Sad State of the Economy: Homeless won't leave pets to get off streets

This is an article from today's Nashville Tennessean newspaper (which I read on-line daily, because I love Nashville). It's outrageous that so many people are homeless in this country. Thankfully, we'll be getting new leadership that doesn't cater to the rich anymore. Regardless, people NEED their pets even in extreme hard times. Our pets ARE our children. This will really make you think, and make you thankful for what you do have.
Laurie Green, founder of the Southern Alliance for Animal Welfare, checks out Mike and Rebecca's elderly spaniel, Sheba, at Tent City, a homeless encampment in Nashville.

November 17, 2008
Homeless won't leave pets to get off streets
By Jennifer Brooks
THE TENNESSEAN
The leaves are falling, the nights are cold and Carolyn Garton would like nothing better than to move out of her makeshift shelter in Tent City and into a nice, warm house. But not without her Sunshine.
"She's my baby. God brought her to me," said Garton, pulling Sunshine into a hug. The black and tan shepherd mix thumped her tail and wriggled closer to lick her owner's chin. Garton, who's known around Tent City as Mama Bear, has been homeless for two years. Sunshine's been by her side for most of it.
"She was brought to me at a hard time in my life," said Garton, who took in the abandoned puppy on a bleak, rainy day a year and a half ago. A look around their camp shows the lengths she's gone to provide for her pet. Sunshine has her own pillow and a nest of blankets in the tent they share. Volunteers have donated kibble, veterinary care and flea drops — enough to ensure that the homeless pet is living at least as comfortably as her homeless person.
FULL STORY: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20081117/NEWS01/811170332

Sunday- Fun Day

Sunday was a nice day, although extremely brisk, due to a gusty NW wind to 35mph under clouds and sun, with highs in the upper 40s.
After a nice 7am breakfast at Panera Bread (as usual), we went home and walked Dolly and Franklin (clad in tee-shirts because they have short fur). It was BRISK!
- I talked with Beverlee and learned she was safe in PA with her neice and her husband, so I was able to relax. She also managed to get someone in her apt. complex to take care of her cat (yes, a retirement apt in Baltimore does allow elderly folks to keep a cat or small dog- which I think is a good thing).
- Tom and I decided to go shopping as a local store was closing, and had discounts. Not much there. We also got my younger brother a birthday present at Barnes and Noble. We really think he should run for Congress. He's incredible.
- We ended the day by attending a funny production put on at the retirement community where Tom's parents live in Annapolis. It was a mix of humor and music. Some of the skits and costumes were outrageous, especially because it was performed by all residents! Tom's stepdad Bob, was in several skits, and really made me laugh. He's such a funny guy and has a talent on stage. Some of the people who sang, though, could've shattered glass and made cats and dogs wail! Tom's mom sat with us (she wasn't in the production but was the lead of the cleanup crew for the room/stage area in the community's lodge where it was held).
Afterward, we all had a nice dinner/breakfast at Denny's and Tom and came home to the dogs, and watched "The Amazing Race"- which we love! A nice Sunday overall!

Aging and Difficulties- Part 2

It's Saturday, two days after I took my 86-year old friend Beverlee home from the ICU at a Baltimore hospital (she's on oxygen and in failing health). I called to check on her, and she's not well. She's totally disoriented in her studio apartment, and panicking. She hasn't been able to eat, and doesn't want to call the folks in her complex to assist her -
Fortunately, Beverlee was able to give me the phone number of her neice in PA, and I called her. She and her husband are coming down immediately to get Bev and bring her back home with them. At least Bev will be safe and watched.
Since I picked her up from the hospital on Thursday night, Bev has been going back and forth with her timelines in her conversation. She's not been totally coherent-which has me very concerned. Bev also mentioned what she wants for funeral arrangements, etc. which tells me she's preparing to "go home" to her husband that passed some 46 years ago. I stayed on the phone with her for quite awhile today, helping keep her company until her neice arrives.
The tough thing is that I have no power of attorney to assist her in the ways she needs it- that's where family is so important. As we grow old, we really need to make sure we have someone to look after us. - I'll update this over the weekend.

