CatHouse Chat

Praying that you and yours have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving

Image by Romeocat via FlickrWe all have so much to be thankful for, and I hope that today is filled with reminders of all those blessings God has poured out in your lives.

This year's Thanksgiving is bittersweet for me; it may be my Daddy's last one. When I was down here three weeks ago, he was still doing quite well - physically frail, yes, but mentally all there. Now, however, he has lost almost all of that, and is more like a lost child who only sees strangers around him. All we can do is be here for him, offering a loving smile, a gentle hand and a kind voice. He responds as best as he can with his typical sweet natured grace, knowing that we're good people trying to help, but unaware of who we are.

But the blessing is his long life which was so filled with love, kindness, generosity and a purity of spirit which attracted so many people to him. Everyone who has ever met my Daddy has always exclaimed, "He's so good!" He has always adored his family, doing anything and everything in his power to help us when we needed it. He never failed to do the same for his friends with a quiet consideration that earned him their undying love and gratitude.

I remember he used to tell some vaguely risqué jokes with a twinkle in his eye and a genteel subtlety that made you laugh at this wonderful gentleman trying to be naughty as much as you did at the joke. I could never tell a joke the way Daddy did, much to my sorrow. I don't think I have that core of innocence to pull it off.

There are so many things I could tell you about him, stories of love and laughter, sorrow and courage, but I cannot find the words right now. All I can do is try to return all the love he has poured out into my life and give him comfort and kindness in the foggy confusion that now seems to be his life.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and offering thanks to God for all He has done in our lives. It is a time to count our blessings and rejoice with family and friends. It is a time to look back and see where we've been, and then look forward to see where we're going.

Looking back, I see a life lived in love and kindness and faith and joy; looking forward, I see a triumphant welcome in Heaven, with the tender voice of God saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Thank You, God, for Daddy. I hope You let us keep him a little longer, because we love him so and would miss him so much. But, when it's time, we'll be able to give him into Your hands, knowing that one day we will join him in Your house, where no sin or sickness or sorrow dwell.

Thank You.

Honored

One thing I didn't say in my previous post is something I don't mention often enough:

I am honored by the friends and allies I have in the Virginia blogosphere, in particular the members of the Jeffersoniad. Scott, Shaun, Jason, Mike, Leslie, Rick, Krystal, Jay, Jim, Jim, Jim and Jim, Jane, DJ - and I know I've left someone(s) out, but you get the idea. These men and women are true patriots, gracious and thoughtful, who can disagree without malice, and who are wonderfully able to explain political points without being dogmatic and arrogant.

These are men and women of character and integrity, and while we may not always agree, I know I can be confident in their honor and their friendship.

Thanks, guys. I am blessed that I'm associated with you!

It's a confederacy of dunces!

And Jason is merely pointing it out:

By organizing around the old guard, by being openly hostile to Republican bloggers, by failing to understand that you are not truly anonymous on the internet, by failing to grasp a basic understanding of new media, by having access to RPV dealings, these individuals are representing themselves as mouth pieces of the Republican Party Of Virginia and threatening the message and direction that the party so desperately needs if it is going to organize and pull itself out of the downward trend of the last few elections.

All of this shows a lack of understanding of the New Media on the part of the current Republican Party of Virginia leadership.  Efforts by bloggers to reach out to the RPV and help were met with invitations to blog for the RPV but no real avenue for input in how the RPV conducts its online outreach.  Serious questions are raised about the organization of the current leadership and the state of the future of this party, whether it belongs to new voices and new ideas or the same, old, bitter trends that have gotten the party to where it is today.

Leslie expands upon the theme:

I prefer the term social media (although a fair argument can be made that new media is more encompassing). What's special about blogs, micro-blogs like twitter, social networking sites like facebook, and most everything else that gets lumped under the rubric of "new media" is that it's interactive. People post something; other people respond; there's communication; knowledge spreads; ideas are refined. At least that's the ideal.

But if those who want to lead aren't engaged, well, then they can't really lead. The "Here's our content; you spread it, and otherwise don't bother me because I'm too important" days are over.

