PUTTS PALACE TODAY, THEN HOMEWARD BOUND TOMMORROW

PERSONAL

FIRST THINGS FIRST.................I DID NOT GET ENOUGH TIME TO SPEND WITH EVERYONE I WANTED TO.

I awoke this morning at 9;30am to a 2+ after 10 hours of sleep, and a beautiful morning,in Anaconda, Montana, at Fairmont “hot springs” Resort. Our “Monahan” Family picnik was yesterday at Washoe Park and even though it was crashed by a bunch of Mehrens' it went well and no fight's broke out. The Sunni and Sheite could learn from us. It was a great time had by all, meaneing Judi and I. Idid also miss nephews Daniel and Stevie, and I hope Stevie's All Stars shine and I did wear my Flag pin for Daniel, I am sure the heat yesterday dosen't even compare to what Daniel is dealing with right now even in my light jacket, but I did, so far, break one promise though, I told Jim's, Francis, (I hope that didn't sound sexist) I would take her to Mass this morning and even after an Oxycodone with my pills this morning, I apparently did too much running and rowing yesterday. As I was posting sister Danni called and said Francis was with her so alls well, I guess, we'll see them at the lake. The trip has been a good one so far and time has just zoomed by. We have had breakfast, and we will be heading for the Putts Palace at the lake in a little while so a short repetitive blog also today. A bunch of hello's, good to see you's yesterday, although it was very hot, and I did notice that Anaconda was in violation of a number of laws, which I will report on later. I think I did see Mars rising in the east sky again. I haven't put my contraption on as yet. I will be really doing a short report today as I slept in, and even missed Mass. I've tried to do better in my personal column with “road reports” from our trip, but I guess I'll just have to do a wrap up when I get home from my Lazy Boy. Also, if you are preparing for NFL football I must tell you, that Paul Sullivan (coach) pacing the sidelines just happens to be a cousin.

I should let everyone know if you call me when I'm driving, I will let it go to voice mail until I stop the car and free up my third hand, as I generally sit on my third hand when driving with hand controls, and as everyone knows, when driving in Portland traffic with all the crazy's out there one coat yesterday and shouldn't get into it without grabbing ones a$$..

Again, I will say thank you, to all those who joined my request for prayers for my two friends, and now Kelli and her brother also, and the men and women in the service of their State and Country.

I would ask everyone to continue the prayers that can. As I said in my email, I AM living proof of good results. And as I am back to driving, all those OTHER drivers will need those prayers.

We will check out from Fairmont tomorrow and you should warn all you know to be on the lookout for that silver Chrysler. It has been a pretty wonderful trip so far even though my wife and sister continue to team up against me on most all of my mostly true stories and now they have lots of help, that means you Betsy. And I will report more on that and the other stuff later.

My daily prayer is to Mary Mother of God…..”O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear OUR prayer. As your children we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially for my dear friends Dianna and Jim, Kelli and her brother and all in need.

We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help ALL of us, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever, Amen.”

POLITICAL

I hope everyone can keep me up to date on the Supreme court nominations and the Health Care Bill.
I know Daniel was slightly unimpressed with his personal visit with the Governor. I hope he understands that that trip before they were shipped out was a trip he didn't have to make, but he wanted to make sure, all the troops understood how much they were appreciated. And I'm sure it is not a trip he looks forward to. I still don't know yet if the “soft landing” bill is done but that is one issue I will keep harping on until I am sure.

Health Care Now !

While I am here in Montana, if I should happen across Senator Baucus, (highly unlikely), I will be sure to ask him to get that Government Option in the bill. We are leaving tomorrow and no sign of Baucus but I hope all those good Montana constituents I have been visiting will put the pressure on.

http://stories.barackobama.com/healthcare/stories/update_landing
Will you make sure the true voice of the majority is heard? Call Congress and tell them to support a plan that makes health care affordable for everyone: 1-866-210-3678
As health care activists, our calls are especially important right now. Industry lobbyists may have deep pockets, but they can't talk about health care the same way we can. They don't understand what it's like to live this crisis every day - and to have our family members, our friends, and our neighbors struggling to provide decent care for themselves and their loved ones, too.
We get it and we need to make sure Congress gets it, too. Call your member of Congress right now: 1-866-210-3678
I also received a call to action to contact my Senators regarding the “Public Option” in the Health Plan. I was told by Senator Merkley's office he does support the public option. Senator Wyden's office was a little more vague. I did tell his office, I have been to HIS plan, published on the web, and I was concerned that I could not find a “Public Option” in it.
I did get an email report on Daniel's visit with Governor Kulongoski. According to him it sounded like he was given the typical politician's responses. He told me he was the one selected from his Battalion, that obviously rates him to selection as one of my “HERO'S”. It didn't sound like he was overly impressed, with the Governor, but all those men and women are definitely in need of that soft landing bill. I did email him back and tell him that there will be a new Governor when he and the rest of the “Jane's, and Joe's” get back, due to term limit's, and at least I still think, even as a “short timer” he will do all he can to “cover your backs” and from what I hear there may be a candidate or two running that were also at the muster; hopefully with a memory.
As near as I can figure, all that needs to be done at the State Level (Legislature) is complete. I believe the next brick (pillow) to be placed, is the responsibility of the Federal Government and I believe that is in the hands of our own Senator Wyden. (a safe place for it right now, I hope) but, as that famous live artist says......GET 'ER DONE. - SOFT LANDING !

