Depth, Layers And Color

As we were coming home from our morning’s dog walk, I noticed how beautiful the sun was lighting our front garden.
It’s seems true that the beauty of a garden is not just the vibrancy of life.  It is also the subtle shades of color variation and the depth of items which catch the onlooker’s vision.
There’s a ephemeral beauty in a California morning light on a colorful garden.  Of course, there will be a similar beauty later in the day and again tomorrow morning, but for this moment – it is here now in a way it will never be again…
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On This Day In:
2023	Tread Softly, It Works…
2022	Whatever One Can
2021	Horticulture Anyone?
	Take To The Sky (Natural High)
2020	Heroes Die Too
	Front Update
	Still More Hope Than Fact
2019	The Ones Worth Remembering, Anyway
	Boot Edge Edge (My New T)
2018	To Reach The Next Threshold
2017	Streaking Tales
2016	Singular Reality
2015	He Says It’s Hard To Get There From Here
2014	Question From A Founding Father
2013	Make Heroes
2012	See And Hold
2011	Am Not, Are So

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April Blossoms

My wife’s favorite flower is the full size, yellow daffodil.  She likes the mini’s and the whites, too, but her preference is for the full size, yellow.  We look forward to their emergence every January / February as they bring with them the start of a new year and the approaching end of Winter.
But the yellow blossoms fade and then wither…  And then, usually towards the end of March we start to see the sprouts of the California Poppy!!  A few weeks later…  Blossoms!
Granted, we only have ours as a bit of trim at the top of the front garden.  Some of our neighbors have their whole front yards strewn with bright orange and green!  And so, walking around the neighborhood in the bright California morning sunshine, we enjoy the month of April…
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On This Day In:
2023	In The Beginning…
2022	Working Out
2021	Fortes Fortuna Juvat*
	Layin’ In Bed (Help Me Rhonda)
2020	For Sale
2019	Letting Go
2018	Trying To Give More
2017	The Reproductive Value Of A Presidential Election
2016	For Me It’s Been Faith
2015	Where Many Paths And Errands Meet
2014	Rimmed Out
2013	Likeness
2012	Sums It Up Quite Well, Actually
2011	Momentary Abandonment

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Out Walking Again

It is much better to walk alone, in the right direction, than to follow the herd, walking in the wrong direction.
—    Anonymous
[This quote appears in many variations on the web.  A few are attributed.  Most are not.    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2023	We “Market” Feelings And Image Not Products Or Services
2022	Until Something Better Comes Along
2021	Facing The Headwinds
	Still Thankful, Still Don’t Read Well (Signs)
2020	Write For Yourself
2019	I’m Actively Irresponsible
2018	I Will Love You… Forever
2017	Pebbles In Your Shoe?
2016	Resolute Will
2015	Absorbed And Civilized
2014	Relax And Lead
2013	Location, Location, Location
2012	Are You Really Good?
2011	Relatively Objective, Anyway

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Day 7 / Week 1 – Down 1lb (Down 7lbs & 1.5in To Date)

