Monday, January 29, 2007

P.S. DIE..... Joshua Sparling...

I was so angry I was crying.

Driving home from work this evening I heard the report about Joshua Sparling being spit on at the PEACE RALLY in Washington D.C.

You may remember the name Joshua Sparling- He was the soldier that had the Christmas card up on his wall at Walter Reed that said something to the effect of "Die." I posted about him here- and asked that folks send cards to Walter Reed to show support for these fine men and women. Well, it seems that these protestors have shown their true colors yet again and really don't give a rat's behind about him or any of the others soldiers or Marines.... They DO NOT support the troops.

"There were a few tense moments, however, including an encounter involving Joshua Sparling, 25, who was on crutches and who said he was a corporal with the 82nd Airborne Division and lost his right leg below the knee in Ramadi, Iraq. Mr. Sparling spoke at a smaller rally held earlier in the day at the United States Navy Memorial, and voiced his support for the administration’s policies in Iraq.

Later, as antiwar protesters passed where he and his group were standing, words were exchanged and one of the antiwar protestors spit at the ground near Mr. Sparling; he spit back."
complete article found @ NY Times

Sean Hannity had Joshua on the line and these same peaceloving protestors wished Joshua dead... called him a baby killer... threatened his life.... NICE..................


Antiwar Protestors... PLEASE BE HONEST WITH YOURSELVES. YOU DO NOT SUPPORT THE TROOPS. YOU HATE THE MILITARY AS MUCH AS YOU HATE GEORGE BUSH. PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME THAT YOU ARE OPEN AND DIVERSE. YOU ARE NOT... IF SOMEONE DISAGREES WITH YOUR VIEWPOINT THEY GET A NICE CARD LIKE THE ONE TO THE LEFT...

NOW... GO BACK TO HOLDING HANDS, LYING TO YOURSELVES AND SINGING KUMBAYA.... OH AND THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR PEACEFUL MISSION... WISHING THOSE OF US THAT DISAGREE WITH YOU DEAD....

UPDATE: I NEGLECTED TO MENTION-- GO BACK TO YOUR VANDALIZING, AND HERO WORSHIP.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Sunday Song, If I Die Before You Wake

Update: Visitors from SIGforum - Welcome!! Thanks for stopping by!

VISITORS FROM COMBATCARRY.COM- WELCOME!! If you have time, stay awhile... I make a great cup of coffee.



If I Die Before You Wake, a song by Dustin Evans

The Pledge--- # 27,162

Sunny - Hi 65 Lo 61 for Baghdad, Iraq
Snow and Wind (nice...) - Hi 22 Lo 15 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: If I Die Before You Wake,
Dustin Evans - The link is to Dustin's Myspace sight. If you enjoy country music, go check out some of his other songs... nice selection.

Ramble:

So Friday, I left work and headed to CVG (The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport) to pick up my grandfather. My brother had a week long conference out in Las Vegas and my grandfather goes out to visit my Uncle and cousins and to enjoy the cultural aspect of Las Vegas... ok...ok... he goes for the craps tables and the food.

Anyway, I get to the airport early and wander around... as much as you can these days... I check the arrivals monitors... I see that his flight is a whole minute early... woo hoo!! I take note of the baggage claim number.... 3.... mental note.... go to claim # 3.... #3...#3.... got it... OK... I still have 30 minutes to kill....I wander down to check out a couple of the huge mosaic murals created during the Great Depression for the Union Terminal. The mosaics are I'm guessing about 25 feet x 25 feet in size... huge-- created by German immigrant, Winold Reiss-- an incredible artist. Back in the 70's there were plans to demolish the Union Terminal so there was an enormous drive to raise money to save the murals and get them moved to the airport. The murals are truly some of the finest works of Art Deco and the Union Terminal (which thankfully is still standing) probably the finest example of Art Deco architecture in the country. Truly, if you ever have a layover in Cincinnati, please go check out the mosaics-- Wonderful wonderful examples of Art Deco--- scenes of the American Worker were from places in the tri state area. If you have an appreciation of propaganda posters for the artistic value you will appreciate these murals. Fabulous.

