Living In Las Vegas

Rumor!!!

2011-09-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it - Obama has come up with the most brilliant jobs creating plan in history! It will turn this economy around overnight! It will drop unemployment back to under 6%. Companies will start moving back to the U.S. and hiring again. Food stamps will no longer be the number one currency. Insurance and medical costs will drop again. Our debt will start to drop quickly. And all he has to do next week in his speech to accomplish all of this is say 2 words: "I QUIT!..."

The Promised Land

2011-08-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Got this off Facebook...had to share it here (didn't want the flashback from some of my liberal friends!!)

5000 years ago, Moses said, "Pick up your shovels, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land."

When Welfare was introduced, Roosevelt said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land."

Today, the government has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of Camels, and mortgaged the Promised Land to China!

The Truth!

2011-06-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

"A professor taught during the day and did research at night, usually taking a break about 9pm. To relax, he'd log in to an online war game and play as part of a team.
One night, he was paired with a veteran of the game, a master strategist. With him at the helm, the professor's team crushed opponent after opponent, and after six games they were still undefeated. At that point, the master strategist told the professor that he had to log off - his mother was making him go to bed.
'How old are you?' he typed.
'Twelve,' he replied. 'How old are you?'
Feeling his face redden, the professor answered.....

"Eight."

2010-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson, Brian Williams and a tough old U.S. Marine Sergeant were captured by terrorists in Iraq . The leader of the terrorists told them he'd grant each of them one last request before they were beheaded and dragged naked through the streets.

Katie Couric said, 'Well, I'm a Southerner, so I'd like one last plate of fried chicken.'

The leader nodded to an underling who left and returned with the
chicken. Couric ate it all and said, 'Now I can die content.'

Charlie Gibson said, 'I'm living in ' New York , so I'd like to hear
the song, The Moon and Me, one last time.'

The terrorist leader nodded to another terrorist who had studied the Western world and knew the music. He returned with some rag-tag musicians and played the song.

Gibson was satisfied.

Brian Williams said, 'I'm a reporter to the end. I want to take out
my tape recorder and describe the scene here and what's about to
happen. Maybe, someday, someone will hear it and know that I was
on the job till the end.'

The leader directed an aide to hand over the tape recorder and
Williams dictated his comments.

He then said, 'Now I can die happy.'

The leader turned and asked, 'And now, Mr.. U..S. Marine, what
is your final wish?

'Kick me in the ass,' said the Marine...

'What?' asked the leader, 'Will you mock us in your last hour?'

'No, I'm NOT kidding. I want you to kick me in the ass,' insisted the Marine.

So the leader shoved him into the yard and kicked him in the ass.

The Marine went sprawling, but rolled to his knees, pulled a 9 mm pistol from inside his cammies and shot the leader dead.

In the resulting confusion, he emptied his sidearm on six terrorists, then with his knife he slashed the throat of one, and with an AK-47, which he took, sprayed the rest of the terrorists killing another 11.

In a flash, all of them were either dead or fleeing for their lives.

As the Marine was untying Couric, Gibson, and Williams, they asked him, 'Why didn't you just shoot them all in the first place? Why did you ask him to kick you in the ass?'

'What?' replied the Marine, 'and have you three assholes report that I was the aggressor.....?'

If You Are Not Willing To Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Please Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!

Windex Tip

2010-10-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Keep this in mind as you are doing your cleanup chores.

New use for WINDEX. I haven't checked www.snopes.com to see if this actually works or not...but they say,

If you ever get the sudden URGE to run around naked, you should sniff some WINDEX first.

It'll keep you from streaking.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

We're broke ASS AMERICAN'S!!

2010-09-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

We're "broke" & can't help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, Homeless, ect.....

In the last few months we have provided aid to Haiti, Chile, and Turkey.

Our retired seniors living on a 'fixed income' receive to aid or get any breaks while our governement and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Millions of $$$$'s and Tons of Food into Foreign Countries!

We have hundreds of adoptable children who are shoved aside to make room for the adoption of foreign orphans.

USA, a country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed hungry, elderly going without 'needed' meds, and mentally ill without treatment - etc, etc....

Yet........

The have a 'Benefit' for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors, and medical supplies.

Imagine if the *GOVENMENT* gave 'us' the same support they give to other countries.

Sad, isn't it?? (for the record, my solution does not include dumping more $$$ into welfare/entitlement programs here, rather not blowing millions in other countries...many who just plainly don't like us!!)

Gate Crashers - Understanding AZ in One Easy Lesson

2010-07-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Got this from someone I know and had to share:

This was written by a Mexican who is now a naturalized US Citizen, and I think it's a great explanation of the illegal immigration issue.

Here is the quote:

"If you had tickets to a sports event, concert, Disneyland, or for an airline flight, and when you got to your assigned seat you found someone else was in that seat, what would you do?

You would call for a person in charge of ticket checking and have the person in your seat removed. You would properly be asked to show your ticket, and you would gladly and proudly do so, for you have bought and paid for that seat. The person in your seat would also be asked for a ticket, which they would not be able to produce. They would be called "gate crashers" and they would properly be removed.

Now in this huge stadium called the USA we have had millions of gate crashers. We have been asking security to check for tickets and remove the gate crashers. We have been asking security to have better controls in checking at the door. We have asked security to lock the back doors.

Security has failed us. They are still looking the other way. They are afraid to ask to see the tickets. Many people say there is unlimited seating, and whether there is or not, no one should be allowed in for free while the rest of us pay full price!

In "section AZ", of "Stadium USA," we have had enough of the failures of Security. We have decided to do our own ticket checking, and properly remove those who do not have tickets.

Now it seems very strange to me that so many people in the other 49 "sections", and even many in our own "section" do not want tickets checked, or even to be asked to show their ticket! Even the head of Security is chastising us, while not doing his own job, which he has sworn to do.

My own ticket has been bought and paid for, so I am proudly going to show it when asked to do so. I have a right to my seat, and I want the gate crashers to be asked to show their tickets too.

The only reason that I can imagine anyone objecting to being asked for their ticket is that they are in favor of gate crashing, and all of the illegal activities that go with it, such as drug smuggling, gang wars, murder, human smuggling for profit, and many more illegal and inhumane acts that we are trying to prevent with our new legislation.

Is that what I am hearing from all of the protesters such as Phoenix Mayor Gordon, US Rep. Grijalva, even President Obama? If you are not in favor of showing tickets, (proof of citizenship, passport, green card, or other legal document) when asked, as I would do proudly, then you must be condoning those illegal activities.”

Written by a US Citizen, Globe, Arizona .

This makes perfect sense to me. What do you think?

Since Obama has never shown his ticket, I guess he feels obligated to not ask others to show theirs.

Do not know for sure if this is really an actual posting, but even if it isn't, it sure does a great job of putting things into persective!

What Harry Reid Hid deep in the Health Care Bill.

2010-03-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

You still think it is only a health care bill. There are many reasons they are trying to shove this bill down the throats of the American people.

What else is in this bill they do not want us to know about?

The impudent tyranny of Sen. Harry Reid

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is proving once again the maxim that darkness hates the light. Buried in his massive amendment to the Senate version of Obamacare is Reid's anti-democratic poison pill designed to prevent any future Congress from repealing the central feature of this monstrous legislation!

Beginning on page 1,000 of the measure, Section 3403 reads in part: "… it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection."

In other words, if President Barack Obama signs this measure into law, no future Senate or House will be able to change a single word of Section 3403, regardless whether future Americans or their representatives in Congress wish otherwise!!

