Road Trip

Mollie

Debbie, Sophie, and Jim

Soph riding shot gun.

Mollie sleeping her way north.

Potty break!

We hit the road at 5:14 AM and made it to our destination in N. Central PA at 7:05 the next day. We stayed one night in LaGrange, KY as we always do and ate at the Irish Rover Too an authentic Irish Pub we highly recommend if you are ever in that part of world. http://www.theirishroverky.com/ I had salmon and Jim enjoyed the Guiness Beef stew.

What made this year unique is we had two bichons in tow, instead of one. Mollie, our rescue dog, is going to PA to live with my parents in the wilds of Pennsylvania. After living her whole life in Mississippi, (other than the three weeks we had her in LA), this is going to be quite a change for her. If she can get the outside potty drill down this is going to be a great fit. Mollie is much calmer and dainty than her "little" sis, Sophie. Sophie who is 2 1/2 years old compared to Mollie's mature 6 years and is on alert 24/7 where Mollie loves her naps and just so laid back. Mollie slept a lot more of the trip. Sophie loved watching out the window and playing navigator while Mollie snoozed away in the back seat.

Pushing Forward

This is a "forward" I have gotten from several friends and it is one I believe is worth reading. It matters not to me if this exchange actually took place .(...so Kel, don't check it on Snopes ;) )Using a parable to convey ideas has been going on for eons and is sometimes the best way to illustrate a point. Maybe it didn't actually happen. It is not beyond the pale, but I guess we will never know for sure.

Also, saw the list of companies who will drop their health care op in lew of govt. healthcare. Govt. healthcare will make it attractive to private companies due to cost and the next thing you know....poof. NO CHOICE at all.

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent health care bill. I couldn't finish my breakfast and this is what ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard a young man exclaim, "Isn't Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is healing the sick." A young woman exclaimed, "Yeah, and he does it for free. I can't believe anyone could believe a free market could work for health care. They are all crooks and thieves and don't deserve all that money." Another said, "The stupid Republicans want what we have now so they, the docs, and insurance companies get all the power and money. Obama should make sainthood for what he is doing for the less fortunate". At this I had had enough

I arose from my seat mustering all the restraint I could find and approached their table.

"Please excuse me, may impose upon you for just a moment?" They smiled and welcomed me into the conversation. I stood at the end of their table and smiled the best I could and began an experiment.

"I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I will pay all the expenses and pay the taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone interested?" They all looked at each other in astonishment and one man asked, "Why would you do something like that? There isn't anything free in this world." They began laughing and didn't realize this young man had just made my point. I told them I was serious and would give them my house for free with no payment what so ever. Anyone interested? A resounding, "Hell yeah!" filled the room.

"I continued---"since there are too many of you I will have to make a choice as to who gets this money free bargain." I noticed there was an elderly couple who was paying close attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes.

"I tell you what", I said, "I will give my house to the one of you most willing to obey my rules." Again, they looked at one another with bewilderment on their faces. One perky young woman asked, "What are the rules?" I smiled and told her, "I don't know because I had not defined them yet. However, it is a free home I offer you".

"They giggled amongst themselves and one member of the group called me a crazy, old coot. "Go take you meds, old man!" he said. I just continued to smile and leaned in and told them I was serious and the offer was legitimate. The gaped at me.

"Hell, I will take it", one of the group offered, "where are the keys?" I continued, "I presume you accept ALL my terms then?" The older couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from their table. I took a napkin and wrote:
I give this man my house, without the burden of financial obligation so long as he accepts and abides by the terms I shall set forth upon consummation of this of this transaction.

I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched his signature on the napkin. "Where are the keys to my new house?" he asked me in a mocking voice. I stepped back and took the keys from my pocket and dangled them before the excited new home owner.

"Now that we have entered into this binding contract witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided on the conditions you are obligated to adhere to from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You won't use anything on the inside of the home and you will obey me without resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I have bestowed upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles will be as mine. You will think as I do and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are the keys." I held the keys out and the young man who looked at me dumb founded.

"Are you out of your freaking mind? Who would ever agree to these terms?" It was obvious he was quite irritated.

"You did", when you signed the contract before knowing the terms and knowing I would provide the full terms AFTER you committed to the agreement."

"The elderly man and woman chuckled at their table. I was looking at a silenced and bewildered group of young people. "You can shove your deal up your a** , old man, I want no part of it!" exclaimed the infuriated young man.

