Weight Loss, Week 3

I'd really like to say that I've done a great job this week by losing 6 lbs. Really, I would.

Reality is, I lost 6 lbs because I contracted a mild case of food poisoning on Wednesday morning and am just now feeling well enough to eat real food. I've eaten (in the last 2 days) 1.5 bananas, 2 pcs. of dry toast, and 2 cups of chicken (bullion) broth with rice.

I've whittled the food poisoning down to one of two culprits: the ham (luncheon meat) that we got on Monday or the Progresso soup that I ate Tuesday for lunch. (I snuck a piece of ham and cheese for a snack on Tuesday night after dinner)

I expect a bounce-back of at least 3 of those lbs before the weekend is over, as Scraps and I are going camping with the Boy Scouts. I always seem to overeat at the Klondike Derby, and will probably with year, as I am making the best damned vegetable soup you've never tasted for the trip.

Yes, I'm making my Grandmom's vegetable soup, with my addition of barley (Grandmom never put barley in her vegetable soup, but I like beef barley soup, so....).

I'm sure that if I eat the veggie soup and leave the chili and hot dogs alone, I'll be ok. The only problem I may have is that the soup is so good, I may run out and have to eat the other stuff as well. C'est la vie.

Anyway, I plan on making the soup again next week, as Scraps and I love the stuff and can live on it and crusty french bread with butter (spray) all winter long. It really is that good.

Wish me luck for the upcoming week. I don't plan on dwelling on any gain back this week, as I said, I lost too much this week due to my illness. Heres to a lb or two next week and an even keel until I reach my goal.

B.


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Judge Candidates Forums

I've mulled things around for a few days, not wanting to write about the second (and last) forum right away.

One thing I should start with is this...many of the candidates stepped it up for the second forum. My congratulations to all of the candidates for putting themselves up to the scrutiny of the committee.

That being said, endorsing just 7 of the 17 candidates will not be an easy task. First of all, we all have become or have been friends with many of the candidates, through professional or political conduits. But, in politics, they say that you have to forget friendship and elect only the very best person for the job.

Define "very best"? Is it the most credentialed, the one who has tried the most civil cases, the most criminal cases, the most family law cases, etc.?

Not Unlike the "Blind men and the Elephant" parable, each of us will feel (out) the candidates and come to our own conclusion as to what we "see".

Let's say (hypothetically) that the absolutely best credentialed individual is not a very nice person, has certain character flaws, or, you just do not like them as a person? Can you possibly overlook that when making your choices? What if you really like someone personally, but they lack experience in certain areas? What then?

Balance. Balance is the key to picking the most effective team to run for judge, in my opinion.

You have to weigh out the options and choose according to the following criteria: Experience, ability to raise money, personality and electability (not necessarily in that order).

Most all of the candidates have the experience, most all can raise the money. It's going to probably come down to a personality contest, combined with who can really, truly get elected. Track records will come into play and eventually be scrutinized.

Will we field the best possible "Team" of candidates? Yes, we will. Will there be people on the ticket that don't deserve to be? I reserve judgment on that issue.

Let's suffice to say that I believe that this will first be a personality contest, and secondly, a contest of experiences. I don't think that most people will look past those two factors.

Do I have a short list of candidates? Of course I do. I have (x amount) on my short list with (3x) in the top tier. Does that mean that the other (y) weren't good candidates? No, my opinions are just that...mine. And yes, some of my choices aren't your choices. It all comes down to the popularity contest, I guess.

We'll have to wait and see. As always, your thoughts are welcome.







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Dad's Blog is Up and Running

It's called Philthy-Delphia (www.pappys-rants.blogspot.com) and as soon as I get him up to speed, he'll be blogging on his own. In the meantime, I'll be posting for him, as he sends stuff.



Here is a post from me on his blog, welcoming him.


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I'm So Proud (sniff)

On Friday, my father called me. He wrote a letter to the editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer and wanted me to see it. He sent it to me in an email.

I moseyed on over to my laptop and called up my email. Dad's letter was quite good, touching on a subject that was brought to my attention from another blog, on the previous day...the hijacking of funds from the DRPA to pay for a Fast Eddie pet project that could wait until we're out of our budget crisis. Dad's letter:

I read the paper today, and was appalled. The Delaware river port authority has approved donating $11 million to non- transportation projects. They just raised the tolls this year from $3 to$4, because they needed the money for repairs and maintenance, now all of a sudden they have $11 million to donate.

