A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 08-08-02

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

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues; salute
and support our military and our leaders; tell a few jokes; learn a new
word; write poetry; pray for those in need; and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. 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 November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP: g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE: fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM: Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP: ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM: rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE: The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM: deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE: Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM: JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

Jimmie, an 80-year-old gentleman, retired to Florida after his wife of 58 years had passed away. He was quite alone in the world and longed for companionship. One day, as he was walking through a public park, he spied what he considered to be a very pretty silver-haired lady sitting alone on a park bench. Getting his nerve up, he approached the lady and asked graciously,

"Pardon me, ma'am, but may I sit here with you."

The silver-haired Marcia looked up to see a distinguished looking white-haired gentleman and replied,

"Why certainly," and scooted over gently to give him room to sit down.

For the next two hours the two sat and talked about everything. They discovered that they came from the same part of the country, liked the same big band music, voted for the same presidential candidates, had long happy marriages and lost their spouses in the last year, and in general agreed about almost everything.

Finally, the old gentleman cleared his throat and asked sheepishly,

"Ma' am, may I ask you two questions?"

With great anticipation Marcia replied, "Why certainly!"

The old gentleman removed a handkerchief from his coat pocket and spread it out on the ground before her. He very gingerly got down on one knee and looked her softly in the eyes.

"Marcia, I know we've only known each other for a couple of hours, but we have so much in common. I feel I have known you all my life. Will you marry me and be my wife?"

Marcia grabbed at Jimmie's hands and said, "Why, yes, I will marry you! You have made me so very happy!"

She reached over and kissed him gently on the cheek. Then Marcia said, "You said you had two questions to ask me. What is the second question?"

Jimmie scratched his neck and said, "Will you help me get up?"

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

Ta Da

Thanks for the explanation. You like to be up at 5000 feet in the winter???? OH my! What a hardy soul you are!

Looks like your children like that altitude too!

My mountain blood is a bit less lofty - having been born in the area around Elkin. And actually, now, in my old age, i have gained a fear of heights that I did not have as a child. THAT is my funny story re: the Swinging Bridge.

At our last visit a few years ago, I was happily walking across the bridge and STOPPED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE AND COULD NOT TAKE ANOTHER STEP FORWARD!!!!!!

It was the wierdest thing!

My dear hubby had already crossed over to the other side and turned around to see me "stuck" in the middle of the bridge unable to move forward or backward!!!

He came over to me, turned around, and let me hold on to the back of his jacket and we went on over together. I was FINE once I got over there!!! Could go back OK. But, I will never forget being FROZEN STILL in the middle of the Swinging Bridge!!!

Growing up is such a pain sometimes. I used to climb to the highest treetop branches as a child and shimmy up those mountainsides as high up as I could climb!

Do you know the most outstanding feature of Charleston??
I went there many times when I lived there, and many other times through the years, and NOWHERE IN THIS WORLD are the MEN more courteous and charming and attentive than true Charlestonians!!

A few years ago my sister and I went to see a male cousin at his office in a bank downtown, and he took us to lunch around the corner.

Keep in mind the old buildings in that area were built one or several steps UP because in times of yore the streets were not paved and could be very muddy, and accumulated rain, too, could flow into a ground level store.

The owner of the restaurant had a full-time gentleman whose duty it was to help all ladies up and down the 5 outside steps!
They were quite steep, and his assistance was appreciated so one did not stumble.

Beyond that, just about every Charleston man you pass makes eye contact and smiles, and often gives a pleasant verbal greeeting.
They are trained literally from the time they can stand at their mother's knee to be attentive and polite and charmng, and it comes quite naturally by the time they are men.

How does one describe it, sass?
As not forward or offensive in any way - just showing utmost respect for and appreciation of women in general, and their just due?!

Ladies, you have to experience it to believe it is NOW and not two centuries ago!

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