So...

 

How'd it go?

A question about the board meeting last night.  It was not the excrement show that some were predicted.  Rather than just open it up for comments (as had be recommended to me), and skipping the two business items to be discussed, I conducted it as a typical business meeting.  The uproar that the nasty people were hoping for didn't happen.

That said, when business was done and we moved into Open Comments, it moved into slow gear.  Not that many comments, but it got mired down in "We should..." comments.  The one taking the most time was a suggestion that the HOA should sue the developer regarding damage from the storm and flooding we had in October.  There was damage in our park and several other common areas - some people think that is the developer's fault.  My take: Mother Nature can toss out some nasty stuff, and that isn't anyone's fault or deficiency.  When pushed, I suggested we take a poll of the homeowners to see if the majority wants to spend money on an attorney that may wind up costing more than what we paid to fix the damage.  Quite frankly, I don't see that happening.

I was pleasantly surprised to see 70 homeowners attending the meeting.  That is the highest number we've had other than at a Town Hall Meeting to discuss parking.  They have to raise a hand and be recognized (and unmuted) to speak.  And last night, I was able to mute and unmute as needed, rather than having to ask our property management rep (who administers our Zoom meetings).

So, other than the fact that a meeting that should have taken an hour ran to almost 2 1/2 hours, it wasn't a bunch of angry homeowners... as the nasty minority on Facebook would have people believe.

I could see the frustration in the board members who care as one topic discussed was once again tabled to the next month.  That item has been on the agenda since August, and one board member keeps tossing hurdles in the way.  This, more than anything else is why I am resigning... the job of the board is to run the business of the association, and this stonewalling prevents us from getting business actually accomplished.

One more meeting in February.

 

Another board meeting...

 

In case I didn't mention it here, I have resigned from the HOA board of directors, effective with the March meeting; that will be the annual meeting, where new board members will be voted in.  Two other board members resigned shortly after I did.

"Why, Jim?"  Thanks for asking.  It has been frustrating trying to get anything done.  One and occasionally two other members have drug their feet, not done their jobs, and seem more about drama than getting things done.  The homeowners notice this, and think it is the entire board.  A small, but very vocal group, have plastered Facebook with rumors, innuendos, and outright lies.  Escalating costs made for a $20 raise in HOA dues, and that sparked anger from some homeowners.

It doesn't matter that I voted against some of the things that caused the increases; as president, I am the one in the crosshairs.  It was a board decision, and my ethics are to support the decision of the majority.  One board member actively participates on Facebook, looking to stir things up, when a decision doesn't go her way.

I don't need the drama.  That said, I still have two months to serve.  No time off for good behavior.  ;-) 

So, another board meeting this evening.  There is time at the end for Open Comments.  I expect there will be many.

At the Meet the President gathering a couple months ago, I proposed a Meet the Candidates forum before the upcoming annual elections.  Yes, my idea.  I think it would be good for homeowners to see and hear candidates before they vote; rather than read a paragraph the candidate wrote about themselves.  One homeowner who is considering running for the board is opposed to me moderating that Meet the Candidates.  I would be happy to have someone else step in and take it over.

The issue with the vocal minority: they don't understand what the role of the board actually is.  They think that if they oppose a CC&R, they can get a board elected who will not enforce those governing documents.  The board is required to uphold the CC&Rs, and it takes a super majority of homeowners to vote to change them.  Given that homeowner attendance at any given board meeting or forum is generally less than 10%, that will never happen.  They don't understand that a board meeting is a business meeting and not an open forum, thinking they should be able to speak and vote on board decisions.

Is this board dysfunctional?  Yeah, I think so.  Some strong personalities who don't agree on the direction the board should take.  I will admit I didn't expect people who were elected to the board would come onto it with personal agendas - I really thought we were all there to do what is best for the homeowners.

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And now for something completely different...

A motorcycle outing was the plan today.  Having a kitten in the family does call for some changes.  Joan got out on her Xmax, while I stayed home to kitty-sit.  We do feel OK with leaving Murphy and Stella alone while we go out for lunch nearby, with Stella in the catio.  I don't think Murphy would do anything to hurt her, but for now, we are playing it safe.

When Joan got back, I went out on the CTX.  I can't speak for her riding experience today (she said it was good), but mine felt great!  A beautiful day, with the expected high around 80º.  It wasn't that warm when I got out around 11:00, but I was very comfortable in riding jeans and a mesh jacket.

I didn't take a video camera along today, but I did get a shot of the bike with my phone...

 It has been a while since I've had this bike out.  Lots going on, I guess.  Considering what's coming this evening, some riding therapy felt great!

Another bit of good news: my brother-in-law John was discharged from the hospital today.  As he wished, his niece and nephew drove to Omaha to bring him home.  I talked with him this morning while he was still in the hospital, and he "checked in" with me when he got home.  The hospital stay was good to get him going on the right track for recuperating... I know he will sleep better in his own home.

 

Through the glass...

 

Not talking photography here.  Well, I did get a photo with my phone...

 Murphy and I were out for his morning wandering about the yard.  When we came back to the door, Stella was looking out to see what we were doing.  She is still a "flight risk," even though she has it good here, so there won't be any outside for her until she is big enough for a harness and a leash.

Murphy had a tough morning: he was a pill.  We all have those days, I guess.  Better times ahead.

Another first for me.  First time I've taken a selfie in a mirror.  I was looking to show the shirt, and Joan was busy.  So...

