 The Shaffer Journal
Volume 9 † Issue 8 † August 2003
[Internet Stuff] [Hockey Puck] [The Mountains of Ao]
[Poetry Corner] [The Dull Stuff] [Guest Articles] [In The Keys]
Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge now along with her human friend, Leo. We all loved you, Kitty! Click the cat graphic to visit her Memorial page. Kitty born June 6, 1982. Died July 9, 1997. Please fill out our email form below to tell us how we are doing or make suggestions. >^..^<  Ebony: Us cats love this hot weather, but where have all the juicy lizards gone? The only lizard we seed was that big, old green one. If that one gets too close, why I chases it across all the places where my line lets me. I never catch it. I not catch any boids either, but I try.>^..^<
Abby: I like boids. I sit in the window and chirp at them. I chirp at how tasty they bee ifing I could catch them. Ebony she just talks to beans. I always do things better than she can. I even stood eye to eye with that green monster big greeny lizard. He too big to eat though.>^..^<
Ebony: Mew, now lets meow about flea stuffers. We shared a tube of flea stuffers this month. They make them tubules too big so Abby and I share. The new flea stuffers has skitter stuffers and even tick stuffers.>^..^<
Abby: I not like this month at all. It was vet time! Human bean tricked us into the truck. I cried and cried. Ebony she meowed nervously all the way there. Bean had to pry us out of the truck and take us inside. We got shots, ouch. We got weighed. I am prim and trim, while Ebony is fatter again. That only good thing happen at vet.>^..^<
Ebony: Well, my sniffer is top notch. You and I go outside and sniff everything. We also do that inside.>^..^<
Abby: I don't care about your sniffer. I want to know where human bean go all day long and sometimes well into the night? He been gone so much lately. He shouldn't leave us alone. I don't like to be alone with you.>^..^<
Ebony: I don't like you either. I think human bean going to meetings and going out on the boat lots and lots. He also plays bean games like poker. One poker night he left me outside all night it seem. I liked that lots.>^..^<
Abby: I don't' like to be outside that long. I like it inside. I can get belly rubs inside when human bean home. I even sleep with my paws up in the air sometimes. I am so cute when I do that. Ebony is a devil cat though.>^..^<
Ebony: Use full of stuffers as usual. I did chase that kitten what named Marbles off my special place in front of the trailer. I meowed at that kitten to never come back. Why there be kittens is beyond me, I meow!>^..^<
Abby: Yes, kittens are pests at best. I wish human bean understand my meows. I sometimes have to meow for hours and hours to get human bean to do something even really simple just for me. He not understand.>^..^<
Ebony: I meowed to bean to get me untangled from the mangroves, and he understood that. He untangled me, and then I saw this cheeky lizard. I run and run and chase and chase and then I tangled up all over again.>^..^<
Abby: I think Ebony is hopeless addicted to lizards. I like watching bean spray bugs outside better than watching Ebony chase useless lizards. There is a black cat at the radio station compound on Boot Key whose name is Blackie that looks just like Ebony. That is what bean tell me. Meow, time to go catnap and dream catnip.>^..^<
Internet Stuff
The DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com are packed with extras and full of good entertainment. L. A. Confidential was a great whodunit detective movie with 1950's flavor. On TNT was a special TV movie called Caesar. Movies about the Roman Empire are always interesting. Kangaroo Jack was a simple movie full of fun. Antwone Fisher was an excellent movie about finding one's self and a lost family. Hot Chick was a very funny film about a cheerleader in a man's body. Basic was full of twists, turns, and surprises. Gods and Generals was another great Civil War movie on the order of Gettysburg. Catch Me If You Can was an outstanding movie about a teen con artist. Newsies was a different film from Disney and a musical to boot. Phone Booth was a powerful movie about one man's trip to the truth, all in and around a phone booth. More great flicks are coming too! Several websites were useful this month. I got two great beach towels at http://www.textileshop.com. It is hard to find oversized towels anywhere. Free Greetings for the Planet at http://www.123greetings.com is a very interesting web place. http://blazewing.gq.nu is a super website about dragons and other great things. In The Keys
