“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
Freedom is easy……. when it’s not in danger. A challenge to freedom, awakens a sleeping giant.
The results of the Hong Kong Elections, after 6 months of protests, are a staggering win for the Pro-Democracy effort and a slap-heard-round-the-world, to Beijing.
From RTHK:
“…… no one was predicting that the pro-democracy camp would win a majority of seats – much less almost all of them.”
“While official results are yet to be announced, partial counts suggest that opposition candidates should win an overwhelming majority of the 452 District Council seats up for grabs, and may have a winning ratio of as high as nine-to-one.”
Seven out of eight pro-democracy lawmakers who fought for a seat in the polls won, with the exception of Council Front lawmaker Chu Hoi-dick, who lost to independent Lai Wing-tim in Yuen Long.
“…… yielded a landslide win to pro-democracy candidates, delivering a strong rebuke to chief executive Carrie Lam from the people of Hong Kong and shocking Beijing ……
” ……3 million people in a city of 7 million queued to vote in the local election held every four years, or 71.2 per cent of registered voters. At the previous election just 47 per cent voted.
By Monday morning pro democracy candidates appeared to have won a stunning 390 of the 452 seats and were on track to control at least 17 of 18 district councils. (emphasis is mine)
Beijing is rather surprised, insisting, no matter what, Hong Kong is still part of China…….. they would not allow “Separatists” to run for office.
Separatism is banned under Hong Kong law. But Wong’s last-minute substitute, Kelvin Lam, won the seat of South Horizons West. Wong wrote on Twitter: “I’m extremely delighted to announce that, despite my disqualification by Beijing, my backup candidate Kelvin Lam has won in South Horizons West with 57 per cent of the vote.”” (Sydney Morning Herald)
Take a few moments and look at this website for election results. Pro-Democracy is green. Look at all the green!
Keep your eyes on this website for the Hong Kong election results. Results should be posted tonight. Red is pro-establishment, gray is independent and green is pro-democracy.https://t.co/IjtBxhtsaV
Historic turnout in local council elections in Hong Kong. The result: A landslide vote for freedom, democracy, and continued autonomy from Beijing. The people were heard loud and clear. Now their leaders need to listen.
Somewhat satisfying to watch the NYTimes forced to admit Communism FAILED when elections take place.
In a stunning sign of support for the protests that have roiled Hong Kong this year, more than half of the 452 seats in Sunday’s local district council elections flipped from pro-Beijing to pro-democracy candidates. https://t.co/5keoE63aGH
Even the South China Morning Post had to admit losing control in 17/18 districts. How on earth can the CCP keep news of this landslide win from the people on the mainland?
Freedom tends to spread like wildfire…….
Hong Kong elections: pro-Beijing camp left reeling from landslide defeat https://t.co/kXhLMyN89T
RE: Sec Nav Looking for input from our members who are current/former military. What do YOU think? Your opinion is far more valuable than a layperson. We’ve never seen such a firestorm of public comments.
From Sec. of Defense Esper’s point of view: Hmmmm, so it looks like Sec of Defense, Esper, fired Sec Nav for lying to him and for attempting to cut a deal behind his back. Telling the WH one thing and telling Esper something else. Valid reason to toss Sec Nav. Sec Nav Spencer’s fight is not with the President – his problem is not being forthright with his boss, Esper.
From the President’s Point of View: President unhappy with Sec Nav over Gallagher and the corruption in the JAG corps. He’s really mad about the 900 million dollar screw up on the new USS Gerald Ford over the electric catapult system replacing the steam system which was prevalent on other carriers. The new system has bugs in it and has been a disaster. Not sure that’s necessarily Sec Nav’s decision or “fault” cuz it takes a while to design/build a carrier. Nonetheless, the USS Gerald Ford is 2.4 BILLION over budget.
On the charge of “Taking a photo with dead ISIS member” Is it a HUGE problem with the charge of “photo being taken with a dead ISIS fighter”. Does it rise to the level of a war crime? WW2 photos, Vietnam photos, Balkan photos, were all BRUTAL. Did the policy start during Obama Admin or during Bush Admin?
