Much to do about nothing.

My Aunt Ida served in World War I. She was a WAC and served her country honorably.

Oh! Wait! She was not my Aunt. She was my Great Aunt. We always called her Aunt Ida because that's what my parents called her.

My Nephew has two daughters. They call me Aunt Cheyrl. They are my Nieces.

No - Wait - They are my Great Nieces.

What a bunch of nonsense!

I'm sure Obama called him Uncle because that was the way he heard him referred to growing up.

Running Mates

I am a Republican but I will very likely vote for Obama in November. I will NOT vote for him if he takes Hillary Clinton as his running mate.

John McCain is hosting three likely running mates at his ranch this weekend. One of them is Florida Governor Charlie Crist. I like Charlie. I have know Charlie for many years – since, way back when he was the President of one of our local Young Republican Clubs. Over the years he has matured political and I believe he would make a good Vice-President.

BUT

Charlie has only served one and a half years of a four year term as governor. I believe that when a person runs for office (any office) he is entering into a contract with the voters. He says, if you elect me I will serve you to the very best of my ability for the length of the term to which I am elected – not untill something better comes along.

Several years ago I worked on a campaign for a candidate for my local State Representative. My candidate was a retired executive. He had great managerial skills and a firm grasp of the issues. He was open minded and willing to listen to the concerns of the people in his district.

His opponent was a young good looking attorney with a pregnant wife. He was very well spoken but lacked a knowledge of some of the major issues. Shortly before the election his wife had their baby and he sent a mailing with a picture of the baby in all her cuteness – “Vote for my Daddy, I need diapers” – or some such message.

The race was very close and my guy lost by a very slim margin.

A few months later the newly elected, young representative quit to take a better job in government at the state level.

A new, expensive election had to be held – of course, we, the tax payers had to foot the bill.

So you see where I'm coming from? Don’t do it Charlie – fulfill your contract with Florida voters.

Yea for California

The California Supreme Court overturned its ban on gay marriage today.

Then there is my crazy state of Florida. In November there will be a constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage on the ballot. It apparently isn’t enough that we already have a law against gay marriage, we must now have it written into the constitution. It’s called the Marriage Protection Act and many are raising the question that it might also outlaw all sorts of other things, such as domestic partner benefits or legal arrangements made among long-time companions. This has to do with the wording of the amendment which says:

Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.

The question is - what does “substantial equivalent thereof” mean?

Does it mean any kind of rights that married people have? Would it take away insurance benefits for non-married couples or the ability to visit loved ones in the hospital, etc?

I don’t know. What I do know is that what other people do with their private lives is none of my business or anyone else’s. If two people want to live together and they aren’t hurting anyone else, they should be given the same benefits as everyone else.

Unfortunately, it will probably pass. Florida is a rather right wing state. You mention "gay marriage" to the old folks here and they almost have a cornary.

Yes they do!

Last weekend my daughter and I were going shopping. On the way she stopped at her bank to get money from the ATM. When she got the receipt she wadded it up and threw in the little trash basket in her car. I pulled it out and said “you should never throw anything like this in the trash, you should shred it”. She said, “you know people don’t really go through your trash”.

Friday morning is trash pick-up for our street so every Thursday night I put out the big can and also the recycle bin. At about 1:30 in the morning I woke up to a noise and looked out the window. Parked beside by trash cans was a pickup truck and someone was looking through my garbage. I immediately threw on my robe and rushed outside (because that’s what I do – I run towards danger, half dressed, in the middle of the night). By the time I got outside the truck had gone on up the street but since we are a dead end he had to turn around and come back. Finally, good sense prevailed and I moved back up the drive way out of sight. He turned off my street but I heard him go up the next street which is also a dead end. I shred everything so I'm sure he was really disappointed.

So – yes they do too - so please everyone, buy a shredder.

We will miss you

Make the world go away
Get it off my shoulder

Country singer Eddie Arnold has died. His effortless singing made him one of the most beloved country singers of all time. Even though he said he sang a little of everything, he was true country. His mellow tones were never forced and when you listened to him you could close your eyes and a sense of peace would come over you.

There are few with his style any more - he will be missed.

Time to exit gracefully

All the political pundits are saying it is statistically impossible for Hillary Clinton to win the Democratic nomonation. Why then is she still pressing on? Why does she fail to see the truth? Why is she being so stubborn? Really – would we want someone with this type of mindset leading our country?

It is time to stop the madness. At this point she is only hurting the party and making herself look silly. The Democratic Party needs this time to prepare for the fight of its life. The next few months should be very interesting.

Today is Special

Today is my daughter’s birthday. Happy Birthday baby. I want you to know what a very precious gift you are. You are not only my daughter – you are my best friend. I don’t know how I got so lucky. You are bright, loving and caring. You are also one of the funniest women I know. Having a good sense of humor is one of the most important qualities a person can have. It makes the good times better and the bad times a little easier to take. Your father and I love you more that we can ever say and appreciate you always being there for us when we need you.

Enjoy you day and yes, there will be cutlets soon.

Just because you have money does't nean you have class

I just finished watching the Kentucky Derby and all the interviews in the winner's circle. While they were interviewing the trainer and the jockey there were two beautiful young women in the shot. To be where there were they had to be related to the owner or someone very important. They were beautifully dressed and had big smiles on their faces - quite lovely. What else were they doing? They were chewing gum - mouths open - jaws never stopping. Obviously their finishing school has not covered how to behave in the winner's circle.

Clinton Friends

It has been brought to my attention that many of the Clinton supporters of old are not supporting Hillary. I’m not talking about the tight, core group of Clinton advisors but the former Cabinet and staffers, including the former VP. Many are supporting Obama or not endorsing either candidate. Many choose to remain neutral and above the fray.

So I ask - why those people, who worked with them and knew them so well, are not supporting her?

The answer is – they worked with them and knew them so well.