Amazing IS The New Awesome

Mostly Sunny - Hi 93 Lo 72 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 100 Lo 64 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rain - Hi 58 Lo 46 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Nowhere to Run, Martha & the Vandellas

Martha and the Vandellas are by far my favorite girl group from Motown... Heatwave, Dancing in the Streets, Jimmy Mack, and of course Nowhere to Run!! It's hard to be blue when you are listening to these girls groovin' to a sound that is now classified as oldies... wait... the 80's are now oldies... this is from the 60's... no matter... the sound is just as fresh today as it was in 1965... AMAZING!

Ramble (Random Thoughts):

** Remember, you read it here first... Amazing is the new awesome... Michael made this observation a few months ago and I now concur... No longer will you hear blond bubble-heads proclaiming something awesome... everything now is AMAZING.... good grief... another perfectly good word run down into the ground...

** I was away on business last week and I had the good fortune to spend some time in Westchester County, New York... Yes... I was in Hillary's backyard... actually, we went to Hill and Bill's place... Hill wasn't home... didn't see Bill. OH.. and their next door neighbor had an Obama sign in their front yard... Priceless!

** The area that Hill & Bill and Martha Stewart live in is quite rural... about an hour outside of New York City... it is quite beautiful... It AMAZINGLY looks a lot like Kentucky...

** I was fortunate to meet a young soldier in the airport in White Plains, New York. He looked like he was 16... no way has this young man shaved more than twice in his life. He was dressed in fatigues holding a bottle of Mountain Dew. I went to a vending machine and forked out $2.00 for a Mountain Dew and $1.50 for some pretzels. I walked over to the young man, held out my hand to shake his--- funny... his hands were soft... maybe a couple of callouses... but young... young hands. I handed him the soda and pretzels and said that I would buy him a drink next time I saw him. He laughed and thanked me... As I began to walk away from him... I realized I hadn't thanked him... I swung around... and said, "NO!! Thank you, Son!" And when I walked away, I made my way to the ladies room where I proceeded to burst into tears... Yes... another young man going off to protect us... to keep us safe... some one's sweetheart...some one's brother... some one's son... These young men ARE AMAZING and that is the definition of AMAZING AND AWESOME... That is the standard we should be using when choosing our words...

** Another observation from Michael... if you are an avid listener of NPR... Michael is about to become your worst nightmare... the next time you listen to NPR... listen to how much the announcer's stutter and stammer... They all do it... all the time...

** This next video is from GodTube.com. I saw this a while ago.. some friends that attend the Vineyard shared it with me. It's powerful... a great video for young and old alike.


** One more thing... Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful and AMAZING women.

Have a great week everyone!

Vern

The link I set up below is not working... hope this one does..

To Everything There Is A Season

Partly Cloudy - Hi 100 Lo 79 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 95 Lo 63 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Mostly
Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 45 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Turn! Turn! Turn!, The Byrds

Was this the last song of an innocent time? I'm serious... I was only a few months old at the time of it's release... Let me know... President Kennedy had been assassinated 2 years prior... we were in Vietnam-- however soldier morale was still high because the American people were supporting the effort and the troops... Seriously, was this the last song of innocence for our country?

Ramble:

This month has been on God's time. And once again I am reminded about how fleeting time can be. One moment has brought sheer joy and pride--- the next absolute sorrow and inconsolable grief. In the joy, I have seen struggle and hard work. In the sorrow, I have witnessed strength through courage and the support of family and community.

** My grandfather's best friend was finally given his medals for his service to our great nation during World War II thanks to a Vietnam Veteran. Vern was a medic... he saved lives and brought aid and comfort to soldiers in 3 major campaigns... including the Battle of the Bulge. He was NEVER issued a winter coat. After the war, he came home like the rest of his generation and got on with his life. I'm so pleased my grandparents invited me to attend. I'm so proud of my grandfather... I'm so proud of Vern. Thank these men... sadly, we are losing them every day...

I have moved the video to a separate entry- above. My apologies for the end of the video... first time using my camera--- and I haven't figured out how to edit yet... That is Ohio Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt presenting Vern with his medals... I've seen her a lot in the past 3 weeks...

