We The People

We have a President who repeatedly refers to half the nation as the enemy. He referred yesterday to Democrats as a party of crime. He described them as he would a toxic gas. The press as the enemy of our country, prisoners of war are not heroes, disabled reporters he feels comfortable mocking, he dismisses sexual assault victims and female reporters, and berates anyone who doesn’t agree with him. He has never given one fuck about the average Joe in this country, not one thing points to that direction. Acquiring wealth and stardom have always been his goal. He was a Democrat until he decided to run for office and knew a large portion of the republican base would follow his fear mongering rhetoric, he knew what to throw on the fire to win. His biggest goal is to win and be the boss and be glorified. My words are certainly not the proof- his own actions are.

I cannot lie and say I don’t agree with some of his goals for our country. But selling our soul to accomplish those goals just isn’t worth it and isn’t even necessary.

We have many things to be thankful for in this country, and we can thank members of both parties for those gifts. The reason I am not affiliated with a party is- there are sound ideas and plans and accomplishments from both camps, always have been through history, I believe the combination brings sound answers to whatever the issues are - and fair balance. We are no longer open minded and we have a commander in chief feeding the divide. We all lose in the end with this kind of leadership.

I’m real tired of seeing people I consider friends mocking snowflakes. As if a snowflake isn’t the first person who reached out to you in a time of need, or opened their home or wallet to you when you needed it most. Maybe that libtard stood up for your kid when he or she was being bullied. The same can be said of  Republicans and Conservatives - perhaps they were the saving grace for you in a bad situation. It might be the right wing nut that changed your tire on the side of the road in the middle of the night. I’m tired of putting off an appointment because the person I would see thinks the man fueling this division is awesome. Awesome?? I don’t know how you can ignore the hate. Anything but awesome. But He shouldn’t have the power to divide us.

Anyone who bothers to read my social media posts knows I am open with my opinions and I use it regularly to voice them. I believe keeping the conversation going helps us solve problems and keep an open mind. I learn something from an opposing view sometimes too- isn’t that something. Social media is a great way to share family pictures , good news, lost dogs, items for sale, friends gatherings, jokes, recipes, and even political news. It’s also a good way to get really pissed off at someone you would otherwise have a lot in common with, someone you used to like and accomplish good things with .

Something we all have control over is how we talk to each other and what we put out there, what we promote. We also have control of who we let in our lives, and even who we allow to pollute it. I’m going to ask my friends ( anyone reading this) to stop promoting blatant hate in-the stupid petty mean ways the bots out there and our current President or any other politicians or people with agendas that are certainly not our well being promote unless it’s information only and not mocking and hate. They are not who we are. They don’t stand next to us at our volunteer events where we are actually accomplishing some good, together! They do not sit on the bus and share the weather or the family news or a smoke on the way to work in the morning. They aren’t holding the door open as you try to get in the elevator with many packages, they aren’t comforting you as you prepare to bury a loved one. They don’t bring food to your door when you’re going through a rough patch.

Investigate what you share, make sure it’s truth and not just a pathetic attack that happens to align with your party of choice.  This applies to all affiliations. Truth matters. Decency matters. We are not each other’s nemesis. That is a line being fed to us to encourage the divide.

United we stand. Divided, we fall. We are better than that.

We are all - We The People.

This is where I drop the mic- because all this division is exhausting and disheartening. Whether you agree with me on the President or not, I hope you’ll agree to the rest of this post. I hope I’ll see a “like” or a comment from friends of all political affiliations. We as a nation can find common ground again, together. We are the fabric- not the politicians. ... we... the People. ❤️🇺🇸

Our Circus, Our Flying Monkeys

     Our political system is absolutely ruptured- watching yesterday’s tragedy was heartbreaking on so many levels. I’m still in disbelief that that is indeed our circus- those are the flying monkeys that run our country. I truly feel we the people- Republicans, Democrats, left and right, are largely not being represented by those who stand for who we actually are as a country. The blame for what our system of governance has become lies all over the spectrum, and that's largely why I am an independent. 

     As for Br*tt K*vanaugh, he is clearly emotionally unfit for a seat on the Supreme Court, whether he is guilty of the sexual assault he’s accused of or not. Funny how the people who are witnesses to the supposed act aren’t fit enough to testify. Would that have flown if it were a Democrat defendant? Hell no. Did anyone come away from her testimony thinking she was lying? How many times did he say he likes beer? His own yearbook reflects his attitude at that time , and classmates have come out saying he’s lying about other things. All that screaming and crying and spitting -  While you might be a Hillary hater, and I was not a fan, - under 11 hours of scrutiny before the same committee being accused of murdering four men, not once did she behave like the raging lunatic Kavanaugh became. And she did not murder those four men, whether you’ll interpret that mess that way yourself.  Me thinks he does protest too much. In case you didn’t know- he was playing to all beer drinking male voters who may have been “rowdy” in their young years- , right from the Trump play book.