OK, what did YOU do for the Guard today.

THERE I GO; I PUT DANIEL ON MY HERO'S LIST AND THEN FORGOT HIS BIRTHDAY FRIDAY JULY 10, I'm a baaaaaaad person. SORRY, DANIEL.

I am on my Montana trip this week so you all will have to watch for some Hero's and Zero's for me during these hearings.
Also, take note; I am not done with my cage rattling on Cody's promised job.
I did get a response from the Feds following my inquiry, and I will pick up the questioning when I get back from Montana.
You can still take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:

http://my.barackobama.com/100days

I did go to Senator Wydens web site and read his comparatives with the current health care system and I will share it here, even though they don't have a “Wally Welder” comparison, I wouldn't like being on the same page as Senator Lieberman anyway, I am still left with some questions.
I also got a call from AARP and when calling any of your Senators please encourage support for the Schummer, Brown ammendment to the Health Care bill, they say it is important for prescription costs and helpful to MS patients. I will do more investigation but it was a request from AARP and co-sponsored by Sherrod Brown, who I think is a real star..

So here goes, check it out: http://wyden.senate.gov/issues/Healthy%20Americans%20Act/HAA_Employee_Examples.pdf

And if you do go, please leave the message........GET “ER DONE - SOFT LANDING
Bring our people home!

At the 11th Hour, on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month a cease fire was signed to end the war to end all wars in 1918. How's that worked out so far?

SPORTS

The All Star game was a good game, if you are an American League fan, as as you all know I am the proverbial optimist and “Cubs forever”, But I cover my butt by being an Orioles and Mariners fan. I still think Felix Hernandez is the Cy Young leader right now in the American league.

I still think Carlos Zambrano is the Cy Young leader in the National league. He sure looked good in the first of that day/night doubleheader yesterday. But that kid with the Dodgers is looking pretty good.

Also, now knowing I am related, GO ST. LOUIS, and I would advise all you FFB people drafting RAMS players is probably going to be a good move, even though I don't know Paul that well I do know Patti Ann and Bill are first class motivators.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS

The American Rights at Work still needs help.

Are there better Community Organizations than the National Guard or the USO?

Here's two, from what I consider the top of the list, the OSBT (Oregon State Building Trades) and the NWOLC (Northwest Oregon Labor Council). Judy O'Connor told me last week she is retiring and Her and Tony are moving to Montana. I have known Judy, and Tony since Lon Immel and Ron Fortune. They taught her well, she learned even better; but I WAS the one to teach her to dance. She will definitely be missed and hard to replace, but whomever does, they will do fine, with aid from everyone.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS

“GET 'ER DONE” - SOFT LANDING ! And give them back their $40.00!On my HERO list, my nephew Daniel has taken over now! You should know, it's not just because he is my nephew, or just because he is in the Oregon National Guard, or just because he fighting the heat in Kuwait, I think, as we speak, or because he is a legacy of past HERO winners.

Please, I hope everyone can share the American Rights at Work, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk, The Epilepsy Run/Walk and the Recovery websites; so my taxes and donations can be utilized to their fullest extent.

Whether you attend a church service, a Mosque, GLBT gathering, or Synagogue service, please say a prayer that God; yours, mine or ours; keeps our service men and women in the Palm of their hand.
(Dianna, Jim, Maria, Hayden, Kelli and her brother also)

I'll have to keep my second zero's list inductee, here until I figure out to post on my main page again? He is that Price Representative guy from Georgia, he's not even swift enough to change a word or two in the speech the Insurance companies TOLD him, and others, to give on the health care bill.
John Boehner, he likes to pronounce it baynor, I like it the other way myself, is still #1; I'm pretty sure they have the same scriptwriters. I am sure there will be additions to the list but as I listen to C-span there are so many too chose from. If you have a nominee, let me know.

Mike; My “short” blog is over 2000 today, but I am now feeling 3+; I'll try to keep my blog up as best as I can.

Now don't forget to say your prayers. I'll see you next time on my blog