Posts
Yes, I am a Republican and have been my entire life, even though my family members were mostly Democrats. I am pro-life and both fiscally and socially conservative. There are parts of the platform with which I don't agree, but they are few compared to those with which I do agree.
I do believe we need more miniorities in the party. Last year, I suggested that we begin to advertise our Ellis County party as "the party of President Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King." I didn't get far with that locally. I don't understand why making this statement is unacceptable, especially since the party was started in order to fight slavery.
Recently, I read the 2008 Democratic Party platform, which mentions Abraham Lincoln and his emphasis on establishing the trans-continental railroads. This mention of him, which is near the mention of President John F. Kennedy, infers he was a Democrat. That party uses President Lincoln and the Republican party doesn't! Strange to me.
The convention this past Friday and Saturday was interesting, especially to someone like me who loves technology. The party needs to move into this century and use more technology. I hope to see that happen.
What surprised me most was that the 2008 platform was not used as the basis for the 2010 platform, taking those planks and "red-lining" them (crossing through what is no longer important and adding new text in red ink). This would have allowed delegates and alternates to immediately compare now to 2008. Instead, the committee apparently started from scratch. This not only wasted lots of time, it created a lot of arguing during the general business meeting Saturday afternoon. Some people wanted to trash the entire 2010 platform and go back to the 2008. Had the 2008 been "red-lined," only the few areas of disagreement could have been addressed, rather than suggesting trashing the entire 2010 platform.
What also bothered me was that the amendments to the platform, which were submitted in writing, were not typed into a computer so they could be flashed on screens for all of us to read. With thousands of people in the room, some clapping, yelling, laughing, talking, etc., it was NOT easy to hear amendments as they were read. It is difficult to vote for something when one doesn't accurately hear the content.
Regarding voting, I am hoping before the next convention, a remote voting system can be leased or borrowed so that we are NOT handwriting on slips of paper, which are then hand counted. When I taught in public school, I used remotes for almost all of my tests and the kids loved using them. A great advantage was that scoring was instantaneous.
If you've never used one of these systems, a screen at the front of the room lists choices (this screen is connected to a computer, sort of like viewing slides on a PowerPoint). With the infrared or radio frequency remote, you press your choice (A, B, C, D) while holding the remote toward the antenna at the front of the room. The choices are immediately calculated and the results shown on the screen next to the choices. There is a fail-safe function to determine that EVERYONE'S vote is counted. This is much superior to voting by yelling or for thousands of people to stand for either "yes" or "no," since the numbers cannot adequately and accurately be counted in less than 60 seconds.
When I taught, my students learned cumulative averaging by using the remotes. They could easily understand this concept and they learned how to do this for themselves. For voting at the convention, we don't need cumulative average. Instead, we do weighted scoring. Most of the remote systems can be programmed for this.
The weighted concept means if a county has 20 delegates at the convention, but only 10 are there, those 10 vote for the 20. This is important so that every Republican voter in the county is represented at the convention. I understand this and that, because of the cost of attending the convention, some delegates and alternates simply cannot be present.
Since cost is a major consideration, and to rent the Dallas Convention Center for a week for this most recent convention probably cost A LOT, wouldn't it be more efficient to use web conferencing and skyping that could go to each county? This would not leave out representatives who can't afford to attend a distant convention. Most of us from Ellis County paid only the $35 facility fee to attend last week. However, most delegates and alternates had to stay in hotels PLUS pay the fee. Apparently, the convention was paid for, but I still think we need to investigate using today's technology to reduce the cost to the individual and make the convention available to EVERY DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE IN EVERY COUNTY!
Yes, I know I am before my time. That has been my life! This will someday happen, but it takes people like me bringing up the subject to get it into the mainstream of possibilities.
The speeches were wonderful - Gov. Perry, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, etc. I especially enjoyed that from Attorney General Greg Abbot. We must win in November! I am absolutely against more and more socialism.
When it came to campaigning for immediate votes at the convention, it was distressing to see how many people can be swayed emotionally by the speechmakers, rather than voting with reasoning and logic. As one group of candidates finished their speeches, I told everyone around me that one of the people had the proven experience for the position but was not the "extremely talented orator" that another person was.
