Bertha Venation
Bertha Venation's JournalWith thanks to many, I report --
we were able to make our house payment. 
We may not get all we need from the gofundme campaign, but that's ok. You have no idea what an emotional relief it is just to have made that house payment.
Most contributions have been anonymous. If you are Anonymous, I thank you from the bottom of my liver (it's bigger).
Really. Thank you. I wish I could say it in a way that makes it stronger, in a way that can convey my relief. But all I can say is thank you. My gratitude is enormous.
"Not a sermon - just a thought" is a crock. of. shit.
Do you have something similar on broadcast radio in your area?
Here in the Washington, DC metro area, the pastor of McLean Bible Church (I think) comes on with a concentrated altar call. The latest, just heard, included this line: "You know, it seems to me that the only way to not be afraid to live is to not be afraid to die." (best I can remember)
Then the pitch: the only way to be not afraid to die is "through Christ." WTF is this "through" business? There's a local carpet business here in Southern Maryland whose motto, printed on its trucks, is "Serving Jesus Christ Through Carpeting." 
Not a sermon. Just a thought. 
PS I'm an atheist but am not anti-Christian, or even anti-religion. I respect your right to worship.
One of my cats is extremely unhappy and there's nothing I can do about it.
Rat Face, our five-year-old tuxy, is beleaguered by four of our other cats. She stays in the office all the time, afraid to go anywhere but the basement, where the litter boxes are.
I am probably anthropomorphizing her, but I can't help it. So here goes: she lives in a constant state of fear and anxiety. It's impossible for her to relax. I think she must be very, very sad.
I spend as much time as possible with her. She has learned to come out and sit with me when I'm on the computer in the dining room, but she'll only stay out here when I'm here. Mrs. V. holds her in her lap at least part of each day when she's working, but she hasn't been able to work for almost two months, so Rat Face is more lonesome than ever. Spending time with her is the only thing I can do for her.
Her misery is my fault. My inability to say no has blessed (?) us with ten cats. My only other option for improving her life involves making her an only cat, and I can't do that.
Got questions? Got ideas? Thanks.
PS Feliway doesn't work.
Profile Information
Name: Bertha. What else?Gender: Female
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Home country: home, sweet home
Current location: Fountain Valley, CA
Member since: Wed Oct 15, 2003, 09:30 PM
Number of posts: 21,484
