Coffee Break?

A bit unusual but hopefully someone may see this and a little dog will be returned to her rightful owner(s).  Monday evening, (May, 5th.) my partner was driving home from work on back roads between Milford and Long Neck.  As she drove Johnson Road (which takes her from Rte. 30 to Rte. 5) a small dog ran out into the roadway.  She stopped and as she opened the door to her vehicle the dog jumped in.  Thinking the dog may have run off from one of the few nearby homes, she drove to four/five of them making enquiries but none owned the dog nor were they familiar with where it might belong or to whom.  Naturally, she brought it home for the night.  WGMD and Cool 101 were very kind in announcing this little lost soul today but, so far, no responses.  Vets in the area have been alerted, Concord Pets in both Milford and Rehoboth Beach have signs/alerts for anyone making enquiries about a lost pup.  Last night I called Milton police station and today Georgetown SPCA but no-one appears to be looking for her.

The dog is a female Silkie.  Very sweet, obedient and she is wearing a collar but no I.D.  She is being well-cared for here until her owner(s) are found or until she is rehomed.  If this is your dog or you know to whom she may belong, please log in, leave a comment with description of dog, her collar and her name.  Thank you very much.   

UPDATE:  Little Girl has been reunited with her relieved owner this morning (Wednesday).  Many thanks to Cool 101.3, Lynn at Kent Co. SPCA/Animal Control and the manager of Concord Pets Supplies of Milford.

I don’t doubt that this will be an unpopular posting but I’m perplexed.  Last week we had a 12yr. old boy arrested and charged with the rape of a 4yr. old…a baby, more or less.  Rape is a heinous act, the worst manifestation of one weilding power over another and deserves the strongest prosecution and punishment when one is found to be guilty.

Two days ago, in Delaware again, the news broke of a Sussex Co. principal being arrested for the rape of a 17yr. old student.  This came about due to an anonymous tip.  I’m not privy to all the details…is anyone?…but according to print and radio reports, this principal’s conduct had been ongoing since January of this year and it had been consensual.  Yes…I agree that a 38yr. old man should know better, behave much more appropriately…not only (any grown man should) but particularly someone in his position  but I do have to ask…what of the 17yr. old?  The law deems this rape because of her minority but for a 17yr. old to continue to ”allow rape” for four months??  Yes, of course it can be argued that she did so from fear of any form of reprisal or punishment from her principal and….maybe I’m just too cynical.  The man and his behaviour are reprehensible, sick…choose your own adjective.  The girl a “victim”…is she?  Yes…but a victim of what, exactly?  Her principal?  Society?  Lifestyle?

Unless we are all wandering around with blinders on can’t we see how our youth get to such places in their lives?  So many children don’t get the opportunity to be children and haven’t done for a couple of decades….particularly our girls.  From early elementary age they are dressed as mini-Madonnas or Brittneys, sporting bare midriffs, some already wearing make-up.  By the time they get to middle school the make-up is prevalent, dress much beyond age appropriate and many allowed to date.  Girls losing their virginity in mid-teens, unwed mothers while still in high school.  Parents…especially Moms…excited or disappointed when their daughters do/don’t have dates for special school events;  Prom nights they, with their dates/boyfriends, allowed to stay out all night and the parental response to that is it’s part of growing up, a rite of passage.  Ocean City, MD is agog with ‘June Bugs’…no parental supervision (or very little). 

My personal feeling is that any grown man should…and needs to…be above the flirting and/or attractions of a schoolchild, a minor by law and there is something very wrong with one who isn’t.  But we, as parents, need to do better with the raising of our children.  Maybe I’m too harsh or expectations too high…probably am and are…but since when can a 17yr. old NOT understand that an intimate relationship is wrong and NOT ‘cool!’  When we have children we are supposedly committed to raising them to be responsible, independent, knowing-right-from-wrong adults.  At eighteen we send them off to college or to a job (hopefully) where they will already be expected to handle their further education or whatever an employer deems necessary…as an adult.  My God…at sixteen they are given driving licences and the use of the family car (or worse…their own vehicle), free to come and go when and wherever they like.  We don’t know what they are doing, often don’t know where they are going or have been, but we don’t seem to mind this because “they are old enough…they know what they are doing…”.  And the law doesn’t mind either until there’s an accident, underage drinking or someone calls rape.

