The view from someone who has largely dropped out.....comments on recent things

[NRaleighLiberal]

I love DU - I poke my head in here a few times a day. It is where I get my news.

I was in the corporate world (big pharma) from 1984 until I was laid off in 2008 - then I went back and consulted for a year.

But - since 2010 - age 54 - I've been retired. I decided to finally make my hobby - gardening with an emphasis on heirlooms - my "job". I wrote two books, working on a third, go around the country doing talks and workshops. My wife quilts. We just moved (at last) to a smaller house and more rural area. We are overjoyed.

When I got laid off, we cut the cable - we have WiFi, but no TV and haven't watched any since 2008. We only get the Sunday NY Times - no other paper. We don't listen often to the radio.

The primaries in 2016 drove me off of DU for quite awhile - the behavior overall was deplorable.

Election night, by 9 O'Clock it was evident that something was wrong - I sincerely believe our election was hacked. HIllary won, Trump was "placed".

I can't stand it - since that night there are parts of each day that make no sense (when I do poke at the news). I see it happening again here and elsewhere - the splintering, the cult of personality, the arguing - and I have no doubt seeds of discord are being sown by bad actors.

The media has no idea of how to handle trump. Neither do other politicians. We've never had to deal with a serial liar, a borderline personality narcissist that is in the pocket of foreign powers. We have a world climate in crisis. We have addiction to destructive social networking turning our world into a collection of short attention span idiots.

So - I am in a way "sitting things out" and living my life - my wife and I are living our lives with our dogs and hobbies, trying to enjoy what this lovely world provides. I care - I will vote - I will vote for whoever opposes trump. I am more liberal than many here, but that's fine - it is a big tent - but I do shake my head at how my party since as long as I can remember has run so fast rightward away from me. I guess propaganda works.

So - I am here - still here - with less to say than usual because little makes any sense at all. I worry for the future of humanity. I don't worry for the earth, because she will just run her fever and burn us off - and we will be deserving of it.

I guess in a way I've about had enough. Enough of "out there" - but never enough of my wife, dogs, cats, life, nature, music, books.

[alwaysinasnit]

1. Thank you.

[ramen]

5. I'm personally glad the OP gets to do that.

No retirement coming for me, either, but that is no fault of the OP.

[nolabear]

6. What a mean comment.

[Warpy]

54. It looks like a statement of fact to me

There are too many of us out there with nothing but Social Security, thanks to a national policy of keeping wages at rock bottom in order to lower inflation on our backs. That means "retirement" is a patchwork of part time gigs that nobody else wants, just to pay the rent, buy groceries, and maybe afford the medication we're mostly all on at this age.

Some of us are doing better than that, and for that we can celebrate. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different for most of us.

[Turin_C3PO]

10. Wow, sour grapes much?

Geeze, calm down.

[Turin_C3PO]

13. The party has moved left socially

and slightly right economically (although in the last few years it’s moved back leftward a bit). Nothing wrong with noting that.

[paleotn]

17. Gee...you kind of make OP's point. Don't you.

[paleotn]

27. Yes. I do.

The point is, you're obviously here to start fights and sling shit. The arguments the OP mentioned. Not sure why. But if you want to be part of the mayhem that's taken over the Democratic party and normally reasonable people, have at it. I'm not playing your game anymore.

[SylviaD]

28. That's not what I intended.

It angers me when people claim the Democratic party has swung to the right. That's an untruth. I call out people who say that.

And you basically said my opinion is invalid because you haven't seen me post a lot. I've been here longer than you!

You can't blame me for getting a little irate. I'm 50 years old now and don't have the patience of the 20 year old girl who first voted!

[alwaysinasnit]

25. Please see my response to Mosby. TY

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=13014166

[paleotn]

15. Aren't you the poster child for niceness.....

You have no idea what the poster went through. No idea at all....and yet feel it necessary to spew such nastiness. But your a liberal...more liberal than most here....so that makes your vitriol OK, I guess.

