of these visitors also were moved to publicly declare their testimonies, as were some of the "locals." It was extremely special to hear heartfelt thanks and declarations of belief. It was interesting that so many of the visitors talked about how special this place is. How they felt "renewed" by coming here. How they came back year after year. How they felt closer to our Heavenly Father here.

It was interesting, because that's exactly how I feel. I am so lucky to live here. There is such natural beauty in the land around this place. It reminds me, every day, of the greatness of our Creator. Of course, the people here are part of what makes this place so special. They are "real" here. They know what is important: family, friends, freedom, the land, and the Gospel.

It was also pretty special to hear the voices of that many people raised in song. Because it is the 4th of July weekend, our chorister chose "The Star Spangled Banner" as the opening hymn. (Yes, it's in our official hymn book.) For a long time now, I tend to tear up when our National Anthem is sung. I don't know why, it just happens. It was a real problem when I was on active duty, wearing a uniform, and was rendering a salute during the Anthem. Trying to wipe a tear away while at attention is not easy. Anyway, I still tear up. Today was no different. As the extended congregation of 500-plus voices sang this wonderful song, I cried. I cried for those families who have lost loved ones, who gave their lives for our Nation. I cried for those families who are not able to have BBQ, go to the lake, or go camping this weekend, because their loved one is serving overseas. I cried for the beauty of the song and the love I hold for this Nation. I especially cried during the third verse of the hymn:

Oh thus be it ever, where free men shall stand

Between their loved homes and war's desolation

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Promise the pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I wish that everyone could have the chance to sing all the verses of our National Anthem on this 4th of July weekend. Perhaps we'd all remember....and shed at least one tear.

Second-Class Citizens.....????

2011-06-30T18:18:00.000-04:00

There's an article on American Thinker website today that caused me a bit of concern. The article's author, Bob Weir, asks "Are Mormons Second-Class Citizens?" To answer this rather provocative question, Mr Weir discusses the results of a recent Gallup poll that found that "22% of Americans would not be willing to vote for a Mormon for president." Somehow I don't find that very surprising, and it's painful that I don't.

I served in the Air Force for 23 years. Granted I served as a staff officer, an attorney, a Judge Advocate; but I served. Maybe it was my "professional" status, but not once in my 23-year career did I feel that I was not taken seriously solely because I was a woman. I worked for good Staff Judge Advocates and for great Commanders. I enjoyed the men and women I served with. Although I also worked for some not-so-good Commanders and one absolutely terrible Staff Judge Advocate, I never believed that anyone was biased against me because of my gender.

Having said that, there was one time that I know I was not given a national-level award because of my religion. I am a Mormon, and the award package contained information about community service I performed as a part of my religion. One of the members who sat on the awards board talked to me after the award had been given to another (very deserving) person. The board member told me to make sure my boss submitted me for the award the following year; but to leave out any mention that I was Mormon. He told me that some of the other awards board members believed that Mormons should not get national-level awards. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't believe it....that members of a highly professional organization like the Air Force would be so overtly discriminatory.

So I find it interesting that 22% of the people responding to the Gallup poll would not vote for a Mormon, solely because of religion. It seems like our society hasn't really progressed as far as we'd like it to. People have misconceptions about Mormons and Mormonism, and are unwilling to have an open mind about the religion or those who practice it. Fortunately, we've progressed from the days where a state Governor can issue an order to expel Mormons from the state, or exterminate Mormons if they don't leave. But I wonder who far we've really progressed.....

I agree with Martin Luther King that "men (and women) should be judge on the content of their character." We should evaluate people, and political candidates, based on who they are, who they surround themselves with, and the actions they take. That a person has religious values, and applies those values in his life, is more important than what his religion is. A person's religion is a matter of personal belief (or lack of belief). What matters is that the person's actions are driving by the person's values....and the person is not a hypocrite.

Counting Blessings

2011-06-25T00:07:00.000-04:00

I just had a wonderful week with my daughter and her two kids. We camped, we played, we rode horses, and we just "hung out." Although it was a busy week, I enjoyed every minute of it. All of my kids live a good distance away, so I don't get to see them very often. I admit that moving away was my choice, and it was a choice that hurt a lot of people, but one of the things I really regret is that I live so far away from them and my grandkids. Family really is everything.

I have a wonderful family. I am married to a great man, who loves me. I'm fortunate to still have my parents. I live in a place where I have an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins that I enjoy. My siblings are my friends. As I said, I have great kids who are married to wonderful people, and who have given me super grandkids. My family isn't perfect, who's family is.....but I love them all. The thing is: they're mine in all their imperfections. Family really is everything.

Sundaes

2011-06-12T22:49:00.000-04:00

You know what I love about Summer? I love the sunshine. I love flowers and green grass. I love the longer days and BBQ. And, I love hot fudge sundaes. Yum! I know, you can have hot fudge sundaes during the other three seasons, too.....but they're never as good as the hot fudge sundaes you get during the Summer.

In the Summer, we drive to the local Flyover Country hamburger joint to get the best hot fudge sundaes. It's better when you can stay outside and order your sundae through the walk-up window. I guess there's something about the warm sunshine on your face and the cool breeze blowing through your hair that just makes the hot fudge taste better. The cold ice cream meshes so well with the smooth whipped cream, and the nuts just add a hint of crunch to tease your taste buds. Yummy!

So this evening, my guy and I decided to take a short drive to the hamburger joint for sundaes. The sun was still warm, but there was a nice breeze to make everything very pleasant. The girl at the window is a friend, as was the cook and just about all the other customers at the burger joint....ah, the joys of small town life....so we visited while our order was made and caught up with Flyover Country news. Then we got our sundaes. Mine was a chocolate explosion. When we ordered, my guy teased me about my absolute devotion to chocolate (it goes much further than mere love...), so my friend at the burger joint made me a chocolate and hot fudge sundae to beat all sundaes. Rocky road ice cream with hot fudge, brownie bits, and chocolate chips, topped off with whipped cream, nuts and a cherry. Absolutely delicious!

But, now I'm full....and chocolate overloaded. I guess there is such concept as "too much of a good thing." Well...maybe not.....

Something to Ponder

2011-06-10T22:03:00.000-04:00

I was listening to the Glen Beck show on satellite radio on the way to Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Glen was interviewing David Mamet, a Pulitzer Prize winning author. Mr Mamet made a statement that has had me thinking for several days. In addressing our political leaders (to use the term "leaders" loosely), Mr Mamet said,

"We need to stop expecting our leaders to be perfect and start expecting them to be responsible."

I totally agree!!! We are never going to have the "perfect" person to lead this Nation. (At least not until the second coming of Christ, and that's assuming he wants to lead this Nation.) There will always be something that someone doesn't like about a particular leader. No leader will always be perfect, everyone has faults. But, a true leader will be responsible. He or she will "own" their fault, and try to rectify it (if possible). A true leader will do everything they can to avoid a mistake or misstep, but if they can't a true leader will acknowledge that it was their mistake or misstep.

All I will say about Representative Wiener's debacle is that by this criteria, Representative Wiener is not a leader, in any sense of the word.

Presidential Politics--The Cain Train

2011-06-05T22:36:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure that I'm ready for 2012 Presidential politics already; after all, it's only June in 2011. But....it will be interesting to follow the GOP Presidential hopefuls through the primary process. I do have to admit that I'm intrigued by a couple of the hopefuls. Romney is one. Herman Cain is another. I'm not ready to say who I'll vote for, I don't even know. But one thing is for certain, it will be interesting....

For example, here's Herman Cain's new campaign video:
Get on the Cain-Train....well it's catchy.....let's see if he has the substance to go with the style....

WOW!

2011-06-04T12:11:00.002-04:00

Idol & 2012 Politics

2011-06-01T16:51:00.002-04:00

Along with a lot of other folks, I watched this season of American Idol. I don't know why I was caught up in watching this year, but I was. I'll also admit to rooting for Scotty McCreery, the eventual winner, for most of the year....I started rooting for him when, in the preliminary rounds, he told the judges he messed up in not standing up for an overweight contestant who was kicked out of the a group of singers. He said then that he didn't live up to his values and regretted it....and this was from a teenager. I liked him for admitting the mistake, and I always loved his voice. I like the hardrocking James Durbin, too, but I wanted Scotty to win and was glad for him when he did.

A guy named Stuart Schwartz has an interesting take on Scotty McCreery's win in an article titled, Everything I Need to Know About 2012 I Learned on American Idol. In it, Schwartz says,

Country won. Honesty won. Decency won. And good ol' American values won. They beat hypocrisy and hyperbole, snark and snicker, and the jaw-dropping arrogance of the experts and elites. No, I'm not talking about the Republican sweep of the House last year. Rather, I'm talking about last week's American Idol, where viewers disregarded the exhortations of entertainment and media elites and chose instead down-home over Hollywood, and country over anything and everything our cultural elites pushed at them.

Interesting analysis. According to Schwartz, even though the judges, the music industry, and the "in-the-know" elite routinely "dissed" Scotty McCreery, he won because the "American People" voted for him. Schwartz explains,

Although the judges comment after each performance, it is left to the viewers to choose the winners. In past seasons, voters have regularly ignored the preferences of judges and assorted other entertainment and media experts, who largely view the tens of millions in the audience as lacking sophistication and knowledge of "the true art form of music." And again this past week, viewers let the experts know: We're different, we make different choices.

I say, "Wonderful!" I'm glad that American's voted for McCreery. They chose him because they like his voice, and because he has character. They chose him because he's a cute teenager. The other contestants just didn't measure up.

Although I didn't necessarily see Scotty McCreery's Idol win as a political statement, Schwartz's analysis is interesting. He sees two lessons from this season's Idol that will be applicable to the 2012 elections. First, "everything changes when the audience watches or lives the performance." In other words, according to Schwartz, the music experts may have made pronouncements about who should win, "but American Idol viewers voted on the actual singing." Schwartz believes that if Idol results can be applied to the political arena, then "if 2008 was the year of Obama and cool comes to the White House, then 2012 will best be characterized by the Who hit, "Won't Get Fooled Again." The second lesson is that "we now know not to trust talking heads and consensus experts, either left or right." All those "experts" tried to tell us that down-home, honest, likable-country was just not "cool" or "edgy." But we don't follow the lemmings anymore. We voted for the country-kid with the great singing voice.