** About two weeks ago, a coworker of mine unexpectedly lost her 15 year old son to a brain aneurysm... How does a mother recover from the loss of her oldest child? I don't know... I don't imagine a parent ever recovers from the loss of a child.. it's not the natural order... a parent is supposed to outlive the child...

** Friday morning, I witnessed a friend, 1 of 69 people from 34 countries become naturalized citizens of the United States. If you have never seen this ceremony or been witness to the oath... This is powerful stuff. By choice, they come here...they decide that this is a better place. Federal Court Judge Bunning (yes... son of Senator Bunning) asked that each person stand and give their name, the country of origin and where they reside currently... Safe to tell you... I started crying immediately... First person was from Canada (3 total), the next Russia--- many many Bosnians, 1 Iraqi, 1 Iranian, Filipinos, 3 Mexicans, 1 from Holland, 1 from France, a handful from the UK, China, India.... now... proudly are all Americans... Becoming a legal United States citizen by design is not an easy process and it takes a long time... years... I forget who it was, but one of the women stood and stated her name, where she was from and loudly and enthusiastically proclaimed in her glorious accent that she lived in INDEPENDENCE, Kentucky.
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

** That same Friday afternoon, I learned from my sis in law that Susan lost her long hard fought battle with cancer. She was only 47. My prayers are with Susan's family-- her husband... her mother... her brother and sisters... her son.... only 47....

** This weekend Matt Maupin finally came home. He was escorted by his younger brother Micah. Carolyn Maupin and Keith Maupin continue to be beacons of strength and dignity and compassion and hope during a time of inconceivable grief and sorrow. On April 9 at a scholarship fundraiser in his brother's name, Micah reenlisted in the Marine Corp in front of a packed house-- including his father and mother. Although Carolyn stood by her son's decision.... You could see the pain and fear in her eyes. Matt is home and the community is welcoming this young man home. Yesterday morning I stood along the highway with my grandfather and a bunch of crusty old Marines waiting for Matt. Kyle--- as usual did something extraordinary to welcome him home and to offer comfort and support to the family... He had a sign(s) made... pictures below... Michael rode in the escort as a member of Patriot Guard Riders from Lunken Airport to the Civic Center. I was very proud of him... he was the only sportie among the Harleys... We all met at the visitation. My grandfather is 85 and in failing health... He wanted to go pay his respect, but the weather was not cooperative. The police officers on duty especially Officer Combs and volunteers saw to it that we would get my grandfather through. He told us to come back in 45 minutes, he would get us a wheelchair and would get us to the front of the long line. Kindness... respect... appreciation...

** Kyle spoke to a very distinguished looking man-- Kyle what was his last name? ... As this man with an umbrella, a stylish suit and an English accent spoke about his time in the service and the artillery he used and the brotherhood he shared with Kyle, the conversation turned to his appreciation of the outpouring of support he was witness to. Shortly after, he shared with Kyle as I eavesdropped that he was asked by President Bush to paint a portrait of Matt Maupin. He described the painting... it will be Matt and his brother Micah... the portrait will be called Brothers.

** Today--- will be Matt's funeral... again the Maupin's are concerned about the entire community... they want us to be able to mourn his loss and celebrate this young man's life. Michael again will participate with Patriot Guard... I will wander down to the ball park... and pay my respect.

Kyle the dreamer, Ray the installer, Tom the guy who made the sign a reality... Michael

Read the oath above again... really... read it out loud. Say the words... Hear the words. Understand the words.

Everything is done in HIS time-- now read the following words...

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3: A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5: A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6: A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9: What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10: I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12: I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13: And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14: I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15: That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16: And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17: I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18: I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19: For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20: All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21: Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22: Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Yes... I have learned a great deal this month...

Have a great week everyone!

Love Never Loses It's Way Home

It was a beautiful Sunday. Michael and I were asked to help with some preparations for Matt Maupin's homecoming. Some last minute changes and we were off helping prepare for the Maupin Scholarship Fund Raiser and Dinner. It is held on April 9... the 4th anniversay of the day Matt was captured. Below are a few of the photos I took today. Pretty breathtaking... It was an honor for us to participate. It is my understanding that Keith and Carolyn don't know about this.

