A Night and Day of Fun!

I had a fun day making these mini baklawa with the warqa. I had a pistachio one with three birouat for lunch. They were pathetically pale because I had no patience. I was getting incredibly hot and wanted to eat! The next ones were darker. Miss Amanda visited so I gave her leftovers.

The birouat are like samosas. The filling was ground beef, carrots, onions, garlic, ras el hanout (a Moroccan spice blend, my own), turmeric, salt and pepper. I put it through the food processor after cooked because it is so much easier to get it fine enough for the little pockets. They’re a bit fussy to make and a Ramadan staple. They can be sweet or savory like my Polish pierogi. I fry my pierogi too.

Miss Amanda brought me some milk. Bless her. We sat a spell talking. My perspective is getting better. I keep forgetting how sparsely populated Nebraska is. I was born in Detroit when the population was over 1 million people. I graduated from Plymouth Canton High School which is ranked #36 in Michigan. Nationally it is ranked near Millard North which is #4 in Nebraska after the three Elkhorn schools. I had cousins and friends who went to schools ranked near Elkhorn.

It has helped me realize that in Michigan I was raised in the middle to upper middle class. In Nebraska, I’m unique. I’m gifted so it’s hard to compare. I just go with whatever works. I forget who I am to others sometimes. I never think that I’m better because of my ‘gift.’ I’m just me. I’m just a human.

I was going to make preserved lemon tea cake tonight, so I needed the milk. I ate dinner and want to fall asleep though. Maybe tomorrow. I have been dancing around trying to work on my strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. It’s also reminding me of dance classes and the theatre. I absolutely adore seeing the Indigenous dances on TikTok. They are familiar but with such a beautiful, unique flair. My ‘belly dancing’ was always awkward but I am working on it. Balance is shifted so much that it’s hard for me still but I can swivel in short bursts.

Before I forget, I wanted to tell you that I had an unusual visitor today. I gave his description and everything to Miss Amanda when she visited. I had also texted her when they knocked so that she would be alerted. I wasn’t sure who it was but they were pulling on the screen door something fierce. It has a rope latch to keep it from blowing around in these nasty winds. The traffickers broke the brand new door when they fled.

I noticed a big but slightly healed bruise under his left eye. I asked if he was okay. He said that it was a birthmark. I didn’t press nor stare. He said that he was the lawyer for Freddie Mac and was letting me know that the Sheriff was going to be coming in maybe two days. It was in the courthouse being processed. I was warm and weak so I had him come in. He didn’t sit but told me that I should get out quickly. Pack up my things or something. He turned towards my parents ashes in the front room slightly. I understood everything and was furious.

Oh, don’t worry folks. This man was most assuredly not a lawyer. I have met the lawyer from the firm who represents them in Nebraska. He is actually a lawyer. He wouldn’t do anything because it would be career and societal suicide to evict a known disabled trafficking victim. In Nebraska with its small population, that’s bad. He likes a paycheck, friends, family, a life. Freddie Mac wouldn’t fly in an unkempt ‘lawyer’ for one property that isn’t worth the bad publicity, backlash and possible lawsuits. I’ve also seen him with my neighbor. He did tell me that he was doing the right thing, like the sign says.

I let him know that I wasn’t going to do anything. He said that he would see me in a few days. I honestly hope that he doesn’t try again. I will be taking photos for law enforcement of anyone who comes to my door. I’m not sure if they were alerted by me quickly enough before I shoved his foolish butt politely out the door.

Miss Amanda would be notified if anything happens and then she would notify me. These ridiculous games by people are quite revealing. I know that this is a multi-state FBI investigation. Nobody told me but I read the news, am intelligent and observant. I just needed time to get my feet back under me, so to speak. I am not afraid. I have federal agents and the good people of Nebraska behind me. I have nothing to fear.

Except exhaustion. I’m going to call it a night. I might make that cake tomorrow. Inshallah.

Take care of yourself. All my love.

Ma’salam.

Min sadiqatuk, Drsy.

From your friend, Darcy.