Sleep Apnia

My husband has severe sleep apnia. He was tested in May by OHSU. They found out that he wakes up an average of 80 times an hour, which means that he never reaches REM or has restful sleep. They believe this condition has existed for years, possibly since birth. His body has found a way to adapt to very little sleep.

I've been studying YOU STAYING YOUNG: THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR EXTENDING YOUR WARRANTY by Michael F. Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. This is a great book for everyone, especially babyboomers. On page 187, they say, "Sleep problems and sleep deprivation are self-imposed torture. And the stakes are high: a weakened immune system, increased risk of heart disease, and a brain that works about as fast as a Commodore 64 computer."

The doctor from OHSU showed my husband a range of risk factors of sleep apnia. My husband's case was off the charts. He had never seen anyone like him with such a severe case of sleep apnia. He is shocked that my husband can function at all and has lasted this long.

We don't have medical insurance. The people at OHSU have been trying to locate a machine for my husband with no success so far.

I've become so increasingly aware of how little medical science still doesn't know about the brain or human body. My husband was told in the late 70's that he had alzheimers based on an MRI and in the mid-80's he passed the MENSA test with a score in the 99th percentile, which means he has a genius IQ. He's still the smartest man I know. The body adapts. The brain adapts.

Willamette Writers

I enjoyed reading the June, 2008 issue of the Willamette Writer. Cynthia Whitcomb is the President of Willamette Writers and I loved her article on page two of this issue, "The Elasticity of Fame." Her piece was the best in the newsletter, in my opinion. It was funny. I had the opportunity to listen to Cynthia Whitcomb speak at a monthly meeting in Eugene for Willamette Writers about three years ago. She frequently holds workshops all over the country when she's not busy working on a screenplay. She was electric, animated, and resonated with energy as she shared pearls of wisdom about being a writer.

I hope someday that I can scrap together the bucks to go to one of her screenwriting workshops and that I can go to the yearly Willamette Conference. Every year, I want to go and there are always higher priority needs for our money. Now with gas prices at an all time high, Portland is too far away. Maybe someday................my ship will come in.

If you want to hear about the great conference coming up go to http://www.willamettewriters.com/. Every year it sounds like it gets better and better from the conference brochure. You can e-mail wilwrite@willamettewriters.com about joining and receiving the newsletter.

National Geographic

National Geographic is one of my favorite magazines to read. I love to read it from cover to cover. The May, 2008 isssue is all about China. My favorite article is "Village on the Edge of Time," by Amy Tan, one of my favorite writers. She made the culture and environment of the Dong people come alive in a way that few freelance writers can do. It was a treat reading her article.

One of my favorite books that I have ever read is the Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. If you haven't ever read it, check it out from your library or buy a copy. You'll enjoy reading it over and over.

American Gold Finch

We have quite a show outside our dining room window. We have a black thistle feeder hanging in the window. We fill it one day and the next day, it's empty. We have so many beautiful yellow American Gold Finches right in our window. It's fun to see them up close and it's worth the price of the black thistle seed. In previous years, we've had as many as three black thistle feeders up at once. We need to buy more feeders so we can do this again.

If you want entertainment at your dining room table, put up several black thistle feeders and several hummingbird feeders under the eaves right in front of your window. It's worth it and it's fun for the whole family.

Stark Brothers Nursery

At the first of May, we ordered four trees from Stark Bro's catalog. We called up and ordered 2 Flamin' Fury Jumbo Peach trees and 2 cherry trees. They came in great condition. We have bought from them before and we are always happy with the plants we receive. We planted them right after we received them and they are already growing leaves and are healthy. Order one of their great catalogs at www.starkbros.com or call 1-800-325-4180.

Garland Nursery

My husband, Leslie purchased several beautiful trees from Garland Nursery in Albany, Oregon. They are growing great. He bought cherry, plum, and pear trees. He also bought table grapes, blue berry bushes, raspberries, Marion berries, and loganberries. We planted them right after we bought them and we look forward to next year. If you want a great selection of flowers, perennials, shrubs, trees, and any other need for your garden or yard, stop by Garland Nursery at 5470 NE Highway 20 or call 541-753-6601. Check out their website at www.garlandnursery.com.

Thyme Garden

Yesterday, my husband, Leslie, went out to buy some sweet basil plants for me at the Thyme Garden here in Alsea. He brought back gorgeous healthy plants. He took my wish list of Purple Majesty Ornamental Millet, Sweet Basil and Lemon Basil and brought back all three for me. They are all planted and I'm excited to see the results. I needed the Sweet Basil for the roasted tomato sauce that I freeze and I needed the Purple Majesty Ornamental Millet because I've never had it, I'm curious, and I want it for the birds.

If you want a great garden catalog for $2.00 that is worth every penny, write or visit The Tyme Garden, 20546 Alsea Highway, Alsea, Oregon 97324 or call 541-487-8671 or e-mail herbs@thymegarden.com.

Take a look at their website at www.thymegarden.com.

Straw Bale Gardening

Yesterday, I spent time outside planting tomato plants in straw bales. I have 5 straw bales so far and I hope to get more next month. I've never tried this before. I still haven't read Rose Marie Nichols McGee's book on straw bale gardening so I decided to experiment. I read an article in the Corvallis Gazette Times about it. If this works out, I think this is going to be a permanent part of my gardening. I have the room and it's perfect to have the extra straw at the end of the season to put on my garden beds for extra mulch.

If you want to buy Rose Marie's book or get one of her garden catalogs go to Nichols Garden Nursery, 1190 NE Old Salem Road, Albany, Oregon or call 541-928-9280. I remember meeting Rose Marie at a garden club convention in the Portland area. She's also a master gardener. She's really nice and a great speaker.

To order the herbs and rare seeds catalog, go to http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/.

To read an article about straw bale culture, go to www.nicholsgardennursery.com/strawbales.htm. I can see after printing out this article and before I even read it that I planted in the wrong side of the straw bale.

Car Auction

I turned on Direct TV to find an upscale car auction for the very rich. Channel 76 HDTH. I've never seen a car auction before but this looks like the ultimate car auction for anyone with a lot of money looking for the perfect car. This is a whole different world from the one I live in. As a writer, it's perfect to be able to peek into a world that I would normally not have contact. With additional research and the pictures in my mind of the shiny cars rolling out on the red carpet, a scene like this could find its way into one of my books.

Here are some examples of what is being sold: 1964 Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car Lot #S134 labled as the ultimate collectible Mustang with the bid at $300,000 and it continues. 1964 Shelby Cobra Roadster Lot #S137 with a bid at $560,000 and it continues. 1934 Chevrolet Cabriolet 2 door Lot #S138 sold for $46,000.

If you have plenty of money and love cars, take a look at www.mecum.com.

Oregon Primary

The Oregon primary election is over and Obama won by a strong margin. Hurray!

I voted for Steve Novick for the U.S. Senate. As an environmental attorney from Harvard, I believed he was the best candidate to fight for Oregon. Jeff Merkley won the democratic nomination to run against Senator Gordon Smith in the general election. Jeff Merkley was the candidate chosen by Oregon voters so he needs to win. We need change to start protecting Oregon.

A couple of years ago, I was invited to sit in the auditorium at Newport to hear Senator Gordon Smith. I heard him tell this fishing community on the Oregon coast that he would protect fishing and the commercial fishing industry. Now there are no fish and the fishing industry is drowning. There is a dead zone off the coast of Newport. All commercial salmon fishing has been shut down.

It's interesting that Senator Smith's commercials run on television as if he is not the incumbent and says that he is the candidate for change. I have to laugh. How easy it is to spin the facts. Oregon is known as having a smart voting electorate so I certainly hope that Oregon votes to change the person for U.S. Senator.

Subway

Subway has made a value menu of several footlong subs for only $5. Such a deal! Right after this change, I overheard some grumbling that some customers are complaining that THEIR sub isn't $5. To that I say, Subway didn't have to keep several popular footlong subs at a $5 price. All the subs could have gone back to regular price. This is great for consumers and everyone who loves Subway. Be grateful and once in awhile say thank you to the great person behind the counter who is building your sub.

Subway is healthy eating. You can count on fresh ingredients and a sub made the way you want it.

Protecting Children

On the front page of the Corvallis Gazette Times this morning are the headlines, "Texas seizure of polygamist-sect kids thrown out." It's sad that children and women continue to find no legal protection against abuse. This is in the great state of Texas, the home of President George Bush. It's also interesting that under President George Bush that women continue to lack protection under the law. In 2008, there is still no constitutional amendment saying that women have equal rights.

Obama has the inner strength and character to go the distance. A brilliant man who has ignited the spirits of so many young people and voters all across this country, Obama will protect this country and all its people.

American Dream Pizza

Yesterday I went chasing after a dream at American Dream Pizza on 214 SW 2nd St in Corvallis and chickened out. When I was in the drive-through at Citizen's Bank in downtown Corvallis, I looked in my rearview mirror to see this shiny black new stretch limousine drive past. It was a mini-hummer, brand new. It was the kind of stretch limousine that the richest people ride in. Somebody really important was in Corvallis. I thought it had to be Obama or one of the Clintons so I made the decision to see where it would go.

I'll tell you about my adventure or mis-adventure as it turned out. In my quest to be a pretend investigative reporter, first I had to go to the post office for work. Then I parked my car near Subway and started walking to Old World Deli. I went in and I didn't see any evidence of a Clinton or Obama there so I asked questions. I asked about other choices to eat in the neighborhood--maybe pizza. He mentioned New Morning Bakery and then American Dream Pizza. I told him what I saw. He said, "All the political types go to American Dream Pizza." I thought it must be great pizza. I asked where American Dream Pizza was and I walked briskly towards it. It's right next door to the Citizen's Bank parking lot. I went in the door and scanned the room. I didn't see anyone who looked like the Clinton's or Obama. I didn't see secret service standing guard at attention.