Let us never forget. Let us always be thankful for the fine men and women who serve our country.

click on the photos for larger view

Merry Christmas, My Friend

Sunny - Hi 61 Lo 37 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 59 Lo 31 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rainy - Hi 50 Lo 27 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland

Something about this song... not just the melody, but the lyrics, and not just that... others have covered the song since... including my beloved Frank Sinatra... but there is an undercurrent of sadness and desperation in the voice of this young 20 something Judy Garland that no one else has been able to capture... not even when she sang this song in later years does it match the melancholy of this version... Maybe it was the time and place... 1943... Our country was at war on two fronts, everyone back home was making all kinds of sacrifices... Our young men were asked to do unthinkable things to keep the home front safe. The song appeared in a movie called Meet Me in St. Louis (one I don't have and would very much like to have)... The movie was released around Thanksgiving of 1944... some of the darkest days of World War II--- we had suffered 500,000 casualties by the time the movie premiered; the Battle of the Bulge was just a few weeks away; plans for an atomic bomb were well underway... Yes, the musical was set at the turn of the century with lots of wonderful songs... Margaret O'Brien stole every scene she was in... but the scene that makes my heart stop... Judy is obviously in period costuming... she is singing to Margaret... or wait... is Judy singing to young men in uniform far from home in harms way? Yes, I believe she is... They are 18, 19, 20, 30, 40 years old...our sons, our brothers and our fathers... Judy is expressing the sadness of those that can not be together this special time of year... They are our first loves, our fiances, and our husbands and they are cold and wet or maybe they are in a hot humid climate where malaria runs rampant... either backdrop... they are far from home at Christmas...


Remember our troops at Christmas. Raise a glass to them and bow your heads and thank God for them... ask Him to keep them safe.

Ramble:

The first time I read this, was many years ago. My Uncle Charlie sent it to me. I tear up every time I read it.

Merry Christmas, My Friend

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi, and goodnight.

- Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, USMC, 1986

*** Lastly, there was no one more committed to our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines than Bob Hope... I have no doubt he is putting on a USO show in heaven...

(please make sure the Sunday song has stopped playing before starting this video.)



World War II.net


Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
Next year all
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
Next year all
our troubles will be miles away.

Once again as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more.

Someday soon
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Until then will have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

Merry Christmas!

The Gratitude Campaign

Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 49 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy - Hi 60 Lo 41 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rain - Hi 49 Lo 39 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant

I have had Kind and Generous as the Sunday Song previously. It is a beautifully written song with a lovely melody. Natalie's voice is like no other.

I have Ophelia- but really need to get Tigerlily, her first solo album. I have it... on cassette... Tigerlily has the song Wonder... which I may have to play next week... The song is great, but what really gets to me is the music video that goes with it...

Ramble:

It's been a few weeks since I last posted an entry on my blog. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was very nice. Michael and I had a houseful of family and Michael's cooking was superb.

We are now in the throws of the hustle and bustle of Christmas. We did our "Power Shopping" trip last Sunday-- so we are finished... I have 90% of the inside of house decorated and unfortunately have not started on Christmas cards... I make them by hand and send out about 70 cards... so, I'm a tad panicky about that., I have to wrap all the gifts too... and then get all the out of town gifts mailed by hopefully next Friday. I love to gift wrap as much as I enjoy making cards. So... I have a busy couple of weeks... like everyone else. So, that brings me to my point. Be sure to take time out and ENJOY the season. It is a wonderful time of year. Michael and I had a great time last Sunday shopping. Smile and thank the sales help... as we get closer to the 24th... they will look more and more haggard and "pinata-ized" (just made up that word). Trust me... if you smile and hum while shopping... you will enjoy yourself... take it from someone that absolutely hates crowds (and in recent years, started getting a little weirded out in large crowds)... your time will be much more enjoyable... look... you know you are going to deal with long lines and kids that don't know how to make change, parking issues, bad weather, and folks that have some serious bah humbug attitude... Remember the reason for the season... remember why you are out and about... spread some Christmas cheer and smile...

