Thanksgiving with the family

The Obama Thanksgiving week was mostly dedicated to family, friends, and recreation. After hosting the country music festival last Monday, the President made a quick campaign stop in New Hampshire on Tuesday.  The public agenda for remainder of the week was not published.

However, the President did present a brief Thanksgiving morning address to the nation and telephoned soldiers in various parts of the world before digging into a Thanksgiving dinner in the White House.

On Saturday, he treated the family to watch his brother-in-law coach Oregon State to victory over Towson University.

Today, President Obama is helping the European Commission and Council address their economic recovery as well as reiterating his commitment to transatlantic law enforcement. He is also assisting in supporting democracy and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa since these are two of the highest concerns of the American taxpayer public.

Let the country music begin, or, how to avoid responsibility

During the past week, Obama traveled to Australia and Indonesia, distancing himself from the Solyndra, Occupy Wall Street, Operation Fast and Furious, and the Super Committee. Now that he is back in the White House, his first priority is to host a country music performance tonight.

Even though the Super Committee appears doomed to failure, and a new round of Egyptian protests is growing, the President is devoting this holiday week to his own personal entertainment. Here's the week in recap:


Mon Nov 21 - Obama and wife host performing artists in a celebration of country music.

Sun Nov 20 - As the President arrived back at the White House, Michelle & Jill served as grand marshals and helped to start the NASCAR finale in Florida.

Sat Nov 19 - Before departing Indonesia, Mr. Obama held a closed door meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jaibao.

Fri Nov 18 - Obama had lunch and dinner in Indonesia.

Thu Nov 17 - The President arrived in Darwin Australia, laid a wreath, and then give few remarks. Afterward, he boarded Air Force One and flew Bali, Indonesia.

Wed Nov 16 - President arrived in Australia and signed the official guest book. Next he held meetings with Prime Minister Gillard. The day was capped with a parliamentary dinner.

Lazy Americans lead to high unemployment, welfare entitlements, and a bankrupt nation

The U.S. is still the largest recipient of foreign investment in the world, 

Obama said,

"but we've been a little bit lazy, I think, over the last couple of decades."

(Obama: America has Been Lazy Over the Last Couple of Decades)

It's wonderful to hear that our President has such little faith in our society, even though it is we, the American people, who fund this man's welfare, safety, travel and entertainment extravaganzas.

But, at least, no one can accuse Barack Obama for being lazy. During the past week, he has met with foreign leaders trying to bolster certain parts of the world economy. Meanwhile, his Vice President is focused on fundraising.

Obama as flown across both oceans and is having a grand old time.  Below is a brief summary of our elected officials travels since we last updated our blog on November 1st.

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Tue Nov 15 - Today, the Obamas are leaving Honolulu Hawaii and flying to Canberra Australia. The VP, Joe Biden, is traveling to Euclid Ohio to deliver a labor speech and then attend a Cresskill NJ fundraiser.

Mon Nov 14 - Obama attended a campaign event in Kapolei Hawaii, then he treated friend, who pleaded guilty (no contest) to soliciting a prostitute, to a round of golf on our buck.

Sun Nov 13 - Michelle and the President hosted APEC leaders at a dinner and reception. Biden went to Detroit MI for a campaign event for Sen Debbie Stabenow. Next he delivers remarks at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah Dinner in Detroit in order to try to make ammends with the Jewish Comminity.

Sat Nov 12 - Obama & wife arrive in Honolulu HI. He met with Trans-Pacific Partnership leaders and later had individual meetings with PM Noda of Japan, President Medvedev of Russia, President Hu of China. Lastly, the First Couple welcomed APEC leaders and their spouses at an arrival ceremony.

Fri Nov 11 - Veterans Day - The President and First Lady have breakfast with veterans. They laid a wreath and talked at Arlington National Cemetery. That afternoon, the couple flew to San Diego CA and attended a basketball game on USS Carl Vinson. He was interviewed by Westwood One and ESPN. Then he hopped on Air Force One to Hawaii. VP Joe Binen attended events in Media PA and NYC.

Thu Nov 10 - Mrs Obama speaks at US Chamber of Commmerce event. Biden flies to Manchester NH to speak at an American Legion, then a campaign event in Concord NH.

Wed Nov 9 - President meets with President Silva of Portugal and then speaks at National Women's Law Center annual awards dinner.

Tue Nov 8 - Obama is still in Philadelphia and visits a Yeadon PA classroom. Michelle at Georgetown University. Biden meets with PM of the Kurdistan region.

Mon Nov 7 - Obama arrives in Philadelphia and talks about jobs again. After, he met with the NATO Secretary General and attended a campaign event.

Sun Nov 6 - Nothing on the public schedule.

Sat Nov 5 - Jill Biden at Home Cooking Event

Fri Nov 4 - Obama arrives at Espace Riviera in Cannes France and participates in various G10 events then flies back to DC. In the U.S., Biden visits the University of Pittsburgh in order to attend an afternoon campaign event. His wife, Jill, worked the crowd at a Lesbians & Gays National Convention.

Thu Nov 3 - President arrives in Nice France to work on G10. There, he and Sarkozy insult Netanyahu.

Wed Nov 2 - Michelle hosted Arts & Humanities Awards program. Both the President & VP met with Senate Democratic leaders. Obama flew off to France and the Bidens had dinner with the Cantors.

The Vacation's Over

 Well, all good things must come to an end and so too does this wonderful vacation in the Florida Keys

Like the setting sun, we are closing this Fall getaway. Hopefully the dawn of a new vacation will be upon us soon and we will be returning to this beautiful paridise.

We are checking out of our hotel and driving back to Miami where we will board our flight back to the Northeast. Oh well.

Relaxing last day in the Florida Keys resort

This is the last full day we will spend in the Keys.  We decided that we will end our little vacation the same way as it began, by just hanging out at the resort. The pools are great and the service is fantastic. They have a educational dolphin center here, so we will watch them feed an train.

Then, we will take a stroll around the island later and just pass the day. This island is mostly residential, so we can't even shop. But, it is always fun just to look at the homes and see how the other side lives.

Tonight we are going to find a small outside bar and just hang out. Everyone had a great time and nobody wants to go home, especially after an enjoyable week of dining on sea food and laying in the sun!

A 60th Birthday Party at Little Palm Island

One of the major reasons for visiting Florida this year is to celebrate the 60th birthday of one of our best friends. He retired 7 years ago and has been living in Port St Lucie. Unfortunately, that has been too far away and we only get to see each other once every 2 years.

But, hey. Now its time to party. This is a big birthday for him and we all deserve to splurge. So, at his request, we are treating him and his wife to dinner at Little Palm Island. The resort is very expensive and exclusive. No children is one of their rules.

So, this is the highlight of the day!

A Day in Key West

Today we are going traveling. We are driving to Key West and will spend the day there. First, we will walk around a little bit and look at some of the historic homes. Then, it will be lunch at Sloppy Joe's. Then, more walking and shopping. For dinner, we are going to Louie's Backyard.  It's been over 15 years since we hung out in this town, so we are sure a few things have changed.

But, some things have stayed the same. And, we are glad that our favorite dining spots are still there.

Of course, the trip will not be complete until we watch the street performers and the sunset on Mallory Square.