AND AT LEAST MARTY WAS LONG AND STRAIGHT, BUT IT WAS MY DRIVER ;-p

PERSONAL & PROPAGANDA:

I am still putting the “DO NOT PATRONIZE THE VANCOUVER COLUMBIAN NEWSPAPER” information (phone numbers and email addresses) here at the beginning.

They need to hear our voices:

Scott Campbell, Publisher
360-735-4500
scott.campbell@columbian.com
Lou Brancaccio, Editor
360-735-4505
lou.brancaccio@columbian.com
Circulation
360-694-2312
circulation@columbian.com

Be respectful, but tell them why you are contacting them.

Now back to my regular blog:

I awoke this morning at 7am to a 3-. It was a wet morning, so I took my am pills, put out my flag and checked the birdseed, and put more out. I did make the 290 golf tourney yesterday and I think the 3- was due to all that weight I carried on my back for all 18 holes. We had a good time and Marty won Long Straight drive and a couple of dozen Caloway balls, using MY driver, but did he share; NOOOO! I really think we won with our best scores ever, but the mic wasn't working when Lou made the announcement's so Marty was the only teammate that could hear. Lou did ask about my latest Kaiser bills, and he did say he got the cc of the email I sent to the trust attorney on the information on the 2 bill's, and while I am not expecting much of a response; even the attorney was miffed. I did make the Doernbecher Poker run Saturday at the IBEW hall, but if I did have the winning ticket for the motorcycle, it was so noisy so I couldn't hear if I won. I did get to see a few old friends from 48, Luigi being one who also misses Liz, 290 actually had a few dozen riders there also, one of which who's wife or daughter has M.S. and her nurologist is the same one I have. He said she (Susie) tried to contact me about my treatments and medications. They must have had well over 500 bikes, but I didn't see one of those backward trikes but I did talk to a couple of people who new someone who had them, because they also had balance issues and the said they worked great. I did get a few pictures on my phone that I will share, if I can figure out how to send them. I still need to get my Convention reservations complete also; some people are actually calling it the “Mehrens family reunion”.

I am still making some changes in my blog to TRY to shorten it. But I would again encourage all to check out the political section for awhile longer because I did put in the U-tube link for congressman Blumenhauer's speech before the City Club. If you have a favorite section that went away or was changed too much you will need to let me know. I also plan to make the 290 executive Board Wednesday night and make a pitch for The Oregon Military Support Network. I did get from Judi's Amazon page; the Father Sean McManus's book and I have found it a good read so far and I would encourage everyone (especially those with a little Irish in them) to get it. I will check the invoice for my participation in the BULL Dinner/Auction and the Tournament, and I will have until October to pay for it, so I better get that first installment in the mail, and I did see Jim Bettendorf at the 290 tournament yesterday, and I told him I was planning on making it this year also, and maybe I can get enough rounds in this summer to get an official GHIN Handicap. The BULL will be a total of $625 for Judi and I at the dinner/auction and me for golf (about $170 a month), and I will try to get this months payment out and I did join “The Congressional Friends of Father McManus”.

I will put the prayer to St. Jude in here again for good friend and brother Bill Goetsche, Portland City commissioner Randy Leonard, the Jan Brasee family and all our 290 brothers and sisters that have come before us and built Our 290 into the organization I am so proud to have been a member of, for almost 40 years.

For the Bill Goetsch family and those brothers and sisters that are no longer with us.

Prayer to St. Jude for Eternal Life
You are my solace, St. Jude, in the face of loss and sorrow. I pray that you will guide my heart away from the darkness of fear and into the light of Christ. May the hope that St. Jude keeps alive in my heart be a source of comfort to all those who grieve. For in that hope, we know God's mercy, and we trust God's promise of eternal life. My soul longs for the fullness of life, which is only to be revealed when I meet my Maker in heaven. Stay by my side, St. Jude, so that my soul will always know the power of your healing love. Amen.

**** 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. For sister Danni, nephew Daniel, sister Clare, cousin Mick, uncle Hank, nephew Aaron, Kelli's Mom, good friends Ron Wyden and Pat O'baby, good family friend Pat Percin, Gerry Bruce, sister Donna, The Bill Goetsche, Commissioner Leonard and the Brasee families, and those who are having health issues; protecting Christopher and Rhyon 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 know I have still been repeating things, apparently 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.

