Slingshots and Squirrels

Yesterday afternoon I was at home packing when I heard the sound of boys outside my window. Boys, and a strange slapping sound. I looked, and four boys had chased a squirrel up the tree outside my window. Two of them had slingshots and were furiously shooting projectiles at a very scared squirrel. They'd hit it at least twice, but it didn't appear too badly injured. I hollered out the window and told them to stop. They did and ran away.

The squirrel stayed in the fork between three branches where it was hiding, nervously gnawing on the wood and trying to stay as invisible as possible. After several minutes, it awkwardly lurched down the side of the tree. It seemed a little off, but it was moving vertically down the tree and seemed alright for the most part. But when it hit the ground, I knew it wasn't.

Dazed and staggering, the squirrel kept falling over as it tried to walk on the ground. It looked like it had had a stroke. I wondered if the boys had hit it in the head. It wasn't bleeding, and none of its bones seemed broken. I hoped it was just a little punch drunk.

But then I got angry. First of all, who gives their kid a slingshot? Second, those boys were cowards. It's really easy to gang up on a tiny rodent, isn't it? What next? Their younger brother or sister? One of their pets? The scrawny kid in the schoolyard? What about their own kids, or their wife or girlfriend in another 20 years?

So I decided to do something about it.

I went outside and heard them on the other side of my building, whooping it up and clearly up to no good. As I rounded the building two of them came around, and I asked them to come and see what they had done. Then I went and found the third kid and sent him over.

I wasn't mean or threatening, but I very sternly explained to them that a slingshot is a weapon, and that if one chooses to use a weapon, one must take responsibility for what that weapon can do. I asked if they planned to eat it, or to use the pelt. Of course they didn't. So I told them I wanted them to go and watch that poor squirrel, and told them that only a coward would shoot something and run away. I told them that one of them should at least finish it off, but none of the three wanted to kill it, and each of them blamed the fourth boy, whom I never found. Still, one of them was still holding his slingshot and I had watched all four of them very giddily hunting and tormenting that animal. The two without slingshots were still throwing rocks.

And they all knew it.

At that point, a man who was outside with his dogs came over and began asking what was going on. He was on my side and joined in on chiding them, saying that this explained why there have been several other dead squirrels found on the property. He seemed like he might have known the boys, but I didn't find out. The kids looked really regretful, genuinely so. Soon after, I got a phone call and told the boys I would see them later.

I felt like a parent, or the very least like a school principal, which was such a strange role for me. But I felt this strong moral obligation to chastise them for what they did, to hold them accountable for their behavior. Clearly none of their parents had, or if they had, they had failed to make an impression on the boys. And who knows, perhaps I didn't either. But I think I might have.

The squirrel ran back up the tree and I didn't see it again. There were a few scampering around outside this morning, and they seemed alright. Who knows? Maybe the little guy I tried to save yesterday became another casualty, maybe he's alright.

It's not like I have any romanticism about squirrels, especially since they can be a destructive nuisance. But I've seen plenty of animals die, especially out fishing this summer, and I have an enormous respect for the life that is lost or threatened, especially when it's right before my eyes. Those kids didn't. But I certainly hope that when they saw the fear, the confusion, and the pain in that squirrel --- all of which THEY had caused --- that perhaps now they do too.

Dispatch from Chicago

The pirated internet access here in my condo has been spotty at best, but I'm online now (miraculously) and wanted to post a quick note from Chicagoland. The packing is coming along, and I've been able to schedule time with just about everyone I want to see while I'm here.

To be honest, it's been hard to be back. I didn't want to leave Providence, and didn't really think about it until I had to leave last Thursday morning. But then I got "home" to my condo after being gone for four months, and after about 10 minutes of readjusting, I was actually home again. And didn't want to leave. As the time passes though, I'm getting more pragmatic about it. I chose this. I love this place, I'm still very connected to it, and it's hard to be back around everything and everyone I left behind here. BUT at the same time, I didn't think about it, and didn't miss it at all when I was in RI. Rather than wonder if there is something wrong with me, I've decided that I am simply at home wherever I go. And like Bridget says, (since she shares my Chicago/RI predicament herself, but between Chicago and NYC), this is a good problem to have. If I want to have a life in both places, I am free to do so.

In other news, I found a tenant! He takes possession of the condo on Friday, which is the day the SAM gets picked up and begins the trip East with all my stuff inside. Kate and I will head to Iowa City that morning for a quick overnight trip, during which my mission will be to make contact with someone who can help me get going on my final project for the UI Center for the Book. All I have left is the Final Project, and I know now, finally, what I want to do. Four years later is better than never I guess.