I feel victimized , taken advantage of, and whatever adjective describes their behavior. If they have enough money to give away, then they should lower the tolls back down to $3 or even $2.

If you have driven under the Ben Franklin bridge, and have seen the peeling paint and rust, then you know these funds should go to the upkeep of the bridges and not to governor Rendells pet projects ! After being reprimanded for contributing to the soccer stadium in Chester, you'd think they would know better.

Who oversees the DRPA? Evidently NO ONE!!!!! Bill Shaw

I read this as dad was on the phone, sniping and grousing about having written several letters to the Inky and never having one of them published. He said to me (and I'm so proud...sniff), "I need a blog!".

"I need a blog". "Can you set me up and teach me how to use it?" My response was "uhhhh...sure, Dad...you'll have to pick a name". Without hesitation, he said "Filthy-Delphia, but with a 'Ph'."

Dad will probably start blogging sometime this week. I'm going to add him to my blogroll, and feature some of his posts here at "writemarsh!".

Dad is just another pissed off voter, with a lot to say and nobody to say it to. I can't wait for post number one. If it's anything like his letter, he'll do just fine.


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One Year Anniversary

Today is the one year anniversary of "writemarsh!".

A lot has happened in that time. I"ve posted 637 entries and my blog has grown from a few visitors a day to hundreds a week. I've received the esteemed honor of becoming a contributing member of the PAWatercooler.com crew. I've been on TV (for a few seconds, on August 29th, 2008) and I've become sort of a hero/anti-hero of the "Jim Matthews is a Big, Fat, Liar" movement here in Montgomery County.

I've received over 30,000 hits in the year that I've been blogging, by over 21,700 visitors (some of the 30,000 were return hits on the same day). I've been rated as the 5th most influential political blog in PA, and as high as #3 rated conservative blog in PA.

I've posted unpopular ideas, funny stories, personal anecdotes, I've flamed politicians in our area that I feel have let us down (I won't mention names, but his initials are "Jim Matthews"), and I've sang the praises of not so popular and popular political figures (the most well known being Sarah!).

I've shared some personal triumphs, tragedies, and regaled in the successes of my friends and family. I've even posted a guest column or two by my dad.

I've been transparently honest in my posting. I've retracted things where the facts were later found to be erroneous. I've apologized when I've purposely or inadvertently made statements that I shouldn't have. And, I've removed posts when I've been too harsh and had second thoughts about the decision to post them.

I've not been perfect, but, ever the pragmatist, I've tried to make sure that what I posted was the very best I've had to offer.

I've enjoyed notoriety and a bit of local fame for having the "cogliones" to speak my mind in an ever-judgmental political atmosphere. And, of course, I've enjoyed every minute of it.

But, I wouldn't have anything that this blog has afforded me, if not for you, the readers. I am truly humbled, and I thank you. It's been a great year.

So, what's in store for the year to come? Of course, I'll be flaming Obama every chance I get. I'll be roasting "Lame Duck" Rendell, I'll be looking for interesting stories and I'll be regaling you with personal anecdotes, trials, tribulations, successes and failures throughout the coming year.

I'll be covering the upcoming senate races, gubernatorial races, the thousands of folks running for Lt. Governor, and countless other political goings-on.

And, 637 posts later, I'll still be watching and commenting on the main reason that writemarsh! came to be in the first place...the anti-hero of this ongoing saga of Montgomeryshire...the very reason I began to write this page a year ago today...King James the Turd, James Rex, KJIII, El Rey Jaime la Tercera, Jimbo...county commissioner, Jim Matthews.

Thank you again for your support. To once again quote libtard comedienne(?) Sara Bernhard, "without you, I'm nothing."

B.


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Weight Loss Progress Week 2

Or, what I'll call the "Big, Fat, Me Report".

I'm up 1.5 lbs this week. I'm not making any excuses, but it mat have something to do with the kids being home sick this week (Scraps on Tuesday, Lia on Wednesday and today). I haven't been very active this week, not burning any calories sitting around with the kiddies.

I have been doing better with portion control, but I've noticed something about myself...I have to get over leaving one of anything (I happen to be anal-retentive about throwing away food) in a serving dish.

Maybe I should put the extra stuff in a bag and make a "potluck soup/stew" at the end of the month...it might drive Karen crazy, though, all those little, unknown packages in the freezer.

We'll see what next week brings. In the meantime, I'm having baked catfish filets for dinner with leftover rice (I'm thinking a cajun-style "dirty" rice) as a side. I'll put some corn and peas in the rice for the veggie portion.

In the meanwhile, there's next week to look forward to.