And several others have chimed in as well:

• Scott's Morning Brew
• Crystal Clear Conservative
• Virginia Virtucon
  
• Below the Beltway
• The Write Side of My Brain

They are all prominent conservative and right-leaning bloggers, and they all agree with Jason that the RPV's ham-handed handling of the blogosphere bodes ill for the GOP.

Hampton Roads GOP, one of the blogs Jason singles out for chastising, attempted to put their own two cents in, but with their first trackback (which is from a post that does not reference Jason's post in any way), displays their fumble-footed lack of savvy regarding the blogosphere. Their second trackback does link Jason's post (oh, look! They can learn - if you whap them upside the head enough.), but it's merely a plaintive "Can't we all just get along?" which doesn't address the foundational issue. (And, no, I'm not going to send those arrogant minions a link. Go find your own.)

What is that issue? Well, how about I quote Jeff Frederick's comment over on Jason's post?

As you may know, I rarely read blogs. Nothing personal, just a time management thing. But occasionally, people forward me links and I read. Thus, I landed here.

Before I address the critique of my leadership on new media in this post (I’m not going to get into the turf battle among bloggers), let me just say that I am surprised that a group of people who spend so much time communicating have failed to communicate with me directly regarding these concerns on the Party’s efforts with new media. I’m easy to get ahold of. Email me. Call me. As the many people that write me everyday will tell you, I respond.

Uh-huh. You rarely read blogs. Well, than, it's no wonder you are apparently so out of touch with the base! As for the time management issue, if you did some research and chose about 6-12 blogs to monitor (I'd suggest that Bearing Drift, for one, ought to be at the top of the list), you wouldn't overwhelm that poor, sore head of yours, and would still be able to keep up with what YOUR EMPLOYERS really want.

Yes, I said "YOUR EMPLOYERS." We, the citizens. We,  the right-leaning, small government, low-tax, secure-borders, fiscal-responsibility people who might actually VOTE for RPV candidates. Without us, Jeffy, you're gone, gone, gone, as is the RNC and RPC, and all the Republican organizations which have failed so spectacularly at fielding candidates who reflect OUR values and concerns.

Oh, and as for us contacting you? As a member of the Jeffersoniad, I have personal knowledge that we DID contact you, and the RPV appeared to immediately try to force us into the cookie-cutter image of what they thought would work. Nuh-uh. We are no one's yes-men here in the Virginia blogosphere. Give us issues, give us arguments, listen to our discussions and our refutations and suggestions, but - as I learned through a painful experience last year - you can't herd cats. You can guide them, you can sway them, but the moment you "put your foot down," you've lost them.

The GOP hasn't listened to its base for years. How's that working for you, guys?

So, Jeffy, you and the upitty-ups of the Republican Party need to get off the fence and ENGAGE.

Or your jobs will disappear faster than ice in the Mojave Desert at high noon - and so will the GOP.

(BTW, for those of you who think this is overly harsh, yeah, well, I'm sick, I'm feeling quite temperamental, and I just don't feel like "making nice." Deal with it.)

Well, if one MUST be sick

This is the way to do it: tucked in bed with some cozy quilts, and with a snuggly kittipurr...

Nevertheless, being sick is the pits, especially when you wake up at 3am for... unpleasant reasons. And, I've had the chills off and on all day, and since my Beloved was working, I couldn't call him in and insist on warm cuddles [pout].

Well, hopefully I'll get some good, healing sleep tonight, and be mostly OK by the evening tomorrow...

And I'm sure Smudge and Pixel will be happy to keep their MomKat company!

The Scream Team and the Mini CougarBots sweep (almost) the FIRST Lego League regionals!

I am so proud of the teams from my Munchkin's small school! They worked hard (OK, yeah, yeah, with more than a little "coaxing"), and each won FOUR First Place awards, including CHAMPIONSHIP in each division! (Make sure you go check out what FIRST Lego League is all about!)

