A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-15-02

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues;  salute
and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new
word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.  I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands
of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7,
AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad,
Aomagrat

                     

In Our Spotlight Today...
Dutchess

Dutchess, my namesake....she was a U of Michigan student who was on her way to the gas chamber when we found her...she was the best....I was new to the internet when I had to get a screen name to post on FR....I automatically typed in Dutchess...our "first baby". She was smart, gentle, loyal...everything I want to be......~ Dutchess

I thought the way she chose her screen name was most interesting and wanted to mention it here. Dutchess the Dog is long gone now, but still lives on in both their hearts. Dutchess and Mr. D have been married for 27 years and, "while we don't have children, we have learned the blessing of animals." Below are two of their three "children", Gizmo (in Dutchess' lap) and Codee. Not pictured is their cat, Fred.

Dutchess
Freeper since 03-23-98

It's always nice to get to know our Finest FReepers in their own words, so with that in mind, here are some of Dutchess' words....how she came to FR, when she came to FR, why she came to FR, and why she stays at FR. :)

I would share that I am a carbon copy of most of the FReepers who discovered FR in 1998. It was through a Drudge link... it was the Whitewater files...my secretary happened to be off that day (and yes I have the same one and "damn" she STILL controls me!) and I "FELT LIKE I CAME HOME".   Mr. D had tried to get me excited about the internet (poor guy...little did he realize). I was so excited when I came home telling him about this site....7 months later he took me to the March for Justice for our Anniversary....and probably rues the day that he turned me onto the internet.

I am involved in local politics (Mr. D is an elected prosecutor). We both hate local "local politics" but do what we have to do and have met many wonderful people along the way. I've learned that not all political people are "political" and do really care. On a larger level we are usually behind the scenes.

My real job is the director of a notforprofit organization that promotes selfsufficiency. My background was social work and about 5 years in government employment made me realize that the only way to help people was through the private sector. That's been my day job for 15 years.

My biggest volunteer effort has been with our Humane Society. I was the treasurer for about 10 years and during that time we went from a 3 kennel shack to a 30 kennel/run AWESOME shelter that has a great spay/neuter program and, while we euthanize, we make every attempt to adopt out adoptable pets. I'm not an animal rights nut (had a great steak tonight) but...I draw the line with abusing animals, not spay/neutoring unless there is a reason, etc.

Bring A Stray...
..Into Your Heart & Home!

Most of my "amusing" stories center around issues with my Democratic parents who have come to accept me as a FReeper.

The first was our sojourn to the March for Justice. They thought we were radical and nuts. They also feared for our safety thinking of the Vietnam protests. I urged them to watch it on CSPAN, and not only did they watch it but had all their "bluehair" Florida friends watch with them. Dad was especially impressed with Jesse L. Peterson, Alan Keys and ReJoyce. Their endearment towards conservatism lasted about 3 days.

The next was when we celebrated our family Christmas at our house the day of the impeachment hearings. 20 conservatives ranging in ages 5 - 50 and Mom and Dad. All five tv's were going and people were hanging out in various rooms. We already had sung a few DFU songs around the piano (Doug's "BJ's in the Night" did it for Dad who WAS SEETHING) When Livingston out of the blue resigned his seat, Dad jumped up gleefully (amazing for a 75 year old who had 10 hip replacements), ran around the house and said "See, Republicans cheat on their wives, too". It was a Kodak moment. We all were saddened but heck, it made Dad's day.

Another was Clinton/Dole election night. Mother called up, obviously irritated, and said in a most angry tone, "I just want you to know...I voted for Dole...I hope you're happy" CLICK...

Being the only daughter I have almost daily contact with my parents (whom I love to death BUT...) I think I now understand why I am so drawn to FR where I immediately found comfort and solace during the impeachment fiasco, the election debacle and all those times in between.

