Dreamweaver

Passiflora (passionflower, granadilla)
My mother-in-law grew this beautiful purple passionflower at her home in Eutawville, SC. What a gorgeous show this flower makes, even if it's only for a day. I've been told that butterflies love this plant so much that they will make there cocoons right there in the vines.

According to American horticultural Society's "plant propagation" by Alan Toogood, you can propagate this plant with cuttings or by using the seeds that are enclosed in the fruits that appears once the flower drops off. To use the seeds, you'll need to wash, dry, then soak in warm water for 24 hours before they germinate.

Barbara intends to try her hand at propagating this beauty. I can't wait to hear all about it.

To the two best teachers of life someone could ever ask for: Thank you

“Since 2004 when Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer deftly framed environmental issues as concern for the state's hunters and fishermen, a green/camo alliance has tantalized progressive strategists. At this year's DNC, the Wildlife Defense Fund sponsored an event unveiling their I Hunt, I Fish and I Vote campaign, an effort to marshal hunters and anglers towards supporting a progressive climate agenda. Nation DC Editor Chris Hayes goes inside.”

I thought this would be an interest to a great deal of people who view Democrats as anti-hunters. It has also been my feeling that hunters and fishermen are our nation’s greatest environmentalist. They care deeply about the conditions of our natural resources. It may be a long time before some democrats embrace the southern sportsman as being helpful on the environmental front. It may take even longer to convince the sportsman that most democrats recognize the difference between urban gun problems and guns used in sport.

It’s actually a very interesting divide in the United States in that when someone in the inner-cities comments on gun control that they very rarely think about the rural gun owner, they are so caught up in there dire situations and view guns as they would see them in there everyday lives… a really big problem. On the other hand the rural sportsman sees guns through there own daily view, as being part of there recreation and lifestyle. Once we can look through each other’s eyes, we can then realize that there is a compromise. We can have a comprehensive reasonable policy for gun control in America.

Something about watching Kucinich really tugs at my heart strings. Kucinich, a man of small stature and odd demeanor says it like it is and with such enthusiasm. Kucinich is probably not the smartest, not the best looking, not the most talented, and certainly not the richest, but arguably the gutsiest. If you didn't know, Kucinich is the only representative who has had the matsy to introduce 32 articles of impeachment against Bush and Chaney. Though, I'm sure he realizes what an uphill battle he has (I don't understand why) at least he alone has gotten our concerns on the "record." There is something to be said about an American who is willing to stick there neck out for American values and for what he believes in. History will thanks this little man for his courage while looking upon this congress as demonstrating little effort in making this administration accountable for their actions.
Below is a link to Kucinich's speech at the DNC convention in Denver. It's not the most impressive speech given during the convention. But, boy, does he have HEART!!!!

October 2007 found our little charlotte house empty and it was time for some major overhauls. The house had been rented b the same family for three years and had fallen into disarray. The surrounding area has improved dramatically since I had purchased the property ten years ago. Homes in the neighborhood where being remodeled and kept up nicely. We also felt that if we could update the home, we could demand more rent and find renters that would take pride in the home. This is where our journey begins.

I found the exterior in desperate need of a new paint job. I also found the landscaping overgrown and in some areas out of control. The backyard had two large circular crevices where the renters had kept two pit bulls chained. The interior was dirty and roach infested. The laundry room had leaked, causing the plywood and insulation to rot. The house was in need of new wiring and an updated kitchen. The cheep carpet that we had put down seven years ago needed to be ripped out and the hardwood floors refinished and protected.

Check out the HOUSE BLOG, click on the link to the right to see the whole process!!!

8.24.08

I had read several books on the topic of speech delays, some where too technical and some dwelt with behavioral issues. The Best book that I found happened to be the last book I read. I wished immediately that it had been the first. It is actually a very practical book about Apraxia specifically. The first chapter is actually pretty scary. It’s designed to scare parents into taking action on behalf of there child, so I guess it needed to be scary. Brandi had already been in therapy for a year by the time I got my hands on “The Late Talker”. It’s packed with useful information from dealing with the school system to dealing with insurance companies. The Chapter on insurance companies is worth its weight in gold alone.

Obama chooses running mate!!

Today may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry. May we appreciate our family and friends and remember those who are alone. May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick. May we appreciate the freedoms we have and remember those who suffer injustice and tyranny. Peace on earth.