B.



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Roe V. Wade

Today is the 36th anniversary of Roe V. Wade. Please pray for the 50,000,000 little ones who had no say in the decision.

President Obama is probably going to do away with the Mexico City Policy, which will allow lawmakers to funnel tax dollars, yours and mine, to abortion clinics outside of the sovereign U.S.

Hey, President Obama...your mother was pregnant, your father left her and she still chose life. She didn't feel trapped or that she would be saddled with a "mistake" as you have called it. But I digress...

President Obama has some very pointed views on abortion (from LifeSiteNews.com):

"The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act," Obama said in his July speech to abortion advocates worried about the increase of pro-life legislation at the state level.

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is legislation Obama has co-sponsored along with 18 other senators that would annihilate every single state law limiting or regulating abortion, including the federal ban on partial birth abortion.

The 2007 version of FOCA proposed: "It is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child, to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, or to terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect the life or health of the woman."

Obama made his remarks in a question-and-answer session after delivering a speech crystallizing for abortion advocates his deep-seated abortion philosophy and his belief that federal legislation will break pro-life resistance and end the national debate on abortion. (see transcript: http://lauraetch.googlepages.com/barackobamabeforeplannedpar...)

"I am absolutely convinced that culture wars are so nineties; their days are growing dark, it is time to turn the page," Obama said in July. "We want a new day here in America. We're tired about arguing about the same ole' stuff. And I am convinced we can win that argument."

"...tired about arguing about the same ole' stuff", huh? I guess in his mind a human life isn't worth fighting for, unless you happen to be a terrorist detainee in Gitmo.

Yes, folks, he's already seen a draft of the bill that would free the terrorist detainees and close Guantonimo Bay, essentially releasing known terrorists into the U.S., seemingly unchecked.

I guess their life is worth something to President Obama. Right...let the terrorists go and kill more babies?

Great start, Barry...great start. Thus far, I'm not impressed.

B.

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Living in Obama's World

It's not easy being a conservative in Obama's world. People tell me I have to change, that I have to have hope, that I have to work at making my country a better place, because, if not, I'm some lazy, good for nothing, lowdown Obama hatin', irresponsible drain on society.

Ummmmm. No.

Obama has been president for less than 24 hours and the only change I've seen so far is the attitudes of democrats (and former Republican leaning folks). It's gone from hopeful and "Yes we can" to smug and "Oh, you will...trust me, you will".

I'm an optimist. I always have been. The glass is always half-full, they (the dems) just have a bigger glass right now. We had the bigger glass a few times ourselves, and did good things when we did.

What I'm not liking is the "you will obey Obama" sentiment I feel is permeating the media, schools (they made them watch the inauguration, something they didn't do when GWB won re-election four years ago), and just casual conversation with anybody who supported (or now do support) President Obama. For example, I had a conversation last night with a young man I'll call "Einstein".

"Einstein" was a McCain guy throughout the election cycle, going so far as to volunteer at McCain headquarters here in Montgomery County. He spent countless hours on the phone banks, stuffing envelopes, just basically doing grunt work for the McCain campaign in Montco.

"Einstein" was a McCain guy until just yesterday. Here's a small example of a few Facebook conversations I had with him:

(Einstein) "Barack will inspire a nation; he will engage each citizen and work towards the perfection of our Union. Nothing will get done with cynicism or people being scared of change. By working together, we will win. We will reduce poverty, help to end divisions, work towards world peace, and rebuild our economy. Sacrifice is needed. Sharing is caring.

(Bill) Youthful optimism aside, (Einstein), you haven't lived long enough or been disappointed enough or paid enough in taxes to really grasp what is about to happen to our beloved country.

I hope you are this optimistic and enthusiastic a year from now.

But, what really disappoints me is this...you worked so hard to try to get McCain elected, only to defect and jump on the Obama bandwagon.

I wish Obama all of the luck in the world, he'll obviously need it. Other than that, I'm still a bitter clinger and proud of it.

(Einstein) I understand and acknolodge your points Mr. Shaw. But remember about that woman from the McCain campaign we both (didn't care for)? It was people like her and the dismal GOP response to the financial meltdown that has turned me off from the party. The party needs reform, and I can say now that McCain would not have been ready for this crisis. Neither would Palin. Obama knows his stuff, and that has impressed me. I don't think McCain would have known what to do.

"Einstein" went on to absolutely trash President Bush, much in the same way that the media and the radical left has done for the past eight years..."Bush is the reason for this, Bush is the reason for that, Bush is the reason that puppies die, Bush is the reason that babies cry, I hate Bush..." etc.

