admin – Page 20 – This Old House 2

Leaning In

T’is true, we’re in mud season and I’m doing a happy dance. New England is known for it’s erratic weather behavior and I’ve lived here long enough to know Mother Nature may throw us a few more zingers before Spring arrives, but the past few days have been lovely and tomorrow even lovelier. The Snow has melted for the most part and farm chores are a heck of a lot easier, and certainly dirtier.

I’ve been doing some spring cleaning in this late winter reprieve – paddocks mucked, horses blankets aired out, coats brushed…

..the coop has been raked out, fresh bedding replaces old, the girls wander around the yard while I work. Occasionally a hen will walk right up to me and tell me what she thinks about all the ruckus around “campus”… or that she’s waiting for me to leave so she can lay an egg in peace.

There are days when I ask my self why I have decided to continue on with all the barn and coop work for all these years – mostly when the weather is awful and I’m out in it when I’d rather be in sitting by the fire, or when the arthritis flares. But I keep coming back to the same answer – and it’s as simple as this – I love my animals. I love being around them, caring for them, they bring me peace in an ever turbulent world. They keep me grounded.

I wasn’t going there today but heck, here we are. Let me share two experiences that I have had with my animals and I suppose I need to change the post title.

I will never forget several moments I had years ago during a horrible time in our lives. My daughter had been in a car crash and had been in a coma for weeks. Her future was uncertain. The first time I came home from the hospital after the accident I laid on my bed and cried, didn’t know what else to do with myself. My littlest dog, Rudy, now deceased, laid down next to my sobbing self and wailed like I’ve never heard a dog wail. He knew I was in great pain and decided to join me in mourning.

A few weeks later, I came home from the hospital to change clothes, take a shower and go back to be with her. While home, I walked out to the barn and stood with that horse you see above… and cried. And cried.. and sobbed till I couldn’t breath. He stood in his stall with his head down, just letting me lean in. At that same time a squall had blown in. Normally, my horse would be spooked by the sudden roil of thunder and flash of lightning. This time he stood stone still. That particular storm was bizarre – very quick – torrential rain, wind, the works… five minutes start to finish. When it was over the sun shown so bright – I left Opie’s stall and walked back to the house feeling.. renewed? Recharged. The demeanor of my horse and the shock of that sudden violent storm and then the radiant sun breaking through the clouds was a message. I’m not religious but I do believe that was a message. I couldn’t know it at that moment, but the next day my daughter woke up.

So why do I continue to toil over these critters who aren’t really working farm animals as much as they are pets? It’s those relationships we forge, the connections I won’t be without. I actually feel sorry for folks who never come to know the love and companionship of an animal.

This is Bailey telling me it really is past bedtime, Mom, can’t we please go to bed now?

Till soon, friends –

Walking on Sunshine

The weather was absolutely glorious today – no jacket required. I loaded Frasier into the Jeep and we headed over to Stella’s neighborhood to get some exercise and dream a little of summer days to come..

There are approximately 140 cottages on the “island” – which is actually connected by land to the rest of the shoreline. Each is unique with it’s own charms. Some are tucked into the woods among the rock outcroppings, some are along the water. I love this one – about five doors down from Stella –

And this… one of the secrets to making a small space look grand is to add large accents – like the

double door here with transom over it and the large deck with spreadout stairs.

There is a lovely house on that island, not seen from this angle. Can you imagine?

After our walk, Frasier and I sat on Stella’s steps at waters edge and dreamed of warm summer days to come, kayak adventures and ……actually right here in this pic he’s very concerned I’m going to make him get in the water. Which I didn’t. Nevertheless, he persisted.

(couldn’t help it)

On the way home I stopped at the local apple orchard farm market and picked up a few fun things, plus some pepperoni for Frasier. My friend Raven had mentioned this find at that same market and I just had to get some for myself… Maple Milk. Then I spied Lavender yogurt… and since I have not found culinary lavender yet other than ordering online, this was the next best thing, as in I get to see what lavender tastes like in food. Right near the Maple Milk was this Beet Strawberry juice… and I’m here to tell ya….

