Free Republic

"Well, I have sympathy when anyone that young who gets killed in war. They're too young to have formed rational minds and its cruel and rather sad to be so heartless as to quip the sentiment "I don't care" over a 12 year old dying."

I agree. It's utterly disgusting to see people here on FR expressing joy over a child being killed.

"conservative politicians have a chance of being elected."

Conservative politicians CRAP! How about some STATESMEN that have read, understand and honor the Constitution?
And UPHOLD it as they swear to do in their OATH?

What we have up in DC now is a bunch of liars and thieves who have sold their souls to the highest bidder - whatever special interest that might be. They are all sickening, as are those that are just waiting in the wings hoping to be elected next time around.

Yu are absolutely right MamaTexan!

There are thousands of "not rich" people that are expatriating from the Fed Govt. and repatriating as Citizens, not citizens - which are two entirely different things.

Unfortunately, most people don't do the research.

I vote YES!

Why not? The rest of those jokers up there are nothing but a bunch of criminals - both Dems and Repub, so why not?
IMHO, they ALL belong in jail from the top down!

I hope he writes a book and spills the beans on all the nefarious dealings of Congress.

BTW, I don't think it's a wig. Nobody in their right mind would spend $$ on a wig that ridiculous looking! He's just had a bad hair day every day of his life! LOL!

OMG! I would walk before I would be caught in that ugly, stupid looking thing!

That's exactly what I keep thinking. And he's got the gumption to do it.

"Traficant, for his part, said recently of reporters that "many of them are so dumb they could throw themselves at the ground and miss."

LOL! Gotta love that one!

You're right. Didn't have a Constitution in front of me and was too lazy to go find one.

It still remains that gold and silver is the only Constitutional money, whether Federal or State. I don't have a problem with the Feds minting silver coins. I have a bigger problem with the Federal Reserve and their scams.

Had this country never allow a central bank, the Federal Reserve, we wouldn't be facing some of the problems we are now dealing with. Both on a personal and national level.

"I had a strategic stockpile myself."

So did I. Until the flood came, then it was washed down the creek with everything else! What the looters didn't get is buried under tons of silt or at the bottom of the river.

One of these days some kid is gonna be swimmin' at his/her favorite swimmin' hole and see something shiny and silver/gold and dive down for it. He/she will think they have found a silver or gold mine! LOL!

"What business does the government have dabbling
in silver?"

DUH! You apparently need to go read the Constitution!

"To make matters worse, we've seen credit card interest rates of 24.99 percent and more."

Tell me about it! Sheesh, I just got a bill from Citgo with a $20.00 late charge and a 39.49% interest rate!

I had just gotten my Citgo bill the day before the flood.
Needless to say, it went down the creek before I paid it.
I called them and told them what happened. The gal asked if I wanted them to send me another bill, I said yes. I never got the bill and, of course, with everything else, forgot all about it until I got this month's bill yesterday. They not only charged me a $20.00 late fee, 39+% interest, but also suspended my account until I paid them.

I have had my Citgo card for years, paid it in full every month and was never late. I am fit to be tied. Will be calling them in the AM and if they don't drop the late charge and interest charge, I will pay what I owe them for gas, tell them to stick the rest and cancel my card altogether.

I have been doing some research on debt cancellation and, let me tell you, if people really knew the scams these banks pull, they would be lining up to file the lawsuits.

Our Founding Fathers were right when they said there should never be a central bank. It's time we put an end to the Federal Reserve and their shannigans!

This is wonderful news! Thank you Jesus!

and, thank you, Isara, for posting it!

"I will pray for your husband although I don't expect that God expects to hear from me."

Ah, you are wrong, my friend. God hears all of us when we send up sincere prayers, especially if those prayers are for others.

He is always with us, even when we turn our backs and stray from Him. He will meet you wherever you are.

Blessings to you

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. My prayers are going up now.

Will also ask my sis and her husband to put you on their church prayer list.

I am looking forward to it. Don't think I will staying at the same hotel - too rich for my pocketbook right now. So, will just have to look ya'll up when I get there. Might just stroll thru the Casino wearing my Red Stetson with some tin foil trim so ya'll will know who I am. OOPS! Can't do that. Red Stetson is down the creek somewhere. Guess I will have to settle for an old, raggedy, straw, river hat. Bet I can find one at the Salvation Army store and add a bit of tin foil trim to spruce it up some.

I am alive and well! Some friends of mine have a band and I went out and heard them pick and play last night. They were cookin' and the bar closed much too early, so we went to one of the guys house and partied in his garage until 4AM. First time I have had any FUN snce the flood.