I think I agree with Schwartz that we need to apply these two Idol lessons to the political realities of 2012. As Schwartz argues, we have to do what Scott McCreery did when Lady Gaga (who was wearing $4,500 shoes shaped like penises) told McCreery to "act evil." "Lord," he said, "it's not my doing." McCreery ignored Gaga's advice and just kept on singing country, "wearing his cross and thanking God and family and friends for the many blessing of this time and place."

I agree with Schwartz, it's time "to tell the mainstream press, insider Washington, and the academic and cultural elites to strap on their $4,500 "penis shoes" and take a hike...because we're gonna be singing country."

About Time!

2011-05-31T18:10:00.000-04:00

A couple of years ago....from 1998-99....I worked in the Pentagon. Part of my responsibilities included working cyber law issues. It was a challenging, but a lot of fun. The issues were all fairly new, so there wasn't a lot of "hard & fast" legal precedent on which to base a legal opinion. The whole time I worked cyber law questions, I advocated for a standard that set a virtual "red line" around critical computer systems or databases, such that if anyone not authorized to access that system or database did so, it constituted an act of war. It's an act of war for a nation-state or terrorist organization to penetrate our borders and cause havoc; the act of penetrating a critical computer system or database should be categorized the same way. Of course, there were practical problems that needed to be identified and worked out; but the main idea was that there are certain systems or databases that are so essential to the functioning of our goverment, our defense, or our society that any interference with those systems would cause a major disruption equivalent to an attack on the homeland and those systems needed protection.

At the time, during the Clinton Administration, there were certain elements within the Department of Justice that heavily resisted calling any computer intrusion an act of war. They wanted to categorize any intrusion into a computer system or database, critical or not, as a criminal act. The problem with this approach was that criminal acts need to be investigated; applying all the "standard" investigatory rules, such as the requirement for probable cause prior to issuing a search warrant.

I've been out of the cyber law arena for some time, but it looks like someone with some sense finally saw the light. According to FoxNews, the Pentagon has finally concluded that computer sabotage coming from another country could be considered an act of war. All I can say is, "about time."

Memorial Day

2011-05-28T10:39:00.001-04:00

A memorial is a thing that helps us remember. Memorial Day should be a day that we take time to remember, to recall, and to honor. We "celebrate" Memorial Day as the official start of Summer and all the joys that Summer brings; but we should also take the time to remember those who have passed on....particularly those who have passed on too soon while serving and protecting our great Country and the ideals she represents. Don't let the "memorial" part of Memorial Day pass without taking some time to remember.....our fallen heroes deserve it. May the Lord bless and keep them close and may He comfort their families on this day of remembrance.

Blogs as History......

2011-05-28T10:22:00.001-04:00

Greyhawk, a blogger writing on the Mudville Gazette, has re-posted a great post from November 2010 on the impact of blogs (particularly military blogs) and how the writings in these blogs should be preserved as a part of our history. Check out the blog post here. It's a great idea! These blogs, whether written by those serving in a war zone or those of us at home, are wonderful primary sources for thoughts, ideas, reactions and issues of the time. They need to be preserved!!!! If the government can spend money studying shrimp on a treadmill or jello wrestling in Antartica; there should be funds available to preserve important writings on important topics. The biggest practical problem would be deciding which blogs and which posts should be preserved. Editorial questions are always the hardest.....aren't they?

Graduation Day & Friends

2011-05-27T16:14:00.000-04:00

So it's Graduation Day here in Flyover Country. We went to a Middle School Graduation this morning, and will attend the High School Graduation this afternoon. Living in an "ultra-small town" like we do, we've come to know most of the kids who are graduating, so helping them mark a "life achievement" is pretty cool; especially the middle school class.

Made me think, though. There are 36 kids in this class. The majority of them have been together since kindergarten, or before; and most of them will graduate from High School together in 2015. It's something that my little military-brat-heart doesn't really comprehend. Between First grade and High School Graduation, I went to seven different schools, most of them in different states. I had to make new friends and find new activities at each new school. Moving into a new school was both exciting and scary. You could be whomever and whatever you wanted to be in a new school. It's different for these kids. These kids know each other. They know who wet their pants in kindergarten and cried for their moms in First grade. They know who got in trouble shooting the spitballs at the teacher in Fourth grade. They know who kissed whom first. Having someone who knows me (and the history of my foibles) that well would terrify me. Maybe that's why I have some difficulties letting people get close to me.

My kids are also military-brats. They've each had to move at critical stages in their lives. I tried, as much as I could, to minimize the impact that moving could cause; but you can't eliminate it. It's just not possible. But I look at my kids and their ability to bond with friends and I'm envious. My eldest collects friends. She has a very eclectic collection of good friends from all over the world. I admire her for that ability at the same time that I wonder how she does it. My middle child and my son have firm-fast-friends from High School; and have newer, but still close, friends that they've made as a young adults. Although I'm still in touch with some friends from High School, as well as friends from my active-duty days, it's mainly the at-arm's-length-social-media-contacts that seem to happen these days.

I don't know. Maybe my kids have the ability to keep friends close because, unlike my generation, they can send emails and text messages. They're able to stay in touch, no matter how far away they move. But then again, maybe it's just the difference in our experiences and our personalities. What I do know, is that here in Flyover Country, I'm making friends I intend to let into my life and keep close.....no matter who wet their pants in Kindergarten or who put fake dog poop in the teacher's chair. I've discovered that good friends are worth the risk.

OK...So I've Been Bad About Blogging

2011-05-26T19:18:00.000-04:00

I've been a big, bad, blogger. Despite good intentions, I haven't blogged at all since New Year's day. I've got all kinds of excuses....studying for a bar exam, taking a bar exam 27 years after I took my first bar exam, starting a new non-profit organization....you know, doing the stuff that life is made of....I'm sorry. Life intrudes. I'll try to do better.

I started this blog to join in the 'blog-o-sphere conversation." I had started to follow a number of blogs, primarily military-blogs, and found myself wanting to make longer comments on the topics covered in the blogs. So I started this blog to put my thoughts and ideas "out there." I guess I needed an outlet of some type. I still have the thoughts and ideas, I just haven't been good about sharing them here. I'm not sure why, other than a lack of time; and that's not a great reason. I don't know, maybe there's a "deeper" reason, maybe not. I do know that once you are cautious about sharing your thoughts, it's hard to start up again.

Anyway, life moves on....and I want to use this post to highlight another blog. Link on over to Chronicles of the Fabulous. They have some fantastic stuff to gander through! Love to both those girls and their Fabulousness!!!

Happy New Year 2011!!

2011-01-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

New Year's Day. When I was a kid, it was a day to watch parades on television. I loved watching the floats and bands. As I grew older, it was a day for watching the Bowl Games (back when Bowl Games meant something). Now, it just might be a day for reflecting on the past year and planning the new year. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions....but, it might be a good idea to set an overall goal for this next year. I might just try it this year. Now I'm not talking about renaming a "resolution" as a "goal," I'm talking about a making an overall goal for life in the upcoming year; something like "making a conscious decision to look on the bright side" or "being more assertive" or "trying to be more spiritual." What about you? Do you have an overarching goal for the New Year? I may want to borrow yours.......smile......

Merry Christmas from Afghanistan.....

2010-12-21T14:49:00.002-05:00

Gotta love the Marines.....

An Extraordinary Speech

2010-12-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

An Extraordinary Speech

This is a MUST READ!

The Sal Guinta Story

2010-12-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since President Obama announced the award of the Medal of Honor to Sal Guinta for his actions in Afghanistan. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington have produced a great clip telling Guinta's story. It's a bit long (about 15 minutes) but well worth the time to watch. What is very impressive is Guinta's humility and attitude about receiving the Medal of Honor. Watch the whole thing.....it's worth it!

The Sal Giunta Story from SebastianJunger/TimHetherington on Vimeo.

Multiculturalism Hits The Wall

2010-12-05T21:51:00.000-05:00

Multiculturalism Hits The Wall

This article by JR Dunn is fantastic. Although it's a bit lengthy, it's well worth the read!

It's a No-Brainer, Folks!

2010-12-04T10:20:00.000-05:00

We've all been inundated with news about whether or not Congress should vote to extend the Bush Era tax cuts and keep tax rates at their current levels. But just to summarize; "the right" wants to keep the tax rates as they are, while "the left" wants to keep tax rates in place for some and let the "temporary" tax cuts expire for those making more than $250,000 a year. We're not talking about a tax cut at all....despite pundits on both sides that talk about a tax cut....we're talking about whether or not to keep tax rates as they are. To me, this seems like a no-brainer: give the taxpaying citizens of this country some certainty and make the "cuts" permanent!

How can we expect private citizens and businesses to plan for the future, when the future of their tax liability is completely unclear? How can we expect any job growth or business expansion when employers have no idea what impact taxes may have on their endeavors? How can we expect to recover from an economic recession when everyone is afraid to spend, because they need to keep a reserve in case their taxes are increased? Short answer....we can't. Both private citizens and employers need to have an idea of what their tax liability may be. Only then will there be a possibility of growth; in the job arena or in the economy.

Congress needs to act, soon. Congress needs to make the current rates permanent. Congress needs to quit posturing and trying to make political points through sound-bites. The "left" in Congress needs to stop trying to start a class-war by arguing that the current tax rates favor the "rich." They don't. The current tax rates won't do much to stimulate job growth or economic recovery....after all these tax rates were in place when the economy tanked. But raising the tax rates for anyone is economic suicide. Raising tax rates at any level, will only grow the amount of our money going to the Government to support "pet" projects for politicians and bureaucrats. Raising taxes is stupid. Period. It's a no-brainer.

"I Fought for You"

2010-11-11T18:45:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful tribute for Veteran's Day. Watch it with a box of tissue....

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

It's Veteran's Day. It's a day to both remember and a day to be thankful. We should take time to remember the young (and some not-so-young) men and women who made the decision to serve. Serving in the military is not easy. Those who make the decision to serve do so knowing that they'll encounter a great deal of mental and physical stress. Most of the time, their service demands separation from family and friends. Most of the time, their service demands that they master new skills. Most of the time, their service demands that they place their lives in jeapordy; willingly. We should be thankful for those who have served and who do serve. It's not easy.

We should also take time today to say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who made the decision to serve, and paid "the ultimate price" for that service. Remember those who did not come home to their family and friends. Remember their families. They died that we may enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have.

Veteran's Day Article from VA Guest Blogger

2010-11-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

I don't often have guest bloggers on here....not sure why.....today's an exception. Kevin Pearia, who blogs at VAbenefitblog.com, has written an information article that is particularly important on Veteran's Day. Here it is:

VA Home Loans for Veterans Day

Service members should own a home in the country they protect. There’s no better time of the year to make use of the VA loan.

