Anyone else have a love-hate relationship with medicine? I was very happy to hear my neurologist say I take very little medicine for someone my age (one prescription). Well, now, it's two. Something had to be done. I have a spinal cord injury with an unknown cause. It causes tics. They're never painful, but they are annoying and exhausting.
Several years ago, the doctor suggested Lyrica. His one side-affect warning was that it causes weight gain. Munchies. Yuck. I need that like I need another medicine. Needless to say, I declined. His response to my refusal is that as long as I wasn't hurting myself (falling, etc.) he was fine with it.
About a month ago, the tics began to increase dramatically. Some of the causes are known, such as caffeine. Good bye good tasting coffee and good bye chocolate. Sigh. Mutter. It got to the point where there were hundreds every day and they were intense. My husband said I was going to break my neck if they didn't let up soon.
Last weekend, I'd had enough. We went to visit our son's family and I latched on to the Lyrica samples that my daughter-in-law suggested I try. I asked the doctor before I went and he merely indicated they might make them better-or worse. Desperate, I tried it the first night we were there and the tics seemed to subside in frequency and intensity, but did not stop altogether.
Saturday morning, I was having more tics than I wanted and again, in desperation, I took one in the morning-and promptly fell asleep for 5 1/2 hours! Some guest I was. Said I'd never take 2 in one day again. But, I did. Monday, the drive back home was a very long 3 hours. It's almost all interstate and 70 mph. When I drive, I run between 70 and 75. It takes 3 hours. When Bob drives, he runs between 75-80. It took 3 hours. Go figure.
As soon as we could unpack, feed the dog, get groceries, etc., I took another Lyrica. Only slept 3 hours this time. Again, I was desperate to sooth those jangled nerves that had become Mexican jumping beans.
Each day since, the tics seems to abate a little more and I'm grateful. Yesterday, however, I felt a little lightheaded and was concerned that the side-affects were going to be worse than the tics and another medicine would not work.
But, this morning, I wakened bright eyed and busy tailed, as the saying goes. In fact, last night, I called a friend to see if she wanted to go to the new movie with me. War Room. (I dearly love sassy black women and the trailer shows one is starring in it.) She was more than happy to take Bob's place. Only trouble is, it's not playing yet in local theaters. She doesn't drive and I'd have to drive more than 30 miles. I cancelled because of the wooziness, only to wake up this morning ready to conquer the world.
So, long story short, yes I hate taking medicine of any kind. I'll take vitamins till they're coming out my ears. They're preventive. Medicine only deals with the symptoms, not the cause. They can be like dominoes. It helps one part of the body, but attacks another, meaning a medicine to assist the attacked, and so on and so on ad infinitum.
I'm truly grateful we live in a day and age when medicine is helpful. So many diseases are now eradicated or controlled that caused early deaths in years gone by. So is my hate side of the relationship pride-or worry about side affects? Who knows? I've taken several medicines over the past 15 years and have been tested from top to bottom to attempt to control the tics and maybe find a way to control them. Each medicine has eventually failed. The tics ended up being worse on the medicine than off. So, I'd quit. I sincerely hope the Lyrica is effective and will enable me to lead a more normal life.
But, oh, those munchies! They hit with a vengeance yesterday. Usually, after I eat the pantry and the refrigerator, I waken the next morning feeling sluggish and guilty. This morning? Not the case. Does that mean the only way to avoid the light-headedness is to eat myself silly? Please, Lord, no. For once in my life, I would like to lose weight (which I have) and keep it off (which I haven't). Stay tuned.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Big mouths.
Big mouths can be good for something. The three of us (Bob, Sheila, and me) have begun feeding the cows here at Shiloh. One of the local grocery stores donates all their old bakery items and we give it to the cows. It's fun. They're sweet, gentle, beautiful beasts. Those big brown eyes are so expressive. I can't help but loving them. Even the bulls are gentle and sweet. The ranch has had a couple of them that weren't, but that's another story.
However, feeding them can be a little difficult. The north pasture is several acres and this is Florida, meaning it's very hot and very humid. The cows are no dummies. They seek shade wherever they can get it, which means the north herd is usually a long way from where we put the bakery items. The birds would be more than happy to eat it, but the birds don't need it.
Something has to be done to attract the herd's attention. The calves have their field very close to the place where the breads, cakes, pies, etc are stored until we can take them out of the bread wrappers and place them in tubs to be distributed among 3 different herds. The calves are usually waiting by the area where we throw the bread. After all, they see us pull up in our golf cart and watch us begin to dump the breads into the tubs. They have an old, broken bathtub right beside the storage area, so their feast goes into that bathtub. They munch as we drop the items. I think a few of them are getting to know me a little better. A couple of them are now asking to be hand fed! I have to be careful with that, though. They have long, juicy tongues. A bath in cow slobber is not exactly a beauty treatment.
The South herd can see the feeding station, so they're usually waiting close to the cattle guard and they're the ones we feed next. If they're under a tree any distance from us, they come on the run! Except for one shy one. She's never come to join in the smorgasbord of goodies. Don't know why, but it troubles me. I want them all to have a good time!