Was the policy of “winning hearts and minds” a failure?
How do we win a war…. by being nice?
Why do we ask our soldiers to go and kill our enemies, but don’t hurt their feelings?
OR – is it more important to have a voter base, at home and far removed, who never see the reality of warfare?
Bigger question, by putting what is effectively a “news block” on dead ISIS photos, did we prolong the war? By trying to be nice?
Or is this about superiors behind a desk, attempting to micromanage from afar, second guessing the soldiers in the field?
All opinions welcome.
Latest interview with Eddie Gallagher.
More info on the problems of the USS Gerald Ford:
The dyspeptic performance comes as Secretary Spencer, who bet his job on the USS Ford, faces accountability over his wager with the President on the USS Ford’s broken advanced weapons elevators. Last year, Secretary Spencer proudly highlighted his bet with President Donald J. Trump, saying “I asked him to stick his hand out; he stuck his hand out. I said, ‘Let’s do this like Corporate America.’ I shook his hand and said, ‘The elevators will be ready to go when she pulls out or you can fire me.’ ” But that bet is now lost. After an extended 15-month refit, the USS Ford pulled out of Norfolk, Virginia, for sea trials on Friday, October 25, 2019. Only four elevators were fully operational. A few others were “moving” but have yet to meet exacting Navy standards.
I was not pleased with the way that Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher’s trial was handled by the Navy. He was treated very badly but, despite this, was completely exonerated on all major charges. I then restored Eddie’s rank. Likewise, large cost overruns from past administration’s…..
….honors that he has earned, including his Trident Pin. Admiral and now Ambassador to Norway Ken Braithwaite will be nominated by me to be the new Secretary of the Navy. A man of great achievement and success, I know Ken will do an outstanding job!
This Mighty Warrior Monday Open Thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KMAG/KAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).
Yes, it’s Monday…again.
But it’s okay! We’ll get through it.
Free Speech is practiced here at the Q Tree. But please keep it civil.
Discussion of Q is not only allowed but encouraged. Imagine that! We can talk about Q here and not get banned.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
………………………………………………………………………….
For your listening enjoyment, I offer this composition from Two Steps From Hell, titled ‘Stallion’:
When is reporting on leftist DEFENSE a form of wrap-up smear? Well, probably when something is so damaging to the left, they actually have to defend on it. Whatever.
For the record, Schiff is married and his wife is “not unattractive”. She’s named Eve, and supposedly they get a lot of jokes about the “Adam and Eve” thing.
Also, for the record, it’s a bit of karma that the left’s cynical pushing of the right’s REAL rumors of REAL Democrat pedophilia (you know – the tacky, sordid, normal, kind, like HERE) “over the edge” into “crazy, unbelievable, pizzagate” territory should now come back to bite Schiff – if these rumors are NOT true, but whatever.
TIME WOUNDS ALL HEELS.
Seriously – THE NEWS is THE NEWS now. So as SNOPES accidentally TWISTS THE KNIFE on Adam Schiff, WE REPORT and YOU DECIDE.
Personally, I think it’s incredibly stupid for them to aggressively defend on this unless Schiff is guilty. But then when it comes to stupid AND evil, the left excels, trying to hide the LATTER under the FORMER so often, we simply expect it.
For the record, I believe that something is up with Schiff, but I have no idea what it ACTUALLY is. Could be more along the lines of corruption involving China and the Long Beach port. I do suspect that he likes money and power more than little boys, but you never know.
You can actually go to WD-40’s site, and they debunk a lot of myths, but NOT this ad in particular, that I can find. Maybe a more diligent search would find this particular ad. Seems like a weaponized omission to me – make people search their site more deeply. AH, NUMBERS.
But anyway, when I “googled” using NOT GOOGLE, the SNOPES entry was already showing not merely the Schiff defense right through in the text, but even the ANTI-TRUMP.