With Veterans Day comes a feeling of appreciation. Restaurants, stores, medical offices and other businesses offer deals and discounts. Civilians volunteer and participate in the festivals and memorials of Veterans Day. Local VA offices encourage the promotion of newer and existing veteran benefits such as the VA loan.

The VA Loan

Many veterans do not know about the VA loan. However, its popularity grows every year. In the past four years, home purchasing in the veteran community rose 63 percent, according to the VA in a Nov. 1 press release.

“Home ownership is one of the foundations of the American dream,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said in the press release. “VA is honored to administer a benefit that for two-thirds of a century has profoundly affected the lives of our Veterans, our military service members and their families.”

There is no better time than now to purchase a home. The VA loan program booms with excellent benefits. The housing market offers super-low mortgage rates. Foreclosure and “serious delinquency rates” were the lowest in the “housing industry” for the “last six quarters,” according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Delinquency Survey.

Benefits

The VA loan is one of the last no down payment programs in existence. Buying a home becomes a tangible reality for active duty and veteran service members due to low mortgage and interest rates.

Eligible members can save up to $300 more every month with the VA loan, as opposed to traditional loans. Why?

•No monthly private mortgage insurance payments

•A stress-free process

•Less stringent credit and income standards than conventional loans

•No prepayment penalties

•Various options such as interest-rate-reduction loans

•A buyer can obtain a loan up to $417,000

Eligibility

Most veterans, active duty military members, Reservists and National Guard members are eligible for a VA loan. Surviving spouses may also be able to apply. Anyone with a dishonorable discharge will not be considered for the loan.

Beginning the Process

It seems scary to start the home buying process. However, veterans need not fear. “During the past decade, VA loan specialists have helped more than 150,000 families hold onto their homes,” the VA press release said.

VA loan specialists guide first time and seasoned veteran home buyers through the process. They find useful avenues that help home buyers to make realistic, affordable and desired decisions.

VOTE!!!

2010-11-01T21:53:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is election day. Whatever you have to do tomorrow, you should take the time to exercise one of the fundamental rights (and responsibilities) of citizenship: VOTE!!!

Time Traveler Discovered?

2010-10-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

Check out this video from CNN....it's a clip from a 1928 Charlie Chaplin movie where an extra walking in the background appears to be talking on a cell phone....in 1928??? What do you think???

What? Double Standards?

2010-10-26T15:36:00.000-04:00

OK....so NPR fires commentator Juan Williams for saying that when he sees airline passengers who obviously identify with their Muslim faith, he gets nervous. Personally, I agree with Mr. Williams and think that his firing was totally unfair. I also feel that Mr Williams was well within his rights to express an opinion. He wasn't disrespectful or vulgar, nor did he personally attack anyone. His firing is an example of "political correctness" gone so very wrong. I also strongly believe that NPR, with their blatant political bias, should not be funded with any taxpayer money whatsoever.

Today, we have liberal TV personality Joy Behar from "The View," ranting about a Sharon Angle political ad, and calling Ms Angle a "bitch" on national TV. Like Mr Williams, she was expressing her opinion; however she went too far when she called Ms Angle a "bitch" and said that Ms Angle is "going to hell, this bitch." She personally attacked Ms Angle, in a very vulgar and disrespectful way. Ms Behar is entitled to her opinion about the political ad, and about Ms Angle; but there is no call use the "b-word" in a personal attack. In my opinion, this goes beyond "political correctness" and into the realm of viciousness. In my opinion, calling a woman the "b-word" is akin to calling a black person the "n-word." There is no place for it in civilized society, no matter what your political orientation.

Now, I wonder, will there be a response to Ms Behar's vicious personal attack? Or, will she be given a "pass" because of her political leanings? Will Ms Behar be asked to leave "The View," as Mr Williams was asked to leave NPR? Somehow, I doubt it....because, after all, she is a liberal. Double standard? You bet!

A Poem

2010-10-23T19:19:00.000-04:00

I have a few friends and relatives who send me those "viral" emails....you know the type of emails that go around and around and around the ether. Some of them make you think, some make you cry, and some make you mad (the one that make me mad are usually the ones that promise good luck or fortunes or something if you don't "break the chain.") Anyway, my Aunt sent me one of the "viral" emails that not only made me think, but made me want to cry. So, instead of sending it out to everyone on my contact list, I thought I'd post it here. I have no idea who authored this poem, but whoever did, got it right.

A Poem Worth Reading

He was getting old and paunchy

And his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion,

Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in

And the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies;

They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors

His tales became a joke,

All his buddies listened quietly

For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,

For ol' Sam has passed away,

And the world's a little poorer

For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,

Just his children and his wife.

For he lived an ordinary,

Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,

Going quietly on his way;

And the world won't note his passing,

'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,

Their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing,

And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories

From the time that they were young

But the passing of a Soldier

Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,

Some jerk who breaks his promise

And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow

Who in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his country

And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,

Are often disproportionate,

To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,

Who offered up his all,

Is paid off with a medal

And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians

With their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom

That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,

With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,

With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--

His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier,

Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,

And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us

We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,

We find the Soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troubles

That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor

While he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage

At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simply headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,

A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

h/t Dianne

"Real Housewives"

2010-10-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

Patrick Dorinson, who blogs at The Cowboy Libertarian, has a published great piece on "real housewives" on the FoxNEWS Opinion website. He's responding to a rant by comedian (if you like that kind of comedy) Bill Maher. Apparently the rant started with Vikings quarterback Brett Farve's "sexting," progressed to white men and the women they like, and ended with comments about Sarah Palin and other conservative women. You can probably tell that I don't find Maher funny, and so I don't watch him. Anyway, Mr Dorinson's response is wonderful and one of my "must reads."
Mr. Dorinson talks about the "real housewives of Idaho." He describes women who

don’t have their own TV show although it would be a helluva lot more interesting than watching the other “real” housewives and definitely better than watching Maher’s weekly ego fest.

They don’t wildly spend money on frivolous things at high-tone stores. They shop at Costco to feed the family and during gathering feed the crew. They are partners with their husbands. Their children are taught the lessons of work, faith and family from the time they can walk and as soon as they can walk they are in the saddle working right alongside their parents.

You don’t hear a lot of whining about how tough their lives are. They know life is tough but they wouldn’t have it any other way.

They don’t have weekends. Saturday and Sunday are just two more days to get the work done.

They don’t stab their female friends in the back when they aren’t around. They pitch-in to help each other and treat each other’s children as if they were their own.

They don’t hang out at Starbucks because they aren’t dumb enough to pay $5 for a cup of coffee and don’t have the time or the inclination to sit around and be neurotic and catty.

And they face adversity everyday and meet it head-on.

Mr Dorinson's piece describes the "real housewives" I know. These are my neighbors and my best friends. These "real housewives" are more real that those women who pretend to be real on TV. These "real women" are the reason I love living in a small town in Flyover Country. As Mr. Dorinson so eloquently explains,

These are the “mama grizzlies” Sarah Palin is talking about. They identify with her because she is one of them.

I think that Maher belittles them and makes fun of their lifestyle because he is afraid of them and what they represent.

They represent an America that is in resurgence vastly different from his warped and cynical view of the nation and its people. An America that has finally had enough of being ruled by a bunch of elite coastal snobs who push their version of what this country stands for at the expense of traditional values and morals. An America that still prays to God asking for spiritual guidance, unlike Maher who openly mocks religion. Maher better hope he’s right about there being no God or come Judgment Day he is going to be one sorry fella.

It is also an America that is tired of the cattle crap Maher would call entertainment, polluting the minds of their children. And an America that stubbornly believes that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are not just meaningless words from our past but meaningful words to guide our future.

Thank God for "real housewives" who are "real women!"

Stories

2010-10-13T09:38:00.001-04:00

Stories are wonderful things. I love to read, fiction, non-fiction, biographies....pretty much everything. Talented authors can create whole new worlds. They can explore human emotions, and help us understand ourselves and others. They can help us understand our past; where we come from and where we're going. Talented authors can make us think. Books are wonderful things.

But, there are stories in places other than books. Some people can find stories in the rocks of the earth (something I wish I could read better). Some people can find stories in their own imaginations. Yesterday, I was able to find stories in a wonderful friend who took me with him to chase cows.

This friend is an 80-something horseman, cattleman, and gentleman. He's lived in this valley all his life (except for a 4 year period when he served in the Air Force). He invited me to go with him to look for some of his cattle on the mountain near our little town. He, and his family, have grazing leases for his cattle on the National Forest land up there. The cows, and their calves, graze on the mountain grass all summer; but when the weather starts to get colder, they come down the mountain to the pastures that sit at the base of the mountain and are moved to the desert grazing areas. Some of the cows need a bit of "encouragement" to leave the mountain....so we took our horses and looked for them to head them down.

It was a beautiful day; cool and sunny, with a very slight breeze. It was fantastic to be out on a horse. I enjoyed the ride, the weather, and the beautiful scenery. But most of all, I enjoyed the stories my riding partner told. He told me about growing up in the valley. He told me how his great-great grandfather drove a herd of cows across the plains as a part of the great-Mormon migration, arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in the 1850s. He talked about his fascination with cattle brands; and how his family has several generations of registered brands, starting with that great-great grandfather. We talked about how different it is to run cattle on the mountain in these days of regulation and paperwork. He told me about his experiences riding the range as a young man and packing what he needed on a horse. His stories were fascinating, funny, poignant and proud. I loved those stories.

We should do everything we can to capture the stories that folks like my cattleman friend can tell. They're too important to forget, and to wonderful to lose.

Halloween Democrats

2010-10-13T09:17:00.000-04:00

Doesn't this say it all......

Born on the 4th of July

2010-10-09T21:52:00.001-04:00

For those of you of my generation, remember the movie "Born on the 4th of July?" It was one of those "classic" Hollywood movies about veterans....you know the type of movie; the vet returns from war as a victim. Tom Cruise starred in the movie, which was released in 1989. The movie is described as a biopic about Ron Kovac, a paraylized Vietnam veteran who came home and became an anti-war activist because he felt "betrayed" by his country. The movie won 2 Oscars, including one for Oliver Stone as "Best Director." Well, in these days, we have an interesting contrast to the "vet as victim" mantra that Hollywood and popular culture try to portray.