I don't hate Barack Obama. I hate the concept of working hard to achieve certain goals in my life, both financial and otherwise, only to be called selfish and have egalitarianism shoved down my throat.

We all have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If one chooses not to "pursue" happiness in their own lives, what right does the government have to take my money, in the form of higher taxes, and force "happiness" upon those who were not motivated enough to pursue it on their own?

As I explained to "Einstein", charity begins at home and it comes from the heart. One gives to charity according to one's ability and desire to give. To have the newly seated President demand that I give my time, efforts and yes, money (taxes) to promote an equality that some are just disinterested in achieving, is un-American.

When our President, Mr. Obama leads by example...in the true sense of his egalitarian misssion...giving up his salary and volunteering to lead us into a brighter future, then maybe I'll buy into his rhetoric. Until then, I'll choose where I give my time, energy and money and I'll choose how much of each I can afford to give. That is the American way. It's what my grandfather fought to preserve when he stepped off the plane in Germany in 1944.

As for "Einstein"? He's young and idealistic. I was, too, once...

We'll see how he feels about President Obama when he graduates college and has to work and pay taxes, trying to earn a living wage while raising a family. We'll see...

For now, I'll choose to live in the real world, not Obama's Utopian Shangri-La. Reality bites, but at least it's real. I truly don't have to be happy all of the time. Besides, if you're happy all of the time, what need do we have for "hope" and "change"? I prefer some balance in my life.

In the meantime, I will pray the serenity prayer for our new President:

Lord, grant our new President the the serenity to accept the things he cannot change; courage to change the things he can; and wisdom to know (and accept) the difference. Amen.

B.


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H/T to Tony Phyrillas

I'm running this post by Tony in it's entirety. It's a great read, and brings a few things to light about the media and their treatment of democrats compared to their treatment of Republicans. Enjoy:

Just how smart is Obama?

from TONY PHYRILLAS by TONY PHYRILLAS

Jason A. Trommetter, a libertarian blogger from the Harrisburg area, wonders why the mainstream media takes everything Barack Obama says at face value and doesn't question his qualifications or ability to handle the job he will inherit in just a few days.

"The media elite think George W. Bush is dumb as a tack, Dick Cheney was the brains of the operation for the last 8 years," Trommetter writes about the double standard imposed by the liberal media. "They view their Messiah, Barack Obama, as a genius without demanding any proof of how smart he is."

Think about it. What has been the consensus of the intelligence of some of our recent presidents from the mainstream medial perspective? Gerald Ford, Republican, was dumb. Jimmy Carter, Democrat was smart. Bill Clinton was really smart. George W. Bush is a moron.

As Trommetter points out in his blog post, Bush released his college transcripts showing he was an excellent student. What about Obama? What do we know about his academic performance? Nothing. He won't share that with us and the lap dog liberal media won't ask. (Bush even had better grades than Al Gore and John Kerry, the intellectual giants the Democrats ran against W. in 2000 and 2004.)

Trommetter also compares Bush leadership skills (and John McCain's) against Obama's and finds "The Chosen One" lacking in that area, too.

Trommetter ends his post with some pointed questions to the Obama-maniacs:

1) You've demanded that Republican candidates release their college transcripts to prove how smart they are. Why haven't you demanded to see Obama's college transcripts?

2) Obama has not shown me any leadership qualities. He gives a good speech, but that doesn't make him a leader. Why do you think he's qualified to lead?

Read the full post, "Double Standard" at New Trommetter Times blog.

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The Audacity of the "Coronation"

For the first time in my life, I'm scared for our republic.

There, I've said it.

I'm scared, because for the first time in my life, we coronate an emperor, not inaugurate a president. No, really.

The spectacle that has become and inaugural "pre-game show" is the most self-aggrandizing, audacious show of elitism I've ever seen.

I have been following politics loosely for as long as I have been a voter, and more closely for the last 8 years of the Bush presidency, especially since 9/11. Even the inaugurations of Reagan and Clinton weren' t this auspicious, not to mention the controversy which kept GWB from revelling in his two victories.

No, this is an all out hype created by Obama himself, with the help of a very liberal media, all hell-bent on hiding the fact that this guy is an empty suit, and nothing else. Hope? Change? Yes We Can? It's been done. I believe that last one was the mantra of one "Bob the Builder", before Obama hijacked it to use as his campaign mantra. Not that I'm surprised, though-Obama being a big comic and cartoon fan, it had to spill over into his real life sooner or later. Heh, I can't wait for "up, up and away"!

