Senator McCain, No Free Speech?

It gets really scary when a Presidential contender comments that he'd have no problem getting rid of the First Amendment.

Mark Tapscott caught Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, on the Imus Show responding to criticism from Talk Radio's Michael Graham? Here's the key quote:

"He [Michael Graham] also mentioned my abridgement of First Amendment rights, i.e. talking about campaign finance reform....I know that money corrupts....I would rather have a clean government than one where quote First Amendment rights are being respected, that has become corrupt. If I had my choice, I’d rather have the clean government."

We will never have a clean government. There will always be corrupt elected officials. The First Amendment allows us to speak up against corruption in government. Without free speech, Americans would be suffering under a repressive,tyrannical, corrupt government. It is absolutely amazing that a Senator would even think of such a thing. It's one really good reason not to vote for McCain.

Weekend Cats

This week I caught Bows sleeping in a broken clay pot. How do they keep thinking of odd places to sleep?

Tigger is a bit curious about my bike I recently bought. I don't think he'll be able to reach the pedals.

And Going, And Going

One of best freebies handed out at last Saturday's Race for the Cure were the Energizer Ears. Our first model, Trixie, is such a good sport. Of course, she's such a sweetie she'll doesn't mind that I embarrass her.

Casey, on the other hand, is just totally ashamed to have his picture taken. I think he believes if he closes his eyes no one can see him. Make it go away!

Arkansas, Educating From The Bench

Opinion Journal has a must read article. It's in regard to the Arkansas State Supreme Court ordering the legislature to spend more on schools. Jay Greene reviews the problem which began in 2001 when the Court

declared the amount of money spent at that time--more than $7,000 per pupil--in violation of the state constitutional requirement to provide a "general, suitable and efficient" system of public education.

Greene goes on to criticize the professors who were hired to determine the funding needed to fulfill the Court's order. He says the method they used didn't really address whether the funding would result in an adequate education or that it was cost effective. He says that there should be evidence that increased spending would produce increased student achievement. Greene say that it doesn't.

The vast majority of social science studies find no relationship between spending and student achievement. My own analysis of schools in Arkansas finds that schools with more money perform no better than schools with less once student and community background characteristics are controlled. And the fact that per pupil spending has doubled over the past three decades while student achievement has remained stagnant ought to give us a clue that simply spending more won't fix schools. The shortcomings of schools are not generally attributable to the lack of resources, but to a lack of incentives to use resources effectively.

Greene goes on to criticize the Court for accepting the professor's recommendations and choosing to ignore the fact that more money doesn't produce better students. Greene doesn't stop at criticizing the Court, he goes after the legislators too.

For the 2005 school year, money was added to the teacher health plan and school construction funds, but the minimum amount that school districts would receive for operating expenses (excluding capital and categorical money) was left unchanged at $5,400. The plaintiff attorneys argued before the state high court that spending had to at least match inflation.
The court agreed and ordered the governor to call the Legislature in special session to remedy the situation. Legislators met in early April and in less than a week increased spending again. They were so eager to placate the court that they gave schools more for the current school year, even though it could hardly do any good with only a month remaining. They also increased spending without knowing how the last round of additional money was being used or whether it had any effect. Messrs. Picus and Odden were retained for another $450,000 to provide this information, but their report is not expected until August.

Arkansas' elected leaders have ceded control over the budget to the State Supreme Court. I have heard some remarks by Republican candidates about the Court's legislating from the bench. I don't know how big of an issue this will become in the coming elections. I do know that the Democrats are not worried about it because they're happy to spend our tax money. They see no harm in letting the Court legislate from the bench. I agree with Greene that until Arkansans tell their legislators to stop the over reaching of the Court, we can expect our taxes to remain high and for more money to be spend in the black hole that is education.

Bill Pritchard and Jim Bob Dugger

This is from the Washington County Republican Women's Senate District 35 Forum. Bill Pritchard and Jim Bob Dugger are running for Senate District 35. I was very impressed with both candidates. Either one would fill the seat very well.

The first questions were about Education. Concerning rural schools Dugger said that forcing children to spend hours on buses was wrong especially since the Internet was available for teaching. Pritchard said he understand the need to consolidate schools but thought that provisions were available to protect the rural schools. Regarding the Board of Education, should it be elected or appointed. Pritchard indicated that he didn't think that the current Board of Education was the problem. Dugger thought that the Board should be accountable to the people and should be elected. Dugger supported tax credits instead of vouchers for those that elected not to use the public schools. Pritchard supported school vouchers, but thought that if people felt the need to take their child out of the public school then it was a problem that should be address at the local school board. He declared that God and Prayer should be back in the schools. Both candidates were concerned about using state funds for Preschool. They didn't want the state to become a babysitting service.