So it's all going well. I had a weekend adventure with some friends in Wisconsin, involving a terrific show by the San Diego band Cash'd Out, a Johnny Cash tribute band, and a late night of drinking after the show with a couple of the guys from the band. I actually ran into them at the Alamo rental car office at O'Hare on Thursday and after chatting with them decided to take in their show. I spent many years "with the band" in various former lives, and it was great to hang out with some very funny, smart, and talented folks as they rocked the Oneida Nation. I'm looking forward to their East Coast tour, dates tbd. If you happen to have a chance to catch them, I definitely recommend it.

Alright, back to packing. *sigh*

Honestly, packing is fine. Carrying the boxes is what sucks. I think there will be the purchase of a hand truck in my very near future.

All Moved In

I'm finally starting to feel settled in my new place. Moving was hell on Saturday and Sunday. I spent all day in bed recovering on Monday, and getting caught up on CTU work. Tomorrow I leave for Chicago to go close up the house there, get my stuff, and God willing, get a tenant in there.

I love my new home, the cats love it, we're all good.

Things that are stressing me out: not getting a tenant, the money it's going to cost to move, the jobs that are getting postponed, the money that I'm worried just isn't going to come in.

Oh, and I might need knee surgery. It's minor, probably torn cartilage in my left knee, and I'll have arthroscopy and be on crutches for week. Of course, my new bedroom is on the 3rd floor. Good thing most of my work can be done from that bedroom. I'll have an MRI when I get back from Chicago and see what's what.

Alright, one more chat. Maybe some laundry. Time to get into Chicago mode and move some more. Fortunately I have the family, my wonderful friends, and a great roommate, all of whom are taking care of me and my home while I'm gone.

Phone Photos, March to September 2007

Starting with the most recent and working their way back in time, the next several pictures (everything posted on 9/14) was downloaded tonight from my Samsung phone, which I got in March of this year. The first couple self-portraits are from this past week, whereas the rest of the pix are from May back to March, ending with Rococo's tiger feet.

I didn't do any color correction for these pictures. They are as they were shot by the Samsung phone. It's not as much fun as the Razr, but it downloads easier. And I might like the pix better if I did adjust them, as I did with the previous batches of Razr pix.

Self portrait at Gaspee 9/07

Self portrait at Gaspee 9/07, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

a toute epreuve

Self portrait in Hammock Gaspee 9/07

Self portrait in Hammock Gaspee 9/07, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Daddy working

Daddy working, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

The best part of working from home, as anyone will tell you, is that you can do it in your pajamas. May 2007

Exhausted from the Move

Exhausted from the Move, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

I used that box as a coffee table for an embarrassingly-long time. May 2007

Fabulous

Fabulous, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Returning to Chicago from the trip to RI in May to move the cats and party like it was 1977. This is in the cab from O'Hare, after a very fun girly flight involving magazines and chatter, and massages at the airport in Providence before departure. It was a great trip.

Key Lime Pie Guy at Francesca's

Key Lime Pie Guy at Francesca's, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

My farewell lunch at Francesca's (not to be confused with my farewell dinner a couple nights later) involved a slice of divine key lime pie for dessert. David had them decorate it for me. :) I miss that place.

Pats & Key Lime Pie Guy

Pats & Key Lime Pie Guy, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

I'll be back in Chicago this week, arriving on Thursday. Bet on it that Pats and I will be dining at Francesca's that night.

picture this in blue

picture this in blue, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

A contraband photo from within an upscale bridal salon in the Chicagoland area. Jennifer had the identical dress made, but in blue. I need to check and see if I blogged any of the pix from her wedding in June.

rainy window

rainy window, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

For some reason, wet windows at night show up beautifully when shot with a camera phone.

spooky mojo

spooky mojo, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

I'd probably tweak this one a bit, but I think the spooky eyes work well. Mojo will f you up.

stowaway

stowaway, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Can you see the fur on the top of the suitcase. My cats have never met a suitcase they didn't immediately commandeer.

Farewell, Elantra

Farewell, Elantra, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

I don't know if I ever took any pictures of this car. I never loved her, but she treated me well. Until she blew up spectacularly and my trust in her was completely rocked. We continued on for a few months, but a "check engine" light one night in March was the end. I sold her the next day. Here she is at the Toyota Dealership in Arlington Heights, IL. I took the picture standing next to my new Corolla. It was a solid relationship, but I could have taken better care of it. Or maybe it just wasn't even worth the effort.

skylight from the floor

skylight from the floor, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

looking up. I wanted a minimalist background on the phone when I first got it. March or April '07

Tiger Feet

tiger feet, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Rococo in the sink at the condo, probably April '07

After a Snack

2007-09-11 The Gray Day 008, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

This afternoon, while chatting online with Amity, I had Club crackers with cheese and fresh tomatoes from the garden with a pony Coke, and then a piece of baklava with a small glass of milk. Delicious.