I'd like to introduce you to Army Staff Sergeant John Wayne Walding. He's a real-life veteran, who really was born on the 4th of July. SSgt Walding just graduated from the Army Sniper school, which is a great accomplishment. But what makes it even more impressive is that SSgt Walding lost his leg in a 6 1/2 hour fire fight in Afghanistan in April 2008. Walding and the other members of his Special Forces team were awarded the Silver Star for their actions that day. Walding was shot in the lower leg and, in an article on the Army website, described how he had to use his boot lace to tie his leg to his thigh to keep it from flapping around. Walding was determined to stay on active duty, and he's done so. In fact, many of his classmates in the sniper course did not know he was an amputee. He passed the extremely tough course without any specal accomodations, scoring well in all the exercises.

Now compare the two stories. Granted, SSgt Walding wasn't confined to a wheelchair the way Kovac was; but SSgt Walding never considered himself a "victim" nor did he decide his country had "betrayed" him. He's made of better stuff. He decided he wouldn't let the loss of a leg stop him from accomplishing goals he set for himself. The path may have been more difficult, but he accomplished those goals anyway. SSgt Walding sees himself as a soldier, not a victim. Now I ask you.....which is the more healthy point of view?

Small Towns and Newspapers

2010-10-07T16:03:00.000-04:00

The place where I live is just one of the many things that has changed in my life in the last couple of years. I left the big city and the beltway and moved to a very small town in the remote county where my mother grew up. I love it here. It's home. It's beautiful. It's a place where I can be myself and do the things that make me happy. It's a place where people bond together into a community, and care about each other.

It's a fantastic place to live for so many reasons; but it is small! For example, it's so rural that we don't have mail carriers to deliver the mail. Each small town has a post office and you have to stop there to get your mail. Now this isn't all bad. When you stop at the post office, you have a chance to run into a friend or acquaintance that you haven't seen in a while. When you stop, you can chat with any number of people who have also stopped for their mail. The post office is somewhat of a social center, particularly when the postmaster is as friendly as our postmistress. In some ways, it's part of the heartbeat of our community. You can also tell we're a small rural community by reading our newspaper. It comes out weekly, and is delivered through the post office. The newspaper carries stories of interest to the community; things like local sports updates, articles about the farmer's market, and ads from local government candidates, as well as tips on how to deal with an early frost. Of course there are also the obligatory legal notices and a section of classified advertisements.

Today, we went to the post office to get our mail. As we were chatting with the postmistress, I gandered through the paper (to see if there was a story about the football team...there was). Here's a classified ad that caught my eye, and caused me to laugh out loud:

PAY FOR MY DUI

(name deleted) is asking for donations to help pay his find for a DUI. On August 21, he came down to see the Rodeo, he slept in the back of his truck at his nephew's sawmill. The next morning, he couldn't resist doing a couple of doughnuts, the cops were called, and he got a DUI. You can send donations to: (address and phone number deleted). Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

I was so tickled that I was almost tempted to send a buck....almost, but not quite!

Sauce

2010-10-06T23:07:00.000-04:00

I did something today that I've never done before.....I made tomato sauce; made it with tomatoes that I grew in my own garden. After I made the tomato sauce, I bottled it (all 3 pints of it, but hey, it's something I did for myself). It tastes wonderful! I don't know why garden-grown tomatoes taste so much better than store-bought tomatoes, but they do. And tomato sauce made from garden-grown tomatoes tastes fantastic! I just hope the rest of the tomatoes that I have on the vines in my tomato jungle (it really is a jungle....I planted the tomato plants too close) ripen before it frosts. I want to make more tomato sauce! The tomato sauce joins the salsa and the spaghetti sauce that I've made from those tomatoes. So yummy!

The whole time I was making the sauce, I kept thinking about my grandmother. She loved tomatoes, and she'd bottle her own sauce. When we'd come to visit, particularly as she grew older, she'd let us cook. She'd always send us out to the storehouse to get her tomato sauce if we made spaghetti, or sloppy joes, or anything requiring tomato sauce. She liked her's better than anything store-bought. She was right, her's was better. I guess it's because she raised the tomatoes with love, then cooked and bottled the sauce with more love. Maybe it's the love that makes homemade sauce taste so good. Maybe.....

Marine's Vigil at Rolling Thunder 2010

2010-10-05T16:42:00.001-04:00

OK....in keeping with my promise to keep the conversation open, here's a wonderful video from this year's Rolling Thunder in DC. Gotta love those Marines.....

So why does this Marine (who's name is SSgt Chambers) undertake this vigil? Here's a video (although not a very good video) where he tells the reason he started and continues this vigil.

h/t Airman Mom

Been Awhile

2010-10-05T16:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a while. I'm not sure why, but I quit blogging for a while. It wasn't a conscious decision; it just happened. Sure, I've been extremely busy....but I'm always busy. I know I thought (a lot) about things I wanted to post in this blog....but I didn't post any of them. I'm not sure why. This blog was (is) an outlet for me. It gives me a chance to have and join conversations about things of importance to me. I enjoy the thought process that goes into writing posts, and I enjoy the feedback I get from sharing my thoughts. So, I'm not sure why I stopped blogging for a while....I just did.

So....I'll do better at blogging. I promise......

Angel Flight Song

2010-06-10T12:14:00.000-04:00

I heard this song on the radio around Memorial Day. It's a great song, and shouldn't be limited to Memorial Day. Check it out....but bring a box of tissue along.

Marine Reenlists

2010-04-10T09:46:00.000-04:00

So you're probably wondering why I'm blogging about a Marine reenlisting. After all it's something that happens everyday. But this Marine, Cpl Matthew Bradford, is special. He was blinded and lost both legs in 2007 when a roadside bomb exploded right under him. But being blind and not having legs does not define him. He's a Marine. He's done what's necessary to learn to walk on prosthetics and he's done what's necessary to learn to navigate the world he can no longer see. He's a Marine, and because he's reenlisted for another "hitch," Cpl Bradford is a uniformed Marine. According to the FOXNews story, he'll be assigned to the Center for the Intrepid, helping other injured Marines to learn how to deal with the anger, depression, and other issues that can come with severe injury. Good! It seems to me that if anyone can help other injured warriors, it's this Marine. As he says, "I'm paving the road for the rest of them who want to stay in but think they can't, I'm ready to get back to work."

What a Marine!

"Ladies and Gentlemen, You're Looking at a Real American Hero...."

2010-04-06T14:20:00.000-04:00

SSgt Timothy Nein tells the story of the action in Iraq that resulted in his Distinguished Service Cross. Good stuff!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

I hope that everyone in the "blog-o-sphere" has a very Happy Easter, and that you remember the real reason for Easter....

English to Militareese FAIL

2010-03-29T20:08:00.000-04:00

Those of us who have been in the military often have a different language. Some "militareese" is general to all the services, some is service-specific, and some of the specialized language is specific to a particular career field or job. (For example, I've been taking a scuba diving class, and the floation vest we wear is called a BCD, short for "Bouancy Control Device." After spending 23-years as an Air Force judge advocate, I have a hard time not thinking "Bad Conduct Discharge" whenever someone refers to their BCD.) Often, "militareese" consists of acronyms, but sometimes it's just different meanings for everyday words. For those who haven't been in the military, sometimes listening to spoken "militareese" can be difficult to follow.....it's like another language. Sometimes, there is a lack of communication between those who are fluent in "militareese" often with hilarious results.

AirForceWife, a blogger at "SpouseBuzz" has posted a very funny story about her "verbal faux pas" when speaking "militareese." Jump over there and read it....you'll laugh out loud!

Entitlement Programs Must Go!

2010-03-26T12:10:00.001-04:00

Cassandra has posted a fabulous analysis of the economic results of the ObamaCare entitlement program on her blog "Villainous Company." According to Cassandra, if the US economy is to survive, we have to tighten our belts and cut entitlement programs; not add an additional program. It's scary reading, but her facts and figures make sense. I'd put it in the "must read" category. Click on the link and jump on over and read her post......it will make you want to call your Congressman and demand repeal of the ObamaCare law!

Happy Birthday, Sevilla

2010-03-23T01:00:00.002-04:00

Today is the birthday of my eldest child, my lovely and extremely talented daughter. She was a beautiful baby, with big, expressive brown eyes. Those eyes are still big, brown and expressive. As a little girl, she would suprise people with her level of intelligence. When she was just 3 years old, a good friend of mine told me that she just loved carrying on an adult conversation with a 3 year old. She's still extremely intelligent, with a mind that can think up a sarcastic comeback, remember music lyrics, or create wonderful stories and poetry. She was a determined teenager, who would set goals for herself and then work hard to achieve them, whether those goals related to school work, dancing, or attending the college of her choice. She is still a very determined young woman. She was determined to be an Air Force helicopter pilot, and she's a good one. She is determined to be a good mother to her daughter, and she's a fantastic one. She was determined to do her part and deploy to Iraq; and she's there, doing what needs doing and doing it well.

I love my daughter very, very much. On this, her birthday, I want to express just how much I admire her. I admire who she is; not only what she does and how she does it, but who she is, inside. She's beautiful, strong, capable, and fun to be around.

So, Happy Birthday, Sevilla. Stay safe and know that you are loved. MOM

Remember......

2010-03-20T11:35:00.000-04:00

Those of us who have loved ones serving overseas honor and respect the choices our loved ones have made. We're proud that they've chosen to do something difficult, something necessary, and something that serves everyone in this country. We're proud of the strength they must have to do the kind of work they're asked to do. We're proud of their dedication. Nevertheless, we also fear for their safety; they are, after all, people that we love. We want the best for them. We want them to come home, safely.

Unfortunately, the world is a dangerous place and a war zone is one of the most dangerous. Sometimes bad things happen. When they do, loved ones at home have to pick up the pieces and go forward. It's when that happens that our many in our military families show that those who actually wear the uniform are not the only strong and dedicated members of the family. Our military family members serve this Country, too. If you don't think so, just read Mrs P's blog post, "I Will Always Be a Marine Wife." But I warn you, take a whole box of tissues along with you when you do.

Take time today to say a prayer for those who serve, and for their families who wait.

The Real Tea Party Story: Community Builders vs. Community Organizers

2010-03-14T21:20:00.001-04:00

Kelly-Ann Shiver has written a wonderful essay, published on American Thinker, titled, The Real Tea Party Story: Community Builders vs. Community Organizers. It is a "must read" for those who want a good explanation of the difference between the Tea Party movement and community organizing entities (like Acorn). Her explanation is simple and eloquent. Here's a quote:

The real Tea Party story is quite simple and an eloquent tribute to democracy: a genuine movement of ordinary people rising to the demands of their all-American principles. It represents a fundamental difference between those who seek to provide for themselves and those who see government as provider of all material goods. The Tea Party movement is a valiant resistance to decades of profligate entitlement spending, which has had the real effect of worsening every problem it was intended to fix, landing the country, at last, in a sea of impossible debt. Tea Partiers, like the Liberty Boys of 1776, stand steadfast on the principle of equality in the rule of law, not government-ordered equality in material-world goods.