[SylviaD]

19. Why are you attacking him/her?

OP said the Democratic party (which they admitted they are NOT a part of) has moved "far to the right". UNTRUE

[paleotn]

22. I've read his posts for years now. Yours? Not so much.

Given the current state of affairs online...that makes me wonder.

[Turin_C3PO]

26. Exactly where did the poster

say he wasn’t a Democrat?

[SylviaD]

31. I'm sorry, I must have misread.

I guess my mind is playing tricks on me. I read so many things over the past while of people claiming they are no longer Democrats because of some kind of supposed "right wing shift" the party has taken and it's just not true. Brack Obama and Joe Biden are not to the right of Bill Clinton! This is often said by...let's be frank here...Sen. Sanders supporters who then ask for our vote to go to their candidate.

I apologize for making accusations.

This is why I choose to lurk instead of post I suppose.

[ronatchig]

64. It is true tho,

The three you mention are to the right of HST, FDR, and LBJ . Obama and Biden were pulled to their relative positions by the nazification of the Rethuglican party.
What's more, many here long for the days of yore when the democratic party stood in direct opposition to the policies of the radicals of free unregulated markets.

[AllyCat]

48. Please point out where OP says he is not a Democrat?

[Magoo48]

63. It's a matter of perspective.

I’m 71, and I’ve always seen the Democratic Party as too far right, so, I play on the left side of the Dems’ lawn or I have no where to play at all.

[scarletwoman]

16. So, you can't find a space in your heart to be happy for someone else's good fortune?

I'm sorry for you.

[alwaysinasnit]

18. I am sorry that my simple "thank you" was not very clear as to what I was referring to. In reading

the post, what struck me the most is that, of all the negative things going on in the US and elsewhere, that so much negativity here at DU is especially debilitating given that we are a like-minded community. The post brought home to me that our own in-fighting is making it more difficult to maintain mental equilibrium. Fortunately for NRaleighLiberal, he has better possibilities for achieving such equilibrium. I believe that the post was trying to gently point out a need to take a step back from the fray and catch our collective breath. Because, we are going to need every bit of strength to get through the mess we are in.

[NRaleighLiberal]

92. nicely put. I took no issue with any of the responses in this section - they are real reactions,

real emotions.

My post was of a point in time, of a current thought that I felt like sharing. I could have listed the places in life we struggled, our daughters faced serious issues, family members had it really hard.

None of us know much at all about each other, so extrapolating to a point of deeper knowledge is fruitless. I try to post stuff from the heart - and can be clumsy, and fumble things.

But no harm, no foul. We are all a huge tent in so many ways - good and bad fortune, lots and not nearly enough security, and on and on. All we can do is to try to understand, to help where and when we can - to consider our world is one living organism, and that it is NOT just about what we see far too much of recently - me me me me me.

Anyway - my words seemed to elicit a range of responses and that is all that one can ask!

[alwaysinasnit]

119. Thanks for the kind response. I am glad you continue to poke your head in to DU and let us know

how you are doing. I wish you and all our DU community tranquility and strength to carry on.

[rzemanfl]

29. Bookmarking. n/t

[Alliepoo]

2. Good to hear from you!

Had to go back and sign in so I could bookmark your post-it’s that good! Take care!!

[NRaleighLiberal]

93. hello - and thanks!

[malaise]

4. Lovely to see you

[NRaleighLiberal]

94. ah, my pal malaise!

quite a ride we are all on these days, hey!

your presence here, and words, have brought smiles to me throughout my time here.

[klook]

7. Howdy, NRL!

Thanks for stopping by. I’m more of a DU lurker most days myself, and I share many of your views expressed here. For what it’s worth, I always take notice when you post something — I’ve usually found your OPs and responses to be worthwhile. This one’s no exception.

You and I are of similar vintage. This is definitely a time to be useful where possible but also to take care of ourselves and those around us. And especially to keep having new adventures!

[NRaleighLiberal]

95. very kind of you to say....appreciated!