This ‘child’, this minor may well be a victim but IMO she was a victim before she met her principal…of we who encourage such behaviour and think it “cute”, of society, fashion and parents who encourage teens to look, dress and behave like twenty-somethings (for what??) and of herself who, knowing this was a man old enough to be her father, was married, did not think for herself, did not immediately talk to a more responsible adult of either being pressured or just her own immature feelings in an inappropriate situation while this adult male took advantage of them.

There is certainly no excuse, whatsoever, for this principal but how much is there for the young woman involved?  And can we, should we, excuse her as a minor therefore ”not knowing any better”, a victim…while the 12yr. old boy awaiting  adjudication of his charges will be dealing with consequences of his actions before long.  All I’ve seen and heard is sympathy for the girl and fury at the boy.  Personally, I can’t see excusing either of them of wrong-doing but how and where would you make the distinction?  Bearing in mind that we DO have many great kids who choose not to indulge in any of those behaviours…choose not to.

I WISH!  Just got back from a trip down to the ‘fogotten mile’ around Rehoboth Beach.  It’s only April and the traffic horrendous.  Of course, I did forget that it is the Dog Walk in RB, today, which could explain the volume of traffice even on the back roads but couldn’t help thinking about the near or distant future…yet again.

Rt. 24 is a two lane road and, even with an uninformed eye, I can’t see how it could ever be made otherwise with so many communities built right to the highway.  Next Friday is the grand opening of a new supermarket.  Very soon afterwards, yet another will open about two blocks west.  Rumour has it that either an Olive Garden or Red Lobster (or both??) will be going in the same area.  New housing communities are going up left, right and center (or east, west and north).  Three large supermarkets in about a mile strip of road is a plethora of choices for much of this area as I see it.  Being between Milton and Rehoboth (and one of the markets being totally new to Delaware to begin with…aside from having opened one in Selbyville a few short months ago), those back roads are, themselves, going to be busy…never mind Rt. 24.  

We’ve lived in our community…south side of 24…for ten years.  Some few annual meetings ago several of our residents asked our HOA when, or even if, we would get a stop light in order to facilitate access to and from our homes.  We were told it was unlikely to ever happen.  A supermarket gets ready to open about as many yards from an intersection light and, voila…stop light is installed weeks ago.  Yet I don’t see it as being much help to communities such as ourselves.  Sure…as long as we want to go in an easterly direction it probably won’t be so difficult but to cross the highway and head westerly?  That’s been bad enough the last few years it can only get worse and I expect to see that beginning this summer.  Few residents of Sussex want to go near Rt.1 during the summer (and if you’ve ever had to, you know why!) so given that the popular supermarkets now have stores out this way…perfect.  They don’t have to attempt the Rt. 1 horrors…just create new ones on another road.  We felt when we chose to be about twelve miles from the beaches of Rehoboth, Lewes…and further from Dewey and Bethany…we were lucky.  Apparently we didn’t think far enough ahead.  We actually become prisoners during the summer…run to get everything and anything done during weekdays, if possible, because weekends are practically IMpossible between vying for parking, fighting traffic congestion, long lines everywhere one may wish to go.  Winter isn’t altogether too different…you have free access, no parking, no lines…but very little is open.  Such is life not necessarily in a resort…just even near one.

Yesterday we talked to a couple in the vet’s office.  They were in to get their cat’s shots updated, clean bill of health etc. in preparation for taking him ”back to Colorado”.  I’m of a mind to ask if I can go with…and I’ll happily get my shots, clean bill of health.    