OK... so, I wander back towards baggage claim... I debate whether or not I should go downstairs or just wait upstairs... I decide to check w/ Delta to make sure my grandfather will be provided with a wheelchair escort from the gate to baggage claim. That was quick... yes he is... I decide to stay upstairs. I watched some arrivals and it makes me all misty to see families and loved ones reunited... go to the airport if you ever need a "pick me up" and are convinced that life on this planet is just awful and you are feeling completely cynical... go to the airport... I'm standing at the top of the escalator and feel a smile crossing my face. Happy reunited faces. A police officer is standing to my right also watching the arrivals. A couple of minutes later a young 20 something handsome man in a ball cap and t-shirt walks up and joins us. He is excited... Talking... talking... smiling smiling. It turns out that this fine young man is with the National Guard. He had been in Iraq for 12 months and had been home for about a month. He was anxious to see his girl. She too was coming home from Iraq via Charlotte. They hadn't seen each other for 5 months. The police officer was asking questions about where they trained... what his thoughts were... it appeared that they knew some of the same folks... small town, ya know? Let me tell you... that young man had one thing on his mind. About that time, he pulled a little box out of his pocket and opened it for us to see. Inside was a beautiful diamond engagement ring... I looked at him... beaming.... grabbed his shoulder (hmmm... muscles) and squeaked, "Are you going to propose to her now??" With a twinkle in his eye and a smile from ear to ear... "Yes ma'am!" The officer shook his hand, a couple walking past stopped to say good luck... it was very cool. The whole time this was taking place I was watching for my grandfather... the soldier was looking for his girl. The police officer asked the soldier what she looked like, what would she be wearing, "She is beautiful. She has brand new white tennis shoes". Oh, well great, that helps, we will surely be able to help you spot your girl with that detail... A few minutes later, I see my grandfather being wheeled up. I point down. I said to the soldier, "That's my grandfather. He is a WWII vet. On behalf of my grandfather and myself thank you for your service and after you propose to your bride to be, thank her for us". I shook his hand and I left him and the officer. I wanted to go meet my grandfather at the elevator. I heard the soldier call me, "Ma'am!" I turned around and he came up to me and said, "Thank your grandfather for me, you know, for his service, ok?" I manage a smile and a nodd.

Instant tears!!! Do you hear me??

So, I meet my grandfather and he is just as happy as can be. He did well at the craps tables, ate at some of the finest restaurants had a couple of stories to tell.... His wheelchair escort is a man, I would guess in his 50's with brown skin- Indian descent, with an accent... I tell you this, because of the words he spoke to my grandfather. "I don't see too many folks like you anymore, you know World War Two era. You take care of yourself and it has been a privilege to serve you today. Thank you for your service to our great country." My grandfather smiled and shook the man's hand and said, "Thank you. Very kind."

Instant tears again!

It's really important that we are mindful of these men and women. They want to finish the job. Let them. Do your part to support them. And if you have not done so already, go and take an active role by signing the Pledge. On Tuesday, Hugh Hewitt wrote this:

Take the Pledge:

If the United States Senate passes a resolution, non-binding or otherwise, that criticizes the commitment of additional troops to Iraq that General Petraeus has asked for and that the president has pledged, and if the Senate does so after the testimony of General Petraeus on January 23 that such a resolution will be an encouragement to the enemy, I will not contribute to any Republican senator who voted for the resolution. Further, if any Republican senator who votes for such a resolution is a candidate for re-election in 2008, I will not contribute to the National Republican Senatorial Committee unless the Chairman of that Committee, Senator Ensign, commits in writing that none of the funds of the NRSC will go to support the re-election of any senator supporting the non-binding resolution.

Take the pledge, and tell the NRSC:

NRSC
Ronald Reagan Republican Center
425 2nd Street, NE
Washington, DC
20002
202.675.6000
webmaster@gopsenators.com

Then e-mail
Senator McConnell and Senator Ensign, and tell them too. Senator McConnell's phone number is (202) 224-2541. Senator Ensign's phone number is (202) 224-6244.

GOP activists and donors built the GOP senate delegation, as well as the majority that was punted away. They can disassemble it as well, and GOP support for a neoappeasement resolution is exactly the way to start that process.

The Congressional GOP has to realize it cannot have it both ways --you can't be for victory after you were against it.

