Operation Baking Gals.....

This is one of Morgan's projects that she found and enjoys.

Operation Baking Gals was the brain child of a couple of foodies who love to cook, have their own blogs and wanted to know how they could help those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 3 short months over 500 bakers have 'enlisted' to bake for our servicemen and women! Their mission is to bake dozens of cookies and mail them along with other goodies to these guys and gals once a month.

Morgan baked for Serviceman Isreal Reichard, who is serving somewhere in Iraq, about 5 dozen cookies and a massive bag of Tootsie Pops. It just shipped today. She is so excited to hear back from him when he gets it.

Again, the link: Operation Baking Gals

Until the next time.....

Ireland (Part 5).....

Last set of Ireland pictures:



Some of the fishing boats in Dingle.....



The Beehive huts of Ireland. There are 414 of these huts in just a 3 mile stretch along the Dingle Peninsula. These are over 4,000 years old. Again, no mortar or dirt holding them together, just good handy work. These are said to have been used by Monks who prefered to live a solitary life as they translated writings. Now on farmers' land....they charge you 2 Euro to cross onto their property to have a look. Morgan took this picture from across the road.

On what's called the Slea Head drive. The lavender was in full bloom, so all the moutains had this purple hue.

This father and son stand by the side of the road and pose for pictures with silly tourists. This is the son, his donkey and his dog. You buy sprigs of lavender from them or just get a picture. They appreciate a Euro or two. This kid did not look thrilled with having to do any of this....

This is Dad, his donkey and his crazy dog who would jump up and down on the back of the donkey.

In Killarney--and it's purple mountain majesty. See how purple the moutains look? That is lavender in bloom.

In the city of Killarney, you can take a horse drawn carriage ride around the city.

The church in Killarney

Blarney Castle. This is where the famous 'Blarney Stone' is. Nope she didn't kiss it. Legend has it that he who kisses the blarney stone will be gifted with eloquence....or have the gift of gab. Morgan figured she was talkative enough--not to mention how unsanitary the whole idea of kissing that stone is--blech. The stone was built into the castle in 1446. The castle itself was built in the 1300's.

The view down from the top of Blarney Castle.

See that line at the top of the picture. That is the line of people waiting to kiss the Blarney Stone. Morgan took this picture from what would have been the 3rd floor of the castle.

At the Waterford Crystal factory in Waterford, Ireland. Super expensive crystal, but after you watch how it is made and how long it takes to produce one simple piece....you know why.

Waterford Crystal has and still produces the trophys for some of the most major sporting events world-wide. They also supplied the crystal ball that dropped in Time Square for the special millenium celebration.

A Waterford vase. This vase would bankrupt most of us.

One of the old mast ships in Tramore, Ireland. This is one of the 'Death Ships'. When The Great Famine hit Ireland in 1845-1849, these ships were loaded with those trying to escape certain death by coming to the Americas. They were packed with double their capacity knowing that on the voyage over to Ellis Island more than 1/2 would die from hunger and disease. A good amount of the Irish-Americans now living in the US are born out of those who made it over (and survived) during the famine.

Goodbye to Ireland. Morgan says she can't wait to go back. Her tour director, a born and raised Killarney native spoke these words to them on their last night in Ireland....it is an old Irish blessing:

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Until the next time.....

no bailout.....

As flipped on the television in the kitchen while grabbing some breakfast, I was amazed to see the vote on the bailout being knocked down in pretty dramatic fashion. You need 218 votes to pass a bill, and the final tally had 228 against the measure. There were 133 Republicans and 95 Democrats that voted against it. Now how many did that so they could tell their constituents (all are up for re-election come November 4th) that they were "looking out for them", and how many were really against it, we will never know, but it seems some of the House Republicans (13, I think spoke up after the vote) were a little miffed at Speaker Pelosi for her last minute bashing of the Bush Administration and Republicans in her remarks on the House floor before the vote occurred. I think that was a bit ridiculous, but I did hear her remarks, and even though they should have been expected, she really should have thought, kept her mouth closed, and kept the remarks for after the vote. Not a good move on her part to give any fore to the other side.

So now what? Well the market took a beating, but also seemed a bit cautious, and I think is waiting to see what happens Thursday and Friday, when this is brought back up for a vote. I think at that time, there will be enough arm twisting to get it to pass.

