MAX BAUCUS........WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ?

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 7am and awoke to a 3.5 after 9hrs of sleep, and no lower back pain. I put out my flag with the yellow ribbons under a sunny 48 degree sky. I then came in to take my pills and for a couple of massages and coffees. Again I am feeling better than I really have a right to considering I/We lost a very special friend last Wednesday to Cancer, Dianna Pauley McCoy. I still can't get over how the Gospel and the Priests homily Sunday were dedicated to Dianna. “the last/least shall be first”. In the gospel Jesus used a child to make his point to the apostles. All I could think of was the last hours of Dianna here on earth and her happiness at spending that time with her new Granddaughter.

I am posting late today because I was extremely busy today. I started with a trip to the dentist at 8:30am, then my NCA appointment, the the bank and a short stop at Gloriaz www.gloriazpubgrill.com to see if my 8spot was still viable. It was, and it is still growing.

Don't forget, we need to fix that hole in our health care coverage, and I am sure you will help. The hole is, I am not eligible for Medicare until 2 years after the beginning of my S.S. Disability determination, November 2007. With Medicare I believe I would be eligible for a handicap accessible bath, my Kaiser coverage has provide me a contraption to help put my socks on and a handicap, bath-shower chair, similar to a plastic patio chair. While I can still raise my leg over the side of the bath I would really like a bath-shower designed for a person with a handicap. When I explained this to my business manager he advised me to write an appeal letter to the trust and they would review my situation and maybe they could help through the self funded plan. I wrote the letter and my request was turned down by the “committee”. (FYVM)

I did get a thank you call from Courtney for sending her the flowers today to wish her a happy 20th birthday.

I didn't get over to All in One Mobility; the place I got my scooter and my car hand controls (with no help from S.S. - Kaiser – or the local) to price and choose a tub-shower to be installed, I'll try to get that done tomorrow, as I have less to do tomorrow.

While the Dianna, Princess Protocol, Parade and Christmas celebration with her granddaughter was absolutely awesome. And while the Santa was mechanical which Elsie really liked, it was when the past, and soon to be next, Governor of Oregon, Dr. John took time from his, surely, busy and tight schedule to check in on Dianna, it really lit up her day.

I am still searching for something profound to say here on my blog, but nothing is coming close to the mail that Jonna Lynn sent Jim. So I am using it again, but the priests homily Sunday wasn't dedicated to Dianna, It could have been. I will have another short and probably repetitive posting today. I have settled back in to my lazy boy to catch a little news and then Football.

ONCE AGAIN:

