My "Strongly Worded Letter" to Bank of America

My "Strongly Worded Letter" to Bank of America:

'via Blog this'

This letter applies not only to Bank of America but Wells Fargo and the worst offender of all J.P. Morgan Chase.

These greedy corporate sluts have ruined more lives than we will ever know. They are kicking people out of their homes, Chase thinks nothing of violating Federal law and foreclosing on homes owned by military personnel who are in the heat of battle protecting the freedom of us all.

If WE don't take a stand, shout loudly and just in general throw a fit these money grubbing, scum of the earth financial institutions will continue on with their ruthless ways.

Please share this link with everyone you know.

Bring Back Table Manners... PLEASE

It is just hubby and I at home now and we enjoy a meal out a couple of times a week, I use the word 'enjoy'  very loosely. Table manners have become so horrible that if my eyes stray from looking across the table at hubby or down at my plate .... I gag. I am so grossed out by what I see around me that it ruins not only my appetite but the entire dining out experience.

Being from the South we were taught manners from the moment we came into this world. Things like yes m'am, no sir, please, thank you and how to sit at the kitchen table and consume a meal in a pleasing way were part of our everyday life. I drove my parents and my brother crazy because I was like the table manners police; 'mom he's smacking his food', 'mom stuff is falling out of his mouth', he is talking with food in his mouth' etc. and on and on.

Due to my daddy's business we traveled and lived all over the world. We dined with dignitaries, were invited to dinner parties and mom did her fair share of entertaining so good manners were EXPECTED of my brother and me.

My girls were also taught how to sit at a table and eat a meal, how to cut the meat on their plates, the yes m'am no sir was difficult to maintain because it is not the norm here in Kansas.

Eggies.... Are They Really Worth the Trouble

I am a nut for all these infomercial things but can usually resist the urge to purchase all this crazy stuff. The Eggies kinda got me, they sucked me in, boiling eggs with these plastic cups is going to make my life easier. I did not buy mine online or through calling the 800 number I went to a large chain drug store and got a box of 6.

• each Eggie has 4 plastic parts (they don't tell you this in the infomercial), it took me 5 minutes to get them put together
• you MUST coat the inside or each Eggie with oil
• as with most plastic items all of the pieces that are supposed to thread together.... don't
• it is harder than hell to get a slimy cracked egg to go in to the little hole in the top of the Eggie
• it took my Eggies 17 minutes to cook
• they then have to cool for 10 mins. before you can take the little lid off -  quote from instruction page "Eggies will produce steam when boiled take caution when opening"
• 3 of my Eggies had water in them so I had to strain the water out
• only 2 of my Eggies popped right out of the little cup, I had to use a knife to cut them loose from the plastic cup
• I have a horrible after taste in my mouth after eating one of my boiled eggs

We Have a Responsibility As Adults to Protect

Our children are, or should be, our most precious gift. With all the hoopla over Casey Anthony and the murder (sorry I don't agree with the jury of her peers) of her daughter this epidemic needs to be brought to light, discussed and acted upon.

• Almost five children die every day as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4.

If you paid any attention to the trial of Casey Anthony you heard how dysfunctional the entire family is. True or not? As the mother of a daughter in her early 20's I know that it is often not smooth sailing, we both have strong personalities and I don't currently approve of her choice in boyfriend. So we have our share of discord but thank goodness there is not a child involved because if there was this too would be a dysfunctional home.

• It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.

There were problems in the Anthony home, concerning Caylee, that were detected by friends and family but went totally unreported. I feel pretty certain that Mrs. Anthony did not approve of Casey's lifestyle and was the primary caregiver for Caylee. There was a falling out between mom and daughter, Casey took off with Caylee and we all know the end result.

Casey Anthony Walks, What Is This World Coming To

The American 'Justice' system is badly broken. Someone has killed a child and no one is convicted of it not even the last person to have the child. I personally think it was a lazy jury. How can you listen to over a month of testimony and make a decision in just a little over 10 hours?

These 12 people plus alternates were tired of listening to the testimony and hearing evidence. They were sequestered during all this time and missed their July 4th celebrations. They were being selfish and did not want to take the time to see that justice was done.

When you sit

Prayers Go Out To Joplin, Missouri - What Do You Need?

To all those affected by the horrendous tornado that tore through Joplin, Mo yesterday our thoughts and prayers are with you.

In the comments section you can post any needs that you have, family and friends have started gathering items and I will make a run to Joplin.

I will post when and where I will be with the requested items. We have quite a few items of clothing already.

Please let us know what you need and we will try our best to get it to you.

I have so many "issues" to comment on

I have a lot to say about several topics that have been bugs up my butt lately. I will give you a brief summary of topics I will address over the next couple of weeks.