Note: The subsection at issue here concerns the regulatory power of the Independent Medicare Advisory Board (IMAB) to "reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending." It appears the goal is to be able to divert Medicare "savings" into the new health plan, leaving current benefit recipients with less funding support.

That is precisely the kind of open-ended grant of regulatory power that effectively establishes the IMAB as the ultimate arbiter of the cost, quality and quantity of health care to be made available to the American people. And Reid wants the decisions of this group of unelected federal bureaucrats to be untouchable for all time.

No wonder the majority leader tossed aside assurances that senators and the public would have at least 72 hours to study the text of the final Senate version of Obamacare before the critical vote on closure.

They now plan to allow just that minimal time, by posting it on the senate website 72 hours before voting.

And no wonder Reid was so desperate to rush his amendment through the Senate, even scheduling the key tally on it at 1 a.m., while America slept.

True to form, Reid wanted to keep his Section 3403 poison pill secret for as long as possible, just as he negotiated his previous bribes for the votes of Senators Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Bernie Sanders of Vermont behind closed doors.

The final Orwellian touch in this subversion of democratic procedure is found in the ruling of the Reid-controlled Senate Parliamentarian that the anti-repeal provision is not a change in Senate rules, but rather of Senate “procedures.”

Why is that significant?

Because for 200 years, changes in the Senate's standing rules have required approval by two-thirds of those voting, or 67 votes rather than the 60 Reid's amendment received.

Reid has flouted two centuries of standing Senate rules to pass a measure in the dead of night that few, if any senator has read, and part of which can never be changed. If this is not tyranny, then what is?

DON'T SIT BY AND LET THIS HAPPEN IN THE DARK!!!

INFORM YOUR SENATORS THAT SUPPORT OF SUCH UNACCEPTABLE ACTIONS AND LACK OF ETHICS IS A SURE WAY TO END THEIR POLITICAL CAREER!

THEY DO LIVE IN OUR STATES AS FELLOW CITIZENS WHO SERVE AT OUR PLEASUREIF WE DISAPPROVE OF THIS SORT OF DISREGARD FOR OUR OPINIONS, THEY SHOULD RISK OUR DISPLEASURE IN FULL.

Match Made in Heaven

2010-03-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

A young couple were driving down the road one day, happily, deliriously in love and due to be married the next day. Suddenly, a large truck swerved from the oncoming lanes into their car! BOOM! And they both died.

At the Pearly Gates, the young couple confronted St. Peter. "Sir, you have to help us! We were to be married tomorrow. Is there any way we can be married in Heaven?"

"Hmmm," replied St. Peter, "I don't recall there ever being a marriage in Heaven. Well, let's take it up with God and see what he says.

"So they approached God with their plea. God sat for a moment, pondering the request. Then he looked down and said, "Come back in five years and ask me again.

"Five years later, the couple approached God again, even more in love than ever and pleading that he allow their marriage. God paused for quite a while, musing over their request. Then he spoke, "Come back in five years and ask me again.

"And once again, five years later, the couple was again in the presence of God, more in love than ever and begging God's permission for the third time to marry. This time God smiled broadly and thundered, "Yes my children, you may marry!"

Well, the wedding went off beautifully, the reception was huge, everyone thought the bride was simply breathtaking and the groom was soooo handsome, and everyone was happy! Until...

Two years later, the couple was back before God, and things were not looking so good. The couple had come to the realization almost immediately that although marriages were made in heaven, they didn't last very long there! And, in spite of their struggles to come to terms with the situation, they had decided there simply was no alternative but to get a divorce.

Black clouds fractured by lightening rolled across the sky, and the ground shook with explosive thunder. God glared down at the tiny couple before him, his face becoming dark and angry, and he roared, "Divorce?! Impossible!!! It took us TEN years just to find a priest in Heaven! Do you have any idea how long it will take to find a LAWYER?!!"

A break from Humor....

2010-01-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

Do you see the motorcycle?

Now do you see it?

The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the motorcycle. The riders reaction time was not sufficient enough to avoid this accident. The car had two passengers and the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them. The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact and landed 20 feet from where the collision took place. All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) were killed instantly. This graphic demonstration was placed at the Motorcycle Fair by the Police and Road Safety Department. Pass this on to car drivers or soon to be new drivers, or new motorcycle owners

AND ESPECIALLY EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS A CELL PHONE!!!!!

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Wake up people , Stop talking on Cell phones and Texting while trying to drive. Put your Cell phone in the back seat !!!

CANADIAN BILLBOARDS ARE GREAT #2!!

2010-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

CANADIAN BILLBOARDS ARE GREAT!!!

2010-01-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

more to come!

The FAB does Christmas!!

2009-12-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy this song...performed by the Beatles Tribute Band - THE FAB!!!

http://members.cox.net/nghthawk/Santa%20You%20Can%20Drive%20My%20Sled2.mp3

Leslie, me, and SANTA!

Hope every one has a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Stimulus Check!

2009-12-06T21:37:00.000-08:00

STIMULUS CHECK

Sometime next year, we taxpayers will again receive another Economic Stimulus payment. This is a very exciting program. I'll explain it using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China.
If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer, it will go to India.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.
If you buy a car, it will go to Japan or Korea.
If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan
If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.

Instead, keep the money in America by:

1. spending it at yard sales, or
2. going to ball games, or
3. spending it on prostitutes, or
4. beer or
5. tattoos.

These are the only American businesses still operating in the US.

Logical Conclusion:

Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day.

Cat in The Hat on Aging

2009-11-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

2009-11-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu?

For bird flu you need tweetment,

and for swine flu you need oinkment...

Now aren't you sorry

you read my blog?!?!

A Letter to President Obama

2009-10-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

check out http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/p/pritchett-obama-youscareme.htm

& http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/youscareme.asp

Subject: Letter from Procter & Gamble Exec to Obama

Please read, even if you are an Obama fan. It is legitimate, written by respected, Lou Prichett, formerly of Proctor and Gamble. Lou Pritchett is one of corporate A merica 's true living legends - an acclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers. Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management. Lou changed the way A merica does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering." Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and Customer Development for Procter and Gamble and over the course of 36 years, made corporate history.
_______________________________________________________
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

Dear President Obama:

You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.

You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.

You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.

You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.

You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.

You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.

You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.

You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.

You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America ' crowd and deliver this message abroad.

You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.

You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.

You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.

You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.

You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.

You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.

You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.

You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.

You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do. You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.

You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.

Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.

Lou Pritchett

This letter was sent to the NY Times but they never acknowledged it. Big surprise! Since it hit the internet, however, it has had over 500,000 hits. Keep it going. A ll that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing. It's happening right now.

The Math on the Paul McCarney - Heather Mills Divorce

2009-09-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

After 5 years of marriage, he paid her $49 million. Assuming he got sex every night during their 5 year relationship (which would NOT Have happened!) it ended up costing him $26,849 per time.

This is Heather.

On the other hand, Elliot Spitzer's call Girl, Kristen, an absolute stunner with a body like no other, charges $4,000An hour. For anything!

This is Kristen.

For 5 years, he would've paid $7.3 million for an hour of sex every night for 5 years (a saving of $41.7 million).

Value-added benefits are: a 22 year old Hot babe, no begging, no coaxing, never a headache, plays all requests, Ability to put BOTH legs around you (!!!), no bitching and complaining or 'toDo lists. Best of all, she leaves when you're done, and comes back when you Ask her. All at 1/7th the cost, with no legal fees.

Sometimes renting makes far more sense.

Disclaimer: This is not a personal view, just a humorous tidbit passed my way, and does not represent the opinions of this poster!