Today, we are going to the matinee production of A Christmas Carol at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. It is a wonderful annual production of that classic story. I have seen it once before and simply loved it. This will be Michael's first time- but he actually asked to see it... His favorite Christmas movie is Scrooge starring Alastair Sim and by far in my humble opinion the best depiction of Charles Dickens most humbug character.

A few weeks ago, I was traveling on business and was attempting to make a connecting flight in Philadelphia... My flight from Cincinnati arrived late, so I was making the mad dash to my next gate. As I was weaving in and out of the clusters of people, I saw a soldier standing at the counter of a gate. I continued walking, but then slowed down and retraced my footsteps and went up to the soldier- looked at the attendant to allow me to interrupt and clasped the soldiers hand and thanked him... As I recall... I said... "thank you so much!" Then the craziest thing... he thanked me! Wha??? I left that counter smiling and feeling stupid.... was that the best I could come up with?... Here is this guy... just coming home from Iraq or Afghanistan or Germany or somewhere that wasn't home.... and this was the best I could do.... I'm so goofy. We continued on, my manager a couple paces behind me... walking down the corridor another soldier... I stopped in front of him.... reached out with both my hands and held his hand in mine... His hand was cold and rough... He looked lost. I looked him in the eye and said the same words to him. "Thank you so much!" He held on to my hand and said, "Ma'am. That was nice. Thank you." He thanked me! Again... crazy... thanking me! He called me ma'am... I am officially old enough to be called ma'am... ugh. We continued walking towards our gate and my boss said... "How do you do that? Walk up to strangers and do that?" I stopped and looked at him- smiled--- I distinctly remember thinking, I need to smile... Rob says I can be scary and intimidating if I don't smile... I apparently have some sort of look I give, so I smiled and said, "Feeling weird and awkward for 10 seconds is the least I can do compared to the sacrifice these guys have made." Oh, when we got to our gate, our flight had been canceled. So I am particularly happy that I did stop and thank those young men. Had I not, I would have thought about that for the next 7 hours as I waited for my flight. Instead, I had the pleasure of sitting in the airport for 7 hours........ reading a book, having a complimentary lunch and dinner on United as well as a couple of complimentary cocktails on my company and the realization that life is all about perspective. It was good day.

Then by coincidence by boy Kyle sent me a link to The Gratitude Campaign. This is the coolest thing yet. It doesn't cost a dime and anyone can do it. Watch the video - be sure to stop Natalie before playing this. Join the campaign.



If you are seen thanking active duty or veteran or police officer or fireman... it makes it easier for the next person to do it... give it a shot... your Holidays will be that much more meaningful...

Who can forget this commercial from Budweiser? I dare you not to cry.


One other thing... I have received an email a few times-- it suggests you send some cards to "any soldier" at Walter Reed Hospital. Although this is a great suggestion, unfortunately, this year you will be wasting your time and postage. I had been doing this for the past few years and last year I had 6 of the 10 cards I sent returned to me... In February, I received a postcard from Major General George Weightman stating for security reasons they could no longer accept mail, care packages or donations sent to "Any Wounded Soldier". Although this is unfortunate, there is still time to show appreciation... go to my sidebar and click on the "Support Our Troops" button. There you will find organizations where you can show your support and appreciation. Remember there will be a lot of men and women in harms way Christmas. Don't forget them.

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

To learn more about this campaign visit: The Gratitude Campaign

Have a great week everyone!

Just Too Much...

Sunny - Hi 119 Lo 93 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 77 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 87 Lo 68 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Too Much Information, The Police

The Police only recorded 5 albums. I have them all... on LP, on cassette, on CD, and now on my iPod... The recordings after Synchronicity were to just rehash what had already been done. I actually saw them in a little venue called Bogart's in Cincinnati before they made it "big" in the states. I saw them after Regatta de Blanc but before Zenyatta Mondatta. I instantly fell in love with the pissed off drummer. I was 16 years old and snuck down to Clifton (University of Cincinnati) with friends to see them. We had a blast!!