     As for the alleged victim- Who would put themselves in that position if they didn’t believe they were telling the truth? Nothing to gain! And a lot to lose.  Starting with the polygraph experience! So tired of every woman who stands up for themselves being dismissed BY OTHER WOMEN and especially by that disgusting administration and their hypocrisy when trying to undermine the opposing party over the years- No wonder most don’t report it!   L Gr*ham’s own words for his book regarding sexual assault victims apparently didn’t apply this time- of course! Hypocrite. All of it, broken.

     Believe people when they tell you who they are.

Where do we draw the line?

   Every time I think --- well, this can't possibly go on, surely someone of authority will stand up and put an end to this nonsense. ...every time..... nothing.   I keep calling my mother, who is very politically savvy, has been around a while and been involved in politics for many years on local levels.   I say... have enough wheels fallen off that bus yet??...   and the response is a much more patient one than my own... these things take time, Karen.  

    Well, hell... how much "time" do we all need to believe what 45 is telling us every.single.day... that he is unhinged, that he is vindictive,  that he lies, he tweets inappropriate, obnoxious absolute crap that is an embarrassment to our country, that he's destroying the integrity of the office he holds, that he has the tolerance, patience, and virtues of a flea... and you know,  that comparison is not even fair to fleas.   Their infestation and leaching off other creatures is for survival means only.  They don't know any better. 

   What an absolute a$$.   What bothers me more, is witnessing fellow Americans cheering his hideous behavior on.  This isn't just about policy, folks.  I am not a republican hater, I am not a far lefter, I'm not a "Snowflake" crying because my party lost.  I don't have a party.  WE ALL LOST when this idiot came to dismantle the integrity of our country.  He's not making America great again, he's dismantling it with his total disrespect.  And make no mistake, that was his goal.  That was Bann*n's goal.. and we're letting them get away with it.  How very, very tragic. It's horrifying to watch if you're a person who actually gives a shit about decency.  That word in particular.   \

This latest twitter sh*tstorm with the Morning Joe show and Mika B.... I will say I think the media has taken far too much power, slanting the news toward their own leanings for a long time - that's wrong.  I think making fun of the President's hand size is childish.  They aren't the leader of the free world, though.  The POTUS... should have the wherewithall to refrain from such vile responses... the world is watching. He works for We the People, not the other way around.  We deserve better... we deserve a responsible adult to respresent us, not a whining narcissistic bully. 

WTF.  W.... T.....F. 

    I adopted another dog in part, I think,  because I am desperate to see more of and be part of and encourage the GOOD in people.  This weekend I will support a rescue down in Georgia by adopting one of her charges and make a monetary donation to her rescue to help with expenses.   This woman goes without nice things so she can pull yet another of the 1000's of homeless dogs/puppies that are throw aways.   I will meet two ladies at a commuter lot in New Haven after they have driven over 30 hours with about 30 dogs who have found a new life is waiting for them up North.  If you're not familiar with the I-95 corridor running north to south and vice versa - it's a jungle.  And it's the fourth of July weekend - God Bless Them.   

   I'll keep you posted on -Sally's- arrival.  Not sure we'll keep her name yet.. have to meet the little girl to know if it suits her.  She doesn't know it as her name yet, so we're good there.   This picture was sent to me just now by her rescue... she's on her way to transport pick up.   I'm in love already.   See you soon, Sally girl.

   I'll  be bold here and ask one thing of you....  No matter what your political affiliation, please above all else, stand up for  and demand truth, integrity, decency.. from our leaders.  Please don't condone childish juvenile bully behavior.  Our children are watching, the world is watching..... the integrity of our future depends on it. 

    Be well, friends, and have a safe holiday weekend. 

   

New Chick Hut and holy twitter storm, Batman

 Today I ran around like-a-chicken-without-it's-head  looking for a new box to house the chicks in on our summer porch.  They're growing like weeds!...  First I  stopped in the local hardware store - nothing big enough but they let me look through the dumpster anyway.  Much appreciated.   Then I headed over to Stop and Shop and asked the grocery store clerk if they might have a box from old deliveries I could buy or take off their hands.  Turns out they recycle all boxes  at 7 a.m. every morning, where they are all crushed in a compactor.  So, If I want to get there at 6:30-ish a.m. tomorrow I could get a big box from them.   I appreciated the tip,  put that feather under my cap and moved on. Next was Ocean State Job Lot.  Now.. have you ever been to one of those?  Everywhere you look, and I mean everywhere you LOOK!!!... are a hundred boxes of varying sizes, mostly filled with "stuff" they are trying to sell, and some others that are randomly scattered and waiting for a purpose .. or something.  I thought - cinch! I can get one here for sure, right?  