If you look at the TOP ITEM (from Snopes), you can see the ANTI-TRUMP, and PRO-CHICOM stuff just leaking right through:
Nov 12, 2014 Is a 1964 WD-40 Ad Full of Sexual Innuendo? … Hundreds of fake account admins and 1,929 Facebook advertising violations only begin to tell the story of the Epoch Times-linked, pro-Trump empire …
This had the effect of reminding me of how, during the Trump campaign – particularly the PRIMARIES, there was an INCREDIBLE amount of MALICIOUS ADS targeting Donald Trump on INCESTUOUS PEDOPHILIA. Yes. NASTY. Pictures of Businessman Trump with his daughter Ivanka, insinuating very ugly stuff.
Remember those ads? They were too cringey to even take screenshots, although I wish I had. I was not as versed in the art of DISARMING psychological malware to STUDY THE BOMB back then.
Kinda like THIS, only in salacious ad form. I think they led to a lot of sites like these:
They were EVERYWHERE, and a lot of them went past ad blockers and privacy software, because they were FORCED onto conservative websites and blogs by Soviet CIA front companies that specialize in nasty politics by malicious ads.
Yeah.
SO…..
Is Adam Schiff a pedophile? And is he still beating his lovely wife?
Many Christians know that the Advent presents an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is true, but there’s more to Advent.
The word
“Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.”
Advent
symbolizes the present situation of the church in these last days, as
Christians await the return of Christ to begin his eternal kingdom. During
Advent, the church looks back on Christ’s coming in celebration while at the
same time looking forward in anticipation of the coming of Christ’s kingdom
when he returns for his people.
Advent lasts
for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent begins on a Sunday that falls between
November 27th and December 3rd each year.
Advent 2019 begins on Sunday, December 1st and ends on Tuesday, December
24.
Over the
course of the four weeks, some Advent Scripture readings look forward to
Christ’s return in judgment while other passages remember the events of
Christ’s arrival two thousand years ago.
The Advent wreath is created out of evergreens, symbolizing everlasting life in the midst of winter and death. Advent candles are often nestled in the evergreen wreath. Additional decorations, like holly and berries, are sometimes added. Families begin lighting a candle on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and they light another candle each subsequent Sunday.
The most common Advent candle tradition involves four candles. A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Each candle represents something different, although traditions vary. The four candles traditionally represent hope, faith, joy, and peace. Often, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-colored. Sometimes all the candles are red; in other traditions, all four candles are blue or white. Occasionally, a fifth white candle is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.
The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.
The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too.
The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again.
The (optional) fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.
We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.
Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December.
1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 )
For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating.” They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.
In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:
They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.
May we, this Advent season, use this time before Christmas to better appreciate the great gift God gave us in Jesus, His Son. And, also, to anticipate Jesus’ Second Coming, when He will take Christians away to be with Him for eternity.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
May this Advent season fill our hearts and homes with a deep appreciation of what God has done for us in the past, and the joyful anticipation of what God has planned for our future.
This THANKFUL THOUGHTS SUNDAY Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Heavenly Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post and discuss news that’s worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers.
Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.
But NOT HERE in The Q Tree. Personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain an abode for those who seek respectful conversations.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
Remember – your greatest gift to President Trump is FIVE WORDS: “I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!“
AND WHAT TIME IS IT? TIME TO….DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!
Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. ~ Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
On this day and every day –
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy, much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th
day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service
of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good
that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering
unto Him our sincere and humble thanks–for His kind care and protection of the
People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and
manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence which we
experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree
of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the
peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish
constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the
national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with
which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful
knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which He hath
been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of
October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go: Washington
Thanksgiving Prayer
Waking up early, a bit after dawn Making preparations all the long morn Baking the pies, apple, pumpkin, and more Thanksgiving’s here and we all have our chores
Turkey roasting in the oven for hours Families and friends, both yours and ours Coming together on Thanksgiving Day To thank our God and it’s to Him we pray
Thank You Lord for everything You’ve done And, most of all, for giving us Your Son We were lost, totally steeped in our sin He died for us, our new lives to begin
Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings in life Thank You for Your peace, our shelter from strife For all Your mercies you make new with the dew And for Your grace, and Your kindnesses, too
Thank You for the hope, deep in our hearts That you’ll never leave us, we’ll never part And for Your promise to take us away To be with You for eternity’s days
Thank You for Your sun’s golden rays and light For our homes and beds to sleep in tonight For our good health, and for those who have none For your comfort, ‘til their victory’s won
Lord, for all You’ve given, for all You do We’re gathered here to give thanks to You For all the bounty we have here, again For all of this, Lord, we thank You. Amen.