We usually feed the north her last because we never know where we going to find them. Sometimes they're under trees to the west, out of sight. Sometimes, they're way off north under trees and early this morning, they were at the farthest northeast corner of the pasture. Bob said maybe we needed to take the cart outside the fence until we reached them. That's fine, except for one thing. Sheila's little knees are bony and sharp and I bruise very easily. Add to that I've been taken an aspirin regimen for years and you wouldn't be a bit surprised to look at dozens of little bruises in varying colors on my legs. She sits in my lap while riding in the cart.
The path along the outside of the north pasture fence is rough, narrow, beside a busy road, and angles steeply into a ditch. All that means is that Sheila has to dig in to stay on my lap. More bruises. Fortunately, The cows had moved by the time we got around to delivering their morning snack.
Yesterday, Bob suggested I try to call them. One of the staff says he calls them or bangs on something to get their attention. So, game to try anything once, I cupped my hands around my mouth and made an awful imitation of a cow. Then, I banged on the cart with a stick. They heard and came on the run. Literally.
Bob was sure I would not be successful today, again thinking they were too far away. They heard me yesterday. I was sure they would again today. Sure enough. I didn't even have to bang on the cart with a stick. Calling cows to their morning snack is important. I'm privileged to have a mouth big enough to do it.
However, feeding them can be a little difficult. The north pasture is several acres and this is Florida, meaning it's very hot and very humid. The cows are no dummies. They seek shade wherever they can get it, which means the north herd is usually a long way from where we put the bakery items. The birds would be more than happy to eat it, but the birds don't need it.
Something has to be done to attract the herd's attention. The calves have their field very close to the place where the breads, cakes, pies, etc are stored until we can take them out of the bread wrappers and place them in tubs to be distributed among 3 different herds. The calves are usually waiting by the area where we throw the bread. After all, they see us pull up in our golf cart and watch us begin to dump the breads into the tubs. They have an old, broken bathtub right beside the storage area, so their feast goes into that bathtub. They munch as we drop the items. I think a few of them are getting to know me a little better. A couple of them are now asking to be hand fed! I have to be careful with that, though. They have long, juicy tongues. A bath in cow slobber is not exactly a beauty treatment.
The South herd can see the feeding station, so they're usually waiting close to the cattle guard and they're the ones we feed next. If they're under a tree any distance from us, they come on the run! Except for one shy one. She's never come to join in the smorgasbord of goodies. Don't know why, but it troubles me. I want them all to have a good time!
We usually feed the north her last because we never know where we going to find them. Sometimes they're under trees to the west, out of sight. Sometimes, they're way off north under trees and early this morning, they were at the farthest northeast corner of the pasture. Bob said maybe we needed to take the cart outside the fence until we reached them. That's fine, except for one thing. Sheila's little knees are bony and sharp and I bruise very easily. Add to that I've been taken an aspirin regimen for years and you wouldn't be a bit surprised to look at dozens of little bruises in varying colors on my legs. She sits in my lap while riding in the cart.
The path along the outside of the north pasture fence is rough, narrow, beside a busy road, and angles steeply into a ditch. All that means is that Sheila has to dig in to stay on my lap. More bruises. Fortunately, The cows had moved by the time we got around to delivering their morning snack.
Yesterday, Bob suggested I try to call them. One of the staff says he calls them or bangs on something to get their attention. So, game to try anything once, I cupped my hands around my mouth and made an awful imitation of a cow. Then, I banged on the cart with a stick. They heard and came on the run. Literally.
Bob was sure I would not be successful today, again thinking they were too far away. They heard me yesterday. I was sure they would again today. Sure enough. I didn't even have to bang on the cart with a stick. Calling cows to their morning snack is important. I'm privileged to have a mouth big enough to do it.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
NO! Can't be!
This morning as I read Romans 13, my mind was screaming NO! It can't be! Paul just doesn't understand what we're going through. That's laughable. He wrote Romans 13 while living under the rule of Nero, one of the most brutal dictators of all time. What he did to Christians back then is so much worse than anything the American church is experiencing today.
And, yet, Paul wrote that we are to be subject to the government because there is no authority except from God. Government authority has been instituted by God. He goes on to say those who resist will incur judgment!
Then he goes on to say that if you are a well-behaved person, the government will not harm you. He says if we behave properly, we have nothing to fear from the government. Along about there, my mind was screaming, no! no! no! But, then, I remembered what Paul was going through. How could he say such things when he was imprisoned, beaten, and stoned in spite of being a Roman citizen and those things were illegal to be done to a Roman citizen?
He's definitely a better person than I am. It seems like I'm constantly whining, "It's not fair!" In verse 5, Paul says, "Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience."
Peter says the same thing in II peter 2:20-21 "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But, if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps."
Wow. Do I ever feel humbled and convicted. All my sniveling and whining. So, buck up, me hearties. It's time to stop whining and complaining. It's time to start getting on our knees more. I grieve for my country and I'm not alone. There are certain people running for the office of the President that I cannot agree with their policies, but if that individual is elected, God has a purpose in it. My job is to pray for our leader, regardless who that person may be. My job is also to understand authority and be subject to it. If I am mistreated by the authorities in this country because of my beliefs, I need to be honored, not angry. Not an easy thought.
