THE INTEREST ON BUSH'S DEBT IS THE LARGEST SINGLE EXPENDETURE IN THE OBAMA BUDGET.

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 5am, to a 3 after 8+hrs of sleep. It is a dark, cloudy, dry morning. I took my am pills and put my flag out at 8am. We did get over to Marty's new place late Saturday, and they can be very proud. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning so 6 more weeks of winter it appears. I tunned into all 3 C-Span stations and then CNBC to check the DOW, it was up over 50 points, and gas was still below $2.00. C-span1 and CNBC were showing the Geitner hearing on the Presidents Budget. C-span 2 had Senator Durbin debating that wrong Supreme Court decision that will open up the Political process to Corporations, some being foreign, under the guise of “free speech”. C-span 3 was showing the Defense Department at a Senate Committee hearing on the proposed Budget also. I am keeping close track of my blood pressure (129/75/64 at 7:10am) and watching for leg swelling. I did talk to friend and brother (UA) Wayne Drager and he should be in town today, as he has a number of Attorney meetings this week in town and I hope we can connect. I am still checking on the good news that there is a new pill approved for M.S., AMPYRA and I will be doing some research on it. We did get an invitation to Gib's daughter's wedding and I intend to RSVP. I got an invitation to Congressman Blumenhauer's re-election kick off on Febuary 17th the big event will be at 5:30pm in Portland but he is also going to do something in Clackamas County earlier in the day, I don't know where yet, and that will be the one I will try to attend. I also received an invite to a function for Bill Bradbury for Governor and while I do like him I did tell him at the meeting in Bend I was NOT going to endorse anyone until I found out what the Building Trades were going to do and I was disappointed he did not support either the LNG plant or the Cascade locks Casino, which would help with President Obama's jobs needs. (2,000+-) I did also update my Charities and put up a link for “Wally's Walkers” as some of the links have changed. I have found out about the Mehrens's in the U.A. I received a real nice call from Louis Faust to thank me for the archive information I have provided. I did email the U.A. to see if they were interested in putting it in a “Local Union Report” for the U..A Journal. If we have a nice dry day I will try to get by the hall and check it out, and I have a couple other things to drop off. I also heard from cousin Rita (the LPGA golfer) on facebook, but I am still not sure if I navigate it right? I do have an appointment with my N.C.A. this morning at ten and will try to catch John and Bob for lunch afterwards.

God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast
I then must humbly pray. When in the Lord's safe landing net I'm peacefully asleep.
That in His mercy, I be judged............Good enough to keep.

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 the safe and successful birth of cousin Brandee's baby, nephew Daniel, as he is back in Iraq, nephew Rhyan in Afghanistan, cousins Rita, Vibiana and Mark on the loss of their mom, Aunt Ruthie; 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.”
Thank You, Mother Mary, for your help and assistance.

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 I've cleared a lot so far.

LDN and AMP 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 am experiencing better days and now that I'm doing the new dosage I am seeing a marked change. I have now been on that brand new FDA approved pill, Aminopyridine, and I am very pleased. It is supposed to be good for “gait” issues, even those with primary progressive. I still have to check up on that new pill (AMPYRA). My BP should make my primary care Dr. happy.

POLITICAL

I am going to put a new section in the blog for Local Political races and issues. The first Local Announcement follows:

PUT OREGONIANS BACK TO WORK! RALLY ON THE STEPS OF THE CAPITOL
JOB CREATION BILLS ARE PENDING; TELL THE LEGISLATURE:
OREGON’S WORKING FAMILIES WANT ACTION!
JOIN US at the front steps of the Capitol:
Wednesday, February 10th
11:30am-1pm

Sponsored By: Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council and Oregon AFL-CIO
I hope to see you there.

Don't forget to respond to the census as there are 37 governors elections this year and we can't let them Gerrymander congressional districts and end up like we did in the 90's.

I am still convinced ALL this health care “controversy” that has been generated was to take the publics mind off of the Employee Free Choice Act, American Rights at Work, “card check” legislation. Based on President Trumpka's speech at the National Press Club, and the President's meeting with Labor; I AM feeling much more positive. I just wish he would have been specific in his State of the Union speech.

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.

Did you know that there were more vets that died last year because they didn't have health care, than have died in both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars?

The question for the day. Is a word to the wise, really necessary?

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

Check www.LetsSayThanks.com often to read feedback from the troops about the Let's Say Thanks program!

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

Go Indy, Taylor and I are on your side.

Brandon Roy is sure in awesome company for the Trailblazers, in the number of All Star selections, and Andre Miller is also in special company with that 50+ point game and they are still winning.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

Judi has started on the M.S. Walk that comes up in April already, if you want to become a member of Wally's Walkers, the link has been updated, Jonna Lynn apparently found it. And yes Tim I will send you a reminder. The walk is on April 17, 10 a.m., Pioneer Courthouse Square. Here's the link to our team page:http://walkorc.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=teamlist&fr_id=13001If folks want to join, they can just go to that page, scroll down to Wally's Walkers, and then click on the "join team" link.

The American Rights at Work still needs help. We must not take our eye off the MAIN issue. E.F.C.A.

The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member Assistance Program.

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

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.

Mike; My blog is just over 4 pages today. Good night and Good Luck, I'll see you next time on my blog.