Two Years.

Two years ago that gentle soul was taken from us. Rest in peace, dear Alesya. You are sorely missed by those who love you.

Thank you for the inspiration, the example, and the love you shared with us.

Safe travels, Chell!

Chells Roost




We will watch and wait for your return.

Hello, B.J.

Fair warning, I have a weakness for LOLcats.

One year

A year ago a gentle blossom was taken from my dear friends. The world has not been quite as bright since. I hope she is in a better place and I wish whatever comfort and peace is possible for her loving family on this sad anniversary.

Thank you gentle Alesya for the blessed memories you left behind.

And she says she's not an Angel...

A dear and precious friend in Oregon e-mailed me that she had made and packed some cinnamon bread for me but was not able to ship it because of the ice and snow. The household was going to open them and have a party but they heard that an elderly lady down the street was alone and snowed in so they carried the bread and a pot of hot stew down to her house and they shoveled the snow off her stairs and had hot chocolate with her. This is no surprise to anyone who knows these folks.

I wrote to her that I had never gotten so much joy from a loaf of bread before. This would be the very essence of Christmas Spirit except this is typical of these people all year round! May you all find joy, comfort, and contentment this Christmas Season. I find I have so much to be thankful for in my friends and associates. Thank you all.

Thank you, Paul Weyrich.

Paul Weyrich has passed away. The world is diminished by his absence. I first saw him on TV about 14 years ago. He had a program on his satellite station, NET Network. I greatly admire his integrity and his character. When I started to feel cynical, or despaired the lack of honor and honesty in politics it was the thought that he was active and respected in politics that helped keep me from giving up on the country. I did not share his religious beliefs but I greatly respected his uncompromising devotion to his faith. He was a credit to his church and a blessing to this country. I wish I knew of another of his caliber.

Thank you, Sir, for all that you have done for America and all that you have unknowingly given to me. You have inspired me with your character and wisdom and set a standard I have and will strive to honor, though I can never match it. May you find peace and rest.

Aftermath

Well, it's over. I find myself rather bummed about the results and what it says about the American people, but I don't think we will see marshal law and Brownshirts in the streets any time soon. We have just kicked out the firemen and turned over full control to the arsonists who set fire to our economy and looted our treasury, with instructions to "fix" it and full access to our bank account and credit. WEEEEE!!!

The Democrats have controlled the legislature for two years. They now have bigger majorities in the house and senate as well as the Whitehouse. How long will they be able to blame their failures and the consequences of their actions on the Republicans and George Bush? Maybe this is what Nancy meant when she said that increasing the house majority for Democrats would make it more bipartisan, they would take the pork and the Republicans would take the heat?

My biggest concerns are:

--The threat to energy development by the bans I expect on drilling and exploitation of oil shale.

--The damage to the economy of regulation and higher taxes along with higher energy costs.

--The threat of federal laws against firearms and ammunition, through bans, regulations, or taxes, and the higher crime rates that will bring. It could roll back the progress we have made against crime as 40 states passed "right to carry" laws and saw their crime rates drop. It also disarms citizens at a time when the words and intention of the second amendment ring quite loudly.

--The threat from terrorist forces when the military is forced to stop fighting them overseas and they return to our shores with a renewed sense of immunity.

In one sense I am lucky as I don't expect any surprises or buyers remorse. Although Obama is a shameless liar he has been rather open about that. He has lied openly and publicly so no one can say they were deceived except by their own desire to be deceived. If you ignore what he said he has been rather consistent about his intentions and beliefs. The people who think Obama will pay for their gas and mortgage may be in for a rude awakening and that tax rebate will not seem so cool if it comes with a pink slip. I wonder how many working class Democrats are going to find themselves like autoworkers, with high pay but no job? As for me, any surprises will be good ones.

I suppose the biggest question will be if Obama has the sense to go slow enough not to scare the horses. If his arrogance leads him to move too fast, he may find himself saddled with a Republican congress and senate, as Clinton did. We shall just have to see what happens. I didn't think there was much chance for this election, though I didn't expect this bad a result. The energy and excitement that Sarah brought to the campaign gave me some hope. Now I'm just bummed.

I want to crawl off and hide.