The Sadness in Getting Old - last night

Last night gave me a lot to think about. My 86 year old friend, Beverlee called me during the day and asked if I could pick her up from the VA Hospital ICU in Baltimore City and drive her home after I got out of work. Of course, I did.
Bev had lung cancer and recovered successfully years ago. She's also had other lung-related ailments, although never a smoker. Over the last year, she's lost about 20 pounds and stands around 4'7" and weighs around 80 pounds. She's extremely frail, has severe breathing difficulties and has used a walker for the last two years. She's also been on oxygen 24/7 since about 6 months ago. I've watched the physical abilities fade from her over the last two years, mostly the last 6 months.
Bev's husband passed away some 40 years ago when he was around my age. She's never forgotten him. He was and always will be the love of her life. His pictures adorn her apartment.
Beverlee has one son who lives in another state with his family. She doesn't like speaking with him, because he's apparently very selfish. She wonders often how he turned out that way. She tells me that she can only turn to a niece and her husband for help, who live in Pennsylvania (a 90 minute drive), so she called me.
Up until last night, Beverlee has had all of her faculties. However, pulling out of the VA Hospital parking garage last night, she kept asking me "where did you park?" I told her we were driving in my truck. She asked again. Finally I asked who she was talking to, and she said "Darlene." I told her Darlene wasn't in my truck, then she realized where she was.
She also kept talking about a nasty young woman that she was currently "working with in an office" - so it sounded like she was remembering something from the 1950s or 1960s. Then it got mixed in with being at the hospital. I couldn't follow it. She became paranoid that that nasty woman would follow her and I back to her apt. or call her and harrass her. I told her there was no one.
When I got to the apt. bldg where she lives (a retirement building, but NOT assisted living, which she so desperately needs), I parked outside (on Charles Street, a main street in Baltimore) and ran and got a wheelchair to bring her inside.
Once inside her apt. she collapsed on her bed, while I helped organize things a little. She looked very frail, and I wondered how long it would be before she wanted to join her husband in Heaven.
Her oxygen machine wasn't working either, so I called an emergency technician who arrived 1 1/2 hours later with a replacement. While we were waiting, she lay on her bed talking occasionally about the hospital, and how she needs to immediately move to assisted living. (I gave her a bunch of places to contact, several months back). Once rested, she seemed more coherent, and the technician arrived and left. So I headed back home. I call and check on her almost every day, as I do with my own mom (300 miles away).
I think the big fear is growing old and not having anyone to help us. Tom and I talk about that, as we won't have children. However, at least we can be there for others. That's what life is about. Please keep Bev in your thoughts and prayers.

Dog Risks Life to Be With Owner in Fire

Here's a story from the Chicago Sun Times today. There is NOTHING like the unconditional love of a dog. If you don't have a dog, you're missing one of life's greatest gifts. Here's the story:DOG ON MEND FROM FATAL FIRE
November 14, 2008 BY DAN ROZEK Chicago Sun Times Staff Reporter (Photo: Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times)
Regis is on the road to recovery, but he's not there yet, said the veterinarian treating the 13-year-old mixed-breed dog that survived a Cicero house fire after his owner refused to flee the burning home without him.
Regis' owner, 68-year-old John Petrik died of heart disease and smoke inhalation after being removed from his home early Wednesday by firefighters.
Regis is being treated for injuries at the A American Veterinary Hospital in Oak Park. Petrik initially refused to leave without his beloved dog, which was rescued later by firefighters -- though the 55-pound German shepherd mix suffered smoke inhalation and a burned tail.
On Thursday, Regis showed signs of improvement -- including resuming eating -- but he was still having difficulty walking, possibly because of the smoke he inhaled, said Cesar Agustin, the Oak Park veterinarian treating him for his injuries. "He's much better, but he's not 100 percent yet," said Agustin, who added he was "highly optimistic" the dog would recover.
The dog was given oxygen treatment and antibiotics, along with a salve for his burned tail, though Agustin is still awaiting the results of blood tests to see if he suffered internal injuries. Regis also was treated for fleas.

