Well...Nice to meet you Polly.

Hello, my name is Polly.  No I am not an alcoholic. I am addicted to people. I had been stealing sunflower seeds from a bird feeder in the front yard of a big white house in Georgetown. I had to walk along a cyclone fence rail, jump in a tree, then jump to the feeder. I had hurt my foot and was having trouble with all of that so I decided to go to the back door and see if perhaps she kept her seed where I could steal a few easier, without all the jumping and climbing. Well wouldn’t you just know my luck, there sitting on the back steps was this old lady. I had not planned on that and I was halfway up the steps. She just sat there looking at me. I thought at least she would scream and get up and go in her house but she didn’t seem afraid of me at all. Most people think of squirrels as ugly rats with bushy tails. I was pretty sure I could out run her if I had to so I just kept going up the back steps slowly waiting for her to go in her house, but she just sat there and said, “well along comes Polly”. She put her hand out palm up and kept talking to me. She told me what a nice squirrel I was and how pretty I was. I was in total shock. Nothing like that had ever happened to me. I got closer and closer and smelled her hand. She did not try to swat me or grab me. She got up slowly and kept looking back so I followed along. I was in a sort of trance. She went in her back door and came out with a handful of peanuts. She sat down again and kept talking and coaxing to walk up her stretched out leg and get a nut. I was so hungry and I just sat there and ate. She finally made me climb into her lap to get a nut. I got full and slowly went home.

The next day I still thought it had to have been a dream but decided to try it again. I went to her back door and when she saw me out she came with a dish of sunflower seeds and peanuts. This time she put her hand on my back. I was ready to protect myself but when she scratched between my shoulders it felt soooooooo good. Well after a week or so of this she got down on her hands and knees one day to get eye level with me and explained that if I was going to be a roommate I had to start to work for my food.

If you're going to stay around here Polly, you're going to have to work.

She had a dishpan of dirt and was potting little plants. I kept getting in the pan to try to help but she gave me a pan of dirt of my own and I began to raise my own sunflowers. I would eat some seed, and plant some seed.

I'm working planting seeds (and eating some). It was a lot of work.

Gosh more work for this lady. I better get some food soon.

Time went on and I was really happy. It was getting close to Christmas and I had worked so hard I thought I deserved a” Squirrels night out”. That’s the night I met Big Red. I told him where I got my food and took him home with me for the night and to the old lady’s house for breakfast. She gladly fed us both, but Big Red was not going for any petting and for sure not any work. I had to drive a sleigh in a Christmas scene but Big Red would not do it. He didn’t do things fun with me anymore but showed up for breakfast. He was just a gigolo. He even had the nerve to bring along a few friends but all got fed.

Riding the sled with Big Red. He didn't really want to play or have fun.

Eating after a big night out. This old lady takes care of me and Big Red she is so nice.

I was not feeling so chipper anymore but kept up with my job. I knew I was pregnant so I began to build a nest up above the old lady’s back porch. She had good stuff to make a nest with, like pretty plastic tale cloths with soft backing. I ripped those things to shreds.

Oh no!! I'm preggo and need to get my nest started. This will work!

I had twins and kept it a secret but when they started to leave their nest I knew she would soon find out, so I waited til one day she was sitting on her stairs again and I told the twins it’s time to see the nice lady who feeds us. I had to help them up the stairs and she sat still and I picked them up and put them in her lap. Love at first sight for everyone. She talked to the babies just like she did me so my worries were over. I had taught my babies how to get their own food. I didn’t have to teach them to climb a tree or anything. But I did have to stand guard and teach the cat that we were the boss. I sat on the railing watching and would tell the babies what to do. I use the cats scratching post for my high rise and look out.

I have something to tell you lady. These are my babies.

Here we come! Momma

Yummy Mom taught us well....the food just comes to us.

Look how little I am I can fit in this pot.

I'm watching over you cat.