[democrank]

8. Thank you for this, NRL.

Sometimes one needs some time alone with simplicity in order to see the true lay of the land and act accordingly. I’m with you on this and agree with your observations.


~peace~

[NRaleighLiberal]

96. imagine the party we'd have if we could fill a huge room with DUers!

[richdj25]

9. Trump is a BSer

which from my old stomping grounds, he's to be treated and looked upon as a pure loser. After all, that's what he is.

Yes, he's occupying the oval office but why even bother showing any respect towards him?

That's the media's biggest problem, approaching Trump in the same manner as past presidents. That ship sailed a long time ago.

[NRaleighLiberal]

98. I knew far too many like him in school, and career.

His whole affect triggers me into loathing...so I have to look away.

[Tweedy]

125. I feel very sorry for him

Because what would life be like if you trusted nobody, thought everybody was a crook & believed you were a "stable genius" when behind your back your nearest & dearest were laughing at your ignorance & general stupidity?

The blackhole of corruption in the center of this president is real and it sucks everyone in his orbit into it.

You are so right not to orbit him IMHO. He is corrupting to everyone. His need to inflict pain is so raw and his coping abilities are non-existent. Just watching him is painful.

This president wants to inflict the pain he feels inside on all the rest of us. When he succeeds, it is heartbreaking. On the plus side, he and his cronies are a modern incarnation of the keystone cops; so, his success rate is not high.

Yet, even laughing at his failures is sad, since it is obvious somebody (an aide, his wife, who knows?) is paying a heavy price for that failure. He is emotionally abusive of that there is no doubt. He abuses his staff on television.

I do wish he would resign. It would be better for him and would give us more time to survive this mess.

You are right not to engage in the daily horror show. I need to be more disciplined and do more of the same.

[scarletwoman]

11. It's wonderful to hear from you! I believe it's very wise of you focus on the good in your life.

Whatever else happens in the outside world, taking care of yourself, your loved ones, and those things in your life that feed your soul are the most important.

[NRaleighLiberal]

97. wise or not, it is the path I've chosen currently to keep my sanity!

thanks for your words!

[KPN]

14. Thanks for visiting. You set a great example.

Live life as best you can under whatever the circumstances. Obtain joy and gratification where you can. Simplifying certainly allows one to better do that. Good for you and your wife.

Hopefully we all are able to do the same at some point soon. For me, what we are now experiencing, as a nation and globally, both fascinates and frightens me immensely. While I try and certainly have the means to do so, I find I simply am unable to tune out or even turn the volume down. But I do hope that, starting in 2021, I will be able to focus on the things that truly make life and this world amazing. Relying on one news source and otherwise cutting the cord seem like a really effective strategy for doing that. I have been passionately yet undauntingly disappointed by the backslide of working/middle class progress the past 35-40 years. Hopefully I will be able to break that long spell and arrive at the place you and your wife have. Hopefully, 2020 is my last hurrah so to speak disappointment-wise. That’s my hope and goal anyway. Thanks so much for sharing.

[LittleGirl]

56. You're at 9999 posts!

Make your 10k one special!

[NRaleighLiberal]

99. may things work out as you wish...we all deserve happiness, joy and peace.

[paleotn]

20. I hear you and have thought the same myself.

The nastiness is getting way out of hand. And from people who are normally far more civil. It's put me in attack mode. Life is far too short for this crap.

[NRaleighLiberal]

101. I've decided if they put me in a foul mood, they win - and they don't deserve to steal my happiness.

So I grab it back as fast as I can.

[sinkingfeeling]

24. Good to hear from you. I'm a little older than you, but about

to pull up stakes and start a new life. I'm in the process of sorting through 50 years of accumulated stuff and selling my home of 28 years.
I have to enjoy my last years and lose this hate and anger I've built up in the last 4 years.

[NRaleighLiberal]

103. wow - common experience.

we just moved (downsized) after 28 years. It was CATHARTIC to unburden ourselves from so much stuff. We feel lighter, more buoyant, freer - we are 64, so hopefully will get 15-20 years in this new smaller place - and we want to keep sloughing off stuff regularly.

