My letter to Senator Grassley on pending war with Iran

9/17/2019

Dear Senator Grassley,

I am disturbed at the President and Vice President affirming on TV that we are “locked and loaded” for war with Iran. Forgive me if I’m wrong here, but I do not recall the US Congress declaring war on Iran. Last I looked, it is Congress who has power to declare war, not the president.

I think many Americans would be against war since we have not been attacked, like Pearl Harbor. If we went to war, I daresay not many allies would blindly follow the piper to war, like France when we were forced to called food Freedom Fries just because they refused to invade Iraq or Afghanistan. I remember once on TV you refused to write a blank check for President Bush to run his war in Iraq and I was proud to call you my Senator. I call it Bush’s Iraq war since he lied to Congress to overthrow Saddam Hussein resulting in a civil war splitting the country in three parts (Sunni, Shite, and Kurds).

Also, we have a $22 Trillion national deficit so I fail to see how this country can afford to spend beyond the debt ceiling for a war the president initiated. American people will not appreciate their taxes increasing to pay for this war. If the president cannot win the trade war with China he also initiated, how is he going to conquer Iran into submission?

I have friends and family in the armed forces and reluctant to risk their lives, so the president gets a trophy for his ego. War is ugly, violent, traumatic, and kills innocent civilians in the crossfire: What Is So Glorious About It? Are you ready to read the casualty lists in the newspapers for the next year, ten years, or even twenty years because wars are easy to start and difficult to end? General George Custer once said he was accustomed to hearing cannons going off at West Point, but it is another sound when the cannon is coming toward you.

I will end my letter to you by quoting The Last of the Mohicans. “Death and honor are often thought to be same thing. Today, I have learned that sometimes they are not.”

I will pray our leaders on both sides of the aisle come together to deescalate the tension with Iran, and North Korea too. After all, General George Washington gave a speech at a meeting of the soldiers planning to overthrow the Article of Confederation government and crown Washington as King of America. He asserted that his soldiers did not fight and die to overthrow a king to replace him with another, there will be no King of America and the military coup d'etat was crushed in one speech. Words hold power. I thank you for reading my letter.

Sincerely,

Jordan Harvey

Senator Grassley's response and he gives me reasons to keep voting for him:

October 21, 2019

Dear Ms.(Name):

Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy with respect to Iran and North Korea. As your senator, it is important to me that I hear from you.

First, I appreciate hearing your concerns regarding U.S. foreign in the Persian Gulf. In recent months, Iranian provocations and the measured U.S. response to those provocations have led some commentators to suspect the U.S. is poised for military conflict with that nation. At the outset, I want to be absolutely clear that I do not want to go war with Iran. Additionally, I do not believe that the Trump administration is actively looking for military conflict with that country. That being said, the United States must be prepared to protect our interests and those of our allies in the face of Iranian aggression. Iran poses significant challenges to the United States and those of our allies, and I would like to take this opportunity to address them with you.

Since Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran has been a perennial concern of successive presidential administrations and congresses. Iran’s actions stem largely from its revolutionary ideology and unique theocratic governmental structure that dominates virtually all aspects of the country’s governance. The country’s supreme leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, controls the foreign policies of the Iranian government. It is through the supreme leader that the country’s main security apparatuses engage in malign activities throughout the Middle East to promote Iranian influence with an intent to dominate the region.

Iran actively funds, equips, and trains a host of Shia militias throughout the region. Terrorist groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Palestinian Territories, various Shia militias in Iraq, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen all receive significant support from Iran. Iran has repeatedly been named the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Iran has maintained its capability to threaten U.S. interests and allies through the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). A unit of the IRGC, the Quds Force, implements Iranian foreign policy goals in the Middle East by providing cover for intelligence operations and creating instability throughout the region. The Trump administration has increased pressure on the Iranian regime to cease its destabilizing activities by tightening U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, and designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization.

In recent weeks, Iranian aggression has elevated to new heights. Evidence suggests that the Iranian regime has sabotaged oil infrastructure in the gulf through selective attacks on a pipeline and oil tankers in the region. On June 18, 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone conducting reconnaissance in international airspace. President Trump announced that the United States had planned to initiate limited retaliatory strikes but declined to execute them for lack of adequate proportionality.

On September 14, 2019, Iranian forces struck two key oil-processing centers in Khurais and Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. This remarkably bold act of aggression led to a spike in global oil prices and greatly heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf. In response, the Trump administration has increased the number of troops stationed in Saudi Arabia by roughly 3000 and deployed additional U.S. military assets to the country. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper characterized the deployment as a defensive measure to bolster Saudi Arabia’s deterrence capabilities against an increasingly hostile Iran.

I understand the concerns that have been raised by the American public about U.S.-Saudi relations. The murder of the Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi has led to the sanctioning of numerous Saudi government officials and remains a sore spot in our relations with that country. Nevertheless, the fact remains that Saudi Arabia remains a strategic partner in the Persian Gulf as a counterbalance to more hostile nations and U.S.-Saudi relations have advanced not only U.S. foreign policy aims, but also those of our allies.

During consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020, the Senate considered an amendment from Senator Udall that would have prohibited all DoD funds from being used for any military response against Iran. I voted against this amendment, not because I am looking for a conflict with Iran, but because it is too broad in its scope and could potentially endanger service members and U.S. personnel. If U.S. citizens, diplomatic facilities in the region, or other important national interests are threatened or attacked, the United States must be able to respond promptly and in appropriate fashion. The Udall amendment would have hampered President Trump’s Article II authority as commander in chief to respond if necessary. The president has made it clear that he is not looking to go to war with Iran and lacks the authority to engage in full scale hostilities. But, by sending a message that the U.S. will not respond to further military escalation by Iran, it would undermine deterrence and make a bad situation worse.

The Trump administration is applying diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran through the increased use of sanctions on the Iranian economy. It is the administration’s goal to modify Iranian behavior to ensure they are a responsible member of the international community. As your senator, you can rest assured that I will continue to keep your thoughts in mind when considering legislation in the Senate.

I also appareciate your sharing your concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy with North Korea. Throughout the 1990s into the early 2000s, past U.S. administrations and foreign governments have engaged in numerous bilateral and multilateral efforts to curb what was then a burgeoning nuclear weapons development program in North Korea. Under these efforts, the 1994-2002 Agreed Framework and the 2005-2009 Six-Party Talks, North Korea committed to an eventual denuclearization in exchange for specific diplomatic and economic gains. North Korea withdrew or reneged from both of these potential agreements and continued to pursue its proliferation efforts.

Since Kim Jong-un came to power in 2012, North Korea has conducted over 80 ballistic missile test launches and four nuclear weapons tests. In April 2017, the Trump administration announced that it had raised the North Korean threat to a top-level foreign policy priority due to its development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile launches. In July of 2017, North Korea successfully tested a missile that, according to United States’ intelligence agencies, has intercontinental range.