WOW… all three, udderly delicious! Seriously – if you can find any of these in your local stores, well worth the little extra they cost for the treat. And they’re not bad for you either – win win.

I’m not EVEN gonna mention the Orange Scream today – not EVEN after that obnoxious “rally” in Florida. Earth to Agent Orange – Did you get in touch with Sweden yet? They’ve been looking for you since Saturday night’s ridiculousness in search of the terrorist attack on their soil that they don’t know anything about. Also… week four, and you’ve taken three Florida weekends so far – you really didn’t think you were gonna have to actually LIVE in the White House, did ya. Knowing you, you’ll find a way to get out of it. A girl can hope.

Oh Sh*t, there I go again..mentioning things. Would be awesome if he’d just stop giving us reasons, ya know?

Finds for Stella

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*sigh

Cookie Love and another great find

I love cupcakes and cookies. My friend Raven shared these on her blog and I have stolen them to share here and on FB too. Terrible thing, but she tolerates me anyway 🙂 We’ve got more snow falling today so I plan to bake these for my people as a Happy Valentine. I do need to go out and find some culinary Lavender.

We checked on Stella yesterday, oh, how I look forward to showing you the progress. We’re at the stage where all that’s left is to refinish the floors – and then I get to furnish and decorate! We found a beautiful bedroom set at a local junk hunting treasure pot, same place I found Edith’s Chair… this time, an Ethan Allen Maple Queen bed and dresser for the second bedroom. An elderly woman had moved out of her large home and wanted to sell much of her furniture. It had been kept beautifully, we got a screaming deal.

My boy built this Clamming Rack for his new hobby – last year he discovered his love for clamming and now has the perfect spot in a great little clamming cove to keep all his “stuff”. Seeing this in place yesterday kinda made my day. Bigly.

If you haven’t caught Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicy yet, oh, please do. Easy to find on google. I haven’t laughed that hard in ages.

Till soon, Friends….

Snow and Thunder

Last night’s sky…. just beautiful…

No sooner did I brag about the mild winter we were having when a good ole nor’easter blew in. I woke up this morning, fed the dogs, sat down to read e-mails with nothing happening outside my windows. Half hour later there was an inch on the ground already as I went out to feed the animals.

The flood light is on in the henhouse, it throws enough heat to keep them cozy and the water from freezing.

The horses were fed, watered and given plenty of hay to keep them busy, they’re closed in while

the wind is blowing. And boy is it blowing.

This was 6 am-ish. The scene is much different already….

I’ve got a call in to the bird feeder repairman….. half the roof is sitting in the snow.

He’s out plowing and wasn’t amused.

We are actually experiencing thunder during this storm. Such a bizarre thing to occur with snow – sounds like someone’s bowling upstairs. Say a little prayer for my boys to come home safe. Oh and don’t I know the hypocrisy of someone asking for prayer when they aren’t religious. I believe being spiritual and being religious don’t have to occupy the same space to be valid, how’s that for an answer.

I drafted a letter to the President and made it a public post on FB just incase – here’s what I would love for him to read.

Dear Mr. President (and mouthpiece Spicer)

Your daughter knows the truth – ask her! Nordstrom notified her last January that her lines weren’t performing well. It’s a smart business move to cut losses, won’t you agree? Her products are still available in their stores though, she wasn’t Banned. Believe it or not, it’s not about you. As the so-called “Jobs President”, you are contradicting yourself by maligning and attempting to topple a large American company for your own purposes.

