"THEIR BAAAAACK"

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 8am to a 3+ after 9h+ hrs of sleep. And no lower back pain. I put out my flag with the yellow ribbons under a clear 48 degree sky. I then came in for a couple of massages and coffees. I do listen for the salute guns at Willamette National up the hill but I don't hear them. GOD BLESS THEM ALL

I did get out yesterday to the Labor Day Picnic and Judi and I had a wonderful time. The speakers were great, I saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time and we got a lot of pitchers that I hope to share here on my blog. We ran into Judy escorting Senator Wyden around right after we got their and they were kind enough to take a pitcher with us, and he said he is still a regular blog reader, cool, huh! The turnout was great considering the weather the last few days.
There were a couple of other 290 brothers and a sister it was sure good to see, even Jerry, both Al and Claire(sp) let me know they were both regular readers and it sure felt good that they were interested enough in my M.S. Progress to follow along. Both Senators were there and Senator Merkley gave a rel good speech and update. U.S. House Representative Kurt Schrader also gave a good account for himself and all thanked labor for their assistance to get where they were. I think all of there were very appreciative and really felt like their efforts were appreciated. Is it nit picking to say, “Why is it sooo hard to say Union Labor”? I actually had 3 beers and did feel them enough to have Judi drive home. I did ask her to stop by Gloriaz and we each had a wonderful steak dinner that I would encourage all to try some time. I did play my 2 4's and an 8, but was one game short, Just as we were leaving
, one of the 4 spots hit and the other hit 3 of 4 which meant the 8 spot hit 7 of 8; of course I changed my 50 game ticket back to B.D.'s, so that “saved” us a trip to Salem.
I now have a little more time to get to the PICC newsletters as I screwed up the days for the pre-PICC luncheon meeting and missed it yesterday. I did get Burton's notes from the meeting I missed and the list of potential invitees.

I have settled in to check out the TV for blog fodder and I've the House and Senate are back and It has started anew the Health Care Debate; “and that's just the way it is!” I am amazed at the uproar of the thought that the President of the United States is wanting to address school children, I am also really looking forward to the President's speech Wednesday, you don't wanna miss it.

Maybe it's because I have not been able to attend, as a guest, a NWOLC, board or regular, meeting for quite a while but the lack of “labor liaisons” from most of the Oregon delegation is still really disappointing, especially during the recess. Although the turnout at the Labor Day picnic was really good, there were a few notables that I did not see. I actually saw and spoke with a few old friends at the picnic and was greatly encouraged. I did see that Dr. John is running for Governor again, and I think he has chased out one potential adversary, and is looking forward to being a Governor with a national Health Care Plan. I received an email from my friend with M.S. that he will be making a firm decision later this month.

My blog, has attracted a google spider? A spider that like recipes, I can't really blame it, as I have sampled most all of them all I think, and Judi asked me to check out the front page of google as 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 would 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 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 Judi operate at her last Labor Day picnic, both she and Tony will be missed. While Mick M. was at the picnic I still think thing that Congressman Wu should have been there. I just wish he would reconsider his stance on “Private Investment” recovery project dollars 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. And while I do like venturing to Lincoln City and Grande Ronde, It sure does seem like someone has a bad case of “I got Mine”.

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 after all I am coming up on a year, maybe then I'll 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. My first full day of the 4.5mg was also noticeable. I know I've been experiencing better days, since I started the new 3mg pill and now that I'm doing the new dosage I did see a marked change at the Labor Day Picnic yesterday.

My regular excursions do not seem to be too tiering, and my lazyboy is as good as my oxycodone, most of the time. I am at 3+ now and looking forward to a marked increase today.

My NCA was impressed at my last visit, I believe next time he will be amazed . My next appointment is the 21st. He did his adjustments and commented on the fact that I was not as sensitive as past visits and he showed me the neck traction device and how to set it up, I still have yet to try it though, but I will be giving it a try soon. 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.

POLITICAL

Senator Ted Kennedy has passed away and I am sure he would like some assistance so he can have an affect on the Health Care Debate and actions to be taken. You can help here:

If you agree, please vote "YES" here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/20/082009_kennedy/
The coverage of his services were wonderful and well deserved, what an amazing man!

DON'T MISS THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS WEDNESDAY !

“PRESIDENT OBAMA PLANS TO MAKE A TELEVISED SPEECH TO THE NATIONS STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS. MANY REPUBLICANS ARE PLANNING TO KEEP THERE KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL IN PROTEST. AS A RESULT THOSE KIDS VOTED OBAMA AS THE BEST PRESIDENT EVER.”

One of the health care groups I receive information from asked me to write a letter to the Editor for Health Care. I used the following, and checked the box for it to be submitted to USA Today as I am sure the local ones listed probably would not post a letter from me. I also sent a letter to Senator Merkley regarding Health Care and received a response from him thanking me for my letter concerning upcoming tobacco legislation. I thanked him for his quick response, told him the letter I sent him was for a public option and in support of the final “Obama” supported Health Care Bill and not Tobacco Legislation, even though I am a smoker trying to quit.