So I tap on the shoulder of one salesperson and ask politely if I could have one of their many thousands of boxes for  chick rearing purposes.  

She said "oh nooo, we don't sell our boxes, we recycle them."  

 Me-   Oh, that's great!  and my purpose would be a recycling of sorts, no?  Plus, I am more than happy to PAY you for a big box, I don't care how beat up it is.  Can I do that?  PAY you for one of the ones I see sitting around?"   

 "No"... she says... "We really don't give them to anyone, ever."  

"What about that one over there, it's really beat up and looks like you'll be throwing it out soon, I can tape it back together and use it, would that one be OK?".  

 "No. We use them all".   

Can I talk to your manager?  Maybe He or she would be OK with me buying just one.. for my chicks. 

Manager is called - but doesn't come to see me. The message is relayed.. "We recycle our boxes, we don't give them away or sell them.. to anyone for any reason."

Now it might appear right here that I think I'm something special and for ME they should make the exception.  I'm really not thinking along those lines, honestly.   No.. as I'm standing in that Job Lot looking at about 1,000 boxes, some full, some half empty, a whole f*ing stack of them in the middle isle EMPTY - I'm thinking it's overkill to stick to your guns and not  let a person buy a F-ING USED UP BOX for her baby chicks. 

But.. sometimes you just gotta let it go.. so I went. 

Next stop was our trusty Appliance salesman who only had top and bottomless boxes last time I stopped in.  This time he had one that was indeed bottomless, BUT..  at this point I am more than willing to improvise. 

And Improvise I did...

 My old Egg Plant sign has withered away, so I put a new one up yesterday... just some stuff I found on sale at Michaels.  (love that store).  Now I may be crafty, but patient I am not.  So this will need to be touched up a bit.. letters crooked, splattered paint around the edges.  A job for another day...

    That about covers my egg-sellent  adventures for the day... 

 Meanwhile.. back in The House...  Agent Orange is twittering so fast as the FBI discusses lack of wire tap findings and possible R*ssia connections I'm surprised his fingers haven't fallen off yet. 

Can we all agree it's really childish and very un-world leader like to tweet horrific accusations with no evidence to back them because you saw it on Fox News? 

Can we all agree Russia wants: our relationship with our allies compromised...check
NATO undermined...check
Our world wide respect shaken...check .....

I will say it again- I love my country. I want to respect our leader. I think respect is earned and I think respect for the powerful office he holds is his responsibility first and foremost. I honestly believe not one single person on my friend list would conduct themselves the way 45 does if placed in that position, not one. Forget the news, forget policy, what does your conscience tell you. .. what does the decency you were raised with tell you.

*sigh

Finds for Stella

   When we bought the cottage, for a  small additional price, some of her "stuff" came with.  After purchase we discovered most of it needed to go in the dumpster as mice had taken up residence.  A few pieces were reworked. The dining table and chairs were well worn but still in good shape other than refinishing.  We know a woodworking guy who has a nifty machine that -sprays- a refinish on furniture, cabinets, etc. The finish is beautiful, better than I could have done with a bucket of paint and a brush.  We figured the cost to have him do it would be cheaper than buying a new table and chairs, although indeed more money than if I had done it myself.  

Well.  That's not exactly how it went.  While it looks terrific!... turns out the cost was the same as if I had gone out and bought a new table and chairs. One would think the person doing the work would let you in on that before you commit to it...as the whole purpose was to save money.  Live and learn. At least it's one less bulk of furniture clogging a landfill, right? 

 Now that we've got both bedrooms squared away except for mattress purchase, we still need a couch and chair for the sitting area. Do you call it a living room when the whole cottage could fit in a living room?  I am loving this tiny house nation we have joined, really loving it. Right now progress is at a halt until the weather warms. That's when we'll get to finish varnishing walls and sanding and restaining floors.  With the water shut off for the season, I can't even wash down the bathroom and kitchen. So..... 

   I love Homegoods - always find something unique and cool and usually for a very good price.  A few days ago I needed some retail therapy even though the wallet would beg to differ.  Why not go scrounge around for a few 'house warmers' for the old girl.  My goal is to not have much clutter, and most things should be functional.  Also, if they can have meaning, even better. 

Find No. 1 -  the bedding is going to be ivory and neutrals with a navy bedskirt.  My mom and I are born and raised  (Staten Island) New Yorkers, even though we moved to CT long ago.  She will be spending much time at Stella too -  I was looking for a nautical pillow or two, but this one is even better -  It's a good size, so no need for more.  Meaning, functional, attractive - score!