I want to stand by my President. I have respect for the highest office in the land. I believe in America and I love my Country. If you want to stop seeing fake news, if you want the larger half of the Country to stop the negativity and rally on your behalf and ours – you really have to stop the daily lies – the little lies, the big lies, the fake news you and your cohorts perpetuate daily. I’m tired of the political angst, the upheaval of everything, the frustrated posts on FB and blogs. I’ve been looking for the clearing in the storm, a reason to have hope… but you keep lying and tweeting ridiculous rants. So juvenile for the leader of this great nation.

Please – stop the lies and the tantrums and the unethical behavior. Do that if there’s an ounce of you that gives a damn about the rest of us. You work for us now, we don’t work for you. I’m really trying to find a reason to believe in the President of My United States, won’t you please rise to the integrity of the office you were elected so that we ALL can move on.

Sincerely –

Heading back out into the tundra to shovel the dog run for the second time. Till soon, friends…

Be Like Brady

How about that Superbowl!! I’m a Patriots fan, so the win was particularly sweet, but if the Falcons had pulled it off I would have been very happy for their owner – The Falcons have never won a Superbowl and their longtime owner deserved a win. The young team worked damned hard to get where they were and they don’t typically play dirty, something I admire. Brady does his best work when under fire, and boy did he and his team pull it off at the end. Unfortunately when it looked like they had definitely lost the game, I went to sleep. Missed the best part! Fun fact – our neighbor just down the road’s daughter was a patriots cheerleader until recently, when she and Gronk fell in love. They’ve been dating for a few years now and I love seeing photos of them on instagram and occasionally in news articles – wishing them the best. What we have heard through their experience is that the Patriots owner and team are truly a family, that’s how they treat and respect each other – love to hear it.

Tom Brady is amazing when his team is in a rut – how many times have we seen them pull it out at the last minute for a win. My husband is not a Pats or Brady fan but even he admits TB is one hell of a QB.

For those of us who are rattled by the Orange Scream’s increasingly divisive, narcissistic behavior and all the alarm bells he setting off, like, EVERYWHERE… I hope he finds some solid ground that we all can stand on .. sooner rather than later. Just look at all the headlines.. everywhere, real news let alone fake.. and you have to know it’s true. Because I care about our country more than my own need to be right, I hope he can be like Brady and pull it out for a win for all of us. That will require checking his ego at the door.

Conflict of Interest

*The definition of a Conflict of Interest is a situation in which the concerns or aims of two different parties are incompatible.

If your current residence isn’t the underside of a rock, you’ve noticed social media and news sources have become a battleground in recent months. On this I bet we all can agree – it’s really sad and extremely unsettling to witness a country so divided. There will always be issues we can’t all agree on, but this level of divisiveness and anger is alarming.

Remember the Civil War? – North vs. South right here in these United States of America. Up until recently, for me the idea of such a thing seemed pretty far out there and certainly not repeatable. My limited understanding of that period of time was that the war was fought over the moral issue of slavery but in truth, economics and political control played just as big a part. Interesting side note here – Both the North and the South brought God into the equation, both believing their views were supported by God, that he was on their side and some went as far as to say God would determine the length and outcome of the war itself. Ultimately, morality won.. not because a God inserted himself or that all involved parties finally saw the obvious inhumanity in the practice of slavery. The North had more muscle, it was that simple.

I often hear “God is finally back in the White House!” I wish we’d keep God out of it. First of all… whose God – yours? or Joe’s across the street? There are many religions and yet we all got here the same way, however that turns out to be. There’s the hypocrisy that tends to keep company with religion and so for that reason I wish we could keep our own sense of religion or God in our hearts, but leave it out of our government. I’m convinced when the Orange Scream heard the call for God to return to the White House, he thought they were referring to him.

So who has more muscle in this day and age? Right now I’m feeling pretty helpless as I watch the newly elected President of the United States and his cohorts run roughshod over our government. I am not a sore-loser lefty or whining Democrat. My views run pretty much down the middle so those labels don’t apply to someone like me. I’m feeling pretty helpless as I see friends and colleagues willfully ignore some pretty awful practices in favor of what they believe is the promise of a Better America, for which they have seen zero evidence to suggest that’s what they’ll get. The hypocrisies pile up, the daily lies are consumed, I mean he lies about stupid little things just for ramblings’ sake. The GOP seems giddy with their new power and for all those who cheer them on I ask… how do you accept the obvious ills?

