It was a year ago that the hungry alley cat showed up at our back door. She had moved into our back yard, living under a shed that had been occupied earlier by a skunk (removed earlier by a neighbor with a live trap). She was a very skittish calico and we named her Skitty. She took up residence with us through that long, cold winter. Bob fed her twice daily with fat-filled food to help her survive the cold. She was a voracious eater and soon took to eating three times a day. We indulged her with both wet and dry foods.
One day in early spring two neighbor dogs trapped Skitty under the shed. She panicked and moved out, but remained close enough to return for food at least twice a day. She gained weight and we thought she may be pregnant. Sure enough, in late May she returned to our back yard and following along was a tiny black and white kitten. Too late for this time, but when the kitten was old enough, we captured both and had them fixed by the No-kill Shelter.
This November makes one year that Skitty has been part of our lives. We are not sure if she captures the field mice that scamper through the gardens, but we are hopeful. I stopped feeding the birds when she first arrived, but she does stalk the ones who dare to trespass on our lawn or light on our bushes to search for the dried up berries from the summer blooms. The black and white kitten has learned to feast off of our back-porch bounty.
We are now feeding two. Perhaps they return the favor by eliminating the mice that used to sneak into our sheds and garden. Fingers crossed that they don't catch the birds. Either way, they are a part of our lives since the old calico came to our back door that bitter cold November of 2013.
Skitty has survived for five or six years (according to the vet). She may have been born into the wild, or abandoned by some thoughtless people, but either way, she and her lone kitten have entered our world and are now part of our family....our back yard family. They may be wild, but the sight of them sitting patiently on our back porch each morning as I raise the shades of the window, is somehow comforting and reassuring.
Inside and outside touch briefly on one another. Rain, snow, cold, heat. They are there.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
A Slammed Door
We sat in the over-crowded room expecting little and receiving zilch. A federal agency working on an environmental assessment for our historic VA, receiving reimbursement from the VA that is trying to close us, well, what did we expect? Of course the bias was in favor of closure of our VA. The meeting was tightly controlled by the woman from the EIS. We were upset, but being told in advance that we could not make any comments or ask questions, we sat tight. Well, most of us did.
When a few tried to speak up, they were told to sit down, with the exception of a representative from the VA who was allowed to respond. As the meeting progressed, anger mounted. Finally, when one on the committee was interrupted by the dictatorial leader of the meeting, a member of the audience stood up and shouted "Don't interrupt him, this is (fu,,,,) ridiculous! He stormed out and slammed the door, carrying much of the rage and futility of the rest of us observers with him.
As a friend wrote me after he finished reading my book, Reveille in Hot Springs, "I can see why the powers that are prefer not to put a human face on this closing of your VA. Most of the stories dealing with PTSD, and alcohol/substance abuse, not to mention injuries, well, what can you say? It really is never actually about the individual, but it's all about numbers when it comes to bureaucracies."
Ah, yes, the federal government will not, or can not look upon individual veterans. They can manipulate numbers easily and these numbers, in our case, have been distorted and corrupted. Feelings? Well, how can a large agency deal with them? Stories, pleas, hopes and requests? Well, they can make the bureaucrats uncomfortable. It seems simpler to crunch numbers and slip them into slots that fit easily into "their plan".
What about the veterans and their families? What about the taxpayers that will have to foot the bill for a more expensive alternative? Just who do these people represent? Not the veterans, not the taxpayers.
It is ironic when you think about it. We, the taxpayers pay their salaries. We, and the veterans who served them, do not seem to count. The story is not complete and the battle goes on. Stay tuned for further developments.
When a few tried to speak up, they were told to sit down, with the exception of a representative from the VA who was allowed to respond. As the meeting progressed, anger mounted. Finally, when one on the committee was interrupted by the dictatorial leader of the meeting, a member of the audience stood up and shouted "Don't interrupt him, this is (fu,,,,) ridiculous! He stormed out and slammed the door, carrying much of the rage and futility of the rest of us observers with him.