I got this big blanket basket and soft seafoam colored blanket for under $40.  Who can't use a little cozy now and then.  

  I've tried, but can't seem to close this post without chirping about that insane rant by the President yesterday. Holy cow, he's come undone.  If you don't think so, I got nothing.  This is way beyond differences in policy ideas, tightening the security belt, swinging over to the right.  For anyone to think it's OK to behave and speak and slander and lie in the ways that he does as PRESIDENT OF THESE UNITED STATES, that's just not digestible no matter how you try to spin it.  I'm not even gonna bother getting into the details. I've learned it just doesn't matter - if you choose to turn a blind eye, you will be blind.  Me? I will keep my eyes wide open. 

*sigh

Windows to the Soul and The Twittering Twit.

 Stellas old leaky chipping cranky windows have been replaced....  and soon the siding will be complete. 

Next up.. we tackle the interior.

  Right here is where all my blog friends who are Trump fans get off the bus so as not to offend you, because that's not my intent.  You have your reasons, I know. 

                                                          ****************************

   While I keep trying to GET OVER IT ALREADY,  LET GO OR BE DRAGGED, blahblahblahblahblah.... that's nearly impossible when DJT keeps dishing out the ridiculous and many just keep consuming it with reckless abandonment of what we ALL really consider to be normal, rational, respectful, SAFE behavior. 

     I'd sure like to see the person about to take the highest office arguably in the World put down his twitter account and start behaving with the class and dignity and personal restraint his position requires. Because of his inflaming personality and refusal to follow protocol, it's going to be a looong four years - he's going to be the subject of more than a few parodies too. Grow a skin, Donald, you're gonna need it.   

    

      Seriously....   I'm referring to one of the biggest ball breakers in the history of ever!  The hypocrisy and the whining are laughable, if it weren't so pathetic given the position he's about to take.  He can't handle a SNL Skit!  He's slamming other countries on TWITTER  for Cripes sake.  Please, may the powers that be - help him get over himself and get on with "making America great again". Although we already live in a Great Country, just to be clear. I wish he would stop taking credit for things he didn't really do.  Yeah. THAT.

- Just Sayin

Dear Linda

A comment left by Linda - 

To bad you had to get political-have you ever heard obama speak...mr...teleprompter -aren't you supposed to be a decorating blog...will not follow...another angry liberal

-Linda

and then another after I responded...

Like I said - you seem to be angry - not interested in hearing your pathetic commentary... so don't worry I won't be following.. have fun in your small world.

Dear Linda - I've never been a decorating blog. Nor am I an angry liberal.  My mother is a liberal and my husband is a conservative republican.  I believe that sound choices for our country lie somewhere in the middle, and so that's where I stand - no affiliation.   Am I Angry?  At some things, you're damn right. I hope you are too as far as the state of our government.  You assume and label pretty quickly... with your own anger. That's small world living if you ask me.  

I don't write my blog for followers. I write as a journal for myself and my family, and the blog friends I've made along the way... the ones who I have become friends with regardless of whether we see everything in the same light... they are the icing on the cake, the treasure unexpected when I started this blog.  It's perfectly OK that you don't want to be among them.    The beauty of a blog is it's my space to create and express whatever I choose.  I also like to share things with anyone who WANTS to stop by and see whats posted.. like recipes, health tips, decorating ideas,  family triumphs and tribulations.   I like to support other bloggers who are going through a difficult time and I like what I've learned by seeing others points of view, even if they don't match my own.    

 I would have been interested in knowing what you find redeeming about Sarah Palin and even what you find revolting about Obamas speeches or policy.  Instead you throw insults.   That's what is so troubling about our political world.  We don't really know how to communicate and accomplish anymore effectively.. instead it's arrow slinging.

- Just sayin. 

  

Theres an a$$ for every seat

  To the GOP who stood up and applauded last night when the President mentioned in his speech that he had no more campaigns to run... You are a disgrace, as was your foolish, childish mockery.  Actually, I think CHILDREN know better than to behave in such a way.  As for anyone out there who thought that was appropriate behavior aimed at THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, your attitude is part of why our government is such an embarrassment at this place in time.  And after being handed such an ignorant display of behavior, he is chastised for his response?  If you approved the applauding but disapproved of his giving a  response... which referenced winning both elections... you're showing your true colors. 

 I'll say it again as I have said here before.. I don't approve of all ideas and actions President Obama has brought to the table during this two term presidency and I can say that about any politician elected to office that I've ever paid attention to.  I think you can say the same. What we have before us now in our government is shameful behavior that brings to mind schoolyard tactics. Other nations are losing respect for us NOT because of any particular man who holds the highest office, but because of the way we do not stand together, work together, have respect for each other right here in our own home, America. Especially on the highest platform.   We are ALL better than this... and yet we keep sinking further down that hole with our cheers and jeers and accusations and discord and idiotic behavior. 

