We live in a neighborhood with over 100 houses on the 1 mile long road and again Halloween was a bust. We had a total of four children -- needless to say those four kids scored!
It makes me wonder if parents just don't trust people anymore, or if Halloween is a thing of the past. I'm quite visible in my neighborhood. I'm always outside with my kids, walking around the neighborhood or chatting with neighbors. Yet, again a total of four trick or treaters. It's a shame that that little aspect of childhood seems to be a thing of the past.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Nano Writes
To those who signed up - it starts tomorrow. Good luck to all, may you all prosper with your writing!
I've toyed with my outline. Then changed the entire story to something else last minute and now I'm in a new mind set. So I'm curious to see if I can complete it in the month's time!
I've toyed with my outline. Then changed the entire story to something else last minute and now I'm in a new mind set. So I'm curious to see if I can complete it in the month's time!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The joy of snow...
I watched a little girl sit out in the snow/rain mix this morning and have this absolutely wonderful time making "slush" angels (she kept calling them snow angels, but it really was more slush than snow), snow/slush men, creating Heffalump tracks, and just in general she was having more fun than I've seen any child have in a long time. She came in with the adorable rosy red cheeks that kids get after they've been playing in the cold. Her exposed hair was dripping wet... and all I could think the whole time was how much I loathe snow. Snow means cold, damp, and generally miserable conditions.
So it makes me wonder, I used to be that rosy cheeked kid playing in the snow - trying to stand up in my sled and make it all the way down the hill without falling flat on my behind. (Snowboards... there's something I should have invented since that's what we were really doing...)
My son hates snow now, he's like his mom and snow means cold- but I remember his wanting to be out in it all rosy cheeked. My daughter still loves snow and was up eating breakfast at 4:45 this morning hoping that they'd have a snow day so that she could stay home and play in it. No such luck, though I've heard the high schoolers are out early because the power went out. But I wonder if everyone loses the magic of a first snowfall or if it is just those of us who have lived a lifetime of cold winters and never-long-enough summers?
So it makes me wonder, I used to be that rosy cheeked kid playing in the snow - trying to stand up in my sled and make it all the way down the hill without falling flat on my behind. (Snowboards... there's something I should have invented since that's what we were really doing...)
My son hates snow now, he's like his mom and snow means cold- but I remember his wanting to be out in it all rosy cheeked. My daughter still loves snow and was up eating breakfast at 4:45 this morning hoping that they'd have a snow day so that she could stay home and play in it. No such luck, though I've heard the high schoolers are out early because the power went out. But I wonder if everyone loses the magic of a first snowfall or if it is just those of us who have lived a lifetime of cold winters and never-long-enough summers?
Monday, October 24, 2005
Snow???
So every year I have this one goal, this year I am sticking to it more than ever. My goal is to not turn my furnace on until at least November 1st. So at this point, I have one more week. With the price of propane at all-time highs, I really want to hold out as long as possible!!
So the weatherman today announces that because of Hurricane Wilma, we are about to get nailed with the remnants of this storm forming a "snowicane." His phrase - not mine. I'm not very happy. Snow to me means cold temperatures and I'm just not ready for either. I realize some of you never see snow, but I've had my fill of it. Snow means drivers "forget" how to drive and they attempt to drive the speed limit while snow builds up. Vermonters can be great snowy road drivers, but the more people that move from non-snowy states, the crazier winter driving becomes. Especially when more and more SUVs are on the roads and some people have this tendency to think that 4wd makes you invincible in the snow - trust me it's NOT true.
I've heard that the Farmer's Almanac says we are in for one of the snowiest winters in a long time, but I really, really am not looking forward to it at all. I'd like to hope they are all wrong! However, if they are, I have this plea to those driving on Vermont roads this winter. Road conditions can change in a heartbeat around here, so if it's snowing - slow down, allow extra time to get to your destination, and remember you are NOT the only one on the road. You have to be twice as alert as usual.