While I was searching for just the right thing to say I received an email from cousin Jim with an attachment from his daughter, who is overseas teaching in Japan but was visiting Thailand when Jim contacted her about Dianna. I did get permission from Jim to share Jonna Lynns reflections about Dianna here. Beware, I had to start reading it 3 times before I could get through it, but once I did I couldn't stop reading it again and again.
I am forwarding this to you all without JonnaLynns permission.I am sure that she will not mind.Wally if you could show this to Judy that would be great.I still do not have her in my address book.She saw what we all received from Dianna, without expecting anything in return.----- Forwarded Message -----From: "Jonna Lynn Mehrens" <jonnalynn@gmail.com>To: solder50@comcast.netSent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 7:33:50 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada PacificSubject: Re:Hi Dad. Thanks for letting me know. I talked to Derecka last week, and she said that things weren't going too well with Dianna's health. After I heard that, I wrote something about her. Wanted to share it with you.Love you Dad!!
My friend Dianna is Dying.
Dianna is a wonderful, boisterous, fun-loving, serious, intelligent, warm, loving, progressive, amazing woman. Hers is usually one of the louder voices in the room, lovingly laughing – never at someone else’s expense (except maybe my dad’s or Wally’s – but rest assured, they will have done something to deserve it). Just genuine, exuberant laughter, into whose circle everyone is invited. But through her boisterousness, she has a very light touch, whether she’s balancing a sensitive topic, lightly holding (but scarcely smoking) a slim cigarette, or simply enjoying the bounty around her.
I met Dianna about seven years ago. We were in Ireland. Almost immediately upon meeting her, I felt that I had found a long-lost aunt or cousin. She entered into our new friendship without hesitation or reservations, and she put me, still shy even at 21 years old, completely at ease.
This trip was one of the more fortunate experiences I’ve had in my life. I was certainly an odd addition to this seasoned group of travelers, which also included my dad, and my cousins Wally and Judi. And I’m sure it would’ve been easier for them if they’d just been four, but they graciously invited me to be the fifth wheel on their long-anticipated vacation. Their generosity was not lost on me, but I never knew how to properly thank them for their generosity on this trip. Even still, neither Dianna, nor any member of the group ever made me feel less than welcome. The first few days of the trip, Dianna even let me sit in the front seat of the car so that I could be closer to my dad, whom I hadn’t seen in a few months. She didn’t have to do that. She was a grown woman, and she had every right to sit in the front of the car that she was paying for. But grace and kindness came naturally to her, then as always.
Another thing I learned on this trip was that Dianna’s pride in her kids is unbounded and unapologetic. It doesn’t seem that she is bragging (though she would have every right to). Instead, she seems to want to share her genuine amazement at the fact that her own children could become such conscientious, productive members of the communities she loves. Of course she knows she’s had a hand in it, but she doesn’t need to take on their achievements as her own in order to justify her own accomplishments. In sharing this, simply wants to spread her own happiness with the many other people that she loves.
As I write this, I’m sitting in the teacher’s room in a Japanese school far from home, my face alternately smiling then frowning; eyes sometimes brimming with tears, even as I struggle with my inability to articulate exactly how I feel. My words, of course, could never do justice to her life, but I hope I can portray a sense of her impact, even on me – neither family, nor the very closest friend.
Shortly before his death, my grandfather wrote somewhat ironically that having lived in Anaconda, Montana for the whole of his 53 years, he had been granted longevity. I have no doubt that he was right. The gift of longevity comes not from money or popularity or even really from years. It’s more than just surviving. It’s making a mark; sharing yourself. Loving other people. It is a gift that we give to the world, having left it brighter than it would otherwise have been.
Thousands of miles separate us, but still I’m moved by my memories with Dianna. I suspect that her influence on me will persist, regardless of the miles or years between us. Gradually the tears will empty, but her spirit will remain close to my heart, and still I’ll feel the force of her laughs, her smiles, her generosity, and her vast, unyielding capacity to love.
Jonna Lynn Mehrens

As my blog, has attracted both a google and bing spider; spiders that like recipes, and I can't really blame them, as I have sampled most all of those recipes I think, and Judi asked me to check out the front pages of google and bing and she MADE THE FRONT PAGE!

bestmeringuerecipes.com

Again, I will say thank you, to all those who joined my request for prayers for me, all my friends and relatives, and the men and women in the service of their State and Country. I do believe that these prayers helped my good friend Dianna get to spend her “last” Christmas with her brand new Granddaughter and she is now with husband Mike sharing all her joy's of the last 20+ years, without him, and now she is with him, and based on my short time with her I know she has earned a special place in heaven.

May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your backMay the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall softly on your fieldsAnd until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

I would still ask everyone to continue the prayers that can. As I said in my original email, I AM living proof of good results. And as I am back to driving, and not just golf balls; all those OTHER drivers will need those prayers.

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 friend Dianna's family and friends 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.”

After seeing Judy O'Connor operate at her last Labor Day picnic, both she and Tony will be missed. While I did see Mick M. at the picnic, I still think think that Congressman Wu should have been there. I did also see Pete Hackett yesterday and told him of my challenge and while they have 10's of Millions of dollars and a decade plus or minus invested they are not giving up. I just wish Congressman Wu would reconsider his stance on that “Private Investment” recovery project in Astoria. I would challenge him to locate ANY of the current natural gas pipelines in the state without a map that showed their location. A challenge still not taken.....Yet any way. And while I do like venturing to Lincoln City and Spirit Mountain, It sure does seem like someone has a bad case of “I got Mine”. The two teammates I had Tuesday in the BULL SESSION golf tourney were very familiar with the Mohegan (sp?) Sun Casino back east and the fact it is doing a BILLION dollar expansion, renovation, that is also putting lots of workers to work and It isn't using taxpayer dollars to do it either. By the way, are they (the tribe) not a partner in the proposed project over in Clark County?