Enough said.  

  

  

Time Off and Stonington, CT

  

  The husband has, for the very first time, given his crew this week off.   On the second day of the  most unnatural- for- him  hiatus -.....  he got antsy.  

    "What was I thinking, taking this week off.. there is SO MUCH TO DO!@#*!."

   I pointed out for the  two thousand and twenty seventh time in our history together  that in the 27 years I've known him there has never been a time when there wasn't SO MUCH TO DO!@#*!   but life is too short and every single being needs time to unwind and rewind and that included HIM, let alone his work crew.   I don't know that he'll ever truly get that memo, but I'll keep trying.  Needless to say he was in and out of the office all week.  We did manage some fun though.. yesterday especially. 

   So.. off we went on a short ride to Stonington, CT .. a lovely old New England village with gorgeous old houses originally built for sea captains, etc.  Many of the houses on main street date back to the 1700's and are beautiful kept. Main Street rides out to a peninsula where you get an unobstructed view of the ocean. The color of the water this time of year is deep blue green marine.  Gorgeous, wild, and COLD.

  Stonington is located in New London County, population approx. 18,000.   The first European colonists arrived in 1649 and officially became part of Connecticut in 1662 when CT received its royal charter. The town acquired wealth in the 1790s when its harbor became home to a fleet involved in the sealing trade - where the skins of seals clubbed on the Chilean and Patagonian coasts were sold as fur in China. 

Ugh.  

     Back to the day - First up was lunch at the waterfront  Dog Watch Cafe... loved it.  We found the people to be very friendly and the food delicious... I didn't snap pictures inside, the shame of it. I can tell you with certainty their Reuben sandwiches, Veggie Burgers, clam chowder and Bloody Marys are the bomb.  The seafood everything looked pretty awesome too, maybe next trip we'll sample some of that.  

 Then we drove down Main Street and I proceeded to drive  the guy nuts with the stop and go that is necessary for good picture taking.  It was very cold and the wind was blowing, so I darted in and out of the truck with great efficiency and speed, I must say.   Still.... the chagrin   :-)

  There are many charming stores and restaurants along the way... 

 

.. and the jewels in the crown.. all the old homes.....

The beauty is in the details.. everywhere.  Dental and crown molding abounds...  love the design of this window...

The entire village reminds me of one of my other favorite places, Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard.

 Most of these homes have ocean  in their backyard or just across the way.

 

 I could live here happily... love the color choices. What you see above is this homes backyard. 

 We also visited Stonington Cemetery located at the entrance to town...  a 22 acre non-sectarian burial ground founded in 1849, although there are many graves dating back to the 1700's.   According to their website...  The Stonington Cemetery was incorporated in 1849 when a small 18th century burial ground was expanded by a group of Stonington residents who created a significant horticultural and aesthetic landscape site.  Many in the group made their fortunes in the whaling and shipping trades and were responding to the "rural" or "garden" cemetery movement of the time.  The intention was to create settings for relaxation and contemplation rather than sorrow or loss.   

Annie  Wheeler was just 15 when she passed. 

 Below is the very gothic Billings Mausoleum. It was a showcase for the art glass of the J & R Lamb Studios but the windows are all boarded up so you can't view the glass. What a shame - but I suppose vandalism avoidance is the reason.

    The Mr. often talks about wanting a family mausoleum for when we have all passed.  Personally I see it as a big waste.  I want to be cremated and my ashes scattered where they might nourish a tree... or tossed off a cliff into the ocean. Use the money you might have spent on a lavish funeral and burial to donate to an animal shelter or homeless shelter.    I like the idea of becoming one with nature again, instead of a rotting corpse encased in whatever.. forever.     Who .. of the Billings loved ones.. comes to pay their respects now, I ask you?... and this will sit for centuries.. until someone decides it won't. 

 HERE    is a listing for a lovely ocean front condominium down at the bottom of Main Street in this lovely town... if I win the lotto we can all share it for a little respite now and then, ok?  Ok. 

  It's a new day all.. while we're all still here... make it a good one :-)  

 

 

  

Merry or Happy?

 

You all know by now that sometimes I just can't keep my opinions to myself, right?  A good friend of mine posted something on FB the other day that got my attention and so I chirped.  You're not surprised, are ya.  Her question posed the dilemma of what to say to people during the Holiday season so as not to offend anyone.


