Saffron Update

Saffron hasn't been doing so well recently. A couple weeks ago she had some kind of "event": she fell over, acted a bit weird for a few hours, and was back to normal the next day. There's no way to know for sure what happened, but since then, she's been acting like an old cat (pacing, vocalizing, and occasionally a little confused). The old cat behavoir appears to be unrelated to her liver problem or the "event."

I became really worried this week when her weight dropped to 4 lbs. (she should weigh about 7 lbs.). She's eating, but not nearly as much as usual. Although she's still drinking and getting around, I'm afraid she doesn't have much time left. We don't want to make "the decision" as long as she's not in pain and is still eating, drinking, and getting around. She seems comfy and happy -- I'm the one who is distressed! I guess we're never ready to say good-bye, no matter how much time we have to prepare. I'm still hoping that when the time comes, she'll leave us peacefully in her sleep. Until then, I'm going to sleep in the living room with her and love and comfort her as much as I can.

Here are some photos of her eating in bed (yes, she's the most spoiled cat on the planet) and sleeping in her favorite spot in the whole world (of course we put the tree up early just for her!). Say a prayer for my sweet little girl.

My Favorite Hardback Book Gadget

A while ago I wrote about the Gimble, my favorite paperback book gadget. This is my favorite hardback book gadget: The Book Buddy II.

As you can see from the photo (click to enlarge) it can hold any size paperback or hardback book or, with the optional acrylic desktop, most laptop computers.

I mostly use my Book Buddy for hardback books. It's comfy because I can read without holding the book (which makes my healing tennis elbow hurt). Even if I do hold it, the pillow really does make the book feel weightless -- just as their web site says!

The Book Buddy comes in a variety of colors and prices and I recommend it for anyone who loves to read. I bought mine when I had chronic tendonitis, but don't wait until you have a medical excuse. This is a good product for any bibliophile.

Remember in the Fitz

November is flying by so quickly I just realized that for the first time in many years, I didn't the about the Edmund Fitzgerald on the anniversary of her sinking. Listen to the song and remember a good ship and 29 men who just wanted to get home.



















Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?

"The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot

Newcomers Sweep Davison City Council

Big news in Davison this week: City Council shakeup: Incumbents ousted by three newcomers.

I've pasted the story here in case the link disappears.

City Council shakeup: Incumbents ousted by three newcomers

BY SARAH FISH STAFF WRITER

DAVISON — In an obvious two-sided election, the threemember team supported by Mayor Fred Fortner and Councilman Jim Hershberger will be sworn into the Davison City Council at the Nov. 9 meeting.

Roger Lutze, Matt Judd and David Martin have earned four-year terms and will join the seven-member council.

Roger Lutze

Incumbents Ron Emery and Keith Flewelling lost their longtime seats on the council, while candidate Ralph Arceo also lost the election.

“Congratulations to Mr. Lutze, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Judd,” said City Manager Dale Martin. “I look forward to working with these three men, the mayor and the others on the city council. On behalf of the city staff, I also wish to thank Mr. Emery and Mr. Flewelling for their years of service to the community.”

According to unofficial election results from the City of Davison, Lutze received 369 votes. Martin received 349 and Judd received 306 votes. Emery received 250, Flewelling received 243 and Arceo received 198.

David Martin

In total, 1,717 voters turned out to the polls.

The results of the election come after an obviously twosided race, with the six candidates dividing into two teams of three. Fortner and Hershberger have gained a majority on the council, following a history with the previous council of a 5-2 voting split.

“I’m very pleased, I’m very excited and really looking forward to serving the community,” said Lutze after hearing the election results Tuesday night. “The main thing is going to be listening to the people of the city and that we started before we started the campaign.”

Emery, who has been on the council 18 years, said he was disappointed in the election results.

“After 18 years on council obviously I’m disappointed in the election results,” said Emery. “However with the resentment against incumbents and the strong campaign waged by Mayor Fortner against us, the results were not unexpected.

Matt Judd

“I wish the new council members well and hopefully they continue making Davison a great place to live.”

Judd said he plans to work in the best interest of the people, and will figure out the issues in the city once he takes his seat on the council.

“I think it’s time for new people to be in there and we’ll give it the best chance we can, do the right thing for people,” said Judd. “(I’m) just going to get on there and find out exactly what we’re doing, you know … and go from there.”

Flewelling, who has spent 10 years on the council, said he hopes the city will continue to be a quality place to live.

“I am obviously disappointed with the results of Tuesday’s election. It is clear that those who voted want a change in city government and I congratulate the winners,” said Flewelling. “I hope that the city continues to be progressive and maintains the quality of living its residents have come to expect.

“The employees of the city do an excellent job in providing the services that make our city what it is. I know that they will continue to do so and I expect the government officials will respect that.”

The incumbents are surprised and blame the mayor. Helloooo! Maybe it's because voters are unhappy about:

1. Their decision to remove the canopies downtown

2. Their desire to spend our tax dollars on a new, unnecessary municipal center.

Nah, must be a conspiracy. After all, the mayor is the former owner of a downtown business and was opposed to the canopy removal.

I'm so glad these clueless dolts are out of office and wish the best of luck to newcomers Roger Lutze, Matt Judd and David Martin!