As Ms Shiver sees it, the Tea Party movement is a reaction of those of us who have recognized we can no longer be the "silent majority." It is a reaction to liberal elites who have counterfeited the American institution of voluntary alturistic organizations and created community organizations to effect an "orderly revolution" designed to usher in a Marxist system of wealth distribution. It is a reaction to those who have been taught, often by those who express a desire to "help," that the only solution to life's problems lies in government action. As Ms Shriver says,

From the Stimulus package of political payoffs to the power grab of car companies "too big to fail," to the climate bill rewards for privileged corporate interests, to the health care takeover in the same vein, we see a man dedicated to destroying the very foundations of America's community-builders and replacing them with the grand social-engineers' paradise, which Saul Alinsky -- and Mussolini, Hitler, Marx, Engels, Lenin, Mao, and others -- have envisioned.

I think Ms Shiver has hit on something with her analysis. It makes sense to me, and explains why the Tea Party movement is so important. American citizens, those of us who THINK anyway, believe that hard work and self-reliance leads to success. We believe in limited government and personal freedom. We believe in helping those who help themselves, not in providing a handout to those who expect it. So to again quote Ms Shiver,

The real Tea Party story is as simple as this. Genuine community-builders do not wish to be robbed blind and see their children in the shackles of debt so that the modern version of tyranny -- community organizers -- can split up a pie they didn't bake.

Read the article.....it's worth it!

Honor

2010-03-13T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Sniper, a milblogger, has created a wonderful "motivator" and has given permission for others to post it. As the old saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." In this case, the old saying is absolutely right.

Team Rubicon

2010-02-19T17:23:00.003-05:00

Those of you who have been with me from the beginning of this blog will remember that, for quite some time, I followed the exploits of Jake Wood, who blogged on "Jake's World," and linked to his blog from mine. I started following Jake when he was a young Marine in Iraq during the early stages of the "surge." One of my motivations for starting this blog was the desire to join the conversation that was led by people like Jake.

Jake has left the Marine Corps, but he's still making an impact. After the earthquake in Haiti, while many of us were wondering how we could help (beyond sending money), Jake, and seven others, actually did something. They created "Team Rubicon." Team Rubicon, or TR as they call themselves, is a group of former Marines, medical professionals, and first responders who got together, and despite discouragement from the big international aid agencies, went into Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and made a difference. Team Rubicon and their efforts in Haiti are highlighted in Foreign Policy magazine. Check it out....it's worth your time. Then head over to Team Rubicon's webpage and get involved by volunteering or donating. These are truly "the good guys."

Hero in Austin

2010-02-19T13:26:00.004-05:00

Somewhere amid all the Olympic news came a report that a disgruntled man had flown a small engine plane into the IRS building in Austin, Texas. Fortunately, the suicidal man took only one life besides his own. Disasters of every kind, man-made like this one or naturally occurring, bring stories of heroism and kindness. This disaster at the IRS building is no different. FoxNEWS has a report of one of the heroes present that day: Robin Dehaven. Mr Dehaven is a glass glazer, who just happened to be driving by the IRS building when the small plane hit. Unlike a lot of people, he didn't keep going. He stopped. He saw a situation where he could help, and he took action. As he said, "I immediately drove my truck over there, got the ladder off, went up to the side of the building and I saw people up on the second floor with their heads out the window for air because the room was filled with smoke." Mr Dehaven extended his ladder up the side of the building to try to help people get out of the burning inferno, but the people inside couldn't secure the ladder properly. So he went up the ladder, into the building, helped the people inside to break another window, and secured the ladder the best he could. Even though the ladder "slipped a little bit," he helped five people to get down the ladder, buy going down with them and holding their backs "so they wouldn't fall if they slipped."

Now, in my book, Mr Dehaven is a real hero. He ran to help when help was needed. He didn't have to, but he did. Mr Dehaven's boss wasn't surprised at Mr Dehaven's actions; he thinks it was just a Mr Dehaven's character, to help others. Oh....did I say that Mr Dehaven spent six and a half years as a Combat Engineer in the Army? I'd bet dollars to donuts that Mr Dehaven's Army experience formed a large part of the character he demonstrated at the IRS building. He's a hero.

Dancin'

2010-02-14T17:23:00.001-05:00

I want to be like these guys when I grow up!

New Ideas for Congressional Democrats

2010-02-14T17:11:00.004-05:00

Last week, Washington DC suffered from the worst snowstorm in decades. The Government was closed, schools closed, roads blocked, power out...so what did Democrats in Congress do when they didn't have to go to work? Well, check it out:

From FoxNews Photo-op....by Greg Detrich from Alabama.

Wanna Go to Afghanistan?

2010-02-10T10:28:00.004-05:00

Kentucky Woman, over at "Little Drops....," is going to Afghanistan.....want to join her? I am. It seems that two Air Force journalists are taking a 3o-day swing through the country and documenting their trip. You, too, can sign up for updates and "virtually" tour the country with them. They're posting on Facebook and on the ISAF website. Here's what KyWoman says about the effort:

Now the why... So many of 'Our Guys' and 'Gals' have spent a good portion of their lives in the past 8 years working, fighting and paying the ultimate price with their life for our freedoms in the land called Afghanistan. There are many negative images of the country, people and the reason we're there and what we're doing. This 30 day trip being videoed by these two Airmen will perhaps give everyone who is curious and questioning a better understanding of what our soldiers see everyday. It's like taking a trip without ever leaving your home. Not quite how I like to travel, but sure beats reading the newspapers accounts and opinions.

Now isn't this a great idea, and a wonderful way to support those young men and women who are still serving?

Flyover Country

2010-02-09T12:59:00.006-05:00

I love where I live. It's always been home to me, even though I was a military brat and moved every three years, this place was a constant in my life. My grandparents lived here, and we would try to visit them every summer as I was growing up. After I left home and started my own family, I still tried to come back as often as possible; not only because I wanted to see my grandparents, but because I needed to be here. I wanted my family to love this place as much as I did, because, this is the place where I feel more "in touch" with just about everything. I feel "real" here. This is the place where I feel a spiritual connection that's hard to explain. For me, it's "home" in every meaning of the word.

While this place is home, it is remote. Flyover County, in Flyover Country, is in a high mountain valley (most of the County is above 7,000 feet), about 50 miles from the nearest Walmart. In the last census (2000), the County had 2,509 people, eight small towns (the largest of which has about 550 people), two National Forests, one National Park, and no US highways. It's wonderful! As an example of how wonderful....yesterday, on my way over the mountain pass to the nearest Walmart-town, I saw this:

There he was, just sitting on a rock along side the road, sunning himself and looking around...all majestic and proud. What a beautiful sight! I love Flyover County!

Fun in Flyover Country

2010-02-09T12:49:00.002-05:00

I just thought I'd post this to show you one of the many ways we have fun in "Flyover Country."

"A Class Act"

2010-02-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

Smiley sent this to me, and I'm posting it just as it appeared in the email....so I have no idea who I'm quoting; but it's a nice thought and a wonderful video:

"I once said, that some people take their football and the fighting for their alma mater way too serious in the "big" picture of life, a game should be a game with good sports, no hard feelings and being an adult. This was sent to me by a friend, and sort of points that out.

Just prior to the start of the Air Force-BYU football game, Sept. 22, 2009, this video was broadcast in the BYU stadium in Provo, Utah. Later, the USAF Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen Gould, showed this clip to the faculty and staff. He told everyone that BYU ran it minutes before the kickoff at the game. He was clearly moved by it, as were those who watched it. BYU is a class act."

Worldwide Threat Levels

2010-02-05T19:31:00.002-05:00

CJ, who blogs on the "You Served" blog, has a wonderful analysis of the rise in current worldwide security levels. Jump on over there and read it....it's not only educational but something that I'd characterize as a "must read!"

"The Final Inspection"

2010-02-03T17:11:00.005-05:00

Like a lot of people, I get those chain-emails that go around and around the "e-verse". Some of them are laugh-out-loud funny, some of them are silly, and some of them are real tear-jerkers. Unless the email message is really good, or really funny, I usually don't pass them along....at least not since my son told me he really doesn't read "Mom Spam." When I do pass them along, it's only to a select few that I know will appreciate the humor or will be touched by the message.

Having said that....today I got an email from a very good friend. I know I've seen this email before, and was touched by it then. I don't remember if I passed it along, or not, but for some reason I feel compelled to post the email's poem....so here it is:

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass..

'Step forward now,Soldier ,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear...
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

h/t Mutt & Jeff

Memorial Bracelets

2010-02-02T17:38:00.004-05:00

I grew up in the 1960's and 70's. The Vietnam War was in full swing. It wasn't a "popular" war, and for some people, that unpopularity flowed over onto our military. We've all heard the stories of returning servicemen being spit on, called "baby killers," and treated with disdain. Even though the War and our servicemen and women were "unpopular," the American public still supported those who were missing-in-action or who were prisoners-of-war. We proudly bought and wore our metal POW-MIA bracelets, hoping that the person with the name we wore on our wrists would make it home safely. I had one. "My" serviceman didn't come home. As far as I know, he's still MIA.

Today, while the War against Terrorism might not be popular, it is necessary. I believe the American public knows this. I believe that's why we "support our troops." We all recognize that our fighting men and women stand between us and those who would harm us, our country, and our way of life. It is only fitting that we honor these men and women who give so much for us. There are a number of things we can to do give our military their due; volunteering for Soldier's Angels, sending packages to "Any Soldier," donating to charities that support the families of those who gave their lives, or by simply saying "thank you" to anyone you see in uniform.

My Marine Son has pointed out another way to honor those who have given all; a memorial bracelet. These bracelets are similar to the POW-MIA bracelets of the '70s. Like those bracelets, a memorial bracelet is a simple way to keep the sacrifice of those who "gave all" in the forefront of our minds. They're a way to remember. You can order a memorial bracelet at MemorialBracelets.com. You can order a bracelet with the name of someone you know, someone from your hometown, or home state. You can order a bracelet to memorialize someone who gave their life in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam; or someone who was the victim of terrorism. It's not hard to order, and wearing the bracelet is another way to show support for our military.