It’s great that we have a Thanksgiving national holiday so that, at least once in the year, the people that aren’t normally thankful to God are reminded by the Pilgrim’s celebration, our country’s traditions, and the President’s proclamation that we are to be thankful to God for the bounty that is inherent with living in the United States.
Or is that really so?
From Insider.com, here are 25 reasons why Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
The food is amazing.
There are tons of side dishes, so there’s
something for everyone.
It’s the start of the holiday season.
Leftovers will keep you full for days.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a
must-see.
The American Kennel Club’s National Dog Show
takes place.
There’s no shortage of football games to watch.
If sports aren’t your thing, day-long sitcom and
movie marathons are totally ok.
You get to be with family.
Or, you can spend the holiday with your closest
friends for a “Friendsgiving” celebration.
You can participate in a Turkey Trot
pre-Thanksgiving feast.
Everyone has their own unique traditions.
It’s perfectly acceptable to take a nap during
the day.
It’s not a religious holiday, so everyone can
celebrate.
It’s not super commercialized.
The decorations are adorable.
You don’t have to worry about getting people
gifts.
You can get away with drinking wine all day.
It’s fun to prepare for Black Friday shopping.
It’s
comforting to be back in your hometown.
There are pies. So many pies.
Cooking
with family is a fun bonding activity.
You
can dress up or be as casual as you want.
It’s
not usually too cold outside yet.
It’s
nice to remember what you’re thankful for.
And from Buzzfeed.com, 12 Reasons Thanksgiving Is The Best Day Of The Year
1. The entire point of Thanksgiving is stuffing your face. 2. There are so many foods on the table that everyone’s bound to find something they love. 3. You’re allowed to put bacon in every food. 4. Same goes for bourbon. 5. It’s one of the few days a year that your parents can’t complain about you drinking to wild excess. 6. It’s a secular holiday, so everyone can celebrate it with equal enthusiasm. 7. There’s a huge frickin’ bird involved. 8. But the “side” dishes get all the real glory, as they should. 9. The cooking is actually way easier than you think. No one will care if it isn’t fancy. 10. Only on Thanksgiving is eating 17 pieces of pie a reasonable thing to do. 11. Stuffing exists. 12. Finally, in conclusion: THE LEFTOVERS.
Not one mention of thanking God being the primary reason for the holiday. In fact, blatant statements were falsely made that “It’s not a religious holiday” and “It’s a secular holiday”.
So, how much do we really have to thank God for? Well . . .
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father . . .” Please note . . . “Every good gift and every perfect gift” . . . not just some or most. Every one. We have God to thank for all the little gifts, the big gifts, the tiny gifts, and the huge gifts. No good gift comes from anywhere but from God. All of them!
What about those things in life that we don’t consider gifts: sickness, injury, loss of income and savings, death, and more? For the Christian, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God takes the seemingly bad things in life and makes good out of them!
And the biggest gift of all, the gift of life for eternity: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
God has given us so much that we are to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” In everything give thanks. Everything. Every day. Always.
All this can be summed up, though not entirely adequately, by “Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” God’s everlasting lovingkindness to us is worthy of our thanks for eternity.
So, what are we thankful for this Thanksgiving? In my opinion, the thanks to God for food, family and friends that you frequently hear at the Thanksgiving table is deserved by God, but we are thankful to Him for far, far more than that.
In fact, I believe it is totally impossible for us to properly thank God for His everlasting lovingkindness in all parts of our lives . . . but we should certainly try . . . every day and on Thanksgiving, too!