It’s the end of Day 7 of my current “Juice / Blend” fast.  …Early evening.
Diet:  I woke up this morning feeling terrific!   No bloat anywhere as near as I can tell (feel).  I’ve skipped the water pill again today.  I made up the “swamp-juice” for the next couple of days:  small banana (4), spinach (2), celery (2), white onion (1), apple juice 128fl oz, V8 (low sodium) 46fl oz, V8 – Strawberry / banana 46fl oz, Naked “Green Machine” 64fl oz and approximately 48oz of ice cubes.
A lot more energy today.  I’ve definitely started the “oily” skin transition between the “start” and “normal” period fast.  From prior fasts, this transition can last from three to five days.  After that, my skin should feel smooth without the “oily” sensation.  It’s hard to describe.  …Moist without being wet.  A bit like you’ve just come out of the shower and you’ve toweled off, but you’re not 100% dry.
Shiva’s walk was mostly uneventful…  Just a short walk around the corner and back home.  She was bouncing / dancing, waiting to get the leash on and didn’t seem overly tired at the end.  She stumbled three times, though.  Once badly.  I’m still carrying the lifting strap in case she goes down and can’t get back to her feet on her own.
I did my two laps (walking) around the block after we walked Shiva.  My heart rate was higher on the max rate, the average and the duration of high.  Today, it was 114bpm average (30bpm higher than yesterday) and a 152 max bpm (5bpm higher than yesterday).  Not great news, but I didn’t feel bad (at all) during the walk.  I still want to target an increase to 3 laps on Monday, but now I think I have to play it by ear and see how I am tomorrow (Sunday).
Day 7 : End of Week 1 – weight 365lbs (down 1lbs, down 7lbs total);  today’s (muffin) waist 58 inches (down .5in, down 1.5in total).
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On This Day In:
2022	I’m Not So Sure
2021	The Margin Of Safety
	Hold Your Head Up (Sweet Dreams)
2020	In The Path
	Hangin’ Out
	But I Won’t Do That (I Would Do Anything For Love)
	Unless You Are #45
2019	Seeking Nobility
2018	My Family Calls It Hoarding
	Day 30: Done & Dusted
2017	Rogers’ Rules (Hexadecimal)
2016	But, It’s Such A Simple Mistake
2015	Crawl Towards The Light
2014	Sweet Songs
2013	The Wife Of An Ordinary Man
2012	Three Words
2011	Know Anyone Like This?
2010	Apoplexy??
	When Breaking Up Is Hard To Do…
	Sibling Awareness

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Day 6 – Down 4lbs (Down 6lbs & 1in To Date)

It’s the end of Day 6 of my current “Juice / Blend” fast.  Posting as I watch the 49er pre-season game.
Health:  I got the results from the aborted continuous heart rate monitor.  It was “normal”.  I’m allergic to some of the glue used on medical tape / patches, so I wasn’t able to wear the monitor device for the full week.  I only had it on for about 11 hours, before I had to remove it (due to blistering).
Diet:  I woke up this morning feeling good.   Yesterday’s bloating is gone.  I passed another couple of small kidney grains this early afternoon.  Since I lost the weight / fluid, I’ve skipped the water pill again today.
It feels like I’m through the worst of the “start of fast” period.  Still tire quickly, but as of today it feels like the days of intense tiredness are gone.  I’ve started the “oily” skin transition between the “start” and “normal” periods which I didn’t feel I’d had yet.  Better late than never…
Shiva’s walk was uneventful…  Just a short walk around the corner and back home.  She was bouncing waiting to get the leash on and didn’t seem overly tired at the end.
I did my two laps (walking) around the block after we walked Shiva.   My HR had one blip / crest at 147bpm after Shiva’s walk.  My heart rate was higher on the max rate, but lower on the average and the duration of high.  Today, it was 82 bpm average and a 147 max bpm.  The average is now back to the first two days of the fast and down 10bpm from yesterday’s average, although 20+bpm (over yesterday’s) for the Max HR during the walk.  Still targeting an increase to 3 laps on Monday…
Day 6 – weight 366lbs (down 4lbs, down 6lbs total);  today’s (muffin) waist 58.5 inches (down 0in, down 1in total).
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On This Day In:
2022	#45: Guilty As Sin And Still The Biggest Loser
2021	Helping Refugees
	2016 A.D. (Human Touch)
2020	Imagine That!
	Call Me Sometime (You Can Call Me Al)
	Before It’s Gone
2019	Imagine If…
2018	How Many Now?
	Day 29: Tied (By The Time You Read This)
2017	Earn The Gift
2016	Still Loud
2015	Surprise! No Evidence
2014	Real Ideals
2013	A Happiness Weapon
2012	An Eagle Has Departed
	Ummm
	And In My Prayers
2011	Welcome Doubt
2010	Talk, Talk, Talk…
	Every Day At Least
	Democratic Suicide
	Pleasurable Reading
	Loose Joy
	Do, Er, Write – Whatever
	This Glorious Company
	Relax With A Good Book
	Neither Vice Nor Weakness
	That’s Rich!
	Man Will Prevail!!!
	Frankly Speaking to Arizona
	Brother By Another Mother