Supporters were thrilled with the mantra – Drain the Swamp. What you’re looking at in the new White house are the wealthy elite who have been tending the swamp for decades. Hell, the Education Secretary pick is a billionairess, inexperienced in the field, who’s family has donated 200 million to the republican party. She failed the hearings miserably.. and yet. The fact that a radical person like Bannon is at the right hand of the President speaks volumes. That’s swamp muck right there, the very thing Orange Scream supporters were railing against just months ago.

The GOP just lifted a ban on dumping coal debri in streams. A friend argued with me that the jobs are more important than the clean water. Not fake news: If we don’t protect our clean water resources it won’t matter how many jobs were available in the coal industry if we’re dead. Our natural resources are limited and we abuse them daily. We all live in the same camp, we all need to protect it because it won’t last forever, this is not rocket science. House republicans are writing a bill to abolish the EPA – which was created to protect human health and the environment by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by congress. Why would we want to abolish such a thing?

They’re back to taking away land from the Indians for pipelines because the more affluent people around them don’t want the pipelines in their backyard. We all know that history, right? Where is our humanity?

Many who voted for him hoped the President would somehow become more “Presidential” once he took office. Not a chance. He used the National Prayer Breakfast, standing before religious leaders and diplomats, to talk about Arnold schwarzenegger and Apprentice ratings… direct quote…

We had tremendous success on The Apprentice and, when I ran for president, I had to leave the show,” “And they hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster,” said Trump, who remains a producer on the NBC series. “Mark will never, ever bet against Trump again. And I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can. For those ratings. Okay?”

The Orange Scream’s Black History Month Remarks…

Last month, we celebrated the life of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., whose incredible example is unique in American history. You read all about Dr. Martin Luther King a week ago when somebody said I took the statue out of my office. It turned out that that was fake news. Fake news. The statue is cherished, it’s one of the favorite things in the—and we have some good ones. We have Lincoln, and we have Jefferson, and we have Dr. Martin Luther King. But they said the statue, the bust of Martin Luther King, was taken out of the office. And it was never even touched. So I think it was a disgrace, but that’s the way the press is. Very unfortunate.

This is the face of America. This is the man we elected to the highest office in the land.

A friend of mine who desperately wants to believe in this man because he is a dyed in the wool republican said ” Why is all this surprising, he’s doing what he did during his campaign, it’s nothing new”. Actually, his behavior is not surprising, What’s surprising is… I didn’t think he would actually get away with it. I didn’t think the GOP would bow to his ego so willingly, overstep and overreach so grandly and so completely. I had HOPED… once the Orange Scream came to the office and felt the gravity, the full weight of his position, that he would indeed.. become more “Presidential”. Surely those around him would rein him in at the very least.

It has become abundantly clear, it’s not happening. For this American in these United States, I am embarrassed for all of us and I worry for our children’s future. There should be no great conflicts of interest among us, we should all feel that we are on the same team. We should all be getting that vibe from our government, certainly our leader. That should be the message above all. Don’t we all want job opportunities, decent education for our youth, affordable health care, legal immigration, a strong military, fair trade, equality for all, justice and liberty for all?

Someone tell me how we have become.. so .. incompatible.

Hello Operator

So.. you know those bar stools I was searching for to go with Stella’s new raised counter? Anything I found that was “new” was either cheaply made and didn’t feel like it would stand the test of time or the price was ridiculous. ($400 each).

