Blog Loyalty


For a while tonight I have been scouring Going Gently's archives to find out just how old The sheep are. It took a while but I found the information I was looking for , but not before I caught up on some blog comments from years ago!

We have been together for a long time, I think, my blog commentators and me!
Months have flowed into years and years into a decade and from  all corners of this very small world have come pearls of wisdom, pithy asides , and the odd lunatic remark from a whole series of bloggers, fans, mildly interested friends and some downright loons .

Many characters, such as the the delightfully anarchic Hippo Tom,   I noted, have faded gently away but many of you have stayed for the duration........at my funeral I hope there will be a bloggers' set of pews......crammed to the gunnels of middle aged ladies that lunch,  small holders, retired teachers , zombie fanatics, dog and chicken lovers, an oddly magnificent artist or two , a few belligerent drunks, a gaggle of bright homosexuals and the odd lesbian and at least one transAtlantic knitter.......

Thank you all x


120 comments:

  1. "at least one trans Atlantic knitter" - might you be referring to moi?

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  2. I don't knit but I've been called crazy more times than I care to admit. Just how old are the sheep?

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    1. Sylvia was 8 , i think , she died peacefully this afternoon

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    2. oh damn, sorry to hear that, john. :(

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  3. I've noted that many of my blog followers have dropped off the map.

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  4. I suspect that it will be standing room only...
    Sad to hear about Sylvia - and glad that she went gently.

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    1. She did..now I need to think whats happening to her daughter irene...she needs company

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    1. She went very quickly! Was eating cheap white bread with gusto an hour before i found her

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    2. I found your blog through Hippo many years ago. Miss his writing; he sure could spin a tale. Sorry about Sylvia. How long do sheep generally live and what will you do with her body?

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  6. Anonymous10:13 pm

    I've been re-reading old blog posts too and noticing the commenters over time. So many still come around. It's such a wonderful virtual community. So sorry to read about Sylvia.

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  7. I am satisfied somewhere between "friend" and "loon". Thanks for so many enjoyable and informative posts.

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    1. You have been " with me" several years old bean, thank you

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  8. So sorry about Sylvia. But what a charmed life she had with you. Been with you now about...6 years? You and my morning cup of coffee start my day! X

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  9. I have been following for a few years. Because you blog pretty much everyday it makes your blog worth looking at and it is wonderful. I am from the UK but in California now.

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  10. Replies
    1. I adore stories of your photogenic family x

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  11. I would have to be there is spirit only, as I don't travel buy air very often...almost never. I live vicariously through the blogs I read...yours would be in the top 5 for sure. Today I am pitting sour cherries for pie and jams...I love to putter in the kitchen. Besides we have so much wildfire smoke it is not so nice outside.
    So sorry to hear about Sylvia.
    Barb

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    1. Top five? Top fuckng two!
      !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    2. Haha! The others are my quilting and sewing blogs...can't give those up, I am addicted.
      B

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  12. I always look forward to reading your blog. It's a gem and thanks.

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  13. Make space for an 'old' lady or two who have slid on well past 'middle age'....I'll see if I can find a seat amongst the loonies. I should fit right in.

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  14. Dear One, I am a fervent fan since about two months ago, and have delved into the archives so I think I can claim status as one of your Die Hards. It is so damn complicated to Comment on Blogger or else I would have been lathering you with praise ever since I discovered your wonderful POV.

    This is my last chance at Commenting: I hope this gets through. Rather like the hologram that R2D2 shed unto Like Skywalker: Interner gods, you're my only hope.

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  15. No Way. After all this time, I finally got a Comment thru? Is it because I'm in America on the verge of eclipse?

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  16. Maybe when the time comes Prof can Skype or FaceTime your funeral, so we can all be there in a virtual sort of way? Get him practicing. Tho like my ex MIL you'll probably outlive me/ most of us!

    I'm very sad your sheep died, the Ukrainian Village was a favorite part of your blog for me. It has dwindled to nothing now.

    lizzy

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    1. It has liz, but things evolve, they have to x

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  17. Catching up with my blogging buddies is the first thing I do when I get out of bed each morning. I don't write posts often or comment regularly these days but I trip around the world each morning checking out my blogging mates. I would really miss it if they weren't there.