The orator won. Later in the day, that orator stopped all business in order to do a big ego trip for 15 or 20 minutes. I was glad to hear people around me, who had voted for the orator, say they wished they had voted for the experienced person. My comment was, "this is just the beginning." People are still very much swayed by personality - even Republicans who constantly criticize the Democrats who voted for Obama because of his personality.
I believe God gave us brains in order to think smart and hearts in order to be kind and loving. Many will not agree with me, but I personally think this should be a 50-50 combination, which is my interpretation of words from Jesus Christ, "As a man thinketh in his heart........"
I am very glad I attended the convention Friday and Saturday. I especially applaud those Republicans, for instance, Michael, who attended Friday and Saturday, but also was there earlier in the week to observe what the various committees were discussing. Will I attend again? That remains to be seen. Time is more and more precious and I'm not sure if I want to spend 20 hours doing what could have taken 5.
But, that is just me - analytical, before my time, and wanting our great country to continue along the right path!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Learning to be a Master Composter
For a year I heard about the Master Composter program sponsored by the City of Grand Prairie. Finally, I was able to work out the class dates and had a great time attending recently with three very smart ladies who are also in Ellis County Master Gardeners.
Larry Wilhelm, who helped create the Master Composter program in Texas, was our instructor for the classes on Thursday and Friday night and all day Saturday. Since he has been involved in the program for over 15 years, he has lots of fun stories to share. At the classes, we received the Rodele book on composting, a t-shirt, a compost thermometer, and we were fed dinner on the two nights and lunch on Saturday. The visit to the Grand Prairie landfill was very educational as was the demonstration of building a compost bin at one of the community gardens.
The three ladies and I are now fulfilling our service hours by working at the Kirby Creek Nature Preserve and Community Garden in Grand Prairie. We turn the compost bin and will create more bins and we weed, prune, and pick ripe veggies from the bountiful plantings. We also may help set up their rainwater harvesting system.
Once we volunteer 20 hours, we each receive a free Shepherd's Compost bin (cubic yard size) with the aerating insert and after the additional 20 hours, we become certified Master Composters and will be recognized by the Grand Prairie Commissioners. In other words, to become certified, we volunteer a total of 40 hours.
The program in Grand Prairie is through the Solid Waste Department, under the direction of Vijit Singh, and through the Special Projects department, headed by Tammy Chan. These are terrific people and very helpful to us from Ellis County as we registered and began to participate. Two of us worked the Grand Prairie Mayfest with Vijit and found him to be very gracious.
Composting is extremely important both from adding much-needed nutrients to the soil as well as to our becoming better stewards regarding landfills. Trains bring trash from New Jersey and other northern states to Texas. We don't want their garbage. In my opinion, this needs to stop. We also want to stop throwing grass clippings and tree limbs into the landfills. Both are ingredients for composting.
Grass clippings contain the nitrogen that is vital to compost. Brown leaves and tree trimmings provide the carbon. Other ingredients include food scraps (NO MEATS, CHICKEN, FISH, OR OILS), dryer lint, shredded paper, cardboard, cotton and other natural fabrics, etc.
I will be teaching a class on Backyard Composting in the fall at the Lighthouse for Learning, which is Waxahachie ISD's adult learning program. I'll also be working with other Master Gardeners to teach composting (including worm or vermi-composting) to 4-H young people on July 22 in Waxahachie.
I hope you are composting - it is very important!
Larry Wilhelm, who helped create the Master Composter program in Texas, was our instructor for the classes on Thursday and Friday night and all day Saturday. Since he has been involved in the program for over 15 years, he has lots of fun stories to share. At the classes, we received the Rodele book on composting, a t-shirt, a compost thermometer, and we were fed dinner on the two nights and lunch on Saturday. The visit to the Grand Prairie landfill was very educational as was the demonstration of building a compost bin at one of the community gardens.
The three ladies and I are now fulfilling our service hours by working at the Kirby Creek Nature Preserve and Community Garden in Grand Prairie. We turn the compost bin and will create more bins and we weed, prune, and pick ripe veggies from the bountiful plantings. We also may help set up their rainwater harvesting system.
