What a Difference a Year Makes

Peanuts sitting on top of the squirrel condo on 2/1/2012

What a difference a year makes indeed!  Last year, we endured one of the most wicked blizzards in the Chicago Metro Area and Great Lakes since the 1967 blizzard.  This squirrel condo is home to three of our resident squirrels.  They are affectionately named Chubby Squirrel, Peanuts and Cheesit.  

Cheesit is called just that because she loves cheese crackers, the little stinker got into the garage one Sunday afternoon and grabbed some of the cheese crackers out of a snack bag.  I rescued her about 1-1/2 years ago because she was injured by a cat that lives up the street.  His owner likes to let him out to roam, which is against our city ordinance.  Cheesit was taken to a wonderful wild life veterinarian in Downers Grove, IL, who dressed her wounds, gave her antibiotics for the infection that set in, and something to control the pain as well.  When Cheesit was pronounced A-OK, I brought her back to her home and siblings and she's been doing just fine. 


It's great to walk outside on February 1st with 45 degree weather.  Loving it.


Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.

Healthy You, Healthy Pets

I've had the pleasure of knowing a lot of great holistic health people during the past twelve years.  Really have had my eyes opened when we are trying to stay well, attempting to overcome an illness and serious health conditions.  This applies to our beloved pets as well.  


Here are two extraordinary small businesses that deserve a mention.  Carol Solecki is the proprietor and founder of Health Emporium.  She offers a full array of herbs, homeopathic, supplements and nutritional consultation for people and pets.  I can personally tell you she has some really wonderful products for us and our fur children.  You can contact Carol through her website at www.healthemporiumbycarol.com.  


Another delightful place I've recently discovered is located in Roselle, Illinois called All Things Woof...and Meow Too, Inc.  I was looking to purchase Stella & Chewy's Raw Cat Food for Peeper.  No fish or salmon anymore because of the feline hyperthyroidism.  I found the Chick, Chick, Chicken freeze-dried raw chicken dinner, and this is day number three and I must report that Peeper absolutely loves it!  Yippee!!!! So happy!!!!  Find out more at www.allthingswoof.com.  

We can't place a price tag on our health, long live living a long life, and loving every minute of it.


((HUGS))




Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.

Jacqueline Annette Williams - Clemency Requested

On November 16, 1995, one of the most notorious, horrific triple homicides occurred in the Village of Addison, Illinois.  Debra Evans, 28, was fatally shot and stabbed in the apartment home she shared with her boyfriend and her children, Samantha, 10, Joshua, 8 and Jordan, 22 months.  Debra was nine (9) months pregnant.  The little boy she was carrying, Elijah Evans, a full term fetus, was cut from his mother's womb with a pair of poultry shears.  Debra's daughter, Samantha, was stabbed to death in her bedroom.  Joshua and baby Elijah were taken from the apartment, little Jordan was left in the apartment by himself, alone with his deceased mother and sister.  Debra's boyfriend was at work when the unspeakable, bloody carnage commenced.  


The day after Debra and Samantha's murders, little Joshua's body was discovered in an alley in Maywood, Illinois.  He was poisoned, strangled and stabbed to death.  He was killed because he told one of the State's witnesses that he saw "Annette, Fedell and Vern" kill his mother and sister.  


The Addison Police soon discovered the suspects whom were later identified as Jacqueline Annette Williams, Fedell Caffey and Levern Ward.  Williams was arrested at her Schaumburg townhouse,  holding a newborn baby that was later identified as Elijah Evans on November 17, 1995.   In connection with the murders and kidnapping of the Evans family, Ms. Williams, her cousin, Levern Ward, and her boyfriend, Fedell Caffey, were also arrested and charged with several counts of first degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.  All three defendants were indicted and tried in separate criminal jury trials.  All three defendants were found guilty.  Ms. Williams was convicted of first degree murder of Debra Evans, Samantha Evans and Joshua Evans. She was convicted of aggravated kidnapping of Elijah Evans.  The same jury found that defendant Williams eligible for the death penalty for her role in the unspeakable homicides.  


