A Day in the Life of President Bush (photos) 12-15-06

http://www.defenselink.mil/;http://www.whitehouse.gov/ ^ | 12-15-06 | onyx

[onyx]

Welcome to Sanity Island. It's been a busy and memorable day.

Today, President Bush led the Pentegon's Farewell to Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld.

Full story here.

President Bush, right, congratulates outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, second from left, during a farewell ceremony in his honor at the Pentagon, Friday, Dec. 15, 2006. Vice President Dick Cheney, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Peter Pace, second from right. applaud. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President Bush also Honored Medal of Freedom Recipients in the East Room.

Fellow recipients of the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom applaud as President George W. Bush bestows the honor on David McCullough during ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at the White House. Said the President, "This chronicler of other times is one of the eminent Americans of our time. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to a fine author and a fine man." White House photo by Shealah Craighead

Photo of the Day: (but all are wonderful)

Quotes of the Day

"The record of Don Rumsfeld's tenure is clear; … there has been more profound change at the Department of Defense over the past six years than at any time since the department's creation in the late 1940s.”

“On his watch, NATO sent its forces to defend a young democracy in Afghanistan more than 3,000 miles from Europe, the first time NATO has deployed outside the North Atlantic area in the history of the alliance."

“Most importantly, he worked to establish a culture in the Pentagon that rewards innovation and intelligent risk-taking and encourages our military and civilian leaders to challenge established ways of thinking."

"These changes were not easy to make, but Rumsfeld’s determination and leadership led to the best equipped, best trained and most experienced military in the world. “This man knows how to lead, and he did, and the country is better off for it.”

[onyx]

Hi Meg. I enjoyed it too. We already miss him, but he deserves and rich and happy retirement.

[SuziQ]

fahklempt?

Overcome with emotion. Did you ever watch Saturday Night Live with Michael Myers as 'Linda Richman' a big Streisand fan? It was hilarious.

[onyx]

Thanks!

[SnarlinCubBear]

Thank you BTSea. She's still in doggie emergency hospital. She has the equivalent of human congestive heart failure. She had to be kept in an oxygen crate, and given Lasix, and nitro glycerin. Her sweet little lungs were filling up quickly with fluids. I hope to get her home tomorrow.

[SnarlinCubBear]

Post #250 has a pic of the Iron Maiden.

[beyond the sea]

Good luck, I'll be thinking of you and your poochie.

[Wolfstar]

Post #250 has a pic of the Iron Maiden.

How beautiful, Bear. She's a darling and a real beauty.

[Majie Purple]

Thanks for Friday's Dose Ony!

[Majie Purple]

Congrats on getting Friday's Toaster.

[Majie Purple]

Re 134... Thank you very much! Merry Christmas to you & yours as well...

[Majie Purple]

Re: 247 sweet! Than Yoy same to You & Your Dad!

[DollyCali]

hi babe!

[DollyCali]

Geeze.. I hit send before I was finished.. chance I might get your way this spring. If we can meet for lunch along the way, that would be super.. drag Mr. TOby along also! will keep you posted

[onyx]

You're most welcome!!!!!

[MamaB]

Hey,
We got home Monday night. We all had a marvelous time. There were only 18 people there. The weather was perfect with sunny skies and about 60-70 degrees. The "cabin" was absolutely beautiful. We did our own thing during the day time. We drove through Cade's Cove and saw lots of deer. One walked right in front of us and then one walked behind us. We ate at the Old Mill Restaurant again. Seems like we eat there every time we go up. We took the trolley for the Winter Fest lights in Pigeon Forge and learned some of the history. A Patriot missle was on display which surprised us since it was developed here. Some of the most beautiful lights were LED blue lights. They were everywhere. I bought daughter some for her tree. It was a let down to come back home and see just how few lights there are here. A professional photographer took lots of pictures for us. The price worked out to be $150 dollars each which is not bad for 4 nights in that mansion.

[STARWISE]

Glad you had such a nice family visit. It warms the heart, doesn't it? God bless you and yours during the Holidays.