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  18. Your blog and Weavers start my day.
    Thank you !

    cheers, parsnip

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  19. I don't comment often, but rest assured that I read your blog and the comments every day. Although I love your writing and the way that you relate all the interesting happenings in your life, I have to say that I adore your commenters just as much. What a witty and erudite bunch of followers you have. You are right to value them the way you do. You and they are immensely amusing!! I look forward to reading you both every day.
    Xxx June from NY

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    1. June, i have often said that my comments eclipse my blog! Ypu are sooo right

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  20. I receive blog post through Blolovin' so you are there everyday! I would definitely miss you if you stopped. One of my favourite blogs announced today that she is quitting. She lives only 5 minutes from where I lived in Manchester so her posts often brought back old memories for me. I've been reading your blog for several years. I really enjoy your humour and reading about life in Trelwnyd. I don't comment very often because you get so many comments and what I was going to say has usually already been said 10 times!!!

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  21. Well, old man, having a good twenty years on you, I'll just keep an eye out. Poor Irene, by the way. Lay off that white bread, you hear!

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  22. John, 50% Comments 50% I love reading this blog every day. I WILL buy your book John..Start writing !

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  23. When my dad passed away there was literally standing room only! I wish for everyone the love that was present when it is our time...you could touch the love it was so powerful!

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  24. My husband and I talk about you like we talk about any of our friends. I'm not sure how and when I found your blog, but it was long enough ago that I was enjoying Hippo's blog at the same time. I love you and the Prof and all your dogs and animals! Going Gently is my first stop every morning, too. ❤

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  26. Afraid i will go before you do. i will just haunt and hover around in a haze above the crowd. It will be the only way i will ever fly again. I just stumbled on your blog one day snd have been here ever since. Much love and big hugs

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  27. Afraid i will go before you do. i will just haunt and hover around in a haze above the crowd. It will be the only way i will ever fly again. I just stumbled on your blog one day snd have been here ever since. Much love and big hugs

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  28. Your Ukrainian village was what first got my attention (and your header picture!)because I had a backyard flock. Since then, I've stopped keeping chickens, but look forward to your blog every day. I literally start my morning with coffee and blogs. Will you buy a friend for Irene? I should add that I've always loved the names you have chosen for your animals. -Jenn

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  29. May the white bread flow free in the next place, Sylvia. Not sure how long I've been visiting. Since just after your wedding. Where do the years go? Think I'd fit into a few of those categories at your funeral, but since I am only a couple of years behind you i might beat you out yet!

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  30. Sorry to hear about losing Sylvia. It must feel pretty empty out there now. Know the feeling.

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  31. Jhn, you are the bright spot on many a day. Please don't let that go to your head. No really, i adore you. Well not as much as the four legged crew. Just sayin xo

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  32. Typos everywhere and haven't had a drop!

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  33. My hubs refers to you as my gay welsh friend... We do share a love of animals and a sharpish sass. Add liking to people watch and story gather, and being mostly content with the home life... In this world I guess that makes us almost related if not friends! If you'd have a weird artist backwoods hippy housewife as a friend...

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  34. Sorry to hear the news about Sylvia, but I'm glad it was an easy passing. That's more than most of us will have ... How is Irene? animals notice their missing fellows too ...

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  35. OMG - I love this blog, I love you. I read it religiously, but since I do not comment, I do not exist. Had to fix that!

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  36. As one of the 1084 followers I can only repeat what most of them already wrote: here on the other side of the world I start my day with your blog and that makes me always feel good, thank you John and greetings from Perth WA

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  37. I would like to be at your funeral to sing your praises, dear John, but unfortunately, I will probably be dead also. Let's meet up in the heavens; I'm the redhead with a handful of flowers and being followed by kittens and pups.

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  38. John, I rarely comment because I read your blog right before I go to bed, and you are already on to your next entry by then, probably. I love your posts, your amimals, your commenters; it is a great way to end my day.

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  39. I don't comment as much as I used to, but it's because I read your blog on my phone and usually while I'm sitting in traffic. But you were one of the first blogs I started reading all those years ago. I consider you and your sister friends I've never met, and would so love to meet you on this side of the grave, some day!