In 2003, then Governor George Ryan commuted the death sentences of all inmates that were on Death Row to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.  Williams' death sentence was commuted as well.  Governor Ryan imposed a moratorium on the death penalty in Illinois because of serious, grievous errors, police and official misconduct committed by certain Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies and Judicial Circuit Courts, including Du Page County.  It was discovered that thirteen innocent people were awaiting execution on Illinois Death Row. Who can forget the political faux pas of the Jeanine Nicarico murder trial?  I can not and it cost the citizens of Du Page County taxpayers a multi-million dollar judgment for malicious prosecution of three innocent men, whom were convicted and wrongly sent to Death Row. The death penalty in Illinois was permanently abolished in 2011 by Governor Pat Quinn.


It has been recently reported that Ms. Williams is now seeking to have her homicide and kidnapping case reopened.  Williams is also seeking clemency as well.  She claims she's "been in prison long enough for her crime and wishes to be released to be reunited with her three adult children and six grandchildren".  Williams further indicated that she missed certain things, like being able to smell a flower or enjoy a hug from her family.  Williams stated that she is a "changed woman" and can be a productive member of society and provide assistance to women that were in the same situation she is in". 


When I read this, I was speechless.  Perhaps Ms. Williams should be reminded of the bloodshed enacted upon Debra Evans, her daughter Samantha, whom would have been 27 years old, perhaps married and a young mother herself.  What the defendant (Williams) and her boyfriend did to little Joshua Evans, whom would have been 25 years old, perhaps married himself with a wife and children himself.  On November 16, 1995, this defendant made the choice to participate in a brutal homicide, ending the lives of Debra, Samantha and Joshua.  The victims were butchered by Williams and the other two defendants.  Society would not be safe if Jacqueline Annette Williams was released from the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Williams gave up the right to smell a flower, receive a hug from her family or enjoy the freedom of society.  She deserves to complete her life sentence.  


Jordan Evans and Elijah Evans are teenagers and reside with family in rural Southern Illinois, far away from the carnage of their earlier lives.  Thank God for that.

Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.

Divorce, Separation and Children - Taking it up a Notch

I've written about this very touchy but important matter in the past. 

When two people decide to marry or enter into a domestic relationship and children are either born or adopted as a result of the union, being a good parent should be top priority.  However, if the union between the parties fails to withstand the test of time, and the parties feel it's better for everyone, including the children to not live together as a family, the adults in the relationship really need to address all factors with their minor children.  Of course, if there was violence, alcohol, drug, extra-marital affairs, rampant cheating, or gambling, this makes the situation even worse when it comes to telling the children.  

Today on the Dr. Phil Show, it portrayed a horrific example of a divorced couple.  They had three beautiful children together and after 13 years of marriage, they separated and divorced.  The mother obviously has issues with her former husband, even though she is remarried.  The former husband has issues with his former wife, especially with her inability to tell the truth.  The former wife often referred to her children's father as "the sperm donor person" in earshot of the children.  I do not approve of that type of talk from an adult person.  It's very destructive, demeaning and inappropriate.  

Another bone of contention I have with the former wife is the fact how she willfully withheld visitation with the children and their father.  Folks, this is one of my most grievous pet peeves ever!  In Illinois, interference with child visitation is considered a criminal offense.  Well, that sounds great, except the law enforcement community rarely upholds it.  Yep, you guessed it, another idiotic law on the books that is pretty worthless.

It was also revealed on the Dr. Phil Show, the former husband and father of the children is $29K in arrears of his child support payments.  This I do not approve at all.  You can divorce your spouse but not your children. It's as simple as that.  Child support is the law of the land.  If you are unable to pay your legal and court ordered child support because of job loss, illness, then before it becomes a serious issue, you need to go back to court and get it reduced on a temporary basis.  It is unconscionable to have children go without proper clothing or food.  