The Lord has been convicting me about a lot of things lately. For example, I have been reminded that it is not my job to "convict people of sin and righteousness and judgment, concerning sin because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go t the Father, and you will see Me no longer; concerning judgment because the ruler of this world is judge."(John 16:8-12)
Let me see.....that's three Apostles telling me I need an attitude adjustment. I'm so very grateful for God's Word. I tell the boys I tutor that attitude goes a long way toward their grade when they work with me. I get a whiner who shrugs and says he doesn't know, I know I'm going to have to pull teeth to make the work his and not mine. The grade goes down. I get a boy who engages in conversation with me, I know he's willing to work and his grade goes up. (My teaching method is Socratic. I ask questions, attempting to stimulate their thinking.)
So, it's time for Yours Truly to have an attitude adjustment. Time to pray for those who hate me because they believe I hate them. I don't hate them. I disagree with them. Big difference. Time to pray for those running for office. I do pray for them, but do I have a bad attitude towards them? Are my prayers truly honoring God or whining about His choice of leadership for America?Unfortunately, more often than not, the answer is not the right one.
Just yesterday, I wrote a Facebook post to a fellow who was calling Ben Carson "crazy." I asked that young man just exactly what he'd done in his life that gave him the right to call Ben Carson crazy. Had he endured a childhood of abject poverty, abandonment by his father, heavy racial prejudice, and failing grades in school, only to become the world's greatest pediatric neurosurgeon by his mother's strong discipline, by pulling himself up by his own bootstraps, and by the mighty grace of God? That's Ben Carson's history, so how does that young man stack up to a story like that?
But, am I doing the same thing? What right do I have to criticize someone who's achieved so much more in life than I have? I'm not saying I'm supposed to agree with them. No way will I vote for most of those who are running. I am saying that, by God's grace, to pray for them and submit to the governmental authority over me. I can only do that by God's amazing grace. Lord, let my first prayer be for me. If I truly want to honor You, I must have a better attitude.
And, yet, Paul wrote that we are to be subject to the government because there is no authority except from God. Government authority has been instituted by God. He goes on to say those who resist will incur judgment!
Then he goes on to say that if you are a well-behaved person, the government will not harm you. He says if we behave properly, we have nothing to fear from the government. Along about there, my mind was screaming, no! no! no! But, then, I remembered what Paul was going through. How could he say such things when he was imprisoned, beaten, and stoned in spite of being a Roman citizen and those things were illegal to be done to a Roman citizen?
He's definitely a better person than I am. It seems like I'm constantly whining, "It's not fair!" In verse 5, Paul says, "Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience."
Peter says the same thing in II peter 2:20-21 "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But, if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps."
Wow. Do I ever feel humbled and convicted. All my sniveling and whining. So, buck up, me hearties. It's time to stop whining and complaining. It's time to start getting on our knees more. I grieve for my country and I'm not alone. There are certain people running for the office of the President that I cannot agree with their policies, but if that individual is elected, God has a purpose in it. My job is to pray for our leader, regardless who that person may be. My job is also to understand authority and be subject to it. If I am mistreated by the authorities in this country because of my beliefs, I need to be honored, not angry. Not an easy thought.
The Lord has been convicting me about a lot of things lately. For example, I have been reminded that it is not my job to "convict people of sin and righteousness and judgment, concerning sin because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go t the Father, and you will see Me no longer; concerning judgment because the ruler of this world is judge."(John 16:8-12)
Let me see.....that's three Apostles telling me I need an attitude adjustment. I'm so very grateful for God's Word. I tell the boys I tutor that attitude goes a long way toward their grade when they work with me. I get a whiner who shrugs and says he doesn't know, I know I'm going to have to pull teeth to make the work his and not mine. The grade goes down. I get a boy who engages in conversation with me, I know he's willing to work and his grade goes up. (My teaching method is Socratic. I ask questions, attempting to stimulate their thinking.)
So, it's time for Yours Truly to have an attitude adjustment. Time to pray for those who hate me because they believe I hate them. I don't hate them. I disagree with them. Big difference. Time to pray for those running for office. I do pray for them, but do I have a bad attitude towards them? Are my prayers truly honoring God or whining about His choice of leadership for America?Unfortunately, more often than not, the answer is not the right one.
Just yesterday, I wrote a Facebook post to a fellow who was calling Ben Carson "crazy." I asked that young man just exactly what he'd done in his life that gave him the right to call Ben Carson crazy. Had he endured a childhood of abject poverty, abandonment by his father, heavy racial prejudice, and failing grades in school, only to become the world's greatest pediatric neurosurgeon by his mother's strong discipline, by pulling himself up by his own bootstraps, and by the mighty grace of God? That's Ben Carson's history, so how does that young man stack up to a story like that?
But, am I doing the same thing? What right do I have to criticize someone who's achieved so much more in life than I have? I'm not saying I'm supposed to agree with them. No way will I vote for most of those who are running. I am saying that, by God's grace, to pray for them and submit to the governmental authority over me. I can only do that by God's amazing grace. Lord, let my first prayer be for me. If I truly want to honor You, I must have a better attitude.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Fallen Blossom
My friend died today after a long and brave battle with lung cancer. The doctors gave her 2 years and she made it past that by several months. She's in a better place, but my garden and tree are nowhere near as pretty. If I hadn't known her friendship longer than anyone else's, she was number two for sure. More than 60 years, at least.