Shortly thereafter, Congress passed the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act. This legislation strengthens the use of sanctions on those facilitating North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has imposed multilateral international sanctions to prohibit material support for the North Korean regime.

Throughout early 2018, relations between North and South Korea improved with increased diplomatic liaison. On March 8, 2018, White House announced tentative plans for a meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Following a meeting between North Korean officials and South Korean National Security Advisor, Chung Eui-Young, Kim Jong-un provided a message to President Trump through South Korean emissaries conveying his apparent desire for a negotiated settlement. According to the South Korean national security advisor, in his meeting with Kim Jong-un, the North Koreans committed to a cessation of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons tests, and to not publically object to upcoming U.S.-South Korean military drills. The Trump administration agreed to the meeting provided North Korea uphold its pledge.

The meeting in Singapore between President Trump and Kim Jong-un was met with both praise and skepticism. The summit ended with the issuance of a joint statement that stated the United States and North Korea will work towards normalizing relations, addressing issues diplomatically, and working towards the full denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Throughout the remainder of 2018, the United States and North Korea continued to communicate in an effort to reach a comprehensive agreement regarding North Korean denuclearization. This effort culminated with a second summit that was conducted between President Trump and Kim Jong-un on February 28, 2019.

The second summit between President Trump and Kim Jong-un was intended to provide an opportunity for a comprehensive agreement leading to the verified denuclearization of North Korea. Despite numerous meetings between the U.S. and North Korean delegations and between President Trump and Kim Jong-un, no such agreement emerged. The North Korean delegation continued to press for what it had throughout 2018, which is the rapid relief of U.S. and international sanctions. President Trump stated that neither side could agree on the specific actions North Korea would be obliged to accomplish in order to achieve that goal. The Trump administration has made it clear that absent the complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea, the U.S. will continue its policy of sanctioning North Korea.

Following President Trump's attendance at the G20 Summit in Japan this June, the president attended a brief meeting with Kim Jong-un at the DMZ. During this meeting, President Trump was invited to cross into North Korea and discussed the prospect of peace and a political settlement with the country. I understand your concerns regarding President Trump's language during this meeting, however I am in no position to control the words of the president.

I believe that President Trump was correct to accept no deal in his second summit rather than agreeing to a bad deal given the history of past denuclearization deals. The United States must continue to negotiate from a position of strength with North Korea. That being said, neither President Trump nor Kim Jong-un have shut the door on continued dialogue and the possibility to an agreement regarding denuclearization. As your senator, you can rest assured that I am carefully monitoring the U.S.-North Korean relationship and that I will keep your thoughts in mind going forward.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Chuck Grassley

United States Senate

Tips on Preparing for College

I read how some people whine about the student loan crisis while others complain how exploitative college loans/tuition are to students. OK, less than half of a college's income is from tuition. Much more of it is from endowments, sporting events, federal grants, and state government funds. Colleges are hardly exploiting students by giving them an education. If one thinks college is worthless, then good luck finding a job that doesn't require education beyond a high diploma in this digital world. Many middle aged people go/return to college to get better paying jobs so many would disagree college education is worthless.

To pay college expenses, it is best to figure out first what occupation you want to do when you graduate. What are your interests and what are you good at? If you can't decide, work summer and/or part-time jobs until you figure it out. I have met people who didn't go to college until their late 20's when they decided what they wanted to do. If you are still a teen living in your parents' house, then exploring different occupations would be good for you and you will quickly learn what employers expect from their employees (like they are paying you to work not text your friends all day and wanting time off to attend a party mostly likely will demand that you find a replacement for your shift). And working teens learn about paying income taxes, knowledge they will need in adulthood (Children are dependents of their parents until they stop being full-time students at least 5 months out of the year or turn 24, whichever comes first, so your parents will receive any education credits and not you).

Second step after deciding on a occupation is to research what education and experience is required to get there. Not every occupation requires a PHD or professional license and of course, there are occupations that do. Some occupations require internships or apprenticeships, which are often planned a year in advance. And if income is an issue, then remember a licensed welder makes about the same amount of money as a CPA. Math and Science areas tend to make more income than English and Social Studies (History, Geography, Philosophy) areas. Brain work often pays more than physical labor.

Now that you researched what degree you need to get your foot in the door, then you research what colleges or universities offer the degree you need. Next, research how much money you need to attend your college choices. It is best to research the cost of tuition before applying for admission.

Next you figure out how to pay for your required tuition of the college/university that accepted your admission application. There are more than student loans available to pay for tuition. If your high school offers college credit classes, take them to save on tuition expenses. Many colleges will accept transfer credits up to 8 years. There are community colleges that offer classes to high school students (for a fee) so check those out in your area. Many drop out high school students go to community colleges to obtain GED certificates. Since general classes are required the first two years of a 4 year Bachelor degree, many poor students go to cheaper community colleges for the first two general studies years and state funded university the second two specialized in major years. Apply for scholarships, there are academic and athletic scholarships available. There are also scholarships for minorities, single mothers, artists, and vets. Even more scholarships can be found through businesses, religious organizations, and schools. Research all scholarships you qualify for. Some people join the military to get free higher education. Some grandparents buy savings bonds for their grandchildren that can be cashed in when attending college (Series EE bonds don't pay income tax on interest if use for education). Parents can set up education savings accounts for their children. Funds from IRAs can be used to pay for education without early withdrawal penalties. All colleges have a tutoring program so if you get an A in a class, be sure to apply to tutor other students in that class for pay.

Once all available above funds are exhausted, you apply for federal student aid. Apply to several colleges or universities and go to the one that offers the best financial aid package. Just because you get accepted doesn't mean you have to attend if you find a better deal somewhere else. Scholarships do effect financial aid in that less student loans are offered the more scholarship money you receive. There are grants that you don't have to pay back. There is work study where you work a job on campus and get paid a certain amount per semester(and looks good on a resume). Work study is set up to no more than 20 hours a week and pay rate is determined so that the allowed amount is earned by the end of the semester (so not exactly minimum wage). There are student loans for parents (PLUS). There are student loans for students (FAFSA) which have limitations on amounts given to the student depending on degree, what year the student is in, and if dependent on parents or independent adult. There are 3 kinds of student loans and must start repaying once student leaves the school whether they graduated or not. 2 kinds are government backed loans that go through government chosen banks. The interest rate on these loans is determined by Congress and can change over time (often in single digits). One type is Subsidized loans where interest does not start accruing until after student leaves school. Second type is Unsubsidized loans where interest accrues instantly so student may pay on interest while they are taking classes. Any interest accrued by the time student leaves school is capitalized, meaning Interest is turned into Principal that you have pay interest on. The third type of student loan is Private loans that are not government backed. Many banks and student loan companies offer these loans. The amount limit is determined by the company/bank which is dependent on income of the student and/or required co-signer. The interest on these loans are determined by credit scores of the applicants.

