We would like to thank all our Treepers who hang out here and make this such an interesting, enlightening, and downright fun place to be. It has become a haven of sorts, a place of encouragement, a place of hope, a place where we share dreams and worries and concerns and prayers. A place of laughter, and sometimes tears. We come together here out of concern for our country, but this place has become a little bit more than a clearinghouse for news and political commentary. The spirit you all bring joins us, binds us, makes us friends instead of strangers. We are separated by miles and more, obscured by screen names and vague details, yet somehow that does not matter. We have become fine friends, encouraging each other, praying for each other, rooting for goals both common and individual. We have been here for each other in times of need and tragedy, life threatening medical illnesses, family crises, job searches, loss of friends, family, and beloved pets. We have rejoiced over births, graduations, promotions, new jobs, new pets, and new homes.
For all the wonder that has become life in the Tree, we offer thanks. Please join us in our gratitude, share with us what you will offer thanks for today. Bring us just a little closer as we celebrate this unique and wonderful American holiday, a day we pause to give thanks for many things, not least of which is the founding of America herself, through great hardship and sacrifice, fortitude and courage.
We wish you a day of peace and rest, good food and merriment, good company and fun parades. May your holiday be spent with those you love most. Our prayers of gratitude join yours today.

By popular request (mine) the Treehouse is  initiating a recipe swap for the holidays this year. I hope you will be generous with those cherished secret family recipes you wait all year to savor. Please be sociable and share. We would love to have everything from the gourmet and difficult to prepare to the simple and fast to enjoy, and it would be wonderful if you would take a moment and think of regional specialties from your part of the country. I know I would love to have some yankee stuffing this year, and I am hoping you Texas Treepers will throw some wonderful southwest favorites at us. Standard holiday fare, alternatives with flair, or just a family favorite, toss the recipe up for us, and if you have time, share a little history with us. Whose recipe, why your family loves it, give us a little picture of your special holiday times.  (more…)

Last month, I wrote a post on a subject near and dear to my heart, Jack Daniels. Some lunatic in Moore County Tennessee wants to impose further taxes on the brewery. Now we have a lawmaker in Michigan, of all places, inviting them to move north and try out Michigan’s “abundant fresh water and business friendly tax code.” I have many associations which come to mind when I think about my former home state of Tennessee. The Jack Daniels distillery is one of the first. However, if the county gets greedy and tries to strongarm them just because they are THE business in that area, I really hope Jack Daniels packs it in and moves, leaving the greedy tax grabbing wannabes high and dry.  (more…)

Have a wonderful and fun Halloween, Treepers. If you see – or wear – any great costumes, post your pics here and share with those of us who have to work tonight and are living vicariously through you!

From Hot Air: Perhaps it all comes down to the definition of “endorse.” Mitt Romney traveled to Ohio today, where Republicans are hoping to hold off a referendum that would overturn Governor John Kasich’s reform of public-employee union bargaining, one that went farther than a similar effort in Wisconsin earlier this year. The trip included a stop and an appearance at the center where organizing to defend the PEU reforms is taking place. Romney then told the crowd and the press that he wasn’t there to take a position on any ballot measure, leaving many to assume that he wouldn’t defend Kasich. State GOP chair Kevin DeWine defended Romney by saying he didn’t invite Romney to Ohio to endorse the measure, but will that take the heat off of Romney for taking a pass? (more…)

From Fox News we get this latest example of the entitlement mentality at work. Charles Rogers, self described “concerned citizen” of Moore County says “We are entitled to more money from the only industry in the county – Jack Daniels Distillery.” He wants the taxes to pay for new roads, bridges, even a new water treatment plant. According to him, since Jack Daniels Distillery has used the town as a back drop and feature in their marketing, the company owes them to the tune of 14 million dollars a year. Seems reasonable. Except for the fact that about sixty percent of the price of a bottle now is in taxes. Read more here. (more…)

This was originally posted in the early days of the Treehouse. It’s a story that has been told many times. You’ve probably read it before, but I thought it might be a good time to share again.

Sorting uthrough some old papers I had stashed away, today I came upon this story I had printed out from an email I received on October 11, 2004. The original source for the story is the book Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, published in 1995. It became attributed to Josh and Karen Zarandona when they passed it on in an email.

Supposedly, the original story came to Ms. Elliot from a Brenda Foltz, of Minnesota. I found the story just as thought provoking as I did in October of 2004. I really wish that I were writing this story as an illustration of a moment and a revelation that changed my life. Unfortunately, having a penchant for truth, I’ll confess that did not happen. I wish it had.

Sometimes I need to be reminded – over and over – of the lessons I need to learn in life. I share this with you in that spirit. I suppose most of you may have seen this in the past, but perhaps a few of you, like me, could enjoy it again. (more…)

Governor Christie of New Jersey ended speculation today with his announcement that he will not run for the Rebublican nomination for the presidency. He states that he will not abandon his commitment to the state of New Jersey.  My favorite line: “So New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you’re stuck with me.” Read more in the New York Times article.
So, what’s your opinion here? I think he made the right decision for himself and his state. We are in desperate times, I admire his character and candor, but he has been governor less than two years. The Jersey version of conservative is not quite the same as my version, but he has some accomplishments to be proud of.
Next question: what will the establishment Repubs throw out next?
 

I know, you can hardly believe your eyes. It must not be true. Nevada Geothermal, heavily subsidized by your tax dollars, is unable to produce enough power to pay it’s bills. The article emphasizes, however, that only 79 million of your dollars are at risk – plus 66 million in grants. Nowhere near the Solyndra boondoggle, so I guess that makes it all O.K. The reassuring comments of the chief executive should set your mind at rest. “We are here. We’re doing O.K.” Don’t you feel all better now?