I am still not sure what I am going to do - I think the shock is just now setting in. I seem to be just wondering around in a daze and not getting much done.

I do know that I am going to Vegas for the FReeper convention. I had been planning on a Vegas trip for a few months before the flood, just couldn't decide when I wanted to go. The flood and FReeper convention settled that question. So, plan on leaving here around the 10th with my few belongings, Max the dog, and camping gear headed that way. Going to revisit my favorite places in Arizona and then maybe on to Utah to see some places I haven't seen before. Thinking I will do a bit of job hunting on the way. I am free as a bird, with Max the dog my only rresponsibility, so I can land anywhere I want.

TexanaRed's Not-So-Excellent Flood Adventure will be turned into an Excellent Adventure Out West.

Looking forward to seeing all ya'll in Vegas and meeting FReepers I didn't get to meet in DC. So, ya'll just get prepared for lots of hugs and kisses from me!

Hi All, (I can't seem to figure out how to send a post to everybody at the same time!)

Finally beat my sis to the computer this AM, but sure had to get up early. She is tracing her husband's family history and spends most of the day on the computer. Kinda like I used to do at FR!

First I want to thank you all so very, very much for all the donations and beautiful cards. Am wishing I had a mantle to put all the cards on! I know I would have survived this ordeal, but all your donations, cards and words of encouragement have helped so much. I also know that when I have finally quit running from early AM to evening trying to get everything done, I will probably fall into a "blue funk" and those cards and letters will be the things that get me out of that! How can I possibly be depressed when I have so many wonderful FReeper friends praying for me, giving me words of encouragement, offers of help and donations to help me get back on my feet!

As sockmonkey said, we are getting rain and more rain. I stopped watching the weather reports cause I was getting so depressed hearing about more rain heading our way. Yesterday it came down in bucketfuls in Medina and my sis wasn't able to get out. Last evening there was a huge, beautiful rainbow outside our front door. At first it was very vivid and bright then slowly faded away. I took that as a sign that (hopefully) the rain is over, but no sign of any sunshine this morning. My brother in law said to be sure and get a picture of where that rainbow ended, so we could get out and dig for that pot of gold. He is such a
hoot!

I have about gotten everything taken care of that I can do. From now on it is just wait and see. I will be getting $14,800 in grant money, which I have yet to receive. I was so happy when I got the letter telling me a check was on the way. I thought it was for my personal property loss and was amazed that they sent me more than my personal property was insured for. Then I discovered yesterday that it was for $7,000 of personal property and $7,800 real property and that's all I was getting! They asked me to send them the letter from my insurance company
denying coverage and said I may be able to get another grant, but they couldn't make any promises. Thus far no living expenses or anything else. I am really trying to understand how they operate. Many of my neighbors have received grant checks for living expenses and repairs much larger and have been told they will have more coming. One fellow got an $18,000 check for a new truck. I am trying not to complain or get upset about it, but I just don't understand how someone that lost everything only qualified for a $14,800 grant, when everybody else is getting money for living expenses, vehicles, food, etc. (I did get a $50 food voucher from Red Cross). I am just praying that when they get the denial letter from my insurance company I will be able to get another grant. $14,800 doesn't even come close to covering all my loses and I can't even think about rebuilding or anything else on that. And, if course, if I spend it for anything other than what they say I can spend it on, I'm in trouble and have to pay it back.

Or course, all the FEMA people I have talked to have encouraged me to get a low interest loan, and I have told them repeatedly that I cannot accept a loan when I know there is no way I can pay it back. Esp, since my shoulder and arm prevent me from getting a job right now. I have worked so hard to get out of debt and get some money put back, so that I would be able to not have to work if I didn't want to. Now it looks as if I will have to go back to work full time and use all my savings to rebuild (unless I want to live in an apartment the rest of my life.) And there goes my little nest egg for when I am old and gray and can't work. So, I am quite frustrated now and trying to decide what the heck I am going to do if I can't get another grant to help cover the losses. But, am trying to keep my spirits up. I do know the Lord watches over me and
that when He closes a door, He always opens a window. Just praying that window will open soon. It's difficult being in limbo and not being able to plan for my future.
Maybe I didn't "beg" enough for help or something.

I am beginning to think that my remark that I would rather live in a tent might just come to pass. LOL!

The city is trying to set up a buy-back program for those of us whose who chose not to rebuild in the same place. I was surprised to find out that the city would indeed issue me a building permit to rebuild on my property. They did tell me I would have to elevate the house. I told him the house had already been elevated to 7' after the flood of 78'. He was surprised to hear that.