That State OR Federal Govt. can do this to these mothers and children…children especially…is a disgrace.  Doesn’t matter what any of us think or believe about this sect, I thought everyone was innocent until proven guilty in this country?  And if that be so, why are those children under threat of being dispersed to homes, families of whom they have no knowledge.  The have lived in a sequestered community, limited contact with this world around them and before long may well be dumped into lives they know little to nothing about.  The last…or more recent I read…was that the person who got this ugly ball rolling was not who or what she said she was, it was little more than a hoax or perhaps vengeance of some sort…and on her word we bombarded a community, ripped families apart and sullied young lives.  Did they ever stop to think that even the State’s action certainly does not lend any possibility of those children ever wishing to join our so-called ‘normal’ society?

We watched the newscast of the ‘invasion’ of the FLDS community and the first thing to come to mind was Waco, Ruby Ridge.  You and I may not believe as such sects do…we may even be concerned that what we hear, what is reported, is true and disturbing but was there just cause for this behaviour on the part of any governing body without proof or anything resembling proof?  The men of the community apparently made an offer to leave the community, as long as the children were reunited with their mothers and until there is resolution.  Seems such an offer was never seen or heard so nothing further has been done.  Wouldn’t that be the compassionate action to take, not only on their behalf but the govt. Some of the male children have been sent to a ranch for ‘troubled boys’.  Seems to me, if they were not troubled before     going there, they will be when they are released or sent elsewhere.

How low have we stooped to treat people this way?  Now, today, I read that even the youngest children, little more than infants  some of them, will be removed from their mothers once DNA testing is complete.  Until now mothers and babies/toddlers have been allowed to be together but this will be short-lived.  And we all are supposed to trust our government??  When we allow forcible stripping of children from parents with nothing but allegations, false or otherwise,  or worse…a hoax…we all need to start worrying.  It may be something of which few of us approve today but, tomorrow, it could well be you…me…any one of us.  Travesty of justice can happen anywhere and, these days…in recent years…it’s happening all too often.  

HEAD’S UP, ANNIED!  IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY…. 

The lady’s turning fifty-eight

But you would never know it

(Kinda ticks me off, you see…

Her face just barely shows it!)

Yet her life’s been full of twists and turns

Joys and many sorrows

So I’ll take this opportunity to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOMORROW!!

Love you lots…and lots…and lots…

That would be Lower, Slower, Delaware and, more and more, appearing the nomenclature is deserved with the new first leg of a constituitional amendment prohibiting recognition of same-sex marriage, civil union, domestic partnerships or ’similar legal relationships’ between people of same gender.  When does Delaware get to advance to the 21st. century?

First, I AM in a domestic partnership of some years, neither of us interested or feel the need for marriage…personally, outmoded  and unnecessary.  I mean, despite all that gets said, despite George Parrish’s assurances of an “unforgettable ceremony”, marriage and a certificate to prove it, they no more keeps couples together these days than they have done for many decades.  Such a commitment is of the heart, not by pen, paper and a third party decreeing and having a couple vow ‘until death do us part’.  Forever, these days, is about as long as four-ten.  Not so much different than a criminal getting life and being out on parole after fifteen years.  Maybe marriage licences and laws should be drastically changed…perhaps something like driving licences?  Need to get a new one every five years and, that being so, no need for divorce…just take along your same partner (or different if you so choose) and renew, , even put your organ donation agreement on it so there is no confusion or dissension later between ex-wife/wives and current…and Bob’s your uncle.  All good to go for another five.  Hey, that makes just as much sense these days as anyone still believing marriage, as it used to be known, is sacrosanct.  And no…it’s not a sour grapes attitude because I was married for thirty-two years…no divorce, no seperations.  Of the industrialized world we in the US have the highest divorce rate…the highest…and, in more recent years, non-remarriage of divorcees has dropped, instead a preference for co-habitation.  That surely says a great deal more about marriage than civil union or domestic partnership.