*sigh*


Maybe I'm being insensitive, but maybe we're all getting just a little too sensitive. The irony in all these separate religions and beliefs is that no matter what you or I or our neighbor down the street or the tribe on the other side of the world believes.... the simplest and most relevant truth is.. clearly,  we all got here the same way.  Evolution?  An all powerful God?  All the other creators that are worshiped?  None of us knows the real answer for sure, but we have our beliefs.   Whatever your beliefs are, I support you 100 percent as long as you're not hurting someone else or shunning them because their beliefs might be different than yours. We need to stop trying to be so -separate- and embrace each other with more acceptance and kindness. Period.  That's where organized religion irks me..   In some ways it divides people, it angers people, it alienates.


Back to the point here -  If you wish me a Merry Christmas or a Happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, etc... I'll assume the intention is good will.  I will not be offended that you didn't take what might be my religious beliefs into consideration when offering up any of these tidings  because  all of them are about spreading cheer during this holiday season. There's never too much of that.

Merry Holidays to you and yours - I hope you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with the ones you love and may the coming year bring good health, good fortune and Peace On Earth to all -

And so it goes

 I've been neglecting my blog lately.  Thank you for those who still drop by.  All is well, I've just not been motivated in this one particular space with so much else going on, all good, thankfully.  I miss the daily chatter with my blog friends but some of you have found me on FB and I'm glad we can keep in touch there as well.  So many of you are so inspiring in your own way.. creatively or with a strength and resolve and grace during difficult times....  it's a pleasure to have come to know you.

Here's some *random* on a Monday Morning... 

 I watched "And So It Goes" with Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas the other night.   I was so looking forward to it because it should have had that same classic down to earth, real life,  good feeling, great sense of humor of some of my favorite movies  - As good as it gets, Somethings gotta give, Hope Springs,  It's Complicated, etc.  come to mind.   Maybe it's just me, but I found it to be a big disappointment.  Michael Douglas was just unlikeable and not really believable in his character  and Diane was.... Diane, only throw in some silly and whiney.  Also, pepper it all with really juvenile humor that seemed like it was put there as an afterthought to spice up the movie.. or something. All in all, it was OK, when it had potential to be really great.  

 My daughter is moving into her own place after Christmas.  That's the way it should be, and I am so very happy because she's moving into a terrific apartment and is very excited about it.  So here is mom, mourning the fact that we will probably never all be living under the same roof again, the four of us.  I know it's the natural order of things and it's what we want for our children, but I am definitely not one of those moms who can't wait for the kids to finally leave the nest.  I will miss the foursome we were, here, together.  It's as if a new stage is set, a new chapter has begun.. onward!  But I liked the old chapter so very much I don't want to leave it.  Me and those darn apron strings, you know.

I've discovered one of the down sides of animal rescue and adoption events. Despite all the precautions we take to screen adopters, sometimes... the dog does not end up in the environment we would choose.  Example.. we do home visits after our adoption events to make sure all is going well.  Recently, one of the dogs we adopted out had a home visit.  The people who adopted her are hoarders.. so there is clutter all over the house.  It's not filthy, just very very cluttered. Because of all the clutter... the dog is kept mostly on a leash in the house or in her crate.  They don't want her getting into the "clutter".  She appears to have bonded with her new owner and looks healthy.  The owner has an autistic son who appeared agitated at the home visit and has not bonded with the dog.  We asked if perhaps the dog was too much at this time and could we refund her money and bring *August home.  She flat out refused and said she LOVES the dog.  We told her living on a leash tied to a table inside a house is no way for a dog to live... and she agreed to work on that.   Really, we have no legal leg to stand on in this case and can't take the dog back.  We will check in with her again and hope she has decided to acclimate the dog properly to the cluttered house and let her live off leash.  Also, we hope the boy is able to bond in some way with the dog so that there is not additional tension in the house. That's never good for the dog.. or the family.   

 A blog friend of mine is very worried for her family right now. Knowing what they are going through reminds me that  having the pressure of major troubles during what is supposed to be a joyous season can make it a very difficult and sad time indeed.  If someone you know is struggling, reach out in whatever way is comfortable for you. Let them know they are not forgotten during this season of *Hope. 

May your Holiday Season bring you  Joy and Peace of Mind, Courage, Strength, Love and Hope. Those are the gifts I wish I could bestow on all -  *

..and then some.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my post yesterday regarding immigration reform. Any time you post your personal beliefs in public, it's a risk.  Almost impossible not to offend someone.

 Jane left a very poignant comment at the end of yesterdays comments section, another side to the immigration issue that is very real and worth going back to read.

 It's a new day, all - lets make it a good one.




 





 

About that Facebook Post.....

  Facebook is a funny bird..... it can be a wonderful tool for keeping in touch with distant family and friends, posting events, sharing happy news, philosophies and photos.  It's also used and abused as a bitch session, rant platform, political war zone and advocacy area.  Yep, you can really piss people off if you try. 

