Jessica's Rose Garden

[Brynn]

Hello Jessica;

Please accept my belated condolences over your father's passing as I just skipped to the end of your post's pages.

If it may be any help to you, I think your instinct respecting new legal counsel is a good one. I have been attempting to execute my own father's will since his death in 2022 and did the exact same thing that you are thinking about in order to avoid foot-draggingly poor service. Sadly, even with new counsel there were enough family issues resulting from his second marriage to have slowed the process to a crawl.

I hope you have smoother sailing than me!

Brynn

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks Natalie and Brynn!

My dad did have a previous marriage, but his ex-wife and their daughter have both passed away. Hopefully, if we find a responsive lawyer, this won't take more than a year or so.

I just got some good news. A Detective from Louisiana called. Last Friday night, they arrested the 'lawn guy' who duped my dad out of over $500k. There was a felony warrant based on the documentation I provided. I know the FBI has been interested, and I hope they pile on. We may not recovery anything, but I'll feel better knowing this person may eventually spend some well-deserved time in prison.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Northern Star Girl]

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
I am very happy for you and "the family" regarding the "good" news that you posted
regarding the legal actions against the "lawn guy" 

I know that this situation has been an additional burden for you.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl] ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks Natalie and Brynn!

My dad did have a previous marriage, but his ex-wife and their daughter have both passed away. Hopefully, if we find a responsive lawyer, this won't take more than a year or so.

I just got some good news. A Detective from Louisiana called. Last Friday night, they arrested the 'lawn guy' who duped my dad out of over $500k. There was a felony warrant based on the documentation I provided. I know the FBI has been interested, and I hope they pile on. We may not recovery anything, but I'll feel better knowing this person may eventually spend some well-deserved time in prison.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Lori Dee]

I am happy that justice may finally be served. I wish that you could receive some sort of restitution as well. Sadly, victims rarely receive restitution as the criminals rarely have any assets, and or their assets are confiscated by the courts.

I hope that at least part of what was stolen will be returned.

[ChrissyRyan]

I hope justice is served.

Chrissy

[Moonflower]

they arrested the 'lawn guy' 

Hooray! He won't be able to dupe someone else for a while now, I hope.

And I hope that you know for sure that you acted swiftly as soon as you saw reason to.

[Jessica_Rose]

Lots of little things over the last few days.

There was another thread talking about dreams, I rarely remember mine. Today was different. I dreamed I was P!nk. I was in costume getting ready to start a show. Oddly, I was in the back of a pickup truck, surrounded by people, some were friends, other were people I didn't know. I hopped on top of the cab, grabbed the microphone, and started singing a cover of 'What's Up?' by 4 Non Blondes. Then I woke up. I really wanted to hang around for the rest of the show!

Yesterday morning, I contacted a law firm in Louisiana to help guide us through probate and my dad's Living Trust. We exchanged several emails, and they seem very eager to help. The original estimate they provided was also very reasonable. Today, I heard from my dad's lawyer, the one who never responded to our pleas for help. Apparently, he has been dealing with family issues and has been unavailable for nearly a year! He is also in the process of closing down his law practice. I wished him well, but it would have been nice to have that information a few months ago.

I made a new friend. I have been feeding some crows for several weeks. When they appear in the trees behind our house, I throw a few slices of bread into the back yard. Sometimes, I add a little peanut butter. They glide down quickly, grab the snacks, and fly off. This morning, one stayed in the back yard as it ate. Later, I discovered a shredded piece of bread on our patio. I would like to believe the bird was saying 'thank you'. I brought the piece inside, so it would know that I had accepted it's gift.

I also received a call from the funeral home that handled my dad's services. I told them that I thought they did a fantastic job. They had so many bodies to choose from, and it was way easier than digging a big hole in my back yard like I usually do. They laughed, and said they liked my sense of humor, but asked me not to write that on my official review. I asked them when the grave marker would be done, and they said they would check on it. They also tried to sell me some plots, but I said my dad had bought five, so there were still two remaining. She checked her records, then mentioned the plots were only $300 when he bought them in 1989. Now they're over $3000 each.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

I have too many things on my mind right now. I feel like I'm in a cascading 'decision overload' spiral. I realize the best course of action is probably just to start making decisions, but that's yet another decision to add to the pile!

I have my dad's cell phones. I've been paying those bills for years. When should I shut them down for good? My dad never set up electronic access to any of his accounts, and both phones have been powered off for several months. One phone has his original phone number, which he's had since 1978. I expect it's the number he used on any paperwork he ever submitted which required a home phone number. I should probably keep that phone alive until we have access to all of his accounts. The other phone was added in the mid-2000's, and it has a number that was only given to a few people. I should probably cancel that one first.

Whether the threats I feel living in Arkansas are real or imagined, I think Susan and I need to move to a safer state. We started having a few minor health issues since moving here, and I have a suspicion that those issues are related to our environment. We also miss our friends in Colorado. I've already contacted a real estate agent in the Colorado Springs area.