---

10-12-02
It hit home tonight as we went out to dinner with my folks and their friends (also 80). It was cute that Mom commented about me being a "FReeper"...like everyone should know what that is! I had to explain and went on "briefly" about my ideology...turned out they were one of the folks that watched the March for Justice...actually had a cocktail party during the last hour! Think about that for a minute...Happy Hour in Florida to watch the "FReepers!" (and they were all dem Clinton lovers!) I thought that was pretty funny.

Anyway, tonight, they paused for a moment and said I sounded just like their 45 year old son who keeps telling them that "the times have changed"..."the democrats of their time are not the democrats we have now"..."unions SERVED a purpose at one time...but look today" They all kind of looked at each other and decided maybe we have a point...but aren't necessarily comfortable with change. It was kind of sad in a way as I watched them struggling to give up strong-held beliefs, even though they deepdown know it is the right thing to do. The good news is that they are all solidly behind GW (even my dad), seeing him as an honest person who has our country's best interest at heart.

---

My only other inspiration is my Polish background. All four grandparents immigrated here in their teens (in fear of WWI), meeting here and marrying. None spoke English most of their (AND MY) life and were so proud when they became citizens. I was raised hearing the horror stories of communism, how government confiscated the land once the owner died so it couldn't be passed on to the family.

I had the great fortune of visiting Poland 8 years ago when they were still dealing with the early downfall of communism. It was something they fought for years...but all of a sudden they lost many univeral perks such as health care, rent, utilities...weddings (yes believe it or not...if you had a non religious wedding the government paid for it all...(reception too) My relatives were cool, they had a Polish Catholic wedding and reception plus the state one a week later) Two wedding parties, albums and lots of fun!)

Upon returning home it FINALLY hit me that that the BIG BAD COMMUNISTS didnt take land by gun but by taxation...just like what is happening here. My mom and aunt didn't want to hear that then and to this day do not see the correlation as don't most democrat immigrants. That was and is the most stark realization of why we need to fight and fight hard to end class warfare...encourage free enterprise, end social engineering and especially keep insisting on personal responsibility. ~ Dutchess

Dutchess is both a big cheerleader and financial supporter of FR (she says that Badjoe knows more about her credit card than her husband does!), and also is proud to say she was one of Doug from Upland's first 'groupies', playing the piano and singing along to many of his songs! She found FR's Finest soon after we debuted our first thread; she was at home that day, suffering from a bad case of getting a bit too close to poison oak, and she has been one of our staunchest supporters and biggest cheerleaders since that first visit, seldom missing a day to comment, even on family getaways (where she will scope out the nearest public library for an internet connection if she has to)!

With Jim Robinson at the
March for Justice, 10-30-98

We're so glad you found us...
And we found you, Dutchess!

You're Definitely One of FR's Finest!

THIS WEEK'S THREADs

10-14-02 Molly Pitcher

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[ST.LOUIE1]

Watch out....he'll call you....'dude', and worse. LOL

He wouldn't dare. I'll sic Billie on him, LOL! ;-)

Ohhhhhh, yeah! Her 'worse' is worser than his worse for sure! LOL

[Billie]

Hiya, Blackie! Did you see your Max the cat here today? Christmas was early, LOL! I posted a group of our pets in their Christmas stockings from last year. :)

[Billie]

Hi, Meekie - I like a cup of coffee about this time in the afternoon - thank you. Sorry again for your brother losing his 'best friend'.

[Billie]

Well, if anyone knows her royalty, it would be a Lady. :)

I'm having a hard time reading - is that Dutchess of Devonshire? IS/WAS there a Dutchess of Devonshire? :)

[Billie]

The stock market is rising!! It's because Dutchess is today's Freeper's Finest!!

Well then, cancel tomorrow's, daisy! We'll do dutchess again! LOL!

[Billie]

Oh, how funny, Meek! I don't remember which post number mine was, but it looks like I 'swiped' some of Ming's chicken soup - right down to the same soup bowl!!!

[JustAmy]

Two horses were walking back to the paddock after a day's training.

