THREE LEAF CLOVER - FOUR LEAF CLOVER - GREEN - YELLOW - A DILEMMA

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 7am to a 3 after 9+ hours of sleep. And a sunny morning, with hot projected again today, but it was just under 60 on the east deck. I took my am pills, put out my flag and my yellow ribbon and settled in for some chair massages and turned on my TV to tape the Sunday Morning talking heads.

I had a great jaunt yesterday, I went to lunch at McCools with nephew Mike and his main squeeze, Courtney. We talked about school and I asked what his plans for a major were. He said Architecture has been of interest to him and I told him I thought that was good as it can lead into many different fields. He does plan on playing baseball on “Jackie Robinson” field and I told him I still could not remember the name of the Mariner Pitcher from Pasadena. He told me he had all his “financial aid” stuff turned in and they have their apartment set to move in on September 16th, and they have been shopping for kitchen stuff. They are planning a garage sale next weekend (or soon anyway) to raise more funds for school.(I will try to keep you all posted)
I also asked him if some of that sports stuff I gave him for his various birthdays and other holidays would be part of it; He almost took my head off, but I wanted him to know, those presents were HIS and if he was going to use them for school it was ok with me. I did ask him to at least let me have an opportunity to match whatever he was offered and he assured me they would not be in the sale but if he was going need to put them on the “market”for any reason he would let me know. I also gave Courtney a warning about how “stubborn” a Mehrens can be, she apparently has picked up on that. She also understands that is not always a bad thing, as sometimes you have to be stubborn to get what or where you want no matter what obstacles there are. She is also looking forward to going to Montana one of these days, as she has heard so much good stuff about it.
We also tried to get a little help from the State of Oregon for their “Education”, but alas; the State was raising funds for another Park apparently. I did tell them that the state keeps 70% of every dollar wagered, so if you buy a $5.00 lottery ticket, your not even average unless you get back $1.50 and your not even a winner unless you break even. (Breaking even, makes you a winner?)
It was a wonderful few hours. He told me how many nickels he had saved so far, and I did tell him again, I will be out there on my scooter collecting bottles and cans to help also.

Between Stephanie's gift, the thin hanging Irish Wall Plaque with Shamrocks and Heidi's Quilt with all those shamrocks, I not only look like I have to be the luckiest person anywhere, I feel like the luckiest person anywhere.

I am still sorry I missed Steph and Rhett the other day but I have this awesome special Irish wall plaque that I am using right now, as a skid pad-insulation pad underneath my computer here on my lap in my lazy boy.

I also was told that one of my grand nieces had an accident and was burned pretty bad. I am sure she is not only in a lot of pain but very uncomfortable in this weather. I am going to ask you to add Maggie to your prayers with me.....................I sure hope I got the right grand niece, because they are all grand.

Again; Thanks to Nephew Daniel's (Dannette's youngest) wife Trina, Judi and I both got to get a video phone call (skype.com) from Daniel in Iraq last Wednesday and Friday I received one from nephew Christopher, who is in S Cal, getting ready to head for Afghanistan. They both looked good and it was really special.

Did you know they are charging computer time to our soldiers for this access? That's criminal as far as I'm concerned.

By the way; I mean no disrespect for putting the yellow ribbon on my flag pole holder, The flag comes in at night but I plan to leave the ribbon there until Daniel comes over to untie my knot.

I think Billy said he was going to try to stop in Helena on his trip to see Peg and Billy Joe, maybe he will be lucky enough to see uncle Sandy.

I'll still have to tell Dr. Zarelli when I do see him on the 3rd of August, among other things, that I actually like the heat, but not so much over 100 degrees, and even though we stayed at “Gregson Hot Springs”, now called Fairmont Resort, on our Montana trip, I did not take advantage of those natural hot spring waters. And I have didn't awake this morning soaked; so, if it was a fever it must have finally broke.