I am running for city council in Marathon, Florida. That takes a tremendous amount of time. I run several companies full time. That is more time invested. I devote quite a bit of time defending the residents of Gulfstream Trailer Park and Marina from developers and insensitive people. To make ends meet, I also work at the Boot Key bridge. That job is busier than most people realize. I am lucky if I can read the newspaper all the way through. I will continue to help people with their requests and problems no matter how many times I am discouraged from doing so. Bob Cintron indicated at the last meeting of park residents that unless you have a mobile home that you are not and have never been Gulfstream homeowners association members. This was a rather odd announcement considering that Bill Hollis had enough general proxies committed to call a special meeting. Also, the only existing association officers who have mobile home are Larry Cole and Rita Hamm. Dick Danielsen, Sherry Danielsen, Fran Purnal, Bill Patton, Jack Sheets, Bill Baird, and Emil Kuhn don't have mobile homes. Therefore, they are not considered members and never have been. Then why, pray tell. are they association officers, if they are not association members and never have been? Some have said that they are "grandfathered" in. Why then are we not ALL grandfathered in? If you want to put a stop to this, then you must speak up. Just having a few of us speak up consistently and publicly will not do the job. There are some sitting on the fence and easily influenced by smooth talk and false expectations. It is time for the rest of you to speak up now so the truth is known. Either all of us are included in the park and association or all of us will lose our community and friends. Miscellany: I've had a few people who wonder why I validate my life with the 25 years of military service through two wars and numerous armed conflicts. Of course, I always put family, God, and country first, but 25 years spent in the service of my country DOES validate anyone's life. Those who claim a life of service in nursing or any other great job compares to military service are living in a dream. Hurrah! My boat is finally fixed, but still needs a lot of work. I got to go out on the boat and enjoy paradise on the water again. I've been super busy with workshops, meetings, and many other things concerning my running for city council. I've written a lot of letters, columns, and editorials for a number of different media outlets. I took a friend's trailer up to West Palm Beach. When I got back home, the clutch bushing gave out. There is always something happening, I say. My luck is not very consistent it seems. The July 4th fireworks observed off of Boot Key Bridge were fantastic. I didn't see the whole show, as I was working the bridge controlling the crowds and the traffic. My grandson Michael called me and made my day. I spent one whole precious day reorganizing my office. I'm proud of myself and wonder what took me so long to do it. I had a friend email me. He worked for me as a Chief Petty Officer years ago. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer a couple of years ago. I am very proud of him and his accomplishments. I sent out quarterly royalty checks to the artists under contract. Lastly, the Guild Hall Gallery has something for everyone. There are paintings, photography, sculpture, and more. This Key West gallery is open daily from 9:30 AM to 11 PM. They are located at 614 Duval Street. Their telephone number is 305-296-6076. That's it this month! Poetry Corner
“Only So Much” 07.27.03
by L. E. Shaffer © 2003 L. E. Shaffer Only so much
One can take
Only so much
Tears that fall
You love so dearly
The heart sings
Affection grows
Only so much
Time precious
The days fly
With the wind
Like grains of sand
One can only
Stand so many
Tears of loss
Grief unbearable
One can only
Live life
Each day
But the days
Go swiftly
Into the night
The heavens
Displaying tears
Stars more
Than one
Can withstand
The loss so deep © 2003 L. E. Shaffer Hockey Puck
In the NHL, there wasn't much news for a change, but I can't wait for preseason. The Florida Marlins are in the playoff hunt, and the attendance figures are climbing. Tiger Woods won the 100th Western Open. Serena beat her injured sister for a Wimbledon championship. Dale Jr. won the second Daytona race. Lance Armstrong won a fifth Tour le France, and he wants to come back next year for a try at a sixth. The NFL preseason started with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beating the Jets handily in Japan. The NBA's Bryant is in some kind of trouble. Guest Articles
We have various guests this journal. As always everything is copyright of the author. CHOOSING A VET FOR YOUR CAT by Astrid Bullen Choosing the right veterinarian for your cat is as hard as picking out a competent doctor for yourself. It is a process of trial and error, and it should be taken seriously to ensure quality care for your cat. Before you bring your new cat or kitten home, find a vet who suits you. Your new arrival should be examined as soon as possible after bringing him home, and he also has to be vaccinated and neutered (or spayed in the case of females). You must feel comfortable and confident in the veterinarian you choose. If you’ve just moved to a new area and don’t know a lot of people, you may have to resort to your telephone directory. You can obtain a lot of important information such as hours and location from the yellow pages. The Internet is also a valuable tool. Animal newsgroups, chat rooms and websites all provide information about feline resources. Consider a feline-exclusive veterinarian – a vet that only works with cats – if there’s one in your area. Once you’ve narrowed your search, call the veterinary office and ask to meet and briefly talk with the veterinarian. Some guidelines to keep in mind when selecting a vet are: - Find out what services the clinic offers, and if it can refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Inquire about the clinic’s emergency services.