When I saw that they were going to have a reunion tour, I was ecstatic.... until I saw ticket prices... I love this threesome and they will always have a special place in my heart. Many a night were spent down in Monkey Man's basement listening to Ghost In the Machine and watching Gary imitate Andy Summers while Jimi sang. It was great... great memories... but there is no way in hell I am paying that kind of money....

Also, don't you agree with me that these three have gotten better looking with age? Yah... and most definitely they've all had nose jobs...

Ramble:

Adriaan update: Michael flew out to Denver Saturday morning to be with his mother and Adriaan. Unfortunately, Adriaan has had a bit of a setback. His blood pressure dropped considerably on Saturday. He isn't able to swallow, so a feeding tube has been inserted and because he can't swallow, there seems to be some fluid developing in his lungs- pretty sure it's pneumonia. They have put him on antibiotics and if his breathing does not improve they will have to put him back on a ventilator. I'm not going to speculate, but this is going to be a long road for Adriaan. Any other person his age would not have survived past the surgery. He is a miracle. Please, please keep him in your prayers as well as my mother in law. Having this happen to your husband is unthinkable... having this happen so far away makes it feel impossible.

Thank you to those who have been checking in and dropping me notes and comments. Your prayers are appreciated more than I can express.

My grandparent's home sold this past week. That was pretty emotional. My grandfather built that house with his own two hands back during WWII. He has told me many times over the years that he planned on dying there.................. I love that place. I'll miss it too. Unfortunately, they just couldn't "keep up with keeping it up". So, for the past 2 years they have lived close to me in an independent living community for seniors and I am relieved.

I've said it here before... it sucks getting old, especially when your mind is still sharp as a tack. Their bodies are not cooperating and it is simply frustrating for them. Days dealing with depression and medications out the wazoo...

I'm pissed off about a lot of things in the news right now... there is just so much.

Project 2996 has kicked off. I'll get a separate post up at some point for that too. I just don't have it in me to even add links to this post. Pathetic.

Lastly, I have not been visiting my favorite blogs on a regular basis for the past couple few weeks. This is just a funk and quite simply life keeps getting in the way. Things will be getting back to normal soon... Good Gawd... it must.... In the meantime, I'm sorry I haven't been by your place on the internet.

Thanks for coming by and I'll be around shortly.... give me some time.

Housekeeping:

I need to do something mindless, so I'll be doing a round up of my sidebar (but then again, maybe not) and removing inactive links. I'll be adding to the MySpace stuff... found some more music.

Have a great week everyone!

A Sailor's Prayer, Chief Petty Officer, Greg Billiter

Sunny - Hi 104 Lo 75 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 71 Lo 46 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Driver 8, R.E.M.

I always seem to find myself listening to R.E.M. on rainy days-- usually when I'm feeling a little blue. Older R.E.M. always seems to have a feel of yearning... a sadness that can not quite be identified... but it's there...just below the surface. Well, it wasn't raining when I selected this song, but I realized I neglected to post about one of our hometown heroes...

Ramble:

This past month we lost another local hero. He was a career sailor (or so it seemed spending 15 years with the United States Navy). I did not attend but thankfully, my friend Kyle went. And I didn't know this until recently but my Mother In Law also attended the service. This 36 year old man, husband, father, son, grandson... was part of the life of a dear friend of my mother in law. Both of Kyle and Patricia paid their respect and said a prayer for this hero that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"During his first two tours of duty, Billiter dived for mines off the coast of Iraq. This (third) time he was the tactical commander in a convoy conducting patrols in Iraq when the vehicle he was in was struck by a rocket, Beck said. Billiter was severely injured and evacuated by a medical helicopter. He was later pronounced killed in action."

The rest of the article can be found here.

The thing is, Greg was doing what he wanted to do," Barry Billiter said. It was his life's work. He believed he was making a difference doing what he was doing.

How can you argue with that?

The rest of the article can be found here.

Greg, who his father said, saw himself as a peacemaker, would often talk about the positive things our troops are doing for the Iraqi people.