Since my last post, we have made two visits to my dad's house. We donated eight bags of clothing along with a pile of jackets and coats to a local Rescue Mission. We have another dozen bags ready, along with several comforters and sheet sets. We also now have multiple bags of garbage. My dad's neighbor said she would take it to the local landfill. While cleaning out his old house, we found three dresser drawers that mice had decided to call 'home'. Lots of shredded paper, leftover snacks (including chicken bones), and the remains of a gingerbread house which went missing years ago. We cleaned it all out, but I don't think I'll be taking any of that furniture home. We also took the original, signed and notarized copies of my dad's will and Living Trust to the attorney we hired. We could have mailed them, but I didn't want to take the chance of the documents getting lost somewhere.

The challenges I face at work at times overwhelm me. Things I used do easily are now difficult. I'm having trouble concentrating. I'm hopeful it's simply because I have so many responsibilities right now, but I'm concerned that it may be something more troubling. Instead of waiting until I begin making costly mistakes, I think I should begin discussions with my manager soon for a graceful departure. Mid-February 2026 will complete my 20th year at the company, hopefully I can hang on until then. I think retirement would be a good way to celebrate the occasion. We'll still be a few years short of Medicare, but I think we can manage paying for our own medical insurance for a few years.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[ChrissyRyan]

Jess,


I am hoping for the best for you and Susan.

Christine.

[Northern Star Girl]

@Jessica_Rose
Dear Jessica:
Thank you for sharing a recap of your endeavors at your Dad's home and dealings with the clean up and other details
that you have had to deal with since his passing.  None of this is pleasant for you but obviously it is necessary.

Regarding your concentration issues, I am younger than you are, and as you are aware I have my own moments of making
mistakes even though I attempt to double-check my work.

Your tenure of 20 years with the same company is a record to be proud of, especially these days when jobs are
disappearing, companies closing, and the ongoing restructuring of the job market.

Obviously as you consider retirement and possible relocation to another state, and with your knowledge, skills and experience,
there certainly are a variety of side-hustle "jobs" that you may wish to consider to bring in a few extra dollars when you do retire...
                ...plus, it is important to keep your mind busy when you do retire. 
I have clients come into my office that have retired, they have no hobbies and no side interests... they are bored and feel useless
and all they do is sit at home and be miserable.... 
    ----> if you wish, please take that as my unsolicited and possibly unwanted advice for you.

As always, I value our friendship, our working relationship as Staff here on Susan's Place, and I am wishing the best for you with
your future life decisions and plans.

HUGS, and more HUGS, ❤️❤️❤️
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

[Jessica_Rose]

No worries, Danielle! I have upgraded all of my camera equipment, and I plan to be doing a lot of photography as we travel around the country, and maybe even visit a different country or two.

We've had another busy week. Late Monday afternoon, we received a call from the funeral home. The death certificates had finally arrived. I took a vacation day on Tuesday. We arrived in town at 9:45 am. We ate sandwiches at my dad's house, then visited the funeral home to get the certificates. Our next stop was the attorney. Even though it was very short notice, we were able to meet with her. She was really nice. She rounded up a few witnesses and a notary, and we were able to sign all of the necessary paperwork to begin the probate process. When we left, we drove to downtown Shreveport to deliver a certificate to a financial institution. Next, we visited two different banks where my had had accounts. He had set up several certificates of deposit with 'pay on death' clauses, and the certificates will allow the funds to be released. Our last 'business' stop was a post office, to mail a batch of paperwork to yet another financial institution. Finally, we took our dad's neighbor out for dinner. She has been a tremendous help to my dad these last few years, and we wanted to show her a little appreciation. After dinner we headed for home, arriving around 10:00pm.

Friday, I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Lam in Plano, TX. I woke up early, so we got on the road sooner than planned. Even though we arrived three hours early, Dr. Lam was able to see us. It's been one year since my hair restoration procedure, and the difference is striking. I'm exceptionally glad I took that step. My hairline no longer serves as a daily reminder as to who I used to be. I'll post some updated photos soon. The appointment was over by 12:30pm, so we decided to head back to my dad's house. Luckily, we were able to get out of the Dallas area long before rush-hour traffic picked up.

It was a quiet weekend at my dad's house. We spent most of our time reviewing the contents of a large bookcase. It hadn't been dusted in years, and the dust bunnies had gone feral. There were ancient phone directories, magazines, knick-knacks, and at least a hundred DVDs and VHS tapes. We even found quite a few old photos. Rhonda the raccoon was also happy to see us, she even brought a few friends over for dinner.

We left for home early Sunday morning, arriving at 11:00am. After unloading the car, I took Susan to her favorite local restaurant to celebrate her birthday! I think we'll just relax the rest of the day, it's been a long week.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

Today, Jessica is seven years old. Seven years ago, I told my co-workers:

Today is my last day at this company. Although I will be back next week, the person you see before you will never return. Over forty years of my life have been spent trying to hide the most beautiful part of myself because I was afraid of rejection, but now it is time to free my soul from darkness and allow her into the light, and she will never go into hiding again. Let me introduce myself, I am Jessica Rose.