And GOP senators --alone or as a group-- definitely cannot
count on the support of the base if any of them vote for appeasement.

SIGN THE PLEDGE

Thanks go to Carol for bringing this to my attention.

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

I visited Joe, That One Guy @ Drunken Wisdom, Joe said to go visit Og @ Neanderpundit, Og requested I read this. Now before you go read this undertand there is a lot of foul language. I just love the guy's enthusiam to share a story... The website is called: Ben Thompson - My Stupid Website Beb writes a weekly biography that he calls Bad A$$ of the Week. Truly, this guy is passionate and the foul language is........foul... but it suits this guys writing style. Read about Simo Haya

Housekeeping: UPDATE-- Michael and I finally received our 70's Music Explosion CD's! I'll let you know if the wait was worth it.



Have a great week everyone!

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Bargain-Suppliers Discount Mats - The Last Word

OK.... so I couldn't let it go... When you go to Discount-Mats now, you will find this note:

"Dear Visitor,

Due to the recent actions of a member within our company, we have been experiencing many difficulties. We have been bombarded by emails and phone calls literally within 12 hours of the event occurring, which sent us in a state of complete shock.

Our technical difficulties were experienced due to severe e-mail and phone call overload.

As a company, we would like to say that it is against company policy to treat anyone disrespectfully, and we condemn any such behavior. The member who was responsible for stating their personal opinion in a disrespectful manner is no longer associated and no longer working with Discount-Mats.com

The members within our company strongly disagreed with the views and actions of this member, and once again, his personal opinion does not reflect the opinions of the company.

We, as a company, are sorry for the events that took place and we do not condone un-professional, rude behavior from any members within our company.

We are trying to get our website back up as soon as possible.

If you are a potential or current customer, or if you would like to
leave your comments, please contact us via phone or e-mail below:

New E-mail Address: support @ discount-mats.com

Phone Number: 414-736-8394

We are getting a lot of phone calls and we expect many emails, so please don't be surprised if the mailbox is full. Please try again later as we are constantly trying to clear our phone and e-mail boxes. "

So, let's just make this clear... The apology is for the rude behavior only....

..:: Understood ::..

Friday, January 26, 2007

Friday Funny

This is dedicated to Ahmad and Chris and Howard- Guys that Michael works with.



This is an excerpt from concert film, Bill Cosby - Himself--- if you have never seen it... rent it... It is hysterical.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Sgt. Tommy Rieman an American Soldier an American Hero

Last night during the State of the Union Address President Bush introduced Sgt. Tommy Rieman from Independence, Kentucky.

"Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the United States Army. In December 2003, he was on a reconnaissance mission in Iraq when his team came under heavy enemy fire. From his Humvee, Sergeant Rieman returned fire - and used his body as a shield to protect his gunner. He was shot in the chest and arm, and received shrapnel wounds to his legs - yet he refused medical attention, and stayed in the fight. He helped to repel a second attack, firing grenades at the enemy's position. For his exceptional courage, Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect and gratitude of our whole country."

Complete Transcript from State of the Union Address

Well shoot! I know where Independence is!! Heck, I pass the exit everyday going to work... and my sis in law and her whole family live there.... whaddya know?

And what is more cool than real hero action figures?

"Rieman, now stationed at the Pentagon, was chosen in 2004 to be a model for one of the Army's new action figure toys in a product line called "America's Army Real Hero." The action figure depicts Rieman firing an M-4 rifle mounted with an M-203 grenade launcher during the December 2003 firefight."

Excerpt from the Kentucky Post - Local Soldier is Guest at Speech

When it comes to our military, understand this:
Sgt. Tommy Rieman is NOT the exception. Sgt. Tommy Rieman IS the rule.

UPDATE- My honey works with Sgt. Rieman's Uncle Bubba.... so whaddya know?

Monday, January 22, 2007

Scootertrash Conservative on Dennis Kucinich

My Scootertrash hubby has posted a great piece on Dennis Kucinich and his desire to resurrect the Fairness Doctrine.

Go visit him!


Really, go now!

photo of my hubby courtesy of Killboy.com

Bargain-Suppliers Discount Mats

The following is an email exchange between Sgt Hess, stationed in Iraq and an internet company called Discount-Mats.com.