Jeanne had that certain something that made her special. When we would go to the fireman's carnival every summer, her brother, Kenny, would invariably hit her up for money. She'd hand it over with no complaint. When I protested, she looked me in the eye and said, "I don't care." She really didn't. No matter what it cost her to keep her brother in change for the games or food, she gave willingly.
I was telling my brother just recently about the homes that were begun to be built on the hill above ours, but an unstable young man who didn't want them put sugar in the tanks of the equipment, so the builders left. That property always had water on it and the ruts made by the heavy equipment were a trap for a 4 year old boy. Jeanne and I were out walking when we heard the call for help. We ran to see the trouble. A boy of about 10 or 12 was trying to get the 4 year old out of the muck, but he wasn't tall enough or strong enough to pull him free. Jeanne got there first and pulled the boy out, carrying him home while I trailed behind, carrying his boots that had remained in the mire.
On more than one occasion, Jeanne and I would walk downtown to Jones' to get her mother an ice cream cone at 10:00 at night. Tree lined streets with few lights in between didn't bother us. Couldn't do that in this day and age, but those were gentler times.
Bud, her father, was very strict and Jeanne's first thought when we got into mischief was, "What am I going to tell my dad?" I remember what happened to the two of us far more vividly than the party several of the neighborhood girls and some of the army guys gave me just before I eloped to El Paso. It was a long party. Went on until 4 AM. Nothing troubling. No drugs, drunkenness, or bad behavior. It was just long. When she and I finally walked home, she came running back to the street after she'd gone to her house. She was locked out and didn't know whether her dad had come home and locked the house without knowing she was still not home or if he'd found out she wasn't home and deliberately locked her out.
4 AM Sunday morning is no time to worry about things like that, so I took her home with me. I wakened sometime after my parents had left for church. Standing in the kitchen, I could see Jeanne's mother in their garden behind the garage in the back yard. I made a beeline for Esther, who beamed at me and said, "Jeanne's still asleep."
"I know," I told her. "She's asleep in my spare bedroom." I quickly explained the situation. Esther said to get her up and meet her in the garden, which she did. Jeanne and her mother went into the kitchen talking about things in the garden and her dad never knew what happened.
Jeanne was responsible for me meeting my husband. Her oldest brother, John, was married to a woman whose step-dad was a farmer with a cow pond that the servicemen liked to use for swimming. Jeanne called me one morning saying the guys we had double-dated the week before were down at the pond. Did I want to go? We'd have to walk home.
It wasn't the guys we had dated the week before. It was Bob and four other fellows. Bob and I hit it off and married five months later. Jeanne met Juan through the military base, but it wasn't that day. Marrying guys from the base was just another of the bonds we shared in our young lives.
Like so many good friends in childhood, moves causes a distance, but somehow, Jeanne and I managed to stay in contact. I was living in Europe when she and Juan married. They moved to New Mexico and we were on our way to California after leaving Germany. We stopped there and had a grand visit. I'll always remember the way Juan entertained our son while Jeanne and I caught up.
Later, when we were moving from Arizona to New Jersey, we stopped to see them again. She said to me right after we arrived that she had a New Mexico friend that was the spitting image of me. Mannerisms included. Lo, and behold, the woman showed up a short time later. Jeanne wasn't kidding. It was like talking in a mirror. Very disconcerting.
During one of our two stays in Arizona, she and her family came to visit us. We had a good time shopping in Nogales, Mexico. We toured the saguaro cacti and were hoping to get into the Old Tucson, where cowboy movies were made. Unfortunately, we didn't know we could get in on a military discount or we would have gone for sure.
But, we did see Tombstone, so it wasn't a total bust. In fact, it was there her mother provided another memory. The Rose Tree Inn in Tombstone is a marvel to behold. Scottish roses about the size of a little fingernail and in clumps at the end of branches like lilacs were on a huge trellis of several thousand square feet. Cuttings were available for about $6. Esther wasn't about to pay for a cutting, so she pulled one off, soaked a scarf she had in her purse, wrapped the branch in the scarf and stuck it in her purse. Bob and Juan tormented her about her "criminal act" and really laid it on thick when the branch died after she planted it.
Of course, there was always a lot of eating, talking, laughing and reminiscing about old times when we got together, along with enjoying each other's children. Now, she's gone. I'm not even sure I have any pictures of her. She won't fade from my mind, but it would be nice to look at her picture once in a while.
The one comfort I have is that my dear friend will be waiting for me when I get to heaven. My tears are ones that say "Good bye" from here, but not forever. Someday, we'll see each other again and that's a comfort. We haven't seen each other in years, but knowing she's gone, my world's just not as bright and beautiful anymore. Rest in peace, Dear, dear friend. Till we meet again.
Jeanne had that certain something that made her special. When we would go to the fireman's carnival every summer, her brother, Kenny, would invariably hit her up for money. She'd hand it over with no complaint. When I protested, she looked me in the eye and said, "I don't care." She really didn't. No matter what it cost her to keep her brother in change for the games or food, she gave willingly.
