Sako was over yesterday to pick up a computer that I gave him. As it nearly always does now when I sit down with another American the topic turned to Bush, and how horrible he has ruined the country, and how he much he must be stopped.
I’ll make this post just as a reminder of a few talking points for future conversations with Bush beleivers. Unless I can convince my dad, sister, and youngest brother to fight on the side of good, I need to convince at least 3 Bush supporters to switch to cancel them out. UM may also be fighting on the side of evil, but she won’t tell me. Since we have a nice cross section of Americans and those from other countries reading this blog, please comment, and give your opinion (with at least a little bit of backup) on Bush. I’m fairly confident that since many of our readers are outside of the United States, and thus not dominated by Fox News (the press wing of the GOP), that the majority of you will have something to say against Bush. If not, so be it, surprise me and give UltraMom something to think about.
Anyway, without further ado, here are some talking points (In no particular order):
Bush doesn’t read the newspaper – He says that he lets his advisors who “probably” read the news, digest it and brief him on it. I don’t know where to get started on what is wrong with this. First of all it means that even if Bush weren’t a puppet leader following the orders of the real leadership of the country (Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, etc.), it would be very easy for the people surrounding him to only feed him the news that would lead him to the actions they wanted him to take. In addition, we’ve seen how effective Bush’s briefings have been for him. The briefing about Al Quaeda to attack inside United States was a particularly effective one. I think it is quite obvious why Barbara and Laura Bush both have taken on illiteracy as their pet projects: it is an issue they have a lot of experience with
From PunkVoter.com – BUSH JR. FAILED TO PROTECT 3 MILLION ACRES OF THE TONGASS NATIONAL
FOREST FROM LOGGING. THE TONGASS HAS THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF BALD EAGLES ON EARTH AND HAS ALREADY LOST 700 SQUARE MILES TO LOGGING WITH 33 MORE LOGGING PERMITS PENDING.
NOT EVEN THE SANCTITY OF OUR ENDANGERED NATIONAL BIRD CAN COMPETE WITH BUSH CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS PROVIDED BY THE FOREST INDUSTRY.
Well something just came up, and I need to go, but I’ll come back and add more later. Please comment and add your talking points anti or pro bush. Thanks!!
Are you ready to hear a bit more about the Oregon Family Vacation? Too bad. That’s what I’m writing about today.
You Guessed It: Vacation Part V
Refer to this post if you need a refresher in the last installment of familyvacation.
So, we are in Newport and we have a very nice continental breakfast in LaQuinta Inn, which is not very near the ocean, but is very nice. We were a bit late down to breakfast, however, and all of the yogurt was gone, and the packaged, advertised, Ottis Sputtlemeyer(or something like that) muffins weren’t all that great, but hey, free is free.
Then, on to a bit of shopping in the Pirate’s Booty Second Hand store where I bought a YOU DON’T KNOW JACK game for 50 cents. I thought I was going to have to pay $1.00, but it ended up being 50% off. At the Pyromaniac Glass shop I bought two blown glass “oregon floats”. They are modeled after the glass buoys that wash ashore, many of them from Japanese ships, but the blown glass ones are in a variety of colors and decorations. I deliberated a long time and finally brought UDad into the decison making process. The blue one with white “waves” painted on it was my favorite, but he liked all the others better, so I ended up getting a green one and a red one. Later I was wishing outloud that I had gotten the blue one after all. Johnny, who was only half listening (apparently) said “So, you got that blue one, huh?” Jim put him in his place, “No, Johnny, she got the red one and the green one and wishes she had the blue one. Try to keep up!” Hmm….....
The Oregon Aquarium, our next stop, was pretty neato. We saw otters, sea lions, seals, sharks, jellyfish, etc., etc.The weirdest things were called SeaDragons, and were kind of like seahorses, but looked like they were covered in branches and leaves. But it was all part of them. I also enjoyed looking at the Tufted Puffins, very odd looking shore birds native to the Pacific Coast. We left Newport in mid afternoon so we could arrive in Garibaldi in plenty of time to check in to the motel and prepare for the big fishing trip the next day.
