Teresa And Friends

Pelosi

2010-03-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

Years ago when I sometimes used unsavory language, I often used the expression "Bull S***." As I grew up a bit and discovered it was not necessary to use such crude language, that expression became "BS."

What did I really mean when I used those expressions? I meant that something was ridiculous, or idiotic or a half truth or just stupid. It covered any number of negative formats. The dictionary defines it as: nonsense; especially: foolish insolent talk...

I have decided that I no longer will use either of those expressions in the future. When I have a need to express such feelings, I will use the word "Pelosi." Let me use it in a sentence. "That's just a bunch of Pelosi.." I encourage you to do the same. It is such a nasty sounding word, it really packs a punch, we are no longer being vulgar, and it clearly expresses our feelings. If enough of us use it, perhaps the word could be entered into the dictionary. When on a ranch watch your step and don't step in Pelosi. It will get on the bottom of your boot and won't go away until next election.... See More

What a fitting and descriptive legacy for the Speaker of the House!

IF....

2010-01-29T19:04:00.001-05:00

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how he inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia , would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current in their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word "advice" would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoe as proof of what a dunce he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he's a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush's administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually get what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans , would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had created the position 32 or more Czars who report directly to him, bypassing the House and Senate on much of what is happening in America , would you have approved.

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

If George W Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10 years, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had spent more than all the Presidents combined since George Washington, would you have approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in 10 months -- so you'll have 3 years and 2 months to come up with an answer.

FOXNews.com - Brown Scores Upset Victory Over Coakley in Massachusetts Senate Race

2010-01-20T03:03:00.001-05:00

FOXNews.com - Brown Scores Upset Victory Over Coakley in Massachusetts Senate Race

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Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T14:57:00.000-05:00

Ann Landers:

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Happy November!

2009-11-03T07:53:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that it's November already. My mother will be turning another year younger on the 6th and my son gets his license on the 9th. We bought a new car over the weekend. It's a 2010 Malibu LTZ. It's black on the outside and gray on the inside. Nicholas will have the Mustang. We are excited for him to drive but worried as well. He has been driving with his permit for a while and does a nice job. Kristina didn't want to drive until she was 18 so we never really worried about her. Oh well, I need to get rid of the leftover goodies from Halloween and decorate for Thanksgiving. Today we are out of school to vote. I sure hope Bob McDonnell wins...he is ahead in the polls so we will see. I will vote later today when it warms up.

Back to work

2009-09-18T16:49:00.002-04:00

I had a nice week back to work. It's nice to put on a skirt and talk to the teachers. They are such a wonderful group of men and women and sorely underpaid! We are getting ready to go to Pancho Villas for dinner and have a Mojito! All is well and the weather is beautiful!

After Census Severs Ties, ACORN May Face Scrutiny of Housing Grants - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-09-13T08:51:00.001-04:00

After Census Severs Ties, ACORN May Face Scrutiny of Housing Grants - Political News - FOXNews.com

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TRANSCRIPT: GOP Response to Obama's Health Care Address - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-09-10T09:31:00.001-04:00

TRANSCRIPT: GOP Response to Obama's Health Care Address - Political News - FOXNews.com

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End of summer

2009-09-02T07:30:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that summer is just about over. Nick goes back to school on the 8th!It's beginning to feel like fall. The past couple of mornings have started out in the low 50's and highs around 75.

It is so pretty in Virginia, I don't know if I can retire anywhere else. We have 2 more years before Nick goes to college. If he goes to VCU or Temple we will stay here a while longer. He really likes both schools and fortunately he has very good grades so being accepted shouldn't be a problem...so far so good!

I have enjoyed the summer, it was very fun and busy too! I miss my family and am thinking about a December trip out west.

The President should have gotton his facts first.

2009-07-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

The Cambridge and area police unions voiced their support Friday for Sgt. James Crowley and called for an apology from President Obama for saying officers "acted stupidly" for arresting black Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. at his home.

"His remarks were obviously misdirected but made it worse yet by suggesting somehow this case should remind us of a history of racial abuse by law enforcement," Dennis O'Connor, president of the Cambridge Police Superior Officers Association, said at a news conference.

O'Connor also referred to statements made by Governor Deval Patrick -- the state's first black governor -- who called the arrest "every black man's nightmare."

"Whatever may be the history, we deeply resent the implications and reject any suggestion that in this case or any other case that they've allowed a person's race to direct their activities. However we hope they will reflect upon their past comments and apologize to the men and women of the Cambridge Police Department," O'Connor said.

Hello

2009-07-16T08:15:00.003-04:00

Loving all the changes to the house. We have a 1989 colonial house and it is a pretty home, if I may say so myself, but needed some updates. We now have an updated kitchen and it is fun! We can eat at the island...just another place to congregate. I just finished painting the guest room, daughters room who moved out, and did all the trim too. The windows in this house are all wooden pane so it takes much longer to do the trim. Oh well I wouldn't want those vinyl framed windows..I like the wood! We are going to Virginia Tech this weekend to drop off Nick to soccer camp then we are going to see the Natural Bridge. I have never seen it but I hear it's pretty interesting. Nick is in Miami on business then back to New York next week - busy busy man. We are having a terrific summer so far. I look forward to my trip back to California next month to visit. I can't believe the kids birthdays are coming up, 23 and 16 WOW! Have a terrific summer!