"I reminded him he had signed the napkin as witnessed by his friends and the only way out of the contract was if I agree to it and that I didn't intend to let him go free now that I had ensnared him. I was the one he blindly decided to enslave himself to. At this the whole group became a unified group against the unfairness of this deal.

After a few moments of their unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent. I explained what I had done was the same thing to them this administration and congress had done to the American people with the passing of the health care bill which had not been completely read, researched, or studied. "I easily suckered you in with the promise of "free" and then revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was to believe you could have something you didn't earn, that you are entitled to that which you didn't earn, and that you allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research, study, and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have now entered into a trap you cannot flee. Your only chance at freedom is if your new master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken away, and therefore is not a true freedom." With that I tore up the napkin and placed it before the young man. THIS is the nature of your new health care legislation.

As I turned to leave them in thought, I was surprised by applause. The elderly couple, who was clearly entertained, came over to shake my hand and congratulate me. The husband said, "these kids these days don't understand what liberty is", he refused to let me pay my bill. "You earned this one; I will pick up the tab", he said smiling at me. We shook hands and I left the restaurant sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

I think the phrase that really got me during the debate part of the process ....this is me, Debbie here....is when Nancy Pelosi said, " We have to pass this health care bill so we can find out what is in it." What is the deal with that!!!??? I just couldn't believe she actually said this and that it didn't make a bit of difference to her supporters!

Derby Drivel

Today was the 136th Kentucky Derby. We never miss it. The Kentucky Derby is always a big deal at our house and I think it goes back to when Jim was a musician playing in Lexington. He and his band became acquainted with Penny Chenery and her husband. (There's a movie coming out about her in the fall.) They'd come to the club and listen to their group and they'd talk with them between sets. Penny invited them all to Claybourn Farms in Lexington for a tour....which she gave herself and it was there that Jim met and got his picture taken with her horse, Secretariat, he also saw the grave of Man O' War. Rieva Ridge was there also and I think he has a picture of that champion also. Jim was in horse heaven!

During this time he spent a little time at the track learning how the pros decide how they'll place their bets. Handicapping is quite an art and Jim enjoyed giving it a whirl. Getting to the know the jockeys is important. The winner always has a great jockey.

This year we were very interested because a local businessman and his son had a horse (Mission Impazable) running in the race. Their horse started strong, but fell further and further back. We were a little disappointed that he didn't place, but he ran a good race.....well, at least the first half anyway.

Now you can probably tell by now that my interest in the Kentucky Derby has nothing to do with horses. No, I am fascinated by the hats not horses. There are all styles and I enjoy seeing the southern belles and the hats they choose. Many choose their hats first and then try to find a frock to complement the hat....clothes are just accessories to the hats of the Kentucky Derby.

Now I must say that most are overkill for my taste, but I like seeing them all the same. I wonder what sorta of hat I will wear WHEN I go to the Kentucky Derby...hahaha. Hey, I can dream can't I? While watching ESPN this morning I saw some women in the cheap seats with hats easily found at any Walmart. Some of them even added things to their hats. One had a flamingo standing on top. I tried to find a picture of it....flamingos just make everything better, even obscure blogs written by women who dream of one day wearing a big fat hat to THE derby. I will keep looking.

Some of the hats are so large you can barely see the women's face. That sounds like a winner to me. I have always had an affinity for hats even though I always look ridiculous wearing them. And what is up with that? Some women can put on a hat and it will look fabulous regardless of the hat. I used to believe it was because they were so gorgeous it wouldn't matter what they wore, but I have seen some women who are certainly not gorgeous wearing all sorts of hats and they just look great....so I have revised my idea. I think part of what makes for successful hat wearing is confidence. If you don't feel confident in your hat it isn't going to matter if you are Audrey Hepburn, you are not going to look as fetching as someone who knows they look fabulous, darling.

I like this huge hat pretty well....black and white is always a good bet..... ]but not my fav.

This hat with the polka dots is decidedly my favorite. I can see it with a pretty suit or linen dress to highlight the hat. Maybe I would add some strappy black patent leather sandals and a clutch to match.....yep, yep, this is the hat I am drawn to. Whatever dress you'd wear with this should be plain so that hat stands out.

This hat would be boring to a lot of the derby dolls. I saw a lot of BIG hats and feathers piled high, high, HIGH! I need to know how the hat thing started.