Once student leaves the college/university, there is usually a 6 month grace period before student loans repayments are required. If you are considering student loan forgiveness, then you much research to see if you qualify for that. And remember you must pay income tax on any cancelled student loan amount. If you are considering the student loan forgiveness route, then do not consolidate or refinance your loans because consolidated or refinanced loans cannot receive forgiveness. Student loans are usually 10 years in length, unless you refinance them to make them longer. If you do not qualify for student loan forgiveness, you can refinance your loan(s) at anytime during your repayment which means change the interest rate and/or repayment amount. If you can get a better rate or repayment amount, it is worth researching. If you don't like the result you can cancel the refinancing (if you say nothing then they refinance anyway). To save on interest on these student loans, you can pay an extra amount on your repayments. Repayments go to interest first and then Principal second which is why these amounts are different each month on your statement. For example, your repayment amount is $100 and you write your check for $150. That extra $50 will go towards principal and therefore, less interest you have to pay overall.

DNA Ancestry Test

Did an Ancestry DNA test done and I'm European which is no surprise. Going by records my ancestors came from Netherlands, Prussia/Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and England 1600-1800's. Last 1st Immigrant to America came in 1850's.

Dutch ancestor DeFreese/De Forest came in 1600's from Leiden, Zuid-Holland.

Prussia/Germany ancestors came in 1700's (Arnold and Row from Wurttemberg; Schonemann from Eisleben, Saxony-Anhal; Kempf from Grosseifen, Rheinland; and Drushel/Trushel from Germany) and 1800's (Hartz from Harz Mountains, Langebartels from Hanover, Schumacher from Wurttemberg, Nolte from Hitzhausen, Lohse from Nelle).

Scotland/Scotch-Irish ancestors came in the 1700's (Todd from Forfar, Angus, Scotland; Campbell from Ireland rooted in Argyll, Scotland and McNair from Donegal, Ireland rooted in Argyll). Surname Killen is Scotch-Irish surname. Surname McCaffree is an Irish surname.

English ancestors came in 1600's (Stern from Nayland in Suffolk County) and 1700's (Brooke from Londonderry, Ireland originally from England and Hodgson from Doncaster in Yorkshire). These ancestors may have Viking roots: Stern is Danish, Brooke and Hodgson are Norman French names. Gardner is an English surname rooted in Oxford.

Though I can't explain the Slavic, Jewish, Russian 1% findings. Perhaps a maiden name I can't trace beyond America.

Had a good summer

Summer is always fun when unemployed and deep in debt. Discovered a black and white striped garter/ribbon snake while mowing the lawn. Haven't seen it since. Plenty of birds, chipmunks, and squirrels eat from the bird feeder plus corn cobs and shelled peanuts I lay on the ground. Saw a squirrel and baby moved into the tree in front of the house. Mama squirrel had half her tail fur missing so she got away from something vicious. Dogs next door and my cats get entertainment. Let the kittens and ferrets outside to play in the grass. Ferrets are digging a hole in a corner I have no plants so they can get as dirty as they like. Plus, it's always entertaining grabbing burs out of kitten and ferret furs.

Nephew worked in my yard until he thought he could make more money at the local amusement park where my niece works this summer. Went to the movies 3 times this summer. Usually I wait for DVDs and skip the theater unless it is an ultra-important movie I have to see in the theater. Rocketman, Tolkien, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood were my choices. And I got a Netflix free trial just to watch the Motley Crue movie The Dirt. I hope that comes out on DVD since I can't watch it again unless I get another email and another free trial.

Made my first doll cake for my Mom's 80th Birthday bash at her retirement place. She thought nobody would come, but once you announce "Food will be Served", then everybody tries to attend. Got so much rain I got mushrooms, which were whacked off by the lawn mower. Nephew wrecked the mower hitting a cement pipe he didn't see so had to buy a new one. Bought new patio furniture and charcoal grill so enjoying my evenings with grilled food and smo'res. Kittens try to display dominance over the ferrets to discover ferrets are feisty and end up chasing the kittens. Ferrets bite back when kittens plop on their heads.

Roses bloomed this summer to make my heart sing. Red, pink, yellow, cream, and orange roses blossomed. My male Beta fish Achilles and Aeneas died. New fish are Achilles Jr and Aeneas Jr. Got interviewed by 2 temp agencies and did two job interviews (2 rejections). Visited Dad at the cemetery on Father's Day and played Taps on my smartphone for him. Discovered after rain days, the basement walls leak and the prior owners painted over it. Did I buy a house from a flipper who fixed nothing and just painted the walls? Oh yeah, and put a sliding door in the front of the house so I have 2 front doors. Weirdos! Changed my first dimmer switch and managed not to get electrocuted (I flipped the breaker box switch so the room didn't have electric).

Kittens experienced their first fireworks. They looked out the window, but couldn't see anything to cause all that boom, boom, boom noise. Made my first gluten-free cake for my cousin's kid who is allergic to gluten so he could eat cake at my Mom's party. People reacted when I offered it as if I was offering wallpaper paste. It tastes like cake, just gluten-free so it is a little denser like a pound cake. Everybody who tasted it loved it. I found a gluten-free buttercream frosting to decorate the doll cake. Had a few people take a picture of it. Had a political volunteer knock on my door. I assured them I was a registered independent and can't campaign for their candidate. Tried to sunbathe in my back yard to find a kittens under the chair and don't like me moving it to follow the sunny area.

Kittens learned to climb the black walnut tree in back yard. Of course, friends have to get into an uproar about kittens getting stuck in a tree. I have to explain, if my kittens can figure out to climb down backwards (meaning tail toward ground) then they can climb down the tree when THEY are ready to climb down and never get stuck in a tree.

Saw 4th of July fireworks half hour early when dark clouds moved in making it dark faster. Guess they thought to set off the show before it starts to rain. Well, it didn't rain until I got home over a hour later. Bought a funnel cake at the park after the parade to have my niece eat 90% of it. She also is diabetic so when her blood sugar test was super high, sister asked what she ate and she denied eating anything sugary. I stuck my nose in and explained the funnel cake. This set my sister off in a lecture my niece didn't want. We're sorry you hate being different, but the difference is not going away.

Took Mom out to lunch for her actual birthday two days after the big bash. Had a good chat waiting for our food. Went to required unemployment office workshops which were a complete waste of time. Looking at my resume they were obsessed about format than substance. Did get a boxer dog porn episode from the neighbor's back yard as I refilled the bird feeder in my back yard. Now wrapping my nephew's birthday gift to give him Saturday at his party.

Nothing else to write about.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Tax season ended leaving me completely unemployed, had phone interviews and in person interviews to receive rejection emails. Still applying for jobs. Had to take unemployment office workshops teaching us older people how to find a job so naturally they were useless to me. I know how to apply for a job and do an interview (my wardrobe and resume are not the problem, though lack of correct experience is a problem for employers).

