Jessica's Rose Garden

[Northern Star Girl]

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
Finally there will be some justice. 
Yes, hopefully some of the funds can be recovered and the Yard Man can be
stopped from doing his deeds to other unsuspecting "customers" 

What about the suspicious stuff that he had stolen that was found in your
Dad's garage?

My heart goes out to you and Susan ... and other family members. 
It is heartbreaking for you to watch a beloved parent going through
the old age and health related issues. 
HUGS, Danielle

..

We finally got a little good news about my dad's case. There is now a signed warrant for the 'yard man' - Felony Exploitation. The warrant should get loaded into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) tonight. In addition to stopping this person from exploiting others, we're hopeful that we may be able to recover some of the funds he scammed from my dad.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[ChrissyRyan]

We finally got a little good news about my dad's case. There is now a signed warrant for the 'yard man' - Felony Exploitation. The warrant should get loaded into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) tonight. In addition to stopping this person from exploiting others, we're hopeful that we may be able to recover some of the funds he scammed from my dad.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Good news.

[Jessica_Rose]

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
Finally there will be some justice. 
Yes, hopefully some of the funds can be recovered and the Yard Man can be
stopped from doing his deeds to other unsuspecting "customers" 

What about the suspicious stuff that he had stolen that was found in your
Dad's garage?

My heart goes out to you and Susan ... and other family members. 
It is heartbreaking for you to watch a beloved parent going through
the old age and health related issues. 
HUGS, Danielle

..

I reported all of the suspicious items, including several firearms, but none of it had been reported stolen. I feel a little guilty holding on to items which are most likely stolen, but if they weren't reported, then we have no way of returning them to their rightful owners.

I hope we can bring this to a conclusion while he is still with us. My dad had a medical appointment today, and he has lost 5 pounds. He does not want a feeding tube.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

My dermatology appointment went well. The nurse practitioner I saw was all smiles. I was asked to take off everything except my underwear, then put on a standard hospital gown. She did a whole body skin exam, and she said my skin looked really healthy. There were a few areas on my face and scalp which she deemed 'pre-cancerous', and a few other patches on my legs and arms which were common benign skin growths (seborrheic keratoses).

The NP said the treatment for the pre-cancerous areas was liquid nitrogen. She said it would burn a little, and I could come back another day if it was too uncomfortable to finish. I told her I had a reasonably high tolerance for discomfort. She treated four patches on my face, one on my left ear, and the one I had noticed on my scalp. The discomfort was similar to laser hair removal, but instead of a quick zap, it was a 'burn' that lasted 3 - 5 seconds. She said the areas may turn red and blister over the next few days, and she suggested applying some vaseline or polysporin for a week or so. She wants me to return in six months for a check up.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Lori Dee]

I get a skin check every six months too. I would love to get by with only four patches being frozen. But a lifetime of being outdoors has left me with a lot of sun damage. When I walk out of the office, I look like I got hit by a truck. But it is worth it. I have had seven basal cell carcinomas removed via Mohs surgery, but have not needed any removed in the past three years.

I'm glad you had a good result. Hopefully, it will all clear up and leave you healthy and more beautiful than you already are.

[ChrissyRyan]

My dermatology appointment went well. The nurse practitioner I saw was all smiles. I was asked to take off everything except my underwear, then put on a standard hospital gown. She did a whole body skin exam, and she said my skin looked really healthy. There were a few areas on my face and scalp which she deemed 'pre-cancerous', and a few other patches on my legs and arms which were common benign skin growths (seborrheic keratoses).

The NP said the treatment for the pre-cancerous areas was liquid nitrogen. She said it would burn a little, and I could come back another day if it was too uncomfortable to finish. I told her I had a reasonably high tolerance for discomfort. She treated four patches on my face, one on my left ear, and the one I had noticed on my scalp. The discomfort was similar to laser hair removal, but instead of a quick zap, it was a 'burn' that lasted 3 - 5 seconds. She said the areas may turn red and blister over the next few days, and she suggested applying some vaseline or polysporin for a week or so. She wants me to return in six months for a check up.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Ouch!