What a week...

2009-06-18T07:02:00.002-04:00

New York was a lot of fun, but I will NEVER drive in the city again. The taxi drivers are just nuts and it is too stressful to drive. Once you get out of the city it's fun. We were able to see more things this time around and Nicholas really liked it. We leave Saturday to go to Miami, then Key West, then Key Largo. I am really looking forward to it!

Kristina is doing better today. The young woman who hit her car was found to be at fault so all Kristina's medical bills, car, time off work, etc, will be taken care of. She stayed for dinner last night and it was good to give her hugs and kisses.

Kitchen coming together

2009-06-06T15:32:00.003-04:00

Our island arrived today and I just love it. Our appliances are also in but they need to be installed. We are hoping that the counter tops will be istalled before our trip to Key West. Busy busy month. Only one more week of school! All is well here, planting Bagonias today.

My visits

2009-05-17T16:45:00.003-04:00

Well, I really enjoyed myself in California. I got to see relatives and friends I haven't seen in years. My niece got married to a terrific young man and I couldn't be happier for them. My sister and her husband did an AMAZING job with the wedding. It was beautiful! I was able to spend some time with my dad and his wife. They live in Orange, CA - pretty area. There is a part of me that really misses California but the other part of me just loves Virginia. Overall, I will pick Virginia as it suits me better. I was there for 5 days and still didn't get to do all the things I wanted to do. I did get to eat at In-N-Out Burger and that was yummy! I didn't go to the beach or the mountains, but I really was there to visit family. Next time I will stay longer and be a tourist again. I had a very nice visit and look forward to trying a return trip next year. I HATE flying or I would have been back much sooner.

Preparing for a busy summer

2009-04-24T06:02:00.003-04:00

We are going to be very busy this summer. I am going to California to see my neice get married and visit with family. I haven't been back in years and it's about time I go. I am looking forward to it! We are going to New York for Nick's award ceremony in June. We are then going to Miami, Key West, and Key Largo. We went to Philidelphia a week ago and really enjoyed ourselves. Little Nick will be going to Virginia Tech for a soccer camp this summer and we are updateing the house with new appliances and a new deck. SO much to do, but I am looking forward to it all!

Muench

2009-03-09T18:56:00.002-04:00

Some good music from a band I knew long ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNb41doIJGg

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T14:58:00.003-05:00

We are just relaxing and enjoying the day. I have flowers and wine that Nick bought me. We are going to The Log Cabin Restaurant tonight for dinner. It has good steaks and seafood with a really big fireplace that is cozy. All is well.

New kitchen appliances

2009-02-02T16:16:00.003-05:00

We are looking at new kitchen appliances and everything looks good out there. Our double oven and stove top are REALLY OLD - they came with the house in 1996. I am leaning toward Electrolux but like Kitchen Aid and Jenn Air. I know we will be moving in 3 years but our stuff is just yuck! I want everything to match and so we will be getting a stove top, double oven, refrigerator, and a warming drawer. We will probably make the purchase later this month. I can't wait! :)

Stafford County Grading System

2009-01-28T12:35:00.003-05:00

This article is from Fairfax County - We just went through the SAME thing here in Stafford County - Our current grading scale is:

100-98 A+
97-94 A
93-90 B+
89-86 B
85-82 C+
81-78 C
77-74 D+
73-70 D
69-0 F

As the article states, it's not fair to our kids. NExt year Stafford County is changing to the 10-point scale. WHat this means is that Nicholas has 2 years at the old system and 2 years at the new system.

To the grade-grubbers go the spoils. And the grade-grubbers in this case are rabble-rousing parents in Virginia's Fairfax County. Residents of the high-powered Washington suburb have been battling the district's tough grading practices; chief among their complaints is that scoring a 93 gets recorded as a lowly B+. After forming an official protest group last year called Fairgrade and goading the school board into voting on whether to ease the standards, parents marshaled 10,000 signatures online and nearly 500 in-person supporters to help plead their case on Jan. 22. After two hours of debate, the resolution passed, a move critics consider a defeat in the war on grade inflation. (Read about students getting paid for good grades.)

At most schools in the U.S., a 90 earns you an A, but in Fairfax County, getting the goods demands a full 94. Merely passing is tougher, too, requiring a 64 rather than a 60. Nor do students get much help clearing those high bars if they take tougher courses. Compared to the kind of GPA "weighting" many districts give for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, Fairfax County's half-point boost is peanuts. The upshot, protestors say, is that Fairfax kids are at a disadvantage on multiple fronts: snagging good-driver insurance discounts (which often factor in GPA), earning NCAA eligibility, winning merit scholarships, and - oh, yeah - getting into college.

My Birthday

2009-01-25T10:47:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am 50 today! I have received some very nice gifts from friends and family. I am still eating the goodies from the Harry and David basket my mom and dad sent me. I have flowers and balloons - wow what a nice treat. Nick bought me a beautiful computerized sewing machine, that I REALLY wanted, so I am thrilled! I will be opening my other gifts later today. We are going to the Asian Bistro later today and then come home to a wonderful fruit tart dessert Nick brought me from Wegmans! Talk to you later...