1. Idiot vets; as in the kind that are animal doctors - You will not believe this story
2. Lack of manners among people especially in public - The ick factor
3. Liars
4. My amazing extended family and our recent family reunion in Louisiana

If you are ready for my screwed up views then these are must read topics.

Young Adult Children Should Come With an Instruction Book for Parents

I am one of those people who don't see the age of 21 as the magical age where a person becomes an adult. I guess legally yes, as a matter of fact according to most state laws they are adults at age 18. Granted some young adults of this age are prepared to venture out into the big world and live alone, earn a living, pay their own bills and make adult decisions but there are some who are too easily swayed by others to make these adult moves.

I love and adore my adult children. One is 32 and the other is 22, both female and amazing people. My oldest daughter was raised by me as a single parent, a young single parent age 18, she has always been very independent, has a lot of common sense and a survival instinct. My youngest daughter was born with my current husband, she is spoiled, never wanted for anything and just does not have that surviror blood she never needed to acquire it. My parents' live nearby and we have a lot of other family here which was not the case when my oldest was growing up.

What Has Happened to the Handshake Agreement?

Once upon a time people would seal important and unimportant deals with a simple handshake. Today a handshake is not enough (as I recently learned), 2 lawyers have taken the place of making a handshake deal in the vast majority of cases no matter the complexity of the deal.

It is rather sad really that the morals and ethics of our society are only making attorneys richer.

I do believe in karma so to the people who 4 months ago backed out on their portion of our handshake deal and continue to make my life miserable...... you had better watch your p's and q's cause karma is a bitch.

What is Wrong With People?????

What has happened to common human courtesy? I was born in Texas and spent most of my life there, it is home and it is also where I learned' Please, Thank You, Where Real Men held the door open for me, we said mam & sir (something I do to this day), if you saw someone in need such as a flat tire or broken down car you stopped to help (these days with laziness prevailing stopping and calling AAA would work).

When we lived in Singapore and Mexico City we had to be on our very best behavior. We were visitor's in these countries and my parent's did a lot of entertaining some of which involved having bigwigs over to the house or taking them out to dinner. My brother and I could not stab at our food, chew with out mouths open and we were taught the proper way to use a knife and fork to cut our food. We were invited to some pretty amazing places because we minded our manners and were courteous towards others. Mom and daddy would have left us at home if we weren't at the top of our game.

More Sicko's in Kansas, Westboro "Baptist" Church

This is what you see at many military funerals in the area. A group of 12 or fewer encased in yellow caution tape (so they don't get the shit beat out of them) protesting; let me repeat that.. these mindless, idiots are protesting military funerals. They are willfully and knowingly creating greater grief for families and friends during a time of unmentionable sorrow. They do this in the name of God, their sick, distorted view of God.

I lowered myself and went to their horrible website to get a quote on why they picket and protest military funerals and the below is their perverted rationale;

"WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS, FAG TROOPS, GOD BLEW UP THE TROOPS, GOD HATES AMERICA, AMERICA IS DOOMED, THE WORLD IS DOOMED, etc.

Perceiving the modern militant homosexual movement to pose a clear and present danger to the survival of America, exposing our nation to the wrath of God as in 1898 B.C. at Sodom and Gomorrah, WBC has conducted 43,023 such demonstrations since June, 1991, at homosexual parades and other events, including funerals of impenitent sodomites (like Matthew Shepard) and over 200 military funerals of troops whom God has killed in Iraq/Afghanistan in righteous judgment against an evil nation."

I Have Hit a Wall

This year has not started off all that well and it is finally catching up with me.

Jan. 13 my mom passed away suddenly. As if that were not a big enough kick in the teeth; my dream, my antique shop that I had open for only 1 1/2 yrs had to close due to the economy. Our last day of business was Feb. 20 and we had to be out of the bldg. by Feb. 25.

I was doing pretty well up until 2 days ago, doing some of the final close up shop work, getting consignor's and dealer's sales entered (21 sales books worth), cleaning up my home work space and looking forward to planting my garden this year. Then WHAM I can't get anything done all I want to do is sleep,

I cannot stay on task with anything and this damn house (garage, patio and backyard) filled with boxes is driving me crazy. I know that it is depression, I have endured 2 great losses in a little over a months time. I have lost the person I would go to with problems such as the closing of my shop, issues with my daughter, etc. Now hubby has got a bug up his butt and I don't know why frankly at this point I could care less as long as he leaves me alone.

That's really all I have to say about this. I will get through this but it will take some time.

It's about pocketbooks, not politics - KansasCity.com

It's about pocketbooks, not politics - KansasCity.com

I wish that I was getting mention in the ONE and only major newspaper in the KC metro area for any reason other than the one in this article.

I love Mike H. he does not beat around the bush ... or the Obama for that matter.