[Squinch]

30. Nice to see you and good read. Thanks for it.

[NRaleighLiberal]

104. thank YOU for your comment!

[lunatica]

32. I'm sorry your thread got somewhat highjacked

I’m glad your retirement is working out well. I retired in 2018 and I’m also doing well. It’s wonderful to be free of all that work stuff. In any case it’s good to hear from you.

[NRaleighLiberal]

105. hijacking - it's the DU way! Seriously, it's fine - all opinions here are valid

because they are individuals reacting to words. No worries!

[Polly Hennessey]

33. Here you all are arguing again

because someone was willing to tell you something about their worldview. We all get to retire, one way or the other. When I was young I began planning for my retirement. I understood that one day I would be old and viewed by most as no longer important. I also am enjoying my retirement with my dogs, my books, rural life, smaller house, family close by. I use DU for my news. Gave up on the mainstream about a year ago. No one knows how to deal with tRump and his cult. The safety net I thought we had is not strong enough to rein in tRump or Moscow Mitch. Just wish there was less vitriol on DU.

[NRaleighLiberal]

107. .

[dweller]

34. you still vote, right ?

that's the big stuff, don't sweat the small stuff

dude, you'll be an heirloom here one day...


✌🏼

[NRaleighLiberal]

108. I was just thinking on if I realize my goal of gardening when 100, I can just

keel over near a tomato plant and become the compost it needs! Talk about a perfect ending....

Never missed a vote - and a vote for a Democrat - in any of my voting part of my 64 years, and never will!

[patphil]

35. Thank you, excellent post.

I also love nature, and am not happy with all the bickering on DU over candidates.
We can't survive another 2016-like debacle in 2020.
It's now or never. Stand up for your party's nominee; stand up for your nation.
The cost of divisiveness is just too high.

[NRaleighLiberal]

109. The birds out there do make a splendid sound track, that's for sure

So many things popping out of the ground, too - being a new house (well, a 1960s era house) we've been in for only a month, we get to see what former owners planted - it will be a wonderful year of surprises!

[patphil]

118. I walk along a trail made from an old railroad right of way.

I love to hear the birds sing, and hear the wind blowing through the trees.
Nature is the best sound track.

[YOHABLO]

36. Trump, I'm afraid has turned this country into a land of 'hate thy neighbor'

[NRaleighLiberal]

110. good observation. We can be better than that, for sure.

[YOHABLO]

115. Good luck with your gardening.

[Sancho]

37. I also saw the outside interference...

....and some is happening again.

I can identify more than you know.

[NRaleighLiberal]

111. if one is brave enough to "go there", it is pretty chilling, that's for sure.

we can't take the way we've lived as long as we can remember for granted. Free societies - Democracies, etc - need constant tending or entropy will take us to pretty bad alternatives.

[c-rational]

38. Be well NRaleighLiberal. I agree with your read of events and appreciate your choices.

[NRaleighLiberal]

112. apprieciated!

[trof]

39. KNR

[NRaleighLiberal]

113. .

[defacto7]

40. I always appreciate your comments NRL.

I hear you. Boy, do I hear you.

[NRaleighLiberal]

100. thanks, friend!

[volstork]

41. Thanks for your post.

You and I are the same age, and I dream of the day (hopefully soon) when I can "hide out" from the larger mad world and enjoy what really matters, a la Thoreau (and you). Congratulations, and here's hoping you drink in and enjoy every minute of it!

[NRaleighLiberal]

91. I'll try my best - you, too!

[badhair77]

42. Always enjoyed reading your posts, NRL.

I’m with you on turning to real life instead of something onscreen. I simply can’t stand the vitriol and anger, and then nothing gets done. I have no idea how many years I or my husband have left and I don’t want to spend them in that environment. I’ll stay aware of what’s happening, do what I can do, vote, contribute where I can and step out of the toxic atmosphere. My days are far more productive. Thanks for posting.

[NRaleighLiberal]

90. .