The View Improved

2007-09-11 The Gray Day 007 A, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

After Brad and Mike took down the four trees on the east side of the yard, it opened everything up more dramatically than any of us imagined. It's a gray hazy day, but the ocean is just on the horizon there. For those of you familiar with the yard this summer, and where the boat is parked, the motor to the right will serve as a reference point.

Spot the Orange Cat?

2007-09-11 The Gray Day 003, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

I'm not sure if his name is Spot, (:P) but the cat on the roof here is Rococo's early morning nemesis. Maggie Simpson had Gerald, the One-Eyebrow Baby, and Rococo has the Orange Cat.

At first we thought they were flirting, but then it changed. She woke me up three times this week screaming at this guy, her back up, hissing and yowling. It was like the Furies were chasing her straight out of Hell. At 5 am. Later one of those mornings, when he was leaving for work, Mike saw the nemesis on the roof over at his house.

I have to keep the windows closed now so she doesn't see him and so I don't get the sh*t scared out of me again.

Tenant Wanted.

The condo is up on Craigslist! Click here to see the posting.

I have taken my first step to become a landlord. God help me. I tried to keep it all objective, but I you'll hear my voice in it.

It's also my first posting on Craigslist. I feel like I've procrastinated a bit, and that scares me. But more than anything, I don't want any psychos. The problem with Craigslist is that you have to be all non-discriminatory. And I'm the last person who would discriminate in any garden variety sort of way. Hispanic? terrific. Gay? even better! Martian? why not!

I just don't want crazy. Please. No wrecking the place. No wild parties. Pay the f*in rent on time. I want the person to be professional in whatever they do. Also, don't judge me for being a pet owner who doesn't want to deal with your pets. Which is why this ideal non-psycho tenant also shouldn't have any pets. Yes I'm a bad person. No, I'm not redoing the bathroom floors again if your pets do to it what mine did to the last one.

So yeah, this is what I wanted to say in my Craigslist ad. And maybe you are a resourceful little internet monkey and you read my full name in the Flickr link and Googled my name. You would have then happened upon this little blog, and this little post in this little blog. Good for you then. You found the real me. The one who doesn't care who you are, as long as you respect me and respect my home and most of all, enjoy living there as much as I did. If all that's cool, we'll get on just fine.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Trawling

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 117, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Dogfish

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 146 A, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Also known as a Sand Shark. We set him free. And then decided to call it a night. Catching a Dogfish means it's time to move on or go home.

When It Started

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 018 A, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

I had a couple early bloomers, but this guy represents the first of the pomodoro explosion that occured this week . . . all sorts of sweet red goodness ensued.

Scorpion & Barbed Wire

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 044 A, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Mike D.'s tattoos. He's actually a kitten, despite the sharp stinging objects on his body art. Well, he's a maniac, too, but so are kittens. ;)

To the West

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 073, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Inspired by Hokusai's "36 Views of Mt. Fuji", I'm gathering up multiple views of the sea. Here's one of the many I've shot this summer.

Snug Harbor

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 089, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Where we bought bait.

The Mystic

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 107, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Brad steamed over to this ship inside the gap so I could get a good shot. We think it's a teaching boat, probably out of the Mystic Aquarium, given its name and the relative youth of the crew members we could see. It was a stunner, all metal hull and sails.

At the Helm

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 110, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Mike D. driving the boat as we trawled off the east coast of Block Island.

A Very Big Striper

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 126, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Unfortunately, it got away. Brad and Mike tried their best, but the line wasn't strong enough and Leviathan broke free.

Homemade Tomato Sauce

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 153, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

Brad gave us a ton of tomatoes from his garden, so I slow roasted them with garlic and olive oil for 6 hours, then cooked up a lovely light tomato sauce. The boys devoured it after going out fishing on Wednesday night. I'm actually cooking AND enjoying it. Don't tell anyone though, as I'd hate to ruin my reputation ;)

To Everything There Is A Season

2007-09-09 The Last Gaspee of Summer 159 A, originally uploaded by jessica_beagan.

My tomatoes are ripe!!! They are more delicious than I could have imagined.

Sick

I came down with a late summer cold on Friday night. I don't feel well. And I know that I've changed because of the way I'm dealing with it. Jessica in her 20's would have worked through it, regardless of how she felt and who she might infect, because there's no time for human frailty. F that. I'm done. I don't feel well, and the best way to feel better quickly, and not play Typhoid Mary in the process, is to just stay home, rest, and get better.

So I am.

I've got some pix to upload too. The tomatoes are en fuego out on the plants right now. Oh, and I have homemade chicken soup to put together for tonight. That'll make me feel better.

Mmmm, Coffee.

Cappuccino Coast: The day the Pacific was whipped up into an ocean of froth | the Daily Mail

Anyone care to explain the science behind this? Or have lattes conquered the earth? Thanks to Libby for sharing.