Thursday, March 19, 2020

It took a pandemic to resurrect this blog




Everything here at the 7MSN is fine. I'm fine, the animals are fine, and life in general has been fine since my last post six months ago. I can't tell you why I stopped blogging because I don't know the reason myself, and who needs therapy anyway? Something changed, and living my life on this blog hasn't felt right or fun or worthwhile. Not that it does now, either, but with the world spinning off its axis, I'm missing all of you terribly and feeling the need to get the whole gang back together ... at the appropriate distance, of course.

The last six months here have been very ordinary and routine. I work a few hours each day, freelancing for the same company from which I retired. There's plenty of time to keep up with the ranch chores and a little too much time to follow politics and the news. With a lot of help from YouTube, I'm learning to play the ukulele. I know, wtf? It's almost warm enough to start practicing on the front porch. George and Alan won't know what hit them.

The weird part is that since the coronavirus outbreak has taken hold, everything here is still very ordinary and routine. Who would have thought that being a hermit could be so advantageous? Nothing in our day-to-day activities has changed, except for the level of anxiety and the lack of hockey games to watch on tv ... and the additional amount of time I spend screaming into the void about Trump. I live easily in my protective bubble seven miles south of nowhere, wishing I could do something tangible to ease the suffering elsewhere. Are crocheted face masks a thing? Probably not. Give me a few years and I might be ready to entertain you with an online ukulele concert. God help us all if the pandemic lasts that long.




115 comments:

  1. Glad you are doing good. I saw a crochet face mask on facebook today.

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    1. So much for trying to be facetious. Call me a skeptic, but I don't think they'll be very effective.

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    2. The crochet masks may only be decorative but you can make "oldskool" surgical masks for protective use. Here is a group that has organised online to show you how to do it.

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    3. Ooops forgot the link https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask?mc_cid=2b6b7c7f4f&mc_eid=10e561a174

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  2. So happy to see this post!

    I may have been stalking your other social media over the weekend. What can I say? Missing your calm presence and dry humor (pretty sure I’m not the only one) even more in these days where the welfare - health and economic, of everyone I know, and everyone I don’t know - seems to be in varying states of jeopardy. 7msn is an antidote to the dire predictions and grim statistics overwhelming the internet...
    (((❤️❤️❤️)))

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    1. You are too kind. And isn't stalking the whole purpose of social media? I just went to your blog - wow, have I got some catching up to do!

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  3. Oh my, I’m so relieved to hear from you. It makes me happy to picture you “uking” it up and with the whole animal gang healthy and happy. And yes, I do think crocheted face masks could become a Thing, so good timing there! Best to you all!

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    1. "Uking" it up...I'm going to steal that.

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  4. How thrilling to hear from you! I really missed both you and the community here! Glad you are all OK (and I have thought more than once recently that you were in good shape there in the middle of nowhere as long as you have enough food) but would love some pictorial evidence if you are up to it. Have you gotten rain in the last few days? There has been what seems like a lot in Arizona, where I am stranded for the duration. /Gretchen

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    1. A little rain here and there, nothing torrential. I was thinking of you recently when I ordered a new couch (which has yet to arrive) and remembered I still owe you a house tour. Maybe when the couch arrives?

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    2. YAY!!! House tour!! And yay new couch, hope there is a blog post about that - Wayfair again? /Gretchen

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    3. I cannot believe you remembered that I made my last furniture purchase from Wayfair. I had to search the blog to remember it myself (and it's a good thing I did because that post included a picture of how I got the old loveseat out of the house - thank you!). Anyway, this time I succumbed to an Instagram ad and ordered from insideweather.com. Their stuff is made and shipped from the San Fransisco Bay area, so who knows when it will get here.

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  5. Glad you are doing well and if you get a chance, please share your ukulele skills via video! You have been missed!

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    1. Thanks, Laura. There are not many ukulele skills to speak of yet, but I'll post a video eventually when it won't be too embarrassing.

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  6. Glad to hear you're all doing fine. The ukulele sounds like fun. I'd like to hear you play it maybe it would drown out Trump and my screaming at the TV!

