Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate ... Roanoke stop on the campaign trail

 Ed Gillespie and Trixie Averill 

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ed Gillespie was in Roanoke Friday delivering remarks to about 65 Republicans who gathered at the Plantation on Sunnybrook to hear about his candidacy for the nomination at the state GOP convention that will be held on Saturday, June 6, in Roanoke. Many thanks to Trixie for organizing the lunch.

 Wendell Walker, 6th Congressional District Chair, and Roger Jarrell, Lexington-Rockbridge Unit Chair.

Fred Anderson, former 6th Congressional District chair (left).

Delegate Greg Habeeb with the beard he's growing until the budget impasse is resolved in Richmond.

Trixie Averill, Ed Gillespie, and Dr. Ed Lynch at lunch talking about cruises. Dr. Lynch teaches at Hollins College in Roanoke.

Fred Anderson offered the invocation.

Roger and Trixie

Tucker Davis with the Gillespie campaign in the 9th Congressional District.

Dan Webb with Congressman Bob Goodlatte's staff.

As Ed spoke, Trixie clicked and posted to Facebook. I did a bit of posting on Facebook, too, throughout the event.

Many familiar faces were there ... Molly and Larry Koon, Tucker Davis, Dr. Ed Lynch, Pete Larsen, Wendell Walker, Kathy Hayden, Roger Jarrell, Fred and Ann Anderson, Greg Habeeb, several elected officials, and many others.

The Plantation on Sunnybrook

Ed Gillespie is living the American dream. His father came to this country from Ireland because he found work here as a janitor. Ed grew up working in his parents’ grocery store. He went to college, is married, and has three children.

"I got to grow up to be Counselor to the President of the United States of America!" he said at Friday's lunch, and the words seemed incredulous to him even as he said them. After serving as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, he had been called to the White House during the administration of President George W. Bush.

Gillespie is a political consultant who has served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, worked with Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign, worked with Dick Armey, Newt Gingrich, John Kasich, Elizabeth Dole, George Allen, and Bob McDonnell. He also worked with Karl Rove to get Republicans elected. Read more about his background here.

He highlighted issues and opportunities, noting that years ago he started out parking cars in the congressional garage in D.C. -- running now gives him the chance to go from the parking lot to the Senate floor in the Capitol. He emphasized he is interested in seeing policies that will make life better, that he wants to be a candidate for all Virginians, a servant for all Virginians.


Gillespie became chairman of RPV while I was on State Central Committee; he advised George W. Bush, Bob McDonnell, and other men that I have admired throughout the years. I like what he's done. His leadership has helped Republicans win ... he has advised elected Republicans ... he has been very effective at raising money. He has my vote.


Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 4, 2014

U.S. House schedule for Monday, April 7, 2014

From U.S. House Leader Eric Cantor's office....

MONDAY, APRIL 7th
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.R. 1871 - Baseline Reform Act of 2013 (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Rob Woodall / Rep. Louie Gohmert / Budget Committee)

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 3470 - Taiwan Relations Act Affirmation and Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2014, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce / Foreign Affairs Committee)

2) S. 404 - Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act (Sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray / Natural Resources Committee)

3) H.R. 4323 - Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2014 (Sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte / Judiciary Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Rules Committee meeting on “H.Con.Res. 96, Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2016 through 2024” (Monday, April 7th, at 5:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF

Profiles in courage ... purple fingers indicate voting in Taliban-intimidating Afghanistan

The purple-stained finger is the Afghanistan equivalent to Americans' "I Voted" stickers on election day with a huge difference: Afghans take their lives in their hands as they defy the Taliban's threats of election day violence.

Melissa Charbonneau wrote at the George W. Bush Presidential Center blog:

Millions of Afghans witnessed a colorful display of democracy in action as voters flocked to the polls to vote in historic presidential elections. Twitter and Facebook are brimming with images of Afghan women emerging from polling centers cloaked in blue burqas, some wearing headscarves, others carrying  toddlers – but all holding up fingers stained with purple election ink, a gesture of defiance against Taliban intimidation and a return to past oppression.

In a country where women are trying to find their place and are outnumbered 2-to-1 by male voters, a determined lot braved Taliban threats to not only vote in Saturday's elections but also to proudly show off their purple-stained fingers:

Millions of Afghans witnessed a colorful display of democracy in action Saturday as voters flocked to the polls to vote in historic presidential elections. Twitter and Facebook are brimming with images of Afghan women emerging from polling centers cloaked in blue burqas, some wearing headscarves, others carrying toddlers – but all holding up fingers stained with purple election ink, a gesture of defiance against Taliban intimidation and a return to past oppression.