Again, I will say thank you, to all those who joined my request for prayers for me, all my friends, 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.

I did check on a non-smoking handicap room and I do think they changed it. These days of 100 degree plus weather have got me down to less than a ½ a pack a day as I am still only smoking outside, and as I check my “butts” when I empty my ash trays I've noticed them getting longer, I still have some Wellbutrin so maybe this trip would be a good time to try that again.

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, Jim E., 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.”

I learned last Saturday that Dianna is taking an experimental treatment for her condition and I would ask everyone to say an extra prayer that the experiment is successful. And thanks to efforts of her GOOD friend Mary, and our continued prayers, she may get more help in her Experimentl treatment.
Her GOOD friend ( mine too ) Mary is Jewish, I think she also believes she has ancestors that were witches, and while my/our prayer is to “Mary Mother of God, Jesus”; and while they both were Jewish, and Mary Mother of Michael, is also doing good things for our friend Dianna, this is just one of those coincidences that makes one go Hmmm.

I know I repeat things, maybe too much, on my blog; but some of this stuff I need to be reminded of and some of this stuff others need to be reminded of.

POLITICAL

My Representative is having his annual Birthday Party; I am sorry I cannot make it but I would encourage those that can; do. I hope to see him Tuesday at John's CPBT meeting and I will be making a donation for his race, we DO really need him there.

They announced that the “cash for clunkers” program had been fully expended and the House has a proposal (from Jay Inslee D Wa.) to extend it; and as they were talking about the success of the program, I heard a bunch of loud applause from the gallery. And on the Ed Shultz showone of his interviewee's, who strongly supported the program, said he believed the program should now be limited to “American Made” because it is an American Taxpayer financed program and is for rebuilding “American” manufacturing and American Jobs. I agree with him whole-heartedly; we should also do something about allowing a WalMart Superstore any where near an American Manufacturing center.

And so I'm not accused of always being negative I am putting up my own State Representative, Brent Barton for nomination to the Hero List. I am not sure if Camp Withicom(sp ?) is in his district but his work for Veterans, and others, in this last Legislative Session was exemplary in my book. Some of the Items: 1) SOFT LANDING for our returning vets 2) In state tuition for all vets no matter their State of residency. (Daniel take note) Go Vikings, Go Ducks, Go Beavers 3) He is on the Task Force for Veterans' Reintegration 4) Supports Education K through old folks 5) He sent me a great B.D. Card.

I think I've found a crew of ZERO' s; to be led by (new #1, but just barely) Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama and includes all but one of the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court nomination and the Health Care Bill debate are sure heating up. But it does look like Sotomayor will be confirmed. I've been watching a lot of the r's give speeches on what is wrong with the President's plans and the (mostly) Democrats support, but they keep leaving that first or last line of the speech out......... “I GOT MINE”!

Trina's setting up of that Internet program (skype.com) to be able to connect with Daniel, and Christopher directly and the video-call I had with Daniel and then Christopher, I think has given me a 4+ rating that just continues. She was in the neighborhood because she is helping out at the Guard near here, and she said she will help start that Lefty video I've been nagging about.

You would think after nicking our Men and Women in the Guard $65.00 a month for internet access they could at least provide even a little gas money to their volunteers. HINT,HINT,HINT Hope to see you Tuesday Earl.

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.

I watched those upstart House democrats rallying on the capital steps yesterday in front of the camera's who were very firm that “rolling over” for the “Blue Dog” Democrats could lose more than they “gain” in any republican support.

Health Care Now !

http://stories.barackobama.com/healthcare/stories/update_landing

We get it and we need to make sure Congress gets it, too. Call your member of Congress right now: 1-866-210-3678

As near as I can figure, all that needs to be done for the soft landing at the State Level (Legislature) is complete; thank you Rick and Brent; and everyone. I believe the next brick (pillow) to be placed, is the responsibility of the Federal Government and I believe that it 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. Daniel's wife Trina is helping, with a houseful of kids and a 3? year old with 3rd degree burns, and Daniel in the Middle East.