I started to feel awkward so I decided to leave. Maybe I was wrong. I didn't have extra money to buy a small pizza. I started to feel foolish. The "who do I think I am" script started to play in my head so I started out the door to see a man and woman. The man said, "You're right." Now what does that mean? I don't like it when people talk in code. How would he know what I was thinking or that I was trying to follow a dream? Do I have neon words flashing on my forehead? Could he read my mind? I dismissed all of this as absurd and continued out the door.

I was close. Maybe someone really was there. I walked to my car in 99 degree heat, turned on the air conditioner and went home. Later I tivoed two Eugene news broadcasts. It could have been Hillary on her way to Portland or Obama on his way down to Roseberg. Who knows? I may never know, but it was fun to try.

Keizer

Since I visited Waldo Middle School on Saturday, I've been thinking a lot about Salem. In my 7th grade year, I went to Leslie Junior High in South Salem. In the middle of the year, my parents bought a new house in Keizer, Lot 1, Block 1 Palma Cea Villa on Delight Street. After we moved in, I rode the bus every day to Waldo Junior High.

When I went to high school, North Salem High School was soooooo big and crowded that half of the kids went early in the morning and the other half stayed for a second session until evening. In my senior year, McNary High School opened and I was part of the first graduating class in 1966.

During my last two years of high school, I worked half time at W.T. Grant Company on Liberty Street. I was department manager of three departments. My favorite was ordering for the candy department. Candy was kept in stainless steel bins. I measured out the candy, weighed it, and put it in white sacks for customers. What fun! This was my first job at $1.19 an hour.

Gas Prices

The last time I filled up my gas tank in my Toyota, it was $36. No one is talking about an end to the march of the higher and higher prices.

One of the things that really troubled me about what President Bill Clinton said when I heard him in Corvallis on Monday at Lincoln Elementary School was his comment about gas prices. He said that Hillary would make sure that a new hybrid car that gets 100 miles to the gallon manufactured in Massachusetts would be manufactured on mass scale. He said that with a car that gets 100 miles to the gallon, it doesn't matter how high the price goes.

There are people right now who are having problems dealing with high gas prices. These people aren't going to be able to buy a new car that gets 100 miles to the gallon, if they are already having trouble paying for gas.

The cities in this country haven't been set up to be self-sufficient and not rely on transportation to get you from home to work and to shopping. Neighborhoods need to be created that are walking distance to a grocery store, restaurants, shopping, work, a library, a gym, schools, and recreation. Each neighborhood hub needs to have all the components necessary for survival without the need of a car.

Is the office of the President of the United States, both Houses of Congress, powerful attorneys, and great leaders in the country really going to allow gas prices to continue to rise without doing something about it? If this is going to continue, maybe we need a Wal-Mart in every neighborhood and in every small town.

President Clinton

President Bill Clinton came to Corvallis yesterday to speak to a crowd at Lincoln Elementary School. I decided to go. I was in a large line wrapped around the school and didn't get to go into the auditorium. I was in a crowd of people closely packed together in the parking lot. I actually got a pretty good view and wasn't too far away. President Clinton stood on the bed of a pickup truck and at the end, I got to shake his hand as I reached over a couple of people. He spoke for close to an hour and a half.

It was nice of him to shake hands with everyone and speak to people afterwards. It meant so much to everyone. I think there were a lot of Obama supporters in the crowd. Everyone was pretty quiet for a political crowd and didn't react much one way or the other.

I proudly voted for Obama and I believe he is the best person to be President of the United States who is running.

I went to hear President Clinton because he was the President. How many chances in your life do you get to hear a President or see a President up close. I got to shake the hand of a President whose hand has shaken the hands of the leaders of the world, members of the U.S. Supreme Court, Senators, members of Congress, and people who have accomplished great goals to help our nation.

I'm struck by how superficial the election process is and how easy it is to spin the facts. It would sure help people who don't keep up with politics to have handouts of voting records, and statements with charts on voting positions and comparison guides. People get caught up in emotion and this isn't how we should be electing someone for the highest office in our nation.

Mother's Day

My son, Daniel Haber, who lives in Columbus, Ohio sent me a Mother's Day card that I received in the mail yesterday. Daniel works for Battelle in Columbus and is working on his MBA at Ohio State University. I love Daniel very much and am so proud of him. His card was a Hallmark. It said, "Everyone knows that 'mother' is another word for love, but to me, 'mother' means even more--it means support and encouragement, patience and wisdom, holding close until just the right time to let go. The older I grow, the more I've come to understand how lucky I've been to have you as a mother and how grateful I'll always be for all the ways you shared your love with me." Happy Mother's Day.

Then Daniel wrote, "Mom, these statements are very true, but don't even begin to describe how important you've been as I've grown the different stages in life. I love you and miss you. As your Mother's Day gift, I want to give you what you've always asked for...time. I'm going to book you a flight to visit, preferrably as finals wrap up at the beginning of June. Call me and I'll schedule it. Happy Mother's Day. Love, Daniel"

How does it get better than this? I'm very blessed. I'll be excited to see Daniel and visit him in Columbus. I'm so proud of him and all he has accomplished. Daniel is the perfect son and I'm lucky to be his mother. I only wish that there were more people in the world like Daniel because the world and my world would be a much better place to live.

Stem Cell Research

I was talking to my son, Benjamin on the phone today for Mother's Day. We started to talk about stem cell research. He works for Zymo Genetics in Seattle. He told me about the new stem cell patch made from the stem cells from pigs that was able to regenerate a brand new finger with a nail that matched the other fingers on a hand of a man who had a finger cut off. I was amazed that it actually matched the other fingers on the hand. The potential for this research is that anyone who loses an arm or leg can regrow the limb with this kind of stem cell covering.

There could be help for anyone needing a heart transplant or any organ transplant with stem cell research and development.

Why is stem research banned when it could help so many people?

Jack Bennett

Jack is my five year old grandson. I got to watch him play T-ball yesterday in West Salem. I got lots of great pictures and had a great time. Jack was concerned about his game and didn't feel good because of allergies. I told him to go out there and just have fun with his friends. He did and he was great. He was alert, listened, was a team-player, knew the rules, and played several positions on the team plus hit the ball. Jack can be whatever he wants to be in life, if he works hard and wants it bad enough. I'm proud to be his Grandma.

Lizzy Bennett

I had fun with Lizzy yesterday. She's my beautiful 3 1/2 year old granddaughter. I brought her a 25 piece puzzle and she quickly put it together. She's smart, full of fun, and loves puzzles. I don't think there is anything that Lizzy Parker Bennett can't accomplish in life, if she works hard and never gives up. She sure has a great smile and makes her Grandma very happy.

The Day before Mother's Day

I drove to West Salem to spend time with my daughter, Gretchen and my grandchildren, Jack and Lizzy.

Since Gretchen and I both went to Waldo Middle School, we attended the open house for the 50th anniversary. Then we went on to Olive Garden to eat lunch.

Olive Garden is one of my favorite places to eat. I don't live near an Olive Garden so I enjoyed eating at Olive Garden with my daughter, Gretchen, and granddaughter, Lizzy. It was a girl's day out.

I spent a lovely day yesterday with my wonderful daughter, Gretchen, my son-in-law, Chris, and my two grandchildren, Lizzy and Jack. Gretchen is the Executive Director of Liberty House in Salem.

After a Little League game in West Salem and my first T-ball game to see my grandson, Jack hit the ball, play the position of pitcher, and run the bases, we went back to their beautiful house for pizza and a nice evening visiting with family. Thank you for a lovely Mother's Day. It couldn't have been nicer. A gardening basket for Mother's Day and a nice card with hugs and love from Gretchen, Jack, and Lizzy.

Chris is a Senior Mortgage Planner at Today's Mortgage Group at 471 Lancaster Drive NE, in Salem. He has a website at http://www.bennettloans.com/ for all your mortgage loan needs so e-mail Chris at chris@bennettloans.com or call 503-585-1152 at the office.

Waldo Middle School

Waldo Middle School in Salem, Oregon celebrated its 50 year anniversary on Saturday, May 10. Both my daughter, Gretchen and I went to Waldo so we visited the open house. It was fun to visit my old school. I was there for my 8th grade year from 1961 to 1962 and my 9th grade year from 1962 to 1963. I finally found the annual with my picture and they made a copy for me. It was fun to walk the halls with Gretchen, peek in the classrooms, and remember what it was like when we were students at Waldo.

I listened to a talented string quartet and girls choir. Gretchen bought me a Waldo Middle School T-shirt which I will be proud to wear.

It concerns me that there was a window broken that was boarded up and that the courtyard needs tending. It's obvious that Waldo Middle School doesn't receive the same money from Salem Keizer Public Schools District that the more affluent neighborhood schools do. The neighborhood that feeds into Waldo Middle School is multi-cultural and doesn't have the resources or money that is needed. Probably many families need to work two jobs. This school, in my opinion, should be open from early in the morning until at least 9 p.m. with afterschool activities and classes. After school they could work on a newspaper, drama, music, art, gardening, and all sorts of fun projects. This school needs these types of preventative programs in place so all these kids have a chance to develop their potential.

Please send donations to Waldo Middle School, 2805 Lansing Avenue NE, Salem, Oregon 97303.

I ate some delicious cake that was being served to all who attended. I asked who made the cake. The girl said it was donated by Costco. Thank you, Costco for helping Waldo Middle School.

Sharis Berries

Last night when I came home from work, there was a box on the table that was delivered by FedEx. FedEx is the great deliverer of gifts. www.fedex.com

What did I find in the box?........STRAWBERRIES, yes, strawberries. Not just any ordinary strawberries, one of my favorite foods and in the essential food group, but gourmet chocolate dipped strawberries! Big, huge and perfect berries decorated and draped in chocolate.