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Day 5 – Bounce: Up 3lbs (Down 2lbs To Date)

It’s the middle of Day 5 of my current “Juice / Blend” fast.  Again, I feel okay as far as finishing the day, so I’m not waiting until the end of day to post.
Health:  I got my results back from my heart ultrasound (on Tuesday):  slightly enlarged right ventricle, but not changed since 2017.  Enlarged right ventricles are typically the result of “prolonged” high blood pressure.  Other than that, everything’s good (well, “normal range” anyway).
Diet:  I woke up this morning feeling good but bloated.  My lats, shoulders and biceps felt pumped as if I’d had just finished a workout.  (I hadn’t.)  As of now (3:30pm), my lats are the only thing which still feel bloated and them, only slightly.  I passed a couple of small kidney grains this morning and that may explain the weight increase this morning.  I’ll have a better idea if I’m losing weight again tomorrow.  If I gain or stay the same, I’ll have to go back on my water pill.  I stopped it on Day 1 to see if the fast would effect my water / fluid retention.  I feel it (fasting) has helped me to not retain fluids in the past, so this is just a bit of an “uncontrolled” test.
I still can’t say I’m through the worst of the “start of fast” period.  From experience, it takes (me) about three days of intense tiredness before I can settle into the juice / blend fast.  So, I should be done with the initial period by now.  The reality is “not so much” this time.  I’m still VERY tired.  I still lack energy and am very sleepy.  There is also an “oily” skin transition between the “start” and “normal” periods which I don’t feel I’ve had yet.
Shiva’s walk was uneventful…  Just a short walk around the corner and back home.
I did two laps (walking) around the block this morning after we walked Shiva.   My HR had two blips / crests up to 123bpm during Shiva’s walk.  It fell sharply after I dropped off Hil and Shiva.  My heart rate was higher yesterday.  Today, it was 93 bpm average and a 123 max bpm.  This is now back to the first two days of the fast and again down 10bpm from yesterday’s average and 30bpm for the Max HR during the walk.  If my HR stays down, I’ll try to increase to 3 laps on Monday…
Day 5 – weight 370lbs (up 3lbs, down 2lbs total);  today’s (muffin) waist 58.5 inches (down .5in, down 1in total).
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On This Day In:
2022	What If I Don’t Want To Know Myself?
2021	But Verify
	I Feel Like Slow Dancing (When I Need You)
2020	In 50 States And Voting Against Trump
	A Two Steps Comparison (Come A Little Bit Closer / Gimme Three Steps)
2019	My Last Must Be My Best
2018	Making Friends
	Day 28: A Normal Loss And A Headache
2017	Sea Worthy
2016	Rising Integration
2015	No Worries
2014	Devouring The Present
2013	But So Far…
	Twice Moved
2012	Just Like Bubbles
2011	Caring and Driving
	Achieve Greatly
2010	Unwise To Trust
	Attitude
	If The Mind Is Not Tired
	Irrationally Crazy
	2nd Pair – Shoe Review
	Ahnu – Gesundheit!
2009	As for me…
	Health Care Reform Now!!