[Six117]

43. Your post gives me something precious

Hope. I'm a relative new comer to DU but I also don't like the tone a lot of posts have taken. I end up scrolling past so much and come away feeling like I miss what first got me to join. So much wasted energy. Anyway -thanks again for taking the time to share something that rises above the noise and ugliness; and gives this fellow DU member a nice lift to a solid Monday....

Peace

[NRaleighLiberal]

89. Hope is a great thing. It is an absolutely essential thing. we can't let it be stolen.

[proud patriot]

44. I'm glad to see your (face) post

take care

[NRaleighLiberal]

88. the post is enough - the less places the face, the better!

[Under The Radar]

45. That was a good read, visit us more often.

I too seem happier when not paying attention to national news. But increasingly, what has been happening in Washington is increasing pressure within each family. And I feel guilty from not doing anything to change it.
Come back when you can and let’s talk about it.

[NRaleighLiberal]

87. I read a few times a day and open "my mouth" when compelled, so no worries!

[Botany]

46. Just remember that ...

... Old German, German King, German Queen, and Hillbilly are all the same tomatoes.

If you are in Ohio this summer I can show you the greatest way to grow tomatoes.

CH3-CH2-OH. Cheers

[NRaleighLiberal]

86. I'd love to get there! still plenty of gaps on my US speaking circuit

it's all about wriggling invites.

One day you WILL show me that earth shattering technique of tomato success!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

47. If he "wins" again, definitely need a plan b for life.

PS my BIL needs a new job..He's in medical sales

[Mike 03]

61. This is great advice

Spent Sunday and Monday working on exactly this, a "Plan B" and I'm not necessarily waiting until November to implement it. If I see things going south before that, I'm making changes--incremental at first, then more substantial.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

68. I hear you. A huge part of it is that you read every day of a new

horrible act trump commits, one that would have downed anyone else, and then see no one in Congress stopping him and the news forgetting about it the next day. It is against anything we have ever experienced and challenging to our core beliefs systems. And not good for our mental and physical health.

It is both sad and good to go to plan b at the same time.

[NRaleighLiberal]

85. Ah, I've put Pharma and the corporate world behind me

just trying to improvise day by day. So far so good!

[Hekate]

49. So glad you dropped in, NRL

Stay centered, and send us postcards about your tomatoes from time to time.

[NRaleighLiberal]

83. I am bantering about them all the time

on Instagram @nctomatoman and in my blog. And in my head. (and...poor Sue, and my nearby friends!)

[babylonsister]

50. I am happy to hear from you

So glad your move was so successful! Enjoy the good life!

[NRaleighLiberal]

82. just gotta stay put to actually settle in and enjoy it!

had a week in Corvallis, then a few days in Connecticut - nice big break until St Louis.

Got some fun talks this year - Nantucket, Clinton Library (!!!!!!), Dow Garden in Michigan, Botanical Garden in DC, Albuquerque NM, well spaced out - will cherish them all. Being amidst gardeners is just simply energizing.

[yonder]

51. Thanks for your thoughtful OP NRL, and some of the points you made,

as it turns out, are exhibited in a few of the resulting threads.

Your words are peaceful as they are inspiring and your thoughts are likely shared by most on this board. I wish you and yours (including the furry ones) much happiness and look forward to your contributions again.

[NRaleighLiberal]

81. right back at you, friend and thanks.

[NRaleighLiberal]

52. Well, I am taken aback....

My little OP, which I spewed out as I tend to do (as I've said in the past, I am not always terribly eloquent when "typing" my political thoughts - one on one with a beer always works better for me - H2O Man I am most decidedly not!)

But I thank so many of you for your kind, nurturing understanding responses. I've read them all - and even those with whom my words or thoughts didn't work, thanks for your honest response. I've always aspired to having an open mind, and also having my eyes opened by other views.

So, this set of responses is collectively quite a gift for me, for which I am very thankful.

The movie Shadowlands has a great line - "we read so that we know we are not alone" (stated by Anthony Hopkins as C S Lewis).