It's official, Trina did say Cody's job came through, so that cage rattling is over. But still sooooo many cages left!

For Senator Wydens Plan, check it out. http://wyden.senate.gov/issues/Healthy%20Americans%20Act/HAA_Employee_Examples.pdf

If you have any questions or concerns even besides Health Care be sure to attend any of your Senator's or Representatives functions during the recess:

And if you do go, please leave the message........GET “ER DONE - SOFT LANDING
By the way; You don't have to be a ”wheel” to get heard, just squeak for a while.
Bring our people home!

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

Mine is up is yours?

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?

SAVE PUTTS PALACE

Over 50 years ago my uncle “Putt” built a cabin at Georgetown Lake in Montana, (Putts Palace). His cabin at the lake and many others like it developed recreational areas for the use of just regular citizens. And while doing this they protected the environment for future generations. He was not a RADICAL ENVROMENTALIST, he was just a mechanic, a Pearl Harbor Survivor with kids that liked fishing.
He believed everyone owned the lake and deserved access to the Public Lands and then came the “Summer Homes” at the lake, and now thanks to those “absent owners” it appears they are “buying” (LOBBYING) to price the riff-raff out of their real “cabins”. I am not sure if I'm part of the riff, or part of the raff, but as they yelled out the windows in that old famous movie........”I'm mad as hell, and I'm not taking it any more!”

SPORTS

I still think Felix Hernandez is the Cy Young leader right now in the American league, and he has been awesome his last 10+ games, ERA under 1 ½ . before his last outing anyway; We'll see if his last outing was just a fluke-stumble or something more serious but based on the trade they made they don't seem too concerned and the Mariners should be getting their regulars back before long and whatever you do; don't tell anyone from Anaconda that that Butte catcher is really good, you will for sure catch heck.

OK; I was definitely chastised by one of my many readers, who I believe to be a White Sox fan; He is from Chicago, his first name begins with B and after the stomping Felix took his last game, Buehrle, is definitely in the running in the American League Cy Young; but Felix is still leading.

“Wally,
No mention of the perfect game by Mark Buehrle in the sport section of your blog?”

I also still think Carlos Zambrano is the Cy Young leader in the National league; I hope that lower back strain is not to serious. Chicago with contenders in both the N.L. & A.L.: has the same city ever had both? Then There's that kid with the Dodgers who is still 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!

So it wasn't bad enough our Men and Women in the Guard got nicked $40.00 before they shipped out NOW they have to pay $65.00 a month for internet access. RON....JEFF.....EARL....CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT !

Desert Heaven; It's officially out there now......... http://www.amazon.com/Chef-Judis-Meringue-Recipes-ebook/dp/B002JTXD68/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1249079718&sr=1-1

On my HERO list, my nephew Daniel has been up for a while and he has deserved all that time at the top. You should know, it's not just because he is my nephew, or just because he is in the Oregon National Guard, serving in Iraq, and I'm sure he will be in Iraq for a while longer, or just because his lovely wife set me up with the video phone.

Thanks to his wife Trina, I did get a video/phone call with him and it was awesome. I did attempt to snap a picture as we said good bye and I will try to post it, if I was successful. She has also allowed me to have, at least one video conversation with nephew Christopher in S. California.

I also read that an old friend of mine has announced her candidacy for Secretary Treasurer of the National AFL-CIO. I have known her for a long time and I must say, the AFL-CIO would be well served with her election. Elizabeth Shuler - you go girl!

And, Thank you Brent, that B.D. Card was really cool.

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), don't forget the extra one for Dianna.
And thanks again Francis-es (both of you)

Mike; My “short” blog is still to long today, but; thanks to all of you, I am feeling 4+. And where are those promised changes, on my blog? August 2nd, is here and even with all my edits I am still over 3,000?

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