Philadelphia

2009-01-12T16:21:00.003-05:00

We went to Philadelphia this weekend for a party and had a great time! It's only about three hours away but we just never seem to go north. I think it's because of the beltway traffic, and this time of year the weather isn't very good. It was a retirement party and the food was good and the people were very nice. We stopped in Wilmington, Delaware on the way back and had breakfast at a place called The Golden Castle Diner - it was YUMMY! Good old fashion country cooking. They had juke boxes on each table too! We have decided to take a trip to Philly this spring and look at the Liberty Bell, museums, libraries, and other touristy things. It is cold here and going to get colder over the next several days. I guess that's what they make fireplaces for...:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T01:00:00.003-05:00

A New Year...

2008-12-30T16:04:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that I will be 50 in January. I went to the D.M.V. today to get my drivers license renewed. I usually do it my mail but this time they wanted me to come in - I guess for an updated picture. My last picture was 12 years ago so I do look different. I went to the grocery store and bought stuff to make an Italian meal for New Year's Eve. We decided to stay home this year and watch the ball drop on TV. I'm going to make home-made Chocolate Chip Cannoli's for the first time. Yummy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

Our weekend

2008-12-20T11:25:00.003-05:00

Well, we have been very busy lately. I am so glad all the shopping is done and we can just relax and bake! I made fudge yesterday and I am going to make Gingerbread cookies today. It is a little chilly outside and feels like Christmas! We have up all 15 trees. Some are little and some are big, but they are all lit up. My favorite ones are the two outside our front door - one on each side, I also like the big tree in the living room, and the three pines in the family room. Last year was a bummer because of Nicks illness, but this year is much better. We are going to relax tonight and watch the Cowboys play. Go Cowboys!!

Virginia Beach

2008-12-09T15:52:00.002-05:00

We had a really nice time in Virginia Beach. It was cold but the hotel was terrific and the beach was so pretty. Nick's soccer team made it to the finals but lost 0-1. We ate at The Cheesecake Factory and had breakfast in a restaurant with giant plate glass windows looking onto the beach. We also at at Pocahontas for breakfast on Sunday. THE BEST BREAKFAST ANYWHERE!! Yummy! I mailed my CHristmas cards today and will be sending out packages tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLOYD!!!

Black Friday!

2008-11-28T15:32:00.002-05:00

I love Black Friday...good deals on-line!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T09:16:00.004-05:00

Well, we had a great time in Williamsburg. We stayed at the lodge and it was just beautiful. Everything was decorated so lovely and the shops were all a buzz with shoppers. We bought some of the usual things; a variety of peanuts - Cajun, hot, crab, chocolate covered, etc. We also got some good holiday mixes - cranberry orange bread mix, crape mixes, tart fillings, soup mixes, and cookie mixes. We also bought a new Christmas decoration - it just says Merry Christmas but it is a hand crafted wooden piece that sits on a table - very pretty! Today I am baking some Oowie Goowie chocolate cookies and preparing my spices for tomorrow. We have a green house and have fresh spices all year. I love sage, thyme, basil, dill, rosemary, and cilantro. The dill is easier to grow in pots inside the house because it's not as hardy as the others. Well, I need to get to work. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

TGIF!

2008-11-14T15:31:00.003-05:00

We have had a very busy week and I am glad it is Friday. We need to rake some leaves this weekend and put up some of the Christmas decorations! I look forward to our Friday night out to dinner. I may have an extra Mojito tonight! Well, I am going to change clothes and then relax a bit before we go out. Have a nice weekend!

Thank you to our Veterans today!

2008-11-11T11:52:00.003-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

2008-11-06T16:36:00.002-05:00

Today is my mother's Birthday!

Happy November 5th!

2008-11-05T18:56:00.002-05:00

I am glad the election is over. At least we know who won and we can move on. Obama did a better job than McCain and the people spoke. I have concerns about taxes, spreading the wealth, more government, abortion, Supreme Court nominees, Federal judge appointments, and a few other things. Other than that - good luck to our new President.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:26:00.001-04:00

Fall Colors

2008-10-27T14:56:00.001-04:00

It is that time of the year - summer is ended and we have our beautiful fall colors. Where could one find such incredibly beautiful scenery, other than in Virginia?
No artist can paint the lovely colors of the streets. Mere words cannot describe the beauty. The Pin Oaks and Maple trees are a pretty yellow, the ash red and the maples golden. The wild flowers are just beyond description ... golden rod, wild asters, the cosmos, zinnias and the favorite of fall, chrysanthemums.

What a great time of year!

Cowboys and Nick's Team win!

2008-10-26T20:50:00.002-04:00

Yes, my beloved Cowboys won their game today. They are not very good without Tony Romo, but they did manage a win. Nick's soccer team won too. They are now tied for 1st place in their division with one more game to play! Go Rowdies! :) Beautiful weekend and now I am going to watch a little of the World Series tonight.

I think my man McCain is done...

2008-10-24T14:24:00.002-04:00

Yes, I have come to the realization that McCain/Palin is done. It's a sad day today. There just isn't enough time for a rebound. Oh well, I hope Obama does a good job and doesn't raise my taxes.