Ferrets set up the Easter Bunny Trap and got extra chocolate eggs from his basket stashed away before Big, Bad Mom released The Bunny. Our Easter basket loot were: 4 large balls, 3 small tennis balls, 3 birds, 3 eggs full of chocolate eggs, 1 pink lamb, and 1 chocolate bunny. Not bad for kittens 1st Easter.

Kittens chased their first butterflies and sniffed their first May flowers which were hyacinths and daffodils. Bought some potted tulips and planted them in the ground after the blooms wilted. Niece had her baby at last, a girl named Piper. My sister said it was from the TV show "Charmed". Nephew got confirmed. Since nephew wasn't out of school yet when constant rain made my grass grow, I mowed the lawn myself giving myself an asthma attack in the process. Will be glad when he gets out of school. Niece got a job at an amusement park so won't see her much this summer.

Ferrets and kittens ordered movie, "Crimes of Grindelwald", and made waffles for me for Mother's Day. They burnt the toast and set the smoke alarm so that got trashed. I know, depressing I'm not a real mother but not much I can do about it. Guys think I'm ugly cause I don't have the giant fake boobs they require or they have codependent personalities wanting me to teach them to human (I'm sorry I want a man not a little boy). Such as life. Saw the new "Tolkien" movie in the theater and was the only person in the theater. Good movie.

Ferrets and kittens are starting to play with each other, or at least pouncing and chasing each other. Planning an 80th Birthday Party for my Mom and trying so hard to get my non-communicative siblings to help out. My sisters and I finally had lunch visiting tombstones on Memorial Day and finally got chores divided out. I included in my email to everybody (including aunt and brother) to speak now or complain about it later. Since someone in the family is allergic to gluten, I have been working on practice gluten-free cakes and discovered how difficult and expensive they are to make.

Got a new patio set so have been eating breakfast outside when not raining. Been raining so much that some bird seed knocked on the ground was starting to germinate so had little stems in my bird seed. Now that nephew and niece school is out this week, I just know he will want to work in my yard. Now to budget to pay him with the unemployment checks.

Have a great summer. I will when I find a new job.

Last day of taxes

Had my last day of filing taxes for people. Thank goodness. I get a lot crazy people in. Like people coming to my tax company expecting cheap prices (you want cheap, do it yourself on the internet). More get upset how there situation changes their tax refund results (like better paying job, divorce, or their child grows up and can't claim them anymore). I get old people who think they shouldn't pay taxes cause they are retired (lodge your complaint to Congress). Then I get people upset their refund isn't bigger than last year (it's not a contest). I try to explain that their refund is greatly dependent on how much they pay in taxes all year through their paychecks (like a interest free loan to the government). If you want a huge refund, you have pay a lot in taxes in the first place. Otherwise have several children and low income to get large earned income credit.

Even better are people expecting huge refunds because of the tax law changes. Obviously, they didn't read about what those changes were: Deductions were taken away, Exemptions were taken away so can't claim your spouse as a dependent anymore, Standard deduction raised, Child Tax Credit raised, Other Dependents Credit Invented, Business Owner credit invented, Tax rates changed, and Corporate Tax rate went down.

Leaving my tax site for the last time hit me like a brick wall. I am completely unemployed. I worked nonstop the past two weeks earning as much as I could and now it's over. Dealing with so much trauma since last year I have no tears left to cry. I feel so numb. But I can still laugh at something funny so I'm not too far gone. I have my flowers blossoming outside, my furbabies, and a phone interview tomorrow so hope that goes well. What else can I do?

Happy Palm Sunday

Worked some hours at different tax sites in my tax prep company. One employee went to jail for drunk driving and didn't know when they could come into work (they were couple hours late). Another had their baby early. And yet another employee suddenly quit. Tax preparers are dropping like flies and I can't be in multiple locations at once, so some locations are closed for the season (the ones without appointments). Earning my last dollars before the last day tomorrow and then I will be completely unemployed. Might clean my house just to do something. Working 6 days a week makes a very dirty house. Plus Misty had diarrhea after her spay so there is some poop droppings. At least she got better with antibiotics and pate canned cat food.

I got my Hyacinths and Daffodils blossoming, plus saw a bee so happy for spring's arrival. Bought some new Tulips and different colored Hyacinths. Planted more morning seeds so will see if they will grow. Got a pot and dirt to place in the front yard. Still deciding what seeds to plant in it.

Received my Cobra papers and the new insurance amount is $40 short of my mortgage payment. Can't afford that so looked online and found garbage insurance with sky high deductible that I will never reach and won't cover pre existing conditions for a year. If I am paying for all my medical costs, then what exactly am I paying insurance for? I have a HSA account so I will be okay until new insurance starts, which is usually 90 days after the start of a job.

Have job interview two days from now so crossing fingers. After taxes are done and phone interview done, I will plant my tulip and hyacinth bulbs cause I will nothing better to do.

Crazy month

Did taxes for a former coworker and his wife at my tax place. That was a surreal experience. Naturally, had to tell people at work who I ran into. Finished the kitten shots and got my furbabies fixed. I prefer not having inbred kittens and shelters have plenty so we don't need to add to the cat population. Passed out green mints and buttons on St Patrick's Day at the tax place. Some kids were more interested in the buttons that the candy. Odd.

Rescued ferret Boromir trapped under a box and caught ferret Luthien drinking out of the kitten milk bowl. Nearly slipped on ice outside the garage door when going to the grocery store where I bought Girl Scout cookies. Girl Scout cookies are a must in this part of the country. Kittens have gotten big enough to jump up on the table, which is next to the kitchen counters so they are exploring the sink and cupboards.

With all this melting of winter snow and rivers flooding, my basement had a leak and could never figure out where it was coming from. Then as fast as it appeared, it disappeared down the drain. Left message for free estimate for a plumber and they never responded so have to wait for it to happen again. Work decided to change their computer formatting so webpages took a while to get used to.

Received my annual review from my manager to receive a raise. Manager thinks I'm awesome, though loose concentration when outside forces occur like my cats dying and I work in a state of shock. Kittens locked themselves in the ferret room. They learned not to play with the door. Put away winter decorations and winter sweaters to get out the spring decorations and spring sweaters (resemble crochet instead of knitted). Work provided ice cream and live streaming of NCAA games in a training room. They even had a brackets contest with prizes to be awarded.

One kitten got diarrhea and tested at vet to find nothing wrong with them. Vet gave me special food and antibiotics. Got a Netflix free trial just to watch the movie "The Dirt" about the rock band Motley Crue. I watched it 4 times already. Can't wait for the DVD. I read the book twice. Good movie. My spring flowers hyacinths and daffodils are coming up. Pruned the rose bushes. Got a day off when my car wouldn't start. A fuse blew so recharging the battery wouldn't have helped. Discovered my air conditioner was causing the blown fuse so had to fix that for a more money I can handle. I swear I'm cursed and never going to get out of credit card debt with this stupid car constantly costly me thousands in repairs since the year and half I got it. I even asked my Mom to buy me a new car with a warranty to help my finances, she said no.