KAISER AND M.S. REPORT:

This is also my attempt to keep track of my (mostly bad) experiences with Kaiser Permanente and my Neurologist and his RN. so far with the Ampyra and the 4.5mg LDN, I think I'm noticeably better and it has been noticeable to others also. The referral from my primary care doctor for a different type of Doctor (Physiatrist) after my new set of x-ray’s for Medicare which I did make, so we will see if it changes the (normal now) Denial of benefits, ( it didn't); my BP today was 128/70/68 at 11:30am. I will also take copies of the picket language I used to my next Union meetings, I got another volunteer to walk picket with me, thanks Jimmy, now we just need some good weather. I did get those 2 new co-payment notices from the Credit Union (&100.00+-), and I think they are punishing me. Now the trust attorney, 2 of the trustee's, Senator Wyden's office, Senator Merkley's office, Kaiser Sunnyside member services and my Primary care doctor are all aware of my complaints now. I did deliver the reciept to member services at Mt. Kaiser Sunnyside; for what it's worth. WHY IT DID COST ME $84.10?? I did get the referral for the chiropractor from my primary care Doctor and surprise; it was denied, and Medicare was to blame, maybe that and some good weather Senator Wyden's, liaison, Barbara; would like to get out of the office for some short picket duty. I did go to my appointment to the physiologic Dr. at Kaiser Sunnybrook and I did see my last BATCH of X-ray’s and my physiatrist doctor recommended I try yoga and more of the “sit and be fit” exercise on the exercise channel. I did get a copy of a GREAT letter from the trust attorney to Kaiser, but apparently he is of no consequence to them either; as he has heard from Kaiser over the last appeal denial, I do think the last has not come yet. My visit to Dr. Finley to pick up my supplements and get an adjustment from him, really helped on my trip, and I think it will still be working for my golf on Sunday and believe it are not; at least I think HE wants me to THRIVE! Now I know I am NOT GOING to get any $ help from anyone, but based on the results I have really been feeling good for a long time. WHY IS IT, WHEN YOU GET DIAGNOSED WITH M.S. ALL OF A SUDDEN PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE STUPID, HAVE NO MEMORY; AND ARE DEAF?

POLITICAL:

I did get the u-tube of Congressman Earl Blumenhauer's address to the Portland City Club and he did shine like the STAR that I knew he was!!

From: Armitage, Ree [mailto:Ree.Armitage@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 1:33 PM
Subject: Blumenauer statement on labor
Friends,

In light of recent comments made at the NW Labor Council meeting in early May, I wanted to alert all of you to the following link showing remarks the Congressman made in a speech to the Portland City Club in February. This is one of the Congressman's most important speeches of the year and was widely attended by community members and the press. I think you will be delighted by his statement and, hopefully, this will inform further discussion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo7AvQU4rtM

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Ree Armitage
Office of Congressman Earl Blumenauer
729 NE Oregon Street, #115 Portland, Oregon 97232

For information on Congressman Blumenauer's work, please visit http://blumenauer.house.gov 

I have a question for my republican friends; When I put my money in the bank and then draw it out, do YOU consider that an entitlement? HMMMN?? I will make another plug now for the petition for a Constitutional Amendment to REQUIRE Congress to live under the SAME laws they pass for us.

Do you suppose congress's solution to extend and save Social Security and Medicare by CUTTING benefits, instead of raising the maximum would have anything to do with the fact that THEY would have to pay Social Security taxes for the whole year?? OR MEANS TEST IT so those with good pensions (like union members) couldn't qualify? DO I EVEN HAVE ANY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS LEFT??

MY MOST IMPORTANT SECTION STILL:

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION:

HERE IS A PROGRAM THAT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR HELP:! I AM STARTING TO RUN SHORT OF YELLOW RIBBON !!

http://www.lbeh.org/

Don't forget to say THANK YOU, to all those servicemen and women who have served or are serving.

NEPHEW RHYON IS BACK IN AFGHANISTAN, BUT THE PRESIDENT DID SAY HE WOULD BEGIN DRAWING DOWN TROOPS SOON. But a prayer a day from all my readers would still make me feel better.
LETS BRING EM HOME, NOW !

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OREGON MILITARY SUPPORT NETWORK, AND I DID DELIVER A COUPLE OF FLYERS TO THE HALL AND DID TELL GLENN I WILL TRY TO REMEMBER TO GO TO THE E-BOARD MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY AND MAKE A REQUEST FOR HELP.

Joining Forces: As part of the Obama Administration's commitment to America's military families, the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden launched their Joining Forces initiative, which will bring together all sectors of American society to lend a hand to military families, I have seen a few of their adds and they were very well done.

