Bean's mom

She is driving us nuts! She can't seem to get it through her head that Bean is 17 years old, four months shy of 18, and isn't going to take any more of her crap. She is making demands and threats, which isn't unusual. But she has not paid a penny to us for the child's upkeep. I gladly do that. She may as well be my daughter, I have always treated her thus. She has never gotten over Hub getting primary custody. It has been stuck in her craw for years.

Bean handles it pretty well. Better than I would. I just worry when Bean is a young adult, out in the working world. I'm just betting that she will be pestered by her mom and that side of the family for money. I've told her that she needs to put her foot down from the start, that she is not going to give them money. It would be so much better to not have to even start that kind of nonsense.

Bean deserves a good life. A life free of chaos and drama. Her mom lives on drama. If there isn't some tragedy going on, she thinks she's not living.

I wish she would back off on the religion thing, too. Bean doesn't think she wants to be Mormon. If she decides that's what she wants, fine. But Hub and I think she should be free to choose. Of course, being raised by a pagan step-mom makes you open your eyes to all the truths in the world. I'm glad Bean has an open mind.

I am so proud of her. I think she has a wonderful life ahead.

Cease and desist order

I suppose if I wanted peace and quiet in my household, Hub and I should not have adopted Kya and Sophie. The cats had just become accustomed to life without a dog, then we bring not just one, but two canines in the house. Kya only bothers the cats if they get near her food. Sophie thinks they are her personal toys. Jasper isn't afraid of her, he will smack the snot out of her muzzle if she gets too close.

Of course, I brought this chaos on myself. I only have a twinge of regret when I am trying to quietly read, then Sophie will dash into the room and across the couch, knocking me and the cats everywhere. Duchess has taken to staying upstairs in Bean's room a lot. It is safer there. And quieter. Heck, I might start hanging out there when the fur is flying.

Having Kya has been good for my activity level. She insists on going for walks a couple of times a day. Won't let me back out of it, either. She can give me the look-you know, the one dogs give when they are guilt tripping you. So, out the door we go. For a more peaceful walk for both of us, I have been leaving Sophie behind. That gives my time to bond with my dog.