 I try to keep my facebook page light and entertaining and all in the spirit of  sharing, good will and encouragement.  Am I always successful?  Ha!   In all honesty I get tangled in others conversations now and then where my opinion is bold and most often in defense of something.

This morning it was about posting pics of animals in need. In all fairness the original poster was begging others to not post pictures of abused animals anymore. I should note that she is an animal advocate and has rescue dogs of her own.  Her friends agreed that they want to see -happy- on FB, no sad and horrible stories of abuse that they can't do anything about.  And that's where I chimed in.  In essence my point was that I am in dog rescue and do post dogs in bad condition sometimes that need help. My view is that if  you never see the negative images, you won't know the need is there and you will definitely not be prompted to do something about it. ( I'm not talking about the horribly gruesome images.)   If you are in a position to do something and my post prompted you to do so, mission accomplished.  And, time and time again, those posts save dogs.   So, I won't apologize, although I limit it so I don't bombard friends with sad circumstances.

 There aren't enough people in this world who give a damn about anything other than what is directly in front of them affecting their world directly and immediately.  So I am definitely not quick to criticize anyone who is trying to make a difference for the greater good  somewhere, regardless of the cause.  Even if their way of doing it is posting on their FB feed a picture that might make me feel momentarily uncomfortable.  - Did I just piss you off?

What does bother me?  Those dead dear and game pics of proud hunters (sometimes kids!) with big smiles standing next to their bleeding, big eyed, tongue hanging out of mouth deer, bear, or whatever...  I am not a vegetarian, so I have to admit this is probably hypocritical... but somehow seeing you standing so tall and proud next to an animal you killed for the joy of it is really disturbing.  Oh, I know the argument stand that the deer/game will be eaten...but you're not out there shooting deer because you can't afford food from the grocery store.  You're doing it because you enjoy the hunt.. and kill. WE could also argue that the way this country treats animals raised for food in mass factory inhumane conditions is a lot less humane than the momentary shoot and kill of that deer.  You're right!  Ah, it gets so complicated, doesn't it.   I do try to buy food labeled as humanely raised and I encourage all to do so.  Have you seen FOOD, Inc?    Ugh. a must see. But be prepared, it will offend you.


 - Just sayin.

It's not Black & White

     Let me start this post with a clear and honest statement.  I believe strongly that I am not a racist.  Racism in this day and age disgusts me.  By now we should know better.  We've got a long, ugly history behind us that tells us just how WRONG it is.  It is my opinion, and  perhaps with arrogance I believe it should be everyones opinion, that we are all human beings who deserve our life on this earth to begin and play out without prejudice and judgement that many still base on our ethnicity.  If you are a religious person and you don't agree,  then you are at the very least, a  hypocrite. God created all equally, right?  He loves all his children?  You believe everything on this planet is his creation, correct?  Explain your view, please,  if you are a racist but you believe in God.  I'm not being sarcastic here.. I want to try to understand you, because I have trouble getting past that particularly irony.

   All that being said,  I'm bullsh*tting you if I don't come clean and say that if you're a big person wearing baggy gangsta style clothes that might or might not be concealing a weapon,  with your pants half way down your ass, you're staring me down with a dead look and a swagger that says -get out of my way, b*tch -  as we walk toward each other on a deserted street,  I'm getting out of your way, quickly.     If that's how you are presenting yourself, it's reasonable to assume fear is what you're trying to provoke, aggression and bullying  is your MO, so you'll get the reaction you were asking for.  Notice I didn't say, though, whether you are black or white. A big white dude presenting himself in the same way is going to get the same reaction from me. Maybe even a small white dude.   Am I prejudice against big or small dudes dressed gangsta-like with attitude?  No.. I'm cautious around someone exuding negative aggression, because I'd be stupid not to be.

   We all read about the Trayv*n Martin case, and now the Micha*L Brown story. Both losses are tragic. Neither  young men were armed.  I don't believe we will ever know the exact sequence of events, emotions, knee-jerk reaction? responses - appropriate or inappropriate that occurred in either of those stories.  We have to rely on eye-witness accounts that are tainted with emotions,  with prejudices of their own. If it was all clear in a video surveillance camera, we wouldn't have to trust an eye witness. But most often we don't have that clarity and so those other factors come in to play... emotion... prejudice, fear.

    Regarding this newest case - This is what we know for sure.  MB was a young black man. He was unarmed. He had just acted like a bully and shoved a convenience store clerk around with threatening behavior as he robbed him of a $50 box of cigars. Then he ambled down a public street, blocking traffic, which is what prompted the officer to approach him.  Another bully behavior. Clearly his mindset at that time was that of defiance and aggression.  Did he deserve to die because of it?  Absolutely not. 