And a resounding NO to listening to what "Mr. Change" has to say tonight. He has nothing to say that I want to hear other than "I resign." Like his big head would let him do that, he hasn't finished destroying middle class America yet.

I am sorry but I am a little bitter that I am watching my dream, my AMERICAN DREAM, I am a fucking American, go down the crapper.

Despite the economy being crappy and effecting my business the apathetic attitude of the policy maker's in this city have done a great deal of harm to the Old Town area. I say this as a citizen of Old Town and as a business owner in the area. Apathy is what is running this country and apathy is what is killing this country.

I promise I will do everything in my power to bring the community back into the area. It is to late to save my business but maybe I can play a part in saving at least one small business in Old Town Lenexa.

Thanks Mike for another great article let's hope it makes at least one person think about "change" the next time they place their vote.

Merry Christmas.... Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas to all
Happy Holidays
Be kind
Be thankful
Tell those you love that you love them
Be healthy
Be happy
Take nothing for granted

From me to you.

Lenexa, Kansas HATES Their Small Businesses & Has Forgotten Its Roots

I have lived in Old Town Lenexa, Kansas for 23 yrs., I have seen the city officials attitude toward the Old Town area go from bad to worse. They are even building a multi-million $$ shopping center and have had the balls to call it the "new downtown."

It is as if our city officials aka mayor, city council, city admin and other policy makers want to forget the roots of this city and bulldoze the entire area. When all around us the other communities are embrassing their old downtown areas, they have created vibrant, busy, centers of their respective communities.... but not Lenexa.

Tonight was the "Lighting Ceremony" our Old Town businesses have been strung with lights and are all lit up and pretty. The lights on my shop are plugged into MY electrical outlet so I get to pay the bill. Most of the other shops are plugged into the street light outlets so they don't get an additional $50 tacked on to their December electric bill.

I would not complain about this if the lighting ceremony was held in the Old Town parking lot where it had been held for many years but last year (my first Christmas in business) the ceremony was moved across the RR tracks to the community center so that all the activities could be held indoors. The rational behind this is "because it is cold outside." No shit people it is Dec. in Kansas!!!! But no, the powers that be don't think that folks have the common sense to bring a jacket and stand in the cold for an hour, at the most.

They have a group of kids that dance..... can't their costumes include tights??? Can't their be a blow heater of some type put up on the stage to keep the dancer's warm? Give me a fucking break, these kids get out and play in the snow, walk to school in the cold, play in the cold, why can't they dance in the cold.

Last year I purchased snacks, hot chocolate and cider thinking that the event would be held in the parking lot and customer's would wander into the shop during the event. Boy was I ever surprised because of course the Old Town Merchant's were not informed of the decision to move the event across the tracks.

This year I didn't bother to do anything special and as I was preparing to close the store I had a small rush of customer's. These were people who had come to watch the lights get turned on but were watching from the parking lot to have a better view. I had a few sales and lot's of conversation with these Lenexa resident's who feel like I do about the whole lighting ceremony thing.

All of the businesses in this area are small independantly owned businesses who would benefit greatly from having a hundred or so warm bodies mingling in their immediate area.

The activities and events that Old Town Lenexa has lost since I have lived here are;

• 4th of July Community Days
• Farmer's Market
• Old Town Lighting Ceremony
• Car Show

The only event still in Old Town is;

• The Chili Challenge.... and they will probably pull that pretty soon

In this economy there are events and activities the city and parks and rec can still pull together and hold in Old Town with minimal cost. This would not only bring the community back together but would bring exposure and business to the small businesses in the area. Aiding small businesses boosts the tax base and we all win. The crime rate in our area has risen but studies show that when people, especially youth, feel connected to their community the crime rate goes down.

A group of citizens tried to pull a group together but it fizzled out after a couple of years. I would love to bring the Friends of Old Town (FOOT) back together but I am having to put all of my energy into keeping my business alive.

Old Town Lenexa is rich with history and is a beautiful area it is truly a shame that the city officials including parks and rec. do not see this or flat out don't give a rat's ass anymore.

Shame on you all..... shame on you.

Tiger Woods Is Buying His Wife.... Ummm isn't that called a prostitute....

I am feeling a little sorry for Tiger, I like Tiger Woods and I am not a golf fan.

Sure he messed up by fooling around with other women but we had a President do the same thing and as far as I know he and the Mrs. are still married.... a good, solid marriage can survive this type of indiscretion.

Now it is being said that Tiger is going to up the ante on the pre-nup, shorten the amount of time she has to stay with him and give her 5 mil or more to agree to stay with him. Does this now make her a prostitute? She is being paid, and very well I might add, for staying in her marriage plus a bonus when she divorces him in 2 yrs.

I would just kick her to the curb and say if we can't make this work you don't get the money honey. I will be by to get the kids this weekend.