Read more about the women who have been oppressed under Taliban rule but who bravely stepped out to vote for the future of Afghanistan and young women in that country.

Virginia-filmed Revolutionary War story 'Turn' begins tonight about Washington's spies

Starts tonight on AMC at 9:00 p.m. Filmed in Virginia, this story about George Washington's American spies reveals more about the Revolutionary War for independence from Great Britain. Tonight is 90 minutes and then hour episodes weekly. Tune in to "Turn" and learn a little more about your American history....

Jenna's interview of her dad, President George W. Bush

Friday I posted on my Facebook page:

Fantastic interview today by Jenna Bush Hager of her dad W as they looked at the portraits he has painted of world leaders, and his memories of each. The president's mentor in politics and painting is Winston Churchill. I love the interaction between father and daughter -- these two kindred spirits. His favorite and most admired person is his dad Bush #41 ... a son admiring his father whom he considers a gentle soul. They were joined live by his mom Barbara Bush looking at W's portrait of Bush #41 who joked, "That's my husband?"

She had gotten up early -- "This is it? I got up at 4:30 for this?" she joked to granddaughter Jenna. "Love you," Jenna said. "Love you, too," Mrs. Bush told Jenna. I very much admire this family....

See Jeanna's interview here.

See more about Jenna Bush Hager here.

Back in the homeschool classroom: Grown son's first home

Unpacking and organizing in the new kitchen.

We're proud of our son. At the age of 29, he has become a home owner, purchasing (on his own with no help from us) his first house -- a three bedroom, two bath with one car garage and pool with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

It's a path he has been on since graduating from homeschool high school. Educated at home in grades 2-12, he attended nearby James Madison University's computer school to earn his degree. After securing a job in Harrisonburg, he moved into an apartment with friends, paid off his student loan within a year, then saved and finally bought a new car after driving an old one since the age of 16. With the car paid off, he turned his attention to home ownership.

This year, that became a reality. His friends, sister, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandparents have visited as we gathered as a family at his house and celebrated.

The foundation laid during his youth has paid off with his fiscal responsibility and determined path in life. His dad and I are proud. He now has a nest of his own.

---
Lynn Mitchell educated her children at home for 16 years and was part of leadership in North Carolina's Iredell County Home Educators (ICHE) and Virginia's Parent Educators of Augusta County Homes (PEACH). Her son graduated from Harrisonburg's James Madison University (JMU) in 2007 with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Creative Writing. Her daughter graduated from Staunton's Mary Baldwin College in 2012 with a BS in Sustainable Business and Marketing. Lynn and her husband live in Augusta County located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The story of how she began her homeschool journey can be found here.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 2013
Originally printed July 2013

It's spring in Roanoke

 I found spring this week, and it was in Roanoke. The flowering trees and forsythia haven't begun to bloom in my corner of Augusta County -- just jonquils and daffodils -- but in Roanoke it was a flourish of color and green grass.

 Azaleas were in full bloom at this house off Plantation Road.

We had driven to Roanoke Friday to join political friends and Ed Gillespie for lunch and I was surprised as we entered the Roanoke Valley with all the colors of spring.

Spring is finding its way to western Virginia....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 4, 2014

U.S. House schedule for Friday, April 4, 2014

From U.S. House Leader Eric Cantor's office....

FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First votes expected: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Last votes expected: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.R. 1874 - Pro-Growth Budgeting Act of 2013 (Structured Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Tom Price / Budget Committee / Rules Committee)

The Rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendments:

Rep. Gerry Connolly Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Steve Israel Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. David Cicilline Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Tim Bishop Amendment (10 minutes of debate)
Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee Amendment (10 minutes of debate)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation hearing on “U.S. Energy Resources and Jobs Bills - H.R. __, H.R. 2743, and H.R. 3976”
(Friday, April 4th, at 9:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Bush 43 talks with daughter Jenna on Friday's 'Today' Show, unveils portraits of world leaders

On NBC's "Today Show" Friday, NBC correspondent Jenna Bush Hager will talk with her mom and dad, former First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush, as her dad unveils 24 portraits of world leaders that will make up his first-ever art exhibit.  "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy," will be on display at the Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas.

The former president, who has turned into quite a talented painter since leaving the White House, said he hopes it is realized he painted the portraits in "the spirit of friendship and that I admire them as leaders and was willing to give it a shot in terms of getting people to see how I felt about them."

