A mixed bag

So it's been awhile, sue me. OK, maybe not. But maybe so - you won't get much anyway.

Vacation happened for a week again up in the 'northland'. Ahhhh. It was beautiful. Picture perfect a few days. Can't beat that. I can still picture it in my mind. I did overdo it helping Dad clean up the boat prior to putting it in the water for the season. They've had the pontoon out for a few months now - other one just sitting in the garage. The water was so high, he didn't want the lift put in the lake because it was holding the dock down! So to save the dock, the boat stayed in storage. Good call, I think. Anyway, it was in the high 80's the day we cleaned it up and I neglected to hydrate myself. So the next day I felt like complete crapola. You'd think I'd have learned by now. Jeez.

Movies seen since my last post. Well 1 was from the last vacation that I neglected to include "Charlie Wilson's War" w/Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts & Philip Seymour Hoffman. Forgive me if I've misspelled poor Phil's name. That has no impact on his acting - he is top notch. Anywho, that was a good movie. I had zero expectations going in and thoroughly enjoyed it. I did think that Julia's character was too old for her to play... I dunno, just didn't fit for me. Topic was extremely interesting for me, the complete political nerd. I'll give it an A-.

Next - Fool's Gold w/Kate Hudson & Matthew McC. Not even going to try to spell that Mc-hunk's name. Know for certain it'd be wrong. Liked the movie. Had it been released prior to the National Treasure films, it'd have been a huge hit. I loved the actor's pairing in "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" - that is still one of my all time faves. But this one was just a bit off. I did enjoy Donald Sutherland though. I'd give this a C.

Last - Pirates Of The Carribbean, At World's End. The Pirates trilogy has interested me, but I've not been a fanatic. I've only seen each one once, and you know, I think that's enough for me. I love the stories, love the actors, but really dislike all the gruesome costumes and creatures a la Davey Jones. Just not my thing, I guess. The ending did surprise me, I'm a complete romantic so a bit of disappointment followed. But Disney did leave the door open to run a 4th one in the future, which I really think they'd be stupid NOT to since the first 3 did so completely well.

So stopping en route to vacation at a friend's home was way cool. LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the horseys she talks about non-stop in person opposed to photos. And my kids had a great time petting noses and feeding treats. For the next hour drive time to the cabin was filled with questions about horses and the what's and why's and the most important "Why can't we RIDE one, Mom???". Well, these are American Shetland Ponies, and they aren't broke to ride. Of course to Ks 1 & 2 this means absolutely NOTHING. So the LONG LONG LONG explanation has to occur. And jeez if my voice wasn't about to go out before the questions finally stopped. Whew! But always fun, and at least they weren't bickering "She's LOOKING at me!" "He's kicking my seat!" Because God knows, there's only so much of that a person can handle.

So what is the deal w/the political candidates changing stances on policies? Both Obama & McCain are doing this. And although the GOP has no love from me - WHY is McCain doing this? He's the best hope for a GOP pres. this year and it is because of the type of Senator he IS - prior to his presidential campaign, that he HAD the best hope of winning. On This Week, 2 weeks ago, MN Governor Tim Pawlenty was in McCain's corner stating that the big concern is "When has Obama bucked the Democrats to get anything done?". Well Mr. Pawlenty, the question now relates to McCain. He did buck his party quite frequently and authored a few bills then laws in the process. HOWEVER, NOW McCain is campaigning AGAINST his own bills/laws! Tell me, what sense does THAT make?

For both candidates they need to get that center, independent vote. A strong GOP or strong DEM would rather keel over and die than vote for the other party. Really, they may be pissed, but they won't vote for the 'other guy' once they get in that booth. So why why why why why is McCain buckling to the GOP NOW of all times??? I'd say Obama needs to work a bit more to get those middle voters, McCain didn't - until now. He's moving the wrong way. Who is his adviser? Whomever it is - s/he should be fired.