So the weatherman today announces that because of Hurricane Wilma, we are about to get nailed with the remnants of this storm forming a "snowicane." His phrase - not mine. I'm not very happy. Snow to me means cold temperatures and I'm just not ready for either. I realize some of you never see snow, but I've had my fill of it. Snow means drivers "forget" how to drive and they attempt to drive the speed limit while snow builds up. Vermonters can be great snowy road drivers, but the more people that move from non-snowy states, the crazier winter driving becomes. Especially when more and more SUVs are on the roads and some people have this tendency to think that 4wd makes you invincible in the snow - trust me it's NOT true.
I've heard that the Farmer's Almanac says we are in for one of the snowiest winters in a long time, but I really, really am not looking forward to it at all. I'd like to hope they are all wrong! However, if they are, I have this plea to those driving on Vermont roads this winter. Road conditions can change in a heartbeat around here, so if it's snowing - slow down, allow extra time to get to your destination, and remember you are NOT the only one on the road. You have to be twice as alert as usual.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
A little more serious a topic
As most know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Friday was National Mammography Day.
I've lost two friends to breast cancer. My hairdresser and then this spring my mom's close friend/next-door neighbor growing up--she was like our second mom growing up, and we knew if mom wasn't catching our misdeeds, that Sarah would. It's still shocking to think that they are gone, even more so for their families.
Please, if you can, donate to this very worthy cause. Make sure you have a breast exam yearly and mammogram if you are in the right age group. I also want to mention that Hansen's Organic Sodas have red tabs on their cans. Mail these tabs in - for every tab they receive, they will donate 10 cents to Breast Cancer research.
I've lost two friends to breast cancer. My hairdresser and then this spring my mom's close friend/next-door neighbor growing up--she was like our second mom growing up, and we knew if mom wasn't catching our misdeeds, that Sarah would. It's still shocking to think that they are gone, even more so for their families.
Please, if you can, donate to this very worthy cause. Make sure you have a breast exam yearly and mammogram if you are in the right age group. I also want to mention that Hansen's Organic Sodas have red tabs on their cans. Mail these tabs in - for every tab they receive, they will donate 10 cents to Breast Cancer research.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Lost -- Another one's gonna bite the dust!
So I am thoroughly addicted to the ABC show LOST. I've never missed an episode and love the mystery behind the island. With all the twists that are thrown at you, it's impossible to know what's going to happen next.
So anyway, there is another cast member leaving the show in three weeks. I read a rumor that Shannon is going to be the one to go next, and personally that kind of makes sense given the fact that she's barely been featured this season. But I've also read interviews with the actress who plays Shannon that she's not the one. So who do you believe? Anyone else have guesses about who is next to go?
So anyway, there is another cast member leaving the show in three weeks. I read a rumor that Shannon is going to be the one to go next, and personally that kind of makes sense given the fact that she's barely been featured this season. But I've also read interviews with the actress who plays Shannon that she's not the one. So who do you believe? Anyone else have guesses about who is next to go?
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Company Policies
I ran into a situation today that ticks me off. I can understand the policy, especially when a number of my husband's co-workers push personal calls to extremes. But in this case, I think some modification needs to be made.
I rarely call my husband at work. Years ago, I'd called him because I was having a rough day (I used to have panic attacks daily) and I needed to hear his voice. The secretary who answered rudely hung up on me and told me never to call again with trivial matters, so I turned to my former sister-in-law to help me through the rough spots instead. Now I'll only call him if it's pretty important.
So today, I really needed him to pick up something at the store before he heads home. I called his work and the receptionist tells me they have a new policy this month - no personal calls at all unless it is a matter of life or death. So, I asked if she could take a message then and she refused. Said I could tell him myself when he gets home.
Where my husband works, cell phone reception is a major issue - they are right behind the National Guard base and near the airport so cell phone service is limited at best unless they are outside. So now, I have no way of texting him a message or getting a call through until he is in his car, and even then he barely knows how text messaging works and he won't answer a call when he's driving. So this means the milk I needed is now something I'll have to go out and drive 10 miles to get myself - when it could have been a quick stop on his way home.
I do understand that some of my husband's co-workers have abused the phone call privilege. However, if they kept track of who is getting the calls, they'd see that the last time I called my husband was back in the spring when I'd taken the kids to a friend's house for dinner. It's not like I call him three times a day like these other guys he works with. And even at that, if I can't personally speak to him, that's okay, but they should be able to get messages to their workers. Outright refusal is a little too big-brotherish for me.