A lot has happened since then. Several family members have passed away -- an aunt, a brother, my mother, and last Christmas Eve, my father. We also said 'goodbye' to both of our canine companions. I've been so busy with work, trying to handle my dad's estate, and worrying about the current political situation that I haven't really had much time to think about this milestone in my life. I have no regrets about transitioning. It was expensive, time consuming, and painful. However, any other decision would have resulted in the ending of my life. Transitioning didn't 'fix' my life, but it did fix me. I no longer have to worry about losing my temper and punching holes in the walls, or yelling at family members over things that were my fault. I am finally comfortable with who I am, and I know the joy of being happy in my own skin.

I hope all of you can one day find joy and happiness in simply being yourself.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Lori Dee]

Happy 7th Re-Birthday, Jessica. You don't look a day over 5. 

[ChrissyRyan]

Today, Jessica is seven years old. Seven years ago, I told my co-workers:

Today is my last day at this company. Although I will be back next week, the person you see before you will never return. Over forty years of my life have been spent trying to hide the most beautiful part of myself because I was afraid of rejection, but now it is time to free my soul from darkness and allow her into the light, and she will never go into hiding again. Let me introduce myself, I am Jessica Rose.

A lot has happened since then. Several family members have passed away -- an aunt, a brother, my mother, and last Christmas Eve, my father. We also said 'goodbye' to both of our canine companions. I've been so busy with work, trying to handle my dad's estate, and worrying about the current political situation that I haven't really had much time to think about this milestone in my life. I have no regrets about transitioning. It was expensive, time consuming, and painful. However, any other decision would have resulted in the ending of my life. Transitioning didn't 'fix' my life, but it did fix me. I no longer have to worry about losing my temper and punching holes in the walls, or yelling at family members over things that were my fault. I am finally comfortable with who I am, and I know the joy of being happy in my own skin.

I hope all of you can one day find joy and happiness in simply being yourself.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Jess,


I wish you enduring happiness, peace, and love.


Hugs,

Chrissy

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks, Lori and Christine! By the way Lori, I probably only look five because that's about how old my face is.

We visited my dad's house again over the weekend. We had to get there earlier than usual, because we had to visit the property management company for a rental property my dad owns. My dad had a checking account where the rental income was being deposited. My brother was named as the beneficiary of the account, and we thought they would simply put his name on the account and leave it open. Nope, they closed it within days after I gave them a death certificate. I had to take a 'change of ACH' form to the property management company and provide the account information for one of my dad's other accounts. The 'new' account is a Trust account, and it's at a different bank. Hopefully, I will be added to the account once we get some documentation from our attorney.

While going through my dad's books, I noticed one that looked a little out of place. It was 'Into Manhood' by Roy Dickerson. Apparently, my dad checked it out of his Junior College library back in 1954 and never returned it. I hope they'll wave the late fees once I explain the situation.

Although it was extremely short notice, I found an experienced real estate appraiser who was able to visit the house Friday afternoon. He took quite a few photos, and measured inside and outside all of the buildings. I also showed him something that adds a big question mark, there is a gravestone on the property. The name is unreadable, but they died in 1880. This wasn't discovered until a few months after my dad purchased the land, but he decided to keep it. The stone was near the area where my dad wanted the house built, so it did cause a change of plans.

One of the neighbors also volunteered to help us find buyers for all of the vintage automotive and scooter parts my dad had accumulated. Exhaust manifolds, engine blocks, transmissions, fenders, glass, chrome, there are tons of that stuff out there. Some of it is scrap, but I expect there's also some 'good' junk out there. It's going to take a while.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Lori Dee]

One of the neighbors also volunteered to help us find buyers for all of the vintage automotive and scooter parts my dad had accumulated. Exhaust manifolds, engine blocks, transmissions, fenders, glass, chrome, there are tons of that stuff out there. Some of it is scrap, but I expect there's also some 'good' junk out there. It's going to take a while.

Looks like our Davina will be making a trip to the US of A! 

@davina61

[davina61]

If there is "good" parts they could fetch some $$.

[Moonflower]

Today, Jessica is seven years old.

             

[Emma1017]

Jess, I am just catching up on your blog.  You have so much to process!  I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father.  That is always tough no matter what age they are when they pass.

I am glad they caught that thief and hope you get some satisfaction in the court.

Also, very important, BELATED HAPPY NEW BIRTHDAY!!!!

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks Davina, Moonflower, and Emma!

I had a dental appointment yesterday. I mentioned that one of my molars had been sore for a few weeks, but it wasn't affected by temperature, and I could chew on that side without pain. Oddly, it felt more like a muscle strain than dental pain. After a quick exam, I was diagnosed with bruxism:

Bruxism is a condition characterized by involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, typically during sleep. It can also occur during wakefulness.

Causes: The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including stress and anxiety...

Really, 'stress and anxiety'? I have no idea what could be causing that. Maybe I should stop reading the news.

They're going to scan my teeth next week and order a custom mouth guard. Apparently all the grinding is starting to damage some of my dental work.

I'll be leaving for Colorado Springs tomorrow morning. The weather looks great. I haven't seen my electrologist in four months! I only see two dark hairs under my chin, but I'm sure Kris will find enough to keep busy. She didn't get a chance to check my undercarriage last time, so I expect to spend a lot of time in the chair on Saturday.

Love always -- Jessica Rose