A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-23-02

Billie, Aquamarine and daisyscarlett

[daisyscarlett]

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: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet
MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga
BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette
MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid
BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP
MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian
BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

         

GROUP 5A: TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68. MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797. BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack.

GROUP 6A: 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.

GROUP 7A: 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.

GROUP 8A: 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.

      

GROUP 9A: 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.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son. BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset); WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

                     

When we decided to do a special thread celebrating the Music of Christmas, Aquamarine immediately came to mind as guest hostess for this endeavor. Aquamarine has been posting beautiful art work and music links since the inception of the Finest thread six months ago.

We are pleased that she accepted our invitation to be the guest producer and hostess today and know that you will be too.

Thank you Aquamarine for what promises to be an enjoyable beginning of Christmas week on the Finest thread......daisyscarlett

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When daisyscarlett asked me to participate in the Holiday Special Threads by hostessing a Christmas Music Day, I was more than happy to accept her offer.

I love any type of music that's well made and believe that it can lift our spirits and lighten our burdens. Participating in The Finest's, and previously in the Canteen threads, has given me the chance to play many types of music. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope that you have enjoyed my efforts.

I would like to give credit to Billie and daisyscarlett for their assistance in the graphics and layout of this thread. I did help in that area with "suggestions" but the graphics with the music links were produced by me. Would also like to thank Spookbrat and Lodwick for their help in finding the best wav sites.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with music of all types I hope that you will sit back, relax, grab a cup of coffee and some Christmas treats. And listen to some very beautiful music of the season. And by all means, post any music midis or wavs you would like to share.

Merry Christmas to all my Finest FRiends!...Aquamarine

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We lovingly dedicate this Special Day of Christmas music to whoever, a dear FRiend to many of us.

Whoever, we hope you enjoy the music and art graphics today. We missed your help and input in producing this thread, but you were constantly on our mind and in our thoughts. We hope we have achieved our goal of rejoicing in and glorifying the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, through music, as we know you would have encouraged us to do.

Merry Christmas, whoever. We miss you..... Aquamarine and daisyscarlett

WELCOME to a special edition of FR's Finest
"A Celebration of Christmas Music"

Click on graphic

As noted above, our guest writer and hostess for our Christmas music thread is Aquamarine.

She has divided the music selections into several categories and will feature one music selection in each segment. She will also be posting beautiful Christmas music from all categories throughout the day on the thread itself. We invite you all to join in and post any Holiday wavs or midis as the thread progresses.

Thank you all for coming and we sincerely hope you enjoy this very Special Holiday Music Thread.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS

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St. Luke's Christmas Story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed...



And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.



And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)



To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.



And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.



And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.



And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.



And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.



For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.



And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.



And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,



Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.



And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.



(St. Luke, Chapter 2, verses 1-17. King James Version)

The Christmas Story spawned many Christmas carols. Perhaps the most famous one is "Silent Night" which was written on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria. Joseh Mohr,an assistant pastor of a local church, had written a poem, "Stille Nacht" in 1816. On December 24, 1818 he gave the poem to his friend the church organist, Franz Gruber. Gruber immediately composed the melody and arranged it for two voices, choir, and guitar in time to be performed that night at the Midnight Mass. By 1955, "Silent Night" had become the most recorded song of all time.

It was difficult to decide on a presentation for this segment because of the wealth of beautiful carols from which to choose. Aquamarine solved this dilemma by selecting a medley of "Silent Night", "Away in a Manger" and "Oh Holy Night."

CLASSICAL MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS

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When discussing the classical music of Christmas, "Handel's Messiah" and "Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite" come immediately to mind as well as "Ave Maria". These are beautiful works of art and a couple of them will be played later on in the thread.

For this opening segment Aquamarine has selected "Oh Christmas Tree" as performed by the Sacrum Chamber Choir, a classical choir which some critics feel are superior to the Vienna Boy's Choir. This group is a personal favorite of Aquamarine's.

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS MUSIC

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This category includes many holiday favorites of us all such as "White Christmas". "Chestnuts Roasting on the Open Fire", aka "The Christmas Song", along with "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" and "Merry Christmas" by Alvin and the Chipmunks. We will be playing many of these tunes later from such artists as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis. (Not to worry, we do not have "Grandpa Got Run Over by a Reindeer" on our list.)