His 2013 cardinal Christmas decoration hung on our tree this past holiday season. The former president has completed self-portraits, landscapes, pictures of animals, and even a portrait of Jay Leno that he presented to the comedian when he left "The Tonight Show."

Thirty-two-year-old Jenna has been with the "Today Show" since 2009, recently as part of the 2014 Winter Olympic coverage in Sochi, Russia, and afterward as a fill-in for Kathy Lee on NBC's "Kathie Lee and Hoda." She is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia former Lieutenant Governor John Hager and his wife, Maggie. Jenna and Henry has one daughter, Mila, who will be a year old on April 13.

Jan and Bill Saxman ... preserving Virginia's past in 'Log Home Living'

The restored Saxman cabin in Highland County, Virginia.
(Photo from Log Home Living)

A log cabin, a dedicated Staunton couple, and a love of Virginia came together to restore a log cabin in Highland County, the getaway escape for these business owners in western Virginia. It's all featured in this month's Log Home Living magazine in an article written by Holly Smith with photographs by David Brown.

It takes a special vision to look at a dilapidated old cabin of worn wood, warped floors, and crumbling foundation, and see a finished product. Yet that's exactly what Jan and Bill Saxman, the parents of former Staunton Delegate Chris Saxman, saw when they set out to restore the old two-room log cabin on their property in the Allegheny Mountains, a project that Jan saw completed shortly before her passing in 2013. In photos, the transformation can be seen as well as the loving interest that went into the finished product set in this picturesque rural area.

Ah, Jan -- she was one of a kind. It's almost possible to hear her input especially when she wanted to keep the rusted-yet-intact cabin tin roof. Her vision for saving a piece of Virginia's history was completed in a place that now holds her memory.

U.S. House schedule for Thursday, April 3, 2014

From U.S. House Leader Eric Cantor's office....

THURSDAY, APRIL 3RD
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First and last votes expected: 2:30 - 3:00 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Complete Consideration of H.R. 2575 - Save American Workers Act of 2014 (Closed Rule)
(Sponsored by Rep. Todd Young / Ways and Means Committee)

The Rule provides for one hour and forty-six minutes of remaining general debate.

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs hearing on “Examining ObamaCare’s Problem-Filled State Exchanges”
(Thursday, April 3rd, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Former AGs call for dismissal of corruption charges against Bob McDonnell

Democratic and Republican attorneys general from Virginia are calling for dismissal of corruption charges against former Governor Bob McDonnell. Reporter Olympia Meola with the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote:

Democrats Andrew P. Miller, Mary Sue Terry and Stephen D. Rosenthal join Republicans J. Marshall Coleman and Mark L. Earley in the filing, arguing that the “expansive interpretation of federal law” on which counts 1-11 are based “is completely alien to any legal advice that any of us would have given to any governor of Virginia.”

Earlier this week the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers called for dismissal of 11 of the 14 charges, citing that federal prosecutors are overstepping in a state issue.

Another military base shooting: 'End Clinton-era military base gun ban'

It's difficult to imagine American military bases as "gun free zones" but citizens of the U.S. discovered that during the 2009 when a shooting at Fort Hood in Texas left 13 people dead. The Washington Times printed an editorial at the time urging a change in the policy that leaves soldiers unarmed on base:

Last week’s slaughter at Fort Hood Army base in Texas was no different - except that one man bears responsibility for the ugly reality that the men and women charged with defending America were deliberately left defenseless when a terrorist opened fire.

Among President Clinton’s first acts upon taking office in 1993 was to disarm U.S. soldiers on military bases. In March 1993, the Army imposed regulations forbidding military personnel from carrying their personal firearms and making it almost impossible for commanders to issue firearms to soldiers in the U.S. for personal protection. For the most part, only military police regularly carry firearms on base, and their presence is stretched thin by high demand for MPs in war zones.

Because of Mr. Clinton, terrorists would face more return fire if they attacked a Texas Wal-Mart than the gunman faced at Fort Hood, home of the heavily armed and feared 1st Cavalry Division. That’s why a civilian policewoman from off base was the one whose marksmanship ended Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan’s rampage.

Will the latest shooting accelerate the call for change?

Breaking: Shooting at Fort Hood

It's happened again. "Welcome to Ford Hood: Home of America's Armored Corps," the sign at the entrance says. This evening the base is on lock-down after a shooting. See USA Today for more.

