Oh, yeah, about Nat'l Parks, I spent the summer traveling with family when I was 5ish, starting at the Pinnacles, went to Big Sur, across to Yosemite, up to Lassen, over to Shasta & Crescent City, then back down through Mendocino, Sonoma, &c. along Hwy 1. I grew up in N. Colorado on the plains, going up to Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park, the Great Divide and Red Feather Lakes every summer (camping for several years in a row up at Red Feather Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter), took the Amtrak to visit my grandparents when I was around 10 (Empire Strikes Back was about to come out, that I remember) across the Rockies, Great Basin and through the Sierras. I love where I live for the scenery (if not the local politics). Tahoe & Galena are gorgeous, and I love getting over to VA City every now and again. And with vets, I hear you. My Dad's buried in Ft. Logan in Denver. I doubt I need say more beyond I dislike people being sent into harm's way based on a political agenda or a lie, or both. I know I've had three distant relatives in Iraq & Afghanistan, two of whom did not make it home safe or sound. Anyway, one person whom I am glad made it home safe is you. Cheers, Ms D., and thanks!

Obama wasn't my first choice, and since I don't have a party, I was open to anyone and everyone. My first choice 18+ mos ago was Biden, followed by Richardson, McCain & Paul (not necessarily in that order). If I could have picked, I might have added in Chris Shays, Arlen Specter (until his cancer returned), and a few others from the left. I admit I'm a bit more center-left, but I have this pragmatic streak that tugs me a bit to the right sometimes. Personally I see a more important role than Prez for Hillary, so in that respect I'm glad she wasn't the Dem's nominee. I do wonder, though, if I was biased against her or against Bill--I don't think I was biased against her as a woman (frankly, Meg Whitman would probably make a good cabinet member, or higher), as would Susan Collins, Maria Cantwell or Mary Landrieu. Back when I lived in CA I was particularly happy when I got to vote for Boxer & Feinstein. But Barack grew on me as he was challenged and kept an even temper this spring and summer, and that, plus his oratory skills, got me to be a little less cynical. And when he chose Biden, I was quite pleased because I know Biden's life story, his record, &c., and trust him. Add to that, I was watching who went for which candidate, and while some are toss-away expected supporters, I was interested when Caroline Kennedy & Susan Eisenhower stood up for Barack, and then learning that one of McCain's sisters-in-law was supporting Obama, too, that was interesting. Actually, in previous years I've looked to see who the children of candidates or former presidents look at--this year I followed not just Ms Kennedy Schlossberg & MsEisenhower, but also Chelsea Clinton, Meghan McCain (who has previously supported Dems) and am curious about how Jenna Bush will vote--I saw her "evade" the question Larry King put to her a few months back, saying she hadn't made up her mind, that she'd been too busy with her book & wedding, but found it very interesting that she didn't automatically say McCain.

Now that I've dithered enough (too much), I have to say I was very distressed when I logged on today and saw that you, Rob and Tigger had all been in accidents over the past few days. I am very glad that you & Rob were able to walk away from your accident, although I suspect that you were a bit stiff a few days afterward, and sincerely hope that Tigg doesn't have any complications. I hate accidents, I hate hospitals, but the truth is I've come to care for all of you over the past couple weeks. We may not have ever met each other, but we've spent time here goofing around with each other, sharing recipes, photos, little anecdotes and so on. I used to snicker at the thought on a cyber-community, but you've got one here, and its surprised me big time (a lot of that--the lioness's share, is thanks to you, Danielle).

Anyway, I had those relatives over the weekend, as usual, had a time getting things organized (worse than usual), am still picking up the pieces, literally, but managed to make them a nice dinner yesterday--roast beef slow cooked all day with a touch of salt, pepper and minced onions, homemade mashed potatoes, steamed fresh asparagus with olive oil mayo--they really enjoyed themselves, which made me very happy. They don't often get homemade dinners at home due to work schedules. The rest of the time was spent watching Concert for Diana, Live 8 & Live Aid and letting them have fun while I tried to just cope with the mess (Ay, freaking, Caramba!). Take care, stay safe, remmber when to eat, drink, blah, blah, blah--I'm just glad you're okay, amiga! Cheers

I will be voting for Obama but only because Hillary dropped out and I want a Democrat in office. Personally the issues that I'm worried about is A) making social security last until I can start using it B) the environment and keeping our national parks away from people that want to destroy them C) the education system and D) the healthcare system. I also think that who ever gets to be president should take better care of the military and military families. They risk their lives to protect this country and we barely do anything for them.