Captain America Movie Coming!

I love superhero movies, more than any other kind of movie. The Dark Knight and Iron Man were the movie highlights of 2008 for me. There are a number of other superhero movies in the making, but I'm looking forward to the one about Captain America. He was a hero from the 1940s who fought in WWII, was cryogenically frozen, and awakened in the modern age.
According to Superherohype.com: Joe Johnston has signed on to direct Marvel Studios' First Avenger: Captain America, based on characters developed by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. The film will be produced by Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige. Executive Producers on the project are Louis D'Esposito, Stan Lee and Marvel Studios' Chairman David Maisel. Paramount Pictures will distribute First Avenger: Captain America worldwide. The film will come to theaters domestically on May 6, 2011.

Doc Visit for Numbness...

I went to the doctor today for numbness and tingling in my feet and hands... and, yes, I know I've been "numb from the neck up" for quite some time. :)
Anyway, I was concerned that it happened starting around Monday morning in both hands and feet. Although it could be a circulation issue (I'm being tested for low Vitamin B-12, which promotes healthy circulation), I realized (thanks to the savvy doctor asking) that I've changed my workout regime in the last 2 weeks, to include more running and push ups.
We concluded that the feet tingling may be due to bad sneakers (yes, I need a new pair) and arch support... so that's on the buy list this weekend. Meanwhile, the wrist/hand thing is a return of carpal tunnel syndrome, which I've had for years. It just took the pressure of pushups to bring it back. So much for trying to get healthy!

Can you help a Baltimore School Teacher Get Supplies?

My friend Fran is a 1st grade teacher in Baltimore City, and has put together proposals to obtain needed supplies to teach her first graders in this very poor section of Baltimore City. She spends a lot of her own money to provide kids with clothing, toys, and even food.
She put together a proposal to get basics to operate a camera and printer (that she got through a previous successful proposal). Can you provide a donation (maybe in memory of someone you know?). Digital Dilemma" which can be examined here: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=222922
This and all other proposals at DonorsChoose.org have been submitted by public school teachers who seek resources that will help their students learn. The New York Times has profiled DonorsChoose.org as "the future of philanthropy." Please help students in need by clicking on the link above.

An Architectural "Eyesore of the Week"

Tom follows a number of blogs, from Economic to Architectural blogs (because he's an architect). Whenever we're out driving, he'll notice homes with poorly designed additions, and says "That's someone who should've hired an architect." Anyway, Tom says that each month the architectural blogger he follows posts a commentary on architectural eyesores and writes a critique on each one. Sometimes these critiques really are priceless and his comments are often scathing reviews of people’s lack of taste and examples of why “you should have hired an architect.” Here's the "EYESORE OF THE WEEK": The Blogger's Comments (who is also an architect): This monstrosity stirred up a lot of shock and consternation as it rose up on a middling-quality block on the north side of Saratoga Springs. The general complaint was that the building was "too tall," but this was actually the least of its errors. The problems stem not from the structure’s height but from poor proportioning and design. Basically, what you have here is a crab shack stuck on top of a three story packing crate. Note that they have used a heavier darker color for the upper floors rather than on the base; this makes the building look top-heavy. Notice that the volumes are simply stacked, like pallets in a frozen food warehouse. Notice the change-of-materials gambit on only one side at the ground level; it was supposed to give the base "weight" but actually looks incongruous and dumb. Notice the poor quality of the materials used for the screened-in porch and flimsy appearance of the columns. The windows are mere holes in the walls. There is absolutely no meaningful or graceful ornamentation. The neighbors are right about this being an ugly monstrosity that they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. Our knowledge and skill in building has been reduced almost to zero in this culture.