Six years have gone by and I have twins a couple times a year. I am the only one that has a full time job but the whole gang of us are waiting every morning for our big pan of goodies. the other squirrels climb her leg and help themselves to nuts and let her pet them, but I am her favorite. Life is good for this Georgetown Squirrel. She brushes me with the cats brush. She makes sure I get to observe every holiday and pose with the decorations. I am a really lucky squirrel but she is a mighty lucky lady to have such a nice pet. This is a win win deal. It shows that people, squirrels, and cats can live in harmony if they try.

I always feel loved here. Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Paddy's Day

It's Easter!

It's scary out here. Can I come in? Please

I am so thankful. Hey where's the turkey lady.

On the lookout for Santa. Merry Christmas

Read more about the adventures of Polly and his friends here 12/16/11 (Friday).

About Lilly Marek

Having lived in Seattle (Georgetown) for over 80 years, Lilly has a passion for the area. A true Seattleite, Lilly has the history & experience to discuss any topic. Being retired, she enjoys visiting with her many grand children, gardening, and writing.

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As predicted, the not so “Super Committee” has failed.  It’s no big surprise to me really.  It was doomed before it even started.  The 12 political members of this committee are mostly to blame for this whole money problem anyway.  They all have been part of the system and continue to play the game.  They will continue as normal after the Holidays with their careers with no real decisions.  By not making any real or hard stands (decisions) they will keep their heads off the chopping block, lay low, and continue on getting elected and playing he game every year.  Collecting their big fat checks every month, richy rich health care, and pension programs that the average Joe will never end come close to achieving.  It’s a shame really because they all should be fire.  Every single one of them.  Republicans want some cuts and the Democrats want to tax the rich.

The cuts Republican want are not enough and taxing the rich is not a viable solution.  Right now 3% has been cut.  That is extremely pathetic honestly.  The other side, taxing the rich is just a nice way of asking for more money from the public.  Burning more money in a failed system.  Doesn’t fix the problem and with the currently spend that will be used up really quick.  It doesn’t solve the problem at all.

So what is the solution.  Personally I like Warren Buffets suggestion – here is what he said, “I could end the deficit in five minutes.  You just pass a law that says that any time there’s a deficit of more than three percent of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election.”

Now that sounds like a good plan to me.  Unfortunately, we will never see any laws like this because the people who would pass the law are the same people who would lose their jobs.  That is not going to happen.

I like numbers so lets look at these simple U.S financial figures and recent spending cuts.  This is the actual 2011 federal budget and their “BIG” spending cuts.

U.S Income:  2,170,000,000,000
Federal Budget: 3,820,000,000,000
New Debt:  1,650,000,000,000
National Debt:  14,271,000,000,000
Recent Budget Cuts:  38,500,000,000 (about 1% of budget)

To help put these numbers into perspective, lets look at a simplified real World example using the same data.  I removed the zeros to make the finacial numbers and comparison easier.

Annual income for the Smith family:  $21,700
Amount of money the Smith family spent:  $38,200
Amount of new credit card debt: $16,500
Outstanding balance on the credit card:  $142,710
Amount cut from the budget:  $385

This is the lame cuts I am talking about.  We need serious cuts to fix the system.  It’s not about asking for more money which will only put a temporary bandaid on the bigger problem.  Cut the programs, Cut the spending, and Cut the politicians not fixing or making suggestions.  Put laws in place to control spending and a forcing a balance budget (with limits).  Hold politicians and slacker politicians accountable.

Time to clean house and remove anyone and everyone not correcting these issues.

About Jeff Jacobs

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest his entire life, Jeff understands and delivers a different perspective about politics. Even though many may disagree with his language and writing style, you can't debate his passion for the Seattle area and his committment to a better society.

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November 7, 2011

Dear Representative McDermott,
Dear Senator Cantwell,
Dear Senator Murray,

As a proud member of the Tea Party movement and TheTeaParty.net and as one of your constituents I am writing you today to encourage that you support an exhaustive and complete investigation of the $535 million dollar boondoggle known as Solyndra. The American people deserve to know what happened. Why hasn’t Obama been impeached?  He spends 100% of his time on the campaign trail trying to get more money. Make him say why he fast tracked the loan to Solyndra. We the people pay the price for his stupidity and it’s time to stop this. Does anyone in Washington believe the constitution is the law of the land, not some exectutive order that a man signs when it’s very quetionable he is really eligilible to even be president?  Make him park Air Force One for awhile and give him an education that he is not a dictator.