- Talk with friends and other pet owners in the area and ask for a recommendation. This is the best way to find a trustworthy veterinarian for your cat. If your kitten is purebred, the breeder you bought it from may be able to recommend a good veterinarian.
- Check to see that the clinic’s hours are compatible with your schedule. Do you need a vet who is available on Saturdays or has late office hours at least once a week?
- Try to pick a clinic that is close to your work or home.
After you call, visit the clinic before you make an appointment for your cat, and learn about the hospital’s philosophy and policies. This is a reasonable request that any vet should be glad to oblige. Ask yourself: - Do I feel comfortable communicating with the veterinarian?
- Is the receptionist warm and friendly? Does the staff seem knowledgeable and helpful?
- Is the clinic clean and comfortable?
- Do the animals in the clinic seem well-cared for?
- Do the fees seem reasonable?
- Does the office offer a payment plan? Do they accept credit cards?
- Will the veterinarian offer advice over the phone so that I don’t have to make unnecessary appointments?
- Are location and parking convenient?
- Are appointments required?
- How many veterinarians are in the practice?
- Are there technicians and other professional staff members?
- Are dog and cat cages in separate areas?
Some veterinary hospitals are members of the American Animal Hospitals Association (AAHA). AAHA membership signifies that the veterinary hospital has voluntarily pursued and met AAHA’s standards in the areas of facility, equipment and quality care. Other veterinarians are board certified in a particular area of veterinary medicine such as ophthalmology, surgery, or cardiology, which means they studied an additional two to four years in the specialty area and passed a rigorous examination. Some veterinarians have excellent communications skills, and can discuss details of the visit with great empathy. Consider that your cat cannot speak for himself, and choose your vet with love and care. Astrid Bullen is a freelance writer and cat-owner. 1-800-PetMeds, where you get the *Guaranteed Lowest Prices* and Free Shipping for all your Pet's Health Care needs - Frontline, Advantage, Heartgard, and more! © 2003 Astrid Bullen
Florida Hometown Democracy The Sun Sentinel had an article in it today, July 22, that goes right to the heart of the matter. The article is titled "Lawyers want voters to approve land-use changes in Fla." There is a Palm Beach County environmental lawyer, Lesley Blackner, and a Tallahassee lawyer who formally was with the DCA, who have launched a petition drive for a constitutional amendment that would forbid land-use changes without a referendum. Please read this article! Then go to http://www.FloridaHometownDemocracy.com to get the rest of the story and a page where you can download the petition. This is extremely important! Every petition that is sent in will help our cause. Unfortunately, it is only for registered voters in Florida, but I'm sure contributions will be greatly appreciated. Finally, we have somebody that is on our side! My favorite quote in the article is "We have government by the developer and for the developer," Blackner said. Nuff said. © 2003 Karen Melnick The Mountains of Ao
Book One Tears from Ao and three poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, and Moments of Life are available electronically at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project, Book Two The Mountains of Ao novel currently in final edit, Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel in early stages, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism poetry collection are works in progress. Also a collaboration with K. Young on a novella called Dragon Embers is now published on the fan site known as Runes of Ao.com. The Dull Stuff
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, company, or its advertisers. Inputs, email, suggestions, and letters to this journal are subject to approval by Ebony and Abby. Submittals may be edited for content and length and become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company
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www.RunesofAo.com/abby/ Publication date: July 28, 2003
Author: L. E. Shaffer
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