As a friend wrote me after he finished reading my book, Reveille in Hot Springs, "I can see why the powers that are prefer not to put a human face on this closing of your VA. Most of the stories dealing with PTSD, and alcohol/substance abuse, not to mention injuries, well, what can you say? It really is never actually about the individual, but it's all about numbers when it comes to bureaucracies."
Ah, yes, the federal government will not, or can not look upon individual veterans. They can manipulate numbers easily and these numbers, in our case, have been distorted and corrupted. Feelings? Well, how can a large agency deal with them? Stories, pleas, hopes and requests? Well, they can make the bureaucrats uncomfortable. It seems simpler to crunch numbers and slip them into slots that fit easily into "their plan".
What about the veterans and their families? What about the taxpayers that will have to foot the bill for a more expensive alternative? Just who do these people represent? Not the veterans, not the taxpayers.
It is ironic when you think about it. We, the taxpayers pay their salaries. We, and the veterans who served them, do not seem to count. The story is not complete and the battle goes on. Stay tuned for further developments.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Living in the Black Hills
Happy to be inside today. The wind is blowing the snow around something fierce. We do live in a "banana belt" and usually see less snow and faster melt, but for now we have had lengthy cold which brings back memories of living in Minnesota. The forecast is for warmer days ahead, so today there is hope for the return of our balmier winter.
Last week we were returning home from a party. It was late, at least for us in our elder years. We drove through Wind Cave Park, the blackness of a moonless night surrounding us. Suddenly, in the car lights, four large elk leapt across in front of us. Bob stopped the car, waiting for the rest of the herd. I opened the window to listen. There was not a sound. The four elk stood frozen to the side of the road. On the opposite side we could see the outline of the rest of the herd, all were antlered and magnificent as they stood silently like statues, barely visible in the inky darkness. We waited. They waited. Then quickly and silently the four elk who had first ventured in front of our car returned to the remaining herd. They made not a sound. It was as if they were four ghost ships gliding across a glassy sea. Then, in an instant, the entire herd faded into the night.
We drove on. In a few miles we came across a large herd of mule deer. They ignored us, barely looking up from eating the green roadside grass. Again I opened my window. Again there was silence, but this time I could hear one large deer standing within a few feet. There was the faint sound of grass chewing...ever so faint. The herd continued to eat and we drove on.
Just before we left the park a herd of bison came into view of our headlights. Some of them were on the road, searching for salt left by cars. This group were not as silent. I could hear a few snorts and the heavy breathing of one who loomed too close to the car. They were not intimidated by us. It seemed as if they knew their power and had no need to flee.
Our drive home took about 30 minutes. There was no moonlight or daylight, but yet we felt the beauty of our Hills. It is a great place to live, no matter the season or time of day. We arrived home filled with gratitude.
Last week we were returning home from a party. It was late, at least for us in our elder years. We drove through Wind Cave Park, the blackness of a moonless night surrounding us. Suddenly, in the car lights, four large elk leapt across in front of us. Bob stopped the car, waiting for the rest of the herd. I opened the window to listen. There was not a sound. The four elk stood frozen to the side of the road. On the opposite side we could see the outline of the rest of the herd, all were antlered and magnificent as they stood silently like statues, barely visible in the inky darkness. We waited. They waited. Then quickly and silently the four elk who had first ventured in front of our car returned to the remaining herd. They made not a sound. It was as if they were four ghost ships gliding across a glassy sea. Then, in an instant, the entire herd faded into the night.
We drove on. In a few miles we came across a large herd of mule deer. They ignored us, barely looking up from eating the green roadside grass. Again I opened my window. Again there was silence, but this time I could hear one large deer standing within a few feet. There was the faint sound of grass chewing...ever so faint. The herd continued to eat and we drove on.
Just before we left the park a herd of bison came into view of our headlights. Some of them were on the road, searching for salt left by cars. This group were not as silent. I could hear a few snorts and the heavy breathing of one who loomed too close to the car. They were not intimidated by us. It seemed as if they knew their power and had no need to flee.