Yesterday the Mr. and I took a ride to a local favorite vintage finds place, the same place I found the rocking horse I revived. More on the rocking horse HERE . It’s called the Trove, and for good reason. It’s full of old treasures and I always find something to love. Not only did I score a few pieces of vintage corning ware in excellent condition in the perfect shade for Stella…

.. but as soon as I walked into the second building in the rear, these two lovelies were standing at attention, just waiting for me.

I could not contain my excitement – I’m sure the gasp was audible across the entire warehouse when I spied No 12 and No 16 right there inside the door. These are genuine Western Union Industrial Switchboard Operator Chairs that had been in use up until the 1940’s when they were replaced with a more modern design. They’ve got obvious wear and will need some caning work and brushing up of their metal. Now, because of that audible gasp, I don’t know for sure how much of a deal we got. The price tag said $475 for the pair – ugh. And the guy already knew I was smitten. (This is where the husband rolls his eyes and wishes I had stayed outside). He did what he always does to counter balance my obvious love for the object of my affection.

Way too much for it, look at the work needed. Nope, lets move on.

And with an audible sigh from me, we do.

After scrounging around for a while longer in the rest of the warehouse, we have to pass No 12 and No 16 on the way out. M walks right past them and I lean over the counter to the owner and say – Is that really the best you can do? Ikea is the next stop. He laughs and says – I can knock off $100. I reel the Mr. back in and ~~beg~~ ask if he’ll reconsider for a lesser price. No 12 and No 16 are now in the garage waiting for a little restoration work by me and hopefully a reasonable caning refurbisher.

Western Union is a financial services and communications company. Until 2006, It was the best known US company in the business of exchanging telegrams. According to Wikipedia, Western Union dominated the telegraph industry in the late 19th century, was the first communcations empire and set a pattern for American style communications businesses as they are known today.

Imagine the history the women seated in these chairs have witnessed.

As we drove home with our new treasures in the back of the truck, M said – “Always feels good to me, using something made long ago, something that stood the test of time, that can serve further purpose.”

They really don’t make things like they used to.

Counter Action

The marble was installed yesterday in the kitchen area and Stella’s little interior is really beginning to pull together. The walls have been washed down with Simple Green (I hate the stuff, something about the smell is revolting to me. Anyone else feel the same? ) and now the floors are begging for attention. The carpentry inside will be done today and we’ll sweep the old girl out before the painters arrive.

It occurred to me we have nothing besides a broom to pick up dirt and sand at the cottage – and the budget is currently screaming STOP – so I’m going to the Oreck dealer down the road to ask if they have any reworked old model vacuums I can buy cheap. We’ve got to get all that saw dust up so that everything can get a fresh coat of paint. Then.. we can decide what needs to be done with the floors – probably a sanding and new stain.

I’m also looking for two bargain bar stools. Fell in love with a bunch in Frontgate catalogue – way out of our price range – in another orbit completely. Maybe Ikea? In my junk hunting adventures, I have not found bar stools anywhere.

Let’s all pause for a moment to gaze at that sink in adoration……

This is the carrara marble we were able to get from our stone source. As I mentioned before, we’ve used this in homes a lot because it’s very durable, goes with a lot and used to be affordable. Naturally we thought it was a good choice for Stella’s kitchen counters until our Stone guy said.. “Well it would have been a good choice but currently the Italians are pissed at us and the cost has tripled. ” What did we do to the Italians? We’re Italian, does that help? A few days later he called with good news, he found a chunk in his warehouse and the cost was reasonable.

A picture of carrara marble in a stone quarry in Carrara, Italy…

The whale knocker has been reinstalled on the door, which needs another coat of paint. That’s Gerard the whale right there- why do I name so many things? Not sure – I’ve had that habit ever since childhood. I still have my collection of little tiny glass animals that lived in a shadow box for many years. On the bottom of each tiny figure are the names assigned, scrawled in pencil.

I was going to end this post with another political rant.. but I’m tired of my own exasperation and I need to set it down for a bit. There’s an adoption even today and tomorrow – I will try like hell not to bring a dog home, the struggle is real.