Biden's Gaffes - Priceless

2008-10-21T19:03:00.002-04:00

5. "I guarantee you, Barack Obama ain't taking my shotguns, so don’t buy that malarkey. They're going to start peddling that to you. I got two, if he tries to fool with my Beretta, he’s got a problem. I like that little over and under, you know? I'm not bad with it. So give me a break. Give me a break.'" --Joe Biden, threatening his running mate

4. "A man I'm proud to call my friend. A man who will be the next President of the United States — Barack America!" --Joe Biden, at his first campaign rally with Barack Obama (Watch video clip)

3. "When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened." –Joe Biden, apparently unaware that FDR wasn't president when the stock market crashed in 1929 and that only experimental TV sets were in use at that time

2. "Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America. Quite frankly, it might have been a better pick than me." --Joe Biden, speaking at a town hall meeting in Nashua, New Hampshire

1. "Stand up, Chuck, let 'em see ya." –-Joe Biden, to Missouri state Sen. Chuck Graham, who is in a wheelchair, Columbia, Missouri, Sept. 12, 2008

Visit my Facebook page

2008-10-15T19:17:00.001-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1518780994

Roanoke

2008-10-14T16:27:00.002-04:00

We went to Roanoke this weekend for Nick's soccer tournament. They won the championship and had a great time. Roanoke is a beautiful city between UVA and Va. Tech. It's located in a valley with hills and small mountains all around it. The trees are just beginning to turn the fall colors. We were at a park with beautiful yellow, red, orange, and green leaves on the trees. Beautiful! This was the first time we had traveled to the southwest part of Virginia. The weather was 75 degrees and just as nice as could be. We had breakfast at a diner called Anthony's - yummy!

TGIF!

2008-10-10T18:54:00.004-04:00

It's been a very busy week. We had spirit week at school and the kids were full of spirit! Very busy with all the fun but they had a hard time staying focused. The Homecoming game is tonight and the dance tomorrow night. Nicholas' girlfriend had to go out of town with her family on a mini vacation so she will miss the game and dance. Nicholas is at the game tonight but will be in Roanoke this weekend at a soccer tournament. Nick and I just got back from dinner at Pancho Villas. Yummy! Well that's all for now.

Acorn!

2008-10-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

* Yesterday, Nevada officials raided ACORN's Las Vegas office after election authorities accused the group of submitting multiple voter registrations with fake and duplicate names. Among the bogus monikers: names of former Dallas Cowboys players.

* Lake County, Ind., election officials this month rejected thousands of registration forms ACORN had turned in from its drives this summer. On a conference call yesterday, GOP officials noted that up to 11,000 of the applications were no good - tying up election officials and jeopardizing the voting rights of untold victims whose identities may have been stolen.

In what seems to be ACORN's standard operating procedure, vote canvassers had pulled names and addresses from phone books and forged signatures. According to a local paper (the Northwest Indiana and Illionois Times), "Large numbers of voter registration forms bore signatures all in the same apparent handwriting style" and "apparently the organization's canvassers broke rules to meet ACORN-set voter registration quotas to get paid." The fake registrants include dead people and underage kids.

* Milwaukee, Wisc., officials last month discovered at least seven felons employed as voter-registration workers for ACORN and another affiliated group. (State law bans felons from such work.) They also uncovered a raft of problematic voter-registration cards. The state GOP accuses the group of trying to get dead, imprisoned or imaginary people on the voter rolls. Fraud has plagued ACORN's Milwaukee chapter since the last election cycle.

* In Florida, in Orange County alone, ACORN workers turned in multiple, copycat forms for six separate voters over the summer. The Miami Herald reports: "One individual had 21 duplicate applications."

Election officials had flagged ACORN's negligent practices months ago. But it may be too late: In Orange, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, ACORN has signed up 135,000 new voters, nearly 60 percent of them registered as Democrats - a fifth of all new voters in that region.

* In Ohio, large numbers of homeless people got free van and bus rides to register. Shelby Holliday, a reporter for Palestra.net, filmed ACORN shuttling in some prospects. She told me she spoke with one homeless woman who said ACORN "told her who to vote for if she wanted a 'better life,' and told her not to worry about jury duty (one of the reasons this homeless woman didn't want to register) because the government probably wouldn't be able to track her down. She was registering with a temporary address."

Holliday interviewed another homeless man targeted by the registration drive who exulted that he was voting for Obama because "I want him to do his thang. You know, do his thug thizzle."

"Thug thizzle" is street slang for performing your trademark move. Obama and ACORN have practiced their thug thizzle together for years: Organizing an ever-expanding community of ineligible and marginal voters to expand the Democrat power base. Rules be damned.

Pathetic

2008-10-07T19:25:00.001-04:00

CLEVELAND — Volunteers supporting Barack Obama picked up hundreds of people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and drug-rehab centers and drove them to a polling place yesterday on the last day that Ohioans could register and vote on the same day, almost no questions asked.