I've read your words, and hence I know that I am not alone.

[leftstreet]

53. Summer's coming: Don't forget to post heirloom photos

We love the garden porn!!



Good to see you posting

[NRaleighLiberal]

78. most pics will be on instagram

@nctomatoman

will be lots on my blog too

[orleans]

58. i've always learned a lot on du but a huge thing i learned

early on was that i was not alone and that others shared my thoughts, fears, views, concerns, passions, etc.

so... it's the primaries...i tend not to venture in to that area too often. i "stick to the roads"

your op was lovely. nice to see your name again.

[NRaleighLiberal]

80. thanks for the great response and kind words

[Ahpook]

55. Sounds reminiscent of 2000 for me and my wife

I knew at that moment we had big troubles in this country.

The media is handling Trump exactly how they need/want to. It is ratings and they air the fucking guy 24/7.

[NRaleighLiberal]

77. ah yes - 2000 - I fled to DU in 2004 (finally finding it).

big troubles indeed.....bigger daily, it seems.

[PatrickforO]

57. You're not alone.

I'm still in it, but I'm getting old.

Funny, I was just saying on another post that it is strange to me how all of us can pay lip service to 'speaking truth to power,' but when someone actually does it, a bunch of us don't really respond well.

People seem to be quaking in their boots about Bernie, but you know what? He's a hundred times better of a human being than Trump, and will, if elected, be a thousand times better president.

I mean, my God, this country has gone so far right we have kluxers and nazis actually marching in our streets. We have a set up a network of concentration camps run by private for-profit prisons and therein languish children that could be our own grandchildren, lost, frightened, despairing of life itself.

We have a media who does not report most of these awful things, and another right wing media that spouts nothing but lies and hate and fear.

And we're sitting here on this site quibbling about candidates who are too far 'left?' Bernie would have fit right in with FDR and the New Dealers, pretty much. And that's what we need here in America for sure. A new deal. Because the old one ain't working.

[NRaleighLiberal]

76. well stated - thanks!

[liberaltrucker]

59. A bit off topic, I miss your gardening tweets

But I understand. Take care, my cyber friend.

[NRaleighLiberal]

75. Relegated myself these days to my blog, newsletter and instagram

blogging a couple of times a month
trying to instagram daily (@nctomatoman)
newsletter quarterly

gotta get that third book finished!

[Aussie105]

60. . . . . "but never enough of my wife, dogs, cats, life, nature, music, books."

Congratulations, you have found the secret of not only how to keep your sanity in an insane world, but how to enjoy life.

Daily attend to those things important to you. Worship them, groom them, watch them grow, watch them reward your love a hundred times over.

There are times i have to walk away from DU, so much static, so much anguish, so much of . . . I am right and you are wrong type of discussion.

Considering I am half a world away, and not exposed to the bombardment from media, I have to wonder how some people cope.
They may well benefit from adopting your lifestyle and attitude.

Thank you for posting!

[NRaleighLiberal]

74. lovely comment - thanks!

[kentuck]

62. Hey, old Friend!

Still growing those wonderful tomatoes?

Good to see you again!

These are interesting and difficult times.

[NRaleighLiberal]

73. I get to grow them in a new place. Trying to figure out how big or small my garden will be

thinking of taking a very slow year to observe the passage of the sun in my yard, the drainage, the critters - thankful to experience something completely different, and in an area very much like that in which my wife and I first met 41 years ago.

[kentuck]

102. Sounds like a plan!

Good luck in finding the right spot.

[rainin]

65. You didn't mention having kids, which compels me to reply

Since election night, I have felt as you do. Hillary won and tRump was installed. The media failed to look at what was right in front of them and largely continues to do so. I noticed also that I've started making comments to my kids about maybe not having kids of their own. It's shocking that the world has changed so much in such a short time, but it has, and I've come to believe that the only way my kids have a chance at a peaceful life is to forego having a family and take care of themselves. Get dogs, cats, live in nature, enjoy books an music as you do, with their spouse. That is the best prescription for a happy fulfilling future, I think

[NRaleighLiberal]

72. yes, our two wonderful girls

they are both on their own life adventures. we do talk the state of things with them - one is in the PNW, one a few hours away, we cherish them both as they weather life's bumps and bruises. There seems to be so much of my wife and I in them - values, etc - we watch them traverse life with great joy (and occasional anxiety!)

