[dutchess]

Hi billie, Amy, lori, Meg, Geebee Russ, Aquamarine et al

Am responding to your last post billie. Gosh...forgot how to navagate the homepage. Was excited that I was posting close to you being here...but of course...it's now an hour later as I'm writing a novel!.

Anyway, thinking of you and Dancing with the Star fans as we have our first elimination round. Our little town of 15,000 is GOING NUTS over Louie Vito as he was raised here, his parents are local business people and are very involved in the community.

Louie is a definate gen x'er snowboarder, definately "out there" but with a HUGE heart. When approached he was skeptical as this is out of his comfort zone and something he never had any interest in but now that he is there it is his ultimate challenge. PLUS, we're just loving all the "behind the scene" stories from mom and dad.

Anyway, all the store fronts have Louie displays in their windows, most everyone wearing Louie pins or T-shirts (proceeds to support a local theater project) The theater is actually having a 3 day event with restaurants and clubs donating food and drinks...admission $5.00 for 3 days to watch on a large screen. Around 250 showed up the first night. This is truly small town america and has been so much FUN!

On day one, I thought Louie actually did better than expected...as bruno put he was like a little grinning hobbit LOL! I don't think anyone expects a win...from the beginning we just kept hoping he would make the first cut. Now...we kind of think he might survive tonight and are hoping for another week or two. Chelsea did incredible things with Ty (the rodeo guy last year), Louie says she is a taskmaster AND awesome, so...we'll see!!!

ANYWAY, it's energized a community that has FINALLY been hit with all the economic hardships many other places have been facing for awhile.

Miss you all...keep hoping to post more often but a busy busy time. Susie (pound puppy #4 whose been with us since last fall) has taken over where Giz left off and has become "#1 dog in the household. She doesn't seem to mind being an only child so we'll probably keep it that way for awhile.

We took her up for her maiden flight to Michigan a few weeks ago and she did great! When I would look back at her I occasionally got those big brown eyes "what the heck are you doing to me mom" look...but she stayed put until we landed and then she couldn't wait to get out of the plane. Tomorrow we go for 5 days. The colors are just starting to change in Michigan so not only should the flight be lovely but also hanging out up there. I can't believe it's the 1st day of fall. Where does the time go????

Also, want to thank all the FR friends who attending the 9/12 rally. We hoped to attend but it didn't work out. Watched with pride all day though...and thought back the whole time of participating in the March for Justice. WOW...how things have changed. But I think this site was just the beginning of the grass roots "SWELL" that is beginning to look, listen and take back our country. Many of the "uninformed" thought we were alarmest nuts...now they are jumping on board!!!! I finally can say I am optimistic for our future as long as we keep the momentum going. I even think my democrat folks, where they still here, would be standing by us.

Again, hugs all around. I'm going on and on...but have a few months to make up for :o) (((hugs))) dutchess

[Mama_Bear]

Hey, sistah dutchess! I enjoyed reading your “novel”. It’s always nice to see you here. I’ve gone for awhile too. I just have so little time for playing on the computer anymore. I’m involved in some painting projects again. I am in the process of painting the entire inside of our house one room at a time (and it’s a big house!). I’m slow, but I am getting it done, slowly but surely. Also, have been very active in our Central Valley Tea Party organization, and with taking care of JK’s mom, it’s just one thing after another.

I have missed the first couple DWTS, but I will tune in to see your Louie dance. I can imagine if our little town had a contestant on that show. We’d be going nuts too!

You take care, sistah. It was wonderful yakking at you for a little while. HUGS!

[MEG33]

So glad to hear from you!
(((HUGS)))

[JustAmy]

Dutchess .... what a delight to see you here again.
We've missed you.

I don't watch much TV except for Fox News
but I will try to catch DWTS so I can watch Louie.

Don't be such a stranger.
Hope to see you again soon.
Enjoy your five days in Michigan.

[Billie]

So happy to see you were here, dutchess! I was excited when Louie was one of the first ones to be called safe! He is a doll! I don’t think he’ll make the finals, but will keep watching and hope to see him advance several more weeks anyway!

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Dutchess

It's great to hear from you and you are doing well. What a fun plane trip you gave Susie! :) I can just imagine her thinking what the heck is going on LOL. I hope the momentum continues too. People have been doing terrific work standing up for Freedom. Finally seems that there is hope.