There was just a couple of questions regarding economics. Both felt that the state should invest in super projects, especially for the more depressed parts of the state. They also agreed that some sort of "rainy day" fund should be set up from any surplus the state has. Dugger said that the current general improvement funds could be used as such a fund instead of dividing it up among the districts to be spent on whatever they wanted.

Last was the question regarding illegal immigration. Pritchard kept it short: Get legal or go home. Dugger said that we must first firmly seal off the border.

It's going to really difficult to decide between the two of them. It's too bad that we can't send them both.

National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

Squamous Cell Carcinoma





This week is National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. It’s a time where laboratory professionals and pathologists highlight their contribution to a patient’s healthcare. We work behind the scenes. Patients rarely see us, but we are entrusted with the tests their primary physician uses to diagnosis any medical condition or to make sure they stay healthy.

The White House
Washington

April 18, 2006
I send greetings to those celebrating National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.

America's health care system is the best in the world, and it is helping millions of citizens live longer and better lives. Our Nation is also making progress toward groundbreaking cures for diseases, and we will continue to pursue medical research that is ambitious, aggressive, and ethical. By working together, we can advance medicine and bring comfort and hope to people around the world.

I appreciate all those who promote excellence and integrity in health care. Your efforts help improve the well-being of our citizens and make our Nation stronger.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a successful event.

George Bush

www.ascp.org

Conservative Republican Coalition, NW Arkansas

This is an interesting bit of politics. A group called the Conservative Republican Coalition of Northwest Arkansas has formed because they believe that Democrat candidates are running as Republicans. These Republicans In Name Only (RINOs) believe that the only way they can win an election here in NW Arkansas (considered a GOP stronghold) is to become a Republican. R. Shawn McGrew and Kathy McFetridge, both former Democrats who left the party in recent years, are accused of running for office as Republicans.

McFetridge, who serves on the Springdale School Board, said she first voted Republican in 2002 and had for a while felt out of place with the Democratic Party.
The 55-year-old business owner lost her 1998 bid to Jim Bob Duggar, a Republican, as both sought to replace term-limited incumbent Louis McJunkin of Springdale, a Democrat.
McFetridge said the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks changed her mind about her political affiliation and, ultimately, led to her bolting the party. McFetridge said her anti-abortion stance also put her at odds with the party. "That made me feel out of place with my party," McFetridge said. "I think it's important to realize that times change and people change.".

I spoke to Kathy today. I asked her how she felt about the Coalition. She said that they have not made an effort to talk to her. She also said that she didn't know why they couldn't understand that people do change. I asked her to explain her Republican values. She said that she was pro-life and a Christian. I remarked that there were Democrats that were pro-life and Christian. I wanted to know what values she had that were Republican. She finally said she support the 2nd Amendment and wanted to eliminate taxes on groceries.

Ok, in contrast to other candidates, Kathy has done a poor job of explaining her beliefs and values. Try to get her to describe what she believes was like pulling teeth, very difficult. Even after talking with her, I'm not quite she what she stands for. If Kathy truly believes she's a Republican, she needs to be able to effectively and passionately state what she believes.

Complete Story

Die, Hippies, Die

OOOOH! I just kept playing this over and over. It made me laugh so much. This video is really, really politically incorrect. If you are one of the "long-haired maggot-infested dope-smoking" hippies ... do not watch this video!

Stolen From

Arizona-Mexico Border Fence

This is a picture of the fence that the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps will build. They say they will begin building in Arizona on Memorial Day weekend if President Bush doesn't deploy National Guard and reserve troops to immediately secure the out-of-control southern border. They have already received permission from several landowners and a couple of construction companies have offered to help. The fencing will be built with privately donated funds.

I really like the idea of building the fences privately, especially since the Bush administration seems to have little desire to enforce the borders. This is a really big failure on the part of the Bush Administration. I, like the majority of the U.S., am concerned about the ease in which people can cross the border. It's a miracle that terrorists have not brought anything across so far.

What happens if this idea really works? The Bush administration will be really embarrassed when these fences slow down the illegal immigration traffic. Quite frankly, it's a mystery to me why President Bush refuses to secure our southern border. It's one thing that he can do which will make the amnesty program more acceptable to people.