Palin/Biden Debate

2008-10-03T03:25:00.000-04:00

"I think she just spoke to the people, the American People."
Luntz Focus Group Voter
Fox News
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"Governor Palin proved very adept at being a good debater. ... In many ways, she was a better surrogate for her top of the ticket than Joe Biden was for his."
Chuck Todd
NBC

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"I think she's an extremely appealing politician. Her energy level was much better than Biden's. I think Biden lost a little speed there during the evening. I think she came across terrific in terms of presentation."
Chris Matthews
MSNBC
"I thought it was quite effective for her in general. I suspect most people, there are a few more hallmark moments, Norman Rockwell moments but I suspect most people will really like that."
David Brooks
New York Times
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It was her evening. She was the star. She had him at, 'Nice to meet you. Hey, can I call you Joe?' It was very interesting to me, for Palin tonight, for an hour and a half, I think America saw her for a really long time, and she became a star probably on a new level."
Peggy Noonan
Wall Street Journal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"She's articulate, quick, detail-oriented tonight."
Rick Klein
ABC

Oktoberfest

2008-09-29T20:32:00.002-04:00

We went to an Oktoberfest party this weekend and it was lots of fun! Our friends have a beautiful home on a hill with four acres. We sat outside and drank German beer, wine, and lots of German food. Yummy red cabbage, sausages, German potato salad, pork medallions and much much more. Good stuff!

More praise for McCain

2008-09-28T08:24:00.001-04:00

"The Mac Is Back," As "McCain Not Only Found A Central Theme But Hit On It Repeatedly"

Politico's Roger Simon: "John McCain was very lucky that he decided to show up for the first presidential debate in Oxford, Miss., Friday night. Because he gave one of his strongest debate performances ever. While Barack Obama repeatedly tried to link McCain to the very unpopular George W. Bush, Bush's name will not be on the ballot in November and McCain's will. And McCain not only found a central theme but hit on it repeatedly. Obama is inexperienced, naive, and just doesn't understand things, McCain said. Sure, McCain is a pretty old guy for a presidential candidate, but he showed the old guy did not mind mixing it up. He stood behind a lectern for 90 minutes without a break -- you try that when you are 72 -- and he not only gave as good as he got, he seemed to relish it more. At least twice after sharp attacks by McCain, Obama seemed to look to moderator Jim Lehrer for help, sa ying to Lehrer, 'Let's move on.'" (Roger Simon, "The Mac Is Back," Poltico, 9/27/08)

Simon: "But McCain seemed to get it Friday night. He certainly knew enough to try to turn his age into a plus and not a minus. 'There are some advantages to experience, knowledge and judgment,' McCain said. ... McCain seemed to be enjoying himself. He smiled a lot, mostly when Obama was talking, though his smile was really more like a smirk. ... Both avoided their negative stereotypes: Obama did not seem aloof or condescending. McCain did not seem erratic or wild. You could imagine either one of them in the Oval Office, but only one is going to get there. 'I don't need any on-the-job training,' McCain said. 'I am ready to go at it right now.' He certainly seemed like it Friday night." (Roger Simon, "The Mac Is Back," Poltico, 9/27/08)
"It Was One Of The Most Substantive Debates In Recent Presidential Campaign History And John McCain Won It. The Arizona Senator Was Cool, Informed And Forceful ..."

The Des Moines Register's David Yepsen: "It was one of the most substantive debates in recent presidential campaign history and John McCain won it. The Arizona senator was cool, informed and forceful in Friday's first presidential debate of the general election campaign. He repeatedly put Barack Obama on the defensive throughout the 90 minutes session. Obama did little to ease voter concerns that he's experienced enough to handle foreign and defense policy. That was his number one task Friday night and he failed." (David Yepsen, "McCain Wins Round 1," The Des Moines Register's "On Politics" Blog, www.desmoinesregister.com, 9/26/08)

The New Republic's Michael Crowley: "McCain also had a clarity of message that Obama lacked. His core message is easy to sum up: Let's cut waste and spending. I'm a tough leader. Obama is naive and unprepared. Obama, by contrast, had no single message that he repeatedly drove home." (Michael Crowley, "McCain Was Good. But Good Enough?" The New Republic's "Stump" Blog, blogs.tnr.com, 9/26/08)

Crowley: "And stylistically, McCain was more in control. He was the one setting the tone and introducing nettlesome topics, forcing Obama to respond and defend himself." (Michael Crowley, "McCain Was Good. But Good Enough?" The New Republic's "Stump" Blog, blogs.tnr.com, 9/26/08)
ABC's David Wright: "McCain, too, not only had a strong performance tonight, but seemed to have a strategy throughout. As George said, you heard him mention over and over again, Senator Obama doesn't seem to understand. He also kept mentioning his travel schedule. I've been to Waziristan, I've been to South Ossetia, and at the very end he paid it off with his humdinger of a line at the end, saying that basically, he doesn't need on the job experience. I think the McCain campaign is very pleased with it." (ABC's "Vote '08: Presidential Debate Analysis," 9/26/08)

The New York Times' Bill Kristol: "I think McCain won the debate. I think there will be a deal this weekend and he will be vindicated in his efforts to some degree to have actually dealt with reality as opposed to going around giving stump speeches and the McCain campaign will have momentum going into next week and that will set up the Palin-Biden debate." (Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor," 9/26/08)

Real Clear Politics' Blake Dvorak: "[M]cCain performed well, putting Obama on the defensive on several occasions and getting in some good one-liners." (Blake Dvorak, "Who Won...?" Real Clear Politics' "The Real Clear Politics" Blog, time-blog.com, 9/26/08)