[ChrissyRyan]

I get a skin check every six months too. I would love to get by with only four patches being frozen. But a lifetime of being outdoors has left me with a lot of sun damage. When I walk out of the office, I look like I got hit by a truck. But it is worth it. I have had seven basal cell carcinomas removed via Mohs surgery, but have not needed any removed in the past three years.

I'm glad you had a good result. Hopefully, it will all clear up and leave you healthy and more beautiful than you already are.

It is good to get skin problems taken care of.

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks Lori and Christine!

I woke up this morning (which is good) at 4:30am (not so good) with a visual migraine (not good). It took about an hour for it to clear enough for me to read and type. It's been a long time since I had one, and usually they are triggered by food or bright flashing lights. The version I experience is painless. Although I can still walk around and even drive, they make it nearly impossible for me to read. It's odd when one of your senses can suddenly be uncooperative.

A few of the spots treated with liquid nitrogen yesterday are red and itchy, but there is no pain. I was quite nervous when I went to the dermatologist. It was my first ever visit, and I wasn't sure how welcome I would be. I think no matter how well I fit in, I will always have a fear of being 'discovered' and treated poorly.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Charlotte usually stays between her web and the window, which makes photography difficult. Yesterday morning she was on the outside of her web, and graciously posed for a profile photo.

[ChrissyRyan]

I do not like spiders for the most part.  But they can eat some unwanted bugs and that is good.


Chrissy

[Jessica_Rose]

Someone asked me why I am concerned about being 'discovered' by medical personnel. I think it's a good question, so I decided to post my answer here...

In addition to the surgical scars I carry, there are physical differences between cis men and cis women that are difficult or impossible to hide. While these differences may be difficult to see, trained medical professionals would be familiar with them. In addition, my physical attributes could draw attention:

1 - I am taller than 99.99% of women in the US.
2 - I have broad shoulders.
3 - I have large feet (women's size 13).

Through multiple procedures, I have 'fixed' or reduced several potential red flags: hairline, Adam's apple, jaw, chin, brow, and 'plumbing'. I have also attempted to enhance a few features so that I appear more feminine, lips and breasts. Allowing my hair to grow longer has also helped. Although my voice is significantly better than it used to be, people on the phone occasionally misgender me. 

Despite everything I have done, I am concerned that someone may discover that I am not cis female. Living in a deep red state, that information could result in reduced standards of care, refusal of care, shunning, and potential aggression. I think the odds of being 'discovered' by the general population are quite small, so being in public isn't a concern. However, a trained medical professional would have a much better chance of discovery.

Love always -- Jess

[Lori Dee]

Living in a Red state myself, I can understand your concern.

I think I would adopt a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" approach. I would not volunteer that information, but if a Gynecologist is doing an exam and asks about scars, I would feel obligated to explain.

So in some cases, providers must know your medical history to provide the best care, i.e. not overlooking something that could be threatening to your health. On the other hand, the Physical Therapist treating my back pain doesn't have a "need to know".

Safety First!

[Jessica_Rose]

We have four hummingbird feeders around the house. Three of the feeders have been 'claimed' by the more aggressive hummingbirds, but the fourth seems to be open to anyone. I think we may need an air traffic controller. This photo is not a composite of multiple frames.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Taking photos through a window degrades optics quite a bit, but it gets the point across.

[ChrissyRyan]

We have four hummingbird feeders around the house. Three of the feeders have been 'claimed' by the more aggressive hummingbirds, but the fourth seems to be open to anyone. I think we may need an air traffic controller. This photo is not a composite of multiple frames.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Taking photos through a window degrades optics quite a bit, but it gets the point across.

I like this photograph.

Christine

[ChrissyRyan]

I enjoy watching birds.

