A good speech!

I thought President Trump's State of the Union address was very good last night. Tami and I agreed he knocked it out of the park. He covered a lot of pertinent topics and even extended olive branches to the Democrats in offers of working on bipartisan issues. I thought the President's remarks were appropriate, compassionate, sincere, and exactly what many Americans have been clamoring to hear. As expected, many Democrats sat in icy coldness as the rest of the Congressional chamber erupted in cheers and thunderous applause. As expected, many Democrats sat on their hands when the rest of the room gave standing ovations. As expected, many Democrats made faces of extreme disapproval as the President touted tax cuts, lower unemployment rates, a stock market boom, tighter border security, proposed infrastructure improvements, and a promise to not stand down to threats from foreign enemies. As expected, many Democrats acted like spoiled little children and actually booed as the President mentioned immigration reform. Did you hear what I said? These high ranking officials, these supposed servants of the people actually booed the President during one the most important speeches of the year in the most sacred government building in our nation. How DISRESPECTFUL! How utterly CHILDISH! I have no problem with Democrats disagreeing with Trump's policies. No problem at all. But be respectful! Have some class. Have some modicum of decency when the President of the United States is speaking to the entire nation on national television. Honestly, as angry as it makes me, I'm kind of glad they did it. It shows the Democrats for who they really are. I don't ever recall Republicans booing a Democrat President during a State of the Union Address. I'm not saying it never happened. I just don't recall Republicans ever acting that way during such an important event. It's so sad they can't act like adults and actually behave in a manner befitting elected officials.

State of the Union

Tonight President Trump will deliver his first State of the Union Address. I will be tuned in at 9:00 tonight just as I have been in years past for the once a year speech. Why? Because I'm an American, and it's my duty to stay informed of what is going on in this nation (both good AND bad).

I have been amazed recently at how many Democrat politicians have claimed they are going to boycott the speech. I'm talking about members of the House of Representatives, Senators, and even a Supreme Court Justice (I'm looking at you, Ruth Bader Ginsburg). What is it these Democrats think they will accomplish by not showing up to listen to the President speak? Believe me, Trump and the Republicans could not care any less if they show up or not. I think high level politicians boycotting the State of the Union Address makes them look childish, petty, and small. In essence, they are saying my candidate (Hillary Clinton) didn't win, so I'm going to stomp my feet, pout, and cry because I didn't get my way. Is this any way for the highest ranking politicians in our nation to behave? I say no. I can't recall a time when a Republican boycotted a State of the Union Address by Obama or Bill Clinton. He/she probably did, but I guarantee it was an isolated case. Unlike these Democrats who are boycotting in large numbers all in the name of "Resisting". If I'm a voter and an elected official in my state or my district willingly skipped this event, you better believe they'd never get another vote from me. The State of the Union is the only day in a given year all high ranking members of our government are in the same place. Democrats are going to boycott that? For what? Grandstanding? Making some statement about how you despise the President? Whatever! Go ahead Democrats... boycott. You are accomplishing nothing and in turn hurting your constituents and your party.

This speech hasn't even occurred yet, but I would like to make a prediction. The Democrats reaction and rebuttal after the speech will sound something like this. Boo hoo!!!!!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! Sniffle Sniffle! We wanted Hillary! We hate Trump! He stole the election! His campaign colluded with Russia! It's not fair! We were supposed to win! Waaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

Tide Pod Challenge

I received a question about yesterday's post. "What do you mean kids are eating soap?"

I'm referring to the Tide Pod Challenge. Teenagers are daring other teenagers to eat laundry detergent. I'm specifically referring to Tide Pods. Have you seen these laundry pods? They are very colorful and appealing to the eye. This is why I could understand if little kids were eating them mistaking them for candy. But I'm not talking about little kids. I'm talking about teenagers who should know better than to eat soap. Listen, folks, I did some really stupid stuff when I was a teenager. Nothing that would have endangered my life, but some stupid stuff nevertheless. I can guarantee you two things. First, nobody ever had to tell me not to eat laundry detergent. Second, if I had eaten laundry detergent, my parents would have beaten me to death long before the detergent would have poisoned me.

I admit it. I need help understanding this. What possesses a teenager to eat laundry soap? I am genuinely asking. I get the fact that teenagers are prone to making stupid decisions. Who among us didn't sneak a beer behind our parents' backs? Who among us didn't take a puff of a cigarette just to see what it was like? Who among us didn't do some wildly stupid trick at the playground to show off for the pretty girls? Sure, we could have broken a leg, but we weren't ingesting poison for goodness sake! We could have coughed up a lung from that first puff of a cigarette, but it wasn't going to kill us.

So here's a message for the youth of America...

STOP EATING SOAP!

Scary

Scary, huh?

Pluggin' Away

My opinion of President Trump has been well documented on this blog. I'm not his biggest fan. My vote for him on November 8th, 2016 was more a vote for "Not Hillary", rather than a vote "For Trump". However, I have to give the guy credit. He has been in office for one year and he is getting stuff done. He is kicking butt and taking names. It's hard to argue with his success (especially where the economy is concerned). He promised to Make America Great Again, and so far he has done just that.

Parking

Remember the days when parking your car meant putting a coin in the meter and turning the handle? Remember the days when parking your car meant taking a ticket on the way in and paying on the way out? Yeah, I remember too. How do you know when the world has passed you by and left you in its dust? When the parking machine looks like the cockpit of the space shuttle... that's when.