Race For The Cure

WAA-HOO!! I'm Back! I'm Better Than Ever! I finished the race 3 minutes faster than my old time! YEAH! It was a gorgeous day, perfect weather.

Oh My Gosh! There were so many people! There were those that brought their dogs. Some dressed up and carried signs.

There were those that designed their own shirts. I like these the best. "Pray for the Cure"

There were celebrities too! Most of the McDonald characters were around. I'm going to have to really work hard this year. Next year, I'd like to be able to jog the course.

Casey's New Toy

I was given a T-shirt that had long sleeves. I didn't like them so I cut them off. I took the remnants and sewed them together so that they look like a tube. I then stuffed the tube.



Casey has a new toy, which he likes very much!

What's Growing in the Garden

I've gotten everything planted in the garden. When I come home from work I go and look to see what's coming up.


What in the heck is this? I didn't plant this! Somebody must have sneaked into my garden and planted a Tigger cat!

Susan G. Komen, Race For the Cure

Just after a few months since I've completed radiation therapy, I am going to walk the 5K part of the race. I have been getting in shape these past few months. The last few weeks I have managed to walk 3 miles at least 3 times per week. Tonight I just walked a mile, I didn't want to be hurting tomorrow morning. I'll be able to finish the race but not as fast as I have in other years. That's OK, this year the goal was to be able to walk the entire race. Next year I'll do it faster.

Beebe, $10 Billion Man

The Republican Party of Arkansas, took the opportunity of Monday's tax day to take a swing at Mike Beebe. They've declared him "The $10 BILLION MAN".

Clint Reed, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Arkansas, used "Tax Day" to highlight a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility by Arkansas' Attorney General Mike Beebe, the Democratic candidate for Governor.

"Mike Beebe is the $10 Billion Man," stated Reed. "During his 20 years of service in the Arkansas Senate, Mike Beebe voted for more than $10 Billion in tax increases on the people of this state."

Well, Beebe is a Democrat. Democrats have never met a tax increase that they've didn't like. A Universal truth: Democrats = Increased Taxes.

Highlighting the tax increases Beebe voted for, will be particularly useful this year. People are complaining about their taxes. With the recent gas hikes, people are too unhappy about paying so much in taxes. Fayetteville is one example of people saying "No" to more taxes. Asa's solution will have a great appeal with people.

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson has proposed making it harder to raise taxes by requiring a super-majority vote before the state legislature can raise sales or general taxes. Historically, Arkansas lawmakers have turned to the sales tax to bring in more money to the state. These repeated tax increases over-burden working families and have a chilling effect on the economy, particularly small businesses.

Full Story

Paron High School, Arkansas

Lost in the politics of closing of Paron High School in rural Saline County is the children who are going to suffer. No child should be forced to ride on a bus 4 hours a day. I know first hand about this. I too, grew up in a rural area. I too, was bussed to the nearest high school. For 4 years I spent 3 hours a day on a lousy, crowded bus. Sheer bloody hell! What the hell can kids do when they're in a bus that long. We're bored so we are going to cause trouble. Instead of spending the time on school work, sports or community involvement we are stuck on a stupid bus! This letter is so right on!

Cropped this from Arkansas Family Coalition. Thanks a bunch, dude! I entirely agree with Asa.

Hutchinson said the state should find ways to help rural schools, an apparent reference to a proposal to ease curriculum standards to save a Paron school from closing. The proposal, introduced during a special legislative session this month by Hutchinson's nephew, state Rep. Jeremy Hutchinson, passed the House but died in the Senate education committee.

"Whenever a rural school is performing and providing a quality education for the students and whenever they're financially sound, I believe the state of Arkansas should be a friend to that school and not an enemy," Hutchinson said.

More

Fayetteville - Transportation Improvement Project

The Fayetteville Street Committee voted to reduce the scope of the proposed transportation improvement project from $162 million to between $36 million and $71 million at its meeting Monday.

The reason given was concern that Fayetteville's voters would not approve such a large bond. Fayetteville voters just defeated a proposed taxes for the library and school teacher's salary increase. Complicating the issue is the increased cost of the sewer system which is 3 years behind schedule. The thought is to extend the current tax for sewer or if that fails then possibly raise sewer rates.

I don't think they need to cut the improvement project so much. The voters defeated the other proposed taxes because they are viewed as not being vital to people. It's something they've never complained about. Streets and roads are the number one concern for people. They are always complaining about traffic. I believe that people will vote for a large bond for street improvement.