The Atlantic's Ross Douthat: "A Win For McCain." (Ross Douthat, "A Win For McCain," The Atlantic's "Ross Douthat" Blog, rossdouthat.theatlantic.com, 9/26/08)

Commentary's Jennifer Rubin: "Only the most devoted partisan could deny it was a very, very strong outing for John McCain. On foreign policy he was devastating -- making clear how much more resolute and experienced he is." (Jennifer Rubin, "The Winner," Commentary's "Contentions" Blog, www.commentarymagazine.com, 9/26/08)

"McCain Was Repeatedly On The Offensive And To Some Extent, Obama Was On The Defensive"

Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss: "[J]ohn McCain was repeatedly on the offensive and to some extent, Obama was on the defensive. I was surprised by that. in terms of strategy, we'll see what works. But often times in debates, if a candidate does go on the offensive, it does tend to work. That's what Kennedy did in 1960. It's what Ronald Reagan did in 1980 and it is what Bill Clinton did in 1992." (PBS's "Presidential Debate," 9/26/08)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "McCain's strongest moment of the debate also happened to be Obama's weakest. McCain absolutely hammered Obama over his pledge to meet with rogue foreign leaders without preconditions and Obama had no ready answer -- odd since he had to know this attack was coming. McCain was able to turn a single question about meeting with rogue leaders into an extended colloquy that ended with him hitting Obama for misunderstanding Henry Kissinger. A very good moment for McCain." (Chris Cillizza, "The Mississippi Debate: First Thoughts And Who Won?" The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, voices.washingtonpost.com, 9/26/08)

Cillizza: "He poked fun at his age several times, jabbed Obama playfully yet effectively (I don't even have a presidential seal') and seemed in command of the subject matter and the stage. When moderator Jim Lehrer said at one point that the two candidates had spoken for almost the same amount of time, we were surprised; McCain seemed from our perspective to command more time." (Chris Cillizza, "The Mississippi Debate: First Thoughts and Who Won?" The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, voices.washingtonpost.com, 9/26/08)
Los Angeles Times: "But McCain closed strongly, becoming more assertive in the debate's final 30 minutes and zinging Obama time and again as out of his league on foreign policy." (Don Frederick and Kate Linthicum, "Live-Blogging The Presidential Debate: McCain, Obama Start Out Sparring Over The Economy," Los Angeles Times' "Top Of The Ticker" Blog, latimesblogs.latimes.com, 9/26/08)

CNN's Alex Castellanos: "The old fighter pilot I thought hit the target. He demonstrated great command, names, places, name dropping is not a bad thing in a foreign policy debate like this sometime and he even got under Barack Obama's skin." (CNN's "Debate Coverage," 9/26/08)

Castellanos: "I thought McCain was successful, even though Barack Obama scored a lot. I think on a few more points, McCain kind of dragged him down into the foreign policy debate and worked him over, I thought pretty good. ... It looked almost a little bit like at times Obama was looking for the flash cards and he'd crammed for the exam and McCain obviously didn't have to do that..." (CNN's "Debate Coverage," 9/26/08)

McCain Debate Comments

2008-09-27T09:17:00.001-04:00

September 26, 2008

ABC News' George Stephanopoulos: "These guys came to play on each other's turf. It was really surprising to me is that John McCain came in here with a disadvantage on the economy. Barack Obama had a big advantage, yet I think he spent the 30 minutes very effectively pounding home the points that have to control spending and earmarks." (ABC News' "Vote 08: The Candidates Debate," 9/26/08)

Stephanopoulos: "I thought other interesting stylistic differences, John McCain, good on emotion, good on establishing emotional connections with his stories." (ABC News' "Vote 08: The Candidates Debate," 9/26/08)

MSNBC's Pat Buchanan: "John McCain clearly won this battle on points. He was aggressive all evening long. He was very tough. He constantly portrayed Barack directly and indirectly as sort of weak and indecisive and inconstant making these statements. He also had a most powerful, emotional moments. I think that Wolfsborough story and that 640 guys re-upping in Iraq, and that woman giving him that bracelet--I think those things reached the heart and the gut. I will say this about Barack Obama. He did what he had to do in the sense that he came off as a tough fellow, a counterpuncher who would stand up to John McCain, and I think he helped himself in that regard, but overall I really think John McCain came off as the winner of this debate, but I go directly to Chris' point." (MSNBC's "Presidential Debate," 9/26/08)

"Obama To McCain: You're 'Absolutely Right'" (Susan Davis, "Obama To McCain: You're 'Absolutely Right,'" The Wall Street Journal's "Washington Wire" Blog, blogs.wsj.com, 9/26/08)

CBS' Jeff Greenfield: "I also think that McCain in the section on foreign policy also gave a strong performance when he said we can't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory." (CBS News' "Campaign '08 Presidential Debate," 9/26/08)

NBC's Tom Brokaw: "That was the most distinctive difference obviously once we got into the area of national security. John McCain bored in on Barack Obama. He's been reading the same polls we all have. There are grave reservations in most of the polls about whether Barack Obama has enough experience and whether he's qualified to be commander in chief. And tonight Senator McCain went right after that vulnerability in Barack Obama." (NBC's "Presidential Debate Coverage," 9/26/08)

