Warm Fuzzies

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My brother and sis-in-law live in Maryland. We drove there and my daughter and her three boys (husband and two sons) drove up from North Carolina. Too much food, not enough time and just a blast! I was born of goodly parents and even though they are gone now, their three kids are still speaking to each other! That isn't true in all families. We love each other and that is a great blessing.

There were some family members missing, due to distance, pregnancy and other family. It would have been better to have everyone there, but it was great. Fire in the fireplace, firepit on the patio; sitting around and talking. I love my family!

Tag, I'm it!

I've been suffering from blogger's block recently, but my friend has challenged me to think of 7 weird things. About myself! Wait, random not necessarily weird.

Tricky, but not impossible.

1. I lived in Sidi Slimane, Morocco for two years when I was in fifth and sixth grades. It was the only overseas assignment my dad had that we could accompany him. It was wonderful! One of my favorite duty stations.

2. My dad's family is Hungarian, my ancestors came from the area we know as Transylvania in the Carpathian mountains. Is your reaction "Really?" or "Oh, that explains everything!" LOL

3. My first kiss was from my boyfriend, Joe. We were in kindergarten and precocious.

4. My first date was a blind date, arranged by my mother!

5. I love to eat out. I can cook, and like to cook, but I really love to eat in restaurants. Too bad it takes money!

6. Time is weird. I've been married for more than 40 years. Unbelievable. On the one hand, it seems like I've been married forever; on the other, it seems like just yesterday, ya know?

7. I was a voracious reader as a child. I loved all the classic kid book series that no one reads anymore... Bobsey Twins, Cherry Ames, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I got lost in Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. And my very favorite was a book called Papa Married a Mormon by John D Fitzgerald. It was my first introduction to the church - I read it two or three times a year for years. My mom got so tired of seeing me sitting around the house reading that she'd order me out of the house. I took the current book and went up the apple tree!

I don't know who to tag; if you are reading this and have not been previously tagged, you are IT!

Blog Envy

Many moons ago a friend said she was suffering from blog envy. I understood completely. I spend a considerable amount of time, probably (certainly) more than I should, reading other people's blogs. I like variety - LDS, humor, food, politics and the occasional whackadoodle

Here are some of my favorites.....

The Blogger of Jared

An LDS blog with doctrinal insight. Especially interesting is an episodic piece called The Secret Life of Earl Johnson. It is sort of a Walter Mitty-ish, Harvey-ish daydreaming, typical LDS experience thingy. Is that specific enough? You'll like it!

Homesick Texan

This blog focuses on food - not fancy, not complicated but just delicious. A little story about how her grandma or Aunt Rose used to do it, the Sunday suppers and the history behind the foods. I keep going back and collecting the recipes, but I haven't made any of them yet. I'll put that at the top of my to-do list.

Reflections from a Murky Pond

A conservative blogger, but not a right wing nut job. Thoughtfully and calmly presented.

Seriously, So Blessed

An hilarious spoof of Mormon mommy blogs. Aimed at a younger crowd, of course, but I get most of the humor. LOL

I read lots of friends blogs, link to their friends and their friends friends blogs. I haven't listed my friends; I couldn't choose amongst ye! I could make a living reading blogs, if only someone would pay me!!

The Sun Came Up Anyway

As you may have surmised; I am disappointed in the results of yesterday's presidential election. Of course, I was disappointed in the results of the Republican primary as well; I guess it's been a rather disappointing year.

That being said, the election is over, the victor is named. And I truly, sincerely, pray that he is the best president that we've ever had in the history of this great nation.

I refuse to suffer from Obama Derangement Syndrome. I will not weep and wail and gnash my teeth. I will, in other words, get over it. That's the message that I tried to relate to Bush-bashing Democrats for the last 7 years; I won't go down that road.

I still believe that the plans president-elect Obama has for this country are wrong. If it turns out that I am wrong (unlikely, in my opinion), I will acknowledge that.

We'll see.

Vote and Pray!

Some kids are just too cute.

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting For John McCain

As long as there are enemies of the United States, our president must be willing to do all that is necesssary to maintain the security of this nation and its citizens. Homeland Security is one of the most vital issues of our time. One of the first hints that we had about the continuing threat from radical Islam occurred before many/most of you were born. Palestinians attacked and killed the Jewish athletes at the 1972 Olympic games in Munich. Attacks after that became more directly aimed at the US and became more frequent. We have had 7 years without a direct attack in this country because of the leadership and commitment of George W Bush. Our next president must be as focused on this issue.

John McCain believes that the highest priority for any President is protecting the lives of American citizens, defending their personal freedom, and securing our land and resources. John McCain has the experience to insure that this priority is put into practice by the hundreds of thousands of dedicated men and women who serve their country in homeland security positions every day. John McCain knows what commitment to country means, and he will lead by example when it comes to making sure that this country’s homeland is protected.

“One lesson from the Commission’s report is that no one set of strategies is sufficient to prevent future terrorist attacks. The United States must use all of the instruments at our disposal to counter the short and long-term threats posed by international terrorism.” (John McCain, Senate Floor statement, 9/7/04)

Ten Days - Ten Reasons I'm Voting For John McCain

I believe that the Constitution of the United States and the formation of this country were inspired by God. The President of the United States takes the following oath of office on Inauguation Day. I believe that John McCain will mean it and do it.

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preseserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."