As for our two Presidential nominees, at least John McCain stated this weekend, that he wanted to see the bill pass (your opinion on if that is good or not may vary), which was not the popular opinion. It wasn't a strong endorsement, but it was an endorsement. Senator Obama decided to not say anything. He took a "wait and see" approach, which to me means, "I don't want to say anything that might cost me votes". If he wants to be a leader, he needs to act like one, and that even includes times were you lead, and may be wrong.

Morgan returned yesterday from North Carolina, and taking care of all the house details. She says it was a tiring week, but she is very excited about everything. Everything down to where light switches will be placed has been marked, and is ready to go. Morgan even asked our builder, Preston, if he thinks it might be done earlier then our January 9th date. He is not sure, but it would be nice if all went smoothly, and we could get it as a Christmas or New Years present.

Speaking of that, I would not normally do this, and I know it has all been laid out by God, but Morgan will be speaking with her bosses starting on Thursday about moving back east. A few good thoughts and prayers for this to work out with our early return east, would be appreciated. Again, thank you in advance.

Have the second of my Bible guide classes tonight. The Essential Bible Companion is the book we are using as our outline guide for the class. After last week's discussion, I do want to pick up Message Bible to help supplement my readings, and for another understanding of what I am reading.

- 24 hours with no XBOX Live. The horror.
- Yes, The Boss plays the Super Bowl.
- Not the way to close Shea Stadium.

Until the next time.....

that was tame.....

I Hate Politicians! That was the text I received from Casey last night towards the end of the debate. I was with Cassie at swimming practice, so I had it on the dvr, and was going to watch when I returned home. He sent a couple of messages about them "going at each other", so I really expected a good debate. Let's just say my level of confrontation is a little higher then his, so I sent him back a text at about 1am eastern telling him he is a "wimp". :-)

Not much accomplished last night, except I do get the sense that if these two were not running for President, both, but John McCain a little more, would be against this bailout. But, neither one wants to look America in the eye, and say, "No bailout! So expect some tough times ahead and buckle up, but I am the man that will lead you through this". One of them does that, and they could take that leadership role, that we are looking for one of them to grab. Of course at the same time, we would see if the American public is truthful in saying they really don't want this bailout (many polls are showing much distrust for it), and are willing to "tough it out". So it could also be a disaster.

Chris commented on yesterday's post, after the debate, that neither one did anything for him. While I agree that neither one established himself "head and shoulders" above the other, and I also agree with him for his reasons against Barack Obama, we don't see the same way about John McCain and foreign policy. Chris thinks he is a bit "trigger happy", while I think it is OK to "pump your chest" out a bit, especially with his background in foreign affairs. We both agree that we need to look at the foreign aid we give away without batting an eye.

I will say this though, I absolutely hate that we have our candidates talking foreign policy in such detail, and out in public. In this "know everything media" that surrounds us, the fact that both of them have to put their thoughts and policies for all to see bothers me. Yes, I want to know if one or the other is going to step into office and "play with all the fancy buttons", but they seem to be pressed too much for my taste on exactly what they would do (during the debate, and out on the campaign trail). Again, I may make it sound like the 1950's, but it is one area where I think "quieter is better".

The policy concerning Iraq though has to taken care of, and this is an area where I strongly disagree with Barack Obama. Maybe the war was wrong, and maybe (I say maybe, as that will be a different post) we were deceived (I don't believe it was intentional), but once we stepped on that ground, we began a job, and as Americans we must finish it to the best of our abilities. There is no timetable for this. We are done, when we are done. Setting a date, and not completing our obligation (again whether or not you agree with the war, we now, as Americans, have an obligation to complete the job) is just plain wrong.

I thought it was pretty even, but I do see areas where John McCain can improve, and must improve, in light of the other debates not focusing on foreign affairs. He needs to drive home the point, that all of the alternative energy ideas he has out on the table (nuclear plant building, off shore drilling, and the other alternative energy infrastructure) will bring about many jobs. Add to that the countries infrastructure itself (roads, bridges, etc.), and there are even more jobs. He is getting hammered about not caring for the middle class, but these are jobs that if people really want to work (their will be white collar engineering involved, along with blue collar work) will be available to them. Yes, these are "government" jobs in the sense that the government will pay for them, but with cutting government (and there is much to cut), and then the increased tax revenues from increased employment, and a growing economy, which would come from the increase in employment, it would be a good thing overall.

Chris seems to be more of an economist then me, so he can tell me if I am thinking correctly on this plan.