A crying shame

What is the definition of a crying shame? Perfectly good pizza scattered across the highway. Alas, what a waste of pepperoni and cheesy goodness!

No Fords!

I have owned a few Ford vehicles in my lifetime. By and large they have been nothing but junk. They are constantly breaking down and are more trouble than they're worth. Michael has a Ford Ranger Truck and has had tons of problems with it since purchasing it several years ago. It has basically been a money pit. He has a theory (and I actually think there might be something to it). Ford makes a cruddy product, but guys who like cars and are good at fixing cars like to buy them. Why? Because they are generally cheaper than other vehicles, and they enjoy working on them and fixing them.

Look, I know this is a sweeping generalization, and any intelligent person wouldn't judge a whole company and literally millions of vehicles based on bad experiences with three or four crappy ones. But I do know I've never owned (or driven) a Ford vehicle that I liked or that hasn't been a gigantic headache. I would buy any other make of car before ever buying another Ford. And yes, that would include Kia, Hyundai, and other lesser known brands.

Apparently I'm not the only person that feels this way...

I'm a Super Hero!

Today at school it was Super Hero day. All the teachers wore Bat Man, Superman, Spiderman, and Iron Man attire. I don't own any of that stuff, so I just wore my regular school clothes and made up my own Super Hero.

Introducing--- PLAID MAN!

The most low-key, laid back super hero known to mankind.

Protecting the bustling metropolis of Geritol City from the dastardly deeds of nefarious bad guys!

My super powers include: Spoiling grandchildren, teaching 4th graders, and helping old ladies across the street!

Note: Plaid Man does not fight crime after 7:00 P.M. because by that time he has fallen asleep in his recliner.

And after school I drove home in the Plaid Mobile.

More Snow?

We're expecting more snow. I don't think it will be much, but you never really know. It IS January after all. If I were rich, I'd "shovel" my driveway just like THIS!

Asher is 2

Our youngest grandson, Asher turns 2 today. We celebrated his second birthday yesterday and a good time was had by all. I think Asher had the most fun as he tore into his presents and had us sing happy birthday to him about ten times. Each time we'd finish singing, he'd say, "Again!". And of course we sang again. After the tenth rendition of Happy Birthday, he was told that was the last time we'd sing. He came back at us with a very sweet, "Please", and what did we do? Of course! We sang again! What a great day!

Happy Birthday, Asher!

Sorry. This is the best photo I have. Asher moves faster than my camera. Most two-year olds move faster than a camera.

One year ago

One year ago today Donald Trump served his first full day as President of the United States.

I may not be Trump's biggest fan, but I am thankful he stopped Hillary Clinton from being our President. For that, I am so thankful! President Trump has done an incredible amount of things in his first year, and I pray the next three years are even better.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Not losing weight

And this, boys and girls, is why it is so difficult to lose weight.

Sunset

I love marveling at God's beautiful creation. Too many people take the wonder of the heavens and the earth for granted. Last night there was a beautiful sunset. It wasn't beautiful because it seemed to have a million different colors. It was beautiful because of the gradient blending of colors from deep orange to blue to white. I also love the contrast of the black trees against the fading light of the sky. And even though I don't like snow, it does make for a pretty foreground in this photo.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Kids are funny

This is a family friendly blog, but I don't think this post crosses any lines. Yes, it references exotic dancing, but when you see the post and the context, I think you'll agree it's okay. This is just plain funny!

This is getting OLD

We have sub-zero temperatures again today and flurries falling. I'm about sick of winter. It stinks!

Dad Jokes

Everybody knows what Dad Jokes are, right? Really corny jokes also known as groaners... these jokes are so stupid that the only ones who find them funny are the dads telling them. The primary purpose of these dad jokes is to embarrass their children. The secondary purpose is to annoy the children's mother. The final purpose is to amuse themselves. In my mind, these are three really good reasons to tell dad jokes.

Uncle!

It's snowing again today. Granted, we haven't had any huge snowstorms. These are storms local meteorologists call "paralyzers". But we've had our share of "nuisance" and "shoveler" storms. It's only mid January, but I've already had enough. I say Uncle! I give up! We need sunshine and we need warm weather!

What happened?

I really, REALLY want to know the story behind these photos...

Sportscasters

First Dick Enberg and now Keith Jackson... The sportscasters of my youth and young adulthood are passing away. Enberg called every sporting event known to mankind, and Jackson was known for signature calls such as “Whoa, Nellie!” and “big uglies” and calling the Rose Bowl “The Granddaddy of Them All."

It's just a stark reminder... we're all mortal and we will one day face our Creator. It makes me so happy knowing I have Christ in my life and I am assured of my eternity through His sacrifice on the cross for me.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Grandkids

There is truth in this. It's easy to forget that my house used to be a mess all the time when the kids were little. Now it only happens when the grandkids visit...

Big Storm

There's a big snow storm headed our way for the weekend, and I'm not thrilled about it...

However...

Funny Signs

You know how much I love funny signs...

Hole Foods

This one made me chuckle...

The Truth

This is totally the TRUTH!

Getting old ain't all bad (but it ain't all good either :-)

Winter!

Winter is barely two weeks old and I am already SICK OF IT!