A Stange Old Tool

2009-08-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Do you know what it is? Look below - this is NO JOKE....

This Old Tool has been reintroduced in Washington D.C. by the New Administration. Are you starting to feel it yet?

2009-07-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

How come we choose from just two people to run for president (ok, maybe it's really six) and over fifty for Miss America ?

Life Thoughts by Ducky!

2009-07-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with 'Guess' on it. So I said 'Implants?' She hit me.

Stay tuned for more!

It's time to get Political!!

2009-07-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

To start off with, I'm getting more and more worried about where we, as a country, are going. I look at the policies being passed by our 'representitives' and being proposed and I start to truely believe that the politicians are completely out of touch with the people they are suppose to be representing - and not just at the Federal level...even the State and Local politicians are getting worse. The People themselves are becoming more and more complacent with where the gov't is leading them - mainly because too many like just being handed stuff without earning it. At the origin of America, our Founding Fathers built this country on principles, culled from all over the world and from centuries of great thinkers. Here's the 9 basic principles we as a country need to get back to:

1. America Is Good

2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.

God “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” from George Washington’s first Inaugural address.

3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.

Honesty “I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.

Marriage/Family “It is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family.” Thomas Jefferson

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

Justice “I deem one of the essential principles of our government… equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.” Thomas Jefferson

6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.

Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness “Everyone has a natural right to choose that vocation in life which he thinks most likely to give him comfortable subsistence.” Thomas Jefferson

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

Charity “It is not everyone who asketh that deserveth charity; all however, are worth of the inquiry or the deserving may suffer.” George Washington

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.

On your right to disagree “In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as he thinks, or more properly without thinking.” George Washington

9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.

Who works for whom? “I consider the people who constitute a society or a nation as the source of all authority in that nation.” Thomas Jefferson

Just some things to think about as our politicians debate the issues of Health Care, Environmental policy (Cap and Trade), additional stimulus plans, and any other program that strips away even more of our freedoms and hands more power to the Federal Government.

OK....done rambling for now, more later!

Internet Dating

2009-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!! }:->

2009-06-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

When You Receive a donation request from the REPUBLICANS or the DEMOCRATS...

Print this and send it to them in their postage prepaid envelope...

An Afternoon in Primm NV

2009-04-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, that would be April 25....Mom, Dad, myself, and Leslie headed on down to Primm Nevada. I have a friend from work who is in a PT Cruiser club and invited me down to check out some of the cars. Follow this link to my Facebook, and enjoy the pics! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=13999&id=1660974707&ref=mf

Have You Ever Been This Tired??

2009-04-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Saved the best for last ...

God Takes A Holiday

2009-04-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

God is tired, worn out. So he speaks to St. Peter, "You know, I need a vacation. Got any suggestions where I should go?"

St. Peter, thinking, nods his head, then says, "How about Jupiter? It's nice and warm there this time of the year."

God shakes His head before saying, "No. Too much gravity. You know how that hurts my back."

"Hmmm," St. Peter reflects. "Well, how about Mercury?"

"No way!" God mutters, "It's way too hot for me there!"

"I've got it," St. Peter says, his face lighting up. "How about going Down to Earth for your vacation?"

Chuckling, God remarks, "Are you kidding? Two thousand years ago I went there, had an affair with some nice Jewish girl, and they're STILL talking about it!"

Three Wishes

2009-03-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Three men - a Canadian farmer, Osama bin Laden and a White Trash Biker are all walking together one day

They come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it.

'I will give each of you one wish, which is three wishes in total', says the Genie.

The Canadian says, 'I am a farmer and my son will also farm. I want the land to be forever fertile in Canada ' POOF! With the blink of the Genie's eye, the land in Canada was forever fertile for farming.

Osama was amazed, so he said, 'I want a wall around Afghanistan , Palestine , Iraq and Iran so that no infidels, Americans or Canadians can come into our precious land.' POOF! Again, with the blink of the Genie's eye, there was a huge wall around those countries.

The Biker says, 'I am very curious. Please tell me more about this wall.'

The Genie explains, 'Well, it's about 5,000 feet high, 5oo feet thick and completely surrounds the country. Nothing can get in or out; it's virtually impenetrable.'

The Biker sits down on his Harley, cracks a beer, lites a cigar, smiles and says, 'Fill it with water.'

Hundreds Attend Global Warming Protest

2009-03-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

158 Years Ago This Week

2009-02-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

Just couldn't resist....

158 years ago...

Do you know what happened this week back in 1850, 158 years ago?

California became a state.

The State had no electricity.

The State had no money.

Almost everyone spoke Spanish.

There were gunfights in the streets.

So basically, it was just like California today; except the women had real breasts and the men didn't hold hands

New Message to the Senate Majority Leader

2009-02-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the input for this responce Cindy/Joe!

Mr. Reid, Thank you for your response to my last correspondence. The start of your reponse though, troubled me. You talk about failed policies and a demand for the American voice to be heard in D.C., and yet, it still is not being heard. Part of past failed policies include a former president (Bush) who exhibited ZERO fiscal responsibility and drove our national debt to indredibly high levels - the American people were tired of seeing that and spoke...and what did we get, a president, admistration, and congress that are hell-bent on driving our national debt so high that it is going to drive us as a country to ruin. It took the past president 6 years to add approx $3 - 4 trillion to the debt; in the past year, the congress has approved at least $3 trillion in unfunded spending, and who knows how much in unfunded obligations!!! This is not the direction that we envisioned. Please, as a member of our group of policy makers, STOP THE SPENDING!
You talked about you and your colleagues working in Bipartisan fashion to get things done...where is it? When ZERO house republicans can support the stimulus bill, and only 3 republican senators, I don't call that bipartisan - I call that the "ruling" party forcing legislation through that they know thier president will sign; did the republicans do that during the past administration, yes some was done, does that make it ok for the new administration, NO!
Here is a response I received about your last correspondence to me: "Thanks for the chuckle and the reminder that our politicians really are not in touch with what the people they serve are going through." This is where we are....Thanks for your time.
Repectfully, Richard Milano.

Should I watch out for the political police now?? :-)

A Response!!! (well, sort of I guess)

2009-02-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally received a response from one of my Senator's and thought I would share it with you all:

Dear Mr. Milano:

Thank you for contacting me. It is good to hear from you.

After years of failed policies at home and abroad, the American people have demanded that their collective voice be heard in Washington. At a time when hardworking Americans face rising food and energy costs, falling home values, and a slumping job market, it is imperative that we come together to provide solutions and relief for families in Nevada and across the country. As my colleagues and I work in a bipartisan fashion to stabilize the housing and financial markets, stimulate the economy, and ensure our energy independence, I will certainly keep your thoughts and best interests in mind.

I never forget where I came from or the people I serve. In my office, I keep a picture of the one room home in Searchlight where I grew up. Not a day passes without me reflecting on the values I learned there - integrity, dedication, and service. These Nevada values have shaped my work on behalf of Nevada throughout my career in public service and will continue to shape my work as Senate Majority Leader.

Nevada's working families deserve the implementation of policies that reward their hard work and provide opportunities for a more secure future. I remain committed to using my Senate leadership position to achieve these aims. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with me, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
Nevada

I feel special, he answered me by name and such!! But, on to this "response". When I got to the point where he used the word "Bipartisan", I about choked - when you pass a bill with no Republican input during the committee sessions, no House Republicans voting for it, and only 3 out of roughly 40 senate Republicans voting for it; I don't call that in anyway Bipartisan...but that's just me. The rest of the letter...pure polished political BS to make him sound like he really cares.