One says to the other, "I can't understand why we are so slow, we come from good stock, we have the best of food, great trainers, and yet we come last in every race."

There was a dog running along side them who overheard and said, "I know what your problem is. I have seen you race and it looks to me as if you race off at the start really fast and use up all your energy and then you have nothing left. What you should do is pace yourselves and when all the other horses are exhausted, put in a spurt and you're sure to win. What do you think of that?"

The horses looked at one another and said, "WOW, a talking dog!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TA DA

[Billie]

That graphic is perfect for you and Georgio, Julie!

[Billie]

Yes, I was talking about the patriotic dogs - I thought it was Codee and Flyer that you'd 'done'! Of course, that' the whole reason you posted that one though! Because it looked like Codee and Flyer! :)

[Billie]

Nope, not nearly as beautiful! Sure has a whole lotta hair though, doesn't she?!

[Billie]

That wolf makes me smile every time I see him! Who could resist giving a big ole hug to him?!

[Billie]

The DC sniper has everyone on edge I think. I know you must be very nervous about your family living in that area. We need to all pray he is caught before he strikes another time.

[ST.LOUIE1]

That wolf makes me smile every time I see him!
Who could resist giving a big ole hug to him?!

I knew you couldn't. Works every time.

[Billie]

I'm really glad you could stay home today and enjoy all the hugs and kudos you're getting. It's the most fun when the 'honoree' has a chance to hang around and talk to everyone. Know it isn't always possible for some though.

[humblegunner]

Congrats, dutchess! It's great to see you featured here today!
I've been away a bit, VIP's in town and exciting meetings.. you know..
"yadda yadda yadda"... need my priorities straightened out!

Way to go, dutchess!

[humblegunner]

Oops! Previous post was SUPPOSED to be addressed to you as well, dutchess!!!!

[Billie]

Ok, now I think we need to see Buddy, the angel dog, again. These poochie stories are making me sad - might as well post another really sad/sweet one....I like the happy endings, like that of Jack, and Dutchess, and any of the strays who adopted us.....my Roscoe, who has only to look at us with those eyes to get anything he wants, whenever he wants it!

Here's Buddy again, sharing a drink with Christian...

[JustAmy]

Tattle Tale; Tattle Tale!

[Billie]

Hi, Flyer - wouldn't it be wonderful if EVERYBODY that ever owned a pet would have them neutered, (unless they were responsible breeders) and then we wouldn't have so many unwanted dogs and cats on the streets or in the shelters just begging for a home.

Left to their own resources, dogs will find other dogs and run in packs and get pretty vicious. We have had two of our own pets attacked by a pack who happened to cut across our property.

The other day I heard the alarm go off at our entry, and I counted EIGHT dogs of various sizes, shapes and colors wandering down the road. Roscoe was inside at the time, fortunately.

[LadyX]

Rejoining the Finest after a wee respite (itty bitty nap!) ..:))

On the animals topic, my niece is 51, a neonatal intensive care nurse able to work only one or two 12-hour shifts a week due to having fibromyalgia.

To take her mind off the discomfort, and get more exercise, she bought a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy (9 months now), and has been showing him in competition!
He and his sister, acquired later, live inside with her and her husband, babied lavishly, often in their laps, and they sleep in bed with them.
She constantly works with him, though, as well, and he loves to do everything Mommy asks.

He has been racking up first and second place wins all over the South at shows, and recently competed in a Kerry Blue Breeders Show for dogs under one year.

Maureen, now, is full of fun and takes a back seat to no one.
The other handlers all were professional - um - 'haughty' types, shall I say?
Here she is with the audacity to not have been 'In The Ranks and Upper Crust' for eons, showing her boy!

Outcome?
Her All Heart-Show Off-for-Mommy happy-go-lucky fella walked away with the title of THE Best (Kerry Blue) Puppy for 2002!!

You'd have to know her to appreciate the triumphs, that have had a most positive effect upon her dealing with chronic illness and bringing pure joy to her life.