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  40. I volunteer to be the odd lesbian! Although may it be many, many years before I have to fly over the pond to sit in that pew.

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    1. I had dibs on that seat! Maybe we can squeeze in and sit together. With Betsy Bunting, if need be.

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  41. I was trying to figure out when I started reading you and came across an old post featuring Islwyn.
    Your cast of characters changes but your story telling remains as the standout feature.

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  42. You are my first read of the day whilst I have my cuppa before I shoot out the door to work. I work 10 hour days mostly so don't get much time to comment these days but my day's don't feel the same unless I have had my daily fix :) You have me in stitches and I love hearing about your village life. Sorry about poor Sylvia by the way...but she had a good life with you.

    Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  43. Anonymous4:20 am

    You want loyalty? If I am not loyal I don't know what I am (a thorn?) despite your best, if intermittent, efforts to get rid of me. Sometimes I feel like a tick. Once latched on always a sucker.

    Hugs and hisses,
    U

    PS What's this talk about your funeral? Does your stomach gurgle and you have googled your symptoms? If googling results were anything to go by we'd all be dead any time soon.

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  44. I have just checked the archives of my blog (now defunct) and I see starrted commenting on each others blogs in mid-2010. Cro and Tom too. So I've been a follower for a few years now and followed you through a few changes. I hardly ever comment these days but I still read you every day!

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  45. I thought you write transatlantic KILLER on first glance!

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  46. You'll be blogging from your care home. We'll all be in our homes for the bewildered wondering what it's all about. I didn't know blogging was around 10 years ago. Was busy bringing up kids. Now they are bigger I can be a groupie.

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  47. Oooh can I be one of the lesbians? I mean, I'm straight but I don't want to be a 'lady who lunches'. I've been following for some years. It was your chicken photo at the top that attracted me. x

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  48. Can you change that 'middle aged' ladies who lunch to 'old' ladies who lunch. I always look at your blog first John - I love it (and you) and wouldn't miss your daily words of wisdom for the world. Keep blogging.

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    1. Just "ladies who lunch" sounds fine to me ..

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  49. It's always nice to see familiar names in the comments and follow long-standing blogs. Really enjoy reading your writing.

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  50. I would have to be there as a dog and cat lover! Not sure how long I have been reading you, but please never stop writing your daily posts. They are always worth the read. Usually make me laugh or cry ! X
    ps Do you have any news of " Hippo"?

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  51. I think I have been coming over here for years John. I don't know where I fit in in the above list. Maybe ladies who lunch - but I am not a lady and I don't lunch! I am sorry to hear about Sylvia. I don't suppose I would be able to make it to Wales for a funeral but couldn't someone post it on Facebook live? That could be a first!!! x

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  52. Mad old bat here, newer to your blog, but just as loyal.

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  53. A blog that mentions knicker lifters, copious farts and all manner of animal antics, has to be one to follow. Plus your kindness towards others and honest view of the world of course x

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  54. I found you when I got my hens. The hens are long gone but this hen remains. I visit you every morning while having my cup of tea and would miss you if you ever stop Blogging x

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  55. It's that crazy Hen in your banner photo; she has me mesmerised! Cluck cluck cluck.

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  56. I am here everyday.

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  57. I think you found me before I came on yours to answer your comment on mine telling me I was 'letting my chickens down by not wearing make up for the daily henhouse abolutions'.

    Save me a seat in a pew at the back, just enough room for me and a Pug and I'll do the same for you and a Bulldog. We'll have to see who goes first 😉

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  60. I found you via Weave a long time ago and thought it was all about dogs and animals and chickens and went away and came back and it still was. Then I don't know what happened but I left a comment and you said something about me in a post a few days later and I couldn't believe it. Then I got into trouble a few times and still for some reason I kept coming back and you kept coming back to me. So now I don't think I will ever leave, well not for good anyway, unless you kick me out, of course.x

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  61. Sorry to hear about Sylvia, thank you for making her last years so gentle. I am glad to see I fit into at least one of your categories. We should meet before your funeral.

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  62. I find it interesting how many people start their morning, as I do, by checking in with you. I don't know how long I have been following but it was just after your Maddie died. Cheers!