To Whom it may concern:

Do you ship to APO addresses? I'm in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Iraq and we are trying to order some mats but we are looking for who ships to APO first.

SGT Hess

the response--

SGT Hess,We do not ship to APO addresses, and even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq.

Bargain SuppliersDiscount-Mats.com

This correspondence took place on January 16. I checked Snopes.com and they have verified this to be true. Ah... yes... the libs showing their true colors.... "I support the troops, not their mission"--- Bullcrap! Liberals hate the military and hate what our men and women in uniform stand for! I'm so sick and tired of their pacifist butts.

For those dozen or so of you that read my blog, I urge you to please post something on your blog about this.... (let me know if you do) Not that I am in the market for a mat, but I want to make a point that Bargain Suppliers Discount Mats can take a stance... The good news is that the American Consumer can also take a stance...

One last thing... feel free to send a note to this company....

UPDATE: Discount Mats sight has been down for quite a while so feel free to drop a note in the mail to them---
UPDATE 7:00 PM: Snopes has updated their sight and included a link to this report.
FINAL UPDATE 1/23/07, 7:00 PM - Dakota Ranger left a comment stating Michelle Malkin posted on this. Looks like the person that sent the email to Sgt. Hess has been terminated. I have removed the phone number and snail mail address. Here is a link to the Fox News article and to point out one thing that was left in my comments for clarification purposes:

"Sgt. Colby Howser, spokesman for the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, said it is not unusual for soldiers to make purchases on their own. 'He wasn't ordering for the unit,' Howser said. 'If the unit needed to purchase something, it would be a lieutenant colonel placing the order, not a sergeant."

So, I stand by our troops and thank everyone that did the same. OK. Put a fork in me. I'm done. No More on this and back to my 12 visitors a day and if you didn't catch it before, check out this past Sunday's post... I thought it was brilliant... I used Latin and everything..........

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Panem Et Circenses

Rain - Hi 44 Lo 39 for Baghdad, Iraq
Snow - Hi 37 Lo 33 for Northern KY, USA--- woke up to about 3 inches of the white stuff and it is still falling. abosolutely beautiful.

Song of the week: Respectable Street,
XTC - The video clip is from a movie called Urgh! A Music War. I have it on Beta.... would love to get it on DVD, but I don't think you can get it on DVD... The song is off XTC's 1980 ablbum Black Sea... I still have it... would love to get it on CD so I can download it to my iPod...

Ramble:

Earlier this week like everyone else, I read/heard about this:


"A morning radio show has been pulled off the air and 10 employees have been fired after a woman died last week after trying to win a Nintendo Wii video game console in a water-drinking contest at the show’s studios. The woman, Jennifer Lea Strange, 28, was one of about 18 participants who tried to win the video-game system on Friday by seeing how much water they could drink without going to the bathroom. Ms. Strange drank nearly two gallons over two hours, according to a contestant. She was found dead several hours later. Preliminary autopsy findings indicated the cause was water intoxication."

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: January 17, 2007


Local News Coverage and video

OK... so this woman, mother of a couple of kids, loving wife, blah blah blah decides that the only way she can get a Wii for her family is to enter this contest. OK.... fine. The woman like the other contestants signs a release form... relieving the station and it's employees of any liability... OK...fine. She dies from water intoxication.... sad and stupid waste, but OK... fine... The family intends to sue... OK... fine. My question is not "Why was this woman so stupid?" (I am assuming she was informed of the risks involved with drinking so much water without any potty breaks) My question is not "Who made the executive decision at the radio station that this was a good idea?" My question is, "When and why did this become entertainment??" Have we become so fat and lazy as a society that shows such as Jackass became part of our pop culture? I have even caught a couple episodes of recent America's Funniest Home Videos and folks falling down or seemingly getting hurt in one way or another seems to be a main staple. How did we get from Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan to bloody wrestling matches using chairs and ladders and simulated sex acts in a ring????What about the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships)? You are in a caged ring and fight until you give up or the rare occasion when the referee calls it because you have been beaten to a bloody pulp. Why is it that we give a rat's behind over the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohen, and Britney God Help Us Spears -- Celebrity for the sake of celebrity. The list of what is construed as entertainment today is endless and mindless.... I do not exempt myself as a holier than thou on this topic either... the only part of American Idol that I watch are the opening weeks of the season with the auditions... why am I compelled to watch folks embarass themselves and then watch judges be mean, nasty, and rude? Why do I find that entertaining?