As for the sewer, why not cut back the tax to 1/4 or 1/2 cent and raises sewer rates about 30% to 40%. The left over 1/2 or 1/4 cent could be used on the transportation bond. It's just a thought. I really don't know how practical it is, but it might help in getting a larger bond.

Story

The Power of Bloggers

Ignore bloggers at your peril, say researchers

Apparently we are exerting too much influence on society. Although we are small in number we are dominating political and cultural conversations and creating business trends. This article makes it sound like it's a bad thing. I think that although bloggers make up a small portion of the population we do represent a large part of that population. It's just that before blogging we didn't have a global voice. Our opinions stayed within our small local area. Now, we read and communicate with other people in the country and around the world. As commented by Glenn Reynolds, of instapundit.com

"That's exactly right," said Glenn Reynolds, author of An Army of Davids, which explores the explosion in web punditry. "Bloggers and blog-readers are 'influentials' - the minority that pays attention to events outside of political and news cycles. They also tend on average to be better off, better educated and, more importantly, employed."

He's right. Since I've started reading blogs I'm more informed on issues. In fact, I know both sides of an issue. Blogs provide me with information found no where else. Last word from Glenn,

Mr Reynolds admits the idea of small groups being able to pressurise(sp) wider decisions is nothing new, but those who ignore online buzz do so at their peril: "You can bury your head in the sand, but very quickly you'll look like a very old-fashioned company."

Farmer's Market 4/15/06

Trixie and I made our trip to the market. A lot of friends showed up this week. We spend more time talking than actually shopping.

I bought a variegated thyme this week. Trixie keeps saying hi to any dog she can.


Of course, she considers any one who pets her a friend.

This week they had a cooking demonstration using some of the vegtables that were being sold.

Tigger - The Sphinx

Do you realize that in a previous life I was the model for the Sphinx?




There! See, I look just like him!



You don't believe me, do you?

Busted! Faked Campaign Photo!

Via Boing Boing.

A New Orleans mayoral candidate used a photo of Disneyland's New Orleans Square in her campaign photo It would appear that she was standing on a street on the French Quarter. However, some one spotted a trash can that doesn't exist in the French Quarter. Busted!

I found that mayoral candidate Kimberly Williamson Butler is quite a character.

Erin Hamley

A Springdale grand jury has handed down an charge of negligent homicide against Officer Larry Norman. Larry was the State Trooper who shoot and kill a mentally challenged man, Erin Hamley, last month. Erin was mis-identified as a wanted Michigan escapee, Adam Leadford.

This is such a tragic story. At work opinions are quite diverse. Who is to blame? Is there anyone to blame? What were the officers thinking? Why couldn't they figure out that Erin was mentally challenged. Why was he shot when he was lying down? Some close to the Norman family say that Larry is taking this fairly hard and defend his actions. A lot of questions and no easy answers. Life sucks that way sometimes.

I think this is a situation where anything that could go wrong, did. I know Larry did not intentionally shoot Erin. Larry was under pressure and made a mistake. I think he realizes this and is willing to pay the consequences.

Arkansas Taxes

I found this from the Census Bureau : States Ranked by Total Taxes and Per Capita Amount: 2005
Looking at the table, Arkansas is 18th in total taxes per capita.
Then there is this table. Arkansas is 47th in Median Household Income.

There is something terribly wrong with a state that is near the bottom of the states in household income but we are near the top in paying taxes. Governor Huckabee and the Arkansas Legislature really has some explaining to do. How can they justify such a disparity? Hopefully one of the big issues for this election year will be our taxes. What I want to know, is Asa Hutchinson going to address this issue?

Library Tax Fails

Fayetteville voted down a proposed property tax increase to fund the library. It should have been no surprise to library. People are having a tough year financially and they are not going to vote for something as non-essential as a library. Arkansas taxes are already high enough and people are dealing with higher gas prices. We are just not in the mood for more taxes.

Interview with Governor Mike Huckabee

Right Wing News has up a pretty good interview with Governor Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee spoke on Iran and Iraq. He did a good job about Iraq, but I didn't like what he said about Iran. Basically he thought as long as Iran wasn't threatening our shores then we should leave them alone. He figured Europe is more in danger so they should take care of Iran. Gee Mike, some of those European nations are our allies. I'd like to think that we'd help them if they were in danger.