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  63. At my age you will probably be here after I'm gone. But still I will Miss you!

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  64. If I should still be alive, I will be there and try to be part of the gaggle of bright homosexuals. But does the lesbian HAVE to be odd?

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  65. But what about us that don't fit into your categories, can't we come too?

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    1. Of course but how would you like to be described as

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    2. Perfectly normal - obviously!!

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  66. It is a testament to your tale spinning and sharing that keeps us all coming back.
    I think I found you via Down To Earth, Rhonda's blog. You had made a comment, I liked it and I clicked through. Best thing I ever did. :)

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  67. I found you from someone else's blog, side bar. Being a mad chicken lady the header attracted me. I haven't been around as long as some of your followers but I remember the first post I read. You were defending an old man in a parking incident from a rude younger man and when you got home you realised you had your chicken hat on! That had me from that moment on. I too check in every morning and then a few times a day to read the comments. I don't comment often, but as someone else said earlier, it's because it's often all been said already.

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  68. I don't know why I keep reading your blog. I mean, I know why but what makes it more special than all the others ?
    I know I am an anglophile, being the child of British great-grandparents.. Our genealogy shows that we could have been neighbors if only there wasn't so much wanderlust running through the family tree .. You have a huge heart, you are kind, and I think best of all, you have such a great sense of humor, you recognise it in others and you "get it" all the time. Which just shows what a smarty you really are.
    I read your blog because it starts my day out right ..

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  69. Funerals are for the living, so they know how much the departed was loved.

    The Prof should be proud that you are loved by so many.

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  70. Anonymous5:56 pm

    Trying really hard to find myself in your list of blogger descriptions, so I guess I must be one of the 'belligerent drunks'. That's OK. Love you too ;-)

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  71. I would be in the corner, dressed neatly but quiet. We are near the same age so no worries. When I get up, I feed my cats, clean their box, open the kitchen door to my court yard, make my coffee and get on my phone to read you. We just love your whole bunch!

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  72. I just happened to click on your blog from a blog that featured yours on their sidebar. I laughed so hard that I nearly choked on my coffee. I love reading about the everyday adventures of yourself, your animals, your village friends, the Prof, etc.
    Get working on that book and when it becomes a best seller, there will be so many at your funeral, the Prof will have to rent a very large hall.

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  73. I can't remember how I found you but I suspect it was the Welsh Terriers that did it. And then I was hooked.

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  74. I don't often comment, but I read every post and enjoy your blog immensely. Happy retirement.

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  75. Frugal Queen brought me over here, and Aiden the cat and I enjoy catching up at the end of the day.
    Irene will miss her mum, up here the hefted flocks have little families of mum daughter and grand daughters all grazing in little families in the heather. Hope the Prof is feeling better it is always wise to self-medicate with homemade cake. I to shall buy the book! xx

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  77. Don't forget a pew for the lurkers!
    Debbie

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  78. And a pew for the recent blog friends.
    Just no departing from us yet . . .please!

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  79. I rarely comment but never miss your blog. It is -- strange as this sounds -- one of the reliably sane moments of the day, no matter how oddball your topic. I've even learned not to be drinking tea, coffee or wine when reading, as they are not good for the keyboard. But can you have a pew for Albert fans too? Love all the dogs, but little Albert is just so special.

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  80. You are just a breath of fairly fresh air �� Love your blog, it is so funny but honest too

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  81. We all love you. That's why the gems and devotion. I have masses of wonderful people who read me every day and don't leave notes.

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  82. I think all of my followers have, or had, blogs of their own. It seems once they lose interest in writing blogs, they lose interest in reading them as well.

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  83. Anonymous12:55 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Dear Unknown...Please get back in the hole you crawled out of.

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  84. Please may I reserve a seat near the front? May I also suggest an appropriate funeral song - "Oh I Do Like to Be Beside The Seaside".

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  85. Your blog is my favorite of all the blogs I read! I look forward to it. I think it's because you post as if we were all friends, and it feels like we are! And I love the animals. :)

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    1. Zoe is right, as always! Save her a place in a pew.

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  86. I was hoping to claim the 'odd lesbian' spot, but my blog pal Debra claimed it. Maybe we can share...

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