I rarely call my husband at work. Years ago, I'd called him because I was having a rough day (I used to have panic attacks daily) and I needed to hear his voice. The secretary who answered rudely hung up on me and told me never to call again with trivial matters, so I turned to my former sister-in-law to help me through the rough spots instead. Now I'll only call him if it's pretty important.
So today, I really needed him to pick up something at the store before he heads home. I called his work and the receptionist tells me they have a new policy this month - no personal calls at all unless it is a matter of life or death. So, I asked if she could take a message then and she refused. Said I could tell him myself when he gets home.
Where my husband works, cell phone reception is a major issue - they are right behind the National Guard base and near the airport so cell phone service is limited at best unless they are outside. So now, I have no way of texting him a message or getting a call through until he is in his car, and even then he barely knows how text messaging works and he won't answer a call when he's driving. So this means the milk I needed is now something I'll have to go out and drive 10 miles to get myself - when it could have been a quick stop on his way home.
I do understand that some of my husband's co-workers have abused the phone call privilege. However, if they kept track of who is getting the calls, they'd see that the last time I called my husband was back in the spring when I'd taken the kids to a friend's house for dinner. It's not like I call him three times a day like these other guys he works with. And even at that, if I can't personally speak to him, that's okay, but they should be able to get messages to their workers. Outright refusal is a little too big-brotherish for me.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Rainy Days
It has done nothing but rain here. So I've been going on this mad cleaning kick. Just how messy does a kid's bedroom have to be before you cave in and do it yourself? My daughter's room was horrendous. Her rats are sweet, gentle, but wickedly messy creatures. So there was litter under her bed and I was throwing a fit at the number of socks hiding under her bed. It's no wonder she ran out of them!!!
So now her room is immaculate, and I'm wondering just how long it will last. My son is messy, but he doesn't compare next to her!
So now her room is immaculate, and I'm wondering just how long it will last. My son is messy, but he doesn't compare next to her!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
My 2nd Post today---
It's making up for the one I'll most likely miss tomorrow as it is a school day here, so I'll have kids around.
One of the reviewers here (Deb) sent me a link to a November challenge that I'm going to do. http://www.nanowrimo.org/ You have one month to write a 50,000 word novel. Now I figure that's about 1700 words per day. That sounds manageable, but then when I add in everything else in my schedule, it's going to take some planning. However, I really want to prove to myself that I can do it! So I accepted this challenge yesterday and can't wait to get started!
Who else is up for the challenge?
One of the reviewers here (Deb) sent me a link to a November challenge that I'm going to do. http://www.nanowrimo.org/ You have one month to write a 50,000 word novel. Now I figure that's about 1700 words per day. That sounds manageable, but then when I add in everything else in my schedule, it's going to take some planning. However, I really want to prove to myself that I can do it! So I accepted this challenge yesterday and can't wait to get started!
Who else is up for the challenge?
Wallace & Grommit
Due to the rainy, suddenly much cooler, weather, my husband and I decided to go catch the matinee for Wallace & Grommit. I know the movie is rated G, so I expected plenty of other families to be there. What surprised me was the parents of kids no more than two years old who felt their child was ready for the movies. The little girl in front of us was about two years old and she was potty trained supposedly, but she ended up wetting her pants and crying uncontrollably because daddy got very upset. My feelings are that he NEVER should have brought her in the first place. There were other children who were screaming/crying because in essence the new W&G movie is a little scary. Someone called it "a horror movie for vegetarians" that's kind of accurate.
First, the movie should have a PG rating in my opinion. There are sexual innuendos, funny to older kids and adults, but lost to little ones. (At one point Helena Bonham Carter's character is stood behind a pair of canteloupes and she asks Wallace if he'd like to touch her melons. Another scene has a naked Wallace covering himself with a box that says "Nuts may be inside.")
This movie does contain typical Wallace & Grommit humor - everyone should expect it - so parents who were upset with the semi-violent scenes (a were-rabbit biting and "killing" veggies, shooting/airplane fight with Grommit) and such should have expected it. Wallace and Grommit are British and British humor is included. If you are unfamiliar with the characters, perhaps you should check them out a little more first before bringing your 2 - 4 year olds.
