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.

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.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/craighooper/2019/10/28/troubled-navy-secretary-attacks-congress-as-his-most-expensive-ship-goes-to-sea/#58f9d30b6869

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…..

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2019

….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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2019

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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:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

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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.”

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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

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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.

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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

1. The food is amazing.
2. There are tons of side dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
3. It’s the start of the holiday season.
4. Leftovers will keep you full for days.
5. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-see.
6. The American Kennel Club’s National Dog Show takes place.
7. There’s no shortage of football games to watch.
8. If sports aren’t your thing, day-long sitcom and movie marathons are totally ok.
9. You get to be with family.
10. Or, you can spend the holiday with your closest friends for a “Friendsgiving” celebration.
11. You can participate in a Turkey Trot pre-Thanksgiving feast.
12. Everyone has their own unique traditions.
13. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a nap during the day.
14. It’s not a religious holiday, so everyone can celebrate.
15. It’s not super commercialized.
16. The decorations are adorable.
17. You don’t have to worry about getting people gifts.
18. You can get away with drinking wine all day.
19. It’s fun to prepare for Black Friday shopping.
20. It’s comforting to be back in your hometown.
21. There are pies. So many pies.
22. Cooking with family is a fun bonding activity.
23. You can dress up or be as casual as you want.
24. It’s not usually too cold outside yet.
25. 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”.

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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!

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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!

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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 ~

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Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~ Charles Dickens

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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.

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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.

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”.

Here we go again.

Wheatie’s pies reminded us it is time for the annual Thanksgiving Recipe Thread. Please add your favorites and drop a few stories in from your favorite holiday get-togethers.

My Mother’s mother had a saying, “May I always have more guests, than I do dining room chairs.” Remember those who have no family and please, make room at your table.

The stories which come out of the family holidays are wonderful. Here’s a few from our house.

Story #1

I was a teenager. Dad was dating my soon-to-be stepmother and it was obvious the two would marry. We lived in New Orleans. We had been to her parents for weekends (Pensacola) and she had been to my grandparents for weekends (northern Mississippi), but the two sets of potential in-laws had not met. Thanksgiving at Grandma’s was the first meeting of the clans.

The Florida contingent arrived on Wednesday, scheduled to leave Friday morning, apprehensive, best to plan a short trip. On Wednesday, everyone was on their best behavior, no one drank too much, no one swore. My step-mother turns into an infant around her mother, different speech patterns, annoying. Lots of tension in the air. My grandmother was nervous and doing her best to make a good impression. I was cast out to sleep on the couch in the living room.

All the way through Thursday the tension grew. After a day of football, hors d’oeuvres, and afternoon drinks, it all came to a head as we were ready to serve dinner. Everyone was in the kitchen, trying to help Grandmother pull casseroles, ice in the glasses, pour the wine, and find serving pieces. She was trying to use the best china and insisted Grandpa carve, then place, the turkey onto a beautiful antique china platter. A bit of a scuffle ensued as we all organized dishes to the buffet.

Grandpa needed a bigger platter for the turkey. Grandma wanted to use the pretty platter. Finally, as they negotiated, Grandpa became frustrated, pointed his electric knife at my Grandmother and said, “It’s not big enough for a fuckin’ quail.”

Silence. Grandpa dropped the F bomb. Time stood still. My eyes went wide as I looked around the room to gauge reaction. Grandma was clubbing Grandpa with a wooden spoon, using a distressed voice, “Ea—rl”, always two syllables for Earl. Ray, my step-grandfather was a former Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. He had a highball glass in his hand and spit out his bourbon all over the microwave. Tension broken. Everyone laughed. Grandpa and Ray became fast friends.

Story #2

Grandpa Ray, the Chief Petty Officer, lit up my world. I loved him. He took me everywhere and didn’t treat me like a kid. His wife was spoiled, nouveau riche, and spent money like water. Ray would give her envelopes filled with $100 bills so she and my step-mother could go shopping. I didn’t like it – seemed wrong. Ray had accumulated several little houses which he rented out to sailors. Ray drove a little pickup truck with a cab filled with house parts. He was the landlord and always fixing something. One Wednesday before Thanksgiving, he let me tag along on a housecall. Probably a leaky faucet, or so I thought.

First, we stopped at the grocery store. He insisted I grab a cart, and he had one, too. No explanation. We moved quietly through the aisles, tomato soup, boxed mac and cheese, saltines, canned vegetables, loaves of bread, hams, turkeys, ground meat, …… and then diapers, and baby formula….. and even dog food and cases of Budweiser beer. We had no babies or dogs. What was he up to? He paid the bill at checkout, over $400. I could barely swing my laden cart.