"There were roads being built," said Barry Billiter. "Schools built or refurbished, things of that nature."

Pat Billiter says Greg recently told her," I'm not making war. I'm making peace. By neutralizing bombs, I'm giving some people peace that might not know it otherwise."

The rest can be read here.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God."

Washington Post.

"On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy."

Here is a link to photos from the Patriot Guard Riders in attendance at Chief Petty Officer Billiter's funeral service.

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

If you visit one link... visit this one. It is Beliefnet. There you will find prayer circles for our men and women in uniform--- those in harms way. Say a prayer... put faces with those names. Click on each name--- take a good close look at that young man or woman that is keeping watch for us. Go... please... go now.

You Tube ~ R.E.M. Channel



Driver 8, R.E.M.

The walls are built up, stone by stone,
the fields divided one by one.
And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We've been on this shift too long"

And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"

I saw a tree house on the outskirts of the farm.
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged.
Bells are ringing through the town again,
Children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing

And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"

Way to shield the hated heat.
Way to put myself to sleep.
Way to shield the hated heat.
Way to put myself, my children to sleep.

He piloted this song in a plane like that one.
She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade.
Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again.
Field to weed is lookin' thin

And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We've been on this shift too long."
And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"


Have a great week everyone!

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.

Photo courtesy of United States Army And Read: OIF troopers beat 10:1 odds in December firefight

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

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.

Time Marches On....but stop for a moment and give pause...

Sunny - Hi 53 Lo 35 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rainy - Hi 56 Lo 46 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Time of Your Life, Green Day

Ramble:

I have always found comfort in pomp and ceremony- the steadfast ritual of tradition. With age, it has become more meaningful. From baptisms to weddings to funerals the symbolism of what is done and said can be quite moving.

Ceremonies of this nature are an opportunity to reflect on the life to be, the life in progress, or the life lived. It is only natural when reflecting on someone else's journey we look at our own journey. At the time of President Reagan's death, the entire country grieved-- Never in my life had I witnessed anything like that--- The outpouring of sympathy, the grief we felt as a nation--During President Reagan's state funeral, like the rest of the nation, I felt that I had lost a close member of my family. He meant that much to me. I desperately wanted to go to Washington, but that was out of the question so, in trying to deal with my own grief, I focused my attention on "the schedule" of the funeral. I took comfort in learning the symbolism of the caisson, the Old Guard, in understanding the meaning of the caparisoned horse (riderless horse). I found out when they were going to do 21 gun salutes, I learned about the history of the Lincoln catafalque upon which Reagan's (and now Ford's) casket rests. In learning and knowing the schedule, I felt comforted. I was being tasked to do something. I had a purpose. It helped. Pomp and ceremony is designed to do that.

A plan for a funeral must be in place when the president takes office. However, once he has left office the president and his family sit down and design a detailed funeral. The funeral is a reflection of the man and his first lady. (Tuck that away in a recess of your mind for future consumption.) The men and women that carry out these orders for the family are the most compelling- the most profound...in the simplest of terms they are carrying out orders, but with that they are showing the utmost respect for the fallen comrade or fallen leader... If you have ever been to a military funeral, the silent precision of the changing of the guard gives chills and brings tears.

Our nation is so young... We have only had 43 presidents... 43... That is one hell of a small club. In that time we have fought in 11 wars. The deadliest was the Civil War with nearly 620,000 lives lost. Our ugliest moment in time was our fight within....................

It has been said and I concur that President Ford was a decent man- kind, honest, humble. As a nine year old, I remember his voice more than anything-- soothing.... comforting... His voice was that of a great uncle or grandfather.

"I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances.... This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts."

When President Ford took office- it proved once again that our government works. No, he was not elected- not as Vice President, nor as President, but a series of events brought him to this most exclusive of clubs and it is the chain of command that our brilliant forefathers had the insight to put in place. Our government did not stop... Yes, we were coming out of Viet Nam and the scandal of Watergate... Our flag had been witness to much worse... President Ford was the man to bring calm to our nation. The feeding frenzy needed to end and end it he did.