Garibaldi is quite small with a good sized boat dock. We duly arrived at the Hotel Garibaldi and checked into our room on the third floor. There was a cool-looking glass elevator, but it was having a problem, so we could only ride it if we got the front desk attendant to take us up or down in it. Since we didn’t like to bother her, we lugged our stuff up the stairs, but it only took 3 trips or so. That took care of my stuff, so I think the guys made another trip to bring their own bags….I wasn’t really paying attention after that. We put on our rain slickers (coats, jackets ,etc) and went down to look at the boats, trying to decide which ones belonged to the charter we had booked. We really never saw clear sky the rest of the time we were on the coast. In a way it was refreshing because we haven’t had much rain at home for such a long time, but it was a bit dreary for sightseeing. And here’s the bad part; when I called to make sure everything was ready for early morning fishing the next day, I found out the trip was cancelled! The weather was just too bad, with very high winds predicted. If it was better, we could go the next day.
I’ll tell ya, Jim was really bummed out. It was the one thing we had REALLY wanted to do. He moped a while, but finally joined Johnny and me in the hotel swimming pool. We had a very nice dinner in the restaurant/bar across the street, and made alternate plans for the next day. As it turned out, the weather never did clear up, and the fishing trip never happened, though we kept checking. On Mr. Charter’s advice, we went to an area of coast where we could observe how the winds were affecting the ocean waves; in the bay we couldn’t get the full effect. Udad immediately took off down the shore looking for “treasure”. He did that a lot; we would wonder where he was, and spot him off in the distance, eyes glued to the ground. I didn’t realize what a lot of shells, rocks and driftwood he had found til we got home and were unloading, but he did make sure we all saw the perfect sand dollar he discovered that day. It’s a beauty too. For lunch we decided to drive to Rockaway Beach to eat at a Mexican Restaurant. We had picked up their menu somewhere, and it made our mouths water. It was a great place to eat; reasonable prices, great and abundant food, and wonderful service. The boys would just be thinking they needed more to drink, more chips or a refill on salsa, and the waiter would be right there. We hit a little has station/second hand shop on the way back that had “SALE SALE SALE” signs plastering its front. I got a couple of pair earrings and a smallish REAL Oregon float with original rope nettings still attached. Jim bought Silas. Silas is a “doll” about a foot high and made of coconuts. His head is one carved coconut, and his body is another. He has a hooked, rather slavic looking nose and piercing eyes. He is wearing yellow rain gear; I think he’s a fisherman. We were all kind of on the lookout for Birthday gifts for UltraHeather who turned 26 while we were in Oregon, and Jim decided she would like Silas. He asked my opinion on the matter, “Don’t you think Heather would like this for her birthday, Mom?” “NO, I don’t! He is hideous. She would have no earthly use for such a thing.” Giving his usual consideration to my advice, Jim bought the figure, christened him “Silas” and soon because so attached to him that the idea of making a present of him to Heather was forgotten. Jim spent much of the rest of the trip speaking through “Silas”, and if I displeased him, Silas would stare me down with those piercing painted eyes. I don’t know if Jim ever did get Heather anything for her birthday…......
Then, on to Tillamook to tour the famous cheese factory! It was really pretty interesting (and crowded) and we got free cheese samples, and then were forced to buy ice cream cones. I bought some wonderful smokey, extra sharp white cheddar. It was probably the best cheese I’ve ever had. I insisted on stopping at the Blue Heron Cheese place also, but it wasn’t as neat. Their specialty was brie, but they didn’t even make it there. They also had a “petting zoo” and I got some cool pix of UltraDad petting the goats. In Lincoln City there is a terrific outlet mall. We spent the late afternoon there. Johnny and I got new coats, Jim got a few new shirts. I think all UltraDad got, however, was a headache. Shopping isn’t really his thing.
Well, I know you had hopes of putting this trip out of its misery, but I think I have enough material left for one more day!
Teaser: will UltraDad and the UltraBoys get to go on their fishing trip? Oh, wait. I already told you they didn’t…....
Um…...........Will it ever stop raining?...........I answered that one too…................Will UltraMom see a huge banana slug?
Tune in soon to the next installment of The Never Ending McDonald Family Vacation
UltraM
Okay, nothing earth shattering, but a pleasant enough day. UDad was gone all day delivering hay. Ubob left a message on the machine and sent a Happy Mother’s day e-mail, AND just spent about 15 minutes chatting with me just now. Heather called and sent a cute e-card, and both of the “boys” called, one after the other. Seems they have been camping and floating on the river again. But Johnny promised me a ride in the boat, so I’m happy about that.
