A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 7-04-02 thru 7-07-02

"A few of FR's Finest" will return 7-08-02

[Mama_Bear]

Please add me to your list. I just came across this thread this morning and checked back to the 11/11 thread. Great group pictures! About what time and who starts the Finest FReepers?

You have been added to the list. Great to see you here, glad you found us!

This thread was Billie's brainchild. She started it about two weeks ago and asked if daisyscarlett and I would help by featuring and spotlighting a deserving FReeper once a week. Billie takes care of posting the other days of the week.

Usually each day a different FReeper is spotlighted, but we decided to let the our 4th of July celebration thread run through the weekend. Billie will be back with a featured FReeper Monday morning.

We very much support our FReeper active duty military and veterans, as well as FReepers who deserve kudos for the fine job they do everyday supporting FR and the cause of preserving our Consitiutional Republic. There are countless dedicated patriots on this site who put endless hours into keeping important issues front and center. We felt a daily thread was needed in order to give some recognition and a pat on the back to "FR's Finest".

If you, or anyone, has a FReeper in mind you would like to see honored here for their contributions, please freepmail me, or Billie, or daisyscarlett. I will also ask Billie and daisy to put you on their ping list. We are so happy to see people here who are eager to participate.

[Mama_Bear]

This is heartwarming!!

Yes, it is. They are a beautiful family, aren't they?

I am so proud, everyday, to know that President Bush is in the Oval Office. I may not agree with everything little thing he has done while in office, but I honestly believe that he always has America's best interest in mind in every decision he makes. It is so refreshing after eight years of a President who did nothing that wasn't in his own best interest.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"A message to Congress
Stop Cheating our Vets
They put it all on the line for America"

Congress has already determined that in 2003 vets will pay more for medical services.
As you know the VA is trying to force me to pay a bill for private medical services they sent me to in Feb 2002.

[whoever]

Accrued Knowledge

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing certain songs. Age 6

I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. Age 29

I've learned to learn from the mistakes of others, because you don't have time to make them all yourself. Age 30

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 39

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it. Age 42

I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and a poor driver. Age 52

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 53

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72

I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell you the truth, I've seen several. Age 75

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 85

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92

[lodwick]

Good morning sir. Please keep us posted on your situation, and please let us know if there is anything that any of us can do specifically for you while you're dealing with this situation. Thanks, JL

Have you contacted your US CongressCritter's office? or either of your Senator's offices? These guys CAN cut through the red tape if they choose to do so. Would some serious FR emailing help these goofs get it right? bbl

[whoever]

UNBELIEVABLE TRUE STORY

Scientists at NASA have developed a gun built specifically to launch dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity.

The idea is to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of the windshields. British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made.

But when the gun was fired, the engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurtled out of the barrel, crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, crashed through the control console, snapped the engineer's backrest in two and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin. Horrified Britons sent NASA the disastrous results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield, and begged the U.S. scientists for suggestions.

NASA's response was just one sentence, "Thaw the chicken."

[whoever]

"It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn."
-----George Washington

[lodwick]

Hi Who! Are you getting enough rest? I worry.

Thanks for the thoughts, encouragement, and little known factoids - they brighten our day. JL

[lodwick]

[Mama_Bear]

LOL! That's a cute picture. They are posed so prettily, it's like they know they are beautiful. :-)

[whoever]

..Are you getting enough rest..

Thanks for your concern. Fortunately, I get my solid eight every night.

whoooooo

[lodwick]

;-) Those birds even have their own webcam! I love algore's internet.

Great job with the solid eight ZZZZZZZZZZ's whoooooooooo. Well done.

Elvis' Pink Caddy

For reasons that remain unknown to moi, BigWaveBetty decided that The Guild Thread should Think Pink today. Let me know when you tire of things pink. JL

[Mama_Bear]

I love "things pink". Puts me in a 'mauvey' mood. LOL!

[blackie]

Nope, I'm not in that group, even though I have a white beard like that guy riding the Flag draped lead Yamaha.

I haven't been in Holister since 1950, I was there for the 1/2 mile and the TT race that year...