Our drive home took about 30 minutes. There was no moonlight or daylight, but yet we felt the beauty of our Hills. It is a great place to live, no matter the season or time of day. We arrived home filled with gratitude.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
The Winds of November
The hoopla is over, including the disappearance of yard signs, flyers, letters and phone messages. Most everyone breathes a deep sigh of relief. The inundation of political messages has become exhausting, to say the least. And what was the result of this very expensive outlay in the promotion of candidates who will attempt to lead our country, state or county?
In most cases it is the "same ol, same ol". But then many vote by party only while others choose not to vote. As for me, I consider it a privilege and an obligation to do so. No matter the outcome, I have the right to complain. I filled in the slots in the ballot box. Those who do not do so, lose their right to complain, as far as I am concerned.
In our state many citizens vote by party only. They check the R spot with no thought and go merrily on their way. That seems to be a comparison to those who neglect the polls all together. No thought, no effort, no strain. Life goes on, but perhaps, in time, not to their best interests. Our state actually elected a politician who in the past, as an elected official, was involved in some government issues tainted with suspicion, and who is presently under investigation by the FBI. Go figure!
Our state and county have re-elected some who vote against the wishes of the majority and who are influenced by the large corporations. Go figure!
Our state and county have elected officials who vote for themselves instead of the people they are supposed to represent. Go figure!
Some of these corporations have bribed citizens to write letters supporting them and to influence un-informed citizens to vote for them. Go figure!
Our state voted in two ballot measures, one to raise the minimum wage and one for doctor choice. The majority voted against the prevailing wishes of many of the same candidates they put into office. Go figure!
But then look at history, world-wide. Perhaps nothing has really changed. Perhaps it never will, except for brief interludes of hope. There have been major and minor revolutions....medical, political, social, scientific, spiritual and cultural. They have brought discomfort, hope, chaos and, at times, bloodshed. Change is never easy, and seldom peaceful. From the American Revolution and the French Revolution to the Civil Right protests. The list goes on and on.....from the Old Testament through today. And yet, looking carefully, the world has become a better place in many ways and places through time and upheavals. Think about it, would you choose to live in Europe during the Middle Ages? What about during the glory of Rome?
Check out history books or historical dramas. We are in a better place now in so many ways. We have a long way to go but I prefer to live here and now in this place and time. If the citizens become too angry, then we may see another revolution, peaceful or otherwise. Time will tell. Go figure!
In most cases it is the "same ol, same ol". But then many vote by party only while others choose not to vote. As for me, I consider it a privilege and an obligation to do so. No matter the outcome, I have the right to complain. I filled in the slots in the ballot box. Those who do not do so, lose their right to complain, as far as I am concerned.
In our state many citizens vote by party only. They check the R spot with no thought and go merrily on their way. That seems to be a comparison to those who neglect the polls all together. No thought, no effort, no strain. Life goes on, but perhaps, in time, not to their best interests. Our state actually elected a politician who in the past, as an elected official, was involved in some government issues tainted with suspicion, and who is presently under investigation by the FBI. Go figure!
Our state and county have re-elected some who vote against the wishes of the majority and who are influenced by the large corporations. Go figure!
Our state and county have elected officials who vote for themselves instead of the people they are supposed to represent. Go figure!
Some of these corporations have bribed citizens to write letters supporting them and to influence un-informed citizens to vote for them. Go figure!
Our state voted in two ballot measures, one to raise the minimum wage and one for doctor choice. The majority voted against the prevailing wishes of many of the same candidates they put into office. Go figure!
But then look at history, world-wide. Perhaps nothing has really changed. Perhaps it never will, except for brief interludes of hope. There have been major and minor revolutions....medical, political, social, scientific, spiritual and cultural. They have brought discomfort, hope, chaos and, at times, bloodshed. Change is never easy, and seldom peaceful. From the American Revolution and the French Revolution to the Civil Right protests. The list goes on and on.....from the Old Testament through today. And yet, looking carefully, the world has become a better place in many ways and places through time and upheavals. Think about it, would you choose to live in Europe during the Middle Ages? What about during the glory of Rome?