We transported three of our four plaques home, and here they are:

So, congratulations to the Mini CougarBots (the younger, Division 1 team), and all hail my Darling Munchkin's team:

THE SCREAM TEAM!!!

(faces blurred to protect their privacy)

LUNCH!!

Voracius kids devoured the two pizzas we got

Run those LegoBots!

Here's the main competition floor, where the teams do the robot runs. This is one fourth of their total score.

Are you ready to LEGO???

Here we are, all set up in the "Pit" with the other teams. This is where we wait until we have a judging session or a competition round. My poor Munchkin is not happy due to her ankle, which she sprained yesterday :-(

Oh, lord, she's quilting again!

Yeah... It seems that the cold weather, while also encouraging attempts by my poor ol' bod to get sick (I can't get sick before December 13th!!!), brings out my desire to create snuggly quilts. I've been wanting to do a Winding Ways quilt for a long time, with some of the fabrics I've been collecting for several years now.

Here's what a Winding Ways pattern looks like - you can do it in two fabrics, two colors, two values (light and dark) to create the secondary design:

This is the basic layout idea, which was included with the cutting templates I purchased to make this block. These templates happen to be made by Marti Mitchell, but there are many manufacturers. I like a lot of Marti's templates, because they are very accurate, and she gives excellent directions and suggestions on piecing that make things a LOT easier. As you see, the Winding Ways block involves curved piecing, which means that cutting and sewing MUST be done very carefully.

I've collected a pretty good stash of authentic South African indigo fabric from my dear friend Sandy McKay from Cotton in the Cabin. Every time I go to the MidAtlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, Virginia, Sandy remembers me because of my love for these unique fabrics and my inability to leave ANY cut of fabric on her shelf, LOL. I've used these fabrics in several quilts and garments, but I've always wanted to make a "Chocolate and Blueberry" Winding Ways quilt using the indigo and some gorgeous taupe-y-brown-tan-pinkish fabrics that I have also purchased at the Quilt Show.

Hm... I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to go in February 2009. The Show is always held on the last weekend of February (starting on the Wednesday before), and I didn't go last year. Anyone want to help me convince my Beloved Hubby that I Really Ought™ to go? *snicker*

So, here are my South African indigos... Oddly enough, when you buy them off the bolt, they are very stiff - even more than brand new jeans used to be. However, when you wash them (and that takes some specific techniques so the dye doesn't run later on), they turn into the soft drape-y feel that your favorite pair of well-worn, comfy jeans that you've had for years.... Lovely fabric - I just suggest to quilters that they give a light starch to them before you cut and sew, because they need that extra body.

 

Now, since Winding Ways requires curved piecing, I can't just zip through sewing and churn out blocks like I do with straight piecing. I can still chain-piece, but I have to go much more slowly, and PIN, PIN, PIN!!!

 

Here are some blocks waiting for the last seam to be sewn - the convex curve you see on top is the upper layer, and the more subtle, light fabric in the concave curve is the bottom

 

Now, there are two types of blocks, dark "flowers" on light background and light "flowers" on a dark background. If you look closely at the layout picture (the first one) you'll see how the two blocks combine to make a larger circular pattern. For my "dark" fabric, I'm using the blue indigos, and for the "light" fabrics, I'm using the taupes, which range from a pale tanny pink to a darker brown.

Here are some "dark" blocks:

 

And here is a "light" block that I haven't sewn yet:

 

These blocks will finish to 8.5 inches square (well, give or take...) and I'm planning on a 5x5 layout, with a narrow inner border and a wider outer. So, if things go as I plan, I ought to get a 59-ish inch square quilt to cuddle in!

The song of the day: "By Your Side," by Tenth Avenue North

Not from the iPod or KLOVE this time, but rather from Sirius XM's The Message (channel 32). Tenth Avenue North, and "By Your Side"

Why are you striving these days?
Why are you trying to earn grace?
Why are you crying?
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough?
To where will you go child?
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run?

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

God's hands are outstretched still, always ready to catch you up and hold you to Himself. And whosoever is held in God's hands can never be taken out of them.