Again, if anyone from the McCain camp wants some "middle class" advice, you know how to reach me (and Chris). :-)

I can't let this post go without a mention of the death of Paul Newman. One of my favorite, if not favorite actors of all time. As I mentioned on Geezer Gamers, I am not a big multiple time movie watcher, but I could put Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Sting on in a loop on my television, and never get tired of them. Add The Hustler, The Color of Money (underrated in my opinion), and Slap Shot, and you have quite a bit of watching fun. As I look down the list at IMDB, it just reminds me of the many movies from the 1960's through the 1980's that we was in, and what a great actor he was. God bless.

- Big time math geeks are stoked.
- More about Paul Newman from ESPN.
- ESPN on Newman's love for racing, and more about Slap Shot.

Until the next time.....

Ireland (Part 4).....

Fourth day of Ireland pictures. Hope you have seen the prior days.


Near the city of Doolin. The Cliffs of Moher. The most visited site in Ireland. Over 700 ft. tall and amazing breezes!!! (ok, they were gale force)




That's the other side of the Atlantic Ocean slamming into those rocks down there....

Yep....windy, windy day.

Again...overcast, drizzly--perfect for just amazing wildflowers growing everywhere.

Morgan enjoyed a medieval dinner at the famous Bunratty Castle. The Lord and his Lady of the castle welcomed us and had their court of helpers serve and sing thruout the night. Bunratty Castle was built in 1270. It was quite surreal sitting in the grand room knowing how much history had happened there before us...... This bag-pipper played for us on the way out.

The city of Adare just outside of Limerick. Famous for their thatched-roof cottages. Considered one of Ireland prettiest and most picturesque cities. Most of these cottages are little shops, but there are private homes scattered about. These cottages were built in the 12 century.

....these flowers are everywhere....and HUGE!

....more thatched cottages in Adare.....

Out on the Dingle Peninsula. Fishing is the money maker in this town.

Until the next time....

let it crumble.....

If I see any more on television about this arguing concerning this "bailout" mess, I am going to lose it. The last straw for me was the lobbyist for the financial institutions complaining about the provision in the bill for a "cap on executive compensation". One actually said that the government should not be determining anyone's pay. Excuse me! You are lucky they weren't all rounded up and thrown in jail. Their salary should be the least of their concerns.

So, I say no bailout, and if there is a way to "stop payment" on the AIG, and other payments from the past few weeks, do it. Yes, it will put a squeeze on lending (and I say this as we need to apply for a mortgage in six weeks), but I can't take this nonsense anymore. The people that caused this mess, and we are helping, want to take part in making the rules. Are you kidding me? Plus, both the Republicans and Democrats are getting their feathers up, and politicizing this whole thing.

The Republicans in the House are correct. Just let it go. I know that will not happen, and they will get something done, but only because they are afraid to go back to their voters with nothing, even if nothing might be the best solution.

Now, as for that house that I will need a mortgage on, Morgan has been in NC since Tuesday night, and been taking care of the different "build items" since Wednesday afternoon. She has gone to all the different vendors, and has picked out everything. I have also been on the phone with her and the builder concerning some different items, and I really think we got everything covered. Morgan even got to meet with the "trim finisher", and was able to design the closets with racks, shoe cubbies, and any other items she could think of to make it functional.

Now that it is all framed, the other parts are starting to fall into place. Morgan said the windows were being delivered and installed today. I knew they were doing something, because I could never hear her today when we spoke.

An update on the small claims case that Morgan handled on Wednesday morning. She won the case, and it was pretty "cut and dry", but the homeowner was not a happy man, and left the courtroom pretty angry. The inspector provided a note to us as the inspector, and as a general contractor, and noted the house as not well maintained, and "average at best". That did not go over well.

Unfortunately for us, in North Carolina you can appeal a small claims verdict. So it is possible, we may have to go through all of this one more time. The judge told him the contract was solid, and we followed all the correct procedures, so I hope he thinks about it before we have to go forward, and waste more time, and money.

Governor Palin looked terrible last night in the CBS interview with Katie Couric. She seems nervous and not sure of herself. Not the same person we were introduced to four weeks ago. I really believe they did her a disservice by "hiding / shielding" her from the press. They got the stories they wanted by "invading" Alaska, and the whole time made her duck away from any questions. When finally in front of the press, I believe she has lost some of her confidence, and her outgoingness because she was thinking too much about not making a mistake when speaking, which caused her to make mistakes. Those are only amplified now with the election less than 6 weeks away.