8.24.08

Why did I put the video of the holocaust as my first political entry? The holocaust defines politics gone bad. It’s the most horrifying politically backed event in history. It is the worst case scenario, what we all fear most from a government, and what we can learn the most from. I believe that policy should also be looked at through the glasses of the holocaust. Our elected officials should constantly look at worst case scenarios before casting there vote for or against a pending law or policy. Our nation is too vast and too populated to think that “worst case scenarios” couldn’t happen. I’m not saying that we will have a holocaust. I’m saying that from welfare to the war with Iraq, examining every angle is crucial.

Most of you probably got my last political petition regarding Attorney General Michael Mukasey's request to Congress for establishing a legal process for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay.

Dose this request not instruct Congress to declare a new “armed conflict” that would give a president worldwide power to declare anyone a terrorist and hold the person forever - without ever charging anyone with a crime. Is Mukasey not also asking Congress to enact the Bush Administration’s scheme for undermining the recent Supreme Court decision restoring constitutional habeas corpus protections to the detainees at Guantanamo. The main goal of the proposed new Bush rules restricting habeas rights is to try to block federal judges from ever learning the truth about the deliberate and widespread use of torture and abuse inflicted on detainees. Judges would not be allowed to see evidence of torture and abuse and would instead simply have to trust that a president is holding the right people as terrorists.

My concern lies in the "terrorism suspects" and how these suspects are determined. Giving the president the right to determine such things is simply irresponsible and given the current situation regarding the department of justice (being in the president’s pocket), I don't really feel comfortable giving them the sole responsibility either. I guess what I'm saying is "what exactly is protecting u.s. citizens from the president". Could He not have someone accused of being a terrorist or enemy combatant, put them behind bars, and suspend habeas corpus without declaring martial law? A U.S. Citizen would no longer even have the ability to prove that they are a citizen. We simply can not just trust that this president would do the right thing… after all, Bush has a terrible reputation regarding people with opposing views.

You can sign this petition at www.ACLU.com

8.23.08
My next gardening project is to mulch the front bed. We have some new mulch at the Marvin Rd. house that I will start hauling here during the first couple to weeks in September. Once that is complete, I’ll have Blue Max deliver some better stuff to put on top. The Ideal amount is 4 inches deep. This prevents weeds and saves water by keeping the roots from drying out in the hot southern sun. So far, this project was survived on sheer drive to keep everything watered. I had hauled 78 bags of mulch from Home depot last year and still it fell dreadfully short. Not even an inch of coverage. We will be renting this house out eventually, so unless I want to come back to a disaster every couple of years, this is a must.

8.23.08
11%:

I saw on the news last night that there are still 11% of Hillory supporters that will not vote for Obama. The question is: would they put there vote towards McCain because of the issues that they have with Obama. It comes down to taking the best of the two evils (If this is how you’re thinking). Is McCain enough of a liberal or perhaps moderate to satisfy some Democrats where Obama is too much of a liberal for the Hillory supporters. Would this 11% choose not to cast a vote at all, Or are they going to vote for the opponent??

Personally, I believe that if you are a Democrat with Democratic views on economics, environment, bread and butter issues, women’s issues, education, world policy, or the war in Iraq then any Democrat would be better than a Republican. When faced with a choice that may not fit our exact wishes for the future of America, we should fall back on the fundamental differences in the parties. We should ask ourselves who would fit our beliefs better. Both the parties have a base and the nominee should politically fall back on the original differences in the parties. Use that as a line in the sand. Vote based on the original, fundamental differences between the parties, not on the person that who like the most or least.

8.23.08
Apraxia: Inability to execute a voluntary movement because of a motor planning difficulty in the absence of any paralysis.

Apraxia of speech (verbal apraxia): a neurological impairment of the ability to program, organize, and execute movements of the speech muscles, unrelated to muscle weakness, slowness, or paralysis.

This definition is very important because of the NEUROLOGICAL assents of the impairment. Basically the difference in neurological cause and developmental cause is monumental to when, how and if to seek assistance. Also, most insurance companies will not cover “developmental” issues. They feel that these issues correct themselves without any help from a pathologist.
Many parents believe that speech delays will fix themselves. They view all speech delays as developmental. Apraxia of speech dose not fix itself and the earlier you get started the better your child will progress. A pathologist is essential. A speech pathologist should be able to develop a curriculum that is specific to Apraxia.

In 1934 they suspended basic civil rights for an unspecified length of time and eliminated legal safeguards against arbitrary imprisonment.

This video is graphic.