Notably, Barack Obama only mentioned God once or twice in 6 of his 8 Thanksgiving proclamations (no mention at all in 2 of them), and then only as a historical reference or in talking about Thanksgiving . . . and never once in any of the 8 proclamations after the “Now therefore I, Barack Obama . . . do hereby proclaim” statement.
President Trump referenced God in both of his Thanksgiving
proclamations to date (2017 and 2018), averaging 6 mentions per proclamation, and
also after both “do hereby proclaim” statements in those proclamations where he
included “thanks to God”.
We are indeed fortunate to now have a President who recognizes God’s centrality in our lives . . . another thing to thank God for!
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Thank You, God, for everything The big things and the small, For “every good gift comes from God” The Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept Without any thanks or praise, The gifts You send as blessings Each day in many ways.
And so at this Thanksgiving time, We offer up a prayer; To thank You, God, for giving us A lot more than our share.
First, thank You for the little things That often come our way; The things we take for granted And don’t mention when we pray.
The unexpected courtesy, The thoughtful, kindly deed, A hand reached out to help us In the time of sudden need.
Oh, make us more aware, dear God, Of little daily graces, That come to us with “sweet surprise,” From never-dreamed-of places.
Then, thank You for the “miracles” We are much too blind to see, And give us new awareness Of our many gifts from Thee.
And help us to remember That the “key” to “life” and “living,” Is to make each prayer a “prayer of thanks,” And every day THANKSGIVING.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~
Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~ Charles Dickens
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
May we be truly thankful this Thanksgiving for all that God has done for us in our lives.
Getting ready for Thanksgiving, son coming home from college, and I asked him what favorite food he wanted. His answer, “Rappie Pie”, a special food which harks back to a Nova Scotia vacation we took when he was a kid. Here’s the recipe: https://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/rappie-pie
Grab a cup of coffee and take a trip with me. Been meaning to write this story for a while and today, with Impeachment Hearings droning in the background, seemed like a good day.
We’re going to Nova Scotia!
It was the late summer of 2004. Big T and I were a new item, dating, and Gunner and I were spending the summer in Boston. It was our first summer together as a couple, and we were still getting the house settled. We made it through July 4th, then, out of left field, Democrats descended on the city for their Presidential Convention. Big T was foul. The city was a big parking lot, every night a fundraiser for Kerry, and the news was impossible. We were at a neighborhood bar, eating pizza, and Big T was wishing we could bug out of town. We were both in the midst of long an arduous divorces however, and watching our pennies. Out of the corner of his eye, one of his clients (Paul), pulled a keychain out of pocket, ripped off a key, threw it to Big T, and said, “Here, you guys can use my family house in Nova Scotia for a little vacation.”
Well, I had never been to Nova Scotia. Have you? Big T looked at me. I shrugged, “Sure.” Gunner was about 5yrs old, “I want to go!!” And off we went to Nova Scotia…. the next day.
In order to get to Nova Scotia, we had to take a mini-cruise ship/ferry, with our car, out of Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Okay, sounds great, right?
Understand, Big T is normally a nervous wreck on a trip, lots of schedules and plans (baggage from ex-wife). I really don’t care and everything is an adventure to me. We travel well together. I had never been up the Maine Coast before, so I was hanging out of the window, looking at everything “new” to my southern eyes. We hit super traffic at Kennebunkport, I wanted to stop and shop, he refused, I hopped out of the car, bought antique naval maps at a shop, and caught back up with him, still in traffic. Those prints hang in the Cabana today. We stopped again at Gap outlet and outfitted Gunner for school – whole new wardrobe at rock bottom prices. So far, this trip was great.
We made it to Portland, and gosh, the Maine Coastline is spectacular in late July. What a treat. Everything in field of view is sharper, crisper, and the air is magnificent. We were in the car line, waiting to board the ferry and struck up a conversation with the people next to us. He was my uncle’s business partner from Illinois………. small world, eh?
We boarded the ship and Gunner was beside himself. Great adventure for a little boy. The islands of Maine slipped away to open sea by nightfall. We had a stateroom for sleeping, but Gunner wanted to explore. There was a disco on the ship (hardly anyone there and extraordinarily family friendly). My five year old danced at the disco until past midnight. Great day.
