Sunday, March 09, 2008

Spotted around town...

I saw this along the road as I took my son to the driving range:

It has the owner's name on the side, and looks to be made from some kind of old oil can or gas can. My kind of recycling! Kewl yard art! Up on a pole, greeting passersby as they drive down the road.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Homeschooling Illegal in CA

I knew it was bound to happen, it was just a matter of where... and it doesn't surprise me that it's California that is where it is starting.

A state, where children are taught same-sex tolerance and education, and other controversial things in their public schools was bound to decide that those families who are teaching their children at home (many in an effort to avoid these teachings) are wrong and that the state needs to control the education of these future voters.

First, go take this poll, and tell whether you think that the STATE or PARENTS ought to control a child's education.

You can read the LA Times article about this here.

HSLDA is preparing to file some sort of response to this ruling. You can read their reaction here.

(side note... why would you homeschool in a state where the law is not clearly stated without joining some sort of support organization that would aid you in case something like this happened?)

From much of what I have read, this family was being taken to court not because of homeschooling, but because of possible child abuse. This is not the family that we, as homeschoolers, would liked to have "used" as a test case in the courts. They are not a typical homeschooling family.

I love homeschooling in Texas. If this happened here, you cannot imagine the backlash that would happen. Egads!

It does make me wonder if this judge is appointed, or elected? If he's elected, he's not thinking about the possible future of his job.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Word of the day...

Blatherskite...
A noisy talker of blatant rubbish; foolish talk or nonsense.

Is that like Twaddle...of the mouth??

(much thanks to Bill O'Reilly for this lovely word)

Politics as Usual

My husband and I went and voted bright and early on Tuesday. It was not that crowded at 7:30 a.m. at our precinct. We were back there just before the polls closed, so that we could attend our precinct convention (we voted Republican, in case you couldn't guess that).

We pulled up and could not find a parking place. It was PACKED! Bugman dropped me off, and and ran in to see how long the line was (this would determine how long before the precinct convention would be able to start). Just about everyone there was there to vote in the Democrat primary. AND... several people that were there told me that they were Republican, but were voting (either for Barack or for Hillary) to keep the other from getting the nomination (it's all silly to me).

Surprise surprise to them, after the polls closed, some then tried to attend the precinct convention... on the Republican side. Uh, NO. The didn't get it. But, I'm a Republican, they protested!! Yes, we replied, but you voted DEMOCRAT... so you have to attend their CAUCUS... They didn't realize how crossing the road to vote would affect them later. Now, these people cannot participate in the process (precinct, senatorial/county, and state conventions).

Because we were first to arrive, and because of our "experience" in politics, Bugman was made "Chairman" of the convention, and I was secretary. We ended up with 13 people from our precinct in attendance. We all will now be delegates to the senatorial/county convention.

I think this whole mess with the dems is a hoot. As for John McCain, well, he's not my choice, but I will live with it. I personally don't see a whole lot of difference between him and many of the democrats, except he's pro-life.

Did any of you all vote Tuesday? Did you participate in the convention/caucus process? How was that for you?

Also, I find it a telling sign that my children, especially Tiny (4) and Joe (7) know who ALL the players are (Obama, McCain, Hillary, Bill, etc.).

And, did I mention that many are hounding Bugman to run for Mayor AGAIN? I said, fine, they can pay the fee, put you on the ballot, and we'll see what happens. But so far, he's not doing it. I won't put out a dime for it this time.

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

In order to save money, we are eating at home more (although we eat at Taco Bell sometimes after working out at the YMCA... probably cheaper than eating at home!). I am also searching for new recipes to try... and here's a new one that was a huge hit with my family. We LOVE bacon (ahhhhh.... the smell!). (side note... two smells I just love.... bacon frying.... and coffee brewing.... but I don't think a bacon-frying candle would sell well....)

No, this is NOT the most heart-healthy recipe, but I did make it with turkey bacon, which is less fattening, and you could use a leaner beef.

Paula Deen's Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1 pound ground chuck
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar, grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs, toasted
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 (3-ounce) can French fried onions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck and next 8 ingredients, mixing well.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mustard. Stir 1/4 cup ketchup mixture into meat mixture, reserving remaining ketchup mixture.

Press meat mixture into a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan, or shape into a loaf and place on a rack in a broiler pan. Spread remaining ketchup mixture over loaf. Bake 40 minutes. Top with French fried onions; bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.