A day in the life of President Bush (photos) 11-20-2007

White House.gov and other sources ^ | November 11, 2007

[Kaslin]

Today, President Bush pardoned the National Thanksgiving Turkey and his alternate during the 60th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. Thousands of votes were cast to name the Thanksgiving Turkey and his alternate

Thanksgiving at the White House, 2007

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation. Though live Thanksgiving turkeys have been presented intermittently to presidents since the Lincoln administration, the current ceremony dates to 1947, when the first National Thanksgiving Turkey was presented to President Harry Truman.

The presentation at times has brushed against broader history. For example, the November 1963 event was one of President Kennedy's last in the Rose Garden. The first President Bush conducted the 1990 ceremony just before leaving for Thanksgiving with the troops in the Persian Gulf region. President Clinton in 1996 returned from an Asian summit and literally went directly to the ceremony.

The 2007 National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate are from Dubois, Indiana and were raised under the direction of National Turkey Federation Chairman Ted Seger. The 21-week old turkey, will weigh about 45 pounds, when he is driven to Washington.

The National Thanksgiving Turkey was raised using normal feeding and other production techniques. The one exception is they were provided increased interaction with people so that they would be prepared for their role at the White House Ceremony.

Presidents traditionally have granted the National Thanksgiving Turkey a "pardon". After the presentation, the turkey will be flown first class to Disney World in Orlando, where he will be the grand marshal of “Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” After the parade, guests will be able to visit the bird in the backyard of Mickey’s Country House in Magic Kingdom Park.

This morning President Bush pardoned “May and Flower” In the National Thanksgiving Turkey ceremony

After the ceremony President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and First daughter Jenna left for Camp David where they will celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday

President Bush Pardons "May and Flower" in National Thanksgiving Turkey Ceremony

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. (Applause.) Welcome to the Rose Garden. Thanks for coming. We're glad you're here at the White House. Each of you is taking part in a tradition that goes back to the days of Harry Truman. And to paraphrase Harry today, we have a message for our two feathered friends: You cannot take the heat -- and you're definitely going to stay out of the kitchen. (Laughter.)

I want to thank the representatives of the National Turkey Federation who have joined us -- the Chairman Ted Seger. Appreciate you coming, Ted, thanks. Ted brought his mom. Glad you're here -- seven brothers, and over 30 family members, I think it is. No wonder there are so many people in the Rose Garden. (Laughter.) But we're glad you're here. Welcome.

I also want to welcome President Joel Brandenberger. The turkeys in today's ceremony come from the Seger family farm in Dubois, Indiana. So I guess you can say they come with the Chairman's seal of approval.

I also thank everybody who voted online to choose the names for our guests of honor. And I'm pleased to announce the winning names. They are "May" and "Flower." They're certainly better than the names the Vice President suggested, which was "Lunch" and "Dinner." (Laughter.)

The national observation of Thanksgiving goes back to the days of our founders. They asked Americans to give thanks for a nation that Benjamin Franklin famously compared to a rising sun. Over the years, Americans have found much to be thankful for. We still see our country the way Franklin did -- or, as the poet Carl Sandburg put it: "In the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the hand of God."

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for a harvest big enough to feed us all -- and millions more. We're grateful for citizens who reach out to those who struggle, and for neighbors in need -- from neighbors in need to the strangers they've never met. We're grateful for working Americans who have given us the longest period of uninterrupted job creation on record and a prosperity that lifts our citizens. And we are grateful for one blessing in particular: the men and women of the United States military. They've worn proudly the uniform of our country. They have offered their lives in our defense. And each year, thousands more volunteer to join their noble ranks and to keep us safe. And so on this Thanksgiving, we keep our -- we keep their families and their loved ones in our prayers and in our thoughts.

(Turkeys gobbling.) (Laughter.)

Thank you. (Laughter.)

America's children also have a special place in our thoughts during this season. Don't you agree? Today we're proud to be joined from youngsters from the Camp Fire USA. We're glad you all are here. It's a nationwide organization that helps children become caring and confident future leaders. One of the things Laura and I have been most thankful for over the years is the chance to meet children from across the country and to hear from thousands of others. Some send photos. Some offer prayers. Some of them ask about Barney. A second-grader from California once asked me, do you ever get a headache? Not really -- only when I have a press conference. (Laughter.) Some children send letters with the same -- with the simple phrase, "God bless America." Others write about relatives serving in the war, and they hope I remember them.