In the morning, we arrived in Yarmouth, a lone bagpiper on the bluff to welcome the ship. How cool is that?
We drove off the ship and to the house in Yarmouth. On the drive into the little fishing village, I kept noticing the mailboxes….. everyone had the same last name as Big T’s client. It was foggy so I couldn’t tell very well. Was everyone in the town was related to each other?
We got to the house and it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned. Big T was mortified but he was expecting a swank vacation home, and he usually stays at the Four Seasons when he travels. It was about 4 steps down from my old grandparents farm house… and in a strange way, comfortable and familiar. Built in the 1930’s and not renovated since then. It was quaint. Cold, with lots of quilts and a big fireplace. He was ready to leave, worried about impressing me. I didn’t care. I liked it. Gunner was bounding around outside, convinced he would see a Canadian bear.
After getting settled and unpacked, we took off into town for groceries, liquor store, a few supplies. We were going to be there for 10 days. Came home, made dinner, slept like lambs. Next day, up again, Big T and Gunner fishing off the dock…… no real luck. Not happy. Bored. I was back at the house, cleaning and organizing a few things. A family member stopped by with a pie to welcome us. How wonderful she was. We chatted for hours while the guys were fishing, and she invited us into town for dinner the next day.
We poked around town a little bit, not much there, but it was a fishing village. We played board games at the house, still foggy outside. In fact, Gunner and Big T went outside to play catch and the fog was so bad, they had a hard time seeing each other.
At dinner, Gunner hit a growth spurt. He decided he liked “Rappie Pie”, kind of like a Shepards Pie, and ate three full orders. He’s 22yrs old now and if I ask him for his favorite meal, he still says “Rappie Pie”. The relatives were an older couple and thrilled with the idea of a hungry “grandson”. “Sweet and genuine”, I thought, we were instantly welcomed into their family. I casually asked our dinner guests about the fog. She remarked, “Oh, it’s good this year. Last year we had 31 days straight.” My eyes went wide, “31 days straight?” “Yes,”, she replied, “but it’s not that bad at all this year.”
I don’t have seasonal affect disorder or anything close to it, but gheez, if we have three days of rain in Mississippi, people start to snipe at each other. I would never make it through 10 days of heavy fog. You couldn’t even see the top of the house. I started getting itchy, and the more I thought about it, the more itchy I got. Didn’t want Big T to think I was weird, but we were going to have to find a way to see the sun again. I started planning and bought a map.
Next morning, me to Big T, “Hey honey, I was thinking, since we were here and you’ve paid for this whole trip, it might be nice for me to make a contribution for a side trip adventure.” He nodded and Gunner’s eyes were bright. I continued, “I was thinking we should go see the whales in the Bay of Fundy. I can squeeze that one into the budget. What do you think?” Gunner was already all over it, “WHALES?” Off we went to Digby.
Digby is a long peninsula. We did our whale trip, orange suits, plastic boat with two 900HP Kodiak motors, German couple as a match to us who adopted GUnar, whale bumps and sightings, 60′ tidal surge in the Bay of Fundy. It was thrilling. Still a little foggy.
We went down to the end of the peninsula, Brier Island, and it was breathtaking. Kids rolling in the summer heather and a landscape which looked like the moon. Warm sunshine, had an early dinner and home by 10pm……. to heavy fog.
At dinner the night before, I learned about a spot a few miles up, where the seals came to bask in the sun. My ears perked up, “sun”. Thought that might be a good adventure for the next day. Off we went.
The “spot” was only about 20 miles up the interstate but then another 20 miles down small roads. Never forget it…. We stopped at the “Nature Station”. I was wearing a pair of red shorts, cute little espadrille shoes, blue and white shirt. The female “Ranger” looked me up and down and said, “You’ll never make it out there.” She disapproved of me. Apparently, it was a two mile hike to the Seal Point and rather rugged. I was insulted but yeah, not wearing the right shoes. As an afterthought, she suggested another place, “more suitable” for someone like me…… which was 2 exits up, “Carter’s Beach”. I looked on the map, no such thing. “Oh, it’s there”, she assured me.