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Day 4 – Down 1lb (5 To Date)

It’s the middle of Day 4 of my current “Juice / Blend” fast.  I feel ok, so I’m not waiting until the end of day to post.
Diet:  I am still waking up feeling good to great.  Again, my fingers feel thin and my ankles look thinner (to me anyway), although the upper arch on my left foot is raised.  I have the start of gout related arthritis there.  I finally have a slight decrease on waist measurement.  Not much, but better than nothing and I definitely feel smaller.
I did two laps (walking) around the block this morning after we did a short walk with Shiva.   My HR was sub-110s during Shiva’s walk.  It went higher after I dropped off Hil and Shiva.  My heart rate was much higher yesterday – 120’s bpm for most of first and second lap and 150’s bpm for the final third of the second lap.  Today, it was 114 bpm average and a 133 max bpm.  I’ll have to wait a few days to see if any pattern is emerging…
Shiva is still looking forward to her morning walk, but it’s apparent she doesn’t have the will to go very far.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is getting older and weaker…
I hope I’m through the worst of the “start of fast” period.  From my experience, it takes (me) about three days of intense tiredness before I can settle into the juice / blend fast.  After that, I’m substantially less tired, but as much as I feel full of energy, it’s really only a few minutes of energy.  This can go on for a while (several weeks).  Eventually, I’ll come to a balance and be less tired and start to pick up more stamina.  That’s my experience anyway…
Hil went to the supermarket and got me stocked up on spinach and celery for my juice / blend.  I’ll make the new batch this evening or in the morning.  It should be enough to get me through the rest of the week.  These first few days, I’ve been getting by with frozen smoothie blend packets from Costco.  I don’t usually do this, but I wanted to get into the fast with a minimum of hassle.  From now on, it’ll be mostly blended veggies and fruit juice.  What I call “swamp juice” – because it looks like swamp water.  LoL!
Day 4 – weight 367lbs (down 1lb, 5lbs total);  today’s (muffin) waist 59 inches (down .5in).
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On This Day In:
2022	Ever Feel Like You’re Spitting Into The Wind?
	The Valley Of Death
2021	On Learning To Play Guitar
	When You’re Feeling Small (Bridge Over Troubled Water)
2020	Remember Your Obligation
	Smile And Shuffle (I Wanna Dance With Somebody)
2019	If One Is Lucky Enough
	Basic Training (In Films)
2018	Being President Doesn’t Make You Presidential
	Day 27: 4 Weeks / 55lbs
2017	I’m Seeing It, Too
2016	Personal Decisions
2015	Verbal Fluency
2014	Familiar
2013	Unbending
2012	Simple Sayings
2011	Wupped Again?
2010	3 and 1…
	Musical Notes…
	Doubt Tries…
	Northwest Passages – Evening Two
	The Beierly’s Web Site

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Day 3 – Walking BPM Not Good

It’s night at the end of Day 3 of my current “Juice” fast.
(Same as yesterday…)  No real diet news to report…  I woke feeling even healthier after two days / nights of juicing.  My fingers feel thinner and my ankles look thinner (to me anyway).  No change on waist measurement, but I definitely feel lighter and better.
I did two laps (walking) around the block this morning after we did a short walk with Shiva.   My HR was 110s during Shiva’s walk.  It went higher after I dropped off Hil and Shiva.  My heart rate was much higher than the last two days (sub-90s) – 120’s bpm for most of first and second lap and 150’s bpm for the final third of the second lap.  Some shortness of breath, some chest tightness and some sweating.
Good news is that Shiva jumped to her feet this morning anxious to go for the walk and she didn’t stumble during the walk – but she did limp.  Again, we only took her to the corner and back (maybe 100yds total).
I went to the hospital for another round of chest ultrasounds of my heart.  It took a bit longer than normal because they had to give me an IV of contrast fluid.  What should have been about 45minutes ended up closer to 90minutes.  The tech said I’ll get the results online in a couple of days.
Day 3 – weight 368lbs;  today’s (muffin) waist 59.5 inches.
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On This Day In:
2022	Supporters Of #45 – The Big Liar
2021	Incomplete And Probably Inaccurate
	I’ve Made A Few Mistakes (Ooh Baby Baby)
2020	One Of Your Responsibilities
	God Is Watching Us (From A Distance)
2019	Just Asking…
2018	Or Attacks On A Free Press
	Day 26: Life
2017	Still Looking For The Key
2016	Not So Much Anymore, Boss
2015	Green Binge
2014	Overdone
2013	The Courage To Remake The World
2012	Minor Gifts
2011	I Love It When A Plan Comes Together…
2010	Eloquence
	Cleaning the Chalk Board