Earlier this year, a little girl in Oregon sent me a picture she had drawn. It's a large American flag -- and it stood in the glow of bright orange sun. The spirit that inspired Franklin and Sandburg and other generations of America lives in the heart of this child. She sees America in the light of a rising sun. And so do I, and so do millions of our citizens. It's hard to be anything but grateful when you live in a country full of compassionate and decent citizens -- a land our fathers always knew was blessed by the Almighty God.

And so now I have a task, and that is to grant a full presidential pardon to May and Flower. They'll be shortly flown to Disney World, where they will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I hope that honor doesn't go to their head. (Laughter.) May they live the rest of their lives in blissful gobbling. And may all Americans enjoy a holiday full of love and peace. God bless you all. (Applause.)

Enoy your visit to Sanity Island

[Kaslin]

She sure does.

A classy lady even in slacks

[NordP]

Okay, so the President didn't wear an ORANGE tie today....BUT, read on... Thanks Sir!!!

From President Bush's speech today...

Earlier this year, a little girl in Oregon sent me a picture she had drawn. It's a large American flag -- and it stood in the glow of bright orange sun. The spirit that inspired Franklin and Sandburg and other generations of America lives in the heart of this child. She sees America in the light of a rising sun. And so do I, and so do millions of our citizens. It's hard to be anything but grateful when you live in a country full of compassionate and decent citizens -- a land our fathers always knew was blessed by the Almighty God.

AMEN.

[geopyg]

Thanks! I like that picture in Post 6. I would have an awful hard time being in serious phone calls in such a serious position and then going out and getting laughs hanging out with a couple of turkeys (and no - I don’t mean Democrats!). However, the President does a good job of it, as can be seen on the smiling faces of the photographers.

[Kaslin]

You’re welcome

[NordP]

Yep, I'd love to know who he was on the phone with and what was said. He has soooo much on his shoulders. I wish I could help take some of his burdens off his mind. That will be my prayer for our President, tonight.

Congrats on your toaster win!

NordP

To All:

Off to make dinner...

[Jewels1091]

pretty serious look on his face!

[Fudd Fan]

I wish I could help take some of his burdens off his mind. That will be my prayer for our President, tonight.

Me too, NordP. Mine too.

[Kaslin]

It might have been a serious phone call

[kitkat]

Hi, Kas

The turkey gobbling just at that moment was hilarious, as was Dubya saying, “Thank you.”

Thank you for this pre-Thanksgiving Dose.

[SnarlinCubBear]

Thanks for this beautiful dose and this most beautiful time of year. My favorite holiday.

Now, I need help - please, everyone pray that I’ll find my yeast roll recipe. It’s special - concocted by my deceased sister, and the family is counting on me to have rolls ready for Thursday’s dinner.

I have looked and looked, and looked....

:(

[SnarlinCubBear]

You are GOOD! I found it!!!!!

Ask and you shall receive!! :)

[NordP]

Prayers out to you and your memory...

Until then...perhaps this will spark something in your brain:

QUICK AND EASY YEAST ROLLS

1 pkg. Rapid Rise yeast 3/4 c. warm water (105 to 115 degrees) 1/2 tsp. salt 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 c. flour 2 tbsp. sugar 2 tbsp. oil 1 egg butter, softened

Dissolve yeast in water in a bowl. Add sugar, oil, salt and egg. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Stir in 1 cup flour until smooth. Cover with cloth and place on rack over bowl of hot water in the oven after turning on warm for about a minute. Let rise 15 minutes. Grease square pan, 9 x 9 x 2-inch. Stir down batter and add 1 1/2 cups flour. Stir until mixed, 3 minutes. If sticky, knead in 1/4 cup flour. Divide dough into 16 balls. Cover with cloth and place on rack over bowl of hot water for 25 minutes. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Brush tops with butter and serve warm.