/sigh ... must be about time to send off another email to him... :-)

Stimulus

2009-02-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

So after over a week since sending emails to my Senators and Congresswoman, still no response from any of them...guess they are too busy reading the stimulus package to do any thing else - oh wait!!! ...they didn't have time to read it before passing it and rushing it off to the president. To me, this has been the worst example of our government in action - how can...wait, let me stop there. I must remember that just because I don't like certain actions of our government, it doesn't mean that others don't and I must respect that - besides, this is suppose to be a family "show", right? Go ahead and discuss, I'm interested in what others think of an 1100 page bill, costing almost $800 billion (here's what that looks like - $800,000,000,000), that was passed without the chance for those voting on it (our Senators and Congress-people) to fully read it and analyze the impact of it. Just my opinion, but I sense trouble...but hey, a bad bill is better than doing nothing, right??!?

More Politics!! :-)

2009-02-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Just sent this off to my 2 Senators and my Congresswoman...wonder what kind of response I can get!

Dear REP, In Nov, the American people voted for "change" and thought they got it...please tell me, where is the change? We have a leader that set standards for themselves and then instantly breaks them...our leader is using "Fear-Mongering" to scare us into supporting legislation that is bad...and as usual, our congress and senate feel it's better to pass bad laws that waste hundreds of billions of our taxpayers' money! Stimulas package?? Where is the fix in this package for the causes of our economic problems...I refer to the real problems in our economy - house crash, loss of our manufacturing base, and unfair/unequal trade agreements with other countries. So far, no one in D.C. has the guts to address these issues - instead they continue to scare us into believing that only by dumping billions down the drain is the only way to fix our economy. It disgusts and frustrates me!! We need leaders working for the good of the country, not thier own self-intrests and special intrests groups. PS....you want to help with Nevada's problems too...how about getting Yucca Mountain on track and in business instead fighting tooth-and-nail to block what could be a major boon for Nevada and the country itself. Thank you for your time, and we the voters, hope that responsible action is taken to help our great country and this great state.

I love politics!

Bailout!!

2009-02-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

This is a bit dated, but funny, and relevant to what is going on in D.C.

2009 Detroit Lions Schedule

2009-01-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

Because you asked for it...this is what the Lions face in the next season....we are feeling confident that some wins will be attainable:

September
13.................Taft Junior High School
20.................Cub Scout Troop #101
27..................Detroit Academy for the Blind and Deaf

October
04..................Spanish American War Vets
11...................Crippled Children's Home
18...................Eloise Mental Hospital
25...................Girl Scout Troop #353

November
01...................Michigan Venereal Disease Clinic
08...................Fraser Boy Choir
15....................Korean War Vets
22....................National Hospital Pastoral Ministers
26....................Great Lakes Synchronized Swimming Team

SPECIAL MONDAY NIGHT GAME

December
08....................Grand Rapids Boys Club

Go Lions!!

Just Because!!

2009-01-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

Christmas in Vegas 2007

2008-12-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

So, this video was shot last Christmas day over at Leslie's sister's house. I post this now to help us remember the fun of Christmas's in the past, and the hope for fun & loving Christmas's in future!

...in order of appearance:
Erin (Leslie's niece)
Leslie's Mom
Carol (Leslie's sister)
Leslie

This to get you in the Christmas spirit!!

2008-12-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Brought to you by Jeff Dunham!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkjz_MUljYE

Merry Christmas!!

The meaning of "where there's a will there's a way"

2008-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Now if this does not get you to thinking, I do not know what will.
All I can say about it is. WOW.

Motorcycling!!

2008-12-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

As the title says, I am the proud owner of a motorcycle! After much researching, talking with other motorcycle riders, and reading blogs & forums, I went out and purchased a used (2007) Buell Blast. The Blast is a 492cc standard motorcycle with a 5-speed manual transmission, belt drive, low seat height, and single cylinder. To see more information, you can visit the Buell website - http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/blast/ , and for specific information on the 2007 model - http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/buell/2007-buell-blast-ar11886.html and http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2007models/2007models-Buell-Blast!.htm. It's a fun bike to ride and very fuel effient too!

As promised, below are some pictures...yes, I'm in them so that maybe my neice Cilla will believe that I'm riding it!! ;-)

First one, just got back from a ride.... These next 2 are me getting ready to head out on the road...yes, it's December and it's a beautiful day for a ride!!

See you all laters!

It's Turkey Day!!!

2008-11-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

GAS?!?! Let's use LESS!!! Part deux!

2008-11-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

So, last week I took a Motorcycle Safety Course (MSF approved) at our local community college. They provide the motorcycles that you use. The course was 2 1/2 days - first day (evening actually) was 3 1/2 hours of classroom instruction; day 2 started with around 5 hours on the motorcycle course, break for lunch, then 3 hours of classroom with the written evaluation at the end of the day (I somehow managed to score a 100%!!). Day 3 started with another 4 hours of on-motorcycle training, after that we took a short (20 mins or so) break then did some skills practice for 30 - 45 mins. Finally came the biggy...the skills evaluation. This is a 4 part evaluation of motorcycle skills that you have to show competency in - while being evaluated by a certified evaluator, it is the same skills that you have to pass in order to receive your motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. I lost a total of 6 points during the evaluation (3 during slow-speed u-turns, and 3 on the quick-stop skill) - total that can be lost is 20 points and still pass (there was 2 out of 10 in the class that didn't pass).

Today, I went to the DMV to get my driver's license updated for class M (motorcycle)!! (passing the Safety Course allows you to not have to take the skills test through the DMV, being they give the same evaluation!)

So, look out, I'm now legal on motorcycles!! I'm doing some casual research on motorcycles to see what I want to pick up for my first motorcycle...thinking I might purchase one by the end of this year.

Just what little riding I did during the class, and the riding I've done on my little scooter, there is no better way to get around then on 2 wheels...I really look forward to getting a real motorcycle, getting experienced and comfortable on it, and riding...a lot!! Yes, I'll post a pic or two when I do get a motorcycle!

Quick Humor For You!

2008-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed last month.

Larry LaPrise, the man that wrote 'The Hokie Pokey' died peacefully at the age of 93.

The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin.

They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started.

Lions Fans Rejoice!!!

2008-09-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Report: Lions Remove Matt Millen
by Sean Yuille on Sep 24, 2008 10:17 AM EDT in News

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com is reporting that the Lions have "removed" Matt Millen from his job with the team. Glazer goes on to say that as of right now it isn't known if Millen was fired or if he left on his own accord, but both are equally likely scenarios thanks to Bill Ford Jr. His comments earlier this week could have prompted his father and team owner, William Clay Ford, to finally make the decision that Millen has to go. At the same time, the comments could have made it impossible for Millen to continue to work for the team considering someone in the organization publicly criticized him.

Whether Millen was fired or left on his own doesn't really make a difference as the main thing is that he is gone. No longer will he be the Lions' team president or general manager, meaning that our wish has finally come true. I have waited for this day for years and honestly can't believe it finally is here. At times it seemed like Millen would never be fired or leave on his own. After all, the Lions went 31-84 during the Millen era and only now is he actually gone.

Pictures!!!

2008-09-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

So, I got ahold of some of Leslie's pictures from her trip to Paris (ok, ok, she gave me a disk with all of the pictures on it...) and thought I'd share a few with you all!

First picture is of Leslie and her good friend from work, Renee. Renee has been on many trips to Paris. The rest of the Paris crew...on the right is another of Leslie's friends Dixie (also from work) and on the left is Dixie's daughter (I wish I could remember the name right now...). Of course in the middle is Lelsie. Obviously break time and beer time!! Yes...these are bicycle riders...oh, and it just happens to be the Tour de France making it's entrance into Paris!! They got real lucky to be in Paris at this time...oh, I got a hat and poster!