The box came packed with an ice bag on top to keep it cool and the berries perfect. What a nice gift! I opened the card and it said, "Happy Mother's Day!!! You are the best Mom in the world. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for you. Have a wonderful day. Love Ben and Amanda"

Wow! Is this great or what! Ben is my Golden Boy who lives in Seattle, the one who runs, the genius boy who is perfect at everything, and who works at Zymo Genetics on cancer research. He's also the one who graduated from Northwestern University in biomedical engineering. He married the beautiful Amanda Label who makes him happy. Thank you, Ben and Amanda. I love you.

If you want to send perfect chocolate dipped strawberries to make someone happy, call Sharis Berries in Rocklin, CA at 1-877-berries or go to www.berries.com.

So...you wonder, do I have any left. I have three left. I am savoring each one. I shared one with my husband, Leslie.

ProFlowers

On Wednesday, when I got home from work, I found a box of flowers that was delivered by FedEx. It was a gift for Mother's Day from my son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda who live in Greenlake in Seattle. They are gorgeous tulips of several colors with a beautiful light green vase. They sure make me happy. I love fresh flowers.

The card enclosed said, "Happy Mother's Day!!! You are the best Mom in the world. I wouldn't be the person I am today, if it weren't for you. Have a wonderful day. Love, Ben and Amanda.

What a great son and what a nice daughter-in-law!

If you want to send beautiful flowers to make someone happy, call ProFlowers 1-800-ProFlowers who are located at 5005 Waterridge Vista Drive in San Diego, CA 92121. www.ProFlowers.com

Timberhill Athletic Club

So...I've decided that I have to get serious again about exercise. I have to bit the bullet and start behaving. Don't get me wrong...I love to exercise. I have fun going to Timberhill Athletic Club in Corvallis, but when you are trying to be invisible when you're so fat, it's hard to hide the extra poundage in a swim suit unless you wear black, baggy diving gear.

I was actually thinking of giving up my membership but then I thought...here I don't have any health insurance, I don't have savings, and my membership to Timberhill is the only thing I have to prevent medical problems so I can be healthy. I can't afford to give it up! It sure is cheaper than health insurance. Even if you do have health insurance, sometimes doctors lop off the wrong part or give medication that is worse than the original symptoms so I think I'll stick to preventative measures of eating healthy and exercise.

I had so much fun yesterday. After work, I decided to try hydrofit again. I love hydrofit in the deep end of the pool. I wasn't sure I was ready for it since I've been sluffing off for the last year and a half, but it worked out great. We went outside in the outdoor pool. I've never been out there in the new pool outside. The water is 87 degrees warm. There are two slides. I've been looking out the window at all this but never ventured outside before to try it. It was so much fun to be outside in the water.

This is what I've done since April 28................
April 28....walked 1/2 hour
April 29...walked for 27 minutes
April 30...1 hour on the elliptical runner at Timberhill
May 1...30 minutes on exercise bike at home
May 2...20 minute swim
May 3, May 4...zero, nada, nothing
May 5...45 minutes elliptical runner at Timberhill
May 6...zero, nada, nothing
May 7...30 minutes exercise bike at home
May 8...50 minutes hydrofit at Timberhill

Not much but it's headed in the right direction. I eat healthy but I eat more than I should. Now if I can just keep the portion size down and exercise more, I just might start losing weight.

Craig Ferguson

Craig Ferguson on the CBS The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson is essential TV. Craig needs to be on EVERY night for two hours. If I were to watch one show a day, I've decided it needs to be The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He makes me happy, smile, and laugh. How does it get better than this?

So...when are you going to have Robert Downey Jr. on your show, Craig? He's another genius boy who is magic on the screen, like you.

And what about Jerry Lewis. I've always loved Jerry Lewis.

I was talking to my son, Benjamin on the phone who lives in Seattle and who works for Zymo Genetics. We laugh and joke around. We talk about American Idol and Survivor and other essential things. I told him how much I love Craig Ferguson and I found out that Ben and Daniel, my son who lives in Columbus, Ohio who works at Battelle and is working on his MBA at Ohio State University, saw Craig Ferguson in San Francisco as the main attraction at a comedy club. Wow! How exciting!

I think Craig needs to be cloned to spread his joy around. People need more laughter and joy today to balance out the sadness and heartache. I wish Craig was my brother or best friend. I'd love it, if I got to go to parties where he was at, stand around, talk, and laugh. He's so cute.

OHSU Hero

Chad C. Hagen, MD, assistant professor of the Sleep Disorders Program at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland is a true medical hero in my eyes. My husband, Leslie Haber, who is 58 years old has suffered from sleep deprivation since a toddler in the crib. Over the years, he has rarely slept. If he sleeps a couple of hours in a row, that's a bonus. Doctors have given him sleeping pills over the years which don't work. He snores so loud that you can hear it in the next county when he does sleep. Once when family came to visit, they left the house in the middle of the night to sleep in the car because of the snoring. The next time they came, they brought earplugs. He's up almost the whole night watching FOX News, doing crossword puzzles, and searching for snacks.

What's amazing to me is that Dr. Hagen says that some people may be born with a facial structure that prediposes them to sleep apnea in some form throughout their lives and are treated with sleeping pills unsuccessfully for years before the condition is diagnosed. What's up with this? It's logical that if someone has breathing passages that are narrow, it's more difficult to breathe. A pill doesn't answer everything and pills most often cause more problems than they solve.

Dr. Hagen says the best solution for my husband is to be attached to a CPAP breathing tube which forces air into his nose, which will allow him to sleep. Thank you, Dr. Hagen.

And who is the medical hero who made the arrangements for Leslie, my husband to be seen by Dr. Hagen? None other than the great medical hero who has an office in West Salem, Elaine Broske.

I love smart, brilliant people who think, search for solutions to help people, and then act.

Barack Obama

Ok.....so what's the big deal about Rev. Wright?

Good grief!

Hillary isn't worried about distancing herself from Bill even though he was impeached as President and had a big sex scandal in the White House. No one seems the least bit concerned about this. No one blinks an eye. No one is saying, "Hillary, you didn't stand up and divorce your man so I can't vote for you."

So why is everyone ready to char-broil Obama who doesnt agree with everything his minister says?

Is America saying that you have to agree with everything that everyone says who you associate with in a group? I think not! This would mean no one should join any group for fear that someone would utter an opinion different from their own. This is America--the land of the free and the home of the brave where you can have an opinion and not be shot or locked up for it. Difference of opinion and debate is important.

I'm voting for Obama. My husband is voting for Obama, if he makes it to the general election.

Barack Obama has ignited the hearts of young people and has given the American people hope for real change. There hasn't been this kind of leader on the horizon who has inspired the voting electorate since Kennedy. We need real change and we need someone willing to make it happen. We need Barack Obama.

Medical Heroes

Medical Heroes who have the courage to stand up against the status quo and say that we need health care for all should be applauded and given recognition. It's so easy to go along with the medical power brokers and the money machine that drives the bucks into the supposed non-profit hospitals. It is easy to keep silent and keep out of the arena of public opinion so you don't risk your own job or suffer the rath of those holding the reins.

One such medical hero is in Benton County, Oregon. His name is Dr. Cosimo Storniolo who is an Internist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. On Sunday, April 27, 2008, his letter appeared in the Corvallis Gazette Times which said that there's enough money in Benton County to care for every county resident and he called for action to make Benton County the first in the nation "with a fully insured population."

Another medical hero is Elaine Broske, M.D. who has an office in West Salem. She's my husband's doctor who watches out for him. She also has great courage and is brilliant.

Dr. Storniolo is the doctor who put my husband in the hospital immediately to save his life after checking him at the Benton County Health Department. Nurses and doctors at the Lincoln Clinic said, "Go to Storniolo." "He's brilliant." "He'll know what to do." [Les went to the Lincoln Clinic in Corvallis for months and just before he saw Dr. Storniolo, he was going every week for a checkup.] I agree with the assessment. He is brilliant and beyond that he has courage and strength of character. He's a REAL doctor with heart who cares about people. Hats off to you, Dr. Cosimo Storniolo. I sincerely hope you can make the dream of health care for everyone come true and I'll be happy to volunteer to help you.

Craig Ferguson

I watched Craig Ferguson the first time live on television doing standup at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. This guy's funny! He's refreshing plus he's charming and cute. He goes right to the edge and then has this boyish grin that makes you want to reach into the TV to hug him.

Now I've started to tivo The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson so I laugh at least once every day.

Snow in Alsea

It's been snowing in Alsea today. There's snow in the hills surrounding our house and we drove through snow coming home from Yachats around noon. There's a hummingbird sitting on his perch looking bewildered outside our dining room window and a Steller's Jay screeching from the maple tree in front yelling, "Where's the suet?" The birds emptied the feeders in the front window in a day and a half.

When we walked in the door, the temperature in the house was 51 degrees and this is April 20th. The pellet stove is going now. It's good that we bought 3 tons of pellets this winter and that Les fixed the stove.

I think that the plants are confused. "Is it time to bloom yet or not?" With snow on the ground, I think that some of the plants have decided to wait or haven't figured what to do. After all, peas should be coming up right now ready to harvest since I should have planted them in early March.

Overleaf Lodge

On Saturday night, April 19th, Leslie and I stayed at the Overleaf Lodge in room 106 that opens onto the historic 804 trail next to the ocean in Yachats. On the 17th, Les and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. We eloped to Reno on April 17th in 1972 so long ago.

The 804 trail is perfect for walking or running. It sure made me want to run, run, run......... I did take off for a few brief moments in my New Balance running shoes that I bought from http://www.roadrunnersports.com/. 1-800-551-5558. My shoes wanted to fly.

Before we checked into the Overleaf Lodge, we had fish and chips at the Blue Whale in Yachats and then for dinner went over to Waldport to eat at the new Subway.