Check out history books or historical dramas. We are in a better place now in so many ways. We have a long way to go but I prefer to live here and now in this place and time. If the citizens become too angry, then we may see another revolution, peaceful or otherwise. Time will tell. Go figure!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
A Double Hitter for our Veterans
For almost three years we citizens and veterans from Hot Springs, along with those who use our VA from the Indian reservations and other states, have been fighting to get our message out to the decision makers in Washington: "we need to save our rural VA to serve the veterans from past and present conflicts who do not want to receive their care from other facilities."
Our struggle has been largely ignored by the Veteran's Affairs in Washington, in spite of the fact that we had a delegation from Hot Springs, along with our representatives from SD, who travelled to make a face-to-face case for our cause with the then Secretary Shinseki.
Since the huge scandal erupted at the Phoenix VA things have changed. First of all Secretary Shinseki and his right-hand man, Petzel, have resigned. Then this past week the Black Hill's director of our VA, Steve DiStasio, announced his retirement. This announcement was met with rejoicing by many veterans who have been troubled, to say the least, by the ruthless cuts Mr. DiStasio has made to our VA, with his ultimate goal of closure, leaving only a clinic to service the needs of the veterans in the area.
To add frosting to the cake of this latest hopeful announcement, our present Secretary McDonald of the Veterans Affairs in Washington was quoted as saying, "I have been asked why doesn't the VA just hand out vouchers allowing veterans to get care wherever they want? I learned that veterans need the VA."
Yes, yes, yes! This is what we have been saying all along. Do not cut us or other VA facilities. Improve them, but don't erase them. Veterans cannot receive the unique care they need at other hospitals. They have served their country and all they ask in return is continued health care from personnel trained to serve veterans. Our country owes them no less.
Finally we see signs of hope for our veterans and the VA facilities that treat them. This has been a long, and sometimes futile-feeling battle. But with the departures of those in charge who did not feel what many veterans feel, and with the winds of possibilities blowing our way, hope is renewed.
For all of those who have continued to work for our goal, and for all of the veterans who gave their stories for the book, Reveille in Hot Springs, I send my very best wishes and gratitude. The road to victory lies before all of you and all of the veterans still to come.
Our struggle has been largely ignored by the Veteran's Affairs in Washington, in spite of the fact that we had a delegation from Hot Springs, along with our representatives from SD, who travelled to make a face-to-face case for our cause with the then Secretary Shinseki.
Since the huge scandal erupted at the Phoenix VA things have changed. First of all Secretary Shinseki and his right-hand man, Petzel, have resigned. Then this past week the Black Hill's director of our VA, Steve DiStasio, announced his retirement. This announcement was met with rejoicing by many veterans who have been troubled, to say the least, by the ruthless cuts Mr. DiStasio has made to our VA, with his ultimate goal of closure, leaving only a clinic to service the needs of the veterans in the area.
To add frosting to the cake of this latest hopeful announcement, our present Secretary McDonald of the Veterans Affairs in Washington was quoted as saying, "I have been asked why doesn't the VA just hand out vouchers allowing veterans to get care wherever they want? I learned that veterans need the VA."
Yes, yes, yes! This is what we have been saying all along. Do not cut us or other VA facilities. Improve them, but don't erase them. Veterans cannot receive the unique care they need at other hospitals. They have served their country and all they ask in return is continued health care from personnel trained to serve veterans. Our country owes them no less.
Finally we see signs of hope for our veterans and the VA facilities that treat them. This has been a long, and sometimes futile-feeling battle. But with the departures of those in charge who did not feel what many veterans feel, and with the winds of possibilities blowing our way, hope is renewed.
For all of those who have continued to work for our goal, and for all of the veterans who gave their stories for the book, Reveille in Hot Springs, I send my very best wishes and gratitude. The road to victory lies before all of you and all of the veterans still to come.
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