First Presidential Debate is tonight. With it being on a Friday night, I really do wonder how many people will be watching, and how many are going to base their judgement off of soundbites, pundits, and the recap in their Sunday papers (for those that still read one).

- I would not "fly" this way, but very cool.
- More Rock Band 2 "love".
- A wild final weekend for baseball. Will the Mets collapse again?

Until the next time.....

Ireland (Part 3).....

OK, a third day of Ireland. Hope you have not missed the last two.



There are over 3,000 Holy Wells scattered around Ireland. More than any other country in the world. Originally used for pagan sacrifice, St. Patrick is famous for having visited most of these well and blessing them as Christian sites. This is the Tobernalt Holy Well. St. Patrick used to hold baptisms here in this as he converted thousands of pagans to Christianity. He held mass here too. There have been many stories of the waters gushing from this well and of it's healing powers. It is a very sacred and respected place.



"First Glorious Mystery: Resurrection"



"Second Glorious Mystery: Ascension"




"Third Glorious Mystery: Descent of the Holy Spirit"



"Fourth Glorious Mystery: Assumption"



"Fifth Glorious Mystery: Coronation Of Our Lady"



This sign at the entrance of the well:
"Pilgrim, walk softly. This is holy ground"



The Belleek Pottery Factory. No wonder it's so expensive, everything is time-stakingly handmade. In Northern Ireland.



There is a guy who sits all day and creates these little flower buds in the palm of his hands. They will later become decoration for some pretty piece of pottery.



....and there he is hard at work. Wow, what tedious work.





The detail he creates is amazing. They train for years before they are allowed to actually create these for real.

The front of the Belleek Pottery factory

In Derry in Northern Ireland. The irony of this (in a couple of ways) just made me laugh.
"Baldies Barber"......and it's closed up.

Derry, Ireland is the town that saw the most violence at the hands of the IRA. Numerous bombings have left a good portion of this city in need of a rebuild. It's still a tense city. There is a 30 foot high fence that still divides the city between those who fly the British flag and those who fly the Irish flag. The Irish flag, btw, is orange, white and green. The Orange for the British, the Green for the Irish and the White stands for the peace between the two. Derry is a city that proves that that is still a sensitive and tense relationship. You do have to be careful what you say in what section of town.

Ahhhh, the town of Donegal. Morgan said she would live here. She took this because she just loved the stone work and the flowers on the building. Of course, it's a pub. The Olde Castle Pub.

This is Donegal Castle. Built in the 15th century by the O'donnell family. Still a very well known family in Ireland. They have a strong and royal lineage in the country.

This is a HUGE mural inside a church in Drumcliff. This is the church where Yeats funeral was held. He is buried in the churchs' graveyard. A much visited place. The mural says: "holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty. This do in remembrance of me" It is placed right above the altar where communion is held.

This is in the city of Knock. Here, in 1879, 15 townsfolk witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. John & St. Joseph, a lamb on an altar in front of a huge cross that was surrounded by 6 angels--all in a glowing light. The apparition lasted over 2 hours. Investigations and inquiries with the 15 who saw the apparition went on for over 80 years and their stories never changed or wavered. Finally in 1979, Pope John II came to Knock and acknowleged the apparition as true and blessed the sight as holy ground. There are gorgeous statues inside the church of the exact apparition in the exact spot where it happened. It is believed the purpose of this apparition is to put before us the four positive and unchanging essentials for living a Christian life: (1) St. Joseph, the personification of humilty, with his head bowed and his hands joined facing the other figures representing humility or faith and trust in God,(2) Our Lady, looking towards heaven with her hands raised in a gesture of supplication representing prayer, (3) St John, described as making a point from the book in his left hand with his right hand raised with the index and middle finger extended representing Scripture and the law, (4) the lamb on the altar, obviously representing the lamb of God or the sacrifice of the Mass.

This scene of the crucifixion is outside the church next to the Basillica that was built for the Pope's visit.

The city streets in Galway. This is Irelands' fastest growing city. No matter how much any of these cities grow, they keep all the buildings in the same time period of it's surrounds. No 'modern' looking buildings are allowed. It's beautiful that they respect their heritage and history soooooo much. Look at the cobbled streets. Just gorgeous.

Until the next time.....