My men were rather disappointed in me. Pretty shoes stopped their fun. They looked at me with the evil eye, and I timidly suggested we try to find “Carter’s Beach”. Disapproving nods, back in the car, up twenty miles, over twenty miles back off the interstate again…. into a neighborhood. We were hopelessly lost and stopped at a quickshop….. well, more like a mini-store in the bottom of a two story house. I asked about the Beach, and the lady behind the counter knew all about it. “Go down this road until it ends and take a left”, she said.
We bought sodas and a few snacks. I asked for a bag of ice. She pointed to a chest freezer and told me to “crack off what you need”. I opened the chest, filled with blue ice cube trays, took what I needed and we left. Yeah, I liked Nova Scotia.
Down a narrow two lane road we went, past house after house. Big T, deeply skeptical, we had to drive slowly, he thought we were on a wild goose chase. Gunner, antsy in the back seat. We drove for thirty minutes, to the absolute end of the road. A few broken down cars, makeshift, at the very end. There was nothing. Zero. I was defeated.
I got out of the car. We hadn’t taken any turns and the lady in the story was so sure and kind. Where the heck were we? We were off the map by that point. We walked around a little bit. I looked over the roof of the Montero at Big T, when Gunner disappeared behind a tree-line and started yelling. We followed him… down a narrow and shrub covered pathway, to the most beautiful beach we’ve ever seen.
The beach, top 50 in the world on a few lists, is actually three separate mile-long crescents, at the tips are spruce trees or a lighthouse, and it’s the home of the biggest sand dunes in North America. It’s practically deserted, a hidden treasure. On that day, only one other family, with two little Russian girls. Kids played in the warm tidal flow and we basked in the sun. It was only about 20 miles from our foggy house. What a difference. Spectacular Canadian beauty.
We learned the meeting of the tall ships was cancelled in Boston and had moved to Halifax. Guess we followed the tall ships. Of course, we had to go. We spent a day or so in Halifax, stayed in a hotel, saw the ships and spent the afternoon at the Citadel……..
As the end of trip was drawing near, we had to make a decision as to how we would spend the last few days. We all agreed. Days at Carter’s Beach and dinners with Rappie Pie and the “family”.
One of the best vacations we’ve ever had. All done on a very tight, shoestring budget. Not at all what we expected, and it was exactly what we needed.
Lesson learned. Even when times are tight, or during personal upheaval, it important to get away and adjust the mindset. We get involved in a trap, thinking the world or business cannot live without us. No, maybe we’re not that important. Especially when we have little kids, there are only so many summers before they are grown and gone. Make the memories while we can.
Our wolf sentries at the door are quite friendly…just give them the password, “Q”, and they will let you pass.
This Cozy Q Tree Saturday Open Thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KMAG/KAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).
Come on in and get comfy:
Free Speech is practiced here at the Q Tree. But please keep it civil.
Discussion of Q is not only allowed but encouraged. Imagine that! We can talk about Q here and not get banned.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
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For your listening enjoyment, I offer this composition by Antti Martikainen, titled ‘Dinas Emrys’:
Visual Descriptions for our dear Zoe, and for anyone else who may find them helpful: Header Image: Is an illustration of the base of a huge Tree with double doors inside a pointed arch. There are two beautiful white wolves standing guard on either side of the doors. The doors have a carved medallion near the top with simple geometric shapes within it. The leaves on the tree are orange and starting to fall, indicating this is in autumn. There is a mist hanging in the air, in the surrounding forest. Second Image: Is a cozy interior view of a stairway against the wall leading down into large area with overstuffed chairs, a couch and soft lighting. There is a bannister made of winding tree branches. Throw pillows and throw rugs add to the comfy atmosphere. Third Image: Is a closeup of President Trump, waving from the entrance of Air Force One. It’s a bright day, so his eyes are squinting, and he has a faraway look on his face. Forth Image, below: Is a large cornucopia basket overflowing with fruit and vegetables.