[whoever]

THREE WISHES

A man is walking down the beach and comes across an old bottle.
Picking it up, he pulls out the cork...
Sure enough, out pops a huge blue genie. The genie says,
"Thank you for freeing me from my prison. In return I will grant you three wishes."

The man says "Perfect....
I always dreamed of this and I know exactly what I want.
First, I want 1 Billion dollars in a Swiss bank account."

Suddenly, there is a flash of light and a detailed list with Swiss Bank account numbers appears in his hand.

He continues, "Next, I want a brand new red Ferrari right here."

There is another flash of light and a bright red Ferrari appears right next to him.

He continues, "Finally, I want to be irrestible to women."

A final blaze of light and he turns into a box of chocolates!

[LadyX]

While well aware of the lack of sufficient monies to fund this area, I still thank God for the benefits, Tonk.

I was legally disabled in 1994, well before I was 65.
Medicare was available after two and a half years, but in the interim my COBRA insurance (very costly) from work had expired.
My husband's heart attack in 1992 sidelined him two years before I was placed on Time Out.
The real disaster was the cost of medications, of which I take many for the several conditions I have, on greatly reduced income.

In 1997, the monthly prescription bills (not counting non-Rx ones required - coated aspirin, iron, vitamins, etc.) were up to $400 a month.
That was WITHOUT some 'luxury' ones - like the emergency glucagon injection kit for the times when I have very severe insulin reactions.
When I would otherwise lose consciousness and leave terra firma, they keep me in this world if injected quickly.

When I was working and had a discount for Rx's, ONE was $15 - jumped to $45 - and then 5 years ago to $60.
I half-joked with my pharmacist that CVS ought to GIVE them to me at no cost in view of my other Rx expenditures - keep me alive so they could profit..:)))
I did without these vital things for a couple of years, unable to afford them.

Finally biting the bullet, I went to the VA for care because of the medication benefit.
When I was processed and presented the physician with a computer printout of my many meds, he slapped them into his computer As Is - had them mailed to my house (45 miles away) - and I wept that the glucagon injections were filled for $2 - and EACH FILL IS FOR FIVE of them!!
That times $60 would = $300 alone - and no doubt the $60/ea is much higher now.

My latest prescription is for Procrit. That used to be over $3,000 a month when it was first used in 1986 - my son quoted $386/mo currently.
I pay only $7 - the increased price from $2 for a month's prescription!
Another new one is for a synthetic insulin that costs $60 per vial, that is just the $7 - and the list is LONG of others, with renal function impaired and - and -

Putting it in perspective, I am blessed, for I would otherwise not be able to eat - nor exist very long.

Tonk, I still urge you to contact your State Liaison for this - he/she is NOT a VA EMPLOYEE - but a state advocate FOR such problems!
Mine is a diabetic, too, and wonderful in his attitude and helpfulness for getting veterans their just due.

The fault squarely lies in CONGRESS, who yearly give meager raises to active military, PAYING FOR IT BY REDUCING THE MONEY FOR THOSE WHO SERVED - the nation's veterans.

[JulieRNR21]

Thanks for the ping. Picture of that iceberg is:

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"The fault squarely lies in CONGRESS, who yearly give meager raises to active military,
PAYING FOR IT BY REDUCING THE MONEY FOR THOSE WHO SERVED - the nation's veterans."

It's amazing how just a few weeks ago Congress approved more funding for Medicare.

[LadyX]

"It's amazing how just a few weeks ago Congress approved more funding for Medicare."

Indicative of who they acknowledge as the more powerful voting block, eh?

Perhaps if veterans got behind a concerted shove, it would help??

Unrelated Side Note about how some women are penalized - at the time I served in the Marine Corps, one was given a Service Number, and in none of those years were deductions made nor counted toward Social Security benefits.
My Social Security number was not issued until I obtained a civilian job as a military wife.

When you apply for your benefits, the total number of eligible working years is used to establish your average.

Assume anonymous "I" went to work at 18 and applied for benefits to begin at 65.
If "I" had taken 12 years's time out to rear small children and then reentered the work force, they divide by 47 the sum you earned over all the years - not by the 35 you actually DID work.
Dilutes it badly, penalizing many women.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"at the time I served in the Marine Corps, one was given a Service Number"

It was the same when I was in.
In fact to this day I still know my service number.