I liked the movie. Still isn't better than The Wrong Trousers, I don't think, but it is enjoyable.
First, the movie should have a PG rating in my opinion. There are sexual innuendos, funny to older kids and adults, but lost to little ones. (At one point Helena Bonham Carter's character is stood behind a pair of canteloupes and she asks Wallace if he'd like to touch her melons. Another scene has a naked Wallace covering himself with a box that says "Nuts may be inside.")
This movie does contain typical Wallace & Grommit humor - everyone should expect it - so parents who were upset with the semi-violent scenes (a were-rabbit biting and "killing" veggies, shooting/airplane fight with Grommit) and such should have expected it. Wallace and Grommit are British and British humor is included. If you are unfamiliar with the characters, perhaps you should check them out a little more first before bringing your 2 - 4 year olds.
I liked the movie. Still isn't better than The Wrong Trousers, I don't think, but it is enjoyable.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Book Banning
I read a book today that was okay, but I have this issue now because I was reading the author's bio and read that he successfully led a book banning campaign against his local library. See I have this thing with book banning - FREEDOM of speech... If you don't like the book's topic, then don't read it. The fact that there are people out there who deem themselves a God of sorts and that they MUST remove books they find offensive for the general population really bothers me. If you don't like it - don't watch it, read it, listen to it. I'm sure those same people have some food they can't stomach - be it brussels sprouts, spinach... Can you imagine their response if you forced your way into their home and forced them to eat that intolerable food???
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Taxes
It's time for us to pay our property taxes again... I dread this upcoming event - handing over $2300 in property & school taxes seems insane to me for the size of our house and school system.
Anyway, this led a few of us into a conversation recently on taxes. So I am posing my questions to everyone out there to see if anyone knows the answers.
1. Why do you have to declare your state tax refund (refunded money because you OVERPAID your taxes in the first place) to the IRS? Isn't that double taxation? Isn't that partly why we rebelled against the English centuries ago?
2. I just bought my new car last fall for $17000, but I talked them down to $12,000 because it was Fall and they wanted the 2004 models off the lot. So then I paid sales tax on the entire $17000. My question is since I've now paid sales tax on that car, why will the state make anyone who buys it in the future pay sales tax on it again? Again, the whole double taxation comes to mind. In Vermont, if you buy a used car, you must pay sales tax on it when you register and sales tax is based on the Blue book value of the car, not what you paid for it. So if you buy a car for $3000 used and the book value is $5000, kiss 6% of the $5000 value goodbye. Now if you paid $6000 for the car valued at $5000, the state will take the tax based on that $6000 value.
Anyway, this led a few of us into a conversation recently on taxes. So I am posing my questions to everyone out there to see if anyone knows the answers.
1. Why do you have to declare your state tax refund (refunded money because you OVERPAID your taxes in the first place) to the IRS? Isn't that double taxation? Isn't that partly why we rebelled against the English centuries ago?
2. I just bought my new car last fall for $17000, but I talked them down to $12,000 because it was Fall and they wanted the 2004 models off the lot. So then I paid sales tax on the entire $17000. My question is since I've now paid sales tax on that car, why will the state make anyone who buys it in the future pay sales tax on it again? Again, the whole double taxation comes to mind. In Vermont, if you buy a used car, you must pay sales tax on it when you register and sales tax is based on the Blue book value of the car, not what you paid for it. So if you buy a car for $3000 used and the book value is $5000, kiss 6% of the $5000 value goodbye. Now if you paid $6000 for the car valued at $5000, the state will take the tax based on that $6000 value.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
LOST addiction
I am totally hooked on the show - LOST. So last night, I arranged everything to make sure I was home in time. Now I've seen it and so many questions pop up. I'm beginning to think this show is all about careful planning - not fate. It has to be planned that Jack would end up facing a man from his past on this very island... And I would swear that his father has something to do with it all.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Movies anyone
Okay, it's time for the movie industry to explain something to me!! Because Ophelia felt like dumping some rain on Vermont this weekend, my husband and I decided the movies sounded good on Friday night. We had some free passes to use up, so we headed for the theater. Now WHY was the only PG movie showing playing a 1:00pm showing when kids were at school?