Civil unions…what fault can be found with Civil Union?  Which, I might add, could also be extended to what once was known as ‘common-law” marriage between two people of opposite genders.  What good reason could we have, these days, for denying them some legalities, particularly when they have shared a home, finances, a life and often children for years?  Domestic Partnership…that pretty much covers it all best…works for same or opposite genders, affords legal as well as moral claims.  Moral claims, you ask?  Sure…because I’m wondering today…if no such relationship is to be legally recognised, how will that effect wills, estates left to a partner;  how will it affect hospital ‘rules’ of ’family visitation only’ or ‘next of kin’?  We are somewhat fortunate in this area as we/our partners are accepted as family and/or next of kin but could this, will it change when we move from the grey area of no specific rule or amendment to this particular clause….if it’s passed? 

Somebody tell me why a domestic partnership, a civil union, cannot or should not be legally recognised.  Forget the marriage…let heterosexuals truly interested in a life-long, certified commitment have marriage.  I don’t have a problem with that.  But why…logically and legally…what reason to deny so many others the peace of mind, happiness and security of having their partnership legal?  

“Town officials cite several reasons for the ban. Health concerns topped the list, with some officials adding that by clearing the air, more families will fill the sand…” as reported on the WGMD website following the council meeting which decided to ban smoking on beach and boardwalk. 

Excuse me?  Clearing the air…out in the open complete with sea breezes you need a BAN to “clear the air” so more families will fill the sand?  What, pray tell, might be imminent?  Banned in bars and restaurants…that would be to ‘clear the air’ so more people will fill them; ditto with public transport…fill those planes, trains and let’s not forget buses (no matter that better service all the way round would be much more conducive to filling them);  now it’s the beaches and boardwalks where there is no roof, no walls or doors keeping the non-smokers suffocating against their will.  There’s only one place left to go…the sidewalks, so more people will window shop and fill the stores.  And I’ll lay odds that day is coming….in the not-too-distant future.  With any luck that might leave us our own cars and homes but it’s ‘iffy’ when one considers places already attempting to enforce the car.  Not a stretch…for some time now cigarette lighters and ashtrays have been options when purchasing a vehicle.  And at a nice little price, too.  

I’ve decided it has nothing to do with discouraging smokers for their own sakes.  They must still want us to smoke or they’d ban the weed altogether…make it toughter, jack up taxes, more in the coffers of government.  As I see it, there’s maybe only one way to combat this, sort of playing ‘them” at their own game.  I should start a movement for all smokers to not only decide to quit…in fact, don’t quit.  A movement tohave a  ban enforced on all tobacco product from seedlings to the pack in our pockets.  No tobacco, no revenue.  Let’s see where that takes us…ALL of us.

Clear the beach air??  That’s rich.  

I was asked last night (following a news bite), if I had the opportunity to ask one important question of all three candidates, what would it be.  Right off the top of my head I had two…”Give me a definitive on when would you end this ‘war’ and bring those men and women home.” and/or “What will you do about healthcare being financially viable for everyone…from poorest to richest, oldest to youngest?”

I’ve been pondering that today and, for myself, I can only really see one real question to ask and be answered…..”For months now…and probably until November…each of you is banging on about ‘change’.  Change is needed, we have to have change, I can change things, elect me President and I will change things.” …and the war, healthcare, economy…has all come under that banner.  I want to know…with ALL this talk of change and how you want or will change things so needing change, so ready for change…just how are YOU going to effect those changes if Congress does not co-operate?”  See…no matter their rhetoric or even their good intentions, promises…false or otherwise…for all their talk of what they will do to change things, as I see it they can’t.  They can talk a good game, get people excited and hopeful, yet without the tacit approval it all means nothing….just empty bumph.   

Here we go again…Bethany Beach has banned smoking on the beach and now RB is pondering doing likewise.  You know, without intending to offend (and I’m not really sure why I worry about that since there are too many who don’t care about offending me and my ilk)…what a crock!  Restuarants, bars, buildings both public and work break rooms, cafeterias etc. have all had smoking bans enacted.  The question then was “Where do we smokers go?” and the answer is “Outside!”.  That means in all weathers and, surely, because in the open air dispersion of the dreaded haze is much quicker, more efficient.  So what the heck is the beach?  The boardwalk? 