Spring! 78-degree day in Shenandoah Valley

So today I posted on Facebook: "Attention! Attention! It's 76 degrees in my corner of Augusta County and the windows are open. That is all...." Friends came on to like it and leave comments but one made me smile. She said, "What, no pictures?"

It made me laugh so outside I went with my camera to walk around the yard and see what was blooming. Just in the last couple of days jonquils and daffodils have bloomed.

This little guy was after bugs under the river birch bark.

It may be warm today but we're not finished with the wood stove. It's only April so we could still have snow and plenty more nippy nights.

The winter woods are still there but some trees are beginning to bud.

It's spring in the Shenandoah Valley....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 2, 2014

Shaun Kenney to become new Executive Director at RPV

Julian Walker is reporting this morning that Shaun Kenney will become the next Executive Director at the Republican Party of Virginia:

Shaun Kenney has been selected as new executive director of an in flux Virginia Republican Party, a move that could be formally announced as early as Wednesday, party sources familiar with the decision told The Virginian-Pilot.

Notification to party officials that Kenney is the pick to replace outgoing executive director Anthony Reedy -- he is leaving amid some short-term money woes at the state GOP -- began this week, according to sources.

Looks like some changes taking place at RPV....

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, April 2, 2014

From U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2ND
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First and last votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Begin Consideration of H.R. 2575 - Save American Workers Act of 2014 (Closed Rule, Three Hours of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Todd Young / Ways and Means Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Intelligence Committee hearing on “The Benghazi Talking Points and Michael J. Morell’s Role in Shaping the Administration’s Narrative” (Wednesday, April 2nd, at 10:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

Calling all Parrotheads to the Greenbrier in July

Calling all Parrotheads! The warm Key West breezes will be blowing in West Virginia on July 5 when Mr. Margaritaville himself -- the master of all land sharks Jimmy Buffett -- headlines at The Greenbrier. So grab your flip flops, adjust your changes in attitude-changes in latitude, prepare for fins to the left-fins to the right, cause it's gonna be the only bait in town. What a fun concert it will be!

Read more in the Roanoke Times, and at Jimmy Buffett's website.

Road trip! Warm spring day in western Virginia

 It was a beautiful spring morning when a friend and I headed south from Staunton to Lexington and then turned west on I-64 heading toward the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia. If you've never driven this stretch of interstate, you've missed a beautiful part of Virginia and West Virginia.

 This is the on-ramp for I-64 west of Lexington. Look at the scenery ... mountains, trees, blue sky.

 First stop was Clifton Forge snuggled along the mountain bases.

 There's a Tea Room in Clifton Forge!

 And then out the western side of Clifton Forge back onto the interstate to nearby Covington.

 The Chocolate Festival is this Saturday at the Armory in Clifton Forge. Sweet tooth mandatory....

 Covington is a combination of small and large homes ...

 ... the railroad ...

 ... and a quaint downtown.

 They have a new Visitor Center that also houses the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

 By afternoon temperatures had reached 70 degrees as we lunched in Covington, then back on the road toward Lexington ...

 ... and the familiar sights of that area.

 The Blue Ridge Mountains were ahead of us as we traveled east on I-64 and then north on I-81 before turning east on I-64 at Staunton to drive up and over to the eastern side of Afton Mountain before heading back home to Staunton.

Afton Mountain and Waynesboro in the Shenandoah Valley below. This part of Virginia touches hearts and souls ... it's a wonderful place to call home.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 1, 2014

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, April 1, 2014

From U.S. House Leader Eric Cantor's office....

TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST
On Tuesday, the House will meet at noon for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business.
Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4152 - To provide for the costs of loan guarantees for Ukraine (Sponsored by Rep. Harold Rogers / Appropriations Committee / Foreign Affairs Committee)

2) S. 2183 - United States International Programming to Ukraine and Neighboring Regions
(Sponsored by Sen. Mitch McConnell / Foreign Affairs Committee)

3) H.R. 2413 - The Weather Forecasting Improvement Act of 2014, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jim Bridenstine / Science, Space, and Technology Committee)

4) H.R. 4005 - Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Duncan Hunter / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

5) H.Con.Res. 92 - A bill to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition (Sponsored by Rep. Lou Barletta / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

6) H.Con.Res. 88 - A bill to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby (Sponsored by Rep. Steny Hoyer / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

7) S. 1557 - Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Sen. Robert Casey / Energy and Commerce Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Rules Committee meeting on “H.R. 2575, Save American Workers Act of 2014”
(Tuesday, April 1st, at 5:00 p.m.)

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