OK...OK... President Ford was........a little on the boring side... But in reflection, he wasn't boring at all. He was simply a quiet soft spoken gentleman of integrity, honesty, and good character. Chevy Chase came to fame making fun of the man. But remember, President Ford was an athlete... he was masculine grace.... He was offered contracts to play professional football-- the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. He turned them down............. He went to Yale and became an attorney. Like so many of his generation he served his country during WWII. From there he served his country for another quarter of a century in Congress and we know the rest... 6 months as the Vice President and President for a little over 2 years.

I remember the 2 attempts on the President's life- one by Squeaky Fromme and the other by Sara Jane Moore.

But what I remember most vividly and fondly are the family moments and their dog having puppies...

So, as I watched President Ford's motorcade last night on Fox, I reflected on my personal remembrances and what the Ford Legacy will mean to me... I will remember that he brought comfort to us when we thought our government was vile and corrupt. But more importantly, I will remember a big gentle man that loved his wife and loved his family and loved his golden retriever, Liberty...........

We live in such an amazing country. We live in an amazing time. WE have a responsibility to the next generation to leave it better than the way we received it. We live in a time when the enemy is no longer defined by a border- a nation... It is our responsibility to remain vigilant. We owe it to our founding fathers who fought so couragously for our independence and freedom.

We owe it to our great great grandparents that endured a nation that was ripped apart in a time of great inner turmoil. I have no doubt President Lincoln was our greatest president. A lesser man would have crumbled. He knew what our nation stood for.

And, we owe it to the greatest generation... the generation that fought a war against an evil tyranny-- that put everything aside to remember Pearl Harbor...a generation that sacrificed so much...

As I look back in reflection at 2006, I must look forward to 2007. It appears we are approaching a fork in the road. I will remain vigilant and stand by my convictions that my family raised me to uphold.

What will our nation do? Where is she headed?

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power... the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

-Patrick Henry


Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

* Blogger and Spc. J. R. Salzman from Lumberjack in a Desert was injured before Christmas. He lost his right arm and his left arm has been injured as well. He is currently at Walter Reed Hospital. Go visit him and send him a note or leave him a comment... go...go now... really.

H/T: BlackFive and Little Green Footballs

* Military District of Washington - Guardians of the Nation's Capital

* Military District of Washington - The MDW is responsible for administering of state funerals. Visit this website to learn more about the funeral, the schedule, "the why'd they do that's...."

* Ford Presidential Library and Museum - A letter from Mrs. Ford can be found here. Photos of President Ford courtesy of the Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Please click on photo to enlarge.

* U.S. Torture and Atrocities - Visit this site... you can see all the awful things that are happening in Iraq.... really... go... I love our servicemen......

* Goomba News Network - Last May we lost one of the best bloggers- Nickie was kind, giving and so bloody funny. His blog, Nickie Goomba, was one of the funniest around. He hit serious topics too--- I still miss him. Thankfully, some of his familia have put the GNN back on the blogosphere... enjoy.

* Earth Cam - New York City - Watch the ball drop on Times Square.

Time of Your Life

Another turning point
A fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist
directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test
and don't ask why.
It's not a question
But a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs
and still frames in your mind.
Hang them on a shelf
In good health and good times
Tattoos and memories
and dead skin on trial.
For what it's worth,
it was worth all the while.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

I wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

A Public Servant

Partly Cloudy - Hi 54 Lo 43 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Sunny - Hi 63 Lo 50 for Northern KY, USA
* This is the first time since I started this blog that the temperature is expected to be warmer in Kentucky than in Baghdad.

Song of the Week: Who's Your Daddy, Toby Keith

Ramble:

Born in Chicago
Princeton Graduate
U.S. Navy Pilot and Instructor
Congressman for the state of Illinois
Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity under President Nixon
Counsellor to the President and Director of the Economic Stabilization Program under President Nixon
U.S. Ambassador to N.A.T.O. under President Nixon
Chief of Staff & member of the President's Cabinet under President Ford
13th Secretary of Defense under President Ford
Medal of Freedom Recipient

CEO, President, and then Chairman of G. D. Searle & Company
Chairman & CEO of General Instrument Corporation
Chairman of the Board, Gilead Sciences, Inc.