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As we countdown to Turkey Day, it’s a good time to reflect on what we are thankful for…
Personally, I am thankful that we have President Trump in the White House.
This THANKFUL NOVEMBER [1122] 33 CHEERS FOR DAUGHN FRIDAY open thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world (KMAG being a bit of both MAGA and KAG!).
You can say what you want, comment on what other people said, and so on.
Free Speech is practiced here. ENJOY IT. Use it or lose it.
However, we have a new policy. Starting 20191110. Keep it SOMEWHAT civil.
We have a new board – actually a new SITE – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation. NOT HERE.
This board will remain a REFUGE for those who need civility, either some or all of the time.
Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, and one might say that we have RESTORED THE OLD REPUBLIC – the early high-interaction model of the Treehouse – except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways. Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY TO OUR PRESIDENT!
“I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!“
AND WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO….
DRAIN THE SWAMP
Our movement
Is about replacing
A failed
And CORRUPT
Political establishment
With a new government controlled
By you, the American People.
Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
No food fights.
No running with scissors.
If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
I would like to start off by thanking our awesome DAUGHN for all of the coverage of the impeachment saga this week, and many other amazing posts. She is plum tuckered out, I have no doubt, so I’m doing this one for her!
This is our BEST WEEK EVER, despite all the hubbub and despite significant posting moving over to the U Tree. I credit DAUGHN and DEP PAT with drawing in the crowd, not to mention of course FLEP’S ROUNDUPS, which bring in huge numbers of newsreaders (I could call them lurkers, but that’s not giving credit where credit is due. FLEP IS THE NEWS NOW.
Bravo also to bakocarl taking over the Sunday slot and doing an amazing job on that first post! And I have to say somewhat selfishly that I am enjoying chatting with T3 on the boards now, so it’s a win-win IMO. We are gonna do some amazing things out in the trenches.
Thanks also to Wheatie for those “Wheatie Trees” that I quite frankly need to get by. After a rough week, there is nothing better.
Let me not forget Trumpismine, who is now doing wonderful “pre-Daughn” posts that have made my life SO MUCH EASIER – yeah – talk about thankful! I AM!!!
And thanks to all of YOU for being here. Your support, patience, kindness, CIVILITY, and amazing news contributions are appreciated. You folks BRING THE NEWS, and – truly – WE ARE THE NEWS NOW.
Today is also a special day. Exactly 56 years ago today, a great President – JFK – was taken from us in a cowardly crime.
The victim was then lauded by his own killers, while the fake news media likewise pretended to honor him. The fake news media obfuscated the crime, by pooh-poohing all fruitful theories of the assassination, hiding responsibility and aiding the culprits. Any mention of the Soviets or communists was met with scare tactics, which easily played into previous “duck and cover” nuclear war exercises and prior media fear-mongering on behalf of the Soviets and the American communist infiltration. Any mention of the CIA or domestic government operations was met with derision and disbelief. The fake news media made SURE that the crime was never solved.
It’s rather amazing what 56 years will do.
FUTURE PROVES PAST.
I have found the JFK assassination a key milestone in uncovering the history of the fake news, and the extent of communist infiltration throughout the 20th century.
KARMA.
As the FAKE NEWS MEDIA falls apart on 11/22/19, let me say THIS…..
How are you guys feeling about this by now? Have we had enough? It’s Fiona Hill on the box today. Please check prior posts for links.
Fiona Hill is from northern England only attended university in Scotland. She has a lot of opinions. She’s the one who said, Bolton said, “Drug deal that Mulvaney is cooking up”. She gave a stellar performance review to Vindman but also warned her replacement, Morrison, against Vindman – the leaker. Look for questions on that issue.
David Holmes worked at the Embassy in Ukraine. He will talk about the Saint of the State Dept, Marie Yovanovich. AND Holmes was at the dinner in Kiev, where he allegedly overheard the President talking to Sondland, “Big stuff” and “Bidens”.
