Four Score and a Hodgepodge

 

1. What's a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime)? 

I don’t really keep my favorite memories sorted by season or anything. I just live in the moment and enjoy them as they come.

2. Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape. Does it send your frustration level off the charts or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

My eldest son, Michael, was born in 1977 with a rare bone dysplasia, leading to severe dwarfism and no  formal diagnosis. Medical professionals were unsure if he had a rare condition that had not yet been discovered or was just a new mutation. This made it difficult to access necessary government services. They want a diagnosis. We had Kaiser, for his basic medical needs but Kaiser was ill equipped to handle his physical and orthopedic needs - They referred us to Stanford and UCSF.  Our income was just above the threshold, preventing Michael from qualifying for state and county support, and limited government services or tax credits.

Shriners Hospital, helped out with special leg braces and a walker for his size, made especially for him - free of charge.  When Michael enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, he applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Still, after being approved, he had to repay benefits due to his student loans being classified as income. He needed to get a job, which was not easy, but he was hired by the Long Beach Campus police for fingerprinting (he had to stand on a stool). I truly believe the financial strain and stress from all the BS contributed to the heart attack he suffered at 25, which tragically led to his death.

3. Do you eat/like fish?  

I’m not big on seafood.

Do you cook fish at home?

No, occasionally salmon for my husband

What's your favorite fish dish?

I enjoy good fish and chips -  

 Ever been ice fishing? 

Nope, on the ice fishing, although a few years ago, I did walk out onto a frozen Castle Lake and saw a lot of ice fishing, which was a first for me. 

frozen Castle Lake near Castle Crags

Castle Lake

4. Did you watch any of the US President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan 20? 

Yes, and I especially enjoyed Pastor Lorenzo Sewell's spirit-filled prayer. Wow

On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being not at all and 10 being very very) how interested are you in politics in general? 

I love my country and am interested in it. I feel it is my duty to be informed when I vote. My husband and I call and let our representatives know when we have an opinion on a bill before it becomes law. Here in Shasta County, we know our representatives. 

Do you follow/keep up with/ get involved with local politics?

Local politics plays a crucial role in community development and governance. Many California politicians began their careers at the local level.  Engaging in local council meetings and county supervisor meetings is essential for residents to voice their concerns and influence decision-making. 

For instance, after many years of advocating for improvements to a narrow bridge in my area,  I reached out to a city council member to highlight the safety risks, particularly for seniors and children. Although it took a decade of persistent effort, the local government has recently approved the construction of a new bridge, which will enhance safety and accessibility for all residents. This example underscores the importance of local activism in effecting change.

I prefer local politics much more because they live here. It hard for them to hide from their constituents!

5. What's the coziest thing you own, and what makes it so? 

I have no idea.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Thanks for stopping by - see you next week.

Debby