Thanks, guys... I needed to hear this song today!

Good morning!

Look what greeted me outside my front door this morning:

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
         I will sing and give praise.
Awake, my glory!
         Awake, lute and harp!
         I will awaken the dawn.
         
I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
         I will sing to You among the nations.
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
         And Your truth unto the clouds.
         
 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
         Let Your glory be above all the earth.

(Psalm 57:7-11, NKJV)

To my own, very special and beloved Veteran

Actually, I have two - my husband and my Father.

But for today's Veterans' Day, I would like to honor my Father in particular. Daddy turned 90 last May, and I was just down visiting with them at the end of October. In May, Daddy was getting a little confused, and he couldn't remember a few people, but otherwise was doing pretty well. When I saw him last month, he was far more frail, and still more fragile mentally.

I honestly don't know whether this will be his last Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving with us... And although I'm 45, I'm finding out that, "once a Daddy's girl, always a Daddy's girl." I am going to miss him so very much when God calls him Home!

So, in honor of his service in World War II, I want to wish Daddy a Happy Veterans' Day.

I want to say thank you to all the men and women who have stepped up through the years to serve our country, and sometimes give that last, full measure of devotion. Thank you for protecting us. Thank you for defending freedom. Thank you for standing guard in peace and in war. Thank you for your honor, courage and commitment to your god, your family, and your country.

Thank you, Daddy, for standing The Watch.

For many years this man stood the Watch....

While some of us lay about our bunks at night this Sailor stood the Watch.

While others of us were attending schools, this Sailor stood the Watch.

And yes, even before many of us were born, this Sailor stood the Watch.

As our families watched the storm clouds of war, brewing on the horizons of history, He stood the Watch.

This Sailor looked ashore and saw his family often needing his guidance but he knew he must stay because he had the Watch.

For many years he has stood the watch so that we and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety knowing that a Sailor would stand the Watch.

Today we are here to say the Watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you led, guided and trained.

You stand relieved, we have the Watch.

Boatswain stand by to pipe to the side, shipmate going ashore.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas"

God bless, Daddy. Thank you.

Oh for the love of Pete...!

No comment. Except, perhaps, on the gullability (sp?) of some people...

The Myth of Communistic Christianity

I saw an article the other day (UPDATE: My blog brother, Jerry Fuhrman, pointed it out) - didn't spend much time with it when I saw its premise - but I saw a typical twisting of Christian doctrine in an attempt to "prove" that Christianity supported communism. This concept is so far from the truth that it really boggles my mind! When I see people attempting this; it truly makes me wonder if their reading comprehension skills are that poor.

Here's the usual verse I see when people try to make this argument:

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

How about we look at that verse in close context?

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

All right, the first thing you need to notice is that the "haves" voluntarily sold lands and possessions; the government - either of the Church (the Apostles) or of Israel (the Romans or the Sanhedrin) - did not levy taxes on these people, did not "nationalize" anything, and did NOT then redistribute property and money to anyone in the "have-nots" who wanted it. You should also note that the text does not read "all who were possessors of lands or houses sold ALL of them."

So, that means that the personal property rights of each individual were respected. All through the Bible, the concept of personal property is endorsed by God Himself - take a look at the Ten Commandments. The eighth and tenth read:

You shall not steal.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

You cannot steal something if it doesn't already belong to someone else: a storekeeper owns his inventory, an inventor owns his inventions, a farmer owns his land and livestock and crops, and so on. If you want to acquire these items, you must offer a fair price, or you must accept a refusal if the owner doesn't wish to sell.

Don't forget the story of Ananias and Sapphira in the next chapter of Acts:

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Ananias and Sapphira sold *A* possession, not ALL of their possessions. The Apostle Peter affirms their right to do as they would with their own property. Their sin was coveting the admiration of the congregation and lying to get it; it would have been perfectly acceptable for them to have only given part of their proceeds from the sale, if only they had been honest about it.

