Color of Justice

My news feed, social networks and blog rolls are full of snarky remarks about Justin Beiber's mug shot.  I laugh at the comparison to Miley Cyrus, and wonder if the justice system would actually prosecute him for his crimes or even deport his candy ass back to Canada.   Then I see this headline: Kerchner pleads guilty in Brevard deputy shooting case.

I watched the news clip on this and scoffed at the plea deal they gave her.  She won't serve 12 years.  Political BS will end up releasing her early to community control because of over-crowding in the prisons or good behavior.  I doubt she'll make six months of being released from prison before she violates her probation for drugs or something stupid she can't seem to get away from.  It will happen.  The same people are arrested for committing the same crimes over and over because they are creatures of habit.  Even with support bad habits are hard to break. 

My sympathy goes out to Andrea Kerchner's father.  Don't roll your eyes.  The man is still her father regardless of her actions, and his statements were made through feelings of hurt, anger, confusion, and guilt.  The article mentioned a son who was murdered, another son who is law enforcement, and Andrea who rebelled and left home at a young age where she ended up heavy into drugs. 

His view on his daughter's involvement: "The fact remains that she wouldn't have done it and didn't have any part in it, but she will have to pay for being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

No, Mr. Kerchner, the fact remains she did have a part in it.  She chose to be there and that didn't change until the split second between her handing Bradley the gun and him pulling the trigger, to her yelling for him to hurry up and go.  

Kerchner wasn't allowed to face Pill's family as she apologized in court.  "I'm very sorry for the family's loss," she said. "I was on a lot of drugs. I don't have any excuse for my actions." 

Her apology is hard to hear over the court's decision barring law enforcement from wearing uniforms or other insignia during Bradley's trial.  One of his attorney's believes a "sea of blue and green" would influence the jury and diminish Bradley's right to a fair trial.  I believe the attorney is ignorant.  Limiting the audience to plain clothes will not prevent law enforcement presence.  

Deputy Pill's family is not confined to her widower and sons.  The attorneys forget that It extends well beyond the courtroom walls and bleeds into the entire community of Brevard County.  When Bradley stands trial there will be a strong law enforcement family presence.  

I call upon my brothers and sisters in the public safety sector (police/fire/etc.) to show your support and wear blue and green shirts to the trial.  A "sea of blue and green" can be the color of justice for #644. 

Christmas Angels

This year we're starting a new Christmas tree tradition. Both mine and Hubs dads passed away last year and Christmas was their favorite. After breaking the angel that goes on top of our tree I decided we needed a new one. I looked online and searched the stores, but didn't see any that 'fit'. Then the idea struck me, literally, when I picked up a stack of frames and this picture of our dads fell out.  My two favorite angels now sit on top of our tree watching over us.

Some twine, glue, heavyduty poster board and a simple wood frame. That and a couple of mischievous angels ;-)

Merry Christmas!

Wine Lovers

It's a hectic time of year that may have some of you hitting the adult beverage section at your local grocery store.  Though I never need an excuse to enjoy a good wine, I do enjoy it when I can shop at home.  A dear friend has started a Wine Shop at Home business.  Check out Jenny's Facebook page for details: https://www.facebook.com/wsahjenny .

There are tips on what wines to pair with certain foods for the holidays, gift giving ideas, and some of the season's best tasting wines at a great cost.  Happy Thanksgiving and hope you all enjoy the holiday season!

Texas Hold'em Massacre 2013

The 7th annual Texas Hold'em Massacre was full of fun and friends.  Here's a preview of the costumes from this year. Happy Halloween!

COSTUMES!

It's that time of year!  With Halloween just around the corner it's countdown to this year's costume choice for the annual Texas Hold'em Massacre.

A quick preview of costumes past:

1. Magic 8 Ball: 8 months prego with nothing that fits other than yoga pants and sports bras.  Cheap black and white face paint for the belly 8 ball, a top hat and magic wand with a little bag of answers.

2. Afro-American: Native American Indian outfit with an Afro and braids.

3. Fallen Angel: hand-sewn bodice and skirt over a tutu with wings, crutches, arm and leg brace (hence 'fallen').

4. Edwina Scissor Hands: mostly store bought with the scissor gloves and dress, added the tutu/boots/ripped hose, and crazy wig.  A tattoo scar across the face/lips made the makeup.

5. Zombie Happy Bunny: Bunny ears, zombie makeup, pajama footies with a bunny tail, smart-alec t-shirt.

And this year's contenders:

1. Goldie Locks: blonde curly hair, black dress w/gold locks all over it.

2. Diet Dr. Pepper: scrubs, stethoscope, chili peppers and slim fast bars attached to the scrubs. (done a previous year, but not for the Massacre).

3. Teepee'd: Wrap up in toilet paper, add warrior paint and a feather headdress for accessories.

4. Calendar Girl: any outfit will do with calendars pinned to it.  Oh, and it helps if you're a girl or you could just pad a bra and add a wig ;-)

5. Altophobia (fear of heights): Play on words here, where a music symbol for alto and carry a stool so when asked what you are dressed as you can stand on the stool looking down scared...okay, it's geek humor, get with it.

6. Coulrophobia (fear of clowns): Dress up as an evil clown.  This is funnier for everyone else that has to look at you and you realize how many people are terrified of clowns.

7. Boxed Wine: Boxing gloves, cardboard box decorated like a fine red or favorite white Zinfandel, black-eye makeup.

8. Boxed Wine II: Boxing gloves, purple balloons/some deflated attached to a shirt, black-eye makeup.

9. Little Red Riding Hood: Red hoodie and talk gangster.  Seriously, so stupid it's funny.

10. Runaway Bride: (as seen before) Running shoes/shorts, bridal veil and white gloves.  Add accessories like a water bottle and bouquet.

11. Energizer Bunny: Pink-all-over outfit with a bunny tail and ears, dark glasses, any big popcorn tin / drum strapped around the neck or shoulders, two big cardboard rolls on the back painted to look like batteries.

12. Mr. "Tea": Any type of tea bags and pin them together like a necklace, the signature mohawk, and a tea cup.

13. Vampire Cullen style: Vampire teeth, white face paint, add glitter spray for the sparkle effect in sunlight.

14.  Miss America: Dress as Captain America but add a pageant crown and sash.

15. Here's Johnny!: Red shirt, crazy Jack Nicholson eyebrows and smile, poke the face through an axed cabinet door.  Classic Shining.

That's all I've got this year.  If you come up with any ideas please post them in the comments.  Most important, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Edwina Scissor Hands

Fallen Angel and 'Sweet Cheeks'

Never going to beat the 'Magic 8 Ball'