I was telling my brother just recently about the homes that were begun to be built on the hill above ours, but an unstable young man who didn't want them put sugar in the tanks of the equipment, so the builders left. That property always had water on it and the ruts made by the heavy equipment were a trap for a 4 year old boy. Jeanne and I were out walking when we heard the call for help. We ran to see the trouble. A boy of about 10 or 12 was trying to get the 4 year old out of the muck, but he wasn't tall enough or strong enough to pull him free. Jeanne got there first and pulled the boy out, carrying him home while I trailed behind, carrying his boots that had remained in the mire.
On more than one occasion, Jeanne and I would walk downtown to Jones' to get her mother an ice cream cone at 10:00 at night. Tree lined streets with few lights in between didn't bother us. Couldn't do that in this day and age, but those were gentler times.
Bud, her father, was very strict and Jeanne's first thought when we got into mischief was, "What am I going to tell my dad?" I remember what happened to the two of us far more vividly than the party several of the neighborhood girls and some of the army guys gave me just before I eloped to El Paso. It was a long party. Went on until 4 AM. Nothing troubling. No drugs, drunkenness, or bad behavior. It was just long. When she and I finally walked home, she came running back to the street after she'd gone to her house. She was locked out and didn't know whether her dad had come home and locked the house without knowing she was still not home or if he'd found out she wasn't home and deliberately locked her out.
4 AM Sunday morning is no time to worry about things like that, so I took her home with me. I wakened sometime after my parents had left for church. Standing in the kitchen, I could see Jeanne's mother in their garden behind the garage in the back yard. I made a beeline for Esther, who beamed at me and said, "Jeanne's still asleep."
"I know," I told her. "She's asleep in my spare bedroom." I quickly explained the situation. Esther said to get her up and meet her in the garden, which she did. Jeanne and her mother went into the kitchen talking about things in the garden and her dad never knew what happened.
Jeanne was responsible for me meeting my husband. Her oldest brother, John, was married to a woman whose step-dad was a farmer with a cow pond that the servicemen liked to use for swimming. Jeanne called me one morning saying the guys we had double-dated the week before were down at the pond. Did I want to go? We'd have to walk home.
It wasn't the guys we had dated the week before. It was Bob and four other fellows. Bob and I hit it off and married five months later. Jeanne met Juan through the military base, but it wasn't that day. Marrying guys from the base was just another of the bonds we shared in our young lives.
Like so many good friends in childhood, moves causes a distance, but somehow, Jeanne and I managed to stay in contact. I was living in Europe when she and Juan married. They moved to New Mexico and we were on our way to California after leaving Germany. We stopped there and had a grand visit. I'll always remember the way Juan entertained our son while Jeanne and I caught up.
Later, when we were moving from Arizona to New Jersey, we stopped to see them again. She said to me right after we arrived that she had a New Mexico friend that was the spitting image of me. Mannerisms included. Lo, and behold, the woman showed up a short time later. Jeanne wasn't kidding. It was like talking in a mirror. Very disconcerting.
During one of our two stays in Arizona, she and her family came to visit us. We had a good time shopping in Nogales, Mexico. We toured the saguaro cacti and were hoping to get into the Old Tucson, where cowboy movies were made. Unfortunately, we didn't know we could get in on a military discount or we would have gone for sure.
But, we did see Tombstone, so it wasn't a total bust. In fact, it was there her mother provided another memory. The Rose Tree Inn in Tombstone is a marvel to behold. Scottish roses about the size of a little fingernail and in clumps at the end of branches like lilacs were on a huge trellis of several thousand square feet. Cuttings were available for about $6. Esther wasn't about to pay for a cutting, so she pulled one off, soaked a scarf she had in her purse, wrapped the branch in the scarf and stuck it in her purse. Bob and Juan tormented her about her "criminal act" and really laid it on thick when the branch died after she planted it.
Of course, there was always a lot of eating, talking, laughing and reminiscing about old times when we got together, along with enjoying each other's children. Now, she's gone. I'm not even sure I have any pictures of her. She won't fade from my mind, but it would be nice to look at her picture once in a while.
The one comfort I have is that my dear friend will be waiting for me when I get to heaven. My tears are ones that say "Good bye" from here, but not forever. Someday, we'll see each other again and that's a comfort. We haven't seen each other in years, but knowing she's gone, my world's just not as bright and beautiful anymore. Rest in peace, Dear, dear friend. Till we meet again.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
The Debate
I wasn't even going to watch the debates on Thursday night. The hype was so high and I get bored and disappointed with hype. However, it not only lived up to the hype, it even surpassed it. Strangely enough, my opinions differed so much from the talking heads, I've wondered if I watched what they were saying took place.
In the first place, I look at attitudes. That's why Rand Paul is now at the bottom of my list. Yeah, he needed to get his name out there, but acting like a surly 10 year old Democrat did not cut it for me. I get disgusted with Democrats who will not shut up and wait their turn to talk. Paul was even told to let Christie finish, but, Democrat style, he blathered on. In last night's focus group, Megan Kelly said he was wrong on his point. Another reason he needed to shut up. It's been said the reason his dad would not make a good President is that very few in Congress agree with him. Same for the son. Leaders have to have followers and he doesn't have many, so he acts out, thinking that will win friends and influence people. NOT me.