 Yeah, it's a Gerry Bear shirt.  As in Gerry Garcia.  As in: the Grateful Dead.  Music today at Mark's place, with the big group.  One of the charts he sent is for a Greatful Dead song.  I am not a Deadhead.  I have never played a Greatful Dead song.  But, Joan got me this shirt a long time ago from Vine, and I have never worn it.  Today is the day.

Here's a sitting selfie to show the shirt better...

 Hopefully, I won't get stopped by the Police on the way to or from Mark's today... 'cause I think a body cavity search would be in my future.  I am wearing this for the guys today.

I'm guessing Mark picked a Grateful Dead song because Bob Weir passed away a couple days ago.  For those not familiar, he was a guitar player for the Grateful Dead.

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A good time with the guys today.  We worked up that Grateful Dead song (Friend of the Devil) and a couple others.  Plus played a bunch of other songs.  Mark, Danny, Gil, Carl, and me, making music.  I meant to get a photo with all of us, but the three other guys got out of there before I thought about it.  Cindy took this photo of Mark and me...

 Yes, I did wear the shirt to practice.

 

 

My ears are burning...

 

People talking about you, Jim?

Probably, but that isn't the cause.  Some HOA stuff and phone calls with John, his nurse, the Social Services person at the hospital, and John's niece and nephew.  From before 8:00 am until after noon.

In fact, Joan took care of my noon feeding duties for Murphy and Stella.  Really, I'm still a good cat-Dad, it just took a while to get through all of that.

After the kitties ate, they each laid down for a nap... and Joan and I got out for lunch.  A real sit-down lunch.  Seems like it has been a while.

On the kitty front: around 4:30 I laid down myself.  Didn't sleep, but Murphy did come lay by me.  Not on me.  Not quite touching.  But by me. 

And a real break-through: as I was coming out of the bathroom (no, this won't be TMI), Stella and Murphy got nose-to-nose.  It lasted for a few seconds.  Nobody hissing.  I may have gotten a bit verklempt.  Downright sweet. 

Ups and Downs...

 

Yesterday, there was a good amount of "refereeing"... not speaking of sports.  Stepping between kitties.  Mostly noise.  Neither trying to be hurtful.

And then, this morning...

 Downright sweet.  Of course, that will change in a few minutes.  Then, a moment of play, followed by hissing.  But, no running, nothing aggressive.  The perspective is interesting in that image above: Stella is closer to the camera, so she doesn't look so small.  When you see them side by side, Murph is so much bigger.

I have to laugh as he approaches her: super slow motion.  She will roll onto her side, exposing her belly... "baiting"him to come closer, then the ears go flat followed by a hiss.  Murph will look at me quizzically and say, "I didn't do nuthin'!"

"Can you do nothing a little further away from her?" I ask.

Mutter, mutter, mutter.

 

Sleeping like a baby...

 

Me?  No, I toss and turn thanks to achy bones.  At least it's not like the "sleep like a baby" joke: I cry at various times during the night and wet myself.

As you might expect with the current circumstances, I am talking about the cats.  Right now, little Stella is asleep on the base of one of the cat towers...

 Murphy is asleep on top of the catio...

 That is now - all is quiet.  Downright peaceful.  That was not the case earlier: Murphy was stalking Stella all over the living room.  Joan and I took turns shooing him away from her.  He would get close, she would hiss, and one of us would get between them and chase him off.  He never did anything to her, just got too close for her comfort.

I said, "Let them work it out."  Not easy to do when you see the size difference, but little Stella can be fierce.  He got too close, she pulled out the claws and took a swipe at him.  Murphy backed off.

I had to take a phone call and stepped out for a bit.  Joan was getting dressed and heard some commotion - she stepped out to the living room to this...

 Yes, they were sitting peacefully.  Together in the catio.  No fuss.  No hissing.  Go figure.

 

Ch-Ch-Ch...

 

If you said, "Chia Pet!"... you are wrong, but you still get 10 bonus points for remembering those commercials...

 

It was a restless night.  My brother-in-law John is in the hospital and I am worried about him.  He is the last of my immediate family and has been in my life since I was 9 years old.  After visiting with his nephew, niece, and a nurse at the hospital, I was finally able to talk to him when he got settled in a room late last night.

The morning came earlier than usual, but a bright spot: Murphy came up from the foot of the bed and laid on me.  That is a rarity, and most welcome.  Then, he purred.  Also something I don't often hear.  Very soothing.

I got up and started my new kitty-feeding routine.  It's a bit of an assembly line, so they get fed at the same time.  After that and the rest of my morning routine, I took Murphy outside.  It is ch-ch-ch-chilly: 41º.  January in the desert.  Joan turned on the fireplace - first we've used the heat from that this season.  We've had it on, but just for the ambiance (no heat).

Another bright side: it's a clear, sunny day out. 

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I called John's hospital room this morning; a brief visit with him, then with his nurse.  I got the lowdown and will be checking in later this afternoon.  I made some calls from Steph and Dan's house, so I could put the phone on speaker while taking notes.  Murphy came over with me.  And Tango, their orange boy, sat on my lap while I made my calls.  Nice...

 

Back at our house, Stella was being very active - she loves to play and uses lots of toys.  The tunnel is her current favorite (and has been Murph's favorite and Tango's when he comes to visit)...

  And a rare photo of her holding still - she has a LOT of energy...

 Stella is a typical kitten: a bundle of energy and then a nap.  This morning, the energy part lasted over an hour.  And then she looks like she will fall asleep sitting up.  It's cute.

I believe she is destined to be a princess.  Joan ordered some new food and water bowls for her...

 Yeah, princess pink.  She is a good eater, and it is sweet to see her go back and forth between her hard and soft food.