I had such a nice time. Anyone who loves the beauty of the ocean, great trails, and a resort hotel where they spoil you rotten, needs to stay at the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats. The free continental breakfast is amazing. I loaded up on fresh fruit and fruit juice. Then I decided to partake of the blackberry scone that was loaded with berries. I didn't try it until we checked out and then I wished I had grabbed another. Delicious!

I took some great photos of a spectacular sunset and this morning I took five pictures of a bird posing on the end of a stick with the ocean waves as the back drop. I wanted to get a spectacular ocean photo with a seagull swooping by at the right moment but it didn't work out. Maybe next time.

On Saturday night Les and I went into the lobby and played canasta to 5,000 points and he won. Then I found this exquite chess set next to the fireplace that was calling my name. The pieces were carved into the shapes of birds. Les and I played chess the night before at home so on Saturday night with this great chess set, I won.

We also enjoyed the spa and sat in the warm bubbling water next to the windows overlooking the ocean. Perfect!

Anyone who wants to get away for a perfect weekend, call the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats and make a reservation. 1-800-338-0507 You'll come back every chance you can and you'll have a wonderful time.
http://www.overleaflodge.com/

This was a Christmas gift from our son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda who live in Green Lake, Washington. Thank you! Green Lake is part of Seattle and has that amazing walking trail around Green Lake that everyone loves.

Olga Ellen Victoria Appelgren Peterson

My Aunt Ellen, my Dad's youngest sister, died on Thursday, April 10, 2008. Her name was Olga Ellen Victoria Appelgren Peterson, and she lived most of her life in Wolf Point, Montana. She died at the age of 98. She was born on 12-16-08 in Winthrop, Minnesota. Both her parents, my grandparents, were born in Sweden.

Up until a couple of years ago, most people would have a difficult time keeping up with her. She scrubbed her kitchen and bathroom floor on her hands and knees because it wasn't clean enough unless she did. For years before Christmas, she made 50 DOZEN krumkaka (Swedish cookies) to give away to people at church, family, and friends. She didn't just read a book once in awhile. She believed it was important to be well informed. She felt it was your duty and your obligation to keep up. She read Time Magazine, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report at the same time. She read countless other magazines, journals, and several national newspapers. She read the classics and any book she felt was important to read.

My Aunt Ellen was a country school teacher. She held high leadership positions within the structure of the Lutheran Church in Montana. She taught at the university. During the summers, she took a small trailer up into the mountains to teach the Hutterite children. She was a writer who earned extra money writing articles for GRIT Magazine.

She was a doer. She had tremendous strength. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. I was always proud of her, her strength, her courage, and all she accomplished. She was the one who took care of people and nursed them back to health when others needed help.

I love you, Aunt Ellen. I will miss you. My Aunt Ellen could do anything. She was one of the greatest influences on my life. One of my biggest regrets is that I haven't had the money in the last few years to spend time with her by taking a month, staying at a motel, and just listening to her. My Aunt Ellen believed it was important to be kind to everyone, work hard, and help others.

Christopher Vogler

On Saturday, April 12, I had the opportunity to learn from Christopher Vogler in Newport, Oregon from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. He wrote the WRITER'S JOURNEY, an important book for any writer who wants to understand the mythic structure common to all great stories and screenplays. He was brought to Oregon by Oregon Writer's Colony. http://www.oregonwriterscolony.org/

I'm so glad I went. I've already read his book through twice and now I'm going to read his book a third time. One of the most important lessons from his book for me in life and in writing is about the threshold guardian, what it represents in life and how to deal with them when you meet up with them.

Christopher Vogler is rich with stories. I loved listening to him and learning about story structure. He just came back from Ireland. He has read thousands of scripts and he knows what are the ingredients of a winning screenplay. He's worked for Disney and all the major movie studios. He's worked with some of the greatest stars and on some of the best movies, like Anna and the King. I love Jodie Foster. He must know her. How does it get better than this? He lives a magical life filled with meaning, creativity, and he works to help writers.

His website is http://www.thewritersjourney.com/

Bike Race

On Friday, 4-4-08, a sea of bicycles flowed past my house. It made my heart soar. I loved and admired everyone in the race. It was glorious to watch.

Everyone on a bike in this race are living their life, a healthy life, and are winning. They are not sitting on the sidelines watching. Individual sports need to be encouraged and supported.

Green Velvet

My parrot died on 4-1-08. He was beautiful and my heart is filled with memories. Here's a poem I wrote for him.

Green Velvet
By Wendy Haber 4-2-08

Green Velvet to wrap your bones
To give homage and honor
To your words, the joy you gave us,
Your companionship, and your life.

For 29 years we called you Pablo.
You made us laugh. You made us smile.
You called our names.

“Oh, you’re so cute!”
“Hello, Sweetheart!”
“I love you soooo much!”
Filled the silence in our house.

As you sang the words of the
First two lines of
“I left my heart in San Francisco,
It never failed to bring a smile.

I was proud to know you and
Proud you were a member of our family.

How could you be gone so quickly
When I expected you to outlive me!
Now, you’re with Aaron sitting on his shoulder—
His buddy, his solace.

I’ve kept every green feather
from the bottom of your cage.
A precious gift, Now a reminder.

On 4-1-08 at 11 p.m. you died.
One minute you were drinking water,
The next minute you were gasping for breath
At the bottom of the cage.
I opened the door to pet your sweet head and
Talk to you softly and you were gone a moment later.

I held you for hours close to my heart
Rocking you like my baby sad to see you go.
Tears well up easily in memory of your love
I’ll miss you, my friend cradled in green velvet.

Green velvet to wrap your feathers
As you lay on a piece of Howard’s blanket.
A final resting place under a tree with a bench
For you to sit on my shoulder and sing in my heart.
Good night, my sweet friend.

Public Safety

I'm concerned about Highway 34 at Mary's Peak between Corvallis and Alsea. The 2 1/2 miles of curves needs to be closed and straightened for the public safety. Yesterday when I drove home from work, I noticed cracks next to the mountain side at one place of the road and the road seems like it is slightly tilted. After mud slides last month, it looks like if a logging truck or semi came at the right time, the road could collapse under the weight. There is a place under the blacktop where the integrity of the road is giving way where the water and mud flows out from underneath that can be seen on the opposite side of the curve.

Someone once said to me that a fault line runs parallel to the hill going up to Mary's Peak on the way to Corvallis. I've recently noticed deepening cracks at the side of the road that keep getting wider.

Recently, a large piece of road equipment fell into a ravine between Alsea and Waldport as it was trying to fix the road. The workman was killed. We don't need another tragedy.

There is another big safety hazard. The bridge at Fish Hatchery Road needs to be widened. You can come around the blind curve approaching Fish Hatchery Road as you drive to Corvallis and more than one time, I have approached the bridge with a logging truck in the middle of the bridge with no room for me as I slam to a stop. The vegetation on the blind curve approaching the bridge needs to be cleared so you can see what is coming onto the bridge too.

My husband came around this curve two years ago to find a truck parked in the roadway ahead of the bridge as the driver sat inquiring about the fishing along the river. A line of about eight motorcyclists were crossing the bridge in the opposite lane so the choice was between rear ending the truck, hitting a motorcycle head on, or trying to get to the right of the truck near the guard rail. He chose the guard rail which caught his left bumper and kept him from going into the river.

This is not okay. We need to take care of these things before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Confucius

I've been collecting Confucius quotes, writing them on paper, and taping them near my computer.

Here are the ones I've collected so far.

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

"Silence is a friend who never betrays."

"Speak the truth, do not yield to anger, give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods."

"Success depends upon previous preparation and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure."

"Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself."

"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes."

"Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand."

"If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?"

Odwalla Super Food

Odwalla Super Food is one of my favorite beverages. Yes, it's green. I love it! It makes me feel good when I drink it and I know it's good for me.

When Leslie, my husband was in the hospital last year, I started drinking it in the cafeteria. I found that it helped me at a time when I was running myself ragged and my immune system was lowered. It made me feel better and it helped me. I would get a big salad and an Odwalla to take up to his hospital room when he stayed for 7 days.

If you are busy and don't have a lot of time to eat right, grab an Odwalla.

Subway

I love eating at Subway. I always order the same thing--a Veggie Delight on whole wheat with pepperjack cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, and nothing else. Perfect! I could eat at Subway every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. I'd probably switch off between the Veggie Delight sandwich and the Veggie Delight salad.

Right now they are having a special--any regular footlong sandwich for 5 bucks. It's an amazing buy so go to your nearest Subway and try one.

Extra

I pulled out a video tape from years ago when I was an extra in the movie, A Summer to Remember with Tess Harper, Louise Fletcher, and James Farentino. I was standing right next to James Farentino in a multi-colored bright striped Koret shirt and red skirt. We were standing in front of a stage with belly dancers and a juggler at Fargo's Famous Circus. This movie was made in the mid-80's. I forget what year but it was fun to be standing next to James Farentino.

Our whole family came to be part of the movie at the Polk County Fairgrounds but I was the only one who got to be part of it. We got a T-shirt and boxed lunch for the effort. I was fluffy at that time too. I've had a weight problem since 1978 when my husband got sick. So there I am standing next to James Farentino, fluffy cheeks and all.

We were also in a Brooks running shoe commercial. Our whole family showed up at Bush Park in Salem and our whole family got money--$20 bucks a head. This was in the mid-80's too.

TMTH

TMTH = Too Much To Handle

My Tivo has been clogged. I had 7 American Idol shows to watch so I was way behind. Last Tuesday, I watched live because I haven't been voting and I didn't know what was going on. My favorite to win is Michael Johns.

I was sad to see that Danny Noriega was voted off. I'm a fan, Danny. This was TMTH. I loved it when his reponse to Simon Cowell was a snap of his head saying, "Some people weren't likin' it!" Danny has pizzazz and I really like him. He should have been in the top 12 so he could tour the United States.