If you are flying the American Flag, please keep flying it until ALL our Troops return home, soon I hope as I am running out of yellow ribbon.

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?

AOH REPORT:

I have little more to report on the “Unite Ireland” issue except I did forget to tell Barbara Smith W. to ask Ron to become a “congressional friend of Father McManus”, and I also spoke with Congressman Schrader's and Senator Merkley's offices to try to recruit them. I still haven't got the names down for that 15 year AOH picture yet. The Portland AOH face book page is done, and does look good; so now others can find out we exist and I made many friend suggestions.

I also would also ask again, for all my brothers to say a prayer for the Leonard family and I do hope to see him Tuesday.

I also want to report that Uncle Hank has returned from the hospital and I spoke with his wife, my aunt; on EASTER morning and she told me he was 100% better, but all prayers are still appreciated.

I still think we need a few OREGONIANS on Father McManus's “Congressional Friends” list. We must never forget the Ballymurphy Massacre of 1971, (40 years searching for justice). We need to realize along with a number of Irish Catholic's, including a priest that were assassinated that day there were also a number of Northern Irish Protestants. This battle for justice that is being waged here in the U.S.A. by father McManus is also being waged in Belfast Northern Ireland by a heroic Belfast protestant named Raymond McCord Sr., whose son was also assassinated. I have received Father McManus's book, but President Bill want's to save passages for the September meeting and as I will be missing the Bloomsday meeting that works for me. I did send father McManus a check to join his efforts.

SPORTS:

I did see that the Portland Timbers are selling individual tickets, and they are at very reasonable prices but they did lose this last weekend at home for the first time.

It was nice golf weather for the 290 Tournament yesterday.

My baseball reports will be limited to, the Mariners, of the AL West; the Orioles, of the AL East; and it IS next year for the Cubs.

And the Mavericks are now the NBA champions, I am not a fan of their current owner (Mark Cuban) but bringing up the first owner to accept the trophy was definitely first class; and Dirk did deserve the MVP trophy.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES:

AS I SAID EARLIER THE REGULAR GOLF COST IS $375 AND THE AUCTION DINNER IS $125. IT DOES APPEAR THE LOCAL WILL USE 4 OF ITS ENTRIES FOR THE MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. REMEMBER – IT'S FOR THE KIDS ! THANK YOU JIM, AND I WILL GET MY “INSTALMENT” IN THE MAIL SOON! AND THANK YOU ALSO TO THE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 290 FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION. ALL HELP APPRECIATED.

DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR V.O.C.'S ESTABLISHED, NOW THAT I HAVE THE “RAT PATROL” BUTTONS ON ORDER, and I should be hearing they are ready anytime soon.

The American Rights at Work still needs help; now more than ever. We must not take our eye off that MAIN issue, our two Senators haven't; E.F.C.A. And based on what I have been seeing and hearing, the Republicans have Organized Labor directly in their cross hairs at least for the next 2 years.

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

LOCAL UNION REPORT:

Thanks again to all my Sisters and Brothers for electing me to attend this year’s International Convention, and it appears I will be flying and I need to get in touch with Lynette to get my flight and reservations. And based on that letter about Intel from the General President it should prove to be a very interesting Convention. And I did commit to taking our concerns regarding Harder Mechanical's use of “Craig’s List” and other scams to recruit workers, I believe it is in direct violation of their Local and National agreements. I also think something needs to be said about Cascade General's double breasting. I did write my $100 check for the U.A. “scholarship and PAC” and turned it into Lynette.

290 golf tournament was a wonderful experience and I was not too much of a drag on my teammates.

We have started a M.A.P. Fundraiser for positions in the BULL, like we did last year; and the website link is fixed and I have received the email billing from Ed Ellis on my ability to make payments for my regular spots and the dinner.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS:

Thank you again, Sister Danni for organizing my Kaiser stuff and finding all that Union Stuff. It does appear I will be back to picketing Kaiser this week, so now I have even more to add to my collection of Kaiser stuff; and I did find some of my U.A. Convention delegate badges; and I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

I did get my new supply of “Business Cards” from Hollywood Impress and here is the link for all you Politico are that need a “BUG” on your STUFF. www.himpress.com I have used them for decades and they have ALWAYS met my needs, and they are making my “RAT PATROL” buttons. I am promoting them; not selling for them.

May love and laughter light your days
And warm your heart and homes
May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours

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.

Bobbie my blog is over 6 pages and about 2,700 words plus or minus.