Once we volunteer 20 hours, we each receive a free Shepherd's Compost bin (cubic yard size) with the aerating insert and after the additional 20 hours, we become certified Master Composters and will be recognized by the Grand Prairie Commissioners. In other words, to become certified, we volunteer a total of 40 hours.
The program in Grand Prairie is through the Solid Waste Department, under the direction of Vijit Singh, and through the Special Projects department, headed by Tammy Chan. These are terrific people and very helpful to us from Ellis County as we registered and began to participate. Two of us worked the Grand Prairie Mayfest with Vijit and found him to be very gracious.
Composting is extremely important both from adding much-needed nutrients to the soil as well as to our becoming better stewards regarding landfills. Trains bring trash from New Jersey and other northern states to Texas. We don't want their garbage. In my opinion, this needs to stop. We also want to stop throwing grass clippings and tree limbs into the landfills. Both are ingredients for composting.
Grass clippings contain the nitrogen that is vital to compost. Brown leaves and tree trimmings provide the carbon. Other ingredients include food scraps (NO MEATS, CHICKEN, FISH, OR OILS), dryer lint, shredded paper, cardboard, cotton and other natural fabrics, etc.
I will be teaching a class on Backyard Composting in the fall at the Lighthouse for Learning, which is Waxahachie ISD's adult learning program. I'll also be working with other Master Gardeners to teach composting (including worm or vermi-composting) to 4-H young people on July 22 in Waxahachie.
I hope you are composting - it is very important!
Master Gardeners are very busy
I appreciate the kind words from Nola, who is in our Master Gardeners Association. It is amazing how much one learns by getting involved with this group, which is sponsored by Texas A&M. We have very informative classes and the opportunity to be of service at a variety of gardening projects around Ellis County.
After the June business meeting, we took a field trip to Farmers Branch to meet with Dr. Steve George of the A&M Agri-Life program. The location was the national test beds for Earthkind Roses. This is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit if one wants to take a day-trip. If in Dallas or from Ellis County, simply go I-35 north just past 635 (north of Dallas). Exit at Valley View Drive (the first exit north of 635) and drive east on Valley View a mile, maybe two and you will see the garden on the right. You cannot miss all the fabulous rose bushes. A water way is adjacent and there are swings, benches, and picnic tables.
On our MG visit, Dr. George explained the various rose cultivars that are being considered for certification as Earthkind roses. Earthkind means you need to do very little and the roses will grow. The soil is NOT amended when bushes are planted. Bushes are watered the first year and mulch is used (to help hold moisture). Various landscape companies sell certified Earthkinds.
The visit to Farmers Branch is just one example of the fun we have as Ellis County Master Gardeners. The people are great, we learn a lot, and we serve our communities. Who could ask for more? And I didn't even mention the fabulous food we experience at our monthly meeting when we enjoy our covered dish lunch. For more info, visit http://ecmga.com/
After the June business meeting, we took a field trip to Farmers Branch to meet with Dr. Steve George of the A&M Agri-Life program. The location was the national test beds for Earthkind Roses. This is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit if one wants to take a day-trip. If in Dallas or from Ellis County, simply go I-35 north just past 635 (north of Dallas). Exit at Valley View Drive (the first exit north of 635) and drive east on Valley View a mile, maybe two and you will see the garden on the right. You cannot miss all the fabulous rose bushes. A water way is adjacent and there are swings, benches, and picnic tables.
On our MG visit, Dr. George explained the various rose cultivars that are being considered for certification as Earthkind roses. Earthkind means you need to do very little and the roses will grow. The soil is NOT amended when bushes are planted. Bushes are watered the first year and mulch is used (to help hold moisture). Various landscape companies sell certified Earthkinds.
The visit to Farmers Branch is just one example of the fun we have as Ellis County Master Gardeners. The people are great, we learn a lot, and we serve our communities. Who could ask for more? And I didn't even mention the fabulous food we experience at our monthly meeting when we enjoy our covered dish lunch. For more info, visit http://ecmga.com/
Friday, November 13, 2009
MyEllisCountyTX.com Website AND Thanks to Our Founders
I am so excited about finally getting the website published. It should be up on Nov. 15. I pray this site will help residents of and visitors to Ellis County find our businesses and our service organizations. There are individual pages for our 55 names communities plus a Calendar of Events, Job Bank, and Classified section. A Training page will offer resources for how to start a business.