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    1. It's going to take a lot more than a ukulele to drown out our collective screaming. A heavy metal concert perhaps.

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  7. Well, I missed you, and Alan, George, .... Appropriate distance indeed - seven miles south of the virus sounds pretty good right now.

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    1. This might be the safest place in the state. Wish I could invite you all to join me, but that doesn't seem like a good idea for now.

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  8. So happy to hear from you! Yes, when you live on a farm things don't change much in terms of social distancing. Have you seen the crocheted TP? I may have to start, I'm down to 3 rolls and none to be found. Huh, maybe we should have done a little bit of the panicked buying.

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    1. I have not seen the crocheted TP, but I may start looking at my crocheted dishcloths in a new light. I'm not in desperation yet, though. Whew.

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    1. Thanks. There will be pictorial evidence of all of us eventually. Going through these comments is inspiration to haul out the good camera.

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  10. So glad you’re back. I’m glad to hear you’re well and the menagerie is too. We’re all working from home and thankfully for me the animal care and basic chores in house and barn keep me from being able to go down the anxiety rabbit hole of COVID-19. Right now the sky is gorgeous outside the window and I’m grateful to be healthy.

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    1. That rabbit hole is deep and dangerous. We're so lucky to have our animals and chores to keep us grounded.

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  11. Welcome back!

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  12. So glad you're back! I check everyday or so and was not expecting to see a new post but was so surprised and happy to see the new post. Yep, there are some hidden benefits to living in the country......social isolation.....we got that! Welcome back! We need a voice of reason to rescue us from all the bad news!

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    1. Us country folk have raised social isolation to an art form. I hope people who are new to the experience are able to quickly appreciate its gifts. Nature heals my heart and soul.

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  13. I've never commented before, but I enjoy reading your blog, and I have missed you and the gang. I was wondering where you went. So glad to know everything is going along as usual. I feel like screaming about Trump also. Praying for a change in November.

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    1. Thanks for speaking up, and welcome to the community of screamers! I'm not sure everybody here screams about the same thing, but we are always kind.

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  14. I stepped out of my hermitage a few months ago when I decided to take a new job with lots of human contact. As a result, I've spent the past 5 weeks battling pneumonia, sinus infections, etc. I'm sick with a new virus now, but can't get tested for C19 because there are no tests available here. I've had 2 doctors tell me to stay home and quarantine myself for TWELVE weeks because the pneumonia combined with asthma and multiple autoimmune diseases put me in the "extreme-high-risk" category. Having a new job = no sick time or PTO, no health ins. no clue what to do.

    Interesting times we are living in.

    I too am finding it difficult to blog. Not because I have nothing to say....perhaps because there is too much and the words can't get past one another.

    I'm glad you and your little herd are doing well. Seven miles south of nowhere is definitely the place to be right now.

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    1. That's such a tough situation to be in, Kris. Sending positive thoughts to you and your herd.

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  15. Glad that all is well for y’all. Farm routine here is just the same, and I always try to avoid going to town, so not much has changed. We do have four positives in the county (one at the school where I used to work), so I’m being more careful when I go for groceries and feed. Otherwise, staying close to home.

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    1. Staying home is the best we all can do. How lucky we are to have animals to keep us company and chores to keep us busy.

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  16. OMG...so glad to hear that all is well. It is interesting times in which we are living. I too work from home already so that is the same, but dang it is so heartbreaking to watch the nonstop tragedy that is the evening news. So, seeing those cute puppy ears from 7MSN was wonderful!
    We just got a new puppy and this is now the perfect timing with everyone at home. Again, glad to hear all is well. Lisa G in TN

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    1. If Blogger weren't so stinkin' primitive, I'd attach the picture of your puppy that you emailed me this morning. Folks, you need to see Lisa G's puppy. Have you posted it anywhere on social media?

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    2. Hi...I dont have it posted, but you are welcome to. She has been a ray of sunshine for us. Lisa G in TN

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  17. Glad you are back. Lots of bloggers I follow just quit so slowed down after the orange headed monkey became the prez.

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    1. I know, right? The despair since the 2016 election is palpable for so many of us.