I know I have been repeating 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, and some things are just cathartic for me, but after a year maybe I should clear things off and start over.

LDN REPORT

This is my attempt to keep track of my experiences with my LDN treatment for my Neurologist and his RN. So far with the 4.5mg I think I'm noticeably better. I know I wouldn't have been able to attempt that outing Tuesday, THE BULL SESSION WIN, six weeks ago, and I hadn't been to a union meeting in months. I am experiencing better days, even since I started the new 3mg pill and now that I'm doing the new dosage I am seeing a marked change.
My regular excursions do not seem to be too tiering, and my lazyboy is as good as my oxycodone, most of the time.

My appointment with my NCA was today and he was extremely impressed. He did do his adjustments and I hope continues to notice my improvements. I didn't get the neck traction done but I still managed 18 holes of golf and I do feel like I walked a mile or more last Tuesday. He also commented on my “gait” and mobility. I have done a lot of walking the lately and I do believe this new pill, and his supplements are helping. I did also give his phone number to niece Heidi and I sure hope he can help her as much as he has helped me, but he hasn't heard from her yet.

POLITICAL

My first memories of Dianna were on the Mondale Ferraro campaign, I think she was the Oregon Campaign Manager. She also managed Govenor Kitzhabers first campaign. I did see that Bill Bradbury may be announcing his candidacy, I also consider him a very good friend, but the Governors appearance at the hospital for Dianna, and having a Doctor in the Governors mansion has pretty much cemented my support for him. I hope we can enlighten him on the “Private Investment”, good wage projects that are so greatly needed for a few thousand workers.

I have had a few good discussions with one of my local “Small Business” owners at Gloriaz www.gloriazpubgrill.com there on Sunnyside, a great place to stop for anyone, and I thought he had a good idea. We have 300 million Americans, if 50%+- of whom are working, don't they all have withholding? Why not ask $10 a month from everyone, put it in a pot to cover/or buy; insurance for all Americans without health care. Seemed like a good KISS proposal to me.

I also received the following regarding health care that I would hope you all could support:
Thank you for adding your name at AmericaCantWait.com
We have only a short period of time to reach the critical mass we'll need to pressure Congress into passing healthcare reform including a public option this year. We can reach 250,000 signers by Oct. 15th if we work together to gather support. Here's three ways to do it:
1) Write a personal email to your family, friends, and like-minded co-workers asking them to join the campaign and include this link: www.AmericaCantWait.com
2) If you're on Facebook, you can auto-post an alert about this on your account by clicking here
3) If you're on Twitter, please tweet this message (or something in your own words): "Tell Congress to pass healthcare reform with a public option by majority votes: http://bit.ly/RxMmc RT @dfaaction #p2 #hcr" or auto-tweet it by clicking here.
Thank you for everything you're doing to move America forward.
- Howard Governor Howard Dean, M.D. AmericaCantWait.com

One person that was at the NWOLC board meeting I went to , was a gentleman that is running for a seat on the Metro Board. I have personally worked with him on many issues, and based on what I have seen from my lazy boy observation chair, (Metro Council Meetings are televised), he sure is needed there, and I am sure glad I got to have that conversation with the chair and explain why I was supporting him. This candidate's name is Duke Sheppard, and I will do everything and anything I can do to help. (even from my scooter)

Also; I understand, one of my favorite Oregon Legislators, who just happens to chair the Oregon House Labor committee may be challenged in his primary by a youngster that has a passionate wanna be attitude. I used to like that kid, but to move into a district because he thinks there may be blood in the water and it is a good opportunity for him, tells me he doesn't think things through, not a really good trait for a wanna be legislator. I did get a wheelie nomination form from my friends at the Bus Project and I decided to nominate him, for no other reason than he deserves it, as he worked really hard to keep the lemmings from running to the cliff. I was also appreciative of Jefferson Smith coming over to us at the picnic; the us being Judi, I and Mike following his introduction on the stage. I am hoping we can convince Mike to do another Fund raiser at Gloriaz and maybe get the BUS will stop by. I understand that other person, if he really was considering a run, has changed his mind. I should check with Mike to see if anyone besides him has filed.

