The Republic party just keeps obstructing President Obama's appointments and everything else they can.  That's fine.  It is frustrating but they are actually ensuring that in the upcoming election not one of the Party of NO will be re-elected.  People are getting tired of the adolescent shenanigans of these adult-looking humans. 

Keep on getting everyone's attention so all Americans, and the rest of the world, see how you are keeping many from getting the health care they need, the jobs they could use, and the appointments the President would like to help him keep our country safe and secure.

I realize that some of my friends and family have leanings toward the Geratologic Obstructionist Party.  If I lose their affection and good will, so be it.  The GOP are using disgusting tactics.  My conservative dad, grandma, and others no longer among us must be rolling over in their graves.

May the whole party of retards drop dead.




(Note:  My late sister, who was mentally-challenged aka retarded, would have no problem calling people who stand in the way of progress and relieving the difficulties of others 'retards'.)

Last night I was at a local laundromat at around 6:30 PM.  It is in a small shopping center with 2 restaurants, a pet store, a liquor store, a Pizza Hut, Jensen Guitar, and Ralph's Grocery store. 

I noticed a homeless man sitting in front of Jensen Guitar.  A couple of people walked over to hand him something after leaving Ralph's. 

I love going to the laundromat on holidays or during big games.  I'm the only one there!  But while folding my dry clothes, the homeless guy walked in and asked me how I was doing.  He was a nice guy, clean, with no obvious drug or alcohol problems.  We talked for a few minutes about living in Santa Barbara (he said he has a sibling in wealthy Montecito, but they never invite him to stay), and the situation of being homeless. 

He said that he stayed outside the night before, but around 3 AM it got so cold that he came further up town to an all-night laundromat.  Can't blame him - it was around the high 30s, cold for here and too cold to sleep outside under the stars.  He had been a taxi driver, but got ripped off often and he felt in danger.  I think the fellow was dealing with PTSD as he also seemed easily startled.  He was on his way to Carrows for some hot coffee and some shelter for a while.  He offered me some granola bars that he had, a generous move, I thought.  I declined, but enjoyed the conversation while I folded things.  The time went by fast. 

When I left, I gave him good wishes and left him with something green to help him out.  I felt that was a neat 'gift' for me to receive from the Cosmos - a chance to help someone out.  I get more satisfaction from doing it.  I'm at the point where I don't need or want anything that money can give, but just a chance to feel that I made a small bit of difference for the good for somebody is nice. 

I find it such an annoying situation in Santa Barbara to see so many homeless people, when there is so much wealth here, too. 

PS Yes, I asked him why he didn't go to one of the shelters in town, but he quickly said he wouldn't because of some of the people who go there.  Unfortunately, I do understand and many other homeless feel the same way.  I wish the dangerous ones were someplace where they could get treatment and that would, hopefully, keep the rest of us safe.

What a year this has been.  I am really looking forward to a new one, a blank slate to fill with beauty, laughter, and healing. 

I lost my beloved mother this past year.  She was 2 days shy of 90.  She never wanted to be 90 and was tired of dealing with life and Alzheimer's strange world. 

My ex-husband's sister, my friend of 30 years, the aunt to my 2 sons, passed away from a sudden, massive stroke in March.  Today she would have turned 55.  The holidays are very different without her.  She and my mother were the ladies who always remembered to send a card and the first ones you'd call in the morning to wish a happy holiday or birthday.  When I hear an interesting bit of news or a great joke, it still snaps into my head to call one of them to relay it out of habit. . 

In September, my doctor mentioned that the viral load of the HCV I've known I had since 2000 was increasing.  He suggested a biopsy which confirmed that there was liver damage.  I expect to begin the 48 week  peg-interferon/ribavirin treatment to try to rid myself of the virus.  Wish me luck.  It's no fun to go through but with the eyes on the prize of more years on the planet in this body, I will persevere.  There is about a 50% chance that it will rid my body of the illness.  Even if it doesn't, it can slow down the fibrosis and scarring of the liver, in turn reducing any chance of cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

It has been a great year for my sons as far as college and high school.  I've continued my study and research of astrology and have increased my understanding of the mysteries of life and spirituality.  I am delving into the different methods of 'energy work' to use meditation and chakra healing work in conjunction with the treatment of the HCV.  I figure this will be a year of healing.

I have become a big fan of History Channel's 'How The Earth Was Made', Discovery Channel's 'Ghost Lab', and A & E's 'Paranormal State'.  What fascinating television programs! 

I learned about dog towns and black blizzards. 

I hope the times are good for you and all my friends on Blogstream, FB, Twitter, and any other little corners of the universe.   If the times aren't what you'd like, I wish you the patience, understanding, and faith that you can still live a life with joy, love, and wonder, even though...

Have a warm, loving Christmas or holiday season of your choosing.  And off we go into a brand new decade. 

I've had to watch this three times, it's so hard to believe the flexibility and steadiness of these girls.

An example of sisterly love -

"Something didn't set right with me over this.  Which of us is being manipulated?   You and I are looking at this from opposite angles.  I am a worker bee who pays taxes.  You  refuse to work and  are on the dole and pay no taxes.  How would it work if we all followed your lead?   I also do not want Obama to succeed.....IN TURNING THIS COUNTRY SOCIALIST.     It doesn't work.  Tell  me something.....do you understand the meaning of the word INCENTIVE?     Pray tell...under socialism,  WHERE IS IT?"

A bit of animosity there...I guess this is what it was like during the Civil War, families torn apart...