Or what about this? "A prostitute presents a creation from the Daspu Fall/Winter 2007-2008 collection in Rio de Janeiro January 19, 2007. Daspu is a fashion house founded and run by prostitutes whose designs have become the talk of Brazil's fashion industry nine months after its start. Its success has surprised its founders, who see its sudden prominence as a revolutionary moment for a country long ambivalent about its world-famous sex industry."
Reuters

"The Roman satirist Juvenal, writing in the first century AD, lamented that "the people that once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now meddles no more and longs eagerly for just two things, 'bread and circuses'. Juvenal had the misfortune of living in a time when the civic virtues of the early Roman republic were a distant memory, when the moral dry rot, which eventually destroyed Rome from within, was already far advanced. Juvenal saw that the Roman citizenry had become so addicted to entertainment and pleasure that they had lost the capability of governing
themselves. Juvenal's scornful term 'panem et circenses or bread and circuses'has become synonymous with mindless self-gratification."

Steve Bonta

I would love to say I'm optimistic for our country and our collective soul, but I'd be lying... Someone please reassure me...please!!!

"Ben Franklin warned that 'only a virtuous people are capable of freedom'. Great republics die like aging trees, from the inside out. By the time of Juvenal, Rome was at the height of her imperial splendor, seen from the outside. But within, the Rome that had produced men like Cicero and Scipio was already gone. The hollow shell of empire persisted for centuries thereafter, but its demise had already been largely determined, because the Roman citizenry had come to prefer diversion over virtue."

Steve Bonta


Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

Related--
*A post I did back in September, 2005... I like this post.... Celebrities and Mocha Soy Lattes
*Read Steve Bonta's complete essay, Breads and Circuses -- excellent!!

RennyBA's Terella - long overdue, a lovely Norwegian that visits me

Oh No They Didn't!" -like a trainwreck I can't look away either...another celebrity gossip blog

Kentucky Republican Voice - a source for Kentucky grassroots information

Have a great week everyone!


Friday, January 19, 2007

The Mamas and the Papas - Denny Doherty

** I * love * pop * music * from * the * 60's. **

On my drive home from work this evening I heard that Denny Doherty from the Mamas and the Papas passed away. As a little girl, I remember their songs coming on the radio and my mom singing with a very thick accent, "Monday Monday". Good stuff, ya know? I have always had a secret fascination (not so secret to those that know me I suppose) with the Mamas and the Papas... Yes, they were a bunch of hippies, yes they lived the free love, drug induced lifestyle... and sadly John Phillips cut his career short because of his drug addiction. But in those 3 very short years that the Mamas and the Papas were together, they created something special. The songs will live on in the beautiful harmonies they created. Their music always seems to warm my soul when I feel myself getting cynical. So, click play and tip a glass in memory of Denny.

Dedicated to the One I Love



California Dreamin'

Thursday, January 18, 2007

New U.S. Government Seal

You may have already seen this in an e-mail.... if not...


New US Government Seal


Speaker of the House Elect Nancy Pelosi today announced that the Democrats will change the country emblem from an Eagle to a CONDOM because it more accurately reflects the new government's political stance. A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of pricks, and gives you a sense of security while you're actually being screwed.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Tonto's Letter From a Soldier


Yesterday on my evening rounds, I stopped by the Lone Ranger's place, Important Stuff or Not and Tonto posted a letter from a soldier stationed in Iraq. It is a must read-


"In case you didn’t hear it in the news, 800 Iraqis from Ramadi (near us) just
signed up for the Iraqi Police. That is a great sign that they are no longer
intimidated by the terrorists."


Go now...