Same for Donald Trump. Whine, whine, whine. He got more time than any other candidate and came off like a big baby. His complaint and dis of Megan Kelly was uncalled for and her question to him wasn't even the worst. She was much worse toward Scott Walker. Instead of asking what his alternatives were if pregnancy endangered a woman's life, she had to disparage his point by asking if he wanted the mother to die. That's preposterous and uncalled for. It was her opinion and her slap at him for disagreeing with her own position. She could have furthered the debate instead of cutting him down and making herself look like such an unprofessional bully.
In last night's focus group, someone remarked that allowing abortions to save the life of the mother was abused, she quickly shut the person up, with "I know it is, I know it is." Someone's called her "Eye Candy" for FNC. That may, unfortunately, be accurate.
I find it hysterically funny that Trump liked Carly Fiorina in spite of the fact that she was able to draw blood from him and he didn't even notice! He liked her! And, yet, she not only made the oft shown comment about the phone call, she also said he had changed his mind on so many things she had to wonder how he would govern. She got her point across is a dignified, professional way. And, everybody, except me, missed it! Including Trump. Funny. He was still smarting over Megan Kelly when he should be looking over his shoulder at Carly Fiorina.
It would seem that people who've already made up their minds will not change them, no matter what. As a general rule, I would be one of those. However, this time, there are so many really good candidates, I may have a hard time choosing. With this first debate, I made a list of the candidates, in order of how they did at the debate. Starting with Carly Fiorina at the top and ending with Rand Paul at the bottom. I have five at the top that I thought did very well. Ms. Fiorina, Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, and Scott Walker are at the top.
In the 9:00 debate, I was impressed with Marco Rubio the entire way through. Up until the debate, he wasn't on my list of favorites. I thought he was Bush's puppet and much as I admire and respect Bush 41 and 43, I will not vote for Bush 16-unless he's the candidate, which I sincerely hope he isn't. His push on Common Cause is making his friends rich and destroying our kids. I know. I'm a tutor. Then, too, his brother is still hated and the name gives him too much baggage and ammunition for the Democrats.
Again, Mike Huckabee has not been on my list of preferred candidates, so he was another surprise. I thought he was passionate about what needs to be done in this country and he stood out in the crowd on the stage. It was hard for anyone to stand out, but he managed and I give him credit for that as well as for his stand on the issues. But, then, I will admit, I was not going to vote for Ronald Reagan! I believe the Lord told me to because of the abortion issue. I know, abortion is still with us, but Ronald Reagan was the best President of the 20th century and may even be number 3, behind George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. If I hadn't obeyed what I believed the Lord was saying to me, I would have missed it.
Ben Carson, I've always liked. He's amazing. And, as an amateur, he stood his ground against many professionals. Not as well as Rubio, Huckabee, or Fiorino, but he stood head and shoulders above the rest of the groups. His brilliance, his history, his sense of humor, his dignity, his faith, his love of his wife makes him a total package. I hardly even noticed he's not as politically astute as the rest of the crowd, but then, that might work very well in his favor. Isn't that what the whole nation is belly-aching about?
Rounding out my top five is Scott Walker. Here, I reverted more to his record than to how he did on the stage. The rottenest question of the night (see paragraph one again) went to him. Worse, he was given no opportunity to respond. I lost a lot of respect for Megan Kelly for that one. I appreciate the fact he lives what he believes. I'm blown away by the fact he took on the unions and won. They're every bit as corrupt as big business and need to be taken down a peg or two. It never seems to fail. When a person or organization gets too big for their britches, they become bullies, blind to anything or anyone but themselves. As an aside, that's what I don't like about media personalities. The instant they make a name for themselves, they lose all objectivity. Megan Kelly, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Glen Beck to name but a few. Democrats are no better. I'm so glad Carly Fiorino scored big points against Christ Matthews. The unions have become bigoted and bullying, too. That's why we need both sides to balance one another out. CEO's earning millions quickly lose sight of people in their employ and unions have done the same. Scott Walker struck some big blows for equality and I appreciate him for it. Until Thursday night, he was my choice.
That rounds out my top five. The following seven are eminently qualified, but did not stand out in the debate. Anyone of them, including Jeb Bush would make a good President. The trouble is, they just couldn't light the fire needed to get into the Oval Office. Chris Christie leads the pack there. Then, there's Ted Cruz. I was surprised to hear Glen Beck say he wasn't impressed with Ted Cruz. He's been pushing for him ever since he announced. Jim Gilmore is so little known, but he was able to present his stunning credentials. Santorum is such an honorable and admirable man. Unfortunately, he's missing that certain charisma that makes him Presidential. Same with George Pataki, Jeb Bush, and Lindsey Graham. All have impeccable credentials, great track records, and are highly qualified, but they just didn't impress me. In fact, after I went to bed, I started to make my list in my mind and I couldn't even remember who several of them were, especially in the 5:00 debate. Carly Fiorino was the only one I remembered.
The bottom five will have to do a lot to impress me. Rick Perry comes in at #13 in my book. He was weak. And, being in the 5:00 debate after running in 2012 is not a good recommendation, in spite of his good record in Texas. Then, there's John Kasich. I don't like his "moderate" stance. Face it. Moderate Republicans are really Democrat wannabes. McCain and Romney were both Democrat wannabes and look where that got the country. Bobby Jindal, like Trump and Paul, was using the wrong method to get noticed. He was petulant, surly, and unappealing.
