Patriot Guard Riders

Have you heard about the Patriot Guard Riders? They perform a tremendous service for the families of our fallen military heroes. Most recently, they escorted the body of Spc. Joshua Tomlinson Thursday, from the airport to Minden Louisiana. Then once again yesterday, the day of his funeral.

THANK YOU!

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

http://www.patriotguard.org/

Shame on YOU!

How dare you! How dare you add to the grief of those parents, family, and friends of our fallen heroes.

HOW DARE YOU! Sit in judgment on our brave men and women.

HOW DARE YOU! Accuse God of murdering our members of the military.

Westboro Baptist Church HOW DARE YOU set yourselves above God.

But the joke is on YOU! The Baptist church in Minden planned to turn your presence against YOU...by taking donations for Spc. Joshua Tomlinson's family based on how long you were there.

Is that the reason you decided not to show up and insult Spc. Tomlinson and his family?

Humphf. Just goes to show that you do not truly believe what you spout or nothing would've kept you from standing up for YOUR version of God's truth.

Full Circle...

This is where I work now. The entire section of the building in the photo below belongs to the Chamber. My office is in the red brick section with the two windows...and the functioning door. See the two doors that have been boarded up on the far right? It once was a separate business...now an interior door connects the two spaces (that one is rented to a government agency helping people pay bills). Some time before they were converted into one space, several businesses were housed there at one time or another...including...are you ready for this? My grandfather, Pa Bill, ran a taxi service out of that space on the far right! How coincidental is that?

(The City has received a grant to redo the sidewalks. Can hardly wait for the improvement!)

I fought the vacuum...

...and the vacuum WON! OH MY GOODNESS! That thing. Yes. I finally got it turned on...thank you very much. It is not self propelled! I will be vacuuming once every six months. Anybody got a 'stick' vac they don't want? LOL These gorgeous beauties are across the road from my house. And take a look at this! How cute is it? A "pup" tent. LOL Yes, Jonathan, it's for Pogo.

Grooving, Baking, Sewing

Yep. I did it all this week! Three of us drove all the way to Omaha to hear Lady Chazz and the Tramps. Drove maybe 15 miles. ;o) http://www.myspace.com/ladychazzandthetramps Hmmm...didn't get a photo of the bass player. The whole band is GOOD! Richard (lead singer and keyboard) graduated high school with me. It's not easy taking photos in a dark nightclub.

Here's the sewing...isn't it just too cute?!

Saturday morning, I picked up Mama and a friend of mine, Earlene the librarian aka one of the cruise companions. We went to Longview for a Wahoo tournament to visit with some of Mama's cousins. (It's a yearly event.) The three of us got beat right off the bat, but Earlene's sister, Beckle aka another cruise companion, went to round two...but no further. Beckle did win the trophy three years ago! Her first time to attend and play!!

I made a quiche to take to that gathering and another on Sunday. While I was busy with my family, Sam rode his Harley to Bay City to attend his sister's birthday/retirement party. He came back reddish brown from the sun. I can not believe he wore short sleeves as hot as that sun is out there! He walked into the house just as I was taking the cake out of the oven. Then I popped in a loaf of artisan bread. THEN the second quiche of the weekend went into the oven for our supper.

Elton called to let us know that they were going to Don Juans in Hughes Springs to eat, but since I already had the quiche in the oven (and personally preferred the quiche), Sam invited them for dessert. LOL, it was so fresh that it cut jagged. How does this look? YES! Yummy!!

Deane's Quiche

2 eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
4 ounces shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is best)
1/2 pound diced ham (or chicken or whatever meat you like)
1/3 cup finely diced onion
1 tablespoon cornstarch
salt (Be careful if you use ham!)
pepper
Anything else you might like to throw in (small green peas, mushrooms, etc.). I chose mushrooms

Whisk eggs, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into prepared pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until center is set.

I've posted about my pie pastry many times. Click here: My Recipe Here

Banana Honey Cake

1 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 8 ounce package cream cheese
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour the honey into a saucepan and bring to a boil Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and pour over oats in a bowl. Stir and cover. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Cream the butter in a large bowl. Add sugar gradually and beat until fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Blend in eggs. Add the oat mixture and bananas and beat until well blended.

Sift flour with remaining 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Pour into 2 greased and waxed paper-line 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pans and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Icing:
Beat cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy. Add remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until frosting is of spreading consistency. Spread between layers and over top of cake. Refrigerate. You may garnish with sliced bananas just before serving.