I ordered two bracelets today. I ordered them to remember two young men that I didn't know. I may not have known these young men, but I will honor them forever; not only because they gave their lives for this wonderful country, but because they served with my son. He knew them. He said they were "good kids." He mourns them. So to honor him, and to honor them, my husband and I will proudly wear these bracelets in memory of LCpl Leopold F. Damas of Floral Park, New York, who was 26 years old when he died in Afghanistan on the 17th of August 2009, and for LCpl Javier Olvera of Palmdale, California, who was only 20 years old when he died in Afghanistan on the 8th of August, 2009. May God Bless them both, and may God Bless their families.

Kaboom: He's Back!!!!

2010-02-01T11:18:00.006-05:00

I have some fantastic news! For those of you that have read this blog from the beginning, you've heard of LtG (a.k.a. Matt Gallagher) and his "Kaboom" blog. Just to recap, LtG was a blogging as a platoon leader in Iraq, recounting the "adventures" of his unit (which he named the "Gravediggers"), when he was ordered to stop blogging. LtG's posts were pithy, informative, descriptive, sometimes sarcastic, and always entertaining. I, among many, was extremely disappointed when he was forced to shut down the blog.

Well, here's the good news....LtG is back! A book based on his blog and his experiences in Iraq is scheduled for publication on April 1st. (He swears this is not an April Fool's joke.) Based on LtG's blog writing, I'll recommend this new book to you, sight unseen. (You can pre-order it on Amazon.com by clicking this link.) He's also posting on Kaboom, again! Good luck LtG!!!

h/t RedBull Rising

Cafferty's Got It!

2010-01-24T21:02:00.004-05:00

I know a lot of people, including yours truly, question whether CNN is a "real" media outlet, or just another arm of the administration's media apparatus. But it looks like at least one CNN commentator can look at the actions of the Democrat-controlled Congress and it's Empress-wanna-be Speaker and call-it-like-he-sees-it. As far as I'm concerned.....he's got it, and her, nailed! Check it out:

h/t GSmiley

Everyone's Got an Opinion.....

2010-01-21T21:51:00.006-05:00

In light of the Republican victory in gaining the Massachusetts Senate seat, several political pundits have expressed their opinions visually. Here's a couple....

This one is from a guy named Jim Bille from Raleigh, NC. I particularly liked this one, and believes it says it all!

This one was done by Jon Prain of Avon, IL.

I liked it, because it says what I've been saying for a while....those in power just don't have a clue what those of us living in "Flyover Country" think, nor do they really want to know!

If you'd like to see more of these creations, check out the Photo Opinions on FOXNews.

Earthquake Weapon?

2010-01-21T21:26:00.002-05:00

OK....so I've heard a number of conspiracy theories in my day; some were entertaining, some were interesting, and some were just plain stupid. It seems Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has a conspiracy theory that is simply crazy. (Now, is that a surprise to anyone?) According to FoxNews, Chavez' state-run media has been reporting that the Haiti earthquake was caused by the US testing an experimental shockwave system that can also cause floods, droughts, and hurricanes. Apparently, the same system is responsible for quakes in California and China. According to Hugo Chavez, we're developing the system to use it as a weapon against Iran, and we caused the Haiti earthquake only to test the system; oh yeah, and to have an excuse to invade and occupy Haiti. WOW! Are we ever powerful...to be able to control the Earth's movements, as well as the Earth's weather! No wonder we're an "empire."

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart

2010-01-16T14:17:00.003-05:00

Twenty-nine years ago, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl. From the first moment I saw her, I knew she was special. She was beautiful then, and she's beautiful now. Of course, my first sight of her was this beautiful little being screaming at the top of her lungs as she protested her birth. She still protests against things she thinks wrong or unfair. She quited down quickly, though, and obviously watched everything happening around her; as the nurses did the things nurses do for newborns. She's still focused and aware; from things around her home to issues of National interest. She was a little beautiful blond baby. From my first sight of her, she's had a special place in my heart.

As a child, my daughter was loving, stubborn, intelligent, and beautiful. She's the child that could both charm and exasperate. She was (and is) athletic and intelligent. She can still be stubborn. She is a strong woman, in a family of strong women. I love her.

My daughter is now a mother, with children of her own. She's a fantastic mother. She is raising her children to be respectful and capable. She's got a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and has married a man with an equally strong testimony. Their children have a bright, simple testimony that will only grow as they hear and feel their parents' testimonies. I'm so proud of my daughter's choice of an eternal companion....she couldn't have found anyone more suited to her. My daughter is an example of someone I'd like to be, eventually.

So, Happy Birthday, sweetheart. I hope this next year brings you all the happiness you deserve!

Inevitable? I hope not!

2010-01-16T13:59:00.002-05:00

I'm not normally a big Patrick Buchanan fan....but this article in WorldNetDaily titled "Is America's Financial Collapse Inevitable?" asks some serious questions about the economic future of this country. Mr Buchanan quotes some pretty heavy-hitter economic thinkers who think that the current government policies, which have grown the government's deficit, will eventually cause the debt to grow larger than the gross domestic product; leading to the bankruptcy of our government and the collapse of our economy. Scary stuff! Particularly when the political realities, and trying to keep various voting blocks happy, preclude the hard decisions (cutting entitlements or increasing taxes) that will reduce the deficit. Really scary stuff.

I'm not an economist, nor do I fully understand the interplay of forces on our National economy; but I do believe that growing government (consequently growing government salaries) and growing entitlement programs when our National debt is so high violates common sense. It seems as stupid as using one credit card to pay off another credit card. Maybe our current crop of elected officials are too busy trying to please enough special interest groups to ensure their re-election that they've forgotten basic common sense lessons of life.

Air Force Combat Controllers

2010-01-16T10:54:00.002-05:00

George Smiley, over at In From the Cold, has a wonderful post paying tribute to the early efforts of our Air Force Combat Controllers to help resolve the post-earthquake chaos in Haiti. I happen to agree with Mr. Smiley; Combat Controllers are often unsung heroes. They are often the force and power behind the scenes in our Nation's response to natural disasters, as well as being a potent force in combat. Read the post....you'll have a new appreciation for the work these highly-trained warriors do.

Health Care and Closed Doors

2010-01-12T16:45:00.003-05:00

In writing this blog, I've been pretty silent about the health care debate. I'm retired military and I was a military "brat." So you see, for most of my life, health care has been provided to me by the Federal government, in one form or another. Military medical coverage has good points and bad points; but you are "covered" (mostly). So, I haven't joined the debate about whether "nationalized" health care is a good thing, or whether "universal health coverage" would actually work. I didn't think it was right, since my health care is covered by the Veteran's Administration and by a form of nationalized insurance called Tricare.

Having said that.....I just have to weigh in now that the Democrats have decided to finalize the "look" of the health care bill behind closed doors; involving only a few "highly placed" Democrats. To me, this plan silences the voice of any opposition. It minimizes the voice of those who spoke at the health care town hall meetings held last fall. It ignores the ideas of the elected representatives of a good portion of this Country....those who vote Republican. By meeting behind closed doors, and not allowing any input into the "final" health care bill, it appears that the Democrat bigwigs will pander to their radical base, their fundraisers, and their ivory-tower apologists rather than try to find a way to approach any health care "crisis" from the point of view of a realist. This is not "open government" and it's not the way important issues should be decided! Secret, back-room meetings do nothing to advance the debate....they silence debate!

Check out this article by Max Pappas on the Freedom Works website. He summarizes several newspaper editors that are calling on the Obama administration to honor the "C-Span Promise" he made during his campaign; to have a more "transparent" government. I know that more campaign promises are broken than are kept...but this is one promise that should have been inviolate; especially when considering this health care bill. This is something that will have a profound impact on this country, its economy and its citizens. Those citizens have a right to know how the "final form" of the bill was written, and to know that their interests have been considered. All citizens have that right, even those who vote Republican!

"Make Mine Freedom" circa 1948

2010-01-10T16:01:00.003-05:00

This cartoon, produced in 1948, was going around the web in October 2009. I'm a bit late and just saw it this morning, when a good friend sent it to me via email. (Thanks NoDak Dan!) Nevertheless, I think that it's worth posting here. It's a bit long (almost 10 minutes), but well worth viewing! The interesting thing is that the cartoon was considered "far-fetched" in 1948.....

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T11:43:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! May 2010 be a happy and healthy year for everyone.

More Navy Fun

2009-12-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I honored the Navy with a clip of an Honor Guard performance. Today, I'll again honor the Navy with another clip....a bit different, but still impressive. Turn up the volume on this one!

Pearl Harbor Day

2009-12-07T10:13:00.004-05:00

I don't often blog about the Navy....but today, on the anniversary of the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, I have to take time to remember and honor those who have served in the Navy. I'd like to honor them with this clip of the Navy's Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard Drill Team.

Now, I'm not old enough to "Remember Pearl Harbor." But, like a lot of us, I have taken the time to learn about the attack; how we were unprepared, how our courageous service men (and women) tried to respond the best they could, how so many died, and how our collective surprise turned into determination not to allow our collective complacency to become our Achilles heel. The sleeping giant awoke after Pearl Harbor and took care of business.

I am old enough to remember 9/11. I had a small part to play in the Air Force's response that day, and in the days and weeks following. I will always remember the shock and horror I felt when I realized that we were under attack; not by a state entity, but by extremists bent on forcing their beliefs on us through terror.

I thought that the sleeping giant had awoken after that cowardly attack; and it did...for a while. But it seems to me that we have slipped back into our collective complacency. Although we are actively involved in military operations against terrorists in multiple places around the world, there is no real impact on the majority of us. We have not been asked to alter our selfish way of life. We have not been asked to do all we can to support the effort. We have not been asked to sacrifice.

Unless we have friends or family who have courageously volunteered to serve in our fighting forces, we seem to have forgotten the need to stand fast and fight for liberty and against those who would use terror to deprive us of our freedoms. I've heard the cynical saying that "the military has gone to war, and Americans have gone to the mall." Unfortunately, it seems that it's true. The "sleeping giant" has willingly gone back to sleep....leaving those who serve in our military forces, and our first responders, to keep their eyes open and carry the burden of protecting and preserving all that we hold dear. May God bless them for their willingness to stand firm.