The New York Times' David Brooks: "I think McCain was sharp and experienced." (PBS' "Post-Debate Analysis," 9/26/08)

The Politico's Jeanne Cummings: "When we moved into foreign affairs, clearly john McCain hit his stride. It is his strength, and he showed, demonstrated that he is quite knowledgeable." (PBS' "Post-Debate Analysis," 9/26/08)

ABC News' Rick Klein: "9:12 pm CT: ... This is another area where McCain is in his comfort zone. He's having a long discussion on the preconditions line." (Rick Klein, "Live Debate Blog," ABC News, blogs.abcnews.com, 9/26/08)

Klein: "9:20 pm CT: Meaty discussion on Russia -- with lots and lots of Russian names for McCain to pronounce. If people care about this, McCain looks strong." (Rick Klein, "Live Debate Blog," ABC News, blogs.abcnews.com, 9/26/08)

MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell: "He [McCain] had a good night on the very issue of taxes and spending. He did seem to dominate the first 30 minutes." (MSNBC's "Presidential Debate," 9/26/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "10:19: McCain's strong on non-Iraq foreign policy issues." (Marc Ambinder, "The Debate: Liveblogging IV," The Atlantic's "Marc Ambinder" Blog, marcambinder.theatlantic.com, 9/26/08)

National Review Online's Jim Geraghty: "From where I sit, McCain had a surprisingly strong night." (Jim Geraghty, "A Surprisingly Strong Night For McCain, While Obama Energizes His Base," National Review Online's "The Campaign Spot" Blog, campaignspot.nationalreview.com, 9/26/08)

Geraghty: "But the overall message of the night was clear - McCain is smart, familiar with the issues on a striking level of detail, knows what he wants to do: 'I don't think I need any on the job training. I'm ready to go right now... I know how to deal with our adversaries, and I know how to deal with our friends.'" (Jim Geraghty, "A Surprisingly Strong Night For McCain, While Obama Energizes His Base," National Review Online's "The Campaign Spot" Blog, campaignspot.nationalreview.com, 9/26/08)

Bill Clinton lavishes praise on McCain

2008-09-25T18:56:00.000-04:00

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Clinton had kinds words for John McCain Thursday.
(CNN) – Bill Clinton has long pointed out he has enjoyed a good relationship with John McCain, but for a moment the former president almost sounded like a surrogate for the Republican presidential nominee Thursday morning.

Appearing on ABC's Good Morning America, Clinton said McCain's move to suspend his campaign and request a delay in the first presidential debate was a move done in "good faith," rather than as a stunt to halt falling poll numbers as several Democrats have alleged.

"I presume he did that in good faith since I know he wanted — I remember he asked for more debates to go all around the country and so I don't think we ought to overly parse that," Clinton said, sounding a familiar McCain Campaign talking point.

A few hours later Clinton lavished praise on McCain as he introduced him at the Clinton Global Initiative forum, saying Republican presidential nominee had taken the lead in his party when it comes to climate change.

"When most people in his party were thinking that global warming was overstated and maybe even a myth — he decided to look into it," he said.

The former president also described the two trips that McCain took with his wife Hillary Clinton, “the junior senator from New York," to look into the issue.

Once again....

2008-09-22T16:10:00.001-04:00

My Cowboys win!! 27-16 over the Packers

Top Obama Contributors, I wonder if he will return some of the money to the failed companies??

2008-09-20T18:52:00.003-04:00

Yes, Obama wants change...in his pocket!

Goldman Sachs $691,930
University of California $611,207
Citigroup Inc $448,599
JPMorgan Chase & Co $442,919
Harvard University $435,769
Google Inc $420,174
UBS AG $404,750
National Amusements Inc $389,140
Microsoft Corp $377,235
Lehman Brothers $370,524
Sidley Austin LLP $350,302
Moveon.org $347,463
Skadden, Arps et al $340,264
Time Warner $338,527
Wilmerhale Llp $335,398
Morgan Stanley $318,070
Latham & Watkins $297,400
Jones Day $289,476
University of Chicago $278,885
Stanford University $276,038

2008-09-19T16:24:00.003-04:00

TGIF!

2008-09-19T09:59:00.002-04:00

It is a beautiful morning in Virginia! It's sunny and 68 degrees. I mowed the lawn this morning. It's great exercise and I like it. Today Nick has a dentist appointment then his hair cut. Kristina has the day off and will relax. Tonight we will go out to dinner then to the high school football game. Fun stuff!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Once again, How 'Bout Them Cowboys!

2008-09-17T18:39:00.003-04:00

Another OUTSTANDING win!! 41-37 over the Eagles.

Democratic Hypocrisy And Sarah Palin - CBS News

2008-09-15T19:48:00.002-04:00

Just a portion of the column...

Historians looking back on these tumultuous times will no doubt argue over the precise date on which the Age of Palin began. Her speech at the Republican National Convention on September 3 certainly catapulted her to national renown. But there is a good case to be made for her introductory appearance in Dayton, Ohio, five days before.

It's all there: You have the same poise and panache Palin exhibited at the convention. You have the self-assurance of a champion high-school athlete who went on to bigger and better things (unlike in the gloomy Democratic, Bruce Springsteen version of life, in which it's all downhill after your Glory Days). There's the ability to deliver a barb with a smile. And above all, that day inaugurated arguably the most incoherent and blubbering partisan response to a candidate in the history of American politics--against which the charms of the candidate stood out even more clearly.

