142. Thanksgiving 2013 and One Year Later

It was one year ago today that I left Mark.  It's funny how over 8 months of counseling and time can change you.

A year ago I was frightened, angry and horribly confused.  A year ago I still owned my home, had my cat, my parrot Little Muffin was still alive and Mark was still a free man.

141. Guess What? Mark Is Competent To Stand Trial...Duh

Today was Mark's competency hearing.  He had been interviewed by two different psychologists in the past week.  Both of them got on the stand and testified that Mark was definitely competent to stand trial.  But, we all knew that.  You have to be drooling all over yourself, or caught running naked in the streets not to be found competent.

The trial has been delayed three times now.  At today's hearing the Judge set December 12th to have a hearing to set the new trial date.  More delays. He's been in jail for 8 month and still no trial. It's maddening.

140. Public Defender Requests A Competency Hearing

Chris, told me that the public defender contacted my daughter Kristin yesterday. They talked for about an hour.

Chris said from what Kristin told him that it sounds like they're going to try for an insanity defense, or that Mark is mentally incompetent.  The public defender is asking for a competency hearing.

139. My Dad Is Not Well

Sometimes when you think life is finally getting better and you can handle anything that comes along something happens to turn your world upside down,

My sister told me that my dad has been having problems ever since Paula had her heart attack in August.  He has been anxious and can't sleep. He is also in his 80's and depression is very common.