I think the Republican wins around the country are putting the Democrats on edge.  I also think we have an interesting trend in the country.

It’s pretty clear on this blog that I’m not a fan of President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the bunch, but they have to realize that the American people in general are fickle people, which is the trend I’m talking about.  If we aren’t happy with one guy because he he didn’t do what we wanted, others along those lines in political office had best beware.  It happened during the Bush administration, and it’s happening now for Obama’s.  I myself am happy with the way Tuesday’s election went (besides getting a new boss elected.  Not that the old one is bad, but we like the new one coming in, too.)

I just find it funny how people switch loyalties so quickly sometimes.  It’s not with everybody, I know.  I think a lot of people are starting to view this presidency as the girl they accidentally went home with after a drunken night at the bar.  She looked good then, but after waking up, not so much.

Before I’m torn apart, this is my opinion.  Hence it being a blog.

Kitchen Ghost, by Jenn Dixon, 2009

I know it’s a little late for Halloween, but here I am! Also, get out and vote today!!

Baconaids, hamthrax, the Aporkalypse……I have the pleasure of having a mild case of the swine flu, which my doctor tells me will get worse, and it’s starting to happen.  Before I become more bedridden, here are a few hints that will help you cope if YOU get it.  And it’s not that bad.

1. Wash your hands with a good antibacterial soap and keep your hands from your face.
2. Cough into the crook of your elbow.
3. Symptoms:  coughing, aching all over pain behind your eyes, swollen glands, nausea, and sore throat.
4. Stock up on ginger ale and Gatorade to help you stay hydrated and to help the nausea.
5. See your doctor IMMEDIATELY or go to the emergency room.  Get a prescription for Tamiflu.
6. If you don’t have access to any of this, rest, rest, rest and stay away from others.
7. Keep eating.
8. Sleep!
9. Get the shot if it comes to your area if you do not get the swine flu.
10. Lastly, remember, the best way to think about it is the like the chicken pox.  Everyone will probably get it, and then you’re immune.  It’s just like any other flu, only more hyped up in the media.  As long as you take care of yourself and others, you’ll be just fine.

My friends Mike and Martha have gotten something they’ve wanted for a very long time today, a child!  They adopted their 11-year-old foster son Freddy.  I got to sit in on the courtroom proceedings to make it official.  I am so happy for them!  I will admit, I was very close to crying.

Adoptions are one of the very few happy events that take place in a courthouse.  The others being marriage licenses and weddings by a judge.

Whalehead Beach, by Jenn Dixon, 2009

I am back after a very busy time followed by a vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina! Now, I at least have some time to sit down and write.

First, to catch up with a current event, I can’t believe that I watch in horror about that stupid balloon incident. All I have to say is…out of the mouths of babes. Good for that kid for saying that it was a set up in his own inadvertent way.

Vacation was nice! The Husband and I actually got out and traveled around the area a little bit and saw some of the sights. We went to see the Wright Brothers Memorial. If you get the chance to see it, GO. It’s very interesting, and you get a great view from the top of the hill where they did their initial flights. The museum is cool, too. I especially liked see the portraits of all the pioneers in flight.

We also went to see the Lost Colony at Roaoke, Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island. Very nice! The fort itself was neat and it was interesting to learn why the colony failed. Very history-fun stuff.

There was also much fun on the beach and much gorging on seafood. If you are interested in seeing more of my photos, check out my flickr account. If you are friends with me on Facebook, you can see more there.

I’ll be posting little stories here and there about the trip in the next few days, but I got some other things to cover tomorrow and Friday.

Victoria Stilwell, by Jenn Dixon, 2009

Victoria Stilwell of “It’s Me or the Dog” was at a puppy mill awareness event I attended last month. Talk about some “substance with reality!” She was really forceful during her short speech. She was eloquent, forceful, and factual. Exactly what I’d expect from a stern, British dog trainer! I think she rocks.

It never fails to amaze me how destructive nature can be.  As I was looking at the pictures of the aftermath of the Indonesian earthquakes and Samoan tsunamis, I really do feel for these people and the trials they are facing.  These people have lost everything.

I also want to remind people that our own countrymen were affected by this.  American Samoa is a US territory and its capital Pago Pago was devastated.

Don’t forget the people in Padang on Sumatra, which felt the brunt of these earthquakes.

I encourage everyone to donate to the Red Cross to help these people.  The sooner these people get fresh water, a safe place to stay, and the ability for clean up efforts it will prevent disease, crime, and help people get back on their feet.

On Monday, my great-uncle John Keller passed away.  He was 94.  He lived a full life.  And, for most of his adult life, he had a farm.

I remember being a kid and going to that farm before he had sell it because he was getting too old to take care of it.  This farm was a wonderful place to be and I learned a lot there.  So, in honor of Uncle John’s memory, here are a few things I learned on the farm.

1.  Tromping through a field and gathering wild spearmint to make tea is fun and yummy!

2.  Wine grapes don’t taste like other grapes.  Besides, they have seeds and attract yellow jackets.

3.  Scummy ponds are fun for dogs to swim in.

4.  Trout like to show off their colors in fish farm tanks.

5.  Springer spaniels make great pets!

6.  Fishing is boring.

7.  Lambs are fun to play with, but avoid the ram.

8.  Good shade and a nice stone porch is just as good as air conditioning.

9.  Don’t go into the barn by yourself.  You may step on something thing sharp or fall through a hole.

10.  Sometimes it’s just good to slow things down a notch.

Uncle John, we will miss you, but you are in a better place now.  Thank you for what you have given me.

Ever have one of those days at work?  Even though I know it wasn’t, it felt completely unproductive.  I guess it felt unproductive because stuff that was working broke, computer-wise.  I hate pouring myself into something to have it spit up back in my face.  I can’t tell you how many times I was about to cry today. I could something positive to happen in here.  Soon.

I want to go pet a dog.

I even had a doctor tell me that petting a dog will reduce your blood pressure, confirming that study a few years ago.  Maybe I need to visit Alfred or Patrick.  I haven’t seen my Paddy Boy in ages.

Or else, the alternative is an instance in WOW with Sam.  I can beat up on stuff there.

If you remember what happened on September 11, 2001, please just stop a moment and reflect on what occurred that day.  Remember those who lost their lives, those who will live with horror, and thank the heroes.  That’s all I’m going to say.