Leslie in front of the Moulin Rouge!

Leslie was amazed by this...appearantly, in the evening, people get their dinner, and carry it down to the banks of the Seine River to enjoy their evening...she said the banks were just lined with people...too cool! A very important stop for her, the gravesite of Jim Morrison. I have bunches of more pictures that may get posted as time goes on...I'm sure mom & dad will get a chance to look through them while they are here this fall/winter. That's all for now!

Matt Damon

2008-09-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

"Devastated Haitian city awes Matt Damon, Wyclef Jean on aid mission
09-14-2008 12:46 PMBy ALEXANDRA OLSON, Associated Press Writer

GONAIVES, Haiti (Associated Press) -- There were cries of adulation _ and also of hunger _ as Matt Damon and Haitian-born singer Wyclef Jean toured the flood-ravaged city of Gonaives on Sunday to call attention to the widespread suffering.
Tropical storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike submerged the city and cut off roadways in and out. Where waters have receded, streets remained a stinking mudbath and homes were left with a carpet of muck and encrusted pots, pans and laundry.
As Damon and Jean surveyed the destruction from the back of a pickup truck in a U.N. convoy, a man on a bicycle followed as far as he could, shouting out, "Wyclef, I love you, Wyclef." Jean raised his hand, but couldn't bring himself to smile back.
"It's inhumane. I wish there was a word in the dictionary. No human should be living like this."
Catching first sight of flooded homes and people living on roofs with all their belongings, Damon also was at a loss.
"I'm speechless, I can't believe it," he said.
Damon and Jean are encouraging more people to help the United Nations raise more than US$100 million for an estimated 800,000 Haitians in need of aid after four devastating tropical storms and hurricanes since mid-August. They went to a school shelter Sunday to drop off cooking oil from USAID and bags of beans from the World Food Program.
But Hurricane Ike provoked an exodus and flooded nearly every structure.
The Gonaives police buried dozens of unidentified corpses before they stopped counting the dead. Aid agencies are concerned about medical supplies at mobile clinics treating stomach ailments, respiratory problems and cuts and infections from people walking in flooded streets.
Damon and Jean later waded through knee-deep floodwaters and climbed a stage outside the Gonaives cathedral, where about 50 people have taken refuge in the choir balcony.
Jean, who lives in New York but remains a folk hero in Haiti, sang briefly and urged crowd to stay calm and organized.
"If you love Wyclef, yell 'help,'" said the singer and founder of the Yele Haiti philanthropic foundation.
The crowd surged toward the stage, and when Jean later tried to leave, people instead swept him out into the streets. Admirers clung to U.N. trucks as they drove away, some asking for money."

My question at the end of this article would be..."Mr Damon, with your millions apon millions of dollars, can't you find something better to do than "survey the distruction" and "encourage more people to help the UN raise money""?

Matt Damon is becoming very vocal - note his recent comments about Gov Palin - about the state of things but doesn't appear to be doing anything other than expecting others to do something (maybe you should pry open your wallet Matt!!). Dang, and I really like him as an actor...maybe that's where he needs to stay...

>>>Rant Off<<<

So I saw this attached to a signiture on a web forum and just laughed!! (not to be meant as a political statement, just found it funny)
"A taxpayer voting for Barack Obama is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders."

Meow!

2008-08-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I JUST had to post these...much better than just emailing them!! Hope you all enjoy them!

I guess what I get out of this is, "who needs your own cat when you can find pictures like this to keep you entertained!!

Nothing New Here!

2008-08-17T11:56:00.001-07:00

So, currently I still have no pictures of Leslie's trip to Paris to post. Work has been a pain for her - catching up after almost 3 weeks away from work; she started a new work schedule - 4 tens - which is a good shift, but takes some time getting use to working a 10-hour shift. So I know she's been tired and probably doesn't want to look at a computer when she gets home!!

So I'll take this time to go over what's been happening around here lately. Um...not much!! Still working the same place...my hours haven't changed, though I am seriously contemplating talking to the client and my boss and see what the chances are of going to a 4-10 schedule as well...even with the scooter, monthly gasoline bills are way too much, and dropping one day of driving to work at least saves a little.

My favorite group, the FAB, still play at Sam's Town almost every Wednesday night. They did a concert in late June at the Texas where they did the complete Sgt Peppers album (something the Beatles never did!). It was a FABulous show! We have also discovered another band, that also plays at Sam's Town called The Hipsters - Mom/Dad, I do hope they are still playing at ST when you guys get here, think you'd really like them!

The house is coming along still, been hanging more stuff up on walls to give it a homey feeling. The HOA (Home Owners Association) is starting to get very picky - especially on landscaping. I just had to replace a couple plants in the front because they were pretty well dying (these plants always have looked dead in the middle of summer), and had to do some trimming of bushes and trees...it's too hot this time of year to do yard work!!! :-)

Not much else is really going on...playing computer games and hanging out with Leslie regularly.

I leave you with a couple of cute pictures....

A bear.....................................Waiting for dinner....

....................................And still waiting...........

She's Back!

2008-07-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

Picked up Leslie at the airport last night after her 2 weeks in Paris - in her words "what a fantastic trip!". Pictures will be coming!

First Picture of Paris!

2008-07-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Just got my first picture from Leslie of Paris...the Eiffel Tower all lite up. Haven't talked to her and probably won't, she has her cell activated for overseas, but at $.99 a minute! Think I'll let her spend her money on funner stuff, like food and shopping!

Alone?!

2008-07-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

So, as of this posting, Leslie and I are no longer together....because she is in Paris, France!! One year ago, Leslie and some friends at work started putting together the idea to take a trip. Leslie decided she wanted to be in Paris for her birthday this year...this morning I dropped her off at the airport, and by now I'm guessing she is somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. She, her friend from work Dixie, and Dixie's daughter headed out today; tomorrow, Leslie's friend Renee heads over as well. For those that know Leslie, this is a huge trip - for those that don't know her that well, let me explain...she HATES to fly...but she was willing to put that aside for a chance to take a trip like this. I'm praying she has a wonderful time during her 2 WEEKS that she is over there.

OK...that's it for now...when I get some pictures from her, I'll be sure to post some!

Summer Vacation 2008

2008-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Vacations always end way too soon, especially when you are spending it with family. This last week was such a wonderful one. It was fantastic spending time with my 2 sisters and our parents. I got a chance to meet Cami - Sara's (niece) little one; and get acquainted Paula & Bart's youngsters as well! I won't duplicate all the pics that Dad posted out on his blog...here's some further views of our week:

The beach on Tues...look at that view!!

...and of course the girls take advantage of the nice weather to work on the tans.

What vacation is complete without a campfire - pictured are (left to right) Mom, Bart & Gabby, Paula, Sara & Cami, Dad, Matti, Tori, & Joe.

Dad does know how to sit back and relax!!!

Cami loves those Graham crackers!

And what do you use Graham crackers for...Smores!!

Just down the street from Cindy & Joe's is a pond by the road. Got this picture of a mated pair of swans with thier 4 youngsters...too cute!

All in all, it was a very enjoyable week. The weather was near perfect (rain and storms on Wed, but otherwise beutiful). Made it back to Vegas in one piece, Leslie was kind enough to pick me up at the airport (THANKS!). Today is getting laundry done, paying bills, unpacking, and trying to stay out of the heat!!

Thought for the Day!!

2008-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or hump it. Piss on it and walk away.