HONEY ORANGE ROLLS:

While dough is rising the first time, heat 1/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons butter, 2 teaspoons orange juice and 2 teaspoons honey to boiling. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped nuts. Pour into greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Continue as directed.

CHEDDAR ROLLS:

Add 1/2 cup shredded Sharp cheese with second addition of flour. Continue as directed. Bake 15 to 17 minutes.

CINNAMON NUT ROLLS:

After shaping, roll each ball in 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 cup chopped nuts. Continue as directed.

JAM SWIRLS:

After kneading, roll dough into rectangular pan, 12 x 9-inch. Spread 1/3 cup jam to within 1/2-inch of edges. Roll up and seal. Cut in 12 (1-inch) slices. Continue as directed.

GLAZE:

1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 tbsp. milk

Drizzle over top.

[NordP]

YEAH!!!

[Kaslin]

Hi kitkat!

I got a kick out of when he said the names "May and Flower" were better then what the Vice President suggested "Lunch and Dinner"

[DrDeb]

kaslin: THANK YOU for posting the DOSE tonight . . . I just love the ‘turkey’ photos!
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THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH . . .
On this Thanksgiving we should remember to thank God for blessing us with a president who has the vision, character and courage to make the RIGHT decisions regardless of the personal/political consequences.

Because President Bush made the RIGHT decision, the surge is working in Iraq and a complete victory is at hand!

Because President Bush made the RIGHT decision, a break through in ETHICAL (NONembryonic) stem cell research has been made:

BUSH BEARS FRUIT
New discoveries pave the way for ethical stem-cell research, thanks to the president’s policies.
By Wesley J. Smith

Throughout his presidency, the Science Intelligentsia has castigated President Bush for placing limits on the federal funding of embryonic-stem-cell research (ESCR). Acting as if he had a banned ESCR, which of course he hadn’t, “the scientists” and their camp followers in the media and on Capital Hill accused the president of withholding cures from the ill in order to impose his religious beliefs on a reluctant public.

. . .

I believe that many of these exciting “alternative” methods would not have been achieved but for President Bush’s stalwart stand promoting ethical stem-cell research. Indeed, had the president followed the crowd instead of leading it, most research efforts would have been devoted to trying to perfect ESCR and human-cloning research — which, despite copious funding, have not worked out yet as scientists originally hoped.

So thank you for your courageous leadership, Mr. President. Because of your willingness to absorb the brickbats of the Science Establishment, the Media Elite, and weak-kneed Republican and Democratic politicians alike — we now have the very real potential of developing thriving and robust stem-cell medicine and scientific research sectors that will bridge, rather than exacerbate, our moral differences over the importance and meaning of human life.

You can read the entire commentary here:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGVlNjZjNjFiY2Q0NWJkODhiY2E3Y2NjYjVhYjIzMGI=
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As MARK NOONAN stated today on his newly named “Blogs For Victory” website:

. . . what we have seen since election day 2006 is a masterful political performance by a man who is still misunderestimated by his critics. You’d think that since he’s been running rings around the Democrats and the MSM since 2000 that they would finally get a clue about how over-matched they are by President Bush. But, no: they keep on as if their stories of him being stupid are true. Ah, well - it will be 50 years before a true understanding of President Bush can be presented to the American people. We of our generation with all of our passions will have to pass from the scene, and then people will be able to learn about one of America’s greatest Presidents as he really is.
http://blogsforvictory.com/2007/11/20/president-bush-is-doing-well/#comments

[Kaslin]

You're welcome.

My rolls come out of the can

[SnarlinCubBear]

Thanks for your help Nordy. So glad I found my recipe. I tore up my cabinets this morning looking, and could not find. I was losing hope. Then, voila, found it! PTL!

You have a great T-Giving GF!

[DrDeb]

In my previous post, I forgot to include a link to a videoclip from and a transcript of Charlie Gibson’s interview with the President and First Lady . . . For Charlie, it was quite good!!

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Vote2008/story?id=3892297&page=1

[snugs]

Thanks for the dose - am pretty whacked tonight hard day at work so will read in more detail tomorrow - night all.

[luvie]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
EVERYONE!