Thankfully our children are older - 9 and 12, so I felt okay with the movie we all ended up choosing. Though the fact that my children wanted to see a romantic comedy still stuns me - we went to Reese Witherspoon's JUST LIKE HEAVEN. Really the only issue was seeing an old man's behind in an Emergency room which is pretty accurate of what you can see in an ER, so that doesn't bother me.
I am bothered by the fact that the only movie at this theater that was under a PG13 rating was one we didn't want to see. Hollywood needs to look at the movies they are releasing and realize that there are kids out there who do go to the movies. More PG or G options would be nice, and I think it might get more people in the theaters. Had my kids not been interested in JUST LIKE HEAVEN, we would have skipped the movies completely.
Thankfully our children are older - 9 and 12, so I felt okay with the movie we all ended up choosing. Though the fact that my children wanted to see a romantic comedy still stuns me - we went to Reese Witherspoon's JUST LIKE HEAVEN. Really the only issue was seeing an old man's behind in an Emergency room which is pretty accurate of what you can see in an ER, so that doesn't bother me.
I am bothered by the fact that the only movie at this theater that was under a PG13 rating was one we didn't want to see. Hollywood needs to look at the movies they are releasing and realize that there are kids out there who do go to the movies. More PG or G options would be nice, and I think it might get more people in the theaters. Had my kids not been interested in JUST LIKE HEAVEN, we would have skipped the movies completely.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Will it work?
I have been waiting for the show, BONES, to premiere and finally last night it did. I am just not sure I really like it.
I think my problem lies with the fact that Hollywood really changed Kathy Reich's character. I can see creating a whole new character with a new name, go ahead and keep the career the same, but I think taking a long-time fictional character - making her younger, more athletic, and changing her location is just maddening. The Temperence from the show isn't like the one from the novel. She kicks butt, she's young, no daughter involved, she is based in the D.C area instead of Montreal. In reality, she is a new character with the same name. To me that's wrong, it wasn't what I was expecting.
I think the show has promise, more so with those that haven't read every Kathy Reichs book. For the long time fans, this new Temperence is going to be hard to get used to and if you manage to adapt, the books will then feel wrong.
I think my problem lies with the fact that Hollywood really changed Kathy Reich's character. I can see creating a whole new character with a new name, go ahead and keep the career the same, but I think taking a long-time fictional character - making her younger, more athletic, and changing her location is just maddening. The Temperence from the show isn't like the one from the novel. She kicks butt, she's young, no daughter involved, she is based in the D.C area instead of Montreal. In reality, she is a new character with the same name. To me that's wrong, it wasn't what I was expecting.
I think the show has promise, more so with those that haven't read every Kathy Reichs book. For the long time fans, this new Temperence is going to be hard to get used to and if you manage to adapt, the books will then feel wrong.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Posts with links
Twice now I've had posts with links on them. While I normally would allow such behavior, these two "links" have contained Trojan viruses that were caught and quarantined. I am deleting and banning all who post virus ridden links.
Red Sox
I grew up in a household where the Red Sox were the team to root for. I still remember in 1986 they made the World Series and for five days our geometry teacher brought in coffee and donuts for all --until Game 6 and then class changed!
I ended up marrying a Red Sox fan. The game was on in the background while I gave birth to my daughter, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
So this weekend, my husband discovered Bronson Arroyo's new CD. For those unfamilar with Bronson, he is the Red Sox pitcher who wore dreadlocks all last year. Now his hair is back to normal and I still say it looks weirder now than it did then. Anyway, the CD turned out to be quite a surprise. I'm still not sure he'd have gotten a recording contract had he not already been a sports star, but more power to him for realizing his dream!
I ended up marrying a Red Sox fan. The game was on in the background while I gave birth to my daughter, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
So this weekend, my husband discovered Bronson Arroyo's new CD. For those unfamilar with Bronson, he is the Red Sox pitcher who wore dreadlocks all last year. Now his hair is back to normal and I still say it looks weirder now than it did then. Anyway, the CD turned out to be quite a surprise. I'm still not sure he'd have gotten a recording contract had he not already been a sports star, but more power to him for realizing his dream!