Trivia time! (oh, goody-goody ). I was watching an update last night and one of Rob's movie posters caught my eye. I knew they were related, I just wasn't sure how near of far. As it turned out, a "little" closer than I thought. Viggo is a 10th cousin 2x removed of Liv. That's kind of neat--their nearest common ancestors were living in New England just a few hundred years ago, and the next thing you know, there they are meeting up in New Zealand on the same movie. I hope you had a good rest, have a decent breakfast (when you're ready), and have a great day, Danielle! Cheers

So then you'd be voting for mi primo, Barack, huh? I like him. When I was a Democrat back in '88 (after I'd been a Republican), I voted for GHWB (the debate moderated by Bernie Shaw of CNN was what made my mind up then). In 92 I was, if I remember right, part of a 3rd party and voted for Clinton (my paternal grandma, a life-long Republican, voted for him, too). In 96, when I was a Democrat again, I wound up voting for a 3rd party candidate, and in 00 when I was in CA and registered I think as an Independent I voted for someone from another 3rd party, not even the Independent party. And since moving to NV in 03, I've been registered with no political affiliation. Why bother, I asked myself, when I never wind up voting for whatever party I belong to's candidate? I find it hard to look at a candidate and not see someone who is, I think, good, well-intentioned, no matter how much I may disagree with their point of view (except for maybe Darth, sorry, Dick). I have the debate on now, and am very concerned how Sarah's going to do (not that I want her or John to win--especially now with what she's saying--but I believe she means well, but she's just not ready; nor am I, nor are most people including several who were president). I have my issues: civil liberties, healthcare, education, affordable housing, a diversified economy based more on production rather than credit (I have no debts--no student loans, no credit cards, nothing--if I don't have the dosh, I don't need the excess--weird when you consider my great-grandma's family, maybe, but I'm a black sheep/oddball in the family in more ways than one, I guess ), the environment, our food supply, &c. I'm 95% sure who I'll vote for, but I always keep an open mind right up to the morning I get my absentee ballot and make my mark, and there are a few other candidate out there besides the Dems & Reps I'm keeping an eye on. The thing that I'm most happy about this year, though, is that my brother's showing an interest, my sis-in-law's showing and interest, and my elder niece is paying very close attention to everything. That's cool! Anyway, I have to run & take care of some things (I have the TV on in 3 rooms, so I don't miss anything as I'm running here, to there, to there! Caramba!) Sleep weel, eat a healthy breakfast when you get hungry tomorrow (whole grains, yogurt maybe, low-sodium bacon perhaps?). Sleep well; Hasta luego, Danielle!

Yeah...unfortunately not otherwise I would definitely be voting twice...more chance of voting a democrat back into office.

Oh, and I was seriously bummed last night after I posted to find out that John & George had stiffed us. And here I was looking forward to seeing their planes fly overhead, particularly AF1 (although the last time here, I did get some nice photos--yippee). Barack flew over when I wasn't looking, I guess. I could have gone to the rally at UNR, but I haven't been to a rally since '88. BTW, I saw the photo of you after your first time voting--real cool. My brother's in his early 30s and this is going to only be his 2d time voting--he skipped the 1st 2 times, while I might have missed one special election & 1 primary (might not have been eligible though, since I don;t belong to a party) but otherwise I've never missed an election. Do you think they'd let me vote twice? I mean, this is NV, after all ...just saying

Then put on your pjs, set that cup of water on the table, and have sweet dreams, Danielle! You deserve them

Yep...as soon as I finish this shoot I will be going to sleep probably. I had to wake up pretty early so I'm very tired.

Oh, by the way, I am very, very happy that your first day officially online went so good! I truly am happy for you! !!