One big mistake I think all of them made is to assume the winner will be going against Hilary Clinton. The same thing was assumed in 2008 and Obama slipped in. In fact, I know Republicans who registered as Democrats in the primary, just to vote against Hilary. That backfired. Big time. I have to wonder if Democrats will do the same for Trump or Bush. I hope not.
Like Carly Fiorina, I wonder which Donald Trump will govern-the one who is for abortion, or the one who opposes it. When he says he's pro-life, what does he mean? I remember an actress who had the temerity to say, "Just because I believe in abortion, don't tell me I'm not pro-life!" When he says he knows how to deal better than the 4 opponents who lost big time when he declared bankruptcy, doesn't he condemn himself as one of the fat cats who doesn't care who he hurts? How will he treat women? He's had 3 wives and all are beautiful women. So do the rest of us not count? How petulant will he be with those who disagree with him? Will he destroy the Republicans ala Ross Perot? He said he is running as a Republican because it gave him the best chance to win. Being President, Mr. Trump, is NOT about winning. It's about leading. It's NOT all about you. It's about this country. Doesn't anyone but me see what he really is?
Regardless, I'm praying. Whoever wins will undoubtedly get my vote, albeit an unhappy and reluctant one if it is someone from the bottom of my list. The Bible is clear. God chooses our leaders and we are to respect them, no matter who they are. Yes, I pray for Obama. I even told him so in a letter early in his first term. He never saw it, I'm sure. If he did, he was laughing all over the Oval Office. He thinks he's invincible, but God hasn't weighed in, yet. It's the same for the 2016 election. God hasn't weighed in, yet.
In the first place, I look at attitudes. That's why Rand Paul is now at the bottom of my list. Yeah, he needed to get his name out there, but acting like a surly 10 year old Democrat did not cut it for me. I get disgusted with Democrats who will not shut up and wait their turn to talk. Paul was even told to let Christie finish, but, Democrat style, he blathered on. In last night's focus group, Megan Kelly said he was wrong on his point. Another reason he needed to shut up. It's been said the reason his dad would not make a good President is that very few in Congress agree with him. Same for the son. Leaders have to have followers and he doesn't have many, so he acts out, thinking that will win friends and influence people. NOT me.
Same for Donald Trump. Whine, whine, whine. He got more time than any other candidate and came off like a big baby. His complaint and dis of Megan Kelly was uncalled for and her question to him wasn't even the worst. She was much worse toward Scott Walker. Instead of asking what his alternatives were if pregnancy endangered a woman's life, she had to disparage his point by asking if he wanted the mother to die. That's preposterous and uncalled for. It was her opinion and her slap at him for disagreeing with her own position. She could have furthered the debate instead of cutting him down and making herself look like such an unprofessional bully.
In last night's focus group, someone remarked that allowing abortions to save the life of the mother was abused, she quickly shut the person up, with "I know it is, I know it is." Someone's called her "Eye Candy" for FNC. That may, unfortunately, be accurate.
I find it hysterically funny that Trump liked Carly Fiorina in spite of the fact that she was able to draw blood from him and he didn't even notice! He liked her! And, yet, she not only made the oft shown comment about the phone call, she also said he had changed his mind on so many things she had to wonder how he would govern. She got her point across is a dignified, professional way. And, everybody, except me, missed it! Including Trump. Funny. He was still smarting over Megan Kelly when he should be looking over his shoulder at Carly Fiorina.
It would seem that people who've already made up their minds will not change them, no matter what. As a general rule, I would be one of those. However, this time, there are so many really good candidates, I may have a hard time choosing. With this first debate, I made a list of the candidates, in order of how they did at the debate. Starting with Carly Fiorina at the top and ending with Rand Paul at the bottom. I have five at the top that I thought did very well. Ms. Fiorina, Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, and Scott Walker are at the top.
In the 9:00 debate, I was impressed with Marco Rubio the entire way through. Up until the debate, he wasn't on my list of favorites. I thought he was Bush's puppet and much as I admire and respect Bush 41 and 43, I will not vote for Bush 16-unless he's the candidate, which I sincerely hope he isn't. His push on Common Cause is making his friends rich and destroying our kids. I know. I'm a tutor. Then, too, his brother is still hated and the name gives him too much baggage and ammunition for the Democrats.
Again, Mike Huckabee has not been on my list of preferred candidates, so he was another surprise. I thought he was passionate about what needs to be done in this country and he stood out in the crowd on the stage. It was hard for anyone to stand out, but he managed and I give him credit for that as well as for his stand on the issues. But, then, I will admit, I was not going to vote for Ronald Reagan! I believe the Lord told me to because of the abortion issue. I know, abortion is still with us, but Ronald Reagan was the best President of the 20th century and may even be number 3, behind George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. If I hadn't obeyed what I believed the Lord was saying to me, I would have missed it.
Ben Carson, I've always liked. He's amazing. And, as an amateur, he stood his ground against many professionals. Not as well as Rubio, Huckabee, or Fiorino, but he stood head and shoulders above the rest of the groups. His brilliance, his history, his sense of humor, his dignity, his faith, his love of his wife makes him a total package. I hardly even noticed he's not as politically astute as the rest of the crowd, but then, that might work very well in his favor. Isn't that what the whole nation is belly-aching about?