Church was good and I got a nice gift from my secret Praying Sister. UltraSister Debi stopped by for about 15 minutes with son Michael. Debi’s daughter Sara had graduation ceremonies, though she won’t actually graduate til after next semester, which she plans to spend in Scotland. My house is about the halfway point between Helena, Montana and Boise, so sometimes we rate a stop, depending.
I puttered about, took a nap, got some bookwork done, and watched the 3 hour season finale of SURVIVOR. And when UDad got home, he had some Mother’s Day presents for me: a hanging flower, jelly beans, envelopes (I was out of that size) and some seat belt-shoulder harness adjustors (without them, the shoulder harness kind of hits me under the chin, which isn’t very comfortable).
But its late, and I have to go to the dentist first thing in the morning, so I’d better get a little shut eye.
But in closing, I’ll pass on a little Japanese lesson from my UltraSon. This way I can look it up when I want to and not have to bother with memorizing it right now.
UltraBob says:
e = ey as in hey
UltraBob says:
o = o as in go
UltraBob says:
and that’s it
UltraBob says:
and all Japanese words are made up of those five vowel sounds
Kathy says:
okay
UltraBob says:
and you can quote me on that
very … tired. Must … sleeep! etc.
UltraMom
Whew! Am I ever ready for the weekend. I’ve been running so much I really need a day or two at home to regroup adn gear up for next weekend, which will be very busy, thanks to a certain son’s immenent graduation from college (magna cum laude, if you please).
Thanks very much to MJ and Kristen for their kind comments and encouragement on my last post. Thanks very much to UltraGirl for her kind thanks regarding the birthday gift. I’m sorry That UltraBob’s bad server ate your e-mail, and I’m glad that Snowball has found a good home. And thanks very much to the bank for not being open on weekends.
I arrived home from work full of plans for “getting stuff done.” I ate (my favorite activity), and took a nice bike ride. It has been too windy for bike riding lately, so it was therapeutic to take a little spin and review my last Japanese language CD.
When I got home, UtraDad was watching something horrid on TV with Hannibal Lecturn in it, so I retreated to a far bedroom to begin reading a borrowed book, highly recommended by a friend. It has signs of being interesting: an English policeman bored by incapacitation due to an injury is inspired to look into the case of Richard III, an English monarch accused of murdering his 2 young nephews to strengthen his hold upon the throne. There’s a bit more English history than I am used to; the royal family tree in the back of the book will undoubtedly prove useful. I read all of 10 minutes or so before I fell fast asleep and woke up about an hour later with the light glaring in my face, and my favorite Polly cat nestled by my side.
Upon reviewing my “Purpose Driven Life” I am impelled by quote a passage to you that is written far better than I could paraphrase. This part about relationships is really getting to me:
“The importance of things can be measured by how much time you are willing to invest in them. The more time you give to something, the more you reveal its importance and value to you. If you want to know a person’s priorities, just look at how they use their time.
Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
It is not enough just to SAY relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. “<My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love which shows itself in action>“I John 3:18. Relationships take time and effort and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E.”
I appreciate all the love that UltraBob spent chatting with me online yesterday. It makes me feel connected to him even though we are so far apart.
ultramom
Yes, I know, I made a commitment to post daily…...........I kind of blew it, but I was SO tired last night. After all, the video of the dance recital came in the mail, and I had to watch the whole thing, and then OUR dance 3-4 times. And THAT was after getting home late after Weightwatchers, so you see I had a good reason.
But, you may remember, that I also made a commitment to read “The Purpose Driven Life” every day for 45 days (the number of daily chapters), and that one I HAVE kept. I do it first thing in the morning, and usually have something to think about all day long. It is an absolutely amazing book and is really hitting me where I live. Yesterday, the chapter was about the importance of relationships. God didn’t make us to be solitary people. And all the material things we have are just that: things. I realized how often I put my relationships to my husband, kids, friends, and other people I care about on the “back burner” as I try to get more done…...or, shame on me, play Bookworm. The author, Rick Warren, brought up how he had been to many people’s death beds, and he never heard them say, ‘Just let me look at that award, diploma, big screen TV, one last time.’ (This is from memory, not a direct quote). In the end, what is important are the people in our lives that we care about. And building good relationships takes time and effort.