Let's get this straight: Your party has just nominated for president a fellow who has been elected exactly once to the United States Senate, in an uncompetitive race, following a garden-variety stint in a state legislature. And your response to the GOP nominee's choice for vice president--someone who has been elected once as governor following a stint as a small town mayor--is to decry the lack of experience? Nobody ever said Barack Obama was unqualified for the No. 2 spot on the ticket.

Remember reading the discussions of Vice President Al Gore's parenting skills in all the papers the day after his teenage son got busted for dope at high school? No? That would be because Gore called around to all the papers (including the Washington Times, where I was editorial page editor at the time) and asked us not to publish it, kids being kids and being owed some privacy. The newspapers didn't. That was then: Given a preposterous Internet rumor that Sarah Palin was never pregnant with her four-month-old baby but faked it to cover up for her daughter, Bristol was fair game. This was a judgment shared among Democrats and, coincidentally, the media (the same ones who were also all over the John Edwards love-child story, remember?).

By Tod Lindberg

Good Weekend - Nicks Birthday Today!

2008-09-15T07:27:00.003-04:00

Well we had a very nice weekend, mostly soccer but some house cleaning too. Nick won both of his soccer games. He scored the only goal in the 1-0 win on Saturday and assisted in a couple on the 6-1 win on Sunday. We were in Great Falls, VA and Boyds, MD for the games. Great Falls has some of the most beautiful homes, or should I say mansions, I have ever seen - WOW!

We began cleaning out our storage area in the basement and took stuff to the dump and to Goodwill. If I haven't used it our touched it for over a year it's gone!

I am not happy about either candidates ads of late. They are detracting from the issues. Obama says McCain can't use email and McCain says that Obama wants sex education for little ones. At the end of the day it's all about who can lead our country and get us back on track. I believe that is McCain, without question!

God Bless America! We will never forget.

2008-09-11T12:52:00.003-04:00

NooooBama!

2008-09-10T13:14:00.003-04:00

Bloomberg Article

Sept. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Democrats are beginning to worry about losing the presidential election.
After months of leading in voter enthusiasm, fundraising and most surveys, Barack Obama lost momentum to John McCain after the Republican convention last week. McCain has gotten a boost from his pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate and has surged ahead of Obama in some national polls, while running even in others.
Arizona Senator McCain, 72, is drawing larger crowds to his rallies than ever before. Illinois Senator Obama's campaign, meanwhile, may struggle to keep up the record fundraising pace it has maintained all year. The campaign's ``novelty has worn off,'' said Representative Bill Pascrell, a New Jersey Democrat. The Obama campaign ``seems to have lost its speed, its response time.'' Republicans used their St. Paul, Minnesota, convention to focus attention on McCain's personal character and leadership qualities, and highlight his independence from President George W. Bush. The message was reinforced by the selection of Palin, who was presented as a reformer who fought oil companies and took on her party in Alaska.
`Best Week'

This has allowed the Republicans to have ``their best week in four years,'' said Representative Artur Davis, an Alabama Democrat. ``McCain is the one Republican who could have been competitive this year because John McCain does his own brand independent of George Bush.''
With Palin, 44, joining him on the stump, McCain came out of his party's convention ``with an energized base,'' said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel of Illinois.
In recent days, McCain and Palin have appeared before crowds ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 or more. Yesterday, about 6,000 turned out to see the Republican ticket in Lebanon, Ohio. Prior to the convention, McCain typically appeared at town-hall meetings -- his preferred venue for campaigning -- of about 300 attendees.

McCain's choice of Palin ``allowed the McCain campaign to change the narrative away from McCain being an extension of Bush,'' said Democratic strategist Jenny Backus.
The McCain campaign said donations have been pouring in since the convention, allowing the Republican to narrow, if not eliminate, Obama's longstanding financial advantage. This week, a fundraiser in Chicago, Obama's hometown, yielded $5 million.

Virginian's for McCain/Palin!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2008-09-08T17:06:00.001-04:00

It's my dad's birthday today! Have a great day!!!

How 'Bout Them Cowboys!

2008-09-07T20:49:00.001-04:00

Excellent win for the boys today! 28-10 over the Browns!!

My second day blogging...I'm having fun!

2008-09-07T08:22:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful morning. Made some coffee and added my vanilla creamer. I am in my den/office looking out through my window at the porch. I love having a porch. We like to sit outside and have coffee in the morning and sometimes have a glass of wine/beer in the evening. My favorite wine is Sabastiani Merlot - yummy! Life is good.

Hanna is gone and we had very little damage and no power outage. Nick's soccer game was cancelled today because the field is flooded so I will get to watch my DALLAS COWBOYS!!! Did I mention I love the Dallas Cowboys?

Have a great day everyone and Go Cowboys!

Why I Am A Republican

2008-09-06T16:17:00.000-04:00

"You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln

New Blog for me!

2008-09-06T14:06:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone,

My name is Teresa and this is my first crack at starting my own blog. I will work on making it a terrific site for my friends and family to express their views on anything from family, gardening, politics, education to sports, wine, food, and vacation spots. I look forward to some fun!