   Lets talk about the police officer, who now has the terrible burden of knowing he shot and killed a young unarmed man.  The guy had a solid six year record, no disciplinary issues.   What we know for sure - the young man in question was acting defiantly. He was behaving in the way that dangerous and armed people typically behave... with arrogance, breaking the law.  Given this scenario, the officer is now on high alert for any other signs of something about to go wrong. He is trained to do so.  Experience has taught him that things can go horribly wrong in an instant.   The officer says the young man, when questioned and asked to stop walking down the center of the road, blocking traffic,  tried to grab his gun.  If this is true, really really stupid move on the young mans part.  I call that extreme aggression and the officer had a right to assume the young man was going to try to shoot him with his own gun. The officers life is just as valuable as the young mans and he has a right to protect it.   If it's not true, and the officer was attempting to pull the kid into his car - (friend of victim, eyewitness claim)... and then the young man just backed up and was shot at repeatedly as his hands were up.... then the officers response was grossly -wrong-.

  Why do we assume the outcome of this tussle would have been different if the young man was white?  Or the officer was black?   Well, statics show that this type of shooting death by an officer occurs much more often when the perp is black.   Is it because there are more blacks doing these type of crimes or does racism play a roll?   I keep wanting to take the color out of the question.  Seems that simple to me.. just take the color out of the question. But I am a white woman who has not had to warn her children that the color of their skin might make them targets of unwarranted bigotry and hate.  That reality exists.

  What makes sense to you?   In this case - Why would the officer pull the young man INTO his car window and start shooting...and then keep shooting as the victim backs away. Keep in mind.. at this time the officer had no idea he was looking at the guy who had just robbed the store. His reaction was based on however that young man presented himself at that very moment.  Just backing away with hands up???      The eyewitness to all this was the victims friend... and accomplice in the robbery at the convenience store earlier.  He's not going to defend the cop's judgement and betray his dead friend and implicate himself  for that matter in threatening behavior.   But...  there stands his statement that the kid was just walking along innocently, the officer in question stopped to question him and then just opened fire as he put his hands up, killing him with repeated shots.  I find that last scenario very had to believe.   And it's not because the young man was black.  When analyzing this picture... it should have nothing to do with his color.  It has everything to do with his known behavior and state of mind before this tragedy occurred. The officers reputation has to count for something too.

Regardless of what anyone believes,  it's a horrible tragedy all around.  The pain and loss  MBs family is suffering should never have come to be.   A young man is dead who may have needed some discipline but  did not deserve to die, and a  police officer has killed someone and will have to live with that outcome for the rest of his natural life.  I can't tell you whether racism played a roll. You can't either.  But as long as we all keep fueling that fire, it's going to burn long and strong. The people of Fergus*n who are looting among the protesters are only adding  more fuel to that fire.


-Just sayin

Women only - no, really. So if you're a man, just head on over to the next blog. ok?

   
You're looking anyway, aren't ya.


I warned you!


OK, ladies... let's talk about bras for a minute, shall we?  I hate 'em.  And I'm not all that big chested.  I cannot imagine how you women who are well endowed manage that weight and the bras that support you year after year.  In my younger years I envied you, truth be told.  All that attention from the boys on the beach... it wasn't me they admired with my beanpole figure.. no, it was Lisa or Bonnie standing next to me with their double D's.     But as I get older I really have no tolerance for an uncomfortable bra and now I'm sort of grateful for my smaller bust size, especially because those serious bras are seriously uncomfortable, even in my size.

 

 

 

Now, A good fit is a must, and so many women get it wrong, apparently.

But even so... I still feel THIS....

 

 Or THIS....

 

 

 

 

 

And while those underwires sure look sexy and

maybe fill out your clothing with better lines...

 

 

 

no matter how "right" the fit,  and pretty the look,

it's still uncomfortable. For me, anyway.

 

 

 

 

The point of my post today is to shout out to all of you, jubilantly, that I found an incredibly
comfortable no-wire bra at TARGET of all places. The shoulders are comfortable. The midsection is comfortable.   And it does hold your boobs where you want them to sit.  (If you're still reading, guys, it's no ones fault but your own).    The thing is... this bra is supposedly a NURSING bra, although I don't get it. There is no pocket for nursing pads, no extra anything.. just what you see below.  Maybe it's an easy access thing...

ANYWAY... wow is this a great bra for summer.. easily worn under a sundress or tank top or t-shirt and gives enough support if you're not super sized to exercise in.  I LOVE IT!

Bought at Target, the company name on the bra is Gilligan & O'Malley.  They come in pairs and in several different colors.

It's a beautiful thing.


If you've got a favorite bra that you think is super comfortable,
feel free to share a link in the comments section below.