I've never kept my Republican tendencies secret and they have startled, outraged and beleaguered most of my friends.  Certainly Ron Paul offered the best solution to my voting crisis.  Once his campaign dissolved my old loyalties renewed.  But I remained unwilling to commit to the Grand Old Party.

Until today I remained an undecided voter in regards to the upcoming Presidential election.  I mulled over a recent conversation I had with a long time friend and most prudish of liberals.  In the conversation I expressed enthusiasm for the lack of bickering on social issues this go around.  Today I realized my folly. 

As Benjamin Franklin said,   "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." 

During the past eight years civil liberties have been limited, muted and trampled.  And for what purpose?  Terrorist thrive.  And I know I am not more free.  Great world wars brought great economic success to our country.  But this mismanaged unorganized campaign has not prevented financial crisis.  Nor has it secured significant energy resources.  So much has been lost and nothing gained.

I am not persuaded the government should provide all the needs of the American population.  But the best choice for the next President of the United States of America not only must resolve the impending financial doom and unsuccessful war in Iraq, but he will protect the civil liberties of the people he serves. 

Still craving the ocean a bit, Friday night we headed to Lineburger's for a seafood dinner.  My favorite two pictures came from the restaurant, the mermaid statue and Fred Calamari.  Fred Calamari sat as big as my dinner plate with body and all tentacle in tact.  Neither of us could eat him.  I suppose I'd eat less meat if it all looked like the animal from where it came.

We drove through the national park to Gatlinburg.  A time constraint prevented stopping.  But from the car we saw two deer.  A doe and an amorous buck played for passersby.  Further down the road a we passed a beaver in a small field.

In town we picked up our cabin keys and then we headed into the hills.
 

...and video games to raise money for her campaign.  I was brushing my teeth in the other room, but I heard her say it.  Even if an 11 year old sold his bike and video games to raise money for the Clinton campaign, why would she put it in a speech?

I adopted Cher a week ago.  She talks a lot.  But I like her social skills.  She isn't evil or shy.

...three weeks ago, but she didn’t tell me.  When I"ve asked about his back over the phone she'd say, "He’s better."  This morning I called before I left for her house.  I admitted how excited I was to see Archie and she confessed.  No opportunity to raise money for the operation.  No chance to say goodbye.  

I didn’t go to Easter dinner.

"Here."
"What is it?"
"A free microfiber towel."
"Thanks."
"I'm sorry it isn't a doughnut"
"Oh, oh."
"At the gas pump a sign said I'd get a free towel with any gas purchase of ten gallons or more.  So I took my reciept inside."

"I'd like my free microfiber towel please."
"What?"
"The free microfiber towel.  The sign says I get a free microfiber towel with any gas purchase of ten gallons or more," I offered my receipt as instructed by the sign.
"You want your doughnut?" the clerk examined the gas receipt.
"No."
"I know nothing.  You wait until the other guy comes back."
Moments later I ask, "Is he coming back today?"
"Um, here he is," another clerk appeared.
"May I have my free microfiber towel?"
"Huh?'
"At the gas pump a sign said I get a free microfiber towel with any gas purchase of ten gallons or more."
"Really."
"Yes."
"Would you like a doughnut?"
"No, just a microfiber towel if you have them.  The one mentioned on the sign at the gas pump."
"Oh, here's a dozen."

I believe the KSU Teller stole his strawberry and robots story from the movie Across the Universe.

Oh Allison you'll never now how much I miss you.

At work I lost the button to my pants.  It popped off my britches when I stood.  Yeah, I"m a fat cow.

When I called mom on her birthday she said not to drive down on account of the snow.  But it seems Archie damaged his spine about two weeks ago and she did not want to tell me.  He's on medication that may heal the injury.  His follow up on Saturday will determine whether the meds work or he needs surgery.  The surgery cost $1500.  
Should it come to surgery and we cannot pay, the vet. will put Archie down.  Due to the car accident two weeks ago I do not have the funds for surgery.  Mom sounded very hesitant to pay.  
I begged for Archie when I moved into my new place, but mom stopped taking my support checks.  She insisted on taking care of him.  I don't know what to do.

A corn dog and five tangerine Altoids.

My telephone tells me lies.  It's making me schizo.