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Pissed on/Pissed off Former Democrat

I was sooooo pissed a few years ago that I switched my affiliation from Dem to Independent - yesterday I mailed in my papework to switch to....GASP! dare I say it - Republican!!!....yes...not all repubs are right wing extremists - just like all dems are not left wing bleeding liberals....there are many many many more like me who are somewhere between crazy and strict libertarians. See - I don't really give a rat's ass who someone marries and shrug....if it's for you, Pro-Choice is ok with me. Because I believe that government should not really delve into personal and private issues that in the BIG scheme of things - won't mean anything anyway when our country is going in the toilet. In other words, I don't believe that we should elect a leader based solely on such dividing and emotional issues such as these. We need to come together in the middle and focus on China, oil, economy, jobs and security - as in let's make a plan and do it - let's hunker down and find that one single little tiny teeny shred of commonality that we all possess - all million colors of us - we ALL possess it - and that is personal freedom. Isn't that what sets us apart - to be able to be pro-choice or not, to worship God or the Goddess, to live and breathe alongside each other no matter what the differences we may have? Isn't that what freedom is all about? Isn't that what our forefathers imagined - at the cost of many many indigenous peoples - who sacrificed their land and their lives to us so that we could live freely??? If not, what is the whole point - to cower under people in faraway lands who hate me just because I am American? When did being American become a bad and evil thing? I am proudly American, proudly Spiritual, proudly tax-paying and charitable to those who need it, seeking to become a part of the solution...and not to add to the problem. If I can encourage one person to think like this...and they can encourage 1 more person...and on and on and on...I live and let live. I respect all and any. I judge no one. I protect self and family and harm no one. No one - not even those who hate.

Roseloe Motel - Country Comfort on a Budget

There aren't any bad things I can really say about this low-key locally-managed 50's style motel. There is actually a resident manager on premises and this lovely lady's name is Thelma Curtis. She will instantly remind you of a favorite aunt, or concerned grandma - she embodies all that is good about home-style comfort.

The home-like comfort description is very fitting - the room I stayed in was number 26 also known as the “Sam Snead” room. Indeed, his pictures adorned the walls painted a serene and calming washed-out blue. The room was exactly as I expected - a little faded and a little worn around the edges, but in that home-y comfortable sort of way that will instantly steal your heart.

There are no fancy bells and whistles, but what you will find is an extraordinary understanding of a weary traveler and her needs. There were a few amenities included in the very budget-friendly price that were immediately appreciated. FREE basic cable with HBO on a 27” TV, plus all the things you would want away from home - coffee maker, fridge, microwave, phone (Free local calls). There were thoughtful conveniences like real paper towels on a holder along with a cooking guide for the microwave. The motel binder included not only the menus of all the area's eateries and a channel listing, but the names and phone numbers of the area's B & B's including the insanely expensive Homestead. I appreciate any place that includes listings of their competitors!

I found that interesting and extremely endearing, considering that this little modest motel can be easily missed because of the popularity and historic status of the hulking Homestead and the enchanting web sites of the area B & B's offering idyllic stays in their gorgeous Victorians.

The bathroom was impeccably clean, as was the sink vanity area that was separate from the tub and toilet which is very convenient when there is more than one guest. Who wants to put on their makeup over a toilet in a steamy bathroom?

This is a great place to stay if you wish to enjoy the magnificent natural springs at Jefferson Pools and/or hike and relax in the many varied natural areas nearby. You can spend an entire day at Lake Moomaw or the Goshen Pass gorge area or enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive up Route 220 towards Monterey in Highland County - a gorgeous mountainous area and quaint little town known as Virginia's “Little Switzerland”.

The area B & B's do offer fabulous stays but if you appreciate the privacy of your own room and convenient parking right outside your doorstep and cannot, or like me, will not pay the exorbitant prices at The Homestead, this charming little motel will fit the bill.

This motel is truly a throwback - there are no internet reservations or confirmation numbers - just call and advise Mrs. Curtis when you want to visit. Almost like visiting Grandma's house!