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  18. Yay!! This is the best thing - in a world of crazy. Thanks for coming back.

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    1. Thanks for welcoming me back. Might even stay awhile. Reading through these comments is energizing.

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  19. Good to know all is well with you!

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  20. So happy to have a blog post again. Glad you and Alex and Alan and George and the rest are doing well. You have been sorely missed. The other half and I are doing well. Mostly home as usual. Nowhere much to go now. We have spring happening big time. Some stuff planted in the garden. Plum trees blooming (rarely see a plum make it to edible).

    OK won't let me drag a meme in. That may be a good thing in general, but the one I was going to post was sweet. Kermit the frog patting the head of a little critter in bed with cover pulled up. Kermit is labeled Gov. Andy Beshear and the little critter is label entire state of Kentucky. He is our Fred Rogers, but younger. Every damn thing is shut down but we are all in it together.

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    1. Someone sent me that meme via Instagram. I've never paid attention to yyyyyyYour governor before but I'm going to start now. WhyY is myY keYboard not allowing me to tyYpe lowercase Ys??

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    2. That was me on Instagram

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  21. Carson!!!! I'm so glad you're back! I've been checking every day and had almost given up hope. Glad to hear you're well and that your gang is fine and happy. Come November maybe (please please please) we'll all feel that way. Christina

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    1. We are of like minds, Christina. EveryYbodyY has to get out and vote!

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    1. Thank You, ShirleyY. This inabilityY to tYpe lowercase Ys is getting ridiculous.

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  23. Ditto, Yay! Just glad to hear all is well. I also check everyday for something new. Imagine it would be hard to continue content on a blog.

    Anna G

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    1. Thanks, Anna. Not sure how often I'll be posting but I'll at least tryY not to go silent for too long.

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  24. Welcome Back, missed you lots... I just read your post to my hubby, he is bored enough for me to read blogs to him. he is NOT a blog lover and has never read mine. anyhoo, he said to tell you he loves you. the comment that dragged hime in was screaming into the void. the thing is I LIVE with him and have to hear him screaming. ha ha.

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    1. Missed You, too, Sandra. I'd forgotten how much joY comes from reading everYone's comments. Your husband is too funnyyY. Now I'm imagining a full chorus, screaming in harmonY.

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  25. Welcome back!! Although I seldom post comments, I missed you and checked in here almost every day hoping you would come back. So glad you did!

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  26. So glad to see you again. My mornings were a poorer place without your blog posts. Glad to hear you're doing well and great shot of that silly dog.

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    1. Thanks, Leslie. Alex is a most cooperative subject.

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  27. Oh my goodness -- it's soooo good to hear from you! I know that you had tired of coming up with something new to say to us every day, but your voice of reason, humor and practicality, and your photographs have been sorely missed. I've checked in almost every morning, just in case, and am so happy to hear from you and learn that all is well in your little corner of the world. It's especially appreciated in this time of total craziness. Welcome back and please keep posting!!!

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    1. JudyB!! Thank you! (Look! My lowercase y came back! That will make no sense unless you've read my replies above. I had to switch over from Firefox, then Safari, to Chrome to make them work....effin' Blogger.) I will try to keep posting. You all are such a breath of fresh air.

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  28. We're here.... We waited for you! So happy that you and all the chitlins are well and are "back in the world". You were missed and you are needed - especially now.

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    1. Thanks for waiting me out, Heather. There's so damned much content on the internet, I can't imagine mine being missed or needed, but I'm going to try hard to get back in the groove.

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  29. Thank you for sharing again. There is so much wrong with our world right now. Having a voice with wisdom and strength is a comfort. Wish I had some therapy donkeys in my backyard to vent to!

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    1. I'm not sure that compliment is deserved, but thank you. I've found that George and Alan don't particularly like my venting – their big ears must magnify my screams. But their hugs are the very best.

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  30. So glad everyone at the ranch is doing good! Sounds like if anyone is safe from this virus it is you.

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    1. Thanks, Betsy. Stay safe wherever you are.