The sin of covetousness is at the root of thievery of all kinds. At its foundation, Communism is a coveting of what you do not have and do not wish to work for. It is an envy towards those who have done well, and an intent to make everyone the same (note that I did not say "equal:" Communism has nothing to do with equality) by dragging everyone down to the same level of lackluster and inert uniformity.

These men and women of the early Church saw needs within their community and stepped up to help those who needed help. Each one gave VOLUNTARILY according to their means, and those who had real needs were blessed, encouraged and supported by their Christian brothers and sisters.

Secondly, you should note that these givers brought their gains to the Church (that's called "tithing" and "Christian stewardship"), and the Church then gave it out to those who were in need. Not to those who were just sitting on their fat a**es waiting for a handout. Not to those who thought they were "entitled" to it. Not to those who had a deep concern for "social justice" and "class war."

The Church in America, for all the good things about her, has fallen terribly from her mission and purpose. We have allowed the government to usurp... Well, actually, the government hasn't "usurped" the Church's mission; we effectively sat back and GAVE the missions of mercy and helps to the government. Unfortunately, that is NOT the government's job: it is the job of the Church and of local communities of people to see others in true need and to do what they can to help these people - voluntarily.

As for those who are not in need, take a look at some of the things the Apostle Paul has to say about them:

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

"If anyone WILL NOT WORK, neither shall he eat." What does idleness lead to? Disorder, busybodies, laziness, selfishness, and strife, among many other things. Paul commands the Thessalonians (and also us) that we should imitate him and work so that we are not a burden to anyone and so that we may have our own bread to eat. There is no shame in needing a helping hand - in fact, it can be a blessing. Being in need can show you God's great provision for His children, and can allow others to be blessed by acting in God's character of love and generosity. But needing a helping hand is quite different from taking from others just so you can remain where you are.

There is a wonderful phrase I have heard quite often that goes well here: God loves you just as you are... But He also loves you enough to not allow you to stay there! We each have the duties and work God has set before us, and we are each in the place and time that God has ordained for us to do these works. We are not to be busybodies, coveting others' possessions or prestige, but rather to be sober and quiet, living our lives to His glory and our good. We do not need to be envying others, because we are the children of the King, and one day He will give us all things - including a new, perfect world where the presence of sin and sorrow cannot enter.

Thus, we should put aside any notion of Communistic Christianity (which is not the same thing as communal Christianity - that's another post), and work diligently for His Kingdom until He comes again.

I love Virginia in the Fall!

The colors are just wonderful! The only problem is that I can never capture them in all their glory. *sigh*

Just a reminder - the Agnus Dei

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Holy, holy! You are holy
Worthy is the Lamb
Hallelujah
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Amen

I don't believe you.

Nope. Now that your candidate has won, now that eight years of slander, histrionics, DRAHma, baseless attacks, deranged libel and temper tantrums by liberal nutcases like you are almost over, NOW you want to make up and play nice?

[Mom, don't look]

UPDATE 2.0 - Out of deference to my mom and her friends, I've put the rest of this post below the fold.  Mom, I TOLD YOU NOT TO LOOK!

Secondly, I want to clarify something: I have some friends who are Democrats, who are good people, sensible, and who can carry on a discussion without either of us wanting to harm the other. I am obviously NOT talking about them. [/update]

A new word...

While looking up some synonyms for "rant" and "screed" over at the Free Dictionary (an excellent site; well worth bookmarking, and far better than Dictionary.com) this morning, I came upon this lovely word:

FANFARONADE -

• Bragging or blustering manner or behavior
• swaggering boastfulness; vainglorious speech or behavior

Beautiful! It rather fits (with some minor alterations) two people who have contacted me in the past 12 hours and tried to tell me how to run my blog.

Hm. [poking around the Free Dictionary] Actually, "sanctimonious" would work for them both, too, as would "peremptory" and "autocratic."

Remember, folks, CatHouse Chat is not a democracy or a republic; it is a kingdom. MY little kingdom. I'm generally a rather benevolent despot, but I am a despot nonetheless, and your "free speech rights" (the Fairness Doctrine's possible return notwithstanding) DO NOT APPLY HERE. Amuse me, graciously educate me, politely argue with me - that's all lovely.