One of the most egregious and appalling aspects of this Obama coronation is this: If we decide that we just don't like the guy, or, like me, supported McCain in the election, we will forever be labeled as racists. As I've mentioned in past posts, my son was castigated by classmates...classmates who cannot even vote for 5 more years, because we, as a family, were McCain supporters. He was called a racist, which is laughable. If you know Scraps, you'd know that he is one of the most color-blind kids you'll ever meet.

But on to the really scary part:

There's already speculation that a constitutional amendment repealing the 22nd amendment is in the works.

Yes, folks, even before emperor Barry has been crowned, there is a movement to abolish the term limit set in 1948, allowing a president to only serve two elected terms. They're trying to set up the Fidel Castro model of "President for Life" before the guy has even signed one bill into law or put into effect one executive order. Read more about it here. Unbelievable as it may seem, here is the actual proposal, from govtrack.us.

What does this mean? Well, nothing, without ratification by 2/3 of the states. But, nothing is impossible, especially in a democrat controlled house and senate. Unbelievably, (I'll reiterate) Barack Obama hasn't even been sworn in and they want to change the Constitution to allow him an endless reign over his loyal (?) subjects here in the United States of Obama.

My take on all of this?

The emperor has no clothes.

G-d bless our new president. May he govern with intelligence and wisdom.

In the mean time, G-d help us.

B.




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The Future...Be Very Afraid

H/T to Jack Posobiec




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Chris Matthews is a Self Centered Boob, Part Deux

Matthews Proves He's A Jerk

MATTHEWS: Blowhard Scrooge

MSNBC's Chris Matthews would have you believe that he is a regular guy from a modest background who hasn't lost touch with his roots.

Unfortunately, Matthews continues to demonstrate that he is an elitist snob and insufferably pompous egomaniac.

The National Enquirer's Mike Walker has the story:

"It's beginning to look a lot like Chris Matthews is a bully - MSNBC's attack-host even picks on kids! Matthews and wife Kathleen bought a Christmas tree at Blessed Sacrament Church near their Chevy Chase, Md., home, a teen volunteer cheerfully loaded it in their car - but they had no cash. No problem, said Matthews, he'd just take the tree and pay later. "I'm sorry," said the lad, "but I can't let you leave with it." Making his trademark TV piggy-face, Matthews screamed:

"You don't understand what's going on here.

I'M CHRIS MATTHEWS!"

The kid offered to unload the tree and hold it - but Matthews balked! Incredibly, he told Wifey to walk home and get moolah, then barked at the kid: "See what you made her do? You made her walk two blocks each way!" So while Matthews sat cozy in a warm car, his wife braved cold, dark streets. When she returned, Matthews paid up - but left NO tip!

NOTE TO BULLY-BOY: That kid you Scrooge-d attends a school for youngsters with learning disabilities, and actually told people he's worried he offended you. Here's YOUR tip jerk: Since you're scheming to run for the Senate, don't browbeat Church charity workers, or kids.... It's a vote-killer!"

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And So It Begins

I've decided to take control of my life.

Not that I've been completely out of control, mind you, but it's time to get healthy.

Now, I know that back in October I had that issue, yadda, yadda, but that checked out ok and I got lazy. Then I got "downsized" from my job and have been kind of lazy about just about everything.

So, I'm taking control.

I've joined (a week late) with fellow blogger, Lisa Mossie, (Bluftooni) to start a program called "Gyminee". Here's how it works:

You set goals, you create a program for yourself, and you get support from your friends who follow along with the program. They add moral support and advice, and, trust me, it's a big help.

Losing weight and getting healthy is sometimes a very lonely thing. It's tough being the only person trying to lose weight in a family.

For example, I live with three other people, my wife, my 13 year old son and my eight year old daughter. We all try to eat the same foods, but it doesn't always work out well...my daughter is very picky, my son will try to make you miss the fact that he didn't have his veggies, while reaching for a second helping of mashed potatoes. I eat everything...as a matter of fact, I eat a lot of everything. My wife eats most of what I prepare, but, if we want to get healthier, we all have to make some changes. I, personally, need to get regimented.

In order for me to become regimented in my habits, I'll actually have to try to regiment the whole family.

I've found over the years (I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life) that when I was alone, I did better. It's easier to change one person's habits than to change four.

I don't have any set plan, as I think what needs to be done has to be done gradually. I can't waltz in tomorrow and say "this is what we're doing, get used to it". I won't do that to the kids.