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Day 2 – I’ve Made It So Far (And Shiva Update)

It’s evening on the end of Day 2 of my latest “Juice” fasting.
No real diet news to report…  I feel a bit healthier even if it’s just after one day of juicing.  It’s interesting how quickly one (well, me anyway) can start to “feel” healthier inside.  I know it’s probably more psychological than real, but it still feels good.  The sun’s a little brighter and the air smells a little cleaner.  LoL!
I did two laps (walking) around the block this evening (5pm) and I just had a brief blip in my heart rate up to 93bpm.  Most of the walk was sub-85bpm.  A little chest tightness and shortness of breath, but every time I felt that way, my pulse was in the low 80’s.  It felt strange walking in the evening sun instead of in the morning as we usually do.
The big thing on the near horizon is our dog (Shiva) is starting to go downhill.  She’s beginning to have serious problems getting to her feet and we’ve had to halt her morning walks around the block.  Actually, we gave that up several weeks ago and she’s only been able to handle going around the corner (and a bit), before coming back home.  She’s still “game”.  She wants to go for the walk and she struggles to a sitting position when she hears us jiggle the lead, but her back legs are both splayed outwards…  I have to use a lifting strap to boost her to her feet and she’s “mostly” okay as long as the surface isn’t too slippery.  We went out and bought some runners and spot rugs to help her and they do seem to be working for her.  We also have been putting her “booties” on her, which seem to helping her walk on our tile and wood floors.   She’s stumbles walking with and without her shoes, but with them, her rear legs aren’t sliding when she stands still.
It’s hard deciding when’s the right time…  She’s still eating most meals and drinking and some times she really shows interest…  Other times she’s just panting and / or flat on her side sleeping.  I told Hil I won’t see her (Shiva) in pain.  Hil agreed, but losing Shiva will be very hard on both of us.
Day 2 – weight 370lbs;  today’s (muffin) waist 59.5 inches.
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On This Day In:
2022	Back To First Principles
2021	Full Value Division
	EWF On Ice (I Like The Way You Move)
	Strung Along
2020	The Responsibility Side Is On The Right
	Where Clear Winds Blow (Up Where We Belong)
2019	Define Your Life…
2018	It Is No Secret
	Day 25: When 4 or 5 equals 2
2017	Cowardly Defamation
2016	With No Allowance For Chance?
2015	Details
2014	Here’s One…
2013	Non-Fungible Commodities
2012	Hope And Tears
2011	Just Long Enough
	Meaningful Thoughts

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Honor, Balance And Beauty

Honor the sacred.  Honor the Earth, our Mother.  Honor the Elders.  Honor all with whom we share the Earth:  – Four-leggeds, two-leggeds, winged ones, Swimmers, crawlers, plant and rock people.  Walk in balance and beauty.
—     Native American Elder
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On This Day In:
2023	Honor, Balance And Beauty
2022	Keep Playing
2021	The False Stereotype
	Extraordinary LOVE (L-O-V-E)
2020	Fate, Agency And Dumb Luck
2019	You Too Can Choose
2018	In Line
2017	Just Get It Right
2016	In Support Of Common Core
2015	Oscillation
2014	Truth Shift
2013	Real Heroes
2012	Controlling The Beast
2011	1,002

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Try Walking

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.
—     Henry David Thoreau
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On This Day In:
2023	1-Footers
2022	Try Walking
2021	Probably Why It Hurts So Bad
	5-0 (Tiny Bubbles)
2020	Unlike Faux News Viewers
2019	I Don’t Know Truth, Either
2018	An Approaching Disgrace
2017	Liberty, Collusion, History And The Republican Majority
2016	But I Have Too Many Questions
2015	A New Friend
2014	Do I Have To Fall In Love?
2013	More Democracy, Please
2012	Speaking Of Love
2011	Limits

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Starting Over (Again)