Tom's Rant for today: Bailouts and Executive Bonuses

Tom's rant for the day: I read in the paper that Nancy Pelosi wants Congress to appropriate money from the $700B bail out (TARP) to rescue the auto industry. Absolutely a bad decision. So I sent her and our two Senators scathing letters.
This will get your ire up as well. Here’s an article on the Yahoo! business page this morning. Companies are using the bailout money to pay top executive bonuses. I don’t know why Americans aren’t hopping up and down mad at this.
Many Americans are understandably outraged by the bailout fever that has gripped Washington this year. But even those who believe the bailouts are a "necessary evil" would have a hard time defending some of the bailout-related items that have come to light in recent days, including:
Financial institutions using TARP bailout money to pay executive bonuses. The firms, of course, say it's "different" money and bonuses are key to retaining top employees. But if you need to come to the government for a handout, shouldn't your executives forgo a bonus? Or shouldn't the government make canceling bonuses a condition of getting aid, as is the case in Europe?
The Fed refusing to reveal who received almost $2 trillion in non-TARP loans, or what collateral it has accepted from "emergency" loans made to struggling firms, as Bloomberg reports.
The Treasury Department providing a tax break to banks involved in acquisitions that could amount to $140 billion. The Washington Post reveals the change to the tax code was issued on Sept. 30, while Congress was debating the $700 billion TARP bill.
The bailouts are bad enough. But this kind of chicanery and lack of transparency makes me recall a line from another time when fear and deceit dominated Washington: Have they no shame, at long last?
This whole thing is really disgusting. Washington really needs to be cleaned up.

Thanks, Veterans!

We know a number of Veterans (as does everyone) and we salute and thank all of you for your service to our country. Our friends Mike R. in Columbia, Md. and Sherri P. in SC, Darold in Fl. and Beverlee in Baltimore are just a few of the many we know who served. I'm going to visit Beverlee today, the holiday, to help recognize her. She's 86 and in a retirement complex in Baltimore. I usually get to see her every couple of weeks, and she's always got great stories. She was in the Navy when she was in the service.
Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

Fun Weekend: Open House; Shopping; Museum; Leaf Raking; Dog Walking!

This weekend was a busy, but fun one.
One of the things that hit me was that it was my dad's birthday on Saturday, November 8th... or it would have been his 80th birthday. It's difficult to believe Dad passed away over 3 months now. To honor him, we went to a bookstore and bought a couple of books- one of his favorite things to do. I noticed EIGHT of his favorite authors all just came out with paperbacks this month. Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you and miss you so much. I'm reading a book in your honor.
It rained on Saturday on and off, so Tom and I went shopping, and were joined by our friend Jeff F.(his partner is visiting family out of state). We even went grocery shopping. We managed to walk the dogs twice between showers, too. At night, we went to a friend's house for an open house.
Sunday was sunny and cool! After breakfast and a dog walk, we headed to the National Gallery of Art (Smithsonian) and met our friend Jeff F, and Fitz and Will for the Pompeii and the Roman Villa exhibit. It was interesting. It contained "some 150 works of sculpture, painting, mosaic, and luxury arts, including recent discoveries on view in the U.S. for the first time and celebrated finds from earlier excavations," per the website. "Exquisite objects from the richly decorated villas reveal the breadth and richness of cultural and artistic life, as well as the influence of classical Greece on Roman art and culture in this region." We also saw a small exhibit on Abraham Lincoln at another gallery, but it was very crowded and disappointing. Neither I nor Fitz could stand in the cramped room for more than 5 minutes. Tom and others did, though and told both Fitz and I about it. Afterward, we had a nice lunch and called it an afternoon. It was great to see everyone.
We came home to "power raking" the thousands of leaves in the backyard - while the dogs ran through the piles of leaves. It was fun to watch them enjoy the leaves. 9 trash bags later, we were finished!