Tomorrow, we're sitting down and getting our heads together. We'll make lists, go over them once or twice, figure out what everyone likes, what they dislike, and what we can compromise on. I'll make menu's, control portions, and prepare meals that taste great and are healthier than I used to serve.

The kids lunches will become healthier, too. No more of the salty, crunchy's for snacks. They can eat all of the crunchy's they want, as long as they're apples, carrots, celery, etc. They actually like that stuff, we just have been lax in keeping the fridge stocked with them.

So, tomorrow is a new beginning. Wish us luck.

B.



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Sightings: XX

This past Thursday evening, King James The Turd was sighted at Phil's Tavern, Butler and Skippack Pike.

El Rey Jaime la Mierda was seen in the company of (figures) Barry Miller and a gentleman named Harold Rosen.

Could this be the beginnings of another run for Lt. Governor for Jimbo? If so, could someone explain the "Matthews effect" to Mr. Rosen?

Although Rosen isn't running for office, it is well known that he contributes to and helps a lot of candidates county-wide. I be concerned that the "Matthews effect" could possibly rub off...Just lookin' out for your friends, Mr. Rosen!




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Getting Older, I Think

It's sometimes tough to be a "grown-up".

I found that out twice this week. Obviously, the first time was when I had to make a "grown-up" decision about our dog, Chance.

The second? Well, today, January 8th, 2009, my second child of 3, Jesse (Scraps), became a teenager. I now have one adult son, a teenage son and a "tween" daughter, Lia, who is 8 years old.

Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday, I was 28 and just married to Karen, my oldest, Ryan was an only child of 5. I was thinner, had no aches or pains save for a twinge in my back every once and a while.

Now, Ryan is 21, I have two more children and can't remember the last time I slept through the night or woke up without any aches or pains.

I'm old enough...check that...I now have a son old enough to make me a grandfather, another who is on the verge of putting away childish things and becoming a man, and a daughter who is 8 going on 18.

It's sometimes tough to be a "grown-up".

I'll survive.

Final thought: Happy Birthday, Scraps. I love you.

B.


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Taking a Chance: A Requiem For Our Sweet Boy

This will be my longest and probably my last post about my dog, Chance, that I will ever write. Chance went to heaven today, just after 11 am. Chance had developed a sarcoma on his spleen that was inoperable and was causing him respiratory distress for about 2 weeks. This came on rather quickly, as the video later in this post will show.

Chance was a pain in the ass. But, he was my pain in the ass and I loved him ever since we met him, just about 5 years ago when we rescued him through the American Brittany Rescue. The ABR tries to place dogs of all ages with "forever" homes and I recommend them highly if you ever decide that a "Brit" is ever to be in your future.

Right after we adopted Chance (or, in reality, he adopted us) the Whitemarsh Township Republican Club ran a "Top Dog in Whitemarsh" essay contest.

I wrote an essay about Chance and tied for second place.

The other day, I dug it out of the archives and decided that I would use it as sort of a requiem for our beloved family member. What better way to honor the memory of a pet than to tell the story of how he came to live with you. Here is that essay (btw, this essay sparked my interest in writing, which eventually turned into "writemarsh!):

What does it take to be the top dog in Whitemarsh? Is it being the best looking dog? Is it being the strongest, most courageous, most loving dog?

Maybe you’ll know after you hear Chance’s story.

Our family was missing something. We didn’t quite know what, but missing something none the less. I work nights, and it's a lonely feeling coming home to an empty house, so the idea of having a dog would be nice. I had been looking on the American Brittany Rescue web site, as well as the Springer Spaniel web site around Christmas last year, but just browsing (my wife and I had spoken about getting a dog, but not seriously).

My fortieth birthday was approaching in February, and Karen asked what I wanted. I told her I wanted a puppy. Not much more was discussed, as Karen was leery about
getting a puppy because of the time and sometimes mess involved. Meanwhile, I was still looking online, trying to find breeders in our area to contact. I had already decided that I wanted a Brittany.

After a few weeks of looking on the rescue web site, I showed several photographs of older dogs to Karen and read her the descriptions. We decided (after much whining and moaning on my part) that maybe it was time to get a dog, not a puppy. We figured that everybody wants a puppy, but we would like to save an older dog that not
many people would want.

We hit the Rescue web site daily, looking for dogs in our area to adopt. We tried several times to adopt, but hit brick walls when we spoke to the local coordinator. After about a month, we were going to give up and just go to the SPCA when we saw a new entry on the Brittany web page. The dog was not pictured, but the description tugged on my heartstrings.