At the truck, he divided up what we bought, and we were ready to go. Back in the truck, he asked me to open the glove box. He had a stash of white envelopes there, the same white envelopes he gave his wife. He pulled a wad of bills out of his chest pocket. Each envelope was to contain 4-$20 bills and 20-$1 bills. He winked at me, “Sometimes, it’s hard to break a $20.” I nodded, “Yes, Sir.”

We were off again. Twelve stops, to “his men”. He whistled along the way. He was happy. At the first stop, I got out of the car and headed up the walkway to ring the bell. He stopped me, “Nonono, we’ll go around back.” I paused and waited for him. Each “delivery” was made to the back door, quietly, privately, as not to embarrass another man. He tucked the cash envelope into the screen door. Never said a word to the people who lived there. After the first delivery, I sat in the car and looked at him… differently, with tears in my eyes. He winked at me. He was having fun, “Gotta take care of your men.”

By the 3rd-4th visit, we were met at the backdoor by a guy with a gun. It was one of “his men”. He apologized profusely, broke into thanks and finally, tears. He hugged Ray tightly, and I could feel the tears sting my eyes. $100 was a lot of money back in the 70’s. Later on, we ran into another wife, three little ones at her knees, who immediately broke into tears. As we returned home, my step-mother and his wife returned from their shopping. They showed us all their new clothes, modeling for Ray. He nodded like nothing ever happened. I took my cue from him. Our trip was our secret.

Funny, that year, I don’t even remember what we ate for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Today, we don’t use as much cash, but every now and then, a $100 bill will cross my path, and I think of Ray. As a nod to Ray, when Gunner was little, in his Christmas stocking, I would roll up 20-$1bills with a little ribbon around each one. As a kid, he felt rich. When he was about 12yrs old, he asked me why I didn’t just use a $20 bill. He was annoyed with all the tiny ribbons. I explained the story of Ray and added, “Sometimes, it’s hard to break a $20.” Lesson learned. Be thankful, appreciative, humble, and “Gotta take care of your men”.

There’s a million more, but we’ll stop there.

Life is interesting when we all come together.

Are you ready? Only Gordon Sondland will testify today, and he is a key player in the whole Schiff Circus. He spoke to the President on 5 occasions, at least that is what we are being told. After yesterday, we can expect the Dems to try to make up some lost ground. Oh, and don’t spend all your energy here ——- there is a Dem Debate tonight.

Yesterday, ThinkThinkThink passed me this photo and it’s perfect for today. Members of the swamp, all having fun together.

Testimony will be streamed from same places as yesterday.

Thought I would take this opportunity to tell you a little more about Gordon Sondland, the US Ambassador to the EU.

Gordon Sondland was born in 1957, based in Portland Oregon, born in Seattle, founder of Provenance Hotels and co-Founder of Merchant Bank Aspen Capital. He’s a multi-multi-millionaire, if not a billionaire. Interesting – he dropped out of University of Washington to start the real estate biz —- he did well. His parents were Jewish and escaped the Nazis. He’s been married to Katherine (Katy) for decades and their charitable foundation, which supports families, has been active since 1999. Until 2016, Durant was the Chairperson of the Oregon Investment Council, the body that oversees the over $85 billion Public Employees Retirement System Fund.^[68] They have two children, Max and Lucy.

Sondland has been enormously successful renovating older downtown buildings and turning them into fabulous gems from Denver to Seattle, to Los Angeles and back again. A project like The Old Post Office in DC, would have been Sondland’s dream come true. When he was appointed as Ambassador to the EU, his wife took his place as Chairman of the Hotel Company.

There is a lot of speculation about how loyal Sondland will be to President Trump. Let’s look at Sondland’s political history to see if we can discern how he “leans”.

• Sondland was a member of the transition team for Oregon Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski‘s administration and was appointed by Kulongoski to serve on the board of the Governor’s Office of Film & Television.
• Sondland also served as Oregon liaison to the White House. (Under Bush)
• In 2007 President George W. Bush appointed Sondland as a member of the Commission on White House Fellows.
• During the 2016 United States presidential election, Sondland initially supported Donald Trump, but cancelled a fundraiser and repudiated Trump for his attacks on Khizr and Ghazala Khan
• April 2017, it was revealed that 4 companies registered to Sondland donated $1 million to the Donald Trump inaugural committee.
• On March 12, 2018, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump selected Sondland to be the next United States ambassador to the European Union. (Confirmed June 28th, 2018)
• Both Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) testified in support of Sondland.^[33] Sen. Wyden suggested that Sondland’s “family history is both fascinating and instructive as to why he has the experience and understanding to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the E.U.,” noting how his Jewish parents fled Nazi Germany before coming to the United States.
• Sondland served as Co-chair raising funds for the George Bush Center.
• Sondland has served as Trump Admin lead for coraling EU nations for Iran Sanctions, the SPV vehicle which skirts US sanctions, and has been a vocal critic of the Nord Stream Pipeline.