My own State Representative, Brent Barton did have a good run on the Hero's list, but where was he Labor Day? With Judy O'Connor as a well deserved “HERO” on the Hero List, her actions Labor Day proved she was overdo. (She is also a lemming hearder) for all those reasons that are in the Congressional Record, AND, she did, ALL SHE COULD DO, a definite HERO!

Thanks again Brent, on behalf of my nephew and all the guard serving as we enjoy the freedom they have provided.
Did you happen to know it is more dangerous in the Capital of the United States than in Iraq, more murders per 100,000 population. Please, someone tell me I am wrong.

The Health Care Bill debate is still heating up now that “they” are back in session. I wonder how much of the next few Health insurance increases are being caused by the multi million dollar anti-Obama health care plan fight?

It almost appears a few democrats want to give those supreme court, anti-Sotomayor, r's a run at my zero list. From what I understand Max Baucus is back in the running for the zero list and from what I thought I heard last week, Ron W. may be eliminated from consideration. (Kent Conrad N.D.?) I have been watching Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island for quite a while on this and other issues and he has really impressed me (a candidate for HERO).

Does the following deserve the Zero List?

Dear William:
Senator Max Baucus released his health care bill yesterday - the final bill to be taken up by a committee before the House and Senate vote on health reform - and the verdict is clear:It doesn't work.
The Baucus bill will not provide you and me with good quality, affordable health care. It fails to ask employers to share responsibility and provide health care to their workers. And it does not keep the insurance companies honest because it lacks the choice of a national public health insurance option.It does one thing, however. It gives the insurance industry a monopoly and millions of new, captive customers. The Baucus bill is the insurance company bill. Need proof? After the bill was released, the Congressional Budget Office said that the bill will not provide competition to the insurance companies.1 The bill works for them, but not for you. It must be fixed.

I've been watching a lot of the r's give their speeches on what is wrong with the President's plans and the (mostly) Democrats support of them, but they keep leaving that all important first or last line of their speech out......... “I GOT MINE”!

It has struck me, this Hero/Zero list nomination and choosing one is a lot like fishing off the Oregon Coast. While there are some who like BOTTOM FISHING and some bottom dwellers do cook up OK, isn't it more exciting to go Salmon and or Tuna fishing and don't they make for a better feast. Hmmn, just thinking in my holey brain way I guess.

Judi and I have been talking and we are considering putting on a “Deaf Frog Dinner” at the Mehrens Clackamas County estate, after all she is a Culinary Institute Chef and I am considered an excellent host, right? Would you take a chance on it?

Trina's setting up of my Internet program (skype.com) to be able to connect with Daniel, and Christopher directly (and others) and the video-call I recently had with Daniel, I found out he has been promoted, I think he is a Corporal or Vice General or something: and wasn't Radar on the TV series MASH really the one that kept their base running; and I understand Chris has some good news to share and I think it all has been keeping me at 4+. Trina was in the neighborhood because she was helping out (volunteering) at the Guard near here, and she said she will try to stop by to help start that Lefty (the ballplayer – not political ) video I've been nagging about, I am sure glad I haven't seen her yet, as I am clearly not close to being ready. I have decided to stop nagging, ABOUT THAT ANYWAY.

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 I Hope Willy reads this and tells Earl. What do the members of Congress get charged for their internet access?

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.
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 !

I watched those upstart House democrats rallying on the capital steps in front of the camera's and they were very firm that “rolling over” for the “Blue Dog” Democrats on health care could lose more than they “gain” in any republican support, hang in there, I'm rooting for you.