I like this peach hat, too..... I guess I don't like anything too bizarre.

.....and how about this one. I think it is lovely as well. I saw a similar one with black and aqua....thought I saved it, but can't find it now.

Now this lady had the confidence to wear a hat ....perfection! This must be Chanel.

But when push come to shove this is the type of hat I feel most comfortable wearing. Sad I know. Picking out clothes to match would be a pain though.

Another attraction to the derby is the horses' names. I am always trying to name my imaginary derby horse. The names are just so bizarre sometimes. Last year "Mine that Bird" won and I thought it was such a bizarre name. In 1932 Burgoo King won the derby... haha. I think he sired Hamburgler or was it Wannaburger?

Seriously, If I had one.... my derby horse would be named, "Frazier's Wave".

Ode to Michelle

Jim and I marvel at the wisdom and eloquence of Michelle Malkin. She is young, beautiful, perceptive, and best of all logical, which is a trait lacking in so many of the talking heads seen on our airwaves daily. Jim is always saying he wishes she would run for office, but I believe she is way too smart for that.

We borrowed her book, Culture of Corruption from a friend and he warned us when he gave it to us. He told us it was a well researched book and what Michelle exposes in this book is most depressing....and he was right. For Jim and I who count ourselves as part of the 50% of Americans who still believe the U.S. Constitution is the foundation of our republic and is nonnegotiable, it was so hard to read. We got close, but neither Jim or I could finish it. If we were not so concerned about what kind of world our children and grandchildren will inherit this wouldn't have been so difficult.

I googled Michelle and found what I had expected. She is vilified (the pictures are terrible!) by those in our country who would enjoy seeing this country changed....changed into a country which would not be recognizable to our founders should they return. A country where the government regulates EVERYTHING, and I do mean everything. She exposes the motives of those who see the constitution as huge speed bump.

So if you check Wikipedia for Michelle Malkin it will tell you just the facts and then you will find out what her detractors believe about her. They will not tell you she is one of the most astute, and intelliegent reporters out there today, but keep in mind these could be the same folks who urged people to boycott Arizona Ice Tea because the governor of Arizona signed an immigration law. (The same exact law our federal govt. already has, but is not enforcing.) And get this..... Arizona Ice Tea is made by a company in New York.

So please check out Michelle Malkin and also read her book even though we didn't have the stomach to finish it. She is a very intelligent, astute, patriotic young woman who loves truth. It is her passion. Hopefully, we will be able to thank her for all her hard work in person someday.

The Blueprint by Ken Blackwell appears to be another book we are going to attempt to read. Stay tuned.

A Wonderful Easter

Elizabeth has been to Louisiana before, but this is the first time her family has come along, too. It was just wonderful to see them all and get to know them better. This house....which is usually pretty calm (except for our nightly romp with Sophie) is quiet, but this weekend it was full of life. I think it is what a home is suppose to be about so when their mini van pulled out of the driveway and we saw them going up the road all that energy vanished and walking back inside it felt more like a tomb than a home. I guess my parents know what I mean as they always tell me the house seems so terribly quiet when we leave PA to come back to LA. each summer. It is an empty, sad feeling for sure.

We all enjoyed eating at the new restaurant, RAW in Ruston. It is fun trying new tastes, although Elizabeth and her family were more familiar with much of the menu than we are. Josh and Randi like Ruston's new eatery very much.....one down side.....no changing table in the bathroom so little Frazier had visit the car for a few minutes and both Mom and Dad went along to assist.

Randi made a game...."Marble Sorry" and Josh taught the kids how to play....he also beat them! What sorta Uncle does that? hahaha.... The kids were fine with it and seemed to like playing.

Celinah

Easter family pic.

Frazier's first Easter .....enjoying time with his cousins, Celinah, Auseta, and Jai.

Egg hunting.

Family picture #2

Waiting for sushi at RAW.

Heading back to Florida.

Frazier and Mom.

During the Easter Egg hunt, Celinah spots an egg in the end of the clothes line pole. The egg hiders did a superb job!

Florida grands muggin' on the deck.

Frazier had had enough of RAW so Aunt Elizabeth gave Randi a break so she could enjoy her meal.

Now that little "round boy" is Grammy's sweetie pie.

Auseta and Jai hunting eggs.

Frazier at FBC, Ruston in his Easter duds....awwww.

Frazier basking in the attention of his cousins.

I don't think the weekedn could have been more perfect!