Caution was thrown in the wind when co-workers who normally ignore me were suddenly saying Good Morning and got compliment on my pretty sweater I have worn before. Let's just say I had grouchy people suddenly become friendly when I turned in 2 weeks notice and a temp job manager starting a meeting with a huge smile to tell us we will be unemployed in 2 days. I asked for an office gym pass that was offered a few weeks ago and never received it. I wondered for a week what was going on.

Then found out that I was fired on the Friday before my raise was to start. A coworker, me, and 5 other people in other sections were fired too cause work wasn't coming in like they thought. I was told to gather my belongings that moment and leave. In a state of shock and wondering how the hell I'm going to pay my never ending debt, I turned on the car in the garage hoping to obtain enough life insurance money for my family to pay off my debts. I'm a bona fide loser cause I couldn't even accomplish that (BTW, furbabies are fine). I went into convulsions from the carbon monoxide poisoning and dreamed of heaven where my dead relatives and angels welcomed me. Then a spirit I assume was my guardian angel welcomed me into heaven, then apologized cause I have to go back. Then I woke up in the garage. I guess I will have to continue drowning in debt and make my family angry with me for not being able to take care of myself like they can. I just want my family to be happy. Shame on me.

Tax manager was happy to give me extra hours since we have 2 weeks left of the season. Signed up for unemployment. Sent out Easter cards. Sending out resumes to any company advertising for an accountant. I try to take care of myself, but too many obstacles are in the way.

I'm tired of being a sad story. Now have to get ready for Easter dinner. Life goes on.

Post later.

Falling away from a faith

Read stuff on the internet debating Christian beliefs. Some think the Bible is a bunch of fairy tales while others believe the strict interpretation that it is the Word of God. With so many conflicting beliefs around the world, how does one figure out what to believe for themselves. Churches I hear have trouble recruiting young people and slowly dying out of existence as the older generation dies one by one. Well, how does generations fall away from the faith in the first place?

I can only tell you what I live. It was a long and complicated process, not a single event that caused me to be angry with God as many believe. My youth was full of attending church every Sunday, going to Vacation Bible School (I even attended a friend's church's Vacation Bible School one year). I was in the Christmas Play and helped my Mom with crafts for Vacation Bible School as a teenager. I was the weirdo who wore a dress while everyone else wore shorts. My Mom insisted we wear nice clothes to church to show respect to God. Try explaining that to other children. I also enjoyed exploring poetry and remember someone criticized my Mom during Vacation Bible School what a weirdo I was reading poetry when teenagers are supposed to party and cause trouble. Mom defended she rather have me read poetry than be passed out drunk in a ditch. After church as a kid, I would play church and Sunday school with my stuffed animals and dolls. I lined up my toys on the stairs and used a hymnal I found in our organ bench from my grandma's church (my Mom got it when they got new hymnals). That is until a sibling pointed out girls can't be preachers and only be Sunday School teachers. So I stopped playing church. And of course, there is the issue of my ability to see spirits that others do not. I've seen angels, demons, animal ghosts, and human ghosts. I will just say paintings in cathedrals are accurate. So I'm crazy and weird.

And there is the culture shift after the Women's Liberation Movement. Churches conduct business as if it never happened, though some will allow women priests and play more modern music now. Women in my church were allowed to set up the communion and wash the tiny cups, but not serve it. An elder and priest served communion (elders and church council were all men). Someone talked my Dad into being church treasurer. My Mom did all the work (I helped write things down for her) and all my Dad did was read a report my Mom typed up cause women can't be church council members. Girls were not allowed to be acolytes until my church voted to allow it causing the church to split into 2 congregations that occurred after I left. Even better was a priest stating in Bible Study to the adults that no where in Bible does it say homosexuals are not human and don't deserve God's love. He was asked to leave the church because of that. I gather many adults relive their childhood at church. They want doctrine they had as a child and sing hymns that are familiar to them. Then the generations after them want to change the church to fit in with the way they grew up as latchkey kids with working mothers and going to rock concerts. Some leave the church while others come during important events.

I would say I started to fall away around age 12. That was when view of God from a loving, kind, father we can turn to in need shifted to a jealous and angry God who will send us to Hell if we commit a sin. I understand an adult need to control rebellious teenagers, but Fear of Hell looses its grip in the face of God's forgiveness. I got a whiff of adult self-righteousness, snobbery, hypocrisy, not practicing what they preach, and having no answers to questions (Why are black animals from the devil and need to be punished with abuse for being born the wrong color of fur?). Plus had a relative stop coming to church cause in a sermon the priest criticized people who don't regularly go to church when they wanted to be uplifted. Why do I have to attend church when others do not? You can call me Anti-Organized Religion, but Atheist is easier to say.

Devout Adult Christians I have met are not fun cause there is no air around them, constantly quote things instead of giving an opinion, and go off the deep end declaring people as fake Christians and condemning people who believe a different ideology will go to Hell. And then they are confused why so few follow them. Rarely do I find Christian love your neighbor as yourself philosophy in adult devout Christians (priests are usually the exception in this). Every time I go to a rock concert there is always someone standing outside shouting we are all going to Hell for attending this evil concert. I had relatives telling me I'm damned to Hell for no longer going to church. Which is awkward defending Christianity to Atheists who are more Anti-Christianity than Anti-God. Atheists can call the Bible poppycock, I see it more as a history book of an ethnic group. I have a passion for mythology which historians are looking at more like a history of events that took place in the Stone Age. Troy was thought to be a fairy tale until someone in the 1800's found it. Some believe the fairy tale Atlantis was the island Thera/Santorini.

Now what would bring me back to church every Sunday, you ask? Many have invited me to their church and hear me reply in the negative. Well, my Mom has been trying to Bring Me Back to the Faith for the past 30 years so what makes anyone think they could do any better? I have been to church for baptisms, confirmations, and weddings. Since I was godmother to my niece I took communion at her confirmation though haven't taken it since. I became good at doing the motions without the emotions which few can understand. Some might call it acting.

I have taken to watching church services on Sundays which I tell nobody about. Mainly because I was so angry for a time period and I had no idea why. Then one night a dark spot appeared on the bedroom wall and got bigger to the size of a door. A creature with a buffalo head, man's chest and arms with claws, bovine legs and hooves, and complete with a buffalo tassel-tip tail. I laid in my bed terrified. The spirit jumped me and it felt like my soul was on fire. I had visions of murdering my neighbors (who were nice people and never wish to hurt them). I battled the spirit thinking of my family, my pets, dancing in ballet shoes, and singing to fill my soul with love. It finally jumped out growling like one of my cats. Then, an angel came down from the ceiling and laid beside me. It ordered the spirit to leave. It left through the black door and the dark spot got smaller until it disappeared. I asked the angel what that thing was and it answered the devil. Angel presence was warm and calm. So started watching church services to clear the apartment of evil spirits with holy words. Moving into a house, I saw dark shadows in the bedroom where I sleep. In fact, a cat refused to enter the room ever since I saw a white ghost light floating around. My cat meowed when it floated above him. It would stop at the threshold terrified to go in the room. I again, became angry for no reason so started hanging a cross on the doorknob. The air feels different. I do pray for a better life and it stays the same. Prayed for a husband for over 3 years and still haven't found anyone I want to be with. Maybe if I got married and had a child I would return to the church cause I would wish my child to know God. My family is Christian so it would feel normal returning to the church.

