Today Joni and I met with four lawyers; three against us, one for us. We were doing a "settlement" conference.
We ended up in a "Robed Strangers" chambers. A new experience for both of us. I can't go into the details of the day, but it was quite constructive (in a destructive sort of way). As for working directly with a Judge? She was quite empathetic, insightful and helpful. A good experience.
Our lawyer did a masterful job and was accused of 1. being enmeshed with us and 2. that Joni is enmeshed with her grandchildren. Both of these arguments are hogwash. Offal. A Grandmother should be enmeshed with her Grandchildren. That is called being "family". As for our lawyer? What is that old saying? First they laugh at you, then they persecute you, then they ..... ?
We ended up being offered a deal that we first introduced two weeks ago. Back then, that deal was called "terrible" by those who oppose us. We said that things have changed...and perhaps we should take our time. Investigate more. Go to trial? We turned down the deal and said we want to take our time and investigate things further. Three lawyers left (after three hours) in a huff. Our lawyer looked exhausted.
I took my walk after driving the girls back to our Homestead and then returning to the Napa Valley for work tomorrow. A coolish evening. Restorative.
4 comments:
Rode to town for appointments and errands
12.46 miles
1:20
9.34 mph average
29.22 mph max
Another round-the-block ride, through the woods first for an errand. On the way down a big hill on the west side, I passed Dave going up. We waved, and I figured I'd catch him on the other side of the block. Sure enough, again I was whizzing down the hill to North Beach and he was slogging up. I turned and rode with him for 1/2 a mile or so, until we met Doug coming down the hill, and I turned and rode with him the couple of miles to our mailbox. Nice to play musical friends...
6.86 miles
44:02
9.36 mph average
30.69 mph max
Sounds like maybe things are going better than you first thought they would. Hope so.
Enmeshed, huh? Is that some official legalese term? Must be, because it sure seems like odd language to use otherwise.
Ian,
I am impressed with your endeavors. I'm curious as to how all this exercise has improved your half century year old body and disposition?
Green,
We are under a whole lot of pressure to settle. Seems that the world is against us, so having a sympathetic judge listen for a bit was hopeful.
But even the Judge said we have an uphill struggle. But we are prepared. And we have done our homework and gathered the necessary evidence and expert opinions. And we will make the best case we can for these girls.
The rest will be up to a Robed Stranger.
allan
Post a Comment