Another feature of the website is to provide histories of our communities. I am still in awe that Bristol lost being the State Capitol by ONE vote. Even our "ghost towns" have links to historical information.
Also included is a link to the 13-part map of Ellis County that shows the cemeteries, schools, railroads, and creeks that were detailed a century ago. Another link takes viewers to North Texas University, where one may read The History of Ellis County, a lengthy old book available online.
We had lots of rain recently and many yards looked like lakes. Red Oak Creek came almost to the top of the bridge on Neck Road and the frontage roads on I-45 were closed due to overruns of the creeks. I don't know if I-35 was hit as hard.
My point is, as I viewed all of this water and mud, I couldn't help but think of how difficult life was for the Native Americans prior to the immigrations of the Spanish, French, and English. And, how hard it was for our early settlers, trying to drive horse and oxen drawn wagons and cattle across ankle-deep mud.
People all over our planet have worked hard for thousands of years to make life a little easier for the next generation(s). Our Ellis County settlers, both those that stayed here and those that homesteaded temporarily on their way farther west, are to be appreciated for their determination. We have a wonderful county because of the many people before us. A special thank you to them.
Another feature of the website is to provide histories of our communities. I am still in awe that Bristol lost being the State Capitol by ONE vote. Even our "ghost towns" have links to historical information.
Also included is a link to the 13-part map of Ellis County that shows the cemeteries, schools, railroads, and creeks that were detailed a century ago. Another link takes viewers to North Texas University, where one may read The History of Ellis County, a lengthy old book available online.
We had lots of rain recently and many yards looked like lakes. Red Oak Creek came almost to the top of the bridge on Neck Road and the frontage roads on I-45 were closed due to overruns of the creeks. I don't know if I-35 was hit as hard.
My point is, as I viewed all of this water and mud, I couldn't help but think of how difficult life was for the Native Americans prior to the immigrations of the Spanish, French, and English. And, how hard it was for our early settlers, trying to drive horse and oxen drawn wagons and cattle across ankle-deep mud.
People all over our planet have worked hard for thousands of years to make life a little easier for the next generation(s). Our Ellis County settlers, both those that stayed here and those that homesteaded temporarily on their way farther west, are to be appreciated for their determination. We have a wonderful county because of the many people before us. A special thank you to them.
Small Appliances Left Plugged In Can Cause A Fire
Today, just down the road from us, a home was totally destroyed by fire. Thank God, no one was injured. The home owners were in Dallas and drove home to find devastation. We stopped by to see how we could help. The Red Cross was on site. As we receive information of what the family needs, I'll post it here.
It is believed the fire started in the kitchen, although official determination is not available this soon. Because of this possibility, I just wanted to remind everyone to never leave small appliances plugged when one leaves the house. Also, we should never leave the washer, dryer, or dishwasher operating when we're not home.
Years ago, in Plano, I had a friend whose house burned. While the humans were not home and, therefore, were not physically injured, their beloved dog was in the home and died. According to the Fire Chief's report, that fire started in the kitchen as a result of a coffee maker, which had been left plugged in, although it was turned off. I was told back then, that there are many, many fires caused by small appliances which may be "off" but are plugged into the wall receptacle.
After my friend's tragedy in 1994, I made it a point to keep small appliances unplugged and to never leave an appliance on when I left the house (with the exception of the refrigerator, of course). Even my clocks run on batteries, so I don't worry about a tiny object creating a fire.
Our hearts are heavy for the loss of our neighbors and our prayers are with them. Thank you for your prayers, as well.
It is believed the fire started in the kitchen, although official determination is not available this soon. Because of this possibility, I just wanted to remind everyone to never leave small appliances plugged when one leaves the house. Also, we should never leave the washer, dryer, or dishwasher operating when we're not home.
