Happy Weekend All!

Yes. It would break my heart to have to return Dude to the SPCA for rehoming. We already love him.

pro nfl football, world series, and chores.

Doesn't take long, does it, hagatha!

No.

Good morning, Danish, Donuts, and Bagels in the Break Room. The Halloween party was a big success last night.

Good day Connie

I brought a large pot of bold Sumatra coffee and tub of bottled Fiji water in ice

court shows and even perry mason, and chores, starting with perry mason, america court with judge kevin ross, the people court, judge greg mathis, justice with judge mablean ,the verdict with judge hatchett, judge judy. and chore. for tomorrow, after carrie underwood sang, cowboys vs Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (calf) inactive for game against Minnesota Vikings. world series.

Good morning, Danish, Donuts, and Bagels in the Break Room. Lunch and Netflix with a friend today. Meeting at the Eagles tonight.

Good morning, all. This morning looks like a painting -- dead calm and misty, with the water shining like silver.

It's getting cold, so it's time to pull out the heated hummingbird feeders, give them a good clean and get them outside.

Hagatha, got a kitty update for us! How is the extended introduction going?

Draclvr, I think things are going well. Dude is getting really bored and demanded to be let out of the bedroom last night. We gated the top of the stairs and he shot upstairs, saw Willow behind the gate, and retreated to the lower floor, where he just explored calmly, no real fear at all. Later we opened his bedroom door a crack. Willow put her paw through the door a few times, and he cruised past, talking, and then sat in a Sphinx pose about three feet away. They're both really calm. I think we'll move things forward now with another gate introduction, only this time giving him control of the house with Willow in the upstairs bedroom behind the gate.

He's pretty confident now. He trusts me for certain, and comes when I call him as much as any cat does. He has a little churring noise he makes repeatedly. It's hilarious -- a running commentary on the world around him.

I think the key is getting Dude comfortable in his surroundings. I'm told by the rescues that so many people don't take that step and if the cat is timid, any intimidation by the resident cat can set things back by days and sometimes weeks because the new cat doesn't know where to feel safe.

Exactly. I want to let him explore the house unfettered. He's already done it once, the whole house with Willow shut away. He fast-walked through the whole of the upstairs checking everything out without hesitating for a second. I had to laugh when he found one of Willow's well--licked catnip toys, though. He stopped his tour to give it a huge head rub for about a minute before resuming. It was so unexpected and silly in the middle of what was likely a stressful situation.

How funny! He is getting familiar with his new surrounds and spreading his own scent around. He will feel safe there when he and Willow finally get to figure things out between them.

same thing.

So as I sit here, there is a flimsy barrier across the tp of the stairs that either cat could literally walk around. Dude is on a step near the top, lounging, blinking at Willow, and talking to her. Very polite. An accomplished Dude.

Willow is completely nonplussed. Not hissing, not puffed up. Just...confused. She's stopped staring, and looked away and yawned, but she's not sure what to do. (Eventually he went downstairs and she accepted a pat with her tail up, so I guess she's not all that upset.)

So interesting that it's Dude who is taking the lead. All of a sudden today he's Mr. Cool. Not afraid of anything.

I love this! This is what happens when you take the time for introductions to allow Dude to know where he's safe so his personality can come out and Willow knows you still love her.

Good morning, Danish, Donuts, and Bagels in the Break Room. Hagatha, I'm happy Dude is getting along so well.

Yes, we're cautiously hopeful. We'll do the same thing with the gate until Willow relaxes completely.

Hagatha: Interesting you mention about dealing with condo agent. We had an annual budget approval assoc meeting last week. Price increase for new lawn care company meant a higher than usual monthly fee increase. When it came time to do formal acceptance and approval of the budget, the same resident that gave us a hard time about how to count the votes earlier this year, insisted that a full board agreement was not needed, just those acting as pres and vice-pres. As she did before, the agent simply went along with it to appease the guy. Easier than to take time and energy to fight him. Like you, I'm always glad to find someone whose comfortable dealing with that kind of situation. Also, if I read your post right, you're providing temporary housing for a cat. I applaud for for that willingness and energy. If a circumstance presented itself, I suppose I might consider it, but, mostly I shy away from it for emotional reasons. Those darn animals just eventually pull at your heartstrings.

Well, government keeps trying to get more money from me. Spent 2 years fight (via my CPA) with IRS about tax funds they insisted I owed but didn't. Twice, it was a 'coding' error on their part. No real surprise there. Now it's the SSA, which claims they've overpaid me since I retired in 2019. It's a long story, but suffice to say, because of their error, I've gotten $200 more a month than I was 'supposed' to; but they're asking me to repay way more than that. No way I'm going to just send check for it. Can't get in touch with local SSA office; need appt and can't get ahold of anyone by phone. Recently learned I may have found someone who understands these things. I'll know for sure on Saturday.

Sunday, when I walked my dog about 5 pm, I was surprised to see a few kids out trick-or-treating. The parents had recently moved to the suburb which is near northwest of Chicago. It really was a nice day to do it. Told the parents I had not thing to offer. They'd heard the some from other residents. Talk about a 'blast of the past' sort of thing.

After the assoc meeting that I mention above, which was zoomed, I turn around to find my dog on the couch. I was shocked! He hasn't done that in months. The daycare gal said she'd playfully chasing him to increase his exercise. I had to run to the restroom. When I got back, he was off the couch. But I sat on it and he tried again. He approached; front paw on but back legs couldn't get high enough and he knew it, so quickly backed away. Urged him to try again, but he went back to bed. I can tell he misses being able to lie next to me. I miss it too.

Connie, I was a condo Property Agent for many years here in British Columbia.

I cannot imagine a scenario in which it is legal for only two or three members of the Board to make decisions for the entire complex, especially in the case of the Annual Budget. It is likely a serious violation of whatever governing legislation you have in your State.

In BC the entire ownership votes on the budget. A majority approval is required. The property agent is not allowed to simply accept violations of the governing legislation because of one bullying owner. Part of the job is dealing with exactly that kind of person. If you can't do that, you cannot be a Condo Agent.

Your agent is incompetent at the very least. In BC an agent who fails so completely to uphold their fiduciary duty to a client would have their license suspended and their employer's Agent's license could also be in jeopardy for allowing it.

A letter of complaint to the company she works for, outlining the issues, might be a good first step.

Also the governing legislation probably outlines a complaint mechanism for owners to follow in instances like this one. Here in BC the first step is a mediation, and the mediator's decision is binding on all parties. Of course, it's probably a different process where you are, but there probably is one.

I always encouraged my clients to read and absorb the Strata Property Act, which is the governing legislation here in BC. I would strongly suggest that you obtain a copy of, and familiarize yourself with, your State's applicable legislation so that you understand the rights and duties of Owners, the Board, and the Agent. It's important for every condo owner to do this.

Such excellent advice, hagatha. I was a little horrified that anyone would suggest only two people have the final vote on something just to avoid dealing with a difficult person.

Condo ownership can be great if you have a good Board and Agent. It can also be awful.

Dude now thinks he owns the house.

"Dude now thinks he owns the house. "

And what does Willow say to that ????