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

[JustAmy]

Beep's surgery is scheduled for 7:30 EST tomorrow morning. Please keep her in your prayers.


Angels for you, Beep! Keep us posted!

[JustAmy]

Beep's surgery is scheduled for 7:30 EST tomorrow morning. Please keep her in your prayers.


Angels for you, Beep! Keep us posted!

[JustAmy]

Sorry about that! Guess Beep can use some extra angels!

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you so much for reminding us. Beep is in my prayers.

[lodwick]

F21 DUCHESS, 6-3/4 inch

A smaller version of the Duke is ideally suited for a smaller grip. This 6-3/4" 100% horsehair brush has a slim 1" wooden handle. A proven performer.

D - I promise this is it - I will not make Google drill any deeper.

I truly hope that you have had a super day in the Spotlight, and that Mr.D is starting to "get it."

[LadyX]

You are so wonderful to remind us of this, Amy.
Beep, while you are not able to read this tonight, please know that many of here and now and will be supporting you in prayer.

May God guide the hands that will be mending your so very tired and hurting body.
We pray your recovery will be swift, and that you will be restored to your radiant, healthy self.

At all times, May the God of love and mercy hold you close to Him, holding you above the pain and turmoil.

I ask for His peace to envelop you, now and always, Beep.
Amen.

[JulieRNR21]

Enjoyed reading about your neice and her champion Kerry Blue Terrier. Pets can make such a difference and bring such joy to our lives!

Georgio, our Siamese had not been handled much as a kitten. The Humane Society said that he was rescued from the home an elderly woman who had over 100 cats.....most died from disease & malnutrition. Georgio managed to survive and was 6 months old when we got him.

He learned quickly to come when called by his name; loved to play and used his scratching post to preen his nails. But he just wasn't a 'lap cat'.....and didn't like to be held.

He's been tested several times for various illnesses and is now very healthy. After a year of patiently working with him; he now jumps in my lap when I say 'Come Up'....he even sometimes falls asleep in my arms when I hold him.

He brings much happiness to our lives!

[Mama_Bear]

What a beautiful prayer for Beep.

I ask for His peace to envelop you, now and always, Beep.

Amen

[Libertina]

Hi Pippin, I'm sory to hear you're sick. Take care and ge better soon. Hobbit Hole, ins't that the thread which is on its #one millionth reply? LOL

[LadyX]

The beautiful thing, Mama_Bear, is He hears every prayer uttered or even 'thought' - knows every need - and loves us enough to give peace if we believe in Him and ask.

We are unimaginably blessed to have that assurance, and to have received so many times His touch!

[WVNan]

Haha. I'm already dreading being away from my computer. Are we hopeless or what? I do hope that all is well with the cap'n and the Missus. I'm not sure how I feel about the reunion. I'm embarrassed to have grown so old. At the 25th reunion I still had black hair and was slender and still pretty. Boy, what a difference 25 years can make. Hummm...wonder if they have internet hookup at the library in McEwen.

[WVNan]

Oh, I pray that God will be with the doctors as they use their skills to put Beep back together again. May He be the healing Spirit to see her through and back to health. Poor Beep has really had a bad time of it.

[LadyX]

Good to see you, Libertina!
I was away for a few days, and keep missing you when I'm here.

[WVNan]

I think if I ever get another cat it will be a Siamese. They are wonderful cats. Georgio is beautiful.

[WVNan]

Hi Libertina. Is it cold yet in Wash? We're feeling the fall here. It's downright chilly tonight.

[LadyX]

We should collaborate on a Manual from the Definitely Deprived Dowagers of the Finest - with Coping Tips for Computer Withdrawal.

Dutchess has no doubt already compiled a few pages' worth from her vacation!

Instead of **** Four Star **** Hotels, she must have a list of The Best Libraries with Internet Capability in the USA.
LOLOL

[Libertina]

Hi Ladies! Nice we're all here at the same time. Actually, the weather in the Pacific Northwest has be gorgeous. COld at night, almost 70 in the afternoon. So great. I have company coming in two days, my brother's mother-in-law is sadly on death's door Cancer throught her body) so I've been subbing for my sister-in-law who is also a teacher. My mom's birthday is in two days, and my dad's huge 80th B-day bash is this Sunday. People are also coming from all over to attend. We are holding the party in the Officer's Club on base and they just gave us another set of steps to complete for our guests, though we only have a couple of days left. Well, it's very challenging! LOL So I haven't been here much, but think about you all and "peek" every so often. I do hope you are all well. On top of it all, we are living through historic times, are we not? Warm Regards, Libertina

[LadyX]

You've exhausted me just reading about your activity list!
Might have to drag myself to bed right away..:))

Isn't it awesome to be sitting here chatting like next door neighbors, but in actuality living on both coasts of America?!

[Billie]

Thank you, everyone, for everything....every day.

Beep, may God hold you in his love and watch over you in the morning as you go through surgery and recovery and the days that follow.

Goodnight, all. See you tomorrow. Thanks, Dutchess, for being you! :)

[LadyX]

Night, Billie.
May God watch over and guide us all.
See you in a few hours ~ ~ ~