Piss me off, and I kick you out of the house.

Them's the rules.

Bill Whittle, I just adore you!

Really, I do. We don't agree on everything, but the love and regard we have for our nation and for conservative/libertarian ideals is spot on:

It has been a source of delight for me these past few days to see nothing but evidence of this, all across our defeated lines. Nowhere have I heard a shred of defeatism or despair. On the contrary. In point of fact, the magnanimity and graciousness I have seen in defeat in so many places on the right tells me that this is a eager and seasoned army, one able to look defeat in the face and own up to the errors in tactics and strategy that got us there. And nowhere do I see a call to abandon our core principles and sue for terms, but rather that our loss was caused precisely by our abandonment of the issues we which hold dear and which have served us so well on battlefields past.

So consider this, my fellows in arms:

On Tuesday, the Left – armed with the most attractive, eloquent, young, hip and charismatic candidate I have seen with my adult eyes, a candidate shielded by a media so overtly that it can never be such a shield again, who appeared after eight years of a historically unpopular President, in the midst of two undefended wars and at the time of the worst financial crisis since the Depression and whose praises were sung by every movie, television and musical icon without pause or challenge for 20 months… who ran against the oldest nominee in the country’s history, against a campaign rent with internal disarray and determined not to attack in the one area where attack could have succeeded and who was out-spent no less than seven-to-one in a cycle where not a single debate question was unfavorable to his opponent – that historic victory, that perfect storm of opportunity…

Yielded a result of 53%

Folks, we are going to lick these people out of their boots.

Go read his whole post; it's short (particularly for him; he writes WONDERFUL essays!), and very much worth your time.

*sigh* Yup. Just ADORE the man...! And, he's just earned the right to have the label "Hero" applied to him in my categories - this has previously been reserved for our wonderful, brave military, and a few other folks who have also displayed courageous patriotism. Welcome to their ranks, Bill - you've earned it!

Well, here's some good news

The Virginia Uranium study is going to be done:

The Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy voted 12-0 for the study. A state House of Delegates committee killed a study proposal in March. But the commission’s chairman, Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, said that panel is probably the best group to oversee a study.

On Tuesday, outside the polls, I saw a couple of people who were taking signatures to stop any sort of study. I wanted to ask them why; after all, if their case is so strong, wouldn't the science and facts confirm that?

If the study shows that uranium mining cannot be done safely, then I will be among the first to step up and tell Virginia Uranium "No. Not here." But, if the study shows that it CAN - and I mean REASONABLY safely; don't ask for a 100% guarantee, because nothing comes with that level of safety - then Pittsylvania needs the jobs and the revenue desperately.

Republicans have finally turned into Democrats

... Which is one of the BIGGEST reasons we lost this election, you friggin' morons! Via Ace, Michelle, and Redstate among many others, I hear of "anonymous" staffers from the McCain campaign trashing Gov/ Sarah Palin.

Ace says:

Here's a story these staffers tell: Sent to collect Palin from a hotel, she greeted them, straight from the shower (running late, I guess ) dressed (scandal!) only in a bathrobe (presumably a very thick hotel bathrobe).

These staffers called that "uncommon" -- Cameron delighted in the word to give it the sound of "whorish, unprofessional."

Heh, assholes? She had to open the door and had just gotten out of the shower. Did you want her to use her magical powers of telekinesis to open the door for you?

Michelle:

The anonymous trashing of Sarah Palin by blabbermouth McCain aides who are leaking to Fox News is disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.

Allah’s got the vid clip of a report citing unnamed McCain staffers accusing Palin of lacking, in Carl Cameron’s words, “knowledgeability.”  More slime here. And here.

At least all the Hollywood and Manhattan Palin-haters were willing to sign their names and put their faces on their attacks.

Redstate is launching Operation Leper:

We intend to constantly remind the base about these people, monitor who they are working for, and, when 2012 rolls around, see which candidates hire them. Naturally then, you'll see us go to war against those candidates.