Sincerely,

Lilly in Seattle

About Lilly Marek

Having lived in Seattle (Georgetown) for over 80 years, Lilly has a passion for the area. A true Seattleite, Lilly has the history & experience to discuss any topic. Being retired, she enjoys visiting with her many grand children, gardening, and writing.

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Owning a home and living that “American Dream” is going to cost you double.  Voters just passed a $232 million dollar education levy last Tuesday.

This yes vote (59% yes) doubles what you’re paying now and will be taken from your property taxes each year. Congratulations Seattle.  I find it amazing considering all the corruption in our education system (superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson) or just reading all the wasted school revenue each year.  We have proven that plenty of revenue is generated for the school system already.  Next year (less than that I bet) we will be hearing how the school system is broke again.  Bus routes will be cut. The teachers will be on the front line walking out of the classrooms because you know all the money isn’t going to support them or increase their wages at all.  At least I will have something to write about and reference again here at the Emerald City Journal.  It would be the first time I told you so though.

The system is broke voters you can’t fix this with more money.  It’s a management problem.  The top managers make all the money “managing” while the little folk teaching the children get screwed over with less money and even less support.

The only good thing about this is hopefully voters will see the light at the end of the tunnel now.  They will stop funding this toilet bowl of a system where the procedures and management are so messed up.  I suspect, however, next year they will pull the strings to your heart again saying “it’s for the kids & teachers” and get another passed.

About Jeff Jacobs

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest his entire life, Jeff understands and delivers a different perspective about politics. Even though many may disagree with his language and writing style, you can't debate his passion for the Seattle area and his committment to a better society.

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Unfortunately, I am a Bank Of America customer.  In fact, they are my mortgage company.  The good news is that I am not a checking or savings account customer.  First I am not sure why anyone would want to bank here and pay a monthly fee (or have to keep a large minimum) when there are so many FREE options available.  I simply refuse to look at any option that isn’t free.  It’s a free system why pay for it?  That is just silly.

There are many reasons why customers hate Bank Of America but it’s mostly because the company is greedy.  Not only are they greedy they are extremely sneaky about it.  First Bank Of America is one of the largest banks in America.  They are one of the worst managed companies around and continue the “cry” when they are just barely making it.  Just a while ago Bank Of America changed their branch policies to not provide any support for their customers.  They said a fee would be imposed they you needed to actually speak to someone.  To help with this effort they updated their ATMS to make deposits etc easier.  In short, they are going to to charge you the same price but not provide any real person help if you need it (well… they will help but may charge you extra for the help lol).  I couldn’t believe it when they announced this new change.  I figured customers would get disturbed and make the change but many stayed with this messed up business.

Recently, Bank Of America announced that they were going to charge customers $5 just to use their ATM per month.  Wow I said, rolling in laughter on the floor.  That is a big move and a stupid one if you ask me.  This bank just continues to gouge it’s customers with sneaky and greedy fees.

I believe this really hit a nerve with a lot of customers and a Bank Transfer Day was created.  The day was last Saturday actually and I heard it was a tremendous success.  The credit unions who all pretty much offer free banking and higher checking interest rates were overwhelmed with new customers.  After the $5 ATM monthly fee was announced by Bank Of America, they started to feel the heat.  Customers were fed up and starting to move elsewhere.  Bank Of America now is saying that they are not going to charge customers the $5 ATM fee.  They say it was just a test program to see how customers would react and be ok with it.  UMMM… no!!

This morning a Seattle Bank Of America caught on file.  The fire is suspicious and we all wonder why? Really?  I say let it burn.

About Jeff Jacobs

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest his entire life, Jeff understands and delivers a different perspective about politics. Even though many may disagree with his language and writing style, you can't debate his passion for the Seattle area and his committment to a better society.