Rounding out my top five is Scott Walker. Here, I reverted more to his record than to how he did on the stage. The rottenest question of the night (see paragraph one again) went to him. Worse, he was given no opportunity to respond. I lost a lot of respect for Megan Kelly for that one. I appreciate the fact he lives what he believes. I'm blown away by the fact he took on the unions and won. They're every bit as corrupt as big business and need to be taken down a peg or two. It never seems to fail. When a person or organization gets too big for their britches, they become bullies, blind to anything or anyone but themselves. As an aside, that's what I don't like about media personalities. The instant they make a name for themselves, they lose all objectivity. Megan Kelly, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Glen Beck to name but a few. Democrats are no better. I'm so glad Carly Fiorino scored big points against Christ Matthews. The unions have become bigoted and bullying, too. That's why we need both sides to balance one another out. CEO's earning millions quickly lose sight of people in their employ and unions have done the same. Scott Walker struck some big blows for equality and I appreciate him for it. Until Thursday night, he was my choice.
That rounds out my top five. The following seven are eminently qualified, but did not stand out in the debate. Anyone of them, including Jeb Bush would make a good President. The trouble is, they just couldn't light the fire needed to get into the Oval Office. Chris Christie leads the pack there. Then, there's Ted Cruz. I was surprised to hear Glen Beck say he wasn't impressed with Ted Cruz. He's been pushing for him ever since he announced. Jim Gilmore is so little known, but he was able to present his stunning credentials. Santorum is such an honorable and admirable man. Unfortunately, he's missing that certain charisma that makes him Presidential. Same with George Pataki, Jeb Bush, and Lindsey Graham. All have impeccable credentials, great track records, and are highly qualified, but they just didn't impress me. In fact, after I went to bed, I started to make my list in my mind and I couldn't even remember who several of them were, especially in the 5:00 debate. Carly Fiorino was the only one I remembered.
The bottom five will have to do a lot to impress me. Rick Perry comes in at #13 in my book. He was weak. And, being in the 5:00 debate after running in 2012 is not a good recommendation, in spite of his good record in Texas. Then, there's John Kasich. I don't like his "moderate" stance. Face it. Moderate Republicans are really Democrat wannabes. McCain and Romney were both Democrat wannabes and look where that got the country. Bobby Jindal, like Trump and Paul, was using the wrong method to get noticed. He was petulant, surly, and unappealing.
One big mistake I think all of them made is to assume the winner will be going against Hilary Clinton. The same thing was assumed in 2008 and Obama slipped in. In fact, I know Republicans who registered as Democrats in the primary, just to vote against Hilary. That backfired. Big time. I have to wonder if Democrats will do the same for Trump or Bush. I hope not.
Like Carly Fiorina, I wonder which Donald Trump will govern-the one who is for abortion, or the one who opposes it. When he says he's pro-life, what does he mean? I remember an actress who had the temerity to say, "Just because I believe in abortion, don't tell me I'm not pro-life!" When he says he knows how to deal better than the 4 opponents who lost big time when he declared bankruptcy, doesn't he condemn himself as one of the fat cats who doesn't care who he hurts? How will he treat women? He's had 3 wives and all are beautiful women. So do the rest of us not count? How petulant will he be with those who disagree with him? Will he destroy the Republicans ala Ross Perot? He said he is running as a Republican because it gave him the best chance to win. Being President, Mr. Trump, is NOT about winning. It's about leading. It's NOT all about you. It's about this country. Doesn't anyone but me see what he really is?
Regardless, I'm praying. Whoever wins will undoubtedly get my vote, albeit an unhappy and reluctant one if it is someone from the bottom of my list. The Bible is clear. God chooses our leaders and we are to respect them, no matter who they are. Yes, I pray for Obama. I even told him so in a letter early in his first term. He never saw it, I'm sure. If he did, he was laughing all over the Oval Office. He thinks he's invincible, but God hasn't weighed in, yet. It's the same for the 2016 election. God hasn't weighed in, yet.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Happy Birthday
Today is our darling daughter-in-law's birthday. I hope it's a very happy one for her. She's quite the busy woman. For several years, she was the after-school care giver at the private school where our grandsons attended. She also is an avid gardener. Farmer, really. She's also tried her hand at raising chickens and keeping bees.
However, the bees didn't work out, according to our son. Too many stings. Since she got only stings and pollination of her fruit trees, I'm not sure it was worth it, either and am glad she gave it up before the stings cause more problems. I admire her desire to keep that garden going and the food prep she does with it all. She's certainly ambitious!
She's also busy at their church, did some work with the school plays, is caregiver for her grandson and who knows what all else? Way to go, Tina!
We're proud of you, love you, and pray for you daily. And, today-Your Day- a very happy birthday and many more to come even better than the ones that have gone before.
However, the bees didn't work out, according to our son. Too many stings. Since she got only stings and pollination of her fruit trees, I'm not sure it was worth it, either and am glad she gave it up before the stings cause more problems. I admire her desire to keep that garden going and the food prep she does with it all. She's certainly ambitious!
She's also busy at their church, did some work with the school plays, is caregiver for her grandson and who knows what all else? Way to go, Tina!
We're proud of you, love you, and pray for you daily. And, today-Your Day- a very happy birthday and many more to come even better than the ones that have gone before.
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