Years ago, in Plano, I had a friend whose house burned. While the humans were not home and, therefore, were not physically injured, their beloved dog was in the home and died. According to the Fire Chief's report, that fire started in the kitchen as a result of a coffee maker, which had been left plugged in, although it was turned off. I was told back then, that there are many, many fires caused by small appliances which may be "off" but are plugged into the wall receptacle.
After my friend's tragedy in 1994, I made it a point to keep small appliances unplugged and to never leave an appliance on when I left the house (with the exception of the refrigerator, of course). Even my clocks run on batteries, so I don't worry about a tiny object creating a fire.
Our hearts are heavy for the loss of our neighbors and our prayers are with them. Thank you for your prayers, as well.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Strengthening Ellis County TX communities
On November 15, our new website will be posted at http://MyEllisCountyTX.com. I am very excited about the interest already shown for this idea.
We have a number of businesses throughout out county and it is important that we buy locally, so that our neighbors have jobs. We also have many wonderful home-based businesses without business telephone numbers and therefore without a listing anywhere. Hopefully, this new site will provide a venue for these businesses. Our cities and towns have many service organizations and non-profits in the same situation as some of the home-based businesses. Without phone numbers listed in the Yellow Pages, many of our citizens don't know of the existences of these volunteer groups. The more our residents and guests know about them, the more support there will be for them.
The site also provides a Calendar of Events, Classified ads, and a Job Bank. Other features may be added as we move along.
As always, thank you for your support. I think most all of us want to have a home with a great quality of life. By getting involved in our county and its many communities, we can influence the ideals of positive living.
We have a number of businesses throughout out county and it is important that we buy locally, so that our neighbors have jobs. We also have many wonderful home-based businesses without business telephone numbers and therefore without a listing anywhere. Hopefully, this new site will provide a venue for these businesses. Our cities and towns have many service organizations and non-profits in the same situation as some of the home-based businesses. Without phone numbers listed in the Yellow Pages, many of our citizens don't know of the existences of these volunteer groups. The more our residents and guests know about them, the more support there will be for them.
The site also provides a Calendar of Events, Classified ads, and a Job Bank. Other features may be added as we move along.
As always, thank you for your support. I think most all of us want to have a home with a great quality of life. By getting involved in our county and its many communities, we can influence the ideals of positive living.
Friday, June 19, 2009
What is happening in Palmer and surrounding areas these days?
This past year has been CRAZY. I moved from Dallas to Ellis County and have been busier than anytime in my life. It has been a year since I started the blog. Now that I'm settled, I hope to post regularly and look forward to posts from my lifelong and new friends and "family."
Weather is hot and it is only June. Even hotter is the banter about politics in Palmer. How does that get cooled down, so that everyone can be on the same page regarding goals for the future?
What is the purpose of government and citizenry? I think it should be creating the safest, most responsible, best-serviced environment IN THE WORLD for our children, teens, and adults. I happen to think this is possible, if 1) there is accurate and truthful information available to citizens and 2) if those citizens are participating in the government processes.
There are a lot of wonderful people living in the area. These are kind, generous, and hard-working Americans who want the best life for their families. Fortunately, more of them are getting involved in the political scene and offering ideas for improving the neighborhoods.
In my conversations, citizens are telling me they want law and order, which provide safety for us. They say they want everyone to be treated fairly. They tell me they want unbiased news, so they have facts, not just opinion.
They want safe streets without potholes. They want taxes to be reasonable and affordable. They want adequate (and in some cases, abundant) clean water. They want schools that provide the very best education for their children, so that those children will have every opportunity for successful careers. They have a lot of other desires.
They especially want the drug scene gone, since this is such a dangerous arena for people of all adults. As always, the drug issue is money versus health of a community. With the economy at a low ebb, drug money seems to have become more important to some people. However, there are various horrible consequences down the line. In my opinion, it is better to give up extra dollars now than to face God for the discussion about why one sold drugs and caused such personal damage to humans. I happen to believe, one way or another, we pay for our wrongs to others.
While drugs are negative, let me share with you a couple of positive activities that have happened this week.