President's Plan

2009-12-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

So, President Obama finally made a decision. He's going to send 3o,ooo more troops to support our operations in Afghanistan. Good. It's about time. I hope that President Obama's plan to "finish" the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and their extremist allies works. I'm not sure that President Obama is being realistic....but I can still hope. I am, however, extremely concerned by the "deadline" President Obama has set for leaving Afghanistan. Not only does a "deadline" give those extremists hope...all they have to do is wait for us to leave before restarting their plans...but a "deadline" may not be realistic. I fear that President Obama will become so entrenched in the idea that he has to leave by the deadline he set, that he will ignore military realities that may exist at the time. Anyone who has served in the military knows that no plan lasts beyond first contact with the enemy. My fear is that President Obama, and his advisers, will become so entrenched in the politics of supporting their plan that they forget those military realities.

Flyover Country

2009-11-29T14:31:00.011-05:00

There are a lot of benefits to living in "Flyover Country." Although you give up easy access to a mall (wait....isn't that one of the benefits??), you gain access to some of the most beautiful country in the world. Yesterday, we spent the day outside, surrounded by that beauty. We, along with my Aunt and Uncle, went off-roading on 4-wheelers. My Uncle has lived here his entire life, and has worked outdoors most of that time. He "KNOWS" "Flyover Country." He took us to an extremely remote, absolutely beautiful area, to see a Native American cultural site. (For those of you who are concerned with preserving cultural sites, my Uncle is a professional who respects those sites, and wants to preserve them....as do I. We are NOT "pot hunters.")

Anyway, we rode the 4-wheelers through some very scenic country...staying on a primitive, but extremely fun, road. We started the 4-wheeler trip higher on the mountain and followed the road down toward the desert. The road followed a deep gully, carved by a year-round creek, which flowed around (and sometimes through) red sandstone cliffs. Every turn of the road brought a new vista that took your breath away. After "a-ways" (which is a measurement of distance here in "Flyover Country") we got off the 4-wheelers and hiked to the cultural site. The hike was interesting, to say the least! We had to climb up a natural cleft in a rather steep hillside (I'd call it a cliff...but I've seen real cliffs that are much more sheer). Here's a picture of the cleft we climbed.

After the scramble up the cleft, we reached a ledge that ran around the side of the hill about 800 feet from the flat where we'd parked the 4-wheelers. The views were incredible! Here's a view of the valley from the ledge we followed, looking westward. Notice the primitive road in the valley....to give you a sense of scale....

We followed the ledge (more or less) around the side of the hill to a point where the hillside faced east. There we found the cultural site. The site was high up on the hillside, protected on the west with a 7-8 foot sort-of-semi-circular sandstone formation. The first thing you noticed was the multitude of flint chips scattered over the dirt. The chips were definite evidence that, at some point in time, people sat in that area and worked on tools; like arrowheads or other stone tools. They were all over the place, and you could tell from looking at them that the stone was worked.

The next thing you saw was a small rising-sun etched into the sandstone formation. If you looked more closely, you could see a flat stone with a smooth, oval indentation....something the ancient people used for grinding their grain or corn. Just sitting there, you could imagine a group of people, friends or family or both, coming to this place (where they could see miles in each direction) to visit while they worked or played. It was pretty cool!

It was easy to see why the ancient Native Americans chose this area to live. It is fertile, beautiful, and easily defensible. The ancients in this area built houses (sometimes even towns) and farmed where they could find water. When they left, rather abruptly, they left behind pictures etched or painted on the rock and granaries (sometimes full of corn) high in the surrounding cliffs. They also left other evidence of their daily life, if you know how to look for it, including evidence of their homes, evidence of how they ground their grain or corn, and evidence of how they made tools (like arrowheads or axes).

Just to the east, a short hike away, was a cliff-side granary. Although the ancients' storage facility was in ruins, you could still see how they used stone, branches, and mud to make a secure storage area inside a cliff-side alcove. You could still see the charred wood used as beams of the storage area's roof. You could still see even the indentations of the branches in the mud that was used to cover the storage cache. What was really awesome, was that you could see where the ancients who made the granary used their fingers to press the mud onto the stone. Cool!

After leaving the cliff-side granary...and leaving everything in place...we hiked over the top to the south side of the hill. The views to the south were just as incredible as the north-side views. After finding a way through cliffs and ledges, we finally made our way around the north-side of the hill to a "saddle" or lower-spot on the crest of the hill. Just before making our way over the saddle to find the cleft down the side, we came upon something that, in its own way, was just as amazing as the cultural sites....we found the remains of yellow, green, and black balloons; all tied together with ribbon, that had flown over "Flyover Country" from someone's birthday party or homecoming game and come to rest in the branches of a tree. Not something you see everyday in the wilds...miles and miles away from the nearest mall.

Happy 7th Birthday, Princess

2009-11-23T09:52:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my granddaughter, Princess Pink! I will never forget the call from her mother, telling us that she had arrived; healthy and well. I will never forget the wonder of knowing that my beautiful baby had given birth to a small, helpless being. Princess Pink is another beautiful baby, just like her mother; and she is growing up into a beautiful, smart, loving little lady. Have a very happy Birthday, little girl. I miss you.

WOW

2009-11-16T23:28:00.002-05:00

This video is in the category of "things that make you go "wow!" Check it out....it sure "wowed" the Navy Midshipmen watching this particular halftime show; and without a even having a wardrobe malfunction!

Check it out!

h/t Smiley

Home!

2009-11-14T14:45:00.003-05:00

My Marine son is home from Afghanistan, safe and sound! It was wonderful to get a call from him this morning and hear his voice (even if it was 0530 here in "Flyover Country." I know his wife, Florida Girl, is extremely glad to have him home, and so am I. I'm proud of him and the man he is, and I'm proud that he's chosen to serve this Country; but I'm so happy that he's home. YEA!!!!!

Sometimes it pays to be in the military.....

2009-11-12T09:58:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Smiley, who sent this story posted on the Wisconsin AP news wire:

Nov 10, 2009 7:13 pm US/Central

Milwaukee Robbers See Army ID, Return Wallet

CARRIE ANTLFINGER, Associated Press Writer

MILWAUKEE (AP) ― A Milwaukee Army reservist's military identification gained him some street cred Tuesday, when he says four men who mugged him at gunpoint returned his belongings, and thanked him for his service, after finding the ID.

The 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student said he was walking home from work about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday when the men came out from between two houses. He thought about running to the other side of the street but decided against it.

The victim, who asked not to be identified because the robbers still have his keys, said one of the men pulled him into an alley. They had him lay face down and one put a gun to his neck. They took his wallet, $16, keys, his cell phone and even a PowerBar wrapper from his pants pockets, he said.

But when one of the robbers, whom the reservist presumed was the leader, saw his Army ID in the wallet, the hostile tone quickly changed. The robber told the others to return the items and they put most of it on the ground next to him, including the wrapper, the reservist said.

"The guy continued to say throughout the situation that he respects what I do and at one point he actually thanked me and he actually apologized," he said.

The reservist said he asked the robbers, who all had hoods or hats covering their faces, if he could get up and they said he could before starting to walk away.

"The leader of the group actually walked back, gave me a quick fist bump, which was very strange," he said.

Milwaukee police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said the reservist is credible and that officers still were looking for the suspects Tuesday.

The reservist didn't realize until later that his keys were not with him and he doesn't know if the robbers intended to keep those, he said.

As he was walking home, he realized the strangeness of the situation and questioned whether his girlfriend would believe him. (She did.) He said he feels lucky.

"I'm just kind of awe struck that everything was given back to me due to just being in the military, " he said. "I realize in pretty much every other situation that wouldn't happen."

He said he's never been deployed, only having signed up for the Army Reserves about a year ago. He is the first person in his immediate family to join the military and he's always wanted to do it.

Schwartz said besides that attempted robbery there were two others within a 40 minute period in the same area and police suspect the four men were involved in all of them. The robbers were unsuccessful for the first, at 12:35 a.m., when the 39-year-old man they approached ran into the street and started screaming.

Schwartz said within 10 minutes they approached a 47-year-old man — who is a convicted burglar and had a Department of Corrections inmate ID in his wallet — ordered him to the ground and pointed a gun at him. They took his wallet, apparently unfazed by that card.

Anyone with information should call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360

Interesting, isn't it that these thieves would respect a military ID, but not an ID from the Department of corrections!

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T10:59:00.003-05:00

Today is Veteran's Day; a day when we should recall and remember the service and sacrifice of those who serve, or have served, in our Nation's military (and their families). Even though this day is dedicated to solemn rememberance, often played out in Veteran's cemetaries across the country, it should also be a day of joyous thanksgiving. We should give thanks for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy, because of those military men and women. So as you go about your business today, take time listen to "Taps" and grieve for those who are lost. Take time to rejoice with those who have come home to those who love them. But most of all, take time to thank a Veteran.

Class or No Class

2009-11-10T20:48:00.005-05:00

One of the assignments I had, while on active duty with the Air Force, was to serve as the staff judge advocate at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. It was an interesting assignment, for a number of reasons, but one of the interesting parts of the assignment was the chance to serve as a "greeter" for Distinguished Visitors. Andrews Air Force Base, home to Air Force One, also hosts flights for Congressmen (and women), as well as members of the Cabinet and other important people. I got to "welcome home" a couple of important people, including Secretary of State Condalisa Rice and First Lady Laura Bush. Both women were extremely polite, exceedingly gracious, and exceedingly classy. What a shock it was for me, based on those experiences, to see the photograph of our current First Lady debarking from Air Force One dressed in shorts and tennis shoes.

Now anyone who knows me knows that I'm a pretty informal person. (I went to my high school graduation wearing jeans....you couldn't see a nice dress under the graduation robe...). I live in jeans and enjoy workout clothes. But, if you ask me, casual and informal clothes are not appropriate wear for someone representing our great Nation as First Lady while riding on Air Force One. I wouldn't wear jeans to a business meeting or while representing a client in court. That our current First Lady feels it appropriate to wear casual clothing while representing our Country does nothing but demonstrates a severe lack of class.

h/t Grama & Ally

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps

2009-11-10T10:23:00.003-05:00

On the 10th of November in 1775, at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Captain Samuel Nicholas organized two battalions of Continental Marines; giving birth to one of the most feared, most celebrated, and most professional fighting forces the world has known. (And that's really not hyperbole!) Today, U.S. Marines around the world celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. I'd like to join them in a small way by saying "Happy 234th birthday" to all Marines, past and present. Thank you for serving this Country and her citizens. Thank you to your families for supporting you in your choice to serve. Thank you for 234 years spent preserving our freedoms.

Women in the Military....Making a Difference!