Simon Cowell is important. He helps everyone reach higher, dig down deeper to be the best they can be. It's not always easy to listen to his comments but anyone who critiques talent is giving a great gift.

JOHN ADAMS

Watch JOHN ADAMS, the powerful HBO mini-series this weekend. It is based on the the best seller written by David McCullough, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Anything written by David McCullough is worth reading, buying, and putting in your home library. The executive producer of JOHN ADAMS is Tom Hanks so you know it's going to be outstanding. Anything Tom Hanks touches is excellent. I sincerely hope this is one of many to come based on books by David McCullough. We are in for a treat, if this is true.

Overleaf Lodge

My husband and I were given a gift certificate to the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats, Oregon for Christmas from our son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda. We stayed there last Saturday night and plan to stay on April 19th to celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful gift to heal the heart and nourish the soul!

I love Yachats, my favorite area along the Oregon Coast. My favorite place to eat is the Blue Whale and my favorite choice on the menu is fish and chips.

The historic 804 Trail next to the ocean is a few steps from the Overleaf Lodge along with the pounding waves on the rocks, magnificent sunsets, and the variety of coastal birds. To walk the trail, breath in the fresh air, and feel part of the pristine coastline renews and nourishes. It doesn't get much better than this.

Everyone at the Overleaf Lodge works in concert to make your stay a special experience for each guest. All the special touches and care, as each does their best, succeeds to make your stay unforgetable. The complimentary breakfast couldn't have been nicer. I went right for the cut-up fresh fruit and juices. Leslie went for the calorie-laden foods and he's the one without a weight problem.

I finished the last page in WHAT ABOUT THE BIG STUFF? Finding Strength and Moving Forward When the Stakes are High by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. in our room at the Overleaf Lodge. It was appropriate to end on the last chapter entitled "Happiness," which talks about staying in the moment, take your focus off problems, allow your mind to clear, and make a choice to be happy now. There are always problems in one's life to deal with. No life is ever perfect or the way you want it to be but if you always postpone seizing moments of happiness or joy, you will never be happy.

Thank you, Benjamin and Amanda!

What I want..............

This morning I turned on Direct TV and looked at my horoscope to find that it said, "You deserve to have what you want--not approximately but exactly. Be as specific as possible, and stand back in amazement at how precisely the universe was listening to you."

I thought to myself, Why, that sounds great! So I started writing on 3 X 5 cards everything I want and taping them by the television. Here's my list so far:

Finish 2 plus novels a year. Write lots of screenplays that inspire and make millions. Travel the world in safety. Opportunities to help people, protect the environment, animals, and inspire people to be the best they can be. Health care for all, no homeless, healthy food and clean water for all, world peace, and protection of the planet. $5 million winner in Oregon lottery. Weigh 135 pounds through diet and exercise. Able to afford to buy condos near my children. Dance, sing, and laugh often. $700 million winner from national lottery. Able to attend writing conferences. Winner of $5,000 a week for life from Publishers Clearing House. A new bright yellow Toyota Corolla with temperature control. Time to read 4 hours a day. Time to write 8 hours a day. Time to exercise, swim, lift weights every day for 3 hours at a luxury gym. Surrounded by trust-worthy, smart people. Always have fresh, healthy food to eat. Live a long time with perfect health. Opportunities to make people happy and laugh. No war. No crime. People who are kind to each other in the world. No drugs. No mean people. Visit Sweden every year and own a home in Sweden. Opportunities to speak to large groups. A 10,000 sf house overlooking water that I own and can afford to live in the rest of my life. A 500 sf room filled with floor to ceiling bookcases on each wall. A 500 sf writing studio with windows on two walls and one entire wall a dry erase board for plotting novels. Endless patience. Unlimited wisdom and understanding. Able to buy all courses from the Teaching Company. Opportunity to go back to school and get an MBA, an MFA in creative writing, and a Ph.D. in psychology. Win 3 Oscars. Great music that I can turn on at an instant, like American Standards, cool jazz, and classical. Win a Pulitzer Prize. My books on education and parenting on the NY Times best seller list for over a year. Speak of my books on C-Span on Book TV. Happy, healthy children and grandchildren, and a happy, healthy Leslie.

And then my husband, Leslie says my horoscope in the Corvallis Gazette Times this morning says I'm going to cause everyone a headache! Whatever.... I have the right to dream.

The Teaching Company

I've recently discovered the great gift of learning from the amazing courses through The Teaching Company. At 75% off, I selected as my first choice, Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning taught by Professor David Zarefsky of Northwestern University. I believe that studying logic, rhetoric, and reasoning are basic to writing and will help me as a writer. I was right. I believe this course can help all writers to organize and uplift their writing to higher standards of argument. I learned so many things about the history of debate, how to organize an argument for effective reasoning, and now I want to read everything by Aristotle. I plan on listening to it again and again. This is a great gift to give to any young person in school for this course is basic to all learning and study.

The Teaching Company was founded in 1990 "to ignite people's passion for lifelong learning by offering great courses taught by great professors." The professors are selected "for intellectual distinction and teaching excellence." The courses range from art and music to history, economics, religion, and science.

I just finished listening to The Study of Effective Reasoning by listening to it in my car as I drive back and forth to Corvallis and now I'm on to the second course that I selected, Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists by Professor Richard Wolfson from Middlebury College. He's an amazing teacher. I could learn anything from him.

I'm interested in almost all of the courses offered and plan on purchasing them through the coming years. I'm excited to select courses on philosophy, history, and literature first. I can't afford to go back to school with the high cost of higher education. I've love to get my masters degree and go on for a Ph.D. but it's unrealistic. Even the best universities do not have all the best teachers that inspire at their universities but the Teaching Company does.

With a lifetime satisfaction guarantee take a look, order a catalog, and try a course by calling 1-800-TEACH-12.
http://www.teach12.com/

Feed

I checked out FEED by M. T. Anderson at the library yesterday and I'm almost finished. It won a Los Angeles Times Book Prize 2002 young adult fiction award, and was a finalist for the National Book Award. I recommend listening to the audio book at the same time that you read the book so you get the full nuance of the voices of young people to capture the full experience.

It's a disturbing book, not only because of the deterioration of our society and young people but of the consequences of choices to ignore warnings about our environment and using harmful chemicals. I shudder to think that my grandchildren might have to live in a society like this with a "feed" implanted in them at birth giving them instant access to computer knowledge with streaming commercials. When I think about this, I think about the research at Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard in Corvallis into nanotechnology. I think about how invasive and what a danger this has the potential to be to civil liberties and individual rights. Sometimes I'm glad I'm 60. The choices made by the leaders in this country are taking our country away from a path of freedom and individual rights.

Screenwriting

I'm taking a class on Tuesday nights at the Benton Center in Corvallis on screenwriting. The instructors are Linda and Gary Hamner. This is part of the Linn-Benton Community College. The assignment last Tuesday was to bring a 5 minute scene in an elevator. Here's part of mine entitled FACE YOUR NEMESIS. The man in the scene is a composite of about five people. I'm changing the formatting due to the limitations of this blog.

A middle-aged man and woman in their late 50's walk into an elevator in a large building and the door shuts. Immediately the elevator halts and the door jams.

GREAT ARBITRATOR (booming, echoing, haunting voice over loudspeaker)
You are on the new reality FOX show FACE YOUR NEMESIS from the producers of Survivor.
(audience CLAPS)

GILT E. MANN
What's going on? I didn't sign up for this?

GREAT ARBITRATOR
Oh, yes, GILT E. MANN....You were both selected by the producers to be on the show.

GILT E. MANN
We'll see about this. I'll call my attorney. I was expecting to meet a client.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
Your attorney and wife have already agreed on paper to this alternative, in lieu of costly court litigation and a possible jail sentence.

GILT E. MANN
How dare you! Let me out of here! I didn't do anything!

GILT E. MANN leans over to grab CELESTE L. REIN around the neck and a plexiglass breathable shield covers CELESTE as a protective barrier from harm.

CELESTE L. REIN
You're going to listen to me.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
You're not going anywhere GILT E. MANN. You are here until the door opens.

GILT E. MANN
Outrageous! I've never heard of such a thing.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
At the end of two hours or however long this takes, you both have the choice of a spa vacation at a premier resort at a Caribbean location, a seven-day cruise on Cosmos Cruise Lines, a new wardrobe or room make-over, $50,000 cash, or a brand new Mustang convertible.

GILT E. MANN
This is a horror show!

GREAT ARBITRATOR
You are both on camera with microphones. (audience CLAPS) CELESTE L. REIN has at her disposal the buttons of torment, the Guilt-O-Meter, and a full range of sound, smell with visual and motion effects to alter your reality.

The elevator shakes, vibrates, and starts to drop. The lights go out and lights flash as if there is no ceiling and lightening could almost touch both participants. One side of the elevator becomes a video screen. Both back away to the other side of the elevator. The side of the building seems to disappear with no railing for safety giving the illusion that they could both fall hundreds of feet. CELESTE pushes buttons at random bringing rain, heat, and wind in rapid succession.

CELESTE L. REIN
I think I'm going to like this.

CELESTE L. REIN presses more buttons that change the video screen giving the illusion that an airplane is going to crash into the elevator within seconds, then switching to under water with great white sharks swarming. Next the illusion of snakes coming out from every corner of the elevator quickly changed to STENCH from garbage and rats appearing on the floor.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
There are a few rules. CELESTE L. REIN has the choice to select buttons of torment for effect that bring no harm for the purpose of soliciting a public apology, retribution, and commitment for change leading to a signed contract for a settlement. Guilt has already been determined by our army of criminal attorneys and a federal judge on the basis of written documents and undercover investigation.

GILT E. MANN
You can't get away with this! I didn't do anything wrong.