Because Ukraine (allegedly) wants to enter the EU, Sondland would be the primary lead guy in charge of Ukraine policy. Bill Taylor would answer to Sondland. Volker would answer to Sondland. There are two text message exchanges we will probably see today. Here they are.

Ukraine Bill Taylor: [12:47:11 AM] Bill Taylor: “As I said on the phone, I think it’s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign.” This was seen as the “set-up” text message. It came AFTER the Politico article was released, and Taylor already knew the premise was bogus. Yet, here, he is trying to trap Sondland.

It took Sondland approximately 5 hours to reply to Taylor’s text message (because Taylor sent the message a 1:00am in the damn morning), and it was later revealed that Sondland had called Trump prior to writing a response, in which the president repeated the phrase “no quid pro quo” several times. Sondland responds:

[9/9/2019, 5:19:35 AM] Gordon Sondland: Bill, I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear no quid pro quo’s of any kind. The President is trying to evaluate whether Ukraine is truly going to adopt the transparency and reforms that President Zelensky promised during his campaign I suggest we stop the back and forth by text If you still have concerns I recommend you give Lisa Kenna or S a call to discuss them directly. Thanks

Wiki

On November 5, the New York Times reported that Sondland had provided updated testimony stating that he did in fact view delivery of the aid package as contingent upon the Ukrainian government publicly opening an investigation of Trump’s political rivals as desired by the President. According to the testimony, he relayed this position to Ukrainian government officials. (note the phrasing from the NYTimes – it could be that the President merely wanted corruption from 2016 and Burisma and origins of the 2016 election investigated ——– which happen to be the Bidens)

Fiona Hill created the theme of “The Sondland Problem” whereby she chastised Sondland for pushing more investigations. “The Sondland Problem” was a trending topic on Twitter, yesterday.

The press has been after Sondland as well. They interviewed his general contractor who is renovating his personal residence. No kidding. And the press criticized Sondland for spending over $250K on the renovation of his kitchen. Word to the wise, if Big T was a billionaire – and as much as I love to cook – I could easily spend a MILLION dollars on our kitchen. Besides, it’s Sondland’s own money.

Here, we see Sondland standing next to Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry. Sondland has done a good job for the Trump Admin and probably NEVER expected this kind of scrutiny. The left will be desperate to disparage Sondland…. it’s there best chance for something substantive. Let’s hope he can withstand the barrage.

Sondland will only be available in the morning/early afternoon session. At 2:30pm Laura Cooper, Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for Ukrainian and Eurasian affairs and David Hale, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs. We’ll do a seperate thread for them.

• Volker Prior Testimony: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/IG/IG00/CPRT-116-IG00-D007.pdf
• Morrison Prior Testimony: https://intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/morrison_final_version.pdf

Impeachment Inquiry Cheat Sheet: Kurt Volker’s Past Testimony https://t.co/XYVCvVp6ov via @BreitbartNews

— Joel Pollak (@joelpollak) November 19, 2019

Please check prior post for links to PBS, CSpan3, and FOX.

Impeachment Inquiry Cheat Sheet: Tim Morrison's Past Testimony | Breitbart https://t.co/Oc4nsY4fJ5

— Joel Pollak (@joelpollak) November 19, 2019

And the mystery of the DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question:
What was Alexander Vindman doing for the corrupt Ukrainian former regime that led them to consider him qualified enough that they begged him THREE TIMES to serve as the Minister of Defense of The Ukraine?… https://t.co/MMMtbp9QNf

— Bruce Robertson🇺🇸🇬🇷 (@PericlesElytis) November 19, 2019

No one believes Schiff:

https://twitter.com/KazmierskiR/status/1196876862275887104

Here is the thread for Testimony to Schiff’s Committee this morning. Vindman has enormous problems in his testimony and Williams, on staff for VP Pence, was on the call.

We’ll get this up and going and fill in.

PBS is covering the hearings:

Cspan Three getting ready to start up in a few minutes:

And I think this is the Fox link:

Impeachment hearings losing public support, according to Politico’s poll.

