A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-04,05,06-05....T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Billie, Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, Mama_Bear ~

Welcome to TGIF at the Finest!   We hope you've been having as much fun as we have with our essays and/or spotlight on various FReepers. From the beginning, we've been kicking back on Saturdays and Sundays and simply reviewing the features of the week; our weekend threads now start on Friday and continue through Sunday. If you missed seeing any of this week's threads and want to say hello there now, just click on the link for that particular day. If you'd like to drop in and out of this thread today through Sunday, please feel free to do that also. One of us will try to be around to see the welcome mat is still out, put the coffee pot on, and maybe even bring fresh flowers for the table. : )

~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, Mama_Bear ~



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


10-31-05 ~ Military Monday
By Billie
Presented by The Mayor

11-01,02-05 ~ Aloha! Back to Hawaii
By Billie

11-03-05 ~ Squirrel Tails
(Can't We All Just Get Along?)
By DollyCali

Have a wonderful weekend!

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

"Wear Red" Friday

You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why..... The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red-blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED.

Word of mouth, press, TV -- let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear Red! So let's get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMERICA.

I received this in my email June 10th, the author is unknown.
I am wearing red today and every Friday ~ Billie

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

I am opening the doors and turning on the lights for the Finest "T.G.I.F.". I won't be around much, but I wish you all an exceptionally nice weekend.

If you would like to be added to the Finest ping list, we would love to have you! Click -----> PLEASE ADD ME.
If you would like to be removed, click -----> PLEASE REMOVE ME.

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' MB.
Cool pic of The Graduate yesterday. :)
I taped Pomp and Circumstance and played it during Bailey's graduation. :)

[Mama_Bear]

Cool pic of The Graduate yesterday. :)

Thanks. Did you say you wanted to see even MORE photos of our cute little pup? Of course, you did......

Here he is accepting his diploma (the teacher had Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background, LOL)....

[GailA]

Good morning everyone.

[DollyCali]

good morning! thanks for the weekend thread Lori & the additonal pix of your two honeys!!!! love the pledge ... that scene of nostalgia in the capital.

Lots on docket today here we'll see how productive I am! or how productive my body "let's me be today"

[The Mayor]

November 4, 2005

The Servants Knew

Read:
John 2:1-11

[Jesus'] mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." —John 2:5

Bible In One Year: John 1-3

Few weddings are matters of life and death, but they often feel that way to the people involved. After giving three daughters in marriage, I can appreciate the concern parents have over proper arrangements for their guests. So whenever I read about the wedding in Cana in John 2:1-11, I find myself smiling at every turn.

Although the events strike me as lighthearted, Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine had the serious purpose of revealing Himself as the Son of God to His disciples.

Many people may have seen the large stone jars being filled with water. But it was the servants, who had poured every gallon, to whom the Lord said, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast" (v.8). The Bible says simply, "And they took it." Their unhesitating obedience is a model for us in our daily God-given tasks.

The master praised the bridegroom, saying, "You have kept the good wine until now!" He didn't know its origin (v.10), "but the servants who had drawn the water knew" (v.9).

Like them, we recognize that whenever God uses our meager efforts to help others, it's a miracle of His power. The servants at Cana who drew the water knew that the praise belonged to Jesus. And so do we. —David McCasland

I can always count on God, my heavenly Father,
For He changes not; He always is the same—
Yesterday, today, forever, He is faithful,
And I know He loves me, praise His holy name. —Felten

God's great power deserves our grateful praise.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Who Is This Man Who Says He's God?

[LadyX]

Responded on 'yesterday's' thread with birthday greetings for JimRob. I never minded those decade milestones..:))

On November 10th is a VERY IMPORTANT Birthday - the 230th of my United States Marine Corps!

Was just browsing a Marine Corps site and found a link to some GAMES!

It can be reached by - - Clicking Here - -

[LadyX]

"God's great power deserves our grateful praise."

*Always* praising and thanking Him, I am going back to bed.
Didn't sleep much, so will try to get a few hours now....

[Temple Owl]

A bit of sad news this morning. Ink passed peacefully away last night while being held lovingly by Tribune7, her master. She will be buried in our front yard in front of the statue of St. Francis near the bird feeders

Thank you for your prayers and kind words.

Our Ink she has gone
Where the good doggies go
And no more with Ink will we roam
But if dogs have a heaven
There`s one thing I know
Our Ink has a wonderful home

[DollyCali]

oh dear!!!!! I am so sorry to hear this sad news but so glad her passing was gentle & that you were with her at the time she went to the rainbow bridge to get things ready for you.

I KNOW your hearts are heavy. man, these little furry friends capture our heart and souls.

[DollyCali]

wonder how many miracles of life we miss for our disobedience... interesting thought

[The Mayor]

Amen M, you make sure you get your needed rest.

[The Mayor]

Yes it is an interesting thought..

You should "borrow" the background for the Military Monday for your profile page. do you know how to do that?

Not sure if I do or not to be honest. Which background?

[DollyCali]

if I get time over the weekend, I will play around a bit & see what I come up with.

Today cannot. Need to do garbage now & get ready for a friend who is coming over to help me with a few things I cannot do (incapacitated a bit since my fall) - like mowing etc.

I will email (if I can find your email) the HTML that you can post & look at ..in draft form just in a regular post.

FReepmail me your email addy Rus. I have it somewhere on other ocmputer but it will be much easier to just plug in in here. I have a new one since I have DSL & will send to you also

[deadhead]

I am so very sorry. Tears here. That was a beautiful poem for Ink. I wish I had the words to comfort you all. Please know that I care. Take Care

Blessings to all of you.

Your Pets In Heaven

by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.

For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.

For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.

I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.

You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.

Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are. Your Pets In Heaven

[The Mayor]

U got mail.
Take your time, we are very busy with the last couple of days till election.

[Tribune7]

It was sad. We were there for her and her passing was gentle. Thank you, deadhead for ht poem.

[DollyCali]

you have mail

finished

[DollyCali]

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[lonestar]

You have my deepest sympathy.

lonestar

I'm in charge of Rainbow Bridge and have already given Ink my special attention.

Weinie

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Appropriate, beautiful painting of a fall evening at the capital.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Congratulations to Chachi, mom, & dad.

[Diver Dave]

So sorry to read this sad news about Ink's passing.
Prayers of comfort and support for Ink's family.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Morning Gail.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Morning Dolly and Mayor.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

I'm so sorry about the passing of your pet, Ink. God bless you and your family. It helped me to cope with the passing of my pet a few years back by remembering the good times we had together.

PAL

[Billie]

Oh, Temple, I am so sorry, but I realize that you were expecting it any time. It's never easy, and I cry each time one of my friends loses one of their beloved little pets. She had a most loving home and special master(s), thanks to all of you.

(((((((((((Temple/Tribune/Maggie/Ink))))))))))))

[dutchess]

I am so sorry for your loss but glad you were able to spend some peaceful quality time with Ink. She is now happily romping (and chasing sticks) at Rainbow Bridge, greeted by Codee, Weinie and many other freeperpets. God bless.

[Billie]

Hey, sistah! Are you still in Chicago?

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Mornin' Billie!

[LUV W]

It's Friday!!!
Wear your red...
...to honor the troops

[Billie]

Hi, PaL! :)

[Billie]

Morning, Red. :) I haven't seen Mrs. N lately - yoo hoo!!!!

[LUV W]

I am so sorry. Have been where you are and it is so hard and you miss them so much.

[DollyCali]

Still finding animals/pets alive following Katrina

[Mama_Bear]

I am so sorry, TO. We lost our beloved Dachshund "Bear" several months ago. I know how hard this is for you and your family. Bear and Weinie and all of our sweet pets at Rainbow Bridge will welcome and watch over your Ink, you can be sure.

How sweet that she will be laid to rest near your statue of St. Francis, the gentle and loving friend of all God's creatures.

Condolence hugs to Ink's human family.

[LUV W]

*giggle* I think she got up late this morning...and is running behind!

[dutchess]

Hi sitahs. Hello from the windy city. Actually we're having great weather.....Very comfortable to walk around in sweater & jeans.

dolly...again awesome job yesterday! Was great to see all the activity

Lori...praying that there is an opening at the assisted living facility for MIL. That sounds like the perfect solution.

amy...will be saying prayers at noon on monday! (and for a speedy recovery)

Rus....will be praying for you as your run up to next week's election

billie (and dolly) You'll have freepmail in a minute

Okay...times up (am borrowing some time at an internet cafe) (((((sistahs and finest friends)))))

[LUV W]

Okay...you just made me cry. I would love to adopt that little poodle. I lost mine and have been looking for another sweet one. Poor little trusting things......

[Mama_Bear]

Lori...praying that there is an opening at the assisted living facility for MIL. That sounds like the perfect solution.

Hi, Sis. Yes, our prayers have been answered....there IS an opening at Twin Oaks and we have Mom K's "apartment" reserved. The entire complex is a lovely, cheerful place, like a resort. In fact, I wouldn't mind living there. LOL.

Getting her furniture and personal things moved over in a week's time is going to be a real job, but I am excited about this move for her. There is limited space in her room, so deciding what to take and what to leave will be a challenge. But I am going to try to decorate her new home with all the things she is used to having around her.

It is usually difficult for elderly people to welcome change in their lives, so I give her a lot of credit for making this decision on her own and I think she will be very happy once she gets settled into her routine over there.

We have a bunch of family coming into town this weekend to visit Jeff's Mom, so I need to get long list of stuff done around here. Enjoy your stay in Chicago, Sistah. HUGS!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Good Morning FR Finest!

I hope you all will have a great weekend!!!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

sorry I am so late.

It's no fun running behind and it makes me feel bad.

Sorry I haven't been around much lately,but I have been very busy with work and family.

I'll try to post more often starting on my next weekend.:)

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Hello FR Finest,

Here I am wearing my red dress.

Have a great Friday and thank you for all you do to honor our troops.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

051103-N-7748K-001 Atlantic Ocean (Nov. 3, 2005) - The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) sails alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during an early morning vertical replenishment (VERTREP). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Josh Kinter (RELEASED)

051103-N-0653J-004 New London, Conn. (Nov. 3, 2005) - Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691), work together to moor their submarine to the pier. Memphis arrived home to Submarine Base New London after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Mark Jones (RELEASED)

051026-N-4374S-006 Atlantic Ocean (Oct. 26, 2005) - Naval ships from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay, and the United States participate in a gunnery exercise during UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic Phase. UNITAS is the largest multi-national naval exercise conducted with naval forces from the U.S., the Caribbean Sea, and South and Central America. The exercises focus on building multinational coalitions, while promoting hemispheric defense and mutual cooperation. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg (RELEASED)

[LUV W]

Well, I'm tryin' to post on three threads....I'm getting dizzy!

[LUV W]

I need to do a TGIF table. I have been so lazy lately!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

LOL.

I know what you mean and I had to create a new doll for Beachy's thread.

Yikes.

Now I have to get ready for you know what.:(

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Where does one go to shop to celebrate red Friday? I know, you got enough red dresses?

[LUV W]

Awwwwwww....hate to see ya go. I'm off this weekend. Lauren was supposed to come see me, but her vacation was cancelled. Now I am unhappy and have three days off! I guess I'll have to go shopping by myself instead. Or go to the big Christmas show that we're having here this weekend.