For this opening segment, Aquamarine has selected "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Perry Como.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS MUSIC

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There are many songs to choose from in this category. Almost every Country Western star of note has recorded at least one Christmas album in their career. Christmas music is a particular favorite of Country Western fans and Country Western singers do Christmas carols and ballads justice. The songs selected in this category will be performed by such artists as Lynn Anderson, Trisha Yearwood and the Forresters.

For this opening segment, Aquamarine has selected "Winter Wonderland" by George Strait, who is a particular favorite of many on the Finest, including daisyscarlett.

Merry Christmas, Aquamarine

Aquamarine

Thank you for this beautiful thread!

THE WEEKEND THREAD 12-21,22-02 WEEK IN REVIEW

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

[Billie]

Hi, Leni!

For the twice-baked potatoes, I do buy large Idaho baking potatoes, and of course wash them well (because we like to eat the skins, too), rub Crisco on them, prick them so they don't burst, and wrap in foil and bake.

When done, I cut them in half length-wise and scoop out the insides and put in a large mixing bowl. I don't measure anything, but add sour cream, garlic salt, dried parsley, real butter, salt, pepper. Mix it all up with mixer till creamy - spoon back into the potato skin halves. Top with a pat of butter, a bit of grated cheese if you like, sprinkle with more parsley and a little paprika. Then cover with foil and freeze for up to a week. They can be baked while still frozen - leave the foil on. I think it takes about an hour at 350 if frozen.

The rest of our traditional Christmas dinner is grilled pork tenderloins, a green salad I make with fresh greens, bacon bits, chopped boiled egg, sliced strawberries and raw yellow squash. This is really good (some may turn up their noses at strawberries in salad, but try it!) with a sweet-sour dressing I also make. If you want that recipe, it's easy to make:

1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
<2/3 cup white sugar

Chill and shake well before using. (Leni, little kids will eat this salad!)

Steamed cauliflower and broccoli and hot rolls, and that's dinner! Dessert is a Danish Torte Refrigerator Cake. (I make and freeze ahead of time, too)

[MeekOneGOP]

Let It Snow
by Trisha Yearwood

Thanks. Very nice. It looks like no snow for North Texas, just like I figured. Maybe next year.....

[daisyscarlett]

Merry Christmas to you and Maggie....Did Ink like her Christmas photo last week?

DaisyScarlett

[daisyscarlett]

Thank you for the message from who...I hope she gets to enjoy some of the music today....We miss her so much....I could not get the link to play, however...Try again? or is my computer? Would love to hear one of Who's favorites, that's for sure.

[Aquamarine]

It just takes it a few minutes to load but it's worth the wait.
That was a beautiful post.

[MinuteGal]

Thanks for the recipes, Billie. Everythings sounds scrumptious. Let me know what time you're serving, I'll come right over!

Bon Apetit, or as Carlo sez, Buon Apetite!

Leni

[Aquamarine]

I love everything about Christmas, but the carols stand high among the favorites. They are played in our house from morning til bedtime.

What a happy house that must be.

Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together. --Anais Nin

[lodwick]

Thank you for this one.

[Fiddlstix]

Be sure and
Click the Pics
J

[ru4liberty]

Were you ever able to access the song?

[Aquamarine]

What a fun post! It's because of you that I first got the idea to post music here. Thanks for all the music that you bring here.

[Fiddlstix]

What a fun post! It's because of you that I first got the idea to post music here. Thanks for all the music that you bring here.

You're welcome. I'm glad you like it and I'm always happy to help if I can

Admitedly, I became a bit "Ticked" recently and honestly so, in my opinion
But
This is Christmas and I am a Christian
Is This not the season of forgiveness...
Merry Christmas
God Bless

[Aquamarine]

Admitedly, I became a bit "Ticked" recently and honestly so, in my opinion

Were you ticked at me...if so why?

[daisyscarlett]

Thanks fiddlstix...Loved them all especially the extra bouncy Jingle Bells...

Merry Christmas! DaisyScarlett

[daisyscarlett]

Yeah, As both the site and Aqua pointed out, you have to wait a bit for it to load...I was in too much of a hurry...Thanks so much....

[Fiddlstix]

Were you ticked at me...if so why?

No, my dear. Not at you J

Check your +
Freep Mail

[Aquamarine]

Oh that's good because I think the world of you. Checking mail now.

[Aquamarine]

Click on graphic

[ru4liberty]

Oooohhhh, I just love that one! It's special to me because of my very own little sugar plum fairy...

[FreeTheHostages]

Thank you. I listened to it as it looped for some time. It's very beautiful.