Brittany, passed away today. She was 1 month shy of her 19th birthday. She's been my constant companion over the years. She came to me via ex-wife when we got married. Within 24 hours of meeting, Brittany and I were friends. When my back collapse made me virtually bed-ridden for 3 years, she was always with me. She's had various health issues over the years, and I've managed to keep her going. The last 6 months have been hard as Brittany developed high blood pressure and lost her sight. She'd lost her hearing a few years ago as well.

In Dear Abby's column today (05/27 - second item) "Nervous in Northern California" asked if she should tell her employer that a person that she had already recommended for a job is transgendered. Check out Abby's answer: http://www.arcamax.com/dearabby/s-551129-469043

Edited 05/28/09 9:13 AM CDT - Updated link

Hi everyone

For all of you out there who like reading books there is now a new way to get hold of Scaramouch Books catalogue.

I was doing my weekly check of the jewlbox and found one listed 4 years ago. It is called Illiana by Kay Lavander. The prologue is not even listed on her author's page. She posted 2 segments of what is supposed to be an epic length novel, and then nothing. Has anyone seen her or it around anywhere else. Does anyone know if she ever posted anymore. I haven't gotten into the story yet, but it looks as if it might be interesting with all the other magic stories that have been done recently.

The authors of this site go to a great deal of trouble to provide stories to entertain you, the readers. If you disagree with something, or find a story lacking in some way, the worst thing you can do is to "OUT" the author who has taken a great deal of time to produce a tale for your delectation.

I saw this while browsing TV program descriptions

Tuesday, 26 May BBC3 TV 22:30 "Bizarre Animal ER"

Tomorrow, is Memorial Day. Many of the authors, commentors, and readers of this site are in the or have served in the military. I would like to thank you all for your service.

RAMI

A few days ago, someone asked about a story on the TG Fiction Yahoo group and it started me thinking but not coming up with an answer. Someone there mentioned Brandy Dewinter's "Only for You", which is a very good story but not the one I was thinking of to answer the query.

We live in a 200 year old stone cottage (they're very common round here) and the walls are really rubble-filled double piles of stones. One disadvantage, amongst many, is that they provide spacious accommodation for small rodents from time to time. We don't usually have a problem in warmer weather; mice infestation is normally a Winter problem and relatively minor. Not so right now.

This has raised it's head again in my 'never-ending' tale of life and dormice. It's done so because it is a constant problem. My own transition was quite public and was known to hundreds if not thousands of people locally. I've also been 'outted' in the press two or three times, including mention on local TV and radio. So short of sending out six billion letters notifying everyone on the planet, it meant there'd be some who didn't know.

Some years ago, I came up with what I call My Three Rules of Behavior.