I immediately thought of the couple in our church that I have been meaning to call; he has cancer, and they haven’t been to church in months. She is a person I have always liked and admired. I also thought of my sister in CA who is going through a rough time. I think of her a hundred times a day, but when it comes down to it, I just don’t quite manage to send off that card or pick up that phone.
So, what did I do today? Well, I at least mailed cards to those two people, though calling probably would have been better. I also watched my weekly show SURVIVOR and watched my dance video again. Sigh. Well, you can’t expect me to change all at once, can you? Give me a little time! I know, I know…....”Time. I have as much as anyone.”
Hey, come to think of it, I’m investing my time here with you….....Kudos for me!
And Kudos for Bob for your new posting commitment. After all, all it takes is a little time and effort.
UltraMom
Those of you who visited, say anytime throughout the day today, may have noticed that our photo gallery was messed up. For those of you who did, next time let me know it’s gone awry if you can, but more importantly, thank you kindly for not changing the admin password.
What happened was I updated the Gallery program at the beginning of a really busy day, and I neglected/didn’t remember to look at the site, and make sure that the update was ok. I’ll leave for another time the rant about how stupid it is for a program to make it’s admin password available to the general public upon upgrade or when you want to change the configuration, but I’m just glad that you are all mice people (... oops, or nice people as the case may be).
You may also have experienced intermittent downtime today, and you may continue to do so here and there over the next few days as I endeavor to get my server all beefed up to handle all comers, and ready to move to the new office, and operate without constant supervision (though it ran for 70 days last time without a problem, so it didn’t need supervision anyway). If you all notice any weirdness other than the site not being available, or if the site is unavailable for more than a couple of hours please let me know! You can reach me as always at dynamicduo INSERTATMARKHERE t4ac POINTPERIODORDOT com. If you can’t figure out how to turn that into a valid e-mails address, well then … you’re no better than an e-mail harvesting spambot!
jaa ne!
Mom’s posting everyday, has made me feel guilty about my, shall we say intermittant, posting. I think I will jump on the bandwagon and try to post something everyday. For me however, that will not mean a post on this site everyday. I post both here and at Akatombo Media, so my posts will be split between the two however my mood swings.
Today I think I’ll just go over a little of the news in my life.
First, as of Yesterday Happy Birthday to UltraGirl, uberTod (who was kind enough to help me with my server even on his birthday!), and SuperAuntDebi (who’s birthday I thought was one day before or after UltraGirl and Tod’s, but UltraGirl insists is on the same day.). Also, a belated happy birthday to Jim, that meeting in the park was a great idea Yuka.
Second, congratulations to UltraMomster on her mastery of the Japanese language. She actually has not been at it long at all and her retention has been spectacular in my opinion. We now need to call her though so U.G. and I can hear how her pronunciation is. By The Way Mom, if you are interested I have some Japanese study materials I can send you absolutely free.
Third, it is looking very much like the Akatombo Media office will be moving soon. A lot of this is to help me to better seperate my work and home life. Though it’ll be a bummer to have to wear pants around the office 
Fourth, in connection with the third item: I will likely be getting a new powerbook to give me a stable means of working remotely when I need to. I do have a laptop now, but FreeBSD my *NIX of choice doesn’t run stably on it for some unknown reason, and Windows XP which came installed on it is just too unstable and slow for someone who uses their computer as much as I do.
Finally, I would like to issue thanks and congratulations that are overdue. Congratulations to Yukiko and Makoto on their recent marriage, as well as to Kumi and that dude whose name I have real trouble remembering (I’ve onyl met him twice, briefly each time so give me a break) on theirs. Welcome back to Okaachan, Mitsukun, Tamikochan, and Emichan, soiunds like you had a great trip, Thanks to Tod for his undying support of my helpless ascent into being half proficient at FreeBSD, and Thanks to Tod and his gorgeous wife Kristen for the party they had quite some time ago that was a blast, and the invite to the party they had last night that we couldn’t make. Last but definitely not least, thank you to Jim and Yuka for feeding me and inviting me to celebrate Jim’s birthday with them, but mostly for introducing me to pink peppercorn.
That’s enough for now, wouldn’t want you to OD or something.