Happy Mardi Gras

Had freezing rain and thunder in February. I didn't know what was worse: the hills, the curves, or the potholes. Then it turned into snow. We finally got enough snow for ferret Boromir to experience his first snow tunnels. Eowyn and Luthien had to show him how to dig them first. Neighbor with a snowblower been doing my driveway this year. Guess he got tired of watching me rest on my front stoop. I offer cocoa, but he won't accept it. I try. Explained to family his snowblower wouldn't fit in my garage with the car in it so shovel for me. Polar Vortex making certain rooms cold so I bought new curtains, doing their job keeping light and cold out of the rooms. Don't want to overwork the furnace when it's 10 below outside. Been waking up to kittens in my bed, very nice to wake up to purring in my ear.

Kittens been escaping out the door into the garage when coming home. Yeah, they don't last long out there. Take off my coat, change into my slippers, and they are ready to come back in. Celebrated ferret Boromir's 2nd Birthday with Valentine cupcakes (ferrets love frosting) and a romp in the snow completed with cocoa (ferrets love cocoa w/marshmellows). Spent Valentine's Day working 2 jobs and dropping off candy package for my Mom in between. I have no lover to celebrate with so I rather be working. Sister reached the Big 5-0 to celebrate at an Italian restaurant and saw a movie. Had my first taste of calmari, tasted like my fish patties. I missed the movie shoveling my driveway for hours (9 inches fell the night before). Neighbor with snowblower came after movie was over.

Lost red female beta Nyx I had a couple years and white female Beta Pandora I got a month ago. Got new female Beta adults Danae (blue) and Leda (white). My male blue Beta Erebus I got as a baby a while ago died and replaced with blue/white male Beta named Achilles. Work is doing reviews for raises. Scrapped the bonus program that replaced raises to find half the workforce leaving for new jobs (more or less). Celebrated ferret Luthien's 3rd Birthday with cupcakes. That brought out the ants and laid out an ant trap. Then freaked when caught Luthien licking it. Guess a small amount (5% according to the box) of Borax won't kill a pet, but of course don't take chances. Kittens are coming around to sniff out and wave paws at the ferrets who have stopped trying to drag them under the sofa. Getting bigger than the ferrets I suppose.

Happy Mardi Gras.

Another cold day in Iowa

New Year started with introducing my kittens Bilbo and Misty to my ferrets. Luthien ferret keeps displaying her dominance by biting their necks and shaking them them, which makes them scream. Took a month and half, but she is getting less aggressive. After a couple days, had to take kittens to vet when goo started coming out of their eyes. Upper respiratory infection was the diagnosis and given antibiotics. Introduced the kittens to the family who love to play with the new furbabies. Started working for an Income Tax Prep company, I hope one of these days to be an Enrolled Agent and make lots of money. Right now, I need it to pay off debt (these student loans are killing my saving capabilities). We finally got snow in January and ferrets were happy to swim in it. One even made a snow tunnel. Kittens got their paws in the snow and backed away from it. Lost female Beta fish Ananke that I got as a baby and was growing bigger every day. Neighbor saw me resting from shoveling my driveway (I have asthma) and offered to use his snowblower to finish my work.

Took Mom to my Dad's cousins reunion at a pizza place. So nice of them to invite her. Lost male Beta fish Atlas Jr that I got full grown. My ferret Luthien was dubbed the The Brave when she was the only ferret to go outside during the polar vortex, then I knew it was really cold when even SHE refused to go outside and turned around to scamper between my feet. Got new Beta fish Aeneas and Pandora, both full grown. Had a asthma attack at work and had to leave early. Adopted 2 Bonded Buddy dogs from the shelter during one of their specials. I kept them 1 day after they peed on my furniture and growling at the ferrets/kittens. Once a dog attacked a kitten, I had to take them back. I was not the right home for them. Lost the internet and my phone connection so had to wait a couple days for the technician to fix the problem. Had adventure driving home in freezing rain when car decided to skid and spin 180 degrees to come to a stop. I was happy not hitting an oncoming car. Driving around in this snow and ice, I can't decide which is worse: the curves, the hills, or the potholes.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Had a lovely Christmas Day at my Mom's apartment with sister's family. Took turns choosing Christmas specials to watch. Niece and nephew liked their gifts of slippers/gloves/gift card. Mom loved her chocolate present.

Back to work the next day and rest of the week. We had a cubicle decorating contest and the top manager's kids were the judges. Our section was Santa's Workshop and I was Mrs. Claus. On my desk, I put down black paper to create stove and made a tray of gingerbread cookies from construction paper. I should have brought cookie cutter for the gingerbread men cause my free hand figures were less tidy. Since I brought treats for coworkers and gave a Christmas specials/movies quiz to get the grand prize Champagne cupcake, I left a few cookies and piece of fudge for the judges. I think they might have tipped the scale in our favor. Anyway, we are getting chicken strip lunch as a reward. Took down everything today. I grabbed a couple boxes to use for storage.

New Year's Eve I'm getting kittens from a friend. I commented how empty the house feels with my cats gone (ferrets spend most of the day in their room) and friend offered a kitten from her cat. I said I would take 2. So I will have a very Happy New Year.