“I have negotiated contracts with health care for over 20 years in various settings and there were always three factors that had the biggest affect on the money negotiated for a raise. A) The size of the unit you were negotiating for. B) The amount of training (schooling) needed to perform the work at a high level. C) Did the contract have a retirement plan and did the retirees get health care? I don't know if you could see it but I sure have; The accusers of him (Obama) leading us to “SOCIALISM” and “DEATH PANELS” seemed like the same egotistical people I used to run into when I was trying to organize a unit or bargain a contract. You could explain that when you negotiated a contract you would use the example of the best employee that employer had, and the employer would use the example of their worst, and the employer would try to convince their employee's, that the union would not allow “THEM” to pay that top performer what they really deserved because the “union” made them pay those slackers the same as the top performers. Most people in Organized labor would admit that some of the best wages and benefits were in the Building and Construction Trades. After all, for the most part, our job was to work ourselves out of a job. It's always “US” vs “THEM”, those “socialistic government death panels” vs those concerned citizens on “Wall Street” making decisions purely on the patient's best interest and their ability to pay.” (Bu$$ $&11) (At least they don't have to pay for the slackers)

I did have a good discussion with that one of my local “Small Business” owners; the other day at Gloriaz there on Sunnyside, a great place to stop for anyone, and I thought he had a good idea. We have 300 million Americans, with 50%+- of whom are working, don't they all have withholding? Why not take $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 discussed my conversations with Steve Novick and Mike Schaufler at the picnic and he does have concerns with Steve but he and Gloria do like Mike S. I did for warn him that Steve did tell me he was going to try and stop by. By the way as a small business they can not find affordable health care. Maybe my friend Alan can stop by and offer some help.

My U.S. Representative did have his annual Birthday Party; I am sorry I did not make it but I hope the participation was good. I hope to see him or Willy at the Labor Day picnic, I am sorry to say he was out of the country and needed to be in DC early Tuesday. I do still have a check in hand/wallet. We DO really need him there (hero material?).
Brian Baird, just across the river has had at least one “Town Hall” and it really created a small town.

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; 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 to stop by.

My own State Representative, Brent Barton did have a good run on the Hero's list but I did miss him at the picnic. With Judy O'Connor as a well deserved “HERO” on the Hero List, her actions yesterday 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!

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

The Health Care Bill debate is really heating up now “they” are back in session. 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 heard the other day I thought Max Baucus was no longer in the running then what I saw yesterday he is back in the running for the zero list and from what I thought I heard this week, Ron may be eliminated from consideration also. (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) he has being speaking of one of his constituent recently diagnosed with M.S. and the dilema she is facing right now.

I believe I have mentioned before about the CIGNA Insurance executive I watched on Bill Moyers Journal. If you missed it I hope you were down at Terry Schrunk Plaza for the Health Care Rally and you heard first hand about how the insurance industry scuttled “Hillary Care” and how they are attempting to scuttle some, if not all of the Health Care reforms President Obama is proposing. Wendell Potter, former insurance executive turned health care advocate, was the featured speaker, along with other community leaders and everyday folks like you. And again, Tom Chamberlain was great...........NO BLARNEY!

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 had with Daniel and then Christopher, I think has also been keeping me at 4+. I did miss Daniels skype call the other day and I feel really miserable about it but Judi told him about my golf exploits and he was quite happy. 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.

My help with the economic recovery, has gone well with Judi's almost new car. A Ford Focus, just a couple years old with 8,000+ miles. The clunker trade in we had apparently was not considered a clunker by the government definition, but everyone one I know in my family who has seen or ridden in it knows it is a real clunker, even if not defined by government standards.

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 should have asked him yesterday. OPPS

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, you liberals.

Over the weekend, Max Baucus, the Senate "Democrat" holding up health care reform for the insurance industry, came out with his health care reform plan. Frankly, it's garbage - no public option, no big reforms. Baucus's bill actually forces low- to middle-income American to buy "junk" insurance they can't afford to use, amounting to a giant transfer of wealth to the insurance industry. Real health care reform must include a public option. Anything else is an insurance industry bailout.With President Obama speaking to Congress tomorrow night, we need to make that message heard loud and clear.Call your Representative now: (202) 224-3121
Health Care Now, with THE PUBLIC OPTION !

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

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.

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

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

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 be respectful, even if you don't like the SOB:
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

There was a real nice Memorial for those newest Oregon Guard Casualties, I listened for the gun salute as Willamette National is just up the hill but I couldn't hear it, please take a minute as you read this to say a special prayer for him and his family.

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 done first.
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

I still think Felix Hernandez is a Cy Young leader right now in the American league.
The Mariners are back to winning and I hope they keep it up. I really hope they can extend their season.

I also still think Carlos Zambrano is the Cy Young leader in the National league.

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

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS

The American Rights at Work still needs help.The National Guard, the USO?

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

M.A.C.G. Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (Tom, Terry, Frances, we need to talk.) Frances; welcome back from the D.R. I'm not sure who did it, but I am now on their email list and I received a “monthly” newsletter.

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 she is retiring and Her and Tony are moving to Montana. I have also set aside October 10th and I sure hope her and Tony are in town. I have known Judy, and Tony since Lon Immel, Ron Fortune and Bud Barnes. 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 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 the sales page is:

http://bestmeringuerecipes.com

Please, I hope everyone can share the American Rights at Work, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk, the long awaited and past due - The Epilepsy Run/Walk
Team: The Epilepsy Slayers at http://efnw.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=3&i=307542 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, Maggie, Kelli and her brother also), don't forget the extra one, maybe two, aw lets do three for Dianna, and maybe an extra one for the families of those Oregon Guardsmen.

If your not moved by this story, you can't be moved.....I know Jose is.......By the way Judi and I were there Sunday night........were were you? .Subject: Former migrant worker did safely blast into space, "Si Se Puede!" He is up there right now!

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

Mike; My “short” blog is still to long, (over 4,500+-) but thanks to you, my golf excursions, Jerry and Tim, John and Bob and the guys; remembering Mom and Dad, and the Labor Day Picnic; and the new LDN dosage, I am feeling a good 3.5 so far today. I have changed my scoring system; to keep track of even the most subtle changes. It is September 8th and even with all my edits I am way still too long. I did reach one year anniversary of my blog on the 5th and maybe it's the time to start over? Now don't forget to say your prayers.

I'll see you next time on my blog