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  31. HI!!! Glad to see a new post and a ALEX picture.
    I too check in regularly to see if you have pinged the world with some pictures or comments.

    Its a beautiful spring here in NC, but I don't know how much I will get to enjoy it.
    Work will keep me busy (office for certain, home? not certain) and after work responsibilities.

    Post some pictures of the boys being donkeys, anything blooming out your way?
    M in NC

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    1. Thanks, M. Pictures of the boys will come, for sure. I'm starting to see lots of tiny green sprouts all over the place. Hope springs eternal.

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  32. I miss your pretty photos here, but glad to hear all is well. I understand the need to step back, you lost a big piece of of your life 6 months ago.

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  33. So glad you're letting us back onto the Ranch, we have missed you and your family. I had resorted to watching old rattlesnake wrangling videos in your archives.

    Much void screaming here in North Carolina, I thought I heard you the other day, you have range!

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  34. So VERY, VERY happy to see your blog up and running again. Have so missed you and your animals here in RI. Welcome back!

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  35. I'm so glad to hear from you, Carson. I went back to look at your last post, knowing that it has been more than 6 months since I saw one. When I saw the picture of Alex here, I knew what I would find. Dave and I are so very sorry. He had me read this post aloud to him when I told him there was a new one. Stay safe and keep practicing that ukulele. We'd love a video of that - it would bring smiles and we can all use those in times like these. If we make it through this pandemic we have to have hope that things will drastically improve with the election in November. (((HUGS))) from a safe distance.

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    1. Peg and Dave, I have missed you and share your hope that things will drastically improve on Nov. 3. That press conference incident yesterday had me in tears.

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  36. Reading and responding to these comments this morning has made me so very happy. Thank you thank you thank you. I'm venturing out now to get the truck serviced...have to prop up the economy where I can. Stay safe, everybody.

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  37. I'm so glad to see you and Alex again! Will you post some new pics of everyone else when you can? I noticed you liking Maru and Hanna posts on Insta and thought to myself that you were ok and laughing at the7msn!

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    1. I'm dusting off my camera, not to worry. Fun to know that we're both laughing at Maru and Hanna every day.

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  38. it's so nice to have you back.

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  39. Did you see this, such a perfect summation....
    https://dailyblocks.com/r/PoliticalVideos/comments/fif0u4/coronavirus_dumbfuckery/

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    1. I had not seen this - thanks for the link, and the new word to add to my vocabulary!

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    2. That's quite funny! Thanks for sharing.

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    3. That is so funny and soooooo true! Thanks for sharing .. I'll be sharing, as well!

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  40. So happy to "see" you again and to know that everyone is well.

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  41. Oh my gosh!! What a breath of fresh air! No words to say. Much like everyone else, I feel like I've been kicked in the gut. But it is good to hear from people. Any pics you wish to post are always welcomed. Hugs to all!

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    1. Hi, Jane! Pictures on the way soonish.

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  42. What a pleasant surprise to see you back. Alex is cuter than ever, and still looking slightly worried. Any DIY projects in the future?

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    1. I've told myself I can't start any DIY projects until I clean out the garage and clean off the workbench. Sadly, I've been telling myself that for a year and still haven't done it.

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  43. Glad to hear that all is well. I can see how blogging can ebb and flow in seasons. I'm happy to be hiding on our farm which tells me that I'm probably ready to retire...

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    1. Farms are such a good place to hide. Just read about your scare with Guinness - what a relief that he's better now.

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  44. Nice to see a post and glad to hear you and the animals are all well.Have missed the Burro report and of course Johnnie Cash. Here in Northern California we are on lock-down,having a dog to walk is a good thing, and we have a miracle March for the weather.At least we will have some water this summer.Take care 7msn and hope to hear from you again soon.

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    1. The dogs of the world are probably wishing these lock-downs last forever. Stay safe over there.

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  45. Great to hear from you! Thanks for the laughs with that crazy Yy issue!

    Praying you and the critters continue to stay well!

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    1. Thank yyyyyyyou. (have to use them while theyyyyyy're still working)

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  46. It’s good to hear from you again. Your posts are always enjoyed, even when sporadic. And who am I to talk? I think I took a two year break and only started blogging again recently, after retiring. I think I got out of healthcare just in time. Like you, I’m enjoying life as a hermit.