CELESTE L. REIN
Yeah! Saint on Sunday. Criminal and thief during the week.

GILT E. MANN
This is baseless slander.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
The time has come for you, CELESTE L. REIN, to FACE YOUR NEMESIS. Confront GILT E. MANN who has been predetermined to have hurt you most in the world so you can heal, rediscover yourself, and move forward with your life. A documentary will display on the EVIDENCE WALL. Relax, lean against the back of the wall and view your lives in conflict.

A documentary on the EVIDENCE WALL showed signed documents of illegal activity outlining criminal behavior and video of GILT E. MANN conspiring against CELESTE L. REIN causing her to lose home, bank account, friends, opportunities, and good name.

CELESTE L. REIN
See how you have hurt me! You used your power to silence me. I lost everything because of you.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
Now for the demonstration of the Guilt-O-Meter. This devise was invented by a genius who was awarded the Valor of Honor by the CIA. This sensitive instrument is able to detect the slightest weakness and gives an instant readout on the hand-held scanner with suggestions for the best ways to take advantage of weakness.

This is almost three minutes or three pages of the script. Lots more in my head where this came from.........................So many scripts to write...........so little time.................

The Greatest Gifts

I've come to the conclusion that the greatest gifts in life are the gift of time and the gift to be yourself.

The Big 60

On Monday, the 25th, I turned 60. For the last few months, I've been feeling my age. I've been noticing new wrinkles and feeling slower in my step. I've always felt very young inside until lately. I've decided I'm going to skip by threes in reverse every year from this year forward so next year I'll be 57 or maybe I should skip right to 40 and stay there.

For my birthday, my son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda, sent my husband and I tickets on Amtrak Cascades to travel round trip from Albany to Seattle and back. I love traveling by train. After Ben and Amanda picked us up from the station on Saturday, we drove to their home in Green Lake where I followed clues to the big surprise, which was my son, Daniel in the backyard who flew out from Columbus, Ohio to spend time with me on my birthday. I know that Daniel didn't have the time to do this but it always means so much to see him. I'm grateful I got to spend the weekend with him. Everyone made my birthday so special. This was the best birthday I've ever had in my life.

After the excitement of seeing Daniel, we drove in the car to Alkai Beach where it was crowded with everyone enjoying the sun and we ate fish and chips at Spuds. It couldn't have been nicer. Then we drove back home for the Sponge Bob birthday cake with candles and the gift of a family photo taken at Ben and Amanda's wedding. For dinner, we went to my favorite Italian restaurant, Buca de Beppo for fun and great food with everyone at the table including Alicia, Amanda's sister, and Sharon and Scott, Amanda's parents. It was wonderful.

On Sunday morning, we walked to the Rusty Pelican in Wallingford where I always order the garden skillet because it's so delicious and always perfect. Next we went to visit the troll that lives under the bridge in Fremont, the center of the universe. I'm writing a children's book about him. Then it was onto the Sunshine Cafe in Ravenna where I had a delicious slice of homemade wheat bread with hummus. After that there was a surprise by my son, Daniel who arranged for me to have a manicure at the Derby Salon with Jessie who is delightful to talk to. Then we drove to downtown Seattle to see the movie, Fool's Gold and afterwards I had a delicious luau salad at the Cheesecake Factory before taking Daniel to the airport.

When we got up on Monday, we had fun playing canasta and drinking coffee. Later we walked around the beautiful Green Lake. Benjamin took Les and out for lunch to May Thai Restaurant and I had a delicious vegetable stir fry before boarding the train at 2:20 p.m. on Cascade Train 507 south bound.

This was the best birthday I have ever had in my life and I'm grateful to my family for making it so nice. Thank you.

Chow Mien

I learned how to make chow mien through the community education program through LBCC in Corvallis tonight from instructor, Chenhui Ho. Oh, it was good! What fun it is to learn how to make new dishes and meet nice people. Chenhui Ho is such a nice lady whose smile spreads across her face and fills the room. We enjoyed learning from her. I know I did. Thank you.

I learned how to make chinese noodle dishes and soups. I learned about new ingredients at the Asian Store where I shop on 9th Street in Corvallis, like dried mushrooms. I sure had a nice time.

It was fun to see people I've met before in Master Gardening and writing. There was a biologist, a children's writer, master gardeners, an engineer, a computer software CEO, teachers, and more. It sure is fun to take these classes to learn new things and connect with people in the community.

I get in a rut with my cooking. I make stir fry but I usually make it the same way. I cut up carrots, onions, broccoli, celery, and cauliflower and mix it up in a big bowl and stuff quart size plastic storage bags to put in the refrigerator. I also add mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini to a small bag that I put in the top of the quart bags for stir fry during the week when I'm home. I add slices of barbeque pork or teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice with the veggies. Now I can mix it up and try something new.

Oh, the fun I would have.........

I rolled on by Alsea School at 20 mph and saw the sign in front that says they are searching for a new Superintendent. My mind exploded thinking of all the fun I would have as Superintendent. First of all, I would treat all the kids as if they were gifted and talented. I would want ALL of them to win. I would set the school up to teach on three levels on every subject--review, learn at the level at which the student tests, and to teach above the level of the student for enrichment to introduce advanced concepts. This would be every day for every student. I would model the school after the curriculum I developed for my homeschool in Arroyo Grande, CA from 1978 to 1982. It would work like the classroom of Marva Collins in Chicago and the best schools where all children win.

First of all, I would concentrate on individual sports so everyone would be healthy. I would buy everyone roller skates and turn the gym into a roller skating rink for one hour a day for students and teachers. We would also use the track for walking and running that includes all students and teachers. Events for walking and running would be set up and students would be encouraged to participate in local and state running and walking events. Nutrition would be taught to everyone and the meals would reflect healthy choices.

Next we would move on to the school lunch program. Alsea School doesn't have a federal free school lunch program but it would with me in charge. I would march myself over to Salem and have a talk with the Governor to fix this. We would set up a hydroponic greenhouse to grow all the fruits and vegetables needed for all the students. If Epcot Center at Disney World can grow all the food for the resorts and restaurants, we could grow all the food needed for the school. Master Gardeners would be encouraged to teach and give special expertise plus horticulture students from OSU. Students would learn about gardening by working in the greenhouse.

The money saved from team sports would be put into taking buses to the Portland Art Museum, OMSI, the Portland Zoo, the symphony, and other trips like this. We would have band and orchestra starting in grade one and by the time the kids were in high school, they would be amazing.

Every day, the whole school would read for an hour, including teachers. The school would participate in the National Spelling Bee, the National Geography Bee, the NASA Robotics competitions, math competitions, and more. We would send up rockets and kites. The students would write every day and participate in a school newspaper from grade one through 12th where they would end up submitting articles to magazines and participating in National Novel Writing Month and National Screenwriting Month.

Anyone in the area from elite distance runners to biologists and experts with advanced degrees would be invited to share knowledge. I can see the fun it would be talking to the kids about the escape speed of a ball needed to travel out into outer space from earth and never drop back down to earth would have to be at least 7 miles per second, and that if you squish the earth into a ball the size of a ping pong ball that it would become a black hole which is where the escape speed is greater than the speed of light. I believe that you can teach a five year old anything, IF you explain advanced concepts clearly enough and show them how fun learning can be.

We would debate Supreme Court law cases to teach forensics. We would learn about world leaders, history, and the Constitution. We would play chess. We would all learn ballroom dancing. We would teach logic and reasoning. We would film movies and write plays. We would learn about all the ologies, like entomology. Oh, the fun we would have and the things we would learn. My heart skips a beat just thinking about the possibilities and the joy. The best way is for me to write about my school that exists only in my head with all the students winning, who love to learn, and all go on to college, 'cause it's not going to happen in the real world. Oh, well....back to reality.

My Treatise

Be kind to all people for you
know not their experience or pain.

Work hard to be the best you can be
to gain knowledge and understanding.

Concern yourself with mastery of self,
not with control of others.

Safe guard the land and
abuse not your body.

Harm no person but
speak out when harmed.

Respect others and
demand respect for yourself.

Seek out people who encourage your best
and see your best.

Shield yourself from bullies who
limit and diminish you.

Stand in your strength and
let nothing stop you from being
unique as an individual.

The Neverending Novel

A soap opera is a never ending novel allowing you to peer into the lives of people who live exciting lives and remain at a safe distance. Most writers scoff at soap operas because dialogue is "on the nose" meaning it lacks subtety or mystery. Characters say what they mean and clearly tell the story without veils or hidden meaning.

I love the Young and the Restless. I've been watching for years. Soap characters replace real friends when you stay home all the time. To the shut-ins, isolated, and the lonely, soap operas supply a real need.

Is this really any different than the kid who locks himself in his room playing video games or who spends hours on the Internet? I think not...so don't judge.

I applaud soap operas. They serve a real need and they often give out important information that helps people learn about everything from the importance of keeping your child safe in hot tubs and fire safety to medical information that can save your life.

It sure would be fun to write for a soap opera and be part of a team of writers who create.

Dialogue

People don't talk anymore face to face.
They instant message, text message, or e-mail.
Some write in code and speak in code.
Some hint not wanting to own their words.
It would be nice to find people who talk and have opinions.

Probably the best place to find people with opinions
is in the library.
The library is filled with volumes of books standing
side by side in coexistence with a wide range of opinions.
Maybe this is why people retreat to nature to read a book.
Books don't disappoint or betray.

Maybe I should just stay home 24-7 to read, write, and garden.

Photos

I think I have given up adding photos to this blog. I have dial-up. I have problems sending photos to my family at any of my e-mail addresses. I've given up on this too. Dial-up stinks when you have had the taste of high speed Internet. It isn't even fun to be on the Internet anymore since everything takes so long.