Works for me.

Listen, you deaf, smug, elitist snobs who claim to be Republicans and yet refuse to adhere to the core values of the party, I didn't for FOR John McCain. I voted FOR Sarah Palin and AGAINST Obama. If John McCain hadn't brought Sarah Palin on board as his running mate, I would have voted third party and said "To hell with the Republicans!"

If not for Sarah Palin, the popular vote would have been much MORE in Obama's favor; she is a true maverick, is cheerfully courageous, actually lives the values that make up the Republican Party, and isn't afraid to speak the truth and call her opponent on his gaffes, lies, subterfuges, associations, and experience. She is articulate without the overly-polished (i.e. "how well can I say something without actually saying anything?") rhetorical style of Washington insiders - she is a REAL PERSON who understands what it's like to be an "average citizen."

That's who I voted for, and your slimy, craven, and dishonorable behavior towards her ranks you right with the LameStream Lying Media and the DemonRATS.

We lost this election because you RINOs went to Washington, lived the good life, and forgot your base. Your spines turned to mush, your brains decayed, your hearing faded, and your eyes went blind. And the proof is that now, in defeat, instead of standing firm as the loyal opposition and graciously conceding this victory while remaining true to your (long-abandoned) values, you are rolling over, showing your belly, and peeing all over yourselves in eagerness to show your willingness to bend over and be screwed.

Curs! Cowardly, dishonorable, craven, spineless, frail, dithering, foolhardy IDIOTS!

Congratulate Sen. Obama for his historic accomplishment - and remind America that the race card is now off the table forever. Acknowledge his well-run campaign; 'cause you obviously can learn a lot from it. Acknowledge the Democrats' lawful leadership - but never forget that almost half of the people who voted voted AGAINST socialism, AGAINST big government, AGAINST weakness, and AGAINST corruption.

Your "leadership," RINOs, got us into this. You ignored your base, and now the country will pay the price. You will eventually go down; either to more and more liberal, spineless, weak socialists, or to true conservatives who will lead according to the foundational philosophy of conservatism: small government, fiscal restraint, national strength, personal integrity, individual responsibility, and dedicated perseverance. 

Something tells me I'll be voting third party for real, next time - unless a miracle happens and you incompetents can get your act together and promote real conservative Republicans.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... Ain't gonna happen, dudes.

UPDATE: Oh, and Misha has a few choice words to offer McCain (but read it all; it *IS* the Emperor, LOL) -

But where is the “Maverick” in all of this? Nowhere to be found. His staffers are spreading lies about his VP pick like crazy, but the “brave” Maverick can’t find it in himself to tell his own employees to shut up already and quit character assassinating his own pick. As a matter of fact, the only person in the McCain camp who stood up for her, one Randy Scheunemann, was first reported to have been fired for “disloyalty” and then, later on, claimed that he hadn’t been. Who knows?

All we know is that our Imperial Mother told us to stand up for ladies when they are attacked, but obviously that’s not something that appears in the McCain family curriculum.

Call us when you find your balls, you clown.

Yeah. I'm disgusted with this - for all the rhetoric McCain spoke about his warrior past, and his honorable, manly service, he can't stand up for the woman who pulled his campaign's nuts out of the fire and saved him from losing like Carter lost to Reagan.

[headdesk] No more, RINOs. Not EVER again!

Whither now?

Oh, man. Oh... [headdesk] What terrible news to wake up to. I figured Obama was probably going to win, God help us, but I did NOT think the country was going to flip so terribly blue. My district's Congressman may have lost in a close race to a puling infant "foreigner"! VA now has two Dem. Senators - the whole damn state flipped BLUE.

It's going to take a few days to settle my stomach.

*sigh*

Some of my friends are talking about the Carter years, which were terrible, but we survived. I pray we can revive conservatism so it makes a huge comeback in the next 2, 4, 6 years, but I am truly fearful that America has willingly stepped over the cliff, and that our slide out of the pages of history is now irrevocable.