540-839-5373
Rt 1 Box 590
Hot Springs, VA 24445

http://www.roseloe.netfirms.com/

Cafe Mocha

I was anxious to stop in during a lunch hour to check out Cafe Mocha which moved from Howard street to it's new location near Penn Station on St. Paul. I had heard great things about this cozy place in The City Paper so I wanted to see if I could have the same experience.

First of all, the aroma wafting out through the open door was ambrosial - enticing me in even before I hit the first step. I assumed that the wonderful smells were the two specials that were written with colored chalk on a blackboard hung behind the counter - Jerk Chicken and Chicken Curry.

I would have loved to sample some “real” food, however, I was in a hurry and wanted something fast and what would be considered “staples” in cafe world. Just like a deli, when I am most inclined to order a BLT - a fine measure of the kitchen's expertise - a easy and simple item that if they cannot do it well, speaks of what also may be lacking.

So - a frozen Mocha drink and a plain bagel with cream cheese.

Fortunately, I was the first in a line of three and I was glad because the drink took forever to prepare. There were only two people working and while one stayed in the kitchen, the other gentleman was handling everything else, including serving the food. I did see a few trays of some tasty looking sandwiches coming out of the kitchen.

However, there appeared to be some sort of problem with the blender. After watching him open two envelopes of some kind of dry mix, my heart sinking further and further, I finally realized that the blender was not really crushing the ice. After a few botched attempts I was presented with a cup of “stuff” - the un-crushed ice poking out. There was no whipped cream or chocolate drizzle and I was instructed that the straws were “over there”. I was still in dismay looking at the sad little drink when my plain bagel came out of the kitchen in a brown paper bag. Maybe that would be good - a glimmer of hope!

The tab came to $6.24 and I collected the bag and drink and headed over to “over there”. It was a counter upon which sat a cup with unwrapped straws stuck in it. There were no napkins, but a roll of paper towels, the bottom half which was wet. I was hesitant, but chose a straw after carefully wiping it off with a clean tissue from my purse.

I had just enough time to peer around and up the staircase which led to a room which appeared very lively. The view through the huge window had to be incredible, but time was a factor and I had no time left after the long wait.

I attempted to sip from the drink through the tiny straw and the bitterness hit me like a ton of bricks. I could see the sediment from the dry mix falling quickly to the bottom of the cup. I tried to stir it up and went for another sip - gross! I opened the car door and spit it out, grabbing tissues from under my car seat. It was worse the second time. Grrrr! A frozen coffee drink is fast becoming a trendy staple of most cafes and coffee houses - originally made famous at Starbuck's and Panera, now even McDonald's makes a pretty decent mocha frappe.

My next thought was maybe the bagel will be good. Ha! Fat chance - the bagel was plain and unremarkable. Tasteless, dry and looked exactly like the ones wrapped in plastic on the counter of 7-11 and Royal Farm stores. It was not toasted - just sliced and some strong tasting cream cheese smeared on it. It was not gross, just very dry and lacking any kind of taste. I ate a half, but could not bear the thought of eating the rest - it was just too unappealing and I did not want to waste the calories. If it is not worth the caloric intake, I don't eat it.

I drove back to my office with the foul taste still in my mouth and could not resist pulling into the nearest MickeyD's and ordered up a large Mocha Frappe. As I pulled away from the drive-through I tossed the offensive Cafe Mocha drink in the trash.

Would I dodge traffic and navigate the perplexing parking lot again - not likely. I was dismayed that this place with such a cool name and apparently a lunchtime staple of the City Paper folks turned into an unfortunate experience for me. The ridiculous price for a dry bagel and drink made from a mix was bad enough. The unwrapped straws and paper towels sitting around on a dirty counter and the sheet covering the kitchen doorway was the last...well....straw!

Haute Dog & Crepe Night 10/21/10

Haute Dog & Crepe Night 10/21/10

Combining all that is right with the world - a exquisitely delicious artisan hot dog and a divine savory crepe....sigh...and the almond croissants......they are otherworldly!

http://www.bonjourbakerycafe.com/images/Fall_Food_Fete.pdf