Just the night before, my b-i-l, sis and I were talking about tree houses. I used to watch that show "Extreme Homes" on TLC and was telling them about the cool tree houses the show had featured. Said I thought it would be neat to have one. Well, turns out I could have one!
Unfortunately if I can't get another grant, I won't even be able to afford that. The $14,800 I am to get specifies that it cannot be used for landscaping, so any property repair will have to come out of my pocket. So, thus far I am up, or down, the creek without a paddle! LOL!

I did talk to a guy from the Texas Insurance Board and he gave me a complaint form to file against my home owners and car insurance. Said that most insurance companies would "screw their customers" if given a chance, but usually a complaint to the Insurance Board would solve the problem. He told me to take my car to the mechanic of my choice, have him put it on the rack, go over it with a fine tooth comb and give me a written report. Also said that if my mechanic recommended the car be totalled, the insurance company was required to pay, esp. since I already have four written statements from dealerships that my car has NO trade in value because of the flood damage. Said if they won't pay up, I should sue them. I have already thought about that, but just don't know if I want to spend the next couple of years in a court battle, then end up with the lawyers getting most of the settlement. I have studied the law for years and probably could do it all myself, but insurance stuff is not what I have researched and know something about.

Gee, I am sounding like all those whiners I hate! I do know that whatever happens, I will survive it. I have had nothing before and guess I can start over again with nothing! I may no longer have any "stuff", but I have been richly blessed with a wonderful family and friends and when it comes down to it, that is all that truly matters.

Alyssa, I have lost your phone number so haven't been able to call and tell you I found Dubya a home. And it never even occurred to me that I could send you a FReepmail! DUH! A friend of mine, the former animal control officer for Bandera County, adopted him. They live out in the country and he's a dog trainer. Dubya is a big ox (80+ lbs), stubborn as a mule and needs lots of room to run and a firm hand in training. I was not so good at the training part - he pulled me around like a ragdoll. Although Dubya is a really sweet dog and I don't think he would ever intentionally hurt a child (or anybody else), I was a bit concerned that he might be a bit much to handle, esp, with little ones around. First thing he would probably do is jump up on one of them, knock them down and give them kisses. Of course, they are too small to understand that he was just loving on them and it would have scared them to death! I didn't want to take even the slightest change of him hurting one of your kiddos!

Sockmonkey, remind me to tell you about the place I lived in Oklahoma City! I don't know if anything could be worse that that! So, I imagine your cabin will be just fine.
Just to give you an idea, everytime it rained hard the sewer would backup and come spewing out the drain hole in the cement floor in the bathroom. Thank goodness it didn't rain much. LOL! I was more interested in having a fine barrel racing horse and a trailer to haul him in than a great place to live. Spent most of my time in the barn anyway. So, I can adjust and be happy just about anywhere. It is just being in limbo that drives me to distraction.
Patience is not something the Lord blessed me with, but I am learning.

My arm is better. Seeing the choirpractor every day and he thinks it will be back to normal after just a couple more adjustments.

My neighbor down the creek found my 270 hunting rifle and returned it to me. I then sold it for next to nothing to a friend of his. I sure don't know how to clean it up and make it useful again, if that could even be done. I only lost three weapons, that poor guy had a gunsmithing shop and lost about 400 weapons and his carpentry shop. I lost my home, they lost their livelihood and had their home severly damaged, so once again, it brings to mind that I am blessed.

Well, whining over, sun is peaking through the clouds, and getting this frustration off my chest, has already inproved my state of mind. Am ready to hit the shower, get dressed and face the world!

I will ask that everyone send up prayers that my insurance company will reconsider and pay me. I would love to return the check to FEMA and tell them "thanks, but no thanks"!
I do have to say, though, that everybody I have dealt with at FEMA has been wonderful and really helpful as has the Red Cross.

Thanks to all for everything - and letting me whine and get it off my chest. Your donations and words of encouragement mean so much to me. I pray the Lord bless each and everyone of you and yours richly in all your endeavors!

Texana

I am doing fine - or at least as fine as I can be doing in light of the circumstances.

Thank you all so much for the donations. I am trying to work up enough energy to go to Walmart and use some of those donations on some clothes. I have gotten lots of clothes from friends, but unfortunately most of them are way too big. I have been wearing them anyway and looking pretty tacky. Figured I could get by with that for a week or so, but now it's time to buy few things that fit. And to get a duffle bag to carry it in rather than 5 or 6 WalMart sacks. I truly am a bag lady! Maybe I should just ask WalMart if I can buy one of their carts to haul my stuff in. LOL!