Huckabee's answer for immigration was just so wrong. It was amnesty for the illegals. It appeared that he wasn't for a fence or some sort of tighter border security. He thought it would cost too much. He also tried to dance around benefits for illegals.

Huckabee was asked about all the tax raises Arkansas has had. He tried to blame the legislature for that. You know, Mike, you could have come before the public and said that the legislature was trying to raise taxes and people would have responded. The fact is you really didn't oppose the taxes that much.

At the end of the interview Huckabee could pick 3 pieces of legislation he wanted to see pass. His answers give credence to the fact that Mike Huckabee is not a serious candidate for President.

Early Wildflowers of Devil's Den

I went hiking in Devil's Den today. What a beautiful day! The blue violets were everywhere. They were in just about every nook and cranny.


These yellow violets were mostly down by the creek.


The Trilliums were everywhere and just starting to bloom.


These Phlox were near the creek also.

Saturday Farmers Market

Saturday Morning! It's a bit cool and windy, but it's time to go to the Farmer's Market. There are lots of daffodils and tulips for sale. I believe Trixie thinks they're pretty.


This is a good time to greet fellow shoppers. We picked up some rosemary and a Japenese maple for the garden.

A Mother's Tribute

You have got to read this awesome story.

Karla Comfort received a lot of looks and even some salutes from people when she drove from Benton, Ark., to Camp Pendleton, Calif., in her newly-painted, custom Hummer H3 March 2. The vehicle is adorned with the likeness of her son, 20-year-old Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, and nine other Marines with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division who where all killed by the same improvised explosive device blast in Fallujah, Iraq, in December

Be sure to check out the pictures of her Hummer. They are absolutely fantastic!

Drew Griffin Drops From Race

Drew Griffin announced that he is dropping out of the Republican race for state House District 93. He didn't met the constitutional residency requirements for the office. It's too bad that happened. Drew was very enthusiastic about running. I though he would have done a great job. However, he's young and there will be plenty of opportunities for him to try again.

Story

Bow's Exercise Routine

OK! Are you ready! Just Relax For A Minute!


Now Twist! Hold It! Hold It!


Now Relax! Breath Slow!


Alright! Twist Again! Hold It!



OK! Try To Twist Further! Arch That Back! Try To Touch Your Back Foot!

Immigration Poll

Power Line News has put up a poll on immigration. They said:

We've put up a poll on Power Line News. The question is, "What should be our highest priority in formulating policies on immigration?" There are eight possible responses. We tried to make the poll valuable by avoiding the usual pitfall: slanted questions and answers that turn the survey into a push-poll. We tried to phrase the question and all of the answers fairly, so that each answer is a plausible response. Our hope is to get a more meaningful and nuanced picture of conservative opinion on the subject of immigration than is currently available, for the benefit of Congressmen. Especially Republican Congressmen

.

So far "Strengthening control of our borders to prevent possible terrorists and criminals from entering illegally" 50% and "Erecting a wall and stricter border controls to stop non-English speaking immigrants who are not interested in assimilating" 28% are outstripping the rest of the options.

OK, Congressmen, you have been hearing from the American people you are suppose to represent. We don't want to give amnesty to the illegal aliens who've entered our country. We want that border controlled and those criminals stopped from entering the country. We want you to do what you said you were committed to, protecting our country. Once you have done that we'll start considering what to do with the illegal aliens residing in the country. It's time you stop screwing the overwhelming majority of the American people.

Springdale's Violent Crimes Rate

Springdale's Police Chief Kathy O'Kelley released a report projecting that violent crime will increase 13 percent in 2006. It was noted that Springdale's violent crime of 3.6 crimes per 1,000 people was below the national average of 4.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Roger's violent crimes rate is 2.1 and Fayetteville's is 4.2 .

O'Kelly thinks that the crime rate may be higher because a lot of crimes are underreported. She thinks that Springdale's Hispanic population are hesitant about reporting crimes to police because of fear.

I think she may be right. Even though Fayetteville's rate is higher I feel safer in Fayetteville than Springdale. There are area's in Springdale that just aren't safe at night. I won't even dare to shop at Wal-mart. If O'Kelly thinks that the crime rate is going to increase what is she planning to do about it. Is the city going to hire more police officers? Encourage more neighborhood watches? I'd be looking for ideas to decrease that crime rate.