[Jessica_Rose]

We have some Eastern Bluebirds that visit frequently as well. They usually sit on the fence watching for insects in the grass. They also really enjoy our birdbath.

I heard from the FBI agent a few hours ago. Apparently, the check cashing process the suspect's bank uses involves electronic communication to another state. This is interstate commerce, so the suspect can be charged with federal wire fraud. The US Attorney's office wants to move forward with the case. They plan to call the Sheriff's Detective early next week to see if they can make this a joint effort -- the local 'felony exploitation' warrant along with a possible federal wire fraud charge. The federal charge would carry a longer sentence. The charges are not mutually exclusive, so the suspect could potentially be charged and convicted of both.

We plan to visit my dad again this weekend. The yard definitely needs mowing! My dad is eating less and sleeping more. His jaw and throat are becoming more painful every day, so he may soon need to see about pain management.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Northern Star Girl]

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
I am glad to read that the legal actions are moving forward that
involve the "Yard Man" that not only took advantage of your aging father but
more than likely the list of legal charges will extend to many other people
that were swindled and taken advantage of.
          `````````````````````````````````
I feel quite saddened to read of your father's declining health and the increasing pain that he is experiencing. 

I am heartened to know that you are staying on top of both of those issues.
Thank you for posting and sharing... my heart goes out to you, your family,
and to your father.  ❤️❤️❤️

Many HUGS,
Danielle

[Gina P]

I love the humming bird photo. Never been able to attract more than 1 around my house.
Sorry about your father. So sad to watch a slow decline and not be able to do anything about it.
Hugs Gina

[ChrissyRyan]

Jess,


I hope that justice is served and your dad is made as whole as possible.


Christine.

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks Danielle, Gina, and Christine!

Our visit went well. My dad was asleep when we arrived Saturday morning. He woke up when we finished taking our luggage  inside. We asked what he would like for lunch, and he said he wasn't in a rush. Susan and I did a little shopping, and on our way to my brother's house nearly had a fender bender. It was a two lane left hand turn, and someone decided not to stay in their lane. I was able to stop in time, so no contact was made. Thanks to my dash cam, I have a great video of the incident. A few blocks from my brother's house, another car nearly hit us. That put me in a really bad mood for the rest of the day.

After a short visit at my brother's house, we picked up lunch and headed back to my dad's house. He was asleep, but the TV was on max volume. I tried to turn it down, but the remote control wasn't working. I was getting exceptionally frustrated, so I decide to unplug the TV before I began breaking things. It wasn't my finest moment, but at least I didn't cause any damage.

After lunch I sharpened the blades on my dad's mower, then went to work. Wearing earplugs and not being bothered by anyone, I was eventually able to calm down. After mowing, I trimmed some shrubs which had grown large enough to block a sidewalk around the house. I also used a chainsaw to cut up a large limb which had fallen during a recent storm. It took about 5 hours to complete the yardwork, then Susan and I went to my brother's house so I could take a shower. We went back to my dad's house and had a late supper around 9:00pm (leftover sandwiches from lunch), then went to bed.

I didn't sleep well, and got up around 5:00am. I had a light snack, and at 6:30am I went down to the lake to get some sunrise photos. I wore long leggings and a long sleeve shirt, which was a good choice because the mosquitoes were out in force looking for a meal. The photo below is from this morning.

My dad wanted a McDonald's 'big breakfast' this morning, and even asked to ride with me. After breakfast, he said that was probably his last 'big breakfast'. He said it hurts to eat. His tumor is growing, and surgery is not possible. He's drinking a lot of Ensure. On two separate occasions. my dad said he doesn't think he'll be around much longer. He told us to be prepared to take things back to our house during our next visit, things he wants us to have.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Iztaccihuatl]

Glad you calmed down before picking up that chainsaw...

Massacre avoided. 

I love your pictures Jessica!

Hugs,

Heidemarie