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    1. Congratulations on your retirement!
      p.s. that lamb looks delicious

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  47. Eureka!! You're back! You and all the critters have been sorely missed - - and your beautiful photos too! I check in periodically and am always disappointed to see nothing new from you -- until today! I have been worried that the loss of your special sidekick has had a depressing effect on your creativity. Hope we hear more from you - - your spirit is needed during these trying times. You've been missed! Vicki ~

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    1. Thanks, Vicki. With any luck, my new special sidekick will reignite the creative spark.

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  48. Carson, I'm SO GLAD you are back blogging. I have missed you terribly. We are (so far) okay here. I've taken up my garden and I spend some time every day pulling weeds in it! Ha, ha! I just ordered some seeds for my summer vegetable garden and they will come next week. We did lose our young male feral cat. I found him curled up in the garage...RIP...we don't know what killed him. But, the 15 year old cat that our daughter brought home from her school years ago is still with us. Bodie is turning into a great watch dog and barks whenever we have a delivery at the front door! :-) I started up my blog again, too (deserthorses)...
    Cheryl

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl Ann. Alex could learn or thing or two from your Bodie. Turns out ranch security is not in her skill set.
      Looks like a few of us here are resurrecting our blogs – something good comes from social isolation.

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  49. Glad to see you are back and all doing well. This too shall pass but what a time.

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    1. Thanks, Rain. What a time indeed, and to think it's only just begun. Here's to staying positive.

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  50. Thank you for checking in. I have missed your blog terribly and am glad to hear you are mostly doing well. This outbreak has taken a serious toll on us here in NJ already and it's about to get much, much worse. We're relatively isolated compared to those around us, but boy do I wish we were hermits on a remote ranch right about now.

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    1. Thanks, Dom. We'll all get through this one way or another. I can only imagine how hard it must be for folks in populated areas. Hang in there!

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  51. I'm so happy you are back on the blog! I have no idea why I missed someone I've never met
    , except that I enjoy your writing style and seeing pictures of dogs and donkeys. Here in Toronto, social distancing and self-isolation are in full swing and we are all bored to tears. I'm grateful to have my four dogs and a foster pup to get me out the door a few times a day. Stay well and keep posting!

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    1. I have a feeling our dogs are the main reason people are staying sane. How else would we survive in this hockey-less time?

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  52. Well, look at all these comments!!! People have missed you.

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  53. So glad you ARE back..I have been gone too, but when I got back, you were no longer in my sidebar. I want to say sorry for your loss of Smooch. I, too, live out of town, on 40 acres at the base of the Sangres..feels like I could have written your post almost to the word, but I have taken (back up) the acoustic guitar. Lots of time to play and dink. Hope you stay on here..you give hope!

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  54. Funny, the corona virus pandemic got me back to blogging again, too. Seemed like I needed to record what was happening in the midst of a huge change in the world and in our lives. I have been wondering if you and your critter family were alright. Happy to see you are just fine and in fact, protected by your very isolation. Keep well.

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  55. Hi Carson, I am as glad as everybody else that you are back on blogger. Your daily life with the donkeys and Alex have been missed, and of course, Smooch is missed as well. Here in Maine, our COVID-19 confirmed cases seem to grow by 20 per day. Isolation from others is no fun, but we connect with Greyhound play dates periodically, staying safe distances apart and not touching each other's dogs... Stay safe, enjoy the uke, and may life on the ranch remain ordinary and routine!

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  56. Oh, how happy youuuuuuuu have made me, ohhowhappyyouhavemademe!

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  57. Thanks for coming back. I appreciate the rays of sunshine you and your critters provide.

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  58. So glad to see you back, Linda. I have checked every so often, so was surprised to find you up and at'em again! It's been a long spell ... however, you had good cause to stay silent for awhile!
    Anyway ... WELCOME BACK!
    Hugs from S. CO ... Marcia

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  59. welcome back I missed you!

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  60. Just found out you are back! Yay!!

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