Full Story

The Illegals Among Us

I'm not racist if I don't want a bunch of criminals to receive American citizenship with access to government benefits and the ability to vote. It was a bit of a shock to see demonstrators demanding American citizenship and carrying the Mexican flag. What is going on with that? Seems to me that they're really not all that interested in citizenship but it's all about the government benefits that they feel entitled to receive. "We don't want to be stinking Americans, but we want all the benefits of being a citizen." We shouldn't be offering them amnesty and making them an American citizen.
Don't these Congressman remember any of the previous legislation they passed?Michelle lists them.

There have been seven illegal alien amnesties passed into law since 1986:

·The 1986 Immigration and Reform Control Act blanket amnesty for an estimated 2.7 million illegal aliens

·1994: The "Section 245(i)" temporary rolling amnesty for 578,000 illegal aliens

·1997: Extension of the Section 245(i) amnesty

·1997: The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act for nearly one million illegal aliens from Central America

·1998: The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act amnesty for 125,000 illegal aliens from Haiti

·2000: Extension of amnesty for some 400,000 illegal aliens who claimed eligibility under the 1986 act

·2000: The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act, which included a restoration of the rolling Section 245(i) amnesty for 900,000 illegal aliens]

Since there are approximately 12 million illegals in the country and they're trying to pass another amnesty bill, it's pretty obvious that these bills haven't worked. Creating another one is just about the stupidest thing to do. It's time to stop being stupid and try something else. Like Enforcing the Border! Oh! How about enforcing current laws and deporting illegals back to their country! All that Congress is doing is undermining the rule of law in the country and promoting more illegals to cross the border. The President and Congress have deliberately cut themselves off from the American people and have embraced criminals.

Extension of Rupple Road

Construction of Rupple Road moves forward. It's great that the Fayetteville School Board agreed to pay about one-third of the bill to extend Rupple Road in front of a new combination elementary and middle school. The city of Fayetteville and Tom Terminella will be sharing the rest of the bill.
Story

Arkansas Legislature, Special Session

Bills that have passed and are waiting to be signed by Huckabee:

FUNERAL PROTESTS

This was to stop protesters at funerals. I have a feeling that this violates the First Amendment right of free speech. I have commented previously that there are other ways to handle this problem.

SMOKING BAN

This will restrict smoking in the workplace and other public places. I've not problem with this, however, I've seen some places take it a bit too far. If you go by Washington Regional Hospital and some of their clinics, you will see smokers out on the street sidewalks. WRMC has forbidden smoking on the entire property forcing smokers to smoke out on the street. It's too bad they couldn't be a bit more accommodating and designate a smoking area.

WAGES

An increase of the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.25. Employers will be passing off the wage increase to the customer. However, with the worker shortage here in NW Arkansas, most people are already receiving more than the minimum wage. It probably will have little impact here.

Trent Lott Ham- Strung

Trent Lott is getting steamed up because of the work of Porkbusters. He's being blasted for using the must-pass Iraq and Katrina bill to advance a home-state project that's a bit ridiculous. Lott vigorously defended the bill and railed against Porkbusters.

"I'll just say this about the so-called porkbusters. I'm getting damn tired of hearing from them. They have been nothing but trouble ever since Katrina."

Awww, you poor thing! You really need to get over it and get use to some one looking over your shoulder. We are tired of Congress wasting our money and we are going to hold you accountable.

Couric

Katie Couric told viewers Wednesday she's leaving NBC to join CBS.

Who cares? I've never watched her and never will. I don't watch CBS(we make up news) and I never will.

Light Blogging

I haven't blogged for several days because I've just been too busy. The weekend was really nice so I worked in the garden and did some spring cleaning in the house. It was perfect weather to air out the house. I even managed to take the dogs for a walk. It was very warm and muggy and just going a few miles wiped them out.

The City of Fayetteville was giving away trees in honor of Arbor Day. I got a holly bush and a tulip magnolia. The Farmers' Market also started back up on Saturday. I've really missed going to the Market.

I saw my doctor yesterday. The first one since I've finished radiation. Everything is fine. My doctor informs me that for the next two years I'll be seeing her every 3 months and then I'll graduate to every 6 months. OH JOY! She gave a new medication to try for my hot flashes. It's actually a blood pressure medication, but she said it can help with the flashes. I got a taste this weekend of how hot flashes feel in warm weather. Not good! I'd have to be changing the bed sheets every day.

I'm thinking that as long as this really nice weather holds I won't be blogging much. I'll be spending time in the garden or out hiking. I need to try to keep my camera close by for any great pictures.