What connotation or visual does the thought “resort” conjure up for just about anyone?  Okay…could be my interpretative skills are lacking but to me it’s pleasure, fun, relaxation, a day or a week…or simply a couple of hours of diversion from the hurly-burly of the work week and/or busy life.  And when we plan for time at a “resort” we take along those things that are totally enjoyable, the things that are pleasurable to us.  Beach attire, sometimes foods, always beverages, beach playthings, books…pretty much anything which denotes comfort, fun.  I agree that for many cigarettes don’t fall into that bailiwick…then again accompanying pets, unruly children, a beach ball landing four-square into the middle of picnic doesn’t do it for just as many, either.  We already have a ban on dogs on beach and boardwalk for half the year (with the exception, of course, on greyhound weekend).  Doesn’t matter that, for whatever reason this area is very well-populated with owners of other rescue pups…no exceptions made for them or any other beloved family pet.  No walking one’s dog one step beyond Dolles from now until November.  Frankly, I’m not a beach goer until the hordes are gone, all is quiet and the beach empty.  I don’t sunbathe, don’t swim, and especially don’t care for crowded areas anywhere, anytime so the solitude of the beach in winter really appeals to me.  To ME….and there is the key.  I’m not selfish, certainly do not deny anyone their comforts or pleasures or the right to voice an opinion but why can’t we leave it at that instead of demanding others to be mindful of ‘your’ comforts and pleasures, to cease and desist their own in favour of ‘yours’?  Because those who deem it necessary to believe they can ensure MY health by banning smoking everywhere ‘they’ go (and we all know that is not the real reason), when I choose a balmy, late summer evening to take my dog(s) to walk the beach I can’t;  on a raw, blustery, rain-soaked winter’s day I can walk them on a barren beach but, if this ordinance passes, dare not enjoy a cigarette while I do so.  Somehow I can’t see the city fathers considering making a smoking ban for only six months of the year to accomodate complaining tourists and beach visitors in general.  It’s possible they may designate a portion of the beach length for smokers only…unlikely but possible.  Dumb idea…all it would take is for an anti-smoker to want to spend their day on that particular patch…and complain…then it wouldn’t last.  Anyone who smokes and settles for whatever few accomodations are made for them can relate more than enough stories to prove such things do not work.  Wherever people smoke…and wherever they are relegated to smoking, there is invariably someone…and all it seems to take is one…who then wants to be right there.  No smoking in restaurants…you can stand outside and puff away…but only until the same complainers realise they have to walk through smoke to get to their dining area…another complaint, another ban, another move.

So, I wonder…is it a total no-smoking ban they are looking for?  For there are those who are against cigarette smoking with a codicile…”I mean, I occasionally smoke a cigar or a pipe…but that’s different”  How?  And why?

We have done everything BUT make smoking illegal so I would suggest…why don’t we?  Instead of incrementation, why not just ban the growing of tobacco, the manufacturing of tobacco products, the selling of them, buying them and using them now, in one fell swoop?  Until that happens, why doesn’t everyone mind their own business…their own imperfections and annyances, tend to their own problems, worry about what they are doing, their children and pets are doing…think about how the behaviours they find permissable in themselves or their own, others don’t but are generally prepared to ‘live and let live’.  

Rest assured, I mind my own but am so very tired of ‘you’ thinking I need your uninvited help and admonitions.  If I wanted to take myself out of worldly pursuits to live in purity I’d have gone into a nunnery years ago…not be living in Rehoboth.

I hope it passes but it’s true…not stringent enough.  How about the fine AND prison time for attendees?  Surely if attendances fell off it would discourage those idiots who look to earn ill-gotten gains from holding these fights (whose punishment certainly is far from sufficient)..which could ease off the raising poor animals in such a manner that all they know is fighting and left for no purpose afterwards.   Of course, given that our prisons are over-flowing as it is, how about just throwing anyone involved in dog-fighting to the dogs themselves…after all, those poor creatures would be euthanised at best so at least let them make judgement on those who treat their lives as nothing before they go.  Those people decided the fate of those dogs since puppyhood, usually before they are even whelped…what better than the dogs determining theirs?  Now…THAT would be justice.