2009-11-09T09:43:00.005-05:00

Here's a great story of an Air Force pilot who is making a difference...oh, and she happens to be a woman flying as a military advisor and an instructor pilot with the Iraqi Air Force. Who said cultural prejudices couldn't be overcome?

Female Advisor Invades Iraqi Airspace

by Senior Airman Alyssa C. Miles
U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

11/4/2009 - CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- A female Air Force pilot deployed from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., works in a male dominated environment training Iraqi helicopter pilots.

Capt. Kacey Grannis, 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, is the Iraqi air force's first female Mi-17 instructor pilot at Camp Taji, a job which she describes as one of a kind.

"My primary duty as an air advisor is to train, advise and assist their pilots by expanding their knowledge base," she said. "I'm an American Air Force pilot flying in an Iraqi air force bird built by Ukrainians with an Iraqi co-pilot in a combat zone. Everything from the challenges we have to deal with, to the rewards that we reap from our relationships with the Iraqi co-pilots and the sheer 'cool' factor of the flying we get to do is rather unique."

In the Iraqi military female pilots are scarce, and upon notification their new advisor would be female, some Iraqi pilots doubted Captain Grannis' ability to handle the helicopter's large frame. However, the captain decided to let her skills speak for themselves.

"There have been other female air advisors, but not in this air frame," she said. "For the guys I was flying with, I think they were maybe not really sure what I could do, but they were at least willing to let me fly with them and let me demonstrate my skills. I was fortunate enough to have the best training in the world, so I was able to do what I know how to do. I believe I've garnered the respect I needed.

"One of my very good friends here is a member of Squadron 4's leadership," the Sturgis, S.D., native continued. "He's one of the most experienced Iraqi pilots here - he's an absolute wizard in the Mi-17 and he's known for being skilled for hovering without the flight control assist system. When I first got here, he wanted to fly with me to kind of gauge my skills. As we were out flying, I asked him if we could do some hovering with the auto pilot off, simply because I knew it was something he would find valuable if I could do it properly. I feel like the fact that I was able to one - do it, and two - do it well, I feel like he responded well to that."

Captain Grannis, who has more than 50 hours in the Mi-17, trains Iraqi pilots who have many more hours in the aircraft than she.

"Pilots as a whole tend to be competitive and respect number of hours and skill level," she explained. "The dynamic itself is very interesting - the pilots we fly with have a lot more experience in the aircraft specifically than we do; there are definitely things that we have as coalition advisors to learn from these guys. They are definitely the experts on the aircraft systems and the performance handling characteristics. However, we're not necessarily trying to teach them how to fly, we're trying to teach them how to employ the aircraft in ways that are different from what they've done in the past."

Outside of the learning environment, the Iraqis have come to view Captain Grannis as family.

"I get a lot of attention because I'm a female, but it's very respectful attention," she said. "A lot of times these guys kind of treat me like their little sister which is a great honor to me because I know in Iraqi culture, family is very important. I'm honored that these guys consider me a sister. But I tell them 'outside the aircraft, I'm a woman, inside the aircraft, I'm a pilot. And because I'm your instructor pilot, you're going to do what I tell you to do.'"

One student who has responded well to the Captain's training is Iraqi air force Capt. Jabbar, who says he has no qualms working with another female advisor "if they are as talented as Captain Grannis."

"Captain Grannis is the first female pilot I've worked with," he said. "She's a very good instructor and she has good experience for training and teaching. She always gives good advice and she never gives up."

With the training he and his peers are receiving, Captain Jabbar has high hopes for his country.

"We're making good progress with our training, and I hope the Iraqi air force is a strong air force for this country," he said. "I wish peace for Iraq and I wish the Americans a good and happy life, and I hope they wish the same for us."

Captain Grannis does.

"This has been a great experience," she said. "I'm very fortunate to have been able to come here and meet all these great people. I'm honored to work with the officers, warrant officers and airmen of the Iraqi air force. Without exception, every one of them is highly patriotic and dedicated to the job they're doing and dedicated to the idea of a free peaceful Iraq, and I think that's amazing."

Socialized Health Care....

2009-11-05T19:00:00.003-05:00

Smiley sent this to me in the email and I just can't resist posting it here....thanks Smiley!

A Mother's Prayer

2009-10-30T11:41:00.005-04:00

Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the blessings Thou hast given me. Thank Thee for the blessing of Family, all of whom carry my love with them where ever they are. Thank Thee for the blessing of my children and grandchildren, for they are among the greatest blessings anyone can have. Thank Thee for the blessing of children who have chosen to serve others, both in the military of this great Country and at home. I ask Thee, Heavenly Father, to bless all my children and grandchildren with health and happiness. I also ask Thee for a special blessing on my children who are currently protecting this Country. Bless them both with courage to face adversity, awareness of their surroundings, and the strength they need to accomplish the mission assigned. Bless them with the ability to hear, and listen to, the promptings of the Holy Ghost, to keep them safe from harm or injury. Heavenly Father, please surround them both with Thy love, and help them both to return home to those who love them. Thank Thee, again, for all the blessings Thou hast given me. In the Name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Great Post

2009-10-30T11:33:00.002-04:00

Jump over to the Villainous Company blog and read Cassandra's post discussing President Obama's staged photo op on the Dover AFB flightline where he saluted and honored our returning war dead. It's a great post and I agree wholeheartedly with her analysis!

Another Great Song!

2009-10-29T21:51:00.001-04:00

Here's another great song....this one a tribute to those serving in the Marine Corps.

h/t Cassandra

The Warrior Song

2009-10-29T21:40:00.002-04:00

This is an absolutely awesome song! It's dedicated to everyone who is, or who has, served. It's available for sale on iTunes, with all the profits from the song donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. Current or former servicemembers can get the song for free just by asking for it. Check out the website!

Set to Cede Sovereingty?

2009-10-18T14:35:00.004-04:00

There's an interesting excerpt from a speech Lord Christopher Monckton gave on October 14, 2009 going around the internet, where he claims that President Obama will actually cede US sovereingty when he signs the United Nations World Climate Change Treaty in Copenhagen in December 2009 . Lord Monckton is a former advisor to Margaret Thatcher, and a noted climate change skeptic. He successfully sued to keep Al Gore's climate change movie, "An Inconvient Truth," from being shown in British schools citing numerous inaccuracies. The British judge ruled in Lord Monckton's favor and ordered 9 serious errors to be corrected before the film could be shown. Lord Monckton has repeatedly challenged Mr Gore to a debate about climate change. Mr Gore has repeatedly declined.

According to Lord Monckton, the text of the treaty actually sets up a new form of world government; one that has the ability to force the "rule of law." Lord Monckton intreprets the language in this treaty to transfer wealth from western governments to third-world countries in satisfaction of "climate debt," and that the ultimate purpose of this treaty is to set forth a communist world government on the world. Lord Monckton believes that the US Constitution's Supremacy Clause, which gives treaties the force of law, will enable the terms of this treaty to supercede the terms of the Constitution.

Interesting. I don't know if Lord Monckton is prophetic or nutty. Judge for yourself. Here's a 4-minute exercpt from the speech:

h/t Smiley

Flu Shots

2009-10-11T18:38:00.001-04:00

Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

see more Epic Fails

PBS's Frontline & "Obama's War"

2009-10-04T01:00:00.000-04:00

The PBS show Frontline has posted a great video on their website. Click here to go to the site. The video, titled "Obama's War," follows Echo Company of the 2d Battalion, 8th Regiment as they moved into Helmand Province in July and the efforts the Company has taken to hold Combat Outpost Sharp (named for a member of their Company who was lost the first day of the push into Helmand). The video is extremely well done and discusses the strategy behind counter-insurgency and what the Marines of Echo Company are asked to do to implement the strategy. The video is actually part 1 of a series that Frontline will air on October 13th. Good stuff and a "must watch," particularly for anyone with a loved one fighting in Helmand.

Happy Birthday My Son

2009-10-03T01:00:00.001-04:00

Today is my son's birthday. I remember when he was born....not all that long ago. He was such a big baby, compared to his sisters. He was all male, right from the beginning; a charmer, sweet and cute, until he wanted to eat....then Heaven help us if he didn't get food immediately. From the time he was a little boy until he was a teenager, I could tell when he was starting a growth spurt....the cereal would magically disappear. The kid would have cereal for breakfast, cereal for after school snack, cereal for dessert, and cereal before he went to bed. I think I was personally responsible for keeping General Mills' profit margin high during those years.

He was a good kid, even though he suffered from "teenage boy disease." You know, inability to wake up to an alarm clock, total fascination with electronic gaming, and a firm belief that parents know absolutely nothing. That's "teenage boy disease." Nevertheless, he was a pretty good kid. He understood responsibility and consequences; something some kids never learn. He was an athlete and loved sports, something he still enjoys. He was an all-state football player and played baseball. (His baseball coach told me that he let my son run the team.) He's a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, just like his dad and the rest of the family. He's even converted his wife. He's still a charmer. He's still cute (ok, handsome). He's still athletic. He's always been a natural leader. He's a Marine.

God Bless you, my son, and may He bring you home safely to those who love you. Happy Birthday.

Something's Very Wrong Here.....

2009-09-24T10:16:00.002-04:00

I find this video very disturbing. It's a video showing elementary school children in New Jersey being taught to sing President Obama's praises. Now, I have nothing against patriotic songs, nor do I have anything against teaching children respect for the office of the Presidency or other governmental entities. (Although, as an adult, I often wonder if I can ever respect for the persons filling those positions.) What disturbs me is teaching children to praise the person not the institution. Why can't we teach children about the Constitution, our Democratic form of government, and ideals of freedom and self-reliance? Isn't there something ultimately wrong to teach children to praise a person filling a governmental office, and not teach them to say the Pledge of Allegiance?

Timeless Words of Wisdom

2009-09-11T10:13:00.003-04:00

Gotta love Sgt Joe Friday! Watch this to see what he has to say to President Obama.....

h/t FJM

Every Household Should Have One.....

2009-09-07T19:33:00.006-04:00

To honor our 44th President, the makers of Chia Pet are offering the Chia Obama. No kidding. Check out their website and "celebrate change right in your own house."

Gratitude Salute

2009-08-28T10:18:00.002-04:00

Now here's something that is a pretty good idea. Hope it catches on! Seems like a guy from Seattle wondered, like a lot of us do, how he could best convey his thanks to those who choose to serve in the military. He came up with the gratitude salute. It's a simple, unobtrusive way to say thanks and to let our military know that we appreciate them and their service. Check out the video:

hat tip: Dianne