Today, 47 percent of independents oppose the impeachment inquiry, compared to 37 percent who said the same one week ago.” The survey, which has tracked support and opposition for the inquiry each week, support for the investigation inched down 2 points — to 48 percent from 50 percent — while opposition to the inquiry ticked up 3 points — to 45 percent from 42 percent.

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/19/support-trump-impeachment-inquiry-poll-071396

While I have the numbers in my head ~ According to FOX, 13.5 million tuned in the first day and 12.1 million tuned in the second day —- as opposed to Comey’s testimony, where 19.5 million tuned in.

• Vindmam prior testimony: https://www.scribd.com/document/434064258/Vindman-pdf
• Williams prior testimony: https://intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/williams_final_version_with_letter.pdf
• Volker Prior Testimony: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/IG/IG00/CPRT-116-IG00-D007.pdf
• Morrison Prior Testimony: https://intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/morrison_final_version.pdf

Note: SD from Conservative Treehouse has an extraordinary thread up about Vindman’s testimony, starting at page 50, where it looks like Vindman made an actual attempt to change the official read out of the President’s phone call. Follow the thread, here.

(1) Pg 50 Vindman Deposition: “As opposed to going into the standard communications system, it went into a different type, a different, more secure system"… pic.twitter.com/pmBGaVeeTK

— TheLastRefuge (@TheLastRefuge2) November 19, 2019

From Vindman: ” “while i did have an account, it was not functioning properly, so i had to go analog and take a look at – get a hard copy of it -make some- annotate some changes to it”…

Vindman testimony.

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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:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

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On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Joy – Our Choice

Remember, we are not of this world . . . (John 17)

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Travelling through this world alone
There is no sickness, toil nor danger
In that fair land to which I go

I know dark clouds will hover o’er me
I know my pathway is rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me
Where weary eyes no more will weep

I’ll soon be free from every trial
This form shall rest beneath the sod
I’ll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter in that home with God

I’m goin’ home to see my Savior
I’m goin’ home, no more to roam
I’m just a-goin’ over Jordan
I am just a-goin’ home

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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.”

The joy of the Lord is our strength . . .

A key to experiencing joy in our lives is our perspective.  If we focus on the things of this world, the troublesome parts of life will intrude on us everywhere we look. Lies, violence, corruption, sordid schemes, murders, drugs, perversions and evil of all stripes surround us.  We can’t escape them, yet we long to be free of them.

We, as Christians, are not of this world.  Our lives here are short and transient.  Our real lives, our eternal lives, start when our lives on earth end.  “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” With faith, we have much to look forward to . . . an existence that completely eclipses our present life, in unimaginable ways.

Our joy is not based on circumstances. Our joy is a pervasive sense of happiness in what God has done, what He is doing and what He will do. Joy is a fruit of God’s Spirit within us and is a grace given to us by God.

When we look at what God has done for us, we naturally respond with thanksgiving and joy. When we look at the difficult circumstances or the frustrations of life, we are troubled. We can’t completely ignore the difficulties of this life, but we can work our way through them while recognizing that God is in full control and that He loves us.

Colossians 3:1-4  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

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Choosing Joy by Charles R. Swindoll
Scriptures: Philippians 4

I have discovered that a joyful countenance has nothing to do with one’s age or one’s occupation (or lack of it) or one’s geography or education or marital status or good looks or circumstances. Joy is a choice!

Joy is a matter of attitude that stems from one’s confidence in God—that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen. Either we fix our minds on that and determine to laugh again, or we wail and whine our way through life, complaining that we never got a fair shake. We are the ones who consciously determine which way we shall go. To paraphrase the poet:

One ship sails east
One ship sails west
Regardless of how the winds blow.
It is the set of the sail
And not the gale
That determines the way we go.
(Ella Wheeler Wilcox)

Regardless of how severely the winds of adversity may blow, we set our sails toward joy.

Joy is an attitude that stems from our confidence that God is in full control.
— Charles R. Swindoll

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all you lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God: it is He that has 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 endures to all generations.

“A sure way to a happy day”

Happiness is something we create in our mind,
it’s not something you search for and seldom find.
It’s just waking up and beginning the day,
by counting our blessings and kneeling to pray.
It’s giving up thoughts that breed discontent,
and accepting what comes as a gift “heaven-sent”.
It’s giving up whining for things we have not
and making the best of whatever we’ve got.
It’s knowing that life is determined for us,
and pursuing our tasks without fret, fume or fuss.
For it’s by completing what God gives us to do,
that we find real contentment, and happiness too.

  ~  Helen Steiner Rice

And finally, for our struggles as Deplorables, a quote from Abraham Lincoln:
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”