Each of us can maintain an effort level of about half our maximum perceived effort almost indefinitely, regardless of what that perceived effort level is.  We may not be able to maintain it continuously, but with a few exceptions, most of us can move our bodies at about half of our perceived maximum for as long as we want.
—   John “The Penguin” Bingham
From his book:  “No Need For Speed“
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On This Day In:
2023	I Didn’t Finish It Yesterday
2022	Starting Over (Again)
	Another LONG Post (Guitar Review)
2021	Allowing For Compromise
	Whoa-whoa (It’s Not Unusual)
2020	Why #LyingDonald Hurts The US
2019	Blow Between Your Ears (Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time)
2018	Thinking Ahead
2017	I’d Like To Try
2016	Or Blog (And Bound)
2015	Welcome The Virtuous
2014	Closing The Gap?
2013	On Parenting
2012	What Knowledge Is
2011	The Indefinite Accumulation Of Property

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It Doesn’t Rain Forever

I love walking in the rain because no one can see my tears.
—     Charlie Chaplin
Nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.
—     Charlie Chaplin
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On This Day In:
2022	Dream, Dare, Live
2021	It Doesn’t Rain Forever
	Thoughtful Stroll (Walkin’ In The Rain)
2020	An Act Of Faith
	Born And Sold Fairy Tales (Ghetto Child)
2019	Fostering Debate
2018	The Births Of Spring
2017	Drug Epidemic In America
2016	Word Up, Chuck!
2015	Sometimes I Wonder About Things
2014	Still Racing
2013	Anew
2012	Make Both
2011	Are You Happy Yet?

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Life Measures

The secret to living well and longer is:  eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure.
—    Tibetan Proverb
[Found on Facebook.    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2023	Strength, Wisdom, Deserving
2022	One Link In The Chain
2021	Life Measures
	First Thing Every Morning (Man In The Mirror)
2020	Like #45 And Many Of His Supporters
(Leap Year 29th)	With Some Epic Scenery Along The Way
2019	Creative Prayer Time
	ADF: Day 9:5
2018	#DumbDonald: Start With Hearing What You Don’t Want Said
2017	The Press Is NOT The Enemy
2016	It Ain’t Easy
(Leap Year 29th)	Or Try To, Anyway…
(Leap Year 29th)	Circles Within Circles
2015	A Series Of Funerals
2014	And Your Point Is?
2013	Infinitely Care
2012	In My Room
(Leap Year 29th)	Stingray – TV Series Review  (This is my most popular post since starting my blog – hands down!  It still draws hits almost every week.  The hits seem to come mostly from Central Europe.  I guess the show must be in syndication there.  //  2020 update:  While this is still my all-time, most popular post, it is no longer being viewed every week – or even every month.  I guess the show is no longer in syndication.)
(Leap Year 29th)	A Single Thread
2011	Lyrical Mixture
	Teaching = Translating

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Do Senate Republicans Believe In The Constitution And The Rule Of Law (Or Not)?

There is no use in walking anywhere to preach if your walking isn’t your preaching.
—    St. Francis of Assisi
[I’m predicting they (the Republicans) talk about “free and fair” elections, but they don’t really believe in them OR support them – especially when a Republican President is willing to use a riot to overturn an election he’s lost.   —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2023	Simpler Is Better
2022	Modern Republicans Have Long Since Concluded…
2021	Do Senate Republicans Believe In The Constitution And The Rule Of Law (Or Not)?
	With Your Red Dress On (Sherry)
2020	Morally Treasonable
2019	Lost Again Or Still?
2018	Why #LazyDonald Starts Work At 11AM
2017	At Least Most Of The Time
2016	But Doctor, I Never Learned How To Read
2015	Punch The Keys, For God’s Sake!
2014	Ouch!
2013	Revelations
2012	Movies And Juicing
	Brady Gets #4 (Prediction)
	Happy To Get Up
2011	What About Good Blogs?
2010	Slowly, Slowly…

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