Alsea

"Where in the heck is Alsea?" you ask. To which I reply, "Out in the middle of no where!" Alsea, Oregon is not incorporated so you won't find it on a map. It has about 600 people in the general area with a school serving students K through 12, a general store called John Boy's Mercantile, a gas station, a post office for zip code 97324, a library, the Hope Grange, 2 churches [Assembly of God and Baptist with a nearby Church of Christ in Lobster Valley], and a restaurant. Alsea is on Highway 34 on the scenic route to Waldport on the central Oregon coast. That's about it. I live about 2 miles from the post office. Nice people live here and the kids are the luckiest of all who go to a school where everyone has the opportunity to go on to college thanks to the Clemens Foundation set up by a timber family years ago.

Alsea, Oregon was listed in a book on the best places to retire in the United States, probably because it is unlikely that taxes will ever go up.

I always say that it takes me about an hour to drive into Corvallis because I like to leave early to make sure that I get to my destination. There are 2 1/2 miles of severe, narrow curves at Mary's Peak with a speed limit of 20 mph. You can reach Corvallis in 45 minutes but sometimes you have to wait for road construction or farm equipment rolling along at a slow crawl. The sign says that Alsea is 25 miles from Corvallis or 20 miles from Philomath, and I've checked it with my speedometer. During the snow and ice last week, I was crawling along at 10 mph to 35 mph. If all conditions are just right following all the speed laws, it is possible to almost make it to Philomath in almost 30 minutes but I like the slow, lazy, looking out the window at the trees, mountains, and scenery pace.

Hydroponics

The first time that I became aware of hydroponics was when I visited Disney World for the first time in Orlando, Florida with our children, and went to Epcot Center to see the hydroponics exhibit which grows all the food for the resorts and restaurants in Disney World. It was amazing. The vertical growing techniques in nonsoil mediums in PVC pipes was exciting to witness. They grow everything you can imagine.

Later I attended a workshop through OSU Master Gardening about hydroponics and even helped out at the Oregon State Fair in Salem at the exhibit answering questions. Although I have never had a hydroponic setup at my home, I believe in hydroponics and all the possibilities to grow fresh tomatoes, herbs, and salad greens year around in your home ready for the dinner table. I would love to do this someday but can't afford the electricity for the grow lights plus my house isn't big enough for plants and two housecats to coexist.

I would love to have two windmills on our acreage that pays for all my electricity with extra left over to sell, IF I decide to stay here. I'd love to set up a greenhouse using hydroponic equipment but all this takes money.

I've never understood why our country doesn't invest in hydroponic equipment and greenhouses. There should be tax incentives. In Canada there are massive hydroponic greenhouses heated with solar energy and the same in the Middle East. With our water shortages throughout the United States and the need for fresh food, why don't we do it here? Hydroponics uses 1/30th the water because it recycles the water. The growth rates are up to 10 times that of soil gardening. It works and it uses less space.

Invention

I have had several ideas for inventions through the years but have not had the money to do anything about it other than dream. One of my best invention ideas came to me in 1997 when my husband took me to Disney World in Orlando, Florida for our 25th wedding anniversary. My mother had been refusing physical therapy and her legs were starting to atrophy so my concern generated an invention for passive exercise which I later shared with several professors in the engineering department at Oregon State University asking for help to get my invention off the ground to no avail. This invention could also work for long distance flights for passengers who sit for hours with the potential of creating blood clots in the legs because of lack of movement. I told my son, Benjamin who recently traveled to Singapore 17 hours each way to be sure to walk the isles several times during the flight and to raise his legs up and down while sitting to which he said, "yes, Mom," while probably rolling his eyes on the phone.

My invention for the day is for a new type of shower which I'll share with you since I have no money to do anything about this or anyone to work with me. My shower is a cylinder with several layers of jets up and down the body of the inside that recycles the water with a large ceiling shower head. There might even be a heat option so you don't even have to dry with a towel. There could be different choices of intensity for massage features that could be beneficial for everyone. My shower would have a nonskid bottom. This shower would make it possible to shower in minutes or longer since you don't have to worry about the water useage.

Writer's Strike

The Writer's Guild of America is on strike. The Writers Guild of America East [WGAE] and WGAW who represent film, television, and radio writers are fighting for all writers and putting themselves on the line for copyright infringement, more money, and intellectual property rights. I wish I could join the writers on the picket line to show support. They deserve everything they are asking. They are the ones that write the words that make people laugh and cry. They inspire and encourage. They write the original scripts and stories that everyone profits from. They deserve to profit.

Not too long ago I read that Publisher's Weekly listed the average freelance nonfiction writer as earning 4,000 bucks a year and the average novelist earning a whopping 9,000 bucks a year. You can make more on minimum wage than you can as a writer in most cases.

Boston Legal

My TiVo is clogged. I'm trying to watch some of the shows that I've been saving. Some of the television shows that I enjoy watching, I like to watch slowly to savor since I don't want them to end.

Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows. I just finished one episode, "No Brains Left Behind" 2007. I love the statistics sprinkled by James Spader playing Alan Shore the litigator with heart who constantly skates the edge of being held in comtempt of court.

Here are some alarming facts of the consequences of the Iraq War and how the money spent could have been spent to better use: 450 billion was spent on the Iraq War, 650 billion counting the invasion of Afghanistan, 2 trillion if you add all the indirect costs of war. This would have paid for free health insurance for every uninsured family--124 billion. It could have converted every single car to run on ethenol--68 billion. It could have given a primary education for every child on the planet--30 billion. It could have ended hunger in America--a mere 7 billion.

In this show two studies of National Geographic were revealed to determine the literacy of young Americans. They found that half couldn't locate NY on a US map. Even after Katrina, 1/3 couldn't find Louisiana. 29% couldn't find the Pacific Ocean, 58% didn't know where Japan is, 69% couldn't find England. Out of all the other countries tested, the U.S. came in 2nd to last, ahead of Mexico.

No Child Left Behind is tackled in this show: less than 40% of high school seniors can read proficiently. Mississippi on a national test showed that only 18% of the kids could read proficiently so they made a special Mississippi test so that 89% could read proficiently. I think this is done more often than people know. No one wants to tackle the hard challenges. Our mantra becomes cover up, change the figures, and claim victory. Is that what we really want in this country? We only suffer the consequences and mop up the mess later.

Who was the shining example in education? Marva Collins from Chicago who headed all her students, that no one wanted on the South side of Chicago, straight to college. Every child can win [as long as they are not brain damaged]. Every child deserves a chance. Every child deserves to have a future and have someone advocate for them to have a place to shine. Our kids are much smarter than we think. A baby in the first six months of life is capable of great learning and it is rare to see anyone teaching babies. How sad that we ignore this time when children are a sponge for all knowledge.

Singapore

My son, Benjamin Haber flew to Singapore for work on the 8th of January and returned on the 14th. He spoke at a medical convention for one hour representing Zymo Genetics.

I'm so proud of my son and all he has accomplished. He has worked hard for everything he has achieved. He's brilliant and amazing plus he's fun to be around.

Ben, keep your Canasta fingers limber for our next game................Get ready to lose.

Health Care

I've been having chest pains the last couple of weeks and now I have symptoms of an active bleeding ulcer.

What does one do when you don't have health care, savings to pay for a doctor, or know which doctor go to, if you do have the resources?

My husband, Leslie has been calling about his medical bills coming in the mail questioning bills from doctors he didn't see and asking for an itemized bill. One person said, "welcome to the horrors of our modern health care system."

Days of the Week

I wrote a poem this morning that I'll share with you.
It's called DAYS OF THE WEEK.

Cheat your fellowman on Monday,
Ignore the homeless on Tuesday,
Lie to your children on Wednesday,
Judge your neighbor on Thursday,
Fight with your wife on Friday,
Kick the dog on Saturday, and
Pretend to be a Saint on Sunday.

Jewelry Television

A couple of weeks ago I walked into a jewelry store and looked at the selection of colored gemstones. When I told the salesperson that I enjoy watching Jewelry Television, she said that one of her customers who used to buy from JTV, now buys exclusively from her. I wondered why to myself because I wasn't impressed with the quality of the selection and I didn't see a lot of choices.

I've been impressed with the few low-end priced gemstones we have purchased from JTV. I can't imagine finding a better buy for better quality than buying from JTV. I love watching the gemstone shows because of the information I learn about gems. I can't afford to buy what I want right now but someday I will. I know that JTV offers the BEST prices because it has the quantity to give you the bargains. Right now they are selling champagne diamonds. I never knew about the colored diamonds, like yellow and red.

I purchased a three carat yellow labradorite for under $20 to save. It's gorgeous. When I can afford to put it in a setting, I will have a ring that will make me feel beautiful. What does it matter if I didn't pay a lot, if it is beautiful to me and makes me feel happy? I know it is an amazing investment because the yellow labradorites are at bargain prices right now.

Gemstones are an investment that is possible for anyone. You can hold them in your hand and some are as rare and valuable as the highest end real estate.

Take a look at the website at www.jtv.com and do a search for gemstones. Watch the gemstones show when you get a chance. You will learn more about gemstones as you sit on the sofa than you have ever learned before.

Starbucks

I've been wanting to send in a contribution to Starbucks for a long time to be considered for their quotes on the coffee cups. I went online yesterday and discovered that they no longer ask for contributions from writers.

This is what I wanted to send in so I will include it in my blog:

The way I see it...the job of a parent is to teach your children to become independent, contributing adults within the safety of the family

• by providing enriching experiences,
• by being an advocate so your children get the education they need to reach their potential,
• by being consistent in establishing boundaries,
• by giving the greatest gift of time,
• by teaching logic and decision-making skills so your children learn to make responsible choices,
• by reading to your children and showing them an example of a reading adult,
• by stressing self-improvement and learning in your home, and
• by being an example of the character, values, and work ethic you feel is important.

If you want a great cup of coffee, go to Starbucks! Starbucks is more than coffee. It is a corporation you can feel proud to support. It gives health insurance to part-time employees and cares about people.