Sunday, January 14, 2007

The Clouds Hang Heavy in the Sky

Sunny - Hi 60 Lo 41 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rain - Hi 51 Lo 46 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Redwing, Hem

Ramble:

Somewhere I once read that January and February are the busiest months for funerals due to several factors such as the colder months are difficult on the elderly with influenza, upper respiratory infections and other bronchial afflictions, more accidents occur in the cold months. However, the reason that caught my eye... the person that is dying does not want to spoil the Christmas holiday for their loved ones so they literally will themselves to stay alive until after the holidays........

Last Friday, I traveled 12 hours with two of my coworkers from Northern Kentucky across six states to a small town 30 miles outside of New York City. We went, because someone we care for lost his mother after nearly a year of suffering with an inoperable cancer. To understand why me made the long trek you must first understand our affection for the son of this woman. Tony is a a colleague, a mentor, a protector, a friend. He at times is a caricature (intentionally) of what one would think of when you say American Italian New Yorker.... He is big in girth and even bigger in heart. He is generous with his heart and his time and although he doesn't discuss it, he is quietly generous with his wallet. He is active in his community which looks and feels like something straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting or Frank Capra movie. Everyone knows him. Everyone. Everyone adores him. I was told that if he ran for mayor in his hometown, he would win...."no problem." The love people have for this man speaks volumes to his character.

Tony is no saint. After all, he is the fellow that introduced me to Ketel One... smooth. He will say all the wrong things when I'm strung out due to the daily stress on the job... (for instance-- I am freaking over some deadline at work, then some ignoramus in management decides their freaking TPS report is more important than meeting a deadline on a 5 year government contract bid........) Tony in all his manly wisdom will tell me, "Relax........." OK--- now I know it's not just me... but the worst thing to tell a woman when she is frantic is "relax" or "calm down". He will yell scream and no doubt throw his arms all over when he is frustrated with me. However, if someone else upsets "his girls" he is all over them like a pit bull. No one messes with his girls... There is something to be said about loyalty... it has become a very rare thing...

Tony was raised in a loving home. His mother cooked and worried about everything and everyone. His father, who came from the old country, fought in WWII and then became a citizen. He was away from his family for four years fighting in the war before he could come home. Tony describes his father as the lover in the family- the one with the big heart and affection for everyone. He has one sister and she is identical in personality to Tony. Tony is married to a wonderful woman. Tony is approaching 60 and he has lived in the same town his whole life... He still maintains friendships with kids from his childhood...

One would think that Tony has led a charmed life and he has. However, he has had more than his fair share of tragedy. The biggest blow was when he lost his middle son to leukemia when he was only 20 years old. I had just started working with him. He has never gotten over the death of his son and I expect he never will. There are other sad, tragic tales that I could share about Tony, but I will tell you Tony gives Job a run for his money when it comes to tragedy. Despite all the awful events Tony has faced he has never given up. He has never lost hope. He has never lost his faith. He is the man that will quietly comfort someone else when they have lost a loved one. He's been there. He knows.

So, we decided to make the trip up to New York. I left my house at 5:30 in the morning and we were on our way by 6:30. I drove through Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania--- unbelievably long a$$ state, New Jersey and finally New York. It rained the whole way up and it was foggy for most of the trip... you know... from West by God Virginia to New Jersey. OK... now when someone has time, I'd very much like an explanation of the Pennsylvania Turnpike... what is that?? Good grief, I was ready to smack someone after driving that............... if you have never been... avoid it.... Anyway, we did not tell Tony we were coming up. He would have yelled and screamed at us and demanded we not go. I told a couple of my customers and got some help with finding accommodations. We pulled into the parking lot of the hotel at 6:30PM. Not bad time in crap weather with 4 potty breaks, and a late lunch at a McDonald's in Hellerton, PA.