My Next President!

2008-06-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S.PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN (or any other party) GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

"My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed. Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete. This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short . The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some of the countries listed there.
The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening. Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THERE AFTER IT'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption. Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France. In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France ,Germany , and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bonne chance, mezamies. I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change. Mexico is also on List 2. Its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra thousand tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil inAlaska- which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget. To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic. God bless America . Thank you and good night."

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

Political Humor - because I LOVE to stir the pot!!

2008-06-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

There are less than five months until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States. The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans.

To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each oher our support for the candidate of our choice.

It's time that we all came together, Democrats and Republicans alike.

If you support the policies and character of John McCain, please drive with your headlights on during the day.

If you support Obama or Hillary, please drive with your headlights off at night.

You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up!

2008-05-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Aside from the political issues, this is just a good example of how much difference we can make if we go to the effort. With fuel costs the way they are today, it doesn’t matter whether there’s an environmental impact or not – energy efficient technology likely will pay for itself pretty quickly.

There’s a link at the end of this piece to snopes.com. I checked it, too.

A Tale of Two Houses

House #1 (above)
A 20 room mansion ( not including 8 bathrooms ) heated by natural gas. Add on a pool ( and a pool house) and a separate guest house, all heated by gas. In one month this residence consumes more energy than the average American household does in a year. The average bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2400. In natural gas alone, this property consumes more than 20 times the national average for an American home. This house is not situated in a Northern or Midwestern 'snow belt' area. It's in the South.

House #2

Designed by an architecture professor at a leading national university. This house incorporates every 'green' feature current home construction can provide. The house is 4,000 square feet ( 4 bedrooms ) and is nestled on a high prairie in the American southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat-pumps drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground.