[HAB911]

66. Amen

[SnowCritter]

67. I need to thank you for introducing me to heirloom tomatoes

Over the years I've planted Cherokee Purple, Mortgage Lifter, Black Prince, and a couple others whose names elude me.

My favorites have been the Cherokee Purple and the Mortgage Lifter.

I've still a few quarts of each canned in the basement (I should make some chili soon).

[NRaleighLiberal]

70. Hi and thanks!

Ah yes, Cherokee Purple (that is gardening luck - that someone should send me that as an unnamed variety - shocked at how it has "gotten around'!) Give Cherokee Green and Cherokee Chocolate a try - and Lucky Cross - and Egg Yolk - and Dester - and Green Giant - and on and on!

[Joinfortmill]

69. I hear you, brother. I should do the same.

[OfTheBottom99Percent]

71. So moved by your words- I just joined DU

I completely understand where you're coming from and I was moved by your words- this particularly:

-"We have addiction to destructive social networking turning our world into a collection of short attention span idiots."-
...as one of the symposiums I'm currently organising for the co. I work for is about the dangers of social media on collage campuses...

...but even more so I am moved by the sanctuary you find in your garden- when I travel back to mine I am almost refreshed before I arrive just picturing it (in hopes my husband hasn't over watered

You're was the first post I read as a fresh newbie here; I'm off to read more and figure out how to post an introduction...help...anyone?

[phylny]

84. Welcome to DU :)

I think you need to be here and post awhile before you can start an new thread. If I'm wrong, someone will correct me

[OfTheBottom99Percent]

128. :-) encouraged to post Intro in TheLounge but got the yellow window :-)

Cheers phylny (Reply #84),
It's a bit confusing. I was directed to The Lounge where I was encouraged to post an Intro but still, I got the yellow window saying I'm not allowed, so I guess for now I remain un-introduced - it feels a bit awkard but alas I'll poke around and just wait and see- there's certainly enough happening to keep one busy
OfTheBottom99Percent

[KY_EnviroGuy]

106. Welcome to DU, OfTheBottom99Percent. You're in a good place.

Most people post a brief introduction in the DU Lounge at the beginning and feel free to do that for us. Just go into the Lounge and click on "Start a Discussion" and a message window will open. You will have a spell checker and message preview available.

Best of luck from KY and enjoy DU!.........

[OfTheBottom99Percent]

127. Thanx KY_EnviroGuy

Cheers KY_EnviroGuy,
I greatly appreciate your greeting, I did as you suggested and the yellow window appeared again informing me that I'm apparently still not able post even an intro in the lounge, um...okay?
Hmm...I'll continue to meander around and check in at the lounge until the yellow window stops stopping me- It feels awkward not having introduced, anyway-
Thanx again
PS:
How are you liking Andy Beshear so far? Must have been such a relief to get rid of Matt Bevin- though those pardons! OMG can thr courts do anything about them?

[KY_EnviroGuy]

129. Found it! Finally.

I knew the rules were here somewhere but had to do a search to find it. Here ya go:

See: https://www.democraticunderground.com/10131538

(snip)

When new members reach 10 posts, they gain the ability to start new threads. We encourage all DU members -- new and old -- to come introduce yourselves in our new "Welcome & Help" forum. And check that forum regularly see who has posted.

Make sure to post a reply whenever you see a new member in there.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1256

Therefore, after about five more posts, you can start a new discussion thread.

I think Andy is doing a great job, particularly considering the headwinds he faces with our Rethug legislature. My daughter in particular was relieved because she's a public school teacher. At least Andy can somewhat limit the damage Republicans can do to our state. I don't think there's much that can be done about the pardons other than use them as weapon during upcoming elections around the state. To my knowledge, few Rethugs spoke up against the pardons.