During his business career, he continued his public service in a variety of Federal posts, including:

Member of the President's General Advisory Committee on Arms Control (1982 - 1986);
Special Presidential Envoy on the Law of the Sea Treaty (1982 - 1983);
Senior Advisor to the President's Panel on Strategic Systems (1983 - 1984);
Member of the U.S. Joint Advisory Commission on U.S./Japan Relations (1983 - 1984);
Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East (1983 - 1984);
Member of the National Commission on Public Service (1987 - 1990);
Member of the National Economic Commission (1988 - 1989);
Member of the Board of Visitors of the National Defense University (1988 - 1992);
Member of the Commission on U.S./Japan Relations (1989 - 1991); and
Member of the U.S. Trade Deficit Review Commission (1999 - 2000)

21st Secretary of Defense under President G.W. Bush

--Quite a resume, huh?

Secretary Donald Rumsfeld served our great nation for 50 years. I would be remiss if I let his resignation go by without a word. He rebuilt our military that was gutted during the Clinton Administration. He was one of the few men we looked to for answers when we as a nation faced an enemy like we had never seen before.

This is a man of integrity and good strong character. This is a man of courage and strong will. This man is a gentleman. This is a man of honor. This man is the face of how a real man should behave- an excellent role model for boys and young men. Like him or not, he is a man of his word.

Did Secretary Rumsfeld make mistakes in Iraq? Experts say yes. I'm not an expert- My personal opinion - I don't believe we have enough troops facing this battle. I'm not sure that the objective should be building a democracy at this point. But the secretary was given a mission and he carried out those objectives as he saw fit. He took complete responsibility for all his decisions. Besides the presidency, I can't think of a more difficult job... and the timing- to be Secretary Defense after September 11, 2001.... Fighting an enemy that is not within a border, an enemy that is in our own backyard... "You are either with us or you are with the enemy..." The responsibility, the burden... of making tough choices and decisions is one that none of us will ever have to face. I'm relieved we had a man of conviction making those touch decisions. Those men and women in uniform mean everthing to Secretary Rumsfeld and he never ever took that responsibility lightly.

The thing I like the most about Secretary Rumsfeld and I believe I will miss the most is his cowboy attitude. I love watching him shred a reporter. Ever have anyone tell you there are "no stupid questions"? .........mmmmmm.... Yes there are and Secretary Rumsfeld had no issue pointing out some of the dumbass questions posed by mainstream media.

My heartfelt thank you Secretary Rumsfeld. I'm going to miss you and I hope you enjoy your retirement- If that is what you choose to do at the young age of 74.

Defense Link Biography, Donald Rumsfeld

Answers.com

A bunch of You Tube clips of Secretary Rumsfeld:

Craig Ferguson says goodbye to Secretary Rumsfeld - This is funny

All Them Faces - Photo montage

Speaking at Kansas State University

Secretary Rumsfeld Farewell Speech


Christmas update: All our shopping is completed. Everything is decorated... except for the family room... Michael bought our tree yesterday (it's in the back of the pickup). All the cards have been sent out except for 6, which I will mail on Monday. Packages mailed. Gift tags have been made.

To Do: Decorate the family room. Gift wrap. I think I'm going to make an attempt at making pralines... I have a fantastic recipe...

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

* I have not really focused too much energy on new blogs and links, but every week, I have book marked a gazillion to check out. The following are some of my favorites.

Shallow and Tacky - Yeah... it's what you think and it's all good and funny.

Engrish.com - This is a site dedicated to Japanese marketing... Japanese marketing follows Fernando's creedo, It's better to look good than to feel good... You gotta check this stuff out to believe it.

Code Red - Long overdue. This is a blog I've veen visiting for ages- doing great work for a men in uniform.

My Old Kentucky Blog - a great music blog.

Law and Disorder - A cop's blog.

Housekeeping:

I can't post from Internet Explorer... I have to log on to Firefox. I know I know... why am I using IE anyway? I can't see anything on Firefox that uses Quicktime... something is broken...

Have a great week everyone!