Gino, another colleague of ours from Hartford, CT drove down to pay his respect and to also see to it that we were taken care of. We had a drink at the hotel bar and then Gino drove us to the funeral home a couple of miles away. Tony's mom was 81. Visitation had started the previous day, Thursday; we arrived on Friday evening about 8:00PM. The place was packed. In speaking to someone in line, she told me the line on Thursday went out the door and down the block. This, my friends, gives illustration to the love and respect this family has in their small community. As we stood in line to pray and pay respect, he spotted us. Big hugs for all of us, introductions, more hugs, Tony's Papa, more hugs, some ladies, more hugs, "Oh my Gawd, you drove!? You must be egsawwsted!" We were backing up the line. We went out on the porch of the funeral home to get some fresh air. It was so warm. Slowly folks started coming out on the porch asking for the whereabouts of the Angels from Cincinnati? More hugs, "I was told to not give any lip to the one called Cathy?" More hugs from strangers. We realized sitting there that we were starving. Gino wanted to take us out to dinner. One of the girls went inside to let Tony know we would see him tomorrow that we were going to grab something to eat. Tony tracked down his oldest son and instructed him to get us all over to Tony's house. There was apparently a ton of food there. When we got to Tony's home, we were greeted by more people, more hugs. They fed us... goooooooood yummy Italian food................ Ketel One on the rocks.......... perfection. Everyone was so touched by the fact that we drove up to be with Tony... They thought we were wonderful. HA! It's Tony- he's the one that is wonderful! Not us! We explained that we were his girls and we were very protective of him. That we could give him a hard time and yell and scream back at him, but anyone else, better run and hide... Tony simply makes that kind of impact on everyone. While eating, we heard tales of his childhood. We learned that this has been his modus operandi for his entire life-- Big tough guy exterior (visualize Good Fellas or the Sopranos) with a soft inside.

The funeral on Saturday morning was inspired and touched by God. I do believe that. I have never been to a Catholic funeral mass. It was beautiful. The pallbearers were Tony's childhood friends. The monsignor spoke about Tony's mother going to daily mass, how she was very particular about her routine. He spoke of her regular seat 5 pews back on the left end- that was her seat. When the monsignor looked, he stumbled over his words and commented to the congregation that her seat was empty. The church was standing room only.............but her spot was empty. Coincidence?

A woman sung Ave Maria and the clouds finally lifted and beams of sunlight came rushing through the stained glass rose window. The sun beams rested on Mrs. C's casket and sparkled in Tony's eyes as he gave the eulogy.

After the interment, everyone was invited to Tony's favorite restaurant. This scene was straight out of a gangster movie... I kid you not, one guy had on a knit jogging suit, with a sport jacket over top. We made our way to the bar where we were informed to order anything we wanted- diet coke... long drive ahead of us. Pictures of Tony and his family and his friends were all over the bar walls. We were then shuffled to a table. We met Tony's neighbors and 2 of his childhood friends. Strangers embraced us... thanked US for coming... More stories. More hugs. More laughs. More tears. More remembrances.

It's odd............ the three of us decided to go. It wasn't an option, we were compelled to go. We felt it was important to let Tony know how much we care for him. We wanted to be there for him because he is always there for us. What happened was what was most unexpected. In our attempt to reach out to Tony and his family and mourn the loss of his beloved mother, we were embraced by his wife and sons and Aunt Susie, Uncle Tony, Aunt Therese, Uncle Joe and the rest of his extended family and friends not to mention his entire town. I can not begin to put into words how wonderful it was to be part of that kind of love and support and to celebrate a life lived. We walked away with so much more. I'm richer for going. There is goodness in the world... it's in the fiber of this country... the family, the small towns, the hearts and minds of the people of this land-the Tony's in our lives...

Photo of Mt. Kisco courtesy of Jeffrey Hall

Housekeeping:

Did you notice I have been playing You Tube videos? Simple fix on IE... I downloaded the latest version of Adobe... if you can not see You Tube videos on blogs... go to You Tube and click on help... there you can get the latest version of Adobe to download... I still don't know why I can't see them using Firefox.........

I stole the Snap link pop ups from Basil's Blog. Pretty cool huh?

P.S. Now, being in New York you would think that we would have had a political conversation and my head would have exploded because of the liberal slant on everything. I'm here to report in this small town... flags were flying at half staff for President Ford... the conversations at the restaurant revolved around being taxed to death and "Gawd help us if Hillary should get elected president". By the way I was spitting distance from Chappaqua. We thought about stopping in and seeing Bill and Hill, but decided against it...