The water (usually 67 degrees F.) heats the house in the winter and cools it in the summer. The system uses no fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas and it consumes one-quarter electricity required for a conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is coll ected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern. Wastewater from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground purifying tanks and then into the cistern. The collected water then irrigates the land surrounding the house. Surrounding flowers and shrubs native to the area enable the property to blend into the surrounding rural landscape.

~~~~~

HOUSE #1 is outside of Nashville , Tennessee ; it is the abode of the 'environmentalist ' Al Gore.

HOUSE #2 is on a ranch near Crawford , Texas; it is the residence the of the President of the United States , George W. Bush.

An 'inconvenient truth.'

And, yes . I DID check Snopes prior to forwarding it. You can verify it at: http://www.snopescom/politics/bush/house.asp

Spiders and Snakes, Oh My!

2008-05-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

So, living here in the southwest is fantastic. The weather is almost always sunny, warmish temperatures, and very little problem with things like mosquitoes and such. But, we do have these nasty little critters called scorpions. 2 nights in a row now (Fri & Sat), I've come home late in the evening (11ish) to find a cute lil scorpion inside the house near the front door...nice way to end the evening. Both were taken care of, with no injuries to myself (can't say the same for the scorpions). In talking to people around here, there is no real good defense against these critters. It has been determined that the sewer project going on in town has probably displaced many of the scorpions from thier regular nesting spots...lovely, expectations are that they may be moving around most the summer. It's a little uncomfortable knowing that they are trying to get in. Should be a fun summer!

GAS?!?! Let's use LESS!!! (Part 2)

2008-05-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

So, after having this lil motor scooter for a couple weeks now, let me just say that cruising around town is FUN!! The scooter is pretty peppy for its size, and gets around through traffic very nicely (the only iffy part is when on a street with a 45 mph speed limit, I have to be careful if I plan on making a left turn - traffic will be moving up to 55 mph, and I top out between 35-40 mph). Gas mileage-wise...I just filled it up today - it took just over 9/10ths of a gallon of gas - having ridden 80 miles since it's last top off (yes, for those pulling out calculators, that's OVER 80 MPG!!). That kind of gas savings will make up for the discomfort I will be having during the summer, riding in 100+ degree weather (good thing I'm acclimated!!). I'm getting more and more comfortable riding in the heavy traffic that is Vegas, and will certainly be looking at a bigger bike late this year or early next year.

GAS?!?! Let's use LESS!!!

2008-04-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

So, one of my neices thinks that she has an idea on where my political views lay. Actually, my views are scattered all over depending on the issue involved. So, here's my view on gasoline and the use of fossel fuels...WE NEED TO USE LESS!! :-) As a nation, we are addicted to fossel fuels. We use it for everything...our power, heat, transportation, ect. Some day, as you are going about on your usual business, look around you...you will notice something about our biggest addiction - we like big vehicles...SUV's, pick-up trucks, and luxury cars. I watch the traffic here in Vegas and am amazed at the number of large vehicles driving around - with only one occupant....and yes, I am guilty of it myself (my truck has a V-8 in it). So, with gas pushing constantly upward, I've desided to at least make my little contribution...and to potentially save a little money. Below is my solution:

This little motor bike has a 49.8cc engine in it (which in NV, means no registration, insurance, or motorcycle licencing) and is rated for between 80-90 miles to the gallon. I can average 30-35 mph and it take me only about 10 extra minutes to get to work. Even if I average 60-80 mpg, my WEEKLY savings (providing I can ride it 4 out of 5 days) comes to around $30 (just think how much I save after gas hits $4 a gallon) - yes, that totals over $100 per month!! Oh, and did I mention it is good for the environment! Eventually, I will be upgrading to a larger bike (that does require licence, registration, and insurance) that gets at least 50 mpg. Anyway, if you live fairly close to work (within 10 miles or so) and you are looking for a way to save yourself some money and reduce our country's reliance on foriegn fuel, this could be an option for you!

>>>steps away from the podium<<<

What is Love?

2008-04-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds:

'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined See what you think:

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss' Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.' Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image) Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.' Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

Count your Blessings

2008-04-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

>>>Received this from a friend<<<

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. '

I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.

'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments .'

'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.

'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'

'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.

'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy . And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day . If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 700 million people in the world. If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world . If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare . If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are .

ATTN:
Acknowledge Dept.: 'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with.'

I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!!

Blessings with love

Arizona Vacation!!

2008-04-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

So, as most of you know, we had a little get together in Arizona this last weekend. Cindy and Joe flew out to stay with the folks for a week, and being they were going to be there, I decided to pop on down there for a couple days myself. We were put up in a nice little 2 bedroom casita in the St David campground - Thanks Mom & Dad!! Below is a shot from the folks's spot up to our casita...guess who had the better view!!! :-)
The Saturday we all got there, it was desided to take the 25 mile drive on down to one of the more famous western towns - Tombstone!! We took the full walking tour around town, taking in all the sights...including a walk through of the great Bird Cage Theatre...doesn't that family look like they are ready for sightseeing?!?!

Of course, when hanging out in a strange town, you best watch your step or you will be faced with a run in with the LAW!! Pictured below are 3 of the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday...fortunately, Cindy and Joe were behaving themselves for a change!!

After checking out the town, we headed out a little ways to a spot Mom & Dad had spotted from the side of the road - a ghost town called Fairbank. There isn't much left of the town, but they are in the process of referbing...the Fairbank Schoolhouse has been worked on and now houses an information center and gift shop (unfortunetly, we got there after they closed).

After checking out Fairbank, we headed back to Tombstone for dinner at Big Nose Kate's Saloon.

Sunday morning was Pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast at the park rec center...good stuff!!

Then it was off to the Chiricahua National Monument park. What a place!! We sat through a very nice presentation on the history of the Chiricahua's, then headed over to a nice little hill to hike up. The trail was listed at 0.9 miles and topped out at around 7300 feet. What a view!! One of the things that the Chiricahua's is noted for is Cochise's Head - shown here.

Also in the park is the Faraway Ranch and Stafford Cabin...may post pictures of those in the future.

After a long, but very nice day, we headed back...stopping at (I believe) the T-Bar Ranch for dinner...can we talk fantastic Beef Ribs!!! Mmmmm!!! My mouth still waters think of them.

Monday was spent relaxing and vegging...I had to fly back to Vegas Monday evening.

Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. It was great to see Cindy & Joe, and as always, was wonderful to see the folks again. Looking forward to heading up to MI this summer to see more of you all!! ...and maybe see some golf?!?! Love to all!!

Warning!!! Political View!!!

2008-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dog Sense...

Have you ever heard that a dog ' knows ' when an earthquake is about to hit ?

Have you ever heard that a dog can ' sense ' when a tornado is stirring up, even twenty miles away ?

Do you remember hearing that, before the December tsunami struck Southeast Asia , dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed ?

I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth.

And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.

Simply said, a good ol' hound dog just KNOWS when something isn't right... when impending doom is upon us...

Kitty Fun!

2008-03-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Wakemans for sending this on...just had to share it with everyone!

Star Spangled Banner

2008-03-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Watched this and just had to share with everyone...done at a Texas Tech vs UT basketball game.

Hobbies or Home Decorating?!?

2008-03-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what to do with old record album covers after you've digitized them into MP3 format in the computer? Well, I'm current doing both! I just recently purchased myself a new turntable with USB capability and started copying some records into my computer. That was an easy thing to get started with...but after almost 2 years of living in this house, I realized I still had alot of bare walls and needed stuff to hang on my walls and buying pictures is expensive!! So I started doing some research on what options I had for maybe using album covers for wall art...here's what I came up with....

I found 2 different sites that sell pre-matted frame kits for record albums. The frame to the left was purchased through - http://www.salinepictureframe.com/index.php (this is a Michigan based company located in Saline, MI - you can save a lot on shipping if you happen to live nearby!) - the quality is very good and they advertise Made in USA. The frame at the top was purchased through - http://hobbyframes.com/index.html - they are located in Rhode Island, so don't think you can save much by driving there - the quality on these frames don't feel quite as good as Saline's, but they also have CD pre-matted frames available too (along with various other frames). Both companies are very careful in thier packing methods and I received both shipments in pristine condition (they ship through UPS).

Anyway, just some fun information I thought I'd pass along...I've got at least 10 - 20 albums I plan on framing and a bunch of CD's, should help to cover up some bare wall around the house!

Worth The Watch

2008-02-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

These are certainly worth watching...the guy is fantastic:

Video Clip 1

Video Clip 2

Video Clip 3

Video Clip 4

Video Clip 5

ENJOY!!

Farewell to Frankie

2008-02-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

As the title suggests, Frankie (Blue Eyes) is no longer living with me. A little over a week ago, I had to send him off to a shelter. The reason this was necessary is a bit complicated...the final straw required the better part of 3 days of cleaning carpets, tile, counters, couch, table, and such. Some day (perhaps this summer) I'll explain a bit more in depth if you all so wish. The choice was not an easy one and I agonized over it, but in the end it was the best thing - for both myself and him. Anyway, just thought I pass this on to you all. (hmmm...seems like a tough start of the year all around...I'll be keeping all of this family in my thoughts and prayers - Priscilla, Mel, Paula & Family, John and his family, Cindy with her back, and Mom & Dad...and anyone else I've forgotten to mention).

Civic Literacy

2008-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Want to see how up-to-speed you are on your Civic knowledge, here's a good test for you. Then you can check out this site for some interesting info...

Psycho Cats

2008-02-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

Got this video and laughed myself silly!! Hope you enjoy it!!

7 Wonders

2008-01-27T09:09:00.001-08:00

So, I keep getting lots of neat stuff in my email, and have decided the easiest way to share them is to post them here. Here's one I just got - look forward to more!

Alone in Las Vegas!

2008-01-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

As you probably know by now, the folks have hit the road after 3 1/2 months in LV. Thank goodness.... ;-) ...ok, I only say that because that means that dad is doing well and they can get back to doing what they love - travelling! Things around here are really different now, even after only a couple of days. Getting home from work on Wed. was really weird...the house was empty, no sounds, noone else wandering around...except Frankie. He seems a bit out of sorts - looking around the house for Dutchess and those other humans. He is being very clingy, and not letting me much out of his sight. I know this will pass quickly, but Wed evening, hearing him meowing down the hall in front of the folk's closed door really showed how much he missed them. He no longer has a group of shoes, slippers, or sandles laying near the front door, but that isn't stopping him from finding a shoelace to play with...yea, I think he'll be ok!