Christmas Story 2018

Twas the night before Christmas and I could hardly bare it

Not a creature was stirring, not even a ferret

The stockings were hung on the bookcase with care

With hopes of St Nicholas soon would be there

Mama in bed taking a long nap

As Eowyn, Luthien, and I waited with the Santa trap

Visions of red toys and dangling Christmas balls

Filled my dreams of what this Christmas thing befalls

When all of a sudden there popped such a spark

Eowyn jumped up to find it was all dark

A streetlight went out and trees covered in ice

No longer dimly sparkled, which was very nice

The moon glowing upon the new fallen snow

Covering the mushy leaves unraked below

When what to my wondering ferret eyes should appear

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer

With a little old driver so bright red and quick

I so badly wanted give that toy a lick

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came

And he whistled and shouted and called them by name

Now Jingles Now Jangles Now Ivy and Holly

On Snowball On Sparkle On Tinsel and Jolly

To the top of the porch to the top of the wall

Now dash away dash away dash away all

As right before Luthien yawned the wild flurries whirled

Our hearts danced and us ferrets twirled

So up to the rooftop the coursers they flew

With a sleigh full of toys and St Nicholas too

And then, in an instant we heard on the roof

the scratching and pawing of each little hoof

As I drew in my head and jumped over a ball

In the door St Nicholas tripped over the light cord to fall

The sprung trap lit the tree and Santa let out a yell

And the vibrations shook the decorations to ring like a bell

He got up and placed the decorations back

And I took the opportunity to crawl into his sack

I had drunken all the milk so Eowyn got more

He ate the sugar cookies we had set on the floor

While Luthien heated the cocoa in a wag of a tail

I gave him a napkin from his bag without fail

His face was red like a cherry as he went Ho, ho, ho

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow

The stump of a pipe he held in his teeth like a charm

And the smoke blew up to set off the smoke alarm

To unplug the battery he swiftly rushed

Then took a look at us and rightly blushed

He was chubby and plump a right jolly old elf

And I squeaked when he petted us in spite of myself

All over his boots we rubbed our fur

Then I heard mama beginning to stir

Santa spoke not a word, but finished his cookies

He filled up the stockings, even for us rookies

Then laying a finger aside of his nose

And giving a nod, out the door he rose

He sprang to his sleigh to his team gave a holler

And away they all flew as we furbabies got taller

But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night

Christmas Letter 2018

Merry Christmas to my dear friends and family. Slept in the New Year and enjoyed the next day off. Drove Mom to my Dad's cousins’ reunion at a pizza place. Attended a baby shower for my cousin having her first child, a boy she gave birth to a couple months later. Started volunteering for VITA again (my 4th year) answering newbie questions and checking their work. Celebrated ferret Boromir's 1st Birthday. Had fun shoveling the driveway from all of our snowfall the old-fashioned way. A snow blower would be just another machine I don’t know how to use, plus got to gas up and fix when parts break. Spent Valentine's Day at work and then doing taxes for VITA. Sent Mom a Heart shaped pizza and brownies. Watched the Winter Olympics on TV. Celebrated cat Precious's 12th Birthday. Celebrated ferret Luthien's 2nd Birthday. Missed the St. Patrick's Day parade because it was just too cold outside to enjoy it so spent the day at home doing house chores.

In the spring, I enjoyed the blooms from the bulbs I planted the prior autumn. I hosted Easter dinner with Mom and sister’s family in attendance. Celebrated cat Frodo’s 12th Birthday. Attended my niece's confirmation. Two neighbors’ trees fell into my yard and crushing the fences so had to keep cats inside until fences were fixed by the neighbors (and one tree broke my glass birdbath). Had Mother's Day dinner with my sisters' families with Mom at a restaurant. Hired a lawn care company since nephew wasn't out of school yet and they ran over my Miniature Roses and Dutch Iris so no blooms from them this year. My male Beta Pontus died after a year from getting him full grown and became first fish to be buried in backyard. I visited cemeteries on Memorial Day with family.

In the summer, I got a baby male Beta named Erebos. I snaked my first drain. Ordered a new birdbath via internet since it was sold out in the store and it arrived broken so returned it to store. I will have to wait to get a new one next year. Visited Dad at the cemetery for Father's Day and played Taps on my smartphone for him. Had a chipmunk in my house a couple weeks before it left. Got a trap for the rodent, but all I caught was Luthien licking the peanut butter. Some coworkers got hit with Floods of 2018 and I was happy to be living on a slope. Plus, happy my sewer didn’t back up into my basement and drown my ferrets (ferret room is in the basement). Enjoyed 4th of July Urbandale celebrations with sister's family and Mom. My male Beta Helios I got last year as a baby died and got a baby male Beta named Atlas. Dryer broke so hung wet clothes up outside on a clothesline. Thank goodness the prior house owner left behind clothes pins or would have been screwed. Took the heavier items to Mom’s to dry and then brought over all laundry every week until the dryer was fixed. Had ferret Eowyn and cat Precious catch the sniffles and after a couple weeks got better. Had panic attack when getting cats back inside from the backyard when noticed an owl (it hooted) in my walnut tree. Had another panic attack when Frodo disappeared from the yard squeezing through a gap between fence post and gate. I found him a couple hours later in the front yard bush. Celebrated my Mom's 79th birthday at her apartment. My great-niece was ready to jump out the window to swim at the water park next door. During my Staycation, went to the local amusement park, zoo, and pool swimming with sister's family.

Nephew celebrated his 14th Birthday with his father's side 90 miles from us so we got together later at Mom’s place to give him presents. And then, poor Precious with a lung infection making him cough became worse from not eating compounded by fleas to die in August. Frodo took Precious's death hard and stopped eating. I had to spoon feed him for a month. Then started walking strange so took to the vet for an arthritis diagnosis. Took nephew and sister out miniature golfing as a thank you for helping me with my yardwork. Female Beta Eos I got last year as a baby died so got a new female Beta Metis. Celebrated my 43rd birthday with family at at a restaurant. My Metis lasted 5 days before dying so got a baby girl Beta named Ananke who is getting bigger and now a young lady. Went to niece’s and nephew's piano recital. Taught nephew how to remove a bush, he loved using the axe.

Autumn arrived celebrating Eowyn's 5th birthday. Got hired on to a Tax prep company so will earn extra money next year. Carved Jack o' lanterns with snoopy ferrets ready to poke their heads in the holes. Beggar's Night was fun with 9 kids coming to my door. Last group of 4 petted Boromir. I picked him up to prevent escape out the door and kids thought he was so cute to ask to pet him. He was a good boy. Next, Male Beta Atlas died. I got him this summer as a baby and he was growing up to be a beautiful male fish. Shortly after, got a new male fully grown and named him Atlas Jr. Through the fall Frodo lost weight and finally died in November when I was at work. Celebrated niece's 15th birthday at a restaurant. Commenting how strange it is sleep without a cat and no longer have the cat alarm waking me up demanding breakfast, a friend offered a kitten born in November to me. I replied I could take two. So I will have to wait a couple months to collect when they are weaned from their mother. My heart is healing.

Went to brother's house for Thanksgiving and went out with sister's family for Black Friday specials. Put up my Mom's Christmas decorations for her. Ferrets are happy to play in the boxes and under the tree skirt as I put out my own decorations. Had a friend help with new icicle lights on the roof shingles. I think I’ll leave them up there all year and just put away the yard decorations. Will celebrate Christmas at Mom’s place, both Christmas Day and Extended Family Christmas. Now aren’t you glad I keep an online journal to remember all this. Have a Wonderful New Year,

Jordan Harvey Eoywn (ferret) Luthien (ferret) Boromir (ferret) Nyx (fish) Erebos (fish) Ananke (fish) Atlas Jr. (fish)

Another Thanksgiving done and Black Friday gone

Celebrated niece's 15th birthday at a buffet restaurant. She loved my gift of Skechers shoes. Who doesn't love Skechers? Friend offered her kittens just born the week before to me since I'm in misery missing my kitties. So have to wait a couple months to collect when they are weaned from their mother. My heart is healing.