Also have been looking for a new computer - new to me but a used one. Hopefully, I will get that done sometimes this coming week. There are alot of things I can do without, but a computer isn't one of them. Need to start recompiling all the research on the IRS I have done over the last 10-11 years.

Getting ready to go to war (if necessary) with my car insurance company. My truck only had liability so didn't expect them to do anything about it, but my Chrysler got water in it and the electrical system is damaged. They have only offered me a settlement of 1100.00 to fix the dings it got when the water moved it into a post. I vacuumed approximately 50 gallons of water out of the floorboards, it covered all the electrical wiring under the driver's seat that controls the top, power doors, seats, etc. Insurance company is telling me that they can just replace the jutes and harnesses and everything will be okay.
Been to 6 different car dealerships and a couple of mechanics and they all said that is not true. That although I may not have problems now, six months down the road I will. Am having several problems with the car that I never had before and the dealerships have told me my car has no trade in value whatsoever. In fact, a couple of them told me they wouldn't even take it on a trade in.
The insurance company assured me the water damage wouldn't effect any trade in value. Course I am smart enough to know that is not true. I think they think they are dealing with some stupid woman that is so grateful for that $1100 check that I will just take it and go away. I didn't sign anything and haven't cashed the check, so I guess they have another think coming. Seeing an attorney Monday afternoon.

Meeting with the adjuster on my home insurance tomorrow.
They may pay, may not. Won't know until after I meet with him.

Waiting for sockmonkey to return from her trip so we can get together about her cabin she has offered me. I do hope she will consent to allowing me to pay some sort of rent - even if it's just mowing her lawn, washing her car, cleaning her house, etc. in return for her gracious offer.

Also waiting to find out if my property has been condemned, lots of areas around me have been, and if so, will they pay me for it. I already know the city will never issue me a building permit even if I wanted to rebuild there.

My nephew's best friend and his dad bought what was left of the truck for parts, so that took care of that problem. Alfred also walked the creek from my house to the river looking for my kayak with no luck. He's my kayaking buddy and we had been planning on a kayaking trip as soon as we got a good rain. Well, we sure got a good rain, river's are running - but no kayak. Think I am going to rent one so we can take advantage of the river while it's running so high.

Finally got back to the chiropracter so he could work on my shoulder and arm. It's a bit better but have a couple of more treatments to go before it's completely back to normal.

Mainly, I am bored to tears because I have nothing to do to keep me busy. I am so used to having all sorts of projects going that now I don't know what to do with myself. If my sister had unlimited computer access I would be online all the time, but since she doesn't I have to get on and get off quick so that I don't use up her time.

I am most thankful for all my friends and family and that the good Lord blessed me with a sense of humor or I would probably go batty! Or should I say, battier!

I had to do a short post tonight to tell ya'll what TheSarce did! I get a letter from her today, open it up and see a very neatly folded piece of tin-foil. And TheSarce says "Enclosed in genuine FR tin-foil shielding is a ......"

Needless to say, I burst out laughing! Sarce, you cannot imagine how badly I needed a good laugh and I laughed until I hurt. Thank you so much not only for the donation but also the belly laugh I needed so desperately.

I am beginning to get a bit stressed and frazzled around the edges. I am not a very patient person and don't do well waiting in lines. Most of today has been spent waiting in a line for this or that and I was gettin' a bit testy! Tomorrow will be much of the same. Got my paperwork from FEMA and found all sorts of incorrect information on it.

The first line says "Was your home destroyed by the disaster?" and they marked yes. The next line says "Is this disaster preventing you from living in your home now?" and they have marked NO. On the date of birth line they have 00/00/0000. Guess I am either real dang old, or haven't been born yet - I'm not sure exactly if 00/00/0000 is in the past or sometime in the future. Or maybe I am just a figment of my imagination. The letter says if there are any mistakes on the form to call them and make corrections. I did and the guy I talked to acted like he was quite put out with me for correcting their wrong info.

So, today has actually been more stressful than the day of the flood! Ya'll really do need to say some prayers for me now because many more days like today and I may go postal!

Thanks again everybody. I have truly been blessed to have so many people care and offer their help!

No, didn't hurt it kayaking, but I am sure the day I went kayaking after I hurt it didn't help! Dang, I am so upset that I don't have my kayak now because we now have water!
I am going to be forced to rent one and hit the river at least once before it goes back down.

Thanks again so much for everything ya'll are doing for me.
I am so thankful for friends like all ya'll.