Willamette Writers

I drove into Salem on Thursday night for the first official meeting of the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers, the largest writing organization in Oregon. I've been on the mailing list out of Portland and received news of this meeting. I have been a member in the past and have attended meetings once in awhile in Eugene and Newport.

I'm so glad I went. It was glorious to walk into a large room crowded and buzzing with writers. I knew that everyone would be fun to talk to and that everyone had a great story. I knew that I had something in common with everyone there. I knew that everyone loved words and creating stories. I felt comforted being in their midst.

The speakers were two agents from Baker's Mark Literary Agency in Portland--Bernadette Baker-Baughman and Gretchen Stelter. I was grateful to be in the audience. I was impressed and inspired to listen to them. They are what every writer hopes an agent will be. I spoke briefly with Bernadette Baker-Baughman and wanted to talk to Gretchen Stelter but so many people were crowded around her. They are young and brilliant, like my own children, with great drive and ambition to work hard to promote writers. I'm glad I was there.

I need an agent. I need someone to care about my writing and about me. I need someone to give me a kick in the ___ once in awhile to keep me on track. But maybe that isn't the job of an agent. Maybe I just have to care about myself and keep myself on track. It's hard to be a writer and go it alone sometimes, especially when there are so many choices in the world of other ways to spend your time and when life throws you curve balls. I love writing. In my opinion, writing could never be boring, for the possibilities are endless. There is no greater power than to create an original story or write down your own thoughts. Words in books have changed the world and have inspired for centuries.

A screenwriter will speak at the next meeting of Willamette Writers in Salem and I'm excited to attend. The meetings for the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers meets in West Salem at Roths on the second floor--the grocery store with the bakery that makes the best chocolate frosted donut in the entire world!

www.salemchapter.com or salemchapter@aol.com

Why are all Willamette Writer meetings on Thursday night though? If I wanted to attend a meeting in Eugene, I would have to make a choice.

Breast Cancer

I received a phone call about a half hour ago from a woman asking me to donate to breast cancer. I interrupted and said, "Let me tell you my story." I went on to say that I am a breast cancer survivor since 1993 and that I am without health insurance or money in the bank. She quickly got off the phone. I think I made her feel uncomfortable.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 6-1-93 at the Marion County Health Department in Salem, Oregon and a 1 1/2 inch lump was removed by a great surgeon who works with the Health Department, Dr. Van Rozlen. About two or three years prior, I had asked my primary care physician to check a lump in my breast. He said, "don't worry about it. It's probably a cyst." So I didn't worry about it. I was very trusting back in those days and put doctors on a high pedestal.

My surgeon was able to remove all the cancer since the lump was incapsulated so I didn't have radiation or chemotherapy. You can't really tell that I had the surgery since I'm pretty fluffy right now.

The lesson is you must advocate for your own and best health care. You must keep at your doctor to get the care you need and ask the questions to get the answers to your medical questions.

My husband of almost 36 years has been really sick for most of the year in 2007. He was in the hospital at Good Samaritan in Corvallis for 6 days and has been looked at, prodded, poked, cut, blood was drawn, and tissue was analyzed but no one still knows what is wrong or what was wrong to the tune of over $50,000 and climbing. We received bills from doctors who hadn't even checked my husband.

I haven't been checked by a doctor in years. I'm beginning to think that it's best, cheaper, and safer to stay away. I think the answer is healthy food, vitamins, and exercise.

We have a health care crisis in our country. I am one of those without medical insurance. It makes me feel like I don't matter and that no one cares. In my opinion, I believe it goes back to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs--if your basic needs aren't met, how can you be expected to perform at your best?

If someone's support system was pulled out from under him, losing his job with family and friends turning away so he ended up homeless on the street, how can this person be expected to be at his best? Even if this person has the potential of accomplishing great goals, EVERYONE needs support, care, encouragement, and help sometimes.

I remember a quote. It was from Aristotle or Confucius. It went something like this..."a life without friends is a life not worth living." I think it's interesting that this is Sunday and many people went to church today feeling good about themselves and how good they are. However, when there are people who are in great need, lonely, and need friendship and support, is the definition of a good person to turn a blind eye to those in need? Many people love to help anonymously without "getting their hands dirty." They don't want any complications to mar their life. They are willing to give a buck or donate something but they don't want to listen or offer real help and support. I don't think people heal without real communication with a real person and a real friend.

Just my two cents...............

Snow in Alsea

We have snow in Alsea this morning. We had a couple of inches yesterday and this morning it looks like there is two inches of new snow. It doesn't look like it is slowing down or there is an end in sight. It sure is beautiful. The outside temperature near the window says 30 degrees.

Pathway Oregon

I was listening to NPR or OPB on the radio the other day and I heard about Pathway Oregon. This program allows any student who can get into the University of Oregon who is a resident of Oregon, and who can't afford it, a free education for four years. I was thrilled about it and happy that we have this program in Oregon.

The Greatest Presidential Debate

This was the BEST Presidential debate I have ever watched on television.
Thank you, ABC!
Thank you, New Hampshire!
Thank you, St. Anselm College!

We need more and frequent presidential debates just like this one in each state to keep democracy strong and alive. This is the BEST reality television and one that is the most important to our nation. We need to hear all the candidates. We need the interaction. We need debate. As Obama said, we need to "end the politics of fear." We need more debate in our country with people unafraid to stand up for their opinions to keep our nation strong.

It is debates like this and the caucus in Iowa that keeps the democratic process alive in our country. I still want to know why no one is concerned about protecting the integrity of the voting process and dealing with the tampered voting machines of the last two presidential elections.

This kind of debate allows the American people a look at each candidate without the script and shielding that often occurs among people in the public eye. We saw more truth tonight than in any other debate. This is good and needs to happen more often. Thank you ABC! Please have more of them and have them more often.

I didn't expect to like Huckabee and I liked him best among Republican candidates. My feelings and opinions about Romney were confirmed. I would never consider voting for him. In my opinion, he came in last among Republicans. I liked McCain and his strength. Of course, Guliane was a strong candidate and has a great background to handle the problems in the office of the President. The only Republican that I would consider voting for is Guliane, but I am going to vote Democrat.

I didn't know our country was up to 9 trillion dollars in debt. Bill Richardson mentioned this figure. That could pay for a lot of health care and take care of a lot of problems in our country. Richardson also pointed out that we are 29th in the world in math and science.

Yes, a vote for Hilliary Clinton is a vote for strong women every where in this nation. I have been seriously considering supporting Hilliary after listening to Susie Orman on OPB. Women don't even have equal rights under the U.S. Constitution in 2008. But I keep thinking back to the failure of Hilliary Clinton to bring about change as First Lady when she was given the project to create a health care system for our nation. Not only that, but she didn't partner and work with Al Gore as the Vice President, who could have been a real agent of change to put forward health care reform. Yes, she is a strong woman and has accomplished many political goals to make things better in this country. She is qualified to be President, unlike some of the men for whom it is questionable. I may still vote for Hilliary.

The clear winner to me was former Senator John Edwards from South Carolina. I could have stood up and cheered in my living room as he came alive telling his personal story about fighting for justice and how he will fight for the middle class and all Americans. He was the clear winner, in my opinion. He is strong and he has courage. I want John Edwards as the candidate for the Democratic party. He has a clear message of needed change for this country. America needs him. We all need him to win. He understands the heart of America and what needs to be done. I didn't know this about him until the debate tonight. I'm grateful that I watched the four hour debate on ABC. John Edwards is my candidate of choice out of all the candidates running for the office of President.

As far as the economy, Bloomberg is the one with the greatest background to handle the difficult problems ahead, but I think John Edwards will do just fine. I am confident he will do what it takes to make our nation strong again. I still like Obama but I liked John Edwards the best last night.

AWSP

I believe there is a need for successful mentors to sponsor talent in art and writing so I'm thinking of starting The Artist and Writer Sponsorship Program. No one moves forward without support, encouragement, and a mentor, or at least it is almost impossible to do so without someone in your corner to offer help. I thought that this would make the process easier for anyone ready to take the next step in achieving greatness in art and writing.

Anyone with documented potential and who is ready to go for it might apply to be matched with someone who has already achieved success and would like to mentor someone. We often hear of the starving artist and writer in this country because artists and writers who exhibit talent are not subsidized. I believe that should change. I believe there should be a support system and help for anyone who has talent in art and writing. [I believe the same is true for athletes, like runners but I've decided not to mix the categories at this time.]

The writer categories might be screenplays, plays, creative nonfiction, novel writing, short stories, etc. The artist categories might be sculpture, glass blowing, oils, watercolor, etc.

This is how the program might work at its best. A mystery novel writer or screenwriter who has achieved success and who is willing to mentor a writer might offer a stipend for living expenses for a period of time from 1 month to 6 months.

I've decided to test the waters for this idea and ask for comments and opinions.
Please write to me at:
Wendy Haber
PO Box 288
Alsea, Oregon 97324-0288

Great Harvest Bread Company

I love anything at Great Harvest Bread Company. It is one of my favorite stores. They have healthy, delicious breads in plenty of choices, great muffins, and goodies of all sorts. I tried this morning a new product--pancake mix. It was a gift from Jessica, one of Daniel's best friends. The pancakes are delicious! It is made with fresh ground wheat, rolled oats, non-fat dry milk, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. It couldn't be tastier and it's a healthy choice for breakfast.

The one thing that I like best about Great Harvest Bread Company is how kind they are to people who are hungry by giving them a slice of bread. They offer bread to anyone walking in the door. I really love to try their different breads. I've shopped in the Salem store, the one in Corvallis, and the one in Ballard, the Scandinavian section of Seattle.

For the BEST bread, the healthiest bread, shop Great Harvest Bread Company. It is the better choice, the healthier choice for bread.