Kathy Despot - 2022 Additions

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title: Kathy Despot 2022 Additions type: person created: 2026-04-05 updated: 2026-04-05 sources: [diary-2022-part1]

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2022 Diary References

Three-Month Host Period

David Irving stayed at Kathy's house in St. Augustine, Florida from early January through February 16, 2022:

• Hosted him during winter months for warmth and book business operations
• Managed all US shipping and customer service during his visit
• Handled book orders, packaging, and postal services
• Described relationship: "You make me tiptoe around my own house most of the time as if we were in a library and not a home"

Business Operations

• Daily routine: Processing book orders, trips to King Street post office
• Book inventory management: Storing and shipping from St. Augustine storage unit
• Customer service: Handling problematic customers and payment issues
• Financial management: Writing checks for business expenses, depositing customer payments
• Book signing: Arranging for large volumes of books to be signed before shipping

Financial Arrangements

• Compensation structure: Postage reimbursement plus payment for books sold
• Check request (March 2022): $1,744.32 breakdown:

- $1,143.30 postage (after $150 cash deduction) - $150 for 15 copies HW sold - $451.02 import fee for shipping Irving's belongings to UK

• Regular pattern: Weekly check-writing for accumulated expenses

Personal Health Concerns

• Drinking problem acknowledged: "Her drinking is becoming a serious problem" (2022-02-14)
• Health issues: Congestion, breathing problems, exhaustion from physical work
• Tree maintenance: Physically demanding yard work (chainsaw operation)
• Diet attempts: Low carb, no alcohol diet mentioned but struggling with compliance

Daily Life & Routine

• Location: St. Augustine, Florida (Colee Cove area)
• Pets: Two cats - Lu and Suzy, concerns about cat food shortages
• Recreation: Bike riding, occasional visits to Ronnie's Wings restaurant
• Shopping: Regular Publix runs, gas station visits (tracking fuel prices)
• Social isolation: "I don't have anyone else to talk to around here"

Political & Current Events Views

• Ukraine war skepticism: Sharing Irving's suspicion of mainstream media narratives
• COVID concerns: Worried about bioweapon theories, government corruption
• Preparedness mindset: Stocking food, buying chest freezer for potential shortages
• Media criticism: Critical of propaganda, BBC coverage

Relationship Dynamics with Irving

• Communication style: Long detailed emails, self-aware of being "chatty"
• Mutual dependence: She handles US operations, he provides income/purpose
• Concern for his health: Monitoring his well-being, suggesting medical care
• Cultural exchange: Learning about European affairs through his perspective

Quotes from 2022

On her role:

• "The yard is overrun with dollar weed and I think I'll spray it tomorrow. But on the other hand, dollar weed is edible, maybe I should leave it" (2022-02-20)

On isolation:

• "Too chatty? I know you hate that but I don't have anyone else to talk to around here. My fault because I haven't been making an effort because people are such a pita" (2022-04-04)

On current events:

• "The propaganda is out of control. The elites are pushing for war to hide their own crimes against humanity" (2022-03-09)

On their routine:

• "Dunkin Donuts is way better when you are here" (2022-03-26)

On preparedness:

• "I guess I'm preparing for a food shortage or something" (2022-03-30)

Business Efficiency

• Shipping volume: Processing 2-5 orders daily consistently
• Inventory management: Maintaining stock levels of popular titles
• Problem resolution: Handling shipping issues, damaged books, international complications
• Customer relations: Managing difficult customers, payment disputes
• Seasonal patterns: Noting shipping delays due to holidays, weather, international restrictions

Living Situation

• Property type: House with yard requiring maintenance
• Neighborhood changes: Rapid development, new restaurants and apartments
• Local amenities: Publix, King Street post office, various restaurants
• Transportation: Personal vehicle, bicycle for exercise
• Storage: Separate storage unit for book inventory

Health & Wellness Concerns

• Physical demands: Heavy lifting, tree cutting, yard maintenance
• Stress indicators: Sleep problems, drinking as coping mechanism
• Medical care: Limited social connections for support
• Age-related changes: Acknowledging difficulty losing weight, physical limitations
• Isolation effects: Limited social interaction beyond business correspondence