First, a great idea was presented at the City Council meeting this past Tuesday night. This idea is for a package to be presented to new residents when they request their water meter setup. The package would contain information from the various local non-profits so that people can become aware of services and resources available. Kudos to RC for bringing this before the council. Kudos to the council members for unanimously (with one person absent) voting "YES!"
(And, by the way, City Council members are trying to find a way to avoid tearing down the historic water tower, also known as a storage tank. As always, funding is an issue and, fortunately, the possibility of grant money will be investigated.)
Second, the Palmer Lions Club held a fundraiser this past Monday. The 2nd annual bridge tournament, hosted at the beautiful, historic Blocker House, was a great success. Money raised will provide eye exams and glasses to people who can't afford them. This is especially helpful to school students. A huge thank you to all who turned out to play bridge (from various towns and cities in Ellis County), to the generous supporters, and to the Lions members who worked hard to make the event so outstanding. Congratulations on a great fundraiser!
Thank you for reading my post and I welcome your comments. This post is NOT the place to name-call and slander. I will be decided what gets posted. There are other websites online for all the poison about people in Palmer you want to share. We don't want poison. We want prosperity and positive actions. THIS post is a place to make suggestions for improving the community. The past is over. We can't change all that. We have the power to make today and the future better.
Every moment, things are getting better or worse. Thanks for joining me in striving to always make life better for everyone!
Weather is hot and it is only June. Even hotter is the banter about politics in Palmer. How does that get cooled down, so that everyone can be on the same page regarding goals for the future?
What is the purpose of government and citizenry? I think it should be creating the safest, most responsible, best-serviced environment IN THE WORLD for our children, teens, and adults. I happen to think this is possible, if 1) there is accurate and truthful information available to citizens and 2) if those citizens are participating in the government processes.
There are a lot of wonderful people living in the area. These are kind, generous, and hard-working Americans who want the best life for their families. Fortunately, more of them are getting involved in the political scene and offering ideas for improving the neighborhoods.
In my conversations, citizens are telling me they want law and order, which provide safety for us. They say they want everyone to be treated fairly. They tell me they want unbiased news, so they have facts, not just opinion.
They want safe streets without potholes. They want taxes to be reasonable and affordable. They want adequate (and in some cases, abundant) clean water. They want schools that provide the very best education for their children, so that those children will have every opportunity for successful careers. They have a lot of other desires.
They especially want the drug scene gone, since this is such a dangerous arena for people of all adults. As always, the drug issue is money versus health of a community. With the economy at a low ebb, drug money seems to have become more important to some people. However, there are various horrible consequences down the line. In my opinion, it is better to give up extra dollars now than to face God for the discussion about why one sold drugs and caused such personal damage to humans. I happen to believe, one way or another, we pay for our wrongs to others.
While drugs are negative, let me share with you a couple of positive activities that have happened this week.
First, a great idea was presented at the City Council meeting this past Tuesday night. This idea is for a package to be presented to new residents when they request their water meter setup. The package would contain information from the various local non-profits so that people can become aware of services and resources available. Kudos to RC for bringing this before the council. Kudos to the council members for unanimously (with one person absent) voting "YES!"
(And, by the way, City Council members are trying to find a way to avoid tearing down the historic water tower, also known as a storage tank. As always, funding is an issue and, fortunately, the possibility of grant money will be investigated.)
Second, the Palmer Lions Club held a fundraiser this past Monday. The 2nd annual bridge tournament, hosted at the beautiful, historic Blocker House, was a great success. Money raised will provide eye exams and glasses to people who can't afford them. This is especially helpful to school students. A huge thank you to all who turned out to play bridge (from various towns and cities in Ellis County), to the generous supporters, and to the Lions members who worked hard to make the event so outstanding. Congratulations on a great fundraiser!
Thank you for reading my post and I welcome your comments. This post is NOT the place to name-call and slander. I will be decided what gets posted. There are other websites online for all the poison about people in Palmer you want to share. We don't want poison. We want prosperity and positive actions. THIS post is a place to make suggestions for improving the community. The past is over. We can't change all that. We have the power to make today and the future better.
Every moment, things are getting better or worse. Thanks for joining me in striving to always make life better for everyone!
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