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It’s about time for the holidays and you should know that you will be paying a little more this year.  I call it the Christmas Tree Tax.  Each farmer who sells their Christmas trees will be taxed (in addition to the regular taxes) a 15 cent tax.  Sure you probably are saying well that isn’t very much and I agree.  You probably won’t even notice the difference but you should know that is it there.  I would categorize this tax as a poke just to see what they can get away with.  It’s not that this tax increase is going to put a dent in your pocket or anything it’s just the principal really.  It’s the continued poking and poking with the fees, taxes, registration, tolls, regulation etc that just gets on your nerves.  It’s the stupid stuff like this that are introduced just to see what they can get away with by poking you a little more and increase it down the road if needed (Oh and it will be needed).

Now for all the people saying its just 15 cents let it go.  Here is a fun fact: 83%+-  of the population are Christians in America.  In 2010, there were 302 million households – you do the math.

About Jeff Jacobs

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest his entire life, Jeff understands and delivers a different perspective about politics. Even though many may disagree with his language and writing style, you can't debate his passion for the Seattle area and his committment to a better society.

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It shouldn’t be a surprise really I predicted this many months ago here.  The USPS is one of most pathetic and mis-managed entity.  A company that has always been the same and never evolves.  You would think overtime as a business they would adapt to changes in the economy and introduce innovated technologies and ideas to mail easier and smoother…, however, its the same system only more expensive now.  Each year, as rates continue to increase, customers find cheaper and more affordable options.  It’s almost not even worth it anymore - 50 cents to send a small letter is about 50% overpriced.

As customers sending mail declines the USPS continues with operations and fail to adjust their staff and vehicles to manage less mail.  The infrastructure of delivering mail has been established for many years now…. so how in the hell are you losing money USPS?  It’s all overpriced profit with billions of pieces of mail sent every year! Not to mention all the other revenue streams you have like mail boxes and expedite services.

Honestly, we as customers need to look at this and say when do we just say no and let them fail.  I just tired of hearing all the complaining when I can easily calculate all the profit they are making.  They are just taking advantage of the the people and the system by continually asking for a stamp raise every year.  Perhaps the best option is just to let is burn to the ground and let innovation and entrepreneurs create a new more profitable system.

FACT:  The USPS posted a 9 BILLION dollar lost last year.  The USPS is requesting a 5%+ postage rate increase.

About Jeff Jacobs

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest his entire life, Jeff understands and delivers a different perspective about politics. Even though many may disagree with his language and writing style, you can't debate his passion for the Seattle area and his committment to a better society.

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Bill Bryant is seeking to be re-elected to his job as Seattle’s Port Commission President. Forget any good things you might have heard that he has done. (I can’t recall any, but there might be something). It’s time to say NO to Port President Bill Bryant because he pushed for the largest raise possible for Port CEO Tay Yoshitani during this economic recession. Is he getting a whopping kick back or does he need a couple weeks at Western State for a mental evaluation? This gives the CEO a base salary of $366,825. God only knows how many thousands in perks he gets.

They call themselves public servants, I call them parasites. I have written other articles on this website about the obscene salaries and perks but this article is to alert you to NOT VOTE FOR BILL BRYANT.

The Governor says the state is broke, she may be right but his salary could be cut by $300,000 and it would still be $66,825. Lots of smart people would step right in for that salary. No wonder there are protests by people out of work or who are having their insurance cancelled when this stupid, stupid stuff is going on. Like they say Throw the Bums out. Let’s start with Bill Bryant.

When I voted this time, I voted against any incumbent that is holding office. You cannot reach them, they do not care what you have to say. A little legislative aide will answer for all of them. The King County Council is selling bonds based on tolls even though there is a vote coming up on that, but they will ram it through like they did the tunnel that no one can afford by saying contracts were signed so it has to go forward. If the city, state and fed government is broke none of these expensive things should be considered.

All monies for each branch of government is paid for by workers. None of these places including the port have a money tree but they will tell you it was allocated, or set aside, or approved by the voters ten years ago.

About Lilly Marek

Having lived in Seattle (Georgetown) for over 80 years, Lilly has a passion for the area. A true Seattleite, Lilly has the history & experience to discuss any topic. Being retired, she enjoys visiting with her many grand children, gardening, and writing.

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