Redwing

Hey, was that you floating past the tree-line?
Hey, was that a feather in your hand?
No I don't mean to ask these questions
No I don't mean to rush your heart
I swear I saw this accidentally
No I don't mean to start

Hey, the rain falls straight into the sidewalk
Hey, the clouds hang heavy in the sky
But I don't want to still believe in
The gravity of solid ground
The world below is not so big
That it can keep us down

We are standing on the rooftops
We are circling like sparrows
We are tiny, we are trembling,
Scared of everything
But the heart is still a red wing

Fly above the houses and the schoolyards
And fly until you cannot feel the Earth
No I don't mean that it's so easy
And I don't mean that it's so small
But the world below is not so mean
That it can make us fall

We are standing on the rooftops
We are circling like sparrows
We are tiny, we are trembling,
Scared of everything
But the heart is still a red wing





Have a great week everyone!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

A Promise Is a Promise

This isn't the post I promised... However, it is a post...which I promised I would post today. Make sense? Probably not...

It was suggested by Jedi Master Rob that I wait on the post I want to do and I think he is right. I want to reflect on the events of this past weekend just a little longer. So, in the meantime go visit Rob... and say hello and wish him a happy birthday (this Saturday). Also, go visit my honey, the Scootertrash Conservative... He actually posted something Monday...

Lastly, since I pulled my Sunday Song... I'll leave you with this... it's been around for a couple of years... but it always makes me laugh... report back when you have the Numa Numa guy's dance moves down...or play it over and over again until your husband (or wife) spontaneously combusts... or wimpers,


"For the love of God!! Please stop playing that song!!"





Go visit the New Numa.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Not quite ready...


Due to a 1400 mile road trip in less than 48 hours... the Sunday post will be a little late. Please check back a little later. Now, I need to get some shut eye...

Update: No.. not a 140 mile... but a 1-4-0-0 mile road trip... New York and back... I'll 'splain later.... now bed...

Update No2: It is about 7:30PM Eastern time... I have been working on my Sunday post for awhile and I am not satisfied with it. My intention is to share my weekend with readers- and I will... but I am not describing it properly. I need to start from scratch... Give me until Wednesday..... I have to complete my annual review for work... pain in the arse...

I have opened this post up for commenting if you wish.

Have a great Monday! Sunday post up by Wednesday.... promise.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

A Marine's Prayer, Lance Corporal William D. Spencer

My pal Kyle brought the following press release to my attention to those in the Cincinnati, Tri State area. If you are able to show support for the family and pay final respect to a fallen Marine.... please read on....

IMMEDIATE IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELEASE

Subject schedule and events of Lance Cpl. William D. Spencer USMC causality of war from Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Spencer will arrive at Lunken Airfield Cincinnati Ohio Friday January 5, 2007 aboard military aircraft. US. Marines will be escorting him homeward in a parade at: 0900 – 1200 specific times will follow within a short time.

Military Parade Homeward route will be as follows:

Lunken Airport
Route 50 thru (Fairfax, Mariemont, Terrace Park, Milford) to Five Points in Milford. Left North onto State Route 28 onto OLD State Route 28 thru Miami Township Turning Left onto Branch Hill Guinea Pike thru the township to Right onto Loveland Madeira Rd. into Loveland onto W. Loveland Ave turning left onto Riverside Dr. at the Loveland Veteran’s Memorial Park into Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home where Lance Cpl. Spencer will lay in state for a public visitation Friday January 5, 2007 (2:00pm – 9:00pm)

Public Military Honor Funeral Services will be held at Milford High School Auditorium Theater on Eagle’s Way off of State Route 131 in Milford will be held Saturday January 6, 2007 at 11:00am.

Procession/ Parade to Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt. Healthy, Ohio will follow the services at the school where the procession route will be State Route 131 to Milford Pkwy to Interstate 275 to Interstate 71 south to Ronald Reagan Hwy west to Hamilton Ave to Compton Rd. into the gate of Arlington. Full military burial services will be performed at Arlington Memorial Garden for Lance Cpl. Spencer where he will be laid to rest.


Unfortunately, I will only be on the route in spirit because of another commitment. Please keep the family of this Marine in your prayers.

A Marine's Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Related: Journal News -"He didn't go alone."


Noel Melton, one of Spencer's best friends from elementary school, and one of
the six from Paris, Tenn., who enlisted in the Marines and volunteered to serve
in Iraq, held Spencer's hand as he died.