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Gas Prices, Part 3???
So I was just reading a story on gas prices and how they've reached this all-time high--
By JEREMIAH MARQUEZ, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 18 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - Damage to Gulf Coast refineries and pipelines by Hurricane Katrina pushed retail gas prices to historic highs in the past two weeks, with self-serve regular averaging more than $3 a gallon for the first time ever, according to a nationwide survey released Sunday.
The weighted average price for all three grades surged more than 38 cents to nearly $3.04 a gallon between Aug. 26 and Sept. 9, said Trilby Lundberg, who publishes the semimonthly Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations around the country.
Self-serve regular averaged $3.01 a gallon nationwide, according to the survey. Midgrade was pegged at about $3.11, while premium-grade was at nearly $3.21.
So what I want to know is where are they getting these prices from????? The LOWEST I've found around here is $3.19 a gallon and that's effective only today after prices dropped. Last Tuesday when I tried to gas up, the cheapest was $3.49 a gallon in this area. I had to drive 30 miles to get a price of $3.39 a gallon. All these prices are regular - I won't even go there for the super and premium because no one can afford them!!!!
I would be thrilled at this point to have $3.01. Someone tell Vermont that their prices are screwy - and as we were in NY yesterday and prices were about 20 cents higher over there - someone needs to tell NY that they have their prices jacked up too high as well!!
I have two roads to go with - either there is some serious price goudging going on in this area, or the Associated Press needs to do their homework a little more thoroughly.
By JEREMIAH MARQUEZ, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 18 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - Damage to Gulf Coast refineries and pipelines by Hurricane Katrina pushed retail gas prices to historic highs in the past two weeks, with self-serve regular averaging more than $3 a gallon for the first time ever, according to a nationwide survey released Sunday.
The weighted average price for all three grades surged more than 38 cents to nearly $3.04 a gallon between Aug. 26 and Sept. 9, said Trilby Lundberg, who publishes the semimonthly Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations around the country.
Self-serve regular averaged $3.01 a gallon nationwide, according to the survey. Midgrade was pegged at about $3.11, while premium-grade was at nearly $3.21.
So what I want to know is where are they getting these prices from????? The LOWEST I've found around here is $3.19 a gallon and that's effective only today after prices dropped. Last Tuesday when I tried to gas up, the cheapest was $3.49 a gallon in this area. I had to drive 30 miles to get a price of $3.39 a gallon. All these prices are regular - I won't even go there for the super and premium because no one can afford them!!!!
I would be thrilled at this point to have $3.01. Someone tell Vermont that their prices are screwy - and as we were in NY yesterday and prices were about 20 cents higher over there - someone needs to tell NY that they have their prices jacked up too high as well!!
I have two roads to go with - either there is some serious price goudging going on in this area, or the Associated Press needs to do their homework a little more thoroughly.
Demise of a city...
Growing up, I used to LOVE taking trips over the lake to Plattsburgh over in New York. The city had a military base and two malls which made it a treat in my teen years--the change of pace was refreshing, and taking the ferry it really wasn't a long trip at all - especially for a car load of teens.
It has been four years since my last trip to Plattsburgh. After the base shut down, the town started faltering. One mall closed down and the other seems to struggle. The weather was gorgeous yesterday, so my husband and I thought the kids might enjoy a trip on the ferry. I'm saddened to see that nothing has improved over there. I'll say I did enjoy the Super Walmart. Vermont keeps shooting one down here, but I've never seen a 10 lb bag of potatoes for under $2 in any of my local grocery stores.
What bothers me is that lack of change. Hooters shut down years ago, and the mall still has failed to bring in a new restaurant in the mall. The food court has lost three eateries since our last visit. Ames still sits empty. It's almost as if everyone has given up on even trying -- though I know the current mayor is struggling to revitalize the city. I'd like to think something will change, but after four years and still no improvement, I'm doubting it will happen.