It seems the dog was a product of divorce, and was unwanted. For personal reasons, this hit close to home. Chance was given up by his ex-owner because he was left behind when the husband moved out. The remaining family didn’t really like dogs, but kept him until they felt he was too much of a liability. He was being kenneled by a man who traveled frequently, and couldn’t keep him much longer. We applied online and called the coordinator, who resided in Massachusetts. I asked for a picture to be e-mailed to us, and when we saw it, Karen and I agreed we should adopt this dog. One
problem....he lives in Connecticut.

Well, not really a problem! My sister, Johanna, lives with her husband and kids in Norwich, Connecticut so we contacted her, made arrangements, and went to seek our new family member.

After a 4 1/2 hour trip (we stopped for lunch) and 230 miles of traveling, we finally got to Jody and Del’s place in Norwich. We were going to ride up that day to meet Chance, but after such a long trip, we decided to relax for the evening.

We had a big breakfast the next morning and got on the road. Since she knew the area, Johanna drove while Karen stayed behind to watch the little ones. The dog was at a sporting dog trials field above Hartford, about 45 minutes away. We arrived just before the trials were to begin, and the man who was Chance’s foster keeper introduced us. My son, Jesse, knelt down to pet him, and he laid his head on Jesse’s shoulder...almost like he was hugging him. His eyes said, "I’ve been waiting for you my whole life, Jesse".

Jesse fell in love with Chance, so I decided right there that this was always our dog, someone else just had him until now. After a half an hour of getting acquainted, we signed the adoption papers and took Chance with us. We got back to my sisters home, where Karen and my daughter Lia were waiting, and it was love at first sight!

The rest of the story is still being written, on a daily basis. Chance is my dog, but Jesse is his feeder, groomer, walker, etc. He is very connected with Chance, he is his
dog, too.

Which gets us back to: Why he should be top dog in Whitemarsh? Chance spent the first eight years of his life looking for us. We spent the first eight years of his life waiting for him. Chance was willing to travel over 230 miles to come to Whitemarsh, to start his life all over again with his "forever" family...a second "Chance" so to speak. That makes him "top dog" to us.

Well, "forever" ended today, as I took Chance on his last walk and asked the vet to end his suffering. This is how we intend to remember our sweet boy, with his favorite game that he liked to play, just after his walks:



It's been a hard few days, but I know, deep in my heart, that it was the right thing to do...Chance no longer struggles to breathe, nor will he whimper from the pain that the tumor was causing him.

I found this poem online Monday...the author is anonymous, so I have nobody to credit these beautiful words to, but the message has been helping me immensely. I'll leave you today with the poem...

G-d bless you all:

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---

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Matthews a Democrat?

Not Chris, mind you...but Montgomery County's own El Rey Jaime La Mierda!

At least that's what the Philadelphia edition of the online news service, "The Examiner" says.

The Examiner interviewed "the Turd" concerning the possibility of his brother, "Hardball" host, Chris Matthews running for the PA senate.

Here's the incriminating quote from the story, followed by a screen-shot of the article (click on images to enlarge):

"Jim Matthews says his brother loves his job and is currently weighing a contract offer from the network. Jim Matthews, a Democrat, is chairman of Pennsylvania's Montgomery County Board of Commissioners."

There it is, people, you can believe it or not believe it, but it's finally in print (click link to see the web page).



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Funny Thought for This Week

I had a rather funny thought this morning that got me giggling uncontrollably for a few minutes...

With what I've been going through the last month and a half, I've discovered (and I'm repeating this for all of you Facebook people who already saw this) that as of tomorrow, I'll be a divorce and a truck repo short of being a George Jones Country/Western song.

I just had to share that with all of you.

Have a peaceful day. I am.

B.



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I Finally Understand...

Back when I was about 8 years old, our family got a puppy. She was a Gordon Setter pup and we named her "Lancette", after both her father (Lancer) and her mother (Lanette).

Lancette was the family dog, and we hunted with her, vacationed with her (we drove to Wyoming in 1978 with me using her as a pillow!) and just plain loved her. Back sometime around 1974, I asked my dad if I could be the one who took care of her. He said "yes" and she became "my" dog (in my mind).

I used to spend countless hours feeding her, shoveling her poop and squirting sown the back yard, walked her when asked/told, and just plain loved her. She was a hunting dog and we kept her outside, in a hay lined dog house.

At some point, we brought her back into the house, and she became more...up until then, she was just "our dog"...now she was "our pet".

