Bacon & Chocolate

No, that's not a typo...I think I have just found the best thing since sliced bread (what was the best thing before sliced bread?) -- Mo's Bacon Bar. I am dying to try it! It has to be a taste reminiscent of that piece of bacon on your plate that the syrup from the pancakes overflows onto. Mmmm. You know, if the thought of carrying around masticated, syrup-covered pig in my bottom lip for hours -- like a dip of snuff -- wasn't so gross, I'd probably do it because I love the combo that much.

Just close your eyes -- the taste will come to you.

Rocket City Bound

Remember the field trips you went on as a kid in elementary school? Like, second graders went to the fire station, fourth graders went to the archives building since they were studying Alabama history, etc. For the most part we went on one, maybe two per year because otherwise, we were in class...studying...like we were supposed to be.

Madalyn has gone on no less than one per month this year in school. I don't like it; I don't buy into the argument that it enhances learning. The occasional field trip, yes. One per month, no. But I was determined she was going on the one coming up to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville (yes, Huntsville, on a chartered bus with DVD player and restroom). Here's why...

A few months ago, the fourth graders went to Tuscumbia, Alabama, to visit Ivy Green, the home of Helen Keller. Yes, it was educational, but not for $60 per person. Rent a video for $5. I explained to Madalyn that she would not be going because it cost too much. So, she went into another teacher's room for the day while the other fourth graders travelled. No big deal. Except, the next day her principal asked her why she wasn't able to go. So, in true form, Madalyn told her we couldn't afford it. And the principal offered to pay her way on the next costly field trip with funds from the PTA.

Needless to say, I was mortified. It costs too much is vastly different from we can't afford it. Financially we could have sent her, but it was on principle that we did not. But, you can bet she's going to Huntsville. Form signed, check sent in, done.

Good Morning, Mr. President

The Montgomery Advertiser has a sidebar column titled "Good Morning Governor." Mostly, it's an opportunity for the editor to support or disagree with something the governor has said or done in recent days.

Here is the first (of many I'm sure) of my good mornings to the president:

"A wise and frugal government...shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government."
Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1801 (in his first inaugural address)

Congrats ACA Band

Congratulations to the Alabama Christian Academy concert band for scoring all ones at the district assessment yesterday. (For all the non former band members following the blog, the possibilities are 1,2 or 3 -- with 1 being the best). They have the opportunity to move forward to the state assessment, but won't because they are preparing for the Festival Disney in Orlando. Cody is in the marching band, concert band, jazz band and pep band at ACA and we are so proud of him!

Employees of the Month

Kevin and I are fortunate to live near both sets of our parents. I am especially grateful this week for the grandmothers, without whom I would not have been able to operate my taxi service while Kevin is away on business. So, a big thanks to Grams & Grammy, honorary taxi service employees of the month (talk to the grandkids about compensation).

Happy Valentine's Day

Candlelight, soft music, a good meal, a smooth glass of Sauvignon Blanc...another Valentine's Day at home. We've long since given up on a romantic dinner out. One, it's too expensive. Two, restaurants are too crowded. Three, my sweetheart can grill a steak to rival most places in town. And finally, our kids just love to be part of the festivities. Cody is in charge of the music and candlelight, and Madalyn handles dessert. She was quite proud of her first attempt at decorating the two-bite brownies shown above. We all agreed they were a sweet end to a day full of love.

Think About It

Congress does not have as a duty, according to their constitutional assignments, the job to operate a welfare system or be in the business of charity work. They have no right to take my money and give it to someone else. If I reach in my pocket and give the money to someone else, it's charity. But when someone else reaches in my pocket and gives the money to another someone else, it's theft.

Well said, Walter Williams, professor of economics at George Mason University (although I took the liberty to paraphrase his words from this morning's Rick and Bubba show). Read more from his latest column.