What he did is not right or moral but what he is trying to do now is plain assinine.

I Have a Beef, So What Else is New....

What is it these days with women using the excuse of being pregnant when they don't want to do something? Since when did pregnancy become an illness or a condition that hampers day to day activity when in fact it a very normal and natural bodily function for women.

If you are getting proper prenatal care and taking care of your physical health, the pregnancy should not limit daily activity. Yes, you have aches and pains. Yes, you might get a little more tired than usual but this only occurs in the last couple of months of a full term pregnancy.

Which brings me to another point..... "but I am a single parent" oh my gosh if I hear that one more time I am going to barf. I was a single teenage parent and was single until my daughter was 8. I had her when I was 17.

Back in those days (late 1970's) you could not go to a public high school if you were pregnant, I was kicked out in my juinor year. The only thing I knew for sure when it was just my daughter and I was that we had to eat and have a place to live. I got a lousy job but I was able to take my baby and her playpen to work and avoid the cost of child care.

I eventually got tired of working for pennies and started at the local community college. I did get my GED and then my Assoc. of Applied Science. I now have a BS degree.

No I am not some heartless uncaring person. I have volunteered many years with a child support advocacy organization, I volunteer with an anti-bully org., I spent many years with a youth group as a volunteer, board member and every thing else you can thing of.

I just get very tired of hearing the excuse "I am a single mother so I can't ....." or I am a single mother that is why my child misbehaves so badly. Don't thing of your self as a single parent..... you are a parent.... you must put on many hats and work your butt to the bone but you are simply a single parent.

Okay I am off that soap box for a while.... whew......

My Daughter's Wedding Was Beautiful

My eldest daughter got married this past Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding and reception, with a sit down dinner for 100, all done for less than $3,000.

She and her now husband had family come in from all over the U.S., California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Washington State and I don't know where else. Her father's family was there in force including her step-mom (her father passed away 3 years ago and we have been divorced since 1978).

How is it possible to put on such a lavish affair for so little money? You call upon your good friends. She asked each of her best friends to cook 1 dish to feed 100 people, her neighbors smoked and BBQed several briskets, turkeys and lamb, of course family members brought a dish and I contributed fruit, cheese and cracker plates as appetizers on each table while we waited for the bride and groom to get to the reception. My neighbor made her stunning wedding cake and gave it to her as a wedding gift. A photographer friend of mine made me a deal I could not refuse on photos. She also had several friends taking photos therefore we have a wonderful selection of pictures of the big day.

I used my tax ID # to purchase all the flowers at wholesale prices and my sister-in-law and I made the bouquets, corsages, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Her dress was on sale for $30, regularly priced at $300. Members of the wedding party wore dresses they already owned in black, white or both.

They searched high and low for a reception hall and found one for $200 which included the tables, chairs, wine glasses, a kitchen, stage and DJ area. Music was a Bose stereo hooked up to an IPod with a wide selection of music. She knows a beer delivery guy and he got them 10 cases of beer.... free. The wine and champagne were all that had to be purchased as far as alcohol goes. The wedding was held in a local park in a beautiful area surrounded by big trees. My youngest daughter took on the task of creating an aisle of shepard's hooks, chiffon and rose petals.

Yes, it was a lot of work for all but the end result was a very expensive looking affair that cost very little. Everyone had an amazing time. I even had a friend of mine who is with a Flamenco dance group to come in and do a wonderful performance of their dance.... this was a huge hit with all.

It was a very memorable and wonderful day for all and one I don't think anyone will soon forget.

One down and one to go...... she will not be able to do her's on $3000.

Cash for Clunkers and We Go 2 TRILLION Deeper in Debt

All I have to say is that I plan on keeping my 1989 Cadillac De Ville with 60,000 original miles on it as long as it will run. The last time I went car shopping it took me 3 weeks to find a car that did not look like every other vehicle on the road and I refused to get an SUV due to the gas mileage and nuisance they are with their height and bulk.

My Caddy found me and it was love at first sight.

Another bust Obama, I guess your next big hit to our pocket books will be your dumbass, unthoughtout health care reform.

Kansas Snow In March

The interesting thing that one can say about Kansas, and not start an arguement or create disention is, you never know what the weather is going to do.

Last Saturday we got 9 inches of snow at my house... WHAT?!?! I slid on down and opened the antique shop and actually had one customer but about 4 pm. I packed it in and went home.

This time of year when the flowers start peeping their little heads through the leaf mulch, the trees are budding and the grass is greening up is my favorite time of year. I actually get Spring Fever. I cannot think or fully function, I want to be outside doing something even if it is just sitting in a chair doing nothing. Then 9 inches of snow and cold weather comes along and shoots it all to hell.

Maybe we will be back to Spring next week.