Went to brother's house for Thanksgiving and went out with sister's family for Black Friday specials. Not very many good sales if allowed to say that. Anything I badly want is often not on sale. Did get a ladder and new icicle lights for my roof. It's so pretty. Next got a vacuum and attachment to clean the dryer vent so maybe my clothes will come out dry instead of moist. Dryer just got serviced last summer and parts put on to make it work again. Put up my Mom's Christmas decorations for her. I got my decorations and ferrets are happy to play in the boxes and under the tree skirt.

Returned to work to put up my Christmas tree and garland at my desk. Everybody loves my candy cane lights. Now have work on Christmas letter and Christmas Story of ferrets trying trap Santa Claus. No cats in the story this time.

RIP Frodo

I got a new white male Beta fish and named him Atlas Junior last weekend.

Today Frodo cat died. I was worried last night from his getting lethargic on me and refusing to eat (I played Elvis songs for him), but at bedtime he perked up to drink some water. Then this morning I saw he ate a little food during the night. He was meowing the second he heard me stir in my bed. I gave him his medicine and went to work. Came home and he was gone. Ferrets paid their respects before I covered him with rose petals and wrapped him in a blanket I got from the nearby store. Too dark and ground too cold to dig a grave tonight, so will bury him tomorrow after work. At least, I don't have to worry about Frodo anymore like I have the past 2 months. Frodo was 12 years old so he has lived his life.

Winter Almost Here

Celebrated Eowyn ferret's 5th birthday with cupcake. Ferrets love frosting and I eat the cupcake. Frodo cat got a can of tuna.

Spoon fed Frodo until he started eating on his own again. Took the pets out to enjoy the days of warm weather. Frodo finally quit hiding and strengthened his arm muscles to move around while dragging his bottom half. He even went outside on warm days and enjoyed some fresh air.

Email got hacked again and discovered a device in another country was synced to my email. Lodged the typical complaints but who knows if anything happened to the people who hacked me.

We had tornadoes near my Mom's hometown and my hometown. Many friends and family in the danger zones. Don't know how many tornadoes are normal for October.

Had to rent Joan Jett's Documentary Bad Reputation online cause it wasn't playing in my area of the world. Loved it and highly recommend it.

Had some flurries that didn't stay long enough to count toward the 1st Snow Contest a TV station has every year so no snow blower awarded to anyone yet.

Celebrated Boss's Day by giving my manager a breakfast and lunch buffets. We coworkers gave her a gift card as well. My manager's manager got a gift card for a manicure from the office.

Got hired on to a tax preparation company so will earn extra money and hopefully pay off my vet bills among other bills.

Carved Jack o' lanterns with snoopy ferrets ready to poke their heads in the holes. Beggar's Night was fun with 9 kids coming to the my door. Last group of 4 petted Boromir ferret. I picked him up to prevent escape out the door and kids thought he was so cute to ask to pet him. He was a good boy. Work had a Halloween costume contest and Chili cook off. I didn't win any prizes, but got free lunch.

Saw Bohemian Rhapsody in the theater. March to November is a long wait.

Vanquished the fleas for the large part. Found a flea med that kills fleas in 6 hours so here's hoping.

Sent in my Absentee Ballot and happy Election Day is over.

New White Beta male fish Atlas died. I got him this summer as a baby and he was growing up to be a beautiful male fish. Nothing else to report.

Adventures at the Vet

Sad week. Took Frodo to the vet from his limping (he resembles a seal on land) and received the news he has arthritis in his hips and knees, plus a small solid mass the size of a pea in his tummy tissue. He was greatly traumatized at the vet going through blood test, urine test, claws clipped, and X-rays. He was happy to return home. Giving him his pain meds and now he stopped eating. Had to inform the family that we might be saying good-bye to Frodo if he doesn't recover his eating. And got a another huge vet bill I have to put on the credit card. Such as life, at least for me anyway.

Autumn is Coming

Well, my black walnut tree has dropped tons of walnuts in my yard that nobody wants, not even squirrels who eat my peanuts. Nephew celebrated his birthday with his father's side 90 miles from us so we got together later to give him presents. He received a zipper sweatshirt from me. It was a little big so probably went back to the store to be exchanged. Got new parts for the dryer so it is completely fixed. Couldn't afford to renew the warranty so will hope for the best and replace appliances if I must. Got the teeth cleaned at the dentist's office. Got a coupon in the mail so got a hair cut at the salon (6 inches whacked off). I said I wanted job getting hair. I have yet to have an interview to test it out and soon it will grow out. Frodo cat took Precious cat's death hard and let the ferrets he usually smacks near him. He needed a buddy. Then he started hiding in the closet to escape the flea spray (I thought) so when I got a flea foam he came out and last night he slept in bed the first time in a week. Took nephew and sister out miniature golfing. Nephew had said some family are so competitive that they take the fun out of games so in our miniature golf adventure, we didn't keep score.

Female Beta fish Eos died so got a new female Metis. Celebrated my 43rd birthday (tell no one) with family at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Brought Angel Food Cake to work and only 2 out of a dozen co-workershad a piece. My Metis lasted 5 days before dying so got a baby girl Beta named Ananke. Had a tailgate party at work and brought a giant cookie to work that was mostly eaten. Went to niece and nephew's piano recital. Did a phone interview for a job and a few days later received the rejection email. Chopped weeds in the yard and taught nephew how to remove a mulberry bush. Oh yeah, and picked burs out of my sister's shorts. Neighbor dog found his way into my yard so neighbor had to fix the fence (a loose piece could be moved and dog crawled under the fence). Out of state relative came over and dinner with them with the family. Still dealing with fleas that probably won't really go away until it's cold. Tried to bake oatmeal cookies, but short a half cup flour so cookies baked into mush. Another co-worker bit the dust so we said our good-byes and good lucks with their new job. I'm wondering when my turn will come.

Nothing else to report.

RIP Precious

My cat Precious died last night. I buried him in the backyard after work tonight and sang Amazing Grace for him. I got him from a friend who insisted I take kitten her cat had (1 of 9). Precious had a twin who looked just like him. Her son picked Precious for me cause he was so sweet and I had a sweet disposition. I got him at 9 weeks old and 2.2 pounds. Tiny shrimp of a cat I called him. He grew bigger and his heaviest weight was 22 pounds. Had someone take his picture because he was the biggest cat he ever saw as we were outside. Vet techs said he looked like a Maine Coon. Actually had someone say their friend wanted a Maine Coon cat and asked me how much I wanted for Precious. I replied he was not for sale and continued our walk. Yes, I got Precious to walk on a leash. Actually he walked around sniffing everything and I just followed him. He loved to chase feathers and his buddy Frodo I adopted from a shelter. Later on I got a ferret that the cats didn't like and it was comical watching Faramir the ferret chasing Precious around the apartment. He loved drinking out of the kitchen faucet and getting in the fridge. He has been with me in 2 apartments and now a house. He loved my house backyard where he didn't have to wear a harness. He relaxed on the concrete bench and I brought him bowls of ice on hot days and he wouldn't come inside. At age 12, he lived a full life. He will be missed.