When Ames shut down in Vermont - Kohls was quick to snatch up the space. In St. Albans - Ames turned into a TJ Maxx and the more useless Peebles. Those spaces filled rather quickly. I'd have thought the same would happen just over the lake, but it hasn't.
I hope years from now that I return to Plattsburgh and find major improvements, but some how I just don't see it happening...
It has been four years since my last trip to Plattsburgh. After the base shut down, the town started faltering. One mall closed down and the other seems to struggle. The weather was gorgeous yesterday, so my husband and I thought the kids might enjoy a trip on the ferry. I'm saddened to see that nothing has improved over there. I'll say I did enjoy the Super Walmart. Vermont keeps shooting one down here, but I've never seen a 10 lb bag of potatoes for under $2 in any of my local grocery stores.
What bothers me is that lack of change. Hooters shut down years ago, and the mall still has failed to bring in a new restaurant in the mall. The food court has lost three eateries since our last visit. Ames still sits empty. It's almost as if everyone has given up on even trying -- though I know the current mayor is struggling to revitalize the city. I'd like to think something will change, but after four years and still no improvement, I'm doubting it will happen.
When Ames shut down in Vermont - Kohls was quick to snatch up the space. In St. Albans - Ames turned into a TJ Maxx and the more useless Peebles. Those spaces filled rather quickly. I'd have thought the same would happen just over the lake, but it hasn't.
I hope years from now that I return to Plattsburgh and find major improvements, but some how I just don't see it happening...
Friday, September 09, 2005
The HUMANE???? Society
I guess my faith in mankind has been shattered partially today. As I'd stated in a post a few days ago, we found ourselves in the possession of a stray cat last Saturday morning. She's a good cat, but she HATES, and will attack to kill, other cats and dogs. So my own cats are not thriving, nor is my dog. All three have taken to hiding under beds in an effort to avoid the new cat. Despite shelling out $200 to pay for the stray's vet care, my husband and I decided she'd be happier in a home without other animals. It has to be more humane than our keeping her in a dog kennel all night - she yowls like crazy and it's been three nights since I've slept.
So today, we took her to the "Humane" Society who told us flat out that since we were from a town that didn't pay their "membership" fee, they refuse to take in an animal. It didn't matter that I just spent $200 on vaccinations, meds, etc. They told us to leave with the cat and not to bother coming back because they won't take her and that our local animal control officer only deals with dogs, so he refused to take her as well. At this point, I was ticked off. I understand the Humane Society's issue. However, since I walked in with meds, proof of vaccines, vet records from our visit, food and a cat crate, all they really needed to do is supply her with water and care until she is adopted out. Instead, the person agreed that our options are to continue caring for her or stop feeding her and hope she goes away. This cat was down to 6.5 pounds and not in good health, I'm furious that the humane society's stance is that I just should have let her starve to death. That's absurd and not very HUMANE.
After talking to our vet, he said our best option is to try to give her away through the local paper - but that odds are we will not get any takers. The only other option is to keep her outside year round and hope she can take a Vermont winter. At this point, I'm almost thinking it's more humane then to have her put to sleep. 40 degree below windchills are not anything I would force an animal to try to survive.
So today, we took her to the "Humane" Society who told us flat out that since we were from a town that didn't pay their "membership" fee, they refuse to take in an animal. It didn't matter that I just spent $200 on vaccinations, meds, etc. They told us to leave with the cat and not to bother coming back because they won't take her and that our local animal control officer only deals with dogs, so he refused to take her as well. At this point, I was ticked off. I understand the Humane Society's issue. However, since I walked in with meds, proof of vaccines, vet records from our visit, food and a cat crate, all they really needed to do is supply her with water and care until she is adopted out. Instead, the person agreed that our options are to continue caring for her or stop feeding her and hope she goes away. This cat was down to 6.5 pounds and not in good health, I'm furious that the humane society's stance is that I just should have let her starve to death. That's absurd and not very HUMANE.
After talking to our vet, he said our best option is to try to give her away through the local paper - but that odds are we will not get any takers. The only other option is to keep her outside year round and hope she can take a Vermont winter. At this point, I'm almost thinking it's more humane then to have her put to sleep. 40 degree below windchills are not anything I would force an animal to try to survive.
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