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 recovering from 3rd degree burns, and with Daniel in the Middle East, as I understand it she accompanied the head of the O.N.G. To Fort Lewis to bring one of the soldiers back home, I sure hope they didn't stick her for gas money for the trip.

Still sooooo many cages to rattle and wheels left to squeak remaining, and me with only a three wheel scooter!

As for Senator Wydens Plan, it's not a bad plan, it just needs(?) a public option and we need him for budget reconciliation and a return to true majority rule democracy, you can check his plan out at:
http://wyden.senate.gov/issues/Healthy%20Americans%20Act/HAA_Employee_Examples.pdf

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

When I relate to anyone the story of our Guard members being charged for internet access; everyone I speak to is as disgusted as I. I quit talking about it at the health care rally as those “professional rallyists” were ready go off on a tear, and we need to get this health care bill done first. I still don't know what the people in Washington D.C. Are getting charged?

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 the knot.

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

Well, here it is again; The Greendorpher team, of which I was an integral part, finished in first place in our flight in the BULL SESSION Tuesday, thanks in large part to that 60' +- birdie putt I made on our last hole. I even got a round of applause at the Union meeting Friday night.

That Miami-Indi game tonight should be pretty good.

I still think Felix Hernandez is my Cy Young leader right now in the American league, even though he needs to get to 20.
Hopefully the Mariners can get back to winning and I hope they keep it up. I really hope they can extend their season.

Also Carlos Zambrano is my Cy Young pick in the National league.

But then there is that kid with the Dodgers who is still looking pretty good and they are winning. There is also a good one at San Francisco.

Also, now knowing I am related, by marriage, to a RAMS coach, GO ST. LOUIS, and I would advise all of you FFB people drafting RAMS players is probably going to be a good move, even though I don't know him that well I do know Patti Ann and Bill are first class motivators. I finally got my name and password straight at NFL.COM, but I still don't know if I have a team.

If your following my sports section you probably can tell by now I've been slipping a little in my attention to this section. However, grand nephew Brandon is sure looking forward to Football, I am definitely going to get more golf in and try to get to one of his games, and nephew Mike is meeting with his “coach” and advisors tomorrow.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

The Cancer Center at Providence Hospital, as I believe they were definitely a comfort to Dianna, her family and friends these last days.

The American Rights at Work still needs help.
Crystal Lee Sutton – the real "Norma Rae" – passed away just recently.
In her memory, will you send an eCard to Congress asking them to pass the Employee Free Choice Act in 2009?
Ms. Sutton's struggle as a mother of three – earning $2.65 an hour and working in appalling conditions – led her to take a stand and help organize a union in her plant. Like countless workers who try to join a union today, she was met with threats, harassment, and was ultimately fired from her job.
The movie "Norma Rae" highlighted these issues 30 years ago. We've waited far too long for real reform.
Tell Congress that America's workers can't wait another three decades for a solution to the injustices outlined in "Norma Rae."

The National Guard, and the USO too?

L. C. S. A. - Labors Community Service Agency

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).

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS
“GET 'ER DONE” - SOFT LANDING ! And give them back their money!

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.....PATTY.....MARIA.....EARL.....BRIAN, CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT !

Desert Heaven; It's officially out there now......... here's where Judi's sales page is:

http://bestmeringuerecipes.com

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, Maggie, Kelli and her brother also), don't forget the extra one, as Dianna is currently in the Palm of His Hand, one for the families of those Oregon Guardsmen.

If your not moved by this story, you can't be moved.....I know Jose is........Subject: Former migrant worker did safely blast into space, "Si Se Puede!" He is up there right now! I do hope they have a safe trip back.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/former_migrant_worker_about_to.html

Mike; My “short” blog is still to long, and still 10 pages, and while I missed the retiree meeting I did make the Union meeting Friday night, Mass Sunday, Dentist, Chiropractor and the bank this morning. I am feeling a good 4.712 so far today. I do need to change my scoring system; to keep track of even the most subtle changes. It is Monday September 21, 2009 and Courtney is 20 and even with all my edits I am still too long.

God love you, Dianna, Happy Birthday Courtney and Thank You, Jonna Lynn.

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