Separation and divorce are tough issues to work through.  However, using your minor children as pawns and weapons against the other former spouse is something that is very destructive to the children.  Children of separated and divorced families I consider as special needs children.  They need reinforcement and loving support from both Mom and Dad.  It's even more tricky when Mom or Dad remarry and there is a blended family to try to keep together.  

THE FAMILY STEPS: 


1. Never, ever make detrimental or derogatory comments about your former spouse or partner in front of your children. 
2. Honor your child support obligation. If a situation arises (illness, job loss) be open about this with your former spouse or partner, and go to court on a Motion for Temporary Reduction.  Silence in this case, is not golden.
3. Never use alcohol or drugs in front of your children, ever. 
4. Do not withhold visitation with your children against your former spouse or partner. 
5. Keep your contact information up to date such as cell phone numbers, work numbers and home telephone numbers.  
6. Never discuss your separation or divorce matters in front of your child or children. This includes child support, spousal maintenance or other financial issues.  This is between the adults, not the children. 

Taking and adopting the high road in separated and divorced families adopts and nurtures a positive approach to healing and keeping your child or children feel secure and most of all, loved. 

Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.

Shelter From the Storm

Squirrel Condo Home

 This photo was taken this morning.  We attached a squirrel box (or as I call it, a Squirrel Condo) two years ago.  We love our little squirrel buddies!  It's a great way to watch them, and in the spring, the baby squirrels peek out the front door, ready to explore the big world around them. Of course, they are well fed as we stock the feeders with a blend of seeds, nuts and dried fruit.  


They really appreciate their little home today, it's a snowy day and they are tucked away, snug as a bug. 

Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.

Utility Choices - Be a Smart Consumer

 Energy companies have been springing up like wild flowers on a prairie now that most states have deregulated and stopped the monopoly that have kept consumers in a stranglehold for decades.  


However, when you are approached by a telemarketer, respond to a door-to-door solicitor or direct mail information, you must proceed with caution.  There is no free lunch, and if the deal sounds or appears to be too good to be true, it usually is.  

One thing to remember when dealing with a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor is to never, ever give them your electric or gas bill account number. What the person on the telephone or at your door will do, is have you sign an "acknowledgement" that you understand you are "paying too much for your electric or gas service". This is a blatant attempt to get your account number from your current utility provider and switch your service over to their energy company.  All of a sudden, you get a bill with "activation or start up fees" and a "two year service agreement/contract".  If you want to switch back to your old energy company or supplier, now you are on the hook for a "early termination fee".  Oh, how nice. 


If you feel that you have been unfairly taken advantage of a telemarketer or a solicitor at your front door, report them to your State Attorney General and institute a consumer fraud complaint. 


Competition is great, being a smart consumer is better.

Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.

Dog Breeds, Laws & Ordinances

The Internet has been a buzz lately about outlawing certain dog breeds in cities, villages and towns.  One breed that is in the cross hairs are Pit Bulls.  

Last week on the South Side of Chicago, a jogger was attacked by two Pit Bulls before 6:00 a.m.  The victim was mauled, rescued by a passerby, and the police ended up having to shoot and kill both dogs.  The victim was in critical condition when brought to the hospital, and is improving. Thankful for that.  


After this unfortunate attack, the subject of imposing an Ordinance outlawing the ownership of Pit Bull dogs in Chicago has been raised. I believe this is a mistake.  I know people that have Pit Bull dogs as pets, and they are very affectionate and loving toward their family and friends.  It would be wrong to ask a responsible person or family to have to give up their beloved dog(s) because of the irresponsible actions of another pet owners.  Dogs aren't vicious unless the owner or owners of the dogs train them to be that way.  Ditto for owners of Doberman Pincher, German Shepperd breed dogs.  


Some insurance companies have now begun to charge policy holders higher premiums for owning a Pit Bull, German Shepperd or Doberman Pincher.  They cite the reason of "dangerous breed dogs".  Throwing a blanket premium hike on all policy holders is incorrect and unfair. 


Let me know your thoughts about this interesting subject.  You can drop me a line at peepertalk@gmail.com.


Copyright, 2012, by Peeper Talk. All rights reserved.