And that's the way it was for the last years of Lancette's life. She was a house pet that we fed, watered, walked, petted, and just plain loved.

At a later point in her life, she started piddling on the floor, unable to control her bladder anymore. My parents decided that she needed to be put to sleep.

I remember asking my father, when the time comes, I'd like to take her. I came home from work one day and she was gone.

Until writing this, I'm sure that my dad never knew how angry I was with him. I felt betrayed, after all, she was my responsibility (or so I thought). Heck, I carried a photo of her in my wallet, for goodness sake. I didn't even get to say goodbye.

That was 27 years ago. I'm no longer angry (I got over it a long time ago), but until this week, still never understood why he took that "last walk" away from me.

You see, my smelly, stupid, goofy, silly "forever" pup, Chance, has been diagnosed with cancer and we are saying our goodbyes today. My dad was a year younger than I am now when he took my Lancette to cross the "Rainbow Bridge". It's been a rough 20 hours since I walked into the vet's office and was told the situation was hopeless. I've been a basket case, trying to keep it together for the sake of the kids, but it's been hard.

Tomorrow, I will take Chance on his "last walk".

I finally understand.

B.




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Swearing-in Day in Harrisburg

Today is the day that our state legislators get sworn in for their upcoming terms.

Let's wish our Republican State Reps and Senators the best of luck and perseverance for their upcoming terms...it isn't going to be easy going the next two years.

Good luck, and G-d Bless!

B.



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Winter Doldrums

Well, good readers, the holidays are over. Trees are coming down, we're packing away the decorations and the kids are finding places to put their new treasures.

Then it's just gray until spring.

For most people, maybe, but not for me. You see, I love the winter. I was born in February, so I have my birthday to look forward to. My wife was born January 17th, and Scraps was born January 8th.

A lot of the good things in my life are "winter doldrums" breakers. Hunting season isn't over until the 18th of January, and we have the Super Bowl to look forward to. And, all through the winter, I look forward to the same thing I have looked forward to ever since I was a kid...SNOW!

Yes, friends, I'm that loon who really, really loves snow. I love watching it fall, I love the look of the land after an accumulation of a couple of inches, and I really love sledding with my kids. Oh, and I get to play with my snow-blower. I bought it in '97, anticipating another blizzard like the one we had back in '96 . It runs great, starts usually on the first pull, and runs like a champ. (side note: Scraps was born January 8th, 1996–the day it stopped snowing, and I had to take Karen to the hospital with 31" of snow on the ground).

Boys and their toys? Nah, I consider it one of life's simple pleasures. There's something guttural about being able to move tons of snow in less than an hour (at least for me). Since I'm half of a twin home, I do both sides and double my fun!

Best of all, I love the winter treats that cold weather "prompts" into existence...hot chocolate and soup.

I love all kinds of soups and can make many that, I must say, would put your dear old Aunt Martha's to shame. My chicken soup is a guarded family recipe (chicken, water, carrots, celery, and a starch of your choice, seasoned with salt and pepper, to taste) but my Grandmom Lawlor's vegetable soup can kick your grandmom's vegetable soup's behind.

When I was just a lad, our Cup Scout pack would hold an annual fundraiser. When my dad became Cubmaster, he and my mom, a "Den Mother" recruited Grandmom to make her vegetable soup to sell by the quart. Grandmom would take over the kitchen, orchestrate the day, get hundreds (it seemed) of pots of soup going, and every pot...EVERY POT tasted the same. That's how Grandmom rolled...no recipe, just a little bit of this and that and we ate good. (Grandmom passed on December of 2001... Lord, I miss her.)

Anyway, I make her vegetable soup by rote, as I have existed on her soup many a winter since I moved out on my own back in 1986. One pot would literally last a winter, as you have to make this soup in quantity, or it just doesn't seem to work. I've made variations, as Grandmom's was pure, no starches. I love to add cooked barley, I've used venison instead of beef, and have made this as a vegetarian dish for a Bengali friend I used to work with. The heck with Campbell's, Grandmom's soup is Mmm, Mmm, better!

Grandmom and Grandpop, circa 1940

Birthday celebrations, snow and soup...three reasons I love winter. You'll never change my mind, Winter is the best season of the year, IMHO, and I'm loving every day of it.

If you're experiencing the doldrums, give me a call or drop me an email...maybe I'll share Grandmom's soup recipe with you and give you a reason to look forward to winter, too. Trust me, once you taste her recipe, you will...you definitely will.

Have a blessed day.

B.



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