Till soon, friends…

Be the Light

Yesterday after spending hours at the computer editing for our local publication, I called the Mr. and said – What do we need for Stella, I want to get out of the house for a while. As it happens, we need light fixtures. Not my favorite chore. Why? Because THE VOLLEY. You see.. even though I’m left with the relatively simple instructions to get a single sconce bathroom light for over the sink, a work area light for over that whole kitchen area that has no light needs five foot chain, and get a cheap paddle fan with light kit… and he clearly states pick whatever you think will look good there….. it never happens that way.

Having been married to a builder for roughly 29 years, and he’ll agree with me the word roughly applies, we’ve traveled down this road many times, whether it was our own house or someone elses. (where is the comma there, I’m not even gonna look it up, and I call myself an editor).

I go to the shop and take a look around. I see what I think will be perfect and sit down with the shop owner to discuss price and suitability for the space that will require the light. I even bring pictures of the work spaces because I’m that kind of special. We get most of the way through, and then of course….. there’s a question I can’t answer knowing for certain I gave the right information. I have to make the call into the powers that be. That would be He.

He provides the answer.. and then says the words I knew were coming….

but what is this for exactly.. let me see what you’re picking.

My nose starts to twitch as I send the requested photo from my phone. The texting ensues…

Him: No. Too contemporary.

Me: What? This is an antique replica.

Him: It probably cost more than the entire cottage! Too nice! What else…

Me: Ok how about this…

Him: That’s an exterior light fixture, this is for inside.

Me: Yes I know, it’s also for interior use and I think it would be perfect for that spot. Mr. X says so too…

Him: No. What else..

And so it goes. Suddenly, Mr. X seeing my frustration, points up into a corner of the showroom and says – you know.. THAT one would work but I don’t know how you feel about the look.

Ah, we have a winner. And the price was just right.

This fixture will hang from the ceiling (which is the peak of the roof) of

Stellas “kitchen” area.

Meanwhile.. back at the ranch…we’ve had some very soggy weather lately. I’m not complaining one bit, soggy is better than heavy snowfall and bitter cold. I did some cleaning of the barn, coop and hutch yesterday morning and it felt good to tidy up.

Ruby thought it might be fun to tag along in the gator but actual motion changed her mind.

My 94 year old neighbor stopped by for a visit – She still lives in the home she raised her five boys in, just across the street. Her son pictured here is such a good man – lives hours away and comes weekly to check up on mom and get things done around the house. He cooks for her friends on occasion too. When weather permits, she loves to take rides around the woods on his quad.

When I grow up I want to be like Margaret.

I’ve been a little dismayed at the bitterness I have seen on the internet lately between women who didn’t approve of the Women’s March on Washington and those who attended or supported it. A good friend of mine said she was really offended and didn’t need anyone marching for her rights. She felt women are damned lucky in this country, we have many rights that women of other countries don’t have and we don’t need to be “like men”. *sigh. She felt I was stuck on myself because I have opinions and I express them openly. Those particular words admittedly stung. I thought about it for a while – am I a conceited idiot who thinks her views are the only way? The answer to that is no. Are my intentions always good regardless of the topic? I can say whole heartedly YES. I’m not one to shut up, and I won’t apologize for caring and having a big mouth that expresses it.

As for the March – I’ll tell you what – If women didn’t march in our recent history, we wouldn’t be voting, we wouldn’t have our own credit cards, we wouldn’t be able to take out our own mortgage, we wouldn’t have access to affordable womens health care, and a myriad of other freedoms we now take for granted. There are still issues we face, and this March in particular was about many different things. I have no problem with women who don’t want to get involved – we all have to choose our battles. What I don’t understand is the offense taken. I truly believe if you know in your heart you are doing whatever you’re doing in the hopes of improving things for all, you’re on the right track in life. I’m not going to apologize for it.

Till soon, friends –