God answered my prayers, and He said, "No." He is still good, He is still in control, life will go on - but I fear that He has truly lifted His hand of grace and blessing off of America. Nevertheless, I will praise Him in this storm, and proclaim that His blessings and judgments are still righteous and good.

And that's all I can say for now.

Election Day Liveblog: Butternut Squash and Parsnip soup... with CURRY

Gotta work the curry in there somewhere... Anyway, today I'm doing my avoiding-all-election-returns-coverage, so I thought I'd blog about making soup.

I googled for some recipes that included butternut squash and parsnips, and came up with these two recipes, which I'll kind of use for a guideline, but I didn't find any (in my brief search) which included all three ingredients, s you see why I'm winging it here.

Oh, and Mom? Just so you know, I'm using the beautiful camera you gave me!

Plus, I'm going to put the rest of this under the fold, so I don't murder anyone's bandwidth too terribly...

Oh, and before I forget -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

The big ol' 45 today... Well, here's to another 45 (at least); I want to be a sweet little old lady some day - you know, the cheerful, teeny old lady who lives just down the street and enjoys baking cookies for everyone.

The little old lady no one dares to cross.

That one.

*snicker*

A prayer for today

I know I said that last night's post was my last political post until tomorrow, but I think this one is needed anyway. Besides, it's not really political... exactly.

Father in heaven, You are Lord over the Universe, over our world, over our lives and over our nation. You are sovereign, and You will bring all Your will to pass.

As America goes to the polls to elect new leaders, I ask that You lay Your hand upon us that we may vote with wisdom and discernment. Guide us, I pray, O Lord, that we may select the men and women who most reflect Your character and ways, so that America will walk the path You have ordained. Let us choose whom You would choose so that we may truly be a shining city on a hill, proclaiming Your goodness and strength throughout the world

Father, please protect the election officials at every level. Keep their eyes sharp and their hearts steadfast. Give them strength to be impartial and to uphold the law on every level. Guard the polling places against any type of fraud or disenfranchisement, and make a way for each and every legal voter to get to the polls and vote.

In the end, Father, the results will be as You desire; indeed, You already know who You have chosen. But let us go and vote, and return home in peace, knowing that You are always in control. Whether the results disappoint or elate us, You are still on Your Throne, and Your people are to look to You for our ultimate leadership.

You alone are holy and good and perfect, Father. Your will shall be done, and we shall praise You no matter the outcome. Bring glory and honor to Your name today, Father, and let us rejoice in Your salvation and sovereignty.

Amen.

Last political post until Wednesday

Tomorrow, I'm going to drop kids off at school, and then go vote. After that, the TV, the computer, and whatever else might be appropriate, will all be turned off to any references to politics and the election.

In 2004, I stayed up until the wee hours, breathlessly watching and angsting over the returns, and I'm not going to put myself through that this year. So, while I am planning to post tomorrow, I'll be posting some fluff and non-political stuff. If you need a break, please feel free to stop by and relax here at CatHouse Chat.

But, for this last Election 2008 post, I present "The Mac is Back," found over at Mike's place:

To those of you who are still undecided - and to Sen. Obama's supporters, as well - I ask that you take a good, hard look at a man who has espoused a socialist political philosophy, effectively supports infanticide, and cannot appear to take a firm stand, either in the Illinois State Senate, or in our Federal Senate.

For all his faults - and there are more than a few - Sen. John McCain will, in the long run, be better than Sen. Obama. He will be stronger on national security, he will offer better support for lower taxes for everyone, he will do all he can to confront and eliminate corruption in government, and he will protect babies who survive abortions.

Please.

VOTE MCCAIN!

The "Carbone Scale" of election reaction

Hilarious!

Well, no. It's scary - and too possible - because America has moved away from the rule of Law and the disciplines of self-control and tolerance.

God willing, whatever the results, rational minds will prevail over any possible mobs.

Condolances to Sen. Obama

... on the death of his grandmother.

My beloved Mémère died 13 years ago, and I miss her still. I am glad the Senator had the opportunity to see her one last time before she passed.