Watch Simon's Face

So Funny!

Ledge and Daddy

Saddest war picture

The reality of war. After 9/11, Americans wanted revenge! Here it is:

For Uncle Henry

Here is Ledge in the green jump suit. I couldn't get him to smile for me. He usually has a ready smile until the camera comes out. Do you want me to print them on photo paper and send them to you so you can paste one of them on the poster of Wylan? If so, what size do you want?

Isn't he cute?

Mama's Vegeburger Recipe

If you've ever had one of mom's vegeburgers, you know that when she starts making a batch, you are in for a treat. Her special recipe has been circulating in the family for years. Here, available to the public for the first time, is this exclusive vegeburger recipe:

MAMA'S VEGEBURGER

Salad Supreme seasoning

1 can Loma Linda Vegeburger

3 eggs

1/4 teaspood basil

1 level tablespoon sage (or Poultry seasoning)

1/4th cup cornmeal

1/2 cup Brewers Yeast

1/4th onionfresh parsley

1 small clove garlic

salt

pepper

Enjoy!

Stealing a Nation: Diego Garcia

The tropical island, Diego Garcia, has a huge US air and naval base which was the launch pad for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the past year, the Bush administration has made improvements that point toward its use in a possible attack on Iran.

But, the story of Diego Garcia is shocking, almost incredible. It is a shameful episode in British and US history (1968-1973) in which both governments tricked the islanders out of their homes to make way for the US military base. The Pentagon in Washington calls it an indispensable platform for policing the world. The island is also used as a "black site" prison, part of the CIA's secret "rendition" program for captured terrorist suspects. And, you can only imagine what goes on there.

If you are interested in the depressing and sad story of how the island was stolen from its indigenous, peaceful population, click here.

Otherwise, carry on.

Story Time

I was holding Ledge and Violet was pointing to the pillow and patting it while holding a book and I thought she wanted me to lie down with her and read her a story. I told her, "Violet, I can't read you a story right now because I'm holding Ledge." She said, "No, Baby," while she patted the pillow. I said, "Oh, you want me to read a story to you AND the baby?" She became frustrated because I still didn't understand. She whined, "No ... BABY," while she patted the pillow again and pointed to herself and then to the book. Okay, then I understood. "Ohhhhhh, YOU want to read a story to the baby by yourSELF." Yes, that was it. So, I laid the baby on the pillow and she positioned herself right next to him. She pulled up the blanket, making sure it was covering her AND him, and opened the book and read him the story. He paid attention, too.

Smiling at Violet (Notice her hand on his wrist)

Smiling at Grandpa

And, of course, we must include my little Violet in this group of pictures

What would YOU do with three trillion dollars?

Here are a few ideas that others came up with.

Violet's visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house

Violet truly loves Ledge and she is so patient and understanding when our play time is limited to times when Ledge is asleep. So, Violet came to our house on Friday and Saturday and we made up for lost time. Bob set up a tent in the backyard and Violet loved it. We set up our toys inside the tent and played and played and played. She is so full of life and so much fun! Here are some pictures.

...and more

Brother and Sister

The kidnapping of 416 children in El Dorado, TX

That's what happened, you know? The government came in to private homes and kidnapped 416 children and will not let them go back home! One mother says: "They are learning terrible things from the questions being asked, things that they have never been exposed to." A news source says they may never see their biological parents again! No one has been charged with any crime.

Does anyone have an opinion on this story?

Violet Walks with Great-Grandma

To all of you "Tax Defiers"

The U.S. Department of Justice [sic] today announced the rollout of what it calls the “National Tax Defier Initiative” (TAXDEF).

"The purpose of this initiative is to reaffirm and reinvigorate the Tax Division’s commitment to investigate, pursue and, where appropriate, prosecute those who take concrete action to defy and deny the fundamental validity of the tax laws.

Millions of hard-working Americans take time out of their hectic schedules to perform a time-consuming and often arduous task of filing federal income tax returns. 130 million Americans voluntarily [WHAT? VOLUNTARILY? You mean we WON'T go to jail if we don't do this every year?] engage in this ritual every year. These individuals participate because they know that with the privileges that the United States has given them come the responsibilities and obligations of citizenship. [Laughing out loud.]

This initiative is aimed at stopping those tax defiers who do not meet their federal tax obligations and seek to transfer those obligations to their neighbor’s back. [And, it goes on, blah, blah, blah.]"

The Justice Department used to refer to the tax protesters it prosecuted either as “tax protesters” or as “tax resisters”. Last month, they started to use “tax defiers” instead.

Holding Ledge for the First Time

Sweet Violet

What's Really Going On?

If you really want to know, check out Tavia's new blog. It's just getting started. Click here to be a part of it.

To Ponder...

Profanity is the attempt of a feeble mind to express itself forcefully.

Congratulations, Shavawn and Tony!