I look forward to seeing them, probably in early Feb while they are in the Bullhead City area; will be driving down and making a day of it (it's only about 90 minutes or so drive). Then will be seeing the rest of the family this summer (I hope!!) in Mich!

Lion's Jokes

2008-01-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks Bart (hmm, or was it Paula?) for these wonderful joke...just want to make sure everyone can enjoy them like I did!! :-)

Q: What do you call 53 people sitting around a TV watching the Super Bowl?
A: The Detroit Lions

Q: How do you keep a Detroit Lion out of your yard?
A: Put up goal posts.

Q: Where do you go in Detroit in case of a tornado?
A: Ford Field - they never have a touchdown there

Q: What do you call a Detroit Lion with a Super Bowl ring?
A: A thief.

Q: Why doesn't Lansing have a professional football team?
A: Because then Detroit would want one.

Q: What's the difference between the Detroit Lions & a dollar bill?
A: You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q: What do the Detroit Lions and possums have in common?
A: Both play dead at home and get killed on the road!

Q: How many Detroit Lions does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A: Nobody knows and we may never find out. And my favorite:

Q: What do the Detroit Lions and Billy Graham have in common?
A: Both can make 70,000 people stand up and yell "Jesus Christ!".

2007-12-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Indian News

2007-12-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

File this under "Interesting Things Found On-line":
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Descendants of Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse break away from US

Agence France-Presse Published: Thursday December 20, 2007

The Lakota Indians, who gave the world legendary warriors Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, have withdrawn from treaties with the United States, leaders said Wednesday. "We are no longer citizens of the United States of America and all those who live in the five-state area that encompasses our country are free to join us," long-time Indian rights activist Russell Means told a handful of reporters and a delegation from the Bolivian embassy, gathered in a church in a run-down neighborhood of Washington for a news conference.

A delegation of Lakota leaders delivered a message to the State Department on Monday, announcing they were unilaterally withdrawing from treaties they signed with the federal government of the United States, some of them more than 150 years old. They also visited the Bolivian, Chilean, South African and Venezuelan embassies, and will continue on their diplomatic mission and take it overseas in the coming weeks and months, they told the news conference.

Lakota country includes parts of the states of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The new country would issue its own passports and driving licences, and living there would be tax-free -- provided residents renounce their US citizenship, Means said.

The treaties signed with the United States are merely "worthless words on worthless paper," the Lakota freedom activists say on their website. The treaties have been "repeatedly violated in order to steal our culture, our land and our ability to maintain our way of life," the reborn freedom movement says. Withdrawing from the treaties was entirely legal, Means said. "This is according to the laws of the United States, specifically article six of the constitution," which states that treaties are the supreme law of the land, he said. "It is also within the laws on treaties passed at the Vienna Convention and put into effect by the US and the rest of the international community in 1980. We are legally within our rights to be free and independent," said Means.

The Lakota relaunched their journey to freedom in 1974, when they drafted a declaration of continuing independence -- an overt play on the title of the United States' Declaration of Independence from England. Thirty-three years have elapsed since then because "it takes critical mass to combat colonialism and we wanted to make sure that all our ducks were in a row," Means said.

One duck moved into place in September, when the United Nations adopted a non-binding declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples -- despite opposition from the United States, which said it clashed with its own laws. "We have 33 treaties with the United States that they have not lived by. They continue to take our land, our water, our children," Phyllis Young, who helped organize the first international conference on indigenous rights in Geneva in 1977, told the news conference.

The US "annexation" of native American land has resulted in once proud tribes such as the Lakota becoming mere "facsimiles of white people," said Means. Oppression at the hands of the US government has taken its toll on the Lakota, whose men have one of the shortest life expectancies -- less than 44 years -- in the world. Lakota teen suicides are 150 percent above the norm for the United States; infant mortality is five times higher than the US average; and unemployment is rife, according to the Lakota freedom movement's website.

"Our people want to live, not just survive or crawl and be mascots," said Young. "We are not trying to embarrass the United States. We are here to continue the struggle for our children and grandchildren," she said, predicting that the battle would not be won in her lifetime.

Lazy'n!

2007-12-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

This Sunday was a day of wrapping presents, doing laundry, paying bills, and getting Christmas cards ready to send. It was also a day of watching football! As you can see, Frankie (Blue Eyes) couldn't care less about football, but loves a quiet, peaceful day!

Don't bug me, I'm snoozing!!

We all need to spend a day like a cat sometime...they know how to relax!!

2007-12-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Well, you can't see all of the lights, but here is what the front of the house looks like with the lights shining brightly! Both mom and dad assisted me with getting the lights up...looking forward to Christmas Day to arrive!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year takes on a whole new meaning for us. Not only are we thankful for the sacrifices made for this country by its people in creating and building this land: no, this year we are also thankful for our family, for having them with us - even when we can not be next to them. We could have been one member short this year, but with God's help - especially at guiding the skillful hands of the surgeon and other medical staff that worked on dad - we were able to have him here to share our table with us.

Dad is doing quite well. He and Mom went shopping over at Dick's sporting goods on Wed, which is fantastic progress. Mom did a great job at preparing T-day dinner (I helped out where I could) and everything was very tasty!

Well, today is a day of putting up Christmas lights, so better get myself moving.

Not all waiting at the Hospital

2007-11-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

It was great to have my sisters here in Vegas for a short visit, even under the circumstances. While they were here, we made a visit to the Hoover Dam on Monday morning before going to visit dad at the hospital. The first thing noticable at the dam is the water levels of Lake Meade (the lake created by the Dam)...you can see from the lines on the wall just how high the water should be (within 15 - 20 foot of the top).

The new viewing area at the dam is fantastic, as you can see from the pics here - with Deb...

...Cindy and Joe...

And mom...

....OOPPPSSS@!! Where'd she go?!?!?

We had a great time, did the power plant tour, walked all around the top of the dam...it was good for relieving some of the stress some of us were feeling. Over time, I may post some more of the pics that Joe took - unless he wants to start posting them on his blog...oh, he or Cindy don't have one yet!!! ;-) Anyways, enough rambling for now. Laters!

HOME!!!

2007-11-15T19:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, the title says it all...Dad is HOME from the hospital. Mom and Dad walked in the door at roughly 7:10pm pdt, tired, but glad to be out of the hospital. In his hands is his coughing/breathing pillow, used to ease pressure when he coughs and takes deep breaths - the pillow is signed by...well, alot of people; Cindy, Deb, Mom, Joe, Me, Dr Smith (his surgeon), many of his nurses, Shaun (his cardio nurse that took care of him the 2 days prior to surgery), and a bunch more. He's resting now, and waiting on some dinner (if he had stayed for dinner in the hospital, they were going to check his blood sugar again, and probably give him another shot!...he left...).
Below are the remnants of his bracelets, the true sign of him being free of the hospital.

Feel free to call him, write him, or email him...he is not allowed to drive for at least 4 weeks, so he's not going anywhere. It looks like I have the folks here at the house through the holidays, and we'll see where it goes from there. I'm sure by then they will be itching to get back out on the road.

That's all from Las Vegas for now!

Day 5 (and Last??)

2007-11-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

So, for all you great people keeping tabs on Dad's progress, here's some more. The last of the Drip medication has been stopped, so no more IV's sending stuff into him...which means nothing hooked to him anymore...he was taken off the oxygen earlier today - YAY!! He's been walking all over the hospital, probably more so now not having to push the IV tree with him.

Dinner looks great huh?? He seemed to think so to, and ate most of it. He has had nothing bad to say about the staff at the hospital, and even enjoys the food (ok, no one said he was mentally ready to go anywhere...).

So, chances are looking VERY good that he MAY be going home on Thursday. His surgeon came in to see him while I was there and was very pleased with his progress. The nurse is also please with his recovery.

I got mom out of the house tonight. Went over to Sam's Town to listen to some live music - a Beatles tribute band called The Fab (and mom didn't even play the machines!!!).

Well, it's time for me to head to bed, so this is all for tonight. Thanks to all for their kind words, thoughts, and prayers during this last week.

UPDATE!!!

2007-11-13T21:14:00.000-08:00

Dad is now out of ICU and in a regular room. They pulled the tubes from his chest early today, which was the main obstacle to moving him. He was upbeat this evening, except for not really liking his dinner. Mom was with him most of the day. Thursday they will begin evaluating him for discharge, but of course they will be taking it day-by-day. That's all I can think of right now, will be taking some more pics of him soon to get them posted here. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.

Recovering In Las Vegas

2007-11-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

So, we went to see Dad today at the hospital, and was pleased to see the already positive changes in him in just the 12 hours since we had last seen him. This pic was taken Friday night, 4 - 5 hours after coming out of surgery:

This next one is Saturday, at around 12 noon:

And yes, he is aware of what is going on....

Finally, for those wondering how our mother is doing through all of this, this shows it best:

Yes, she is holding up very well. Anyways, that is all for now. We will be heading back for the hospital for a bit this evening to see him. Take care all!!

Surgery In Las Vegas Part II

2007-11-09T16:50:00.001-08:00

Dad came out of surgery at approx 3pm on Friday. Spoke with the doctor briefly, he said everything went OK - triple-bypass AND replaced a heart valve that was leaking a lot more than the surgeon liked. We got to go into the ICU room briefly to see him, he looks great for what he's just gone through. Attached is a pic of his heart and the 99% blockage that was the primary concern. Would just like to take time to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. Now comes the recovery part...

Surgery in Las Vegas

2007-11-07T23:21:00.001-08:00

For those who don't read some other of our family blogs: My dad was diagnosed with a arterial blockadge of 99% during a recent angiogram. The blockadge is in a spot where they can not do stints, so the only option they are left with is bypass. With that blockadge and 2 smaller ones, he will be going through triple-bypass open heart surgery on Friday, 9 Nov. Please keep him in your prayers and best wishes. I will update this post after the surgery. Cards, ect can be sent to my house in c/o him or mom (please shoot me an email if you are unsure of the address). He is currently in St Rose Dominican Hospital, which is considered probably the best hospital in Las Vegas.

That's it for now.

2007-11-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is my current home, moved into it in July of 2006.

Intro

2007-10-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ok...so my parents have a website, my nieces have blogs, my older sister has a blog...guess it's time for me to set one up before I'm the last one with nothing!! I intend to use this as a means to try to keep my family up to date with the going-ons out here in sunny Las Vegas.