Senator Al Franken makes my hero list.

PERSONAL

I slept in until 7:15am after 9+hrs of sleep to a 3 with some lower back pain. I tunned into all 3 C-Span stations and then CNBC to check the DOW, it was down almost 60 points and fell below 10,000, and gas was below $1.90 and they are talking about the Euro hemorrhaging and deflation. C-span1 had a couple of people discussing weather the Republican Party or the Democratic Party was the Party of Corporations? Tony Blakely was arguing that because most of the T-Partiers are Republican it must be the Party of the common man and FOX news is the voice. I am keeping close track of my blood pressure (116/84/55 at 9am) and watching for leg swelling. 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 when or where yet, but that will be the one I will try to attend. I did find out Tuesday from John that the Trades are getting behind Kitzahaber and that is fine with me. Again, I do think having a Dr. in the Governors Mansion. With all this Health Care stuff going on this is a good thing, and I do have a picture of him, Secretary of State Clinton with Judi and I on the wall. I did also update my Charities and put up a link for “Wally's Walkers”; I used a M.S. Donation commitment for good Karma yesterday and won $175.00 for the walk. as some of the links have changed, Judi did get an e-mail from Kelli and she and Marty have signed up to walk. 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 am going to take a picture I have with Governor Roberts today. 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. I also heard from cousin Rita (the LPGA golfer) on facebook, but I am still not sure if I navigate it right? My appointment with my N.C.A. is next Tuesday.

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. 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. One of those 37 is right her in Oregon and I'm sure, keeping a Democrat in the Governors Mansion is Paramount.

Based on Senator Frankens, "speak truth topower" at the Democrats meeting today he is definetly deserving of the HERO LIST.

I am still convinced ALL this health care “controversy” that was being 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 and last nights game was awesome.

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. John did tell me I could come to the Building Trades and make a pitch; which I will be doing. 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=13001
If 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 again today, even though I'm late today. Good night and Good Luck, I'll see you next time on my blog.