Best of luck and look forward to seeing you around DU......

[OfTheBottom99Percent]

131. I can't thank you enough for...

I can't thank you enough for being a welcoming lone voice in the wilderness but still getting blocked by yellow window no matter which link I click on
Ahh, me...I'm packing to get to the airport so it'll just have to simmer til I'm back on terra firma -hey that's an idea...a forum for folks who are on planes more often than land in varying countries -
Wish me luck I don't contract the C-virus

[KY_EnviroGuy]

132. I can relate.

I traveled for much of my later career as a field service engineer but mostly in the states. There was a long spell in the 90s I traveled so much I hardly knew my way around home. I'm very glad to be retired.

It's been so long since I joined DU, I don't even recall the yellow flag thing but I assume it's just to remind new members they're on temporary probation. From what I see, you should have total freedom after another four or five posts (you have six now). Currently, I believe you are restricted to replies only.

Please take care of yourself and wash those hands more often than normal. Have a good trip!......

[OfTheBottom99Percent]

145. Cool

Cool, (I hope you don't think I'm using you to get to ten posts KY_EnviroGuy my grandfather had a very similar job to yours w/ air flight sure but of course he had to drive allot of the time- he loved that job. I must have got his travel bug genes (and his foot size damn it, from his 6.7 ft. / size 12 feet physique).
Anyway, landed and jet lagged but still: What up with that debate? The crazed Bloomberg-paid-for boos’ and yay’s were well out of proportion! I mean who in South Carolina is THAT obsessed with Charter School funding in New York? Hmmmm suspicious to say the least. Plus HIS adverts between breaks DURING A DEBATE? Wow! What has the electoral system become?
Tired
OfTheBottom99Percent
PS
e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y is tired

[Rhiannon12866]

140. Yes, you just need a few more posts to start a thread.

You're more than halfway there. Welcome to DU and stay safe out there!

[Karma13612]

79. Gosh, this was wonderful.

And I just might use it as inspiration for my own life, and my inevitable hard times.

Hugs!

[cilla4progress]

114. This

is me. I am 64, almost 65. Fortunate to work in social justice. Always been politically active and involved, but can only take so much and stay healthy and alive.

I believe there will be cataclysms here in what remains of my life - of unknown type.

Horrid for my daughter and younger generations. I'm kind of deferring to her politically; it's her world now. She supports Bernie (as I did in'16 primary). Though I just voted for Warren in primary. Bernie leading is another indication of how polarized we are.

I don't understand how anyone can have children now. Sorry.

In this chaos, hard to know how to proceed.

Raleigh - I have trouble finding books that don't add to my anxiety. Suggestions??

[NRaleighLiberal]

116. Let me have a think. Certainly, the poems of Mary Oliver (if you are an animal lover)

"The Hours" by Michael Cunningham

hard for me to come up with a good book list - my wife is the avid reader, I tend to non-fiction (or writing my own non-fiction of course!)

You make an interesting statement. My current thinking is that only a world-wide, cataclysmic event will actually draw people together again, get people to work together again. I think....impact of climate change, of not the idiocy of some nutcase pushing "the button". But I don't really want to see how my wife and I will "do" when we truly get into a dystopic scenario. Would rather the nuke explodes right over my house.

We live in interesting - frightening - times, for sure. We need, though, to dig and find and hold on to hope when we can, wherever we find it.

[cilla4progress]

117. I love Oliver..gave daughter a book of her poems.

Guess I should gift myself, too!

I come to many of your same conclusions and outlooks...though I experience wide swings. I don't know about "hope" so much... though I agree with you that the planet - nature in some form - will outlast us. I've seen it with my own eyes, having lived through several wildland fires, and experienced the rebirth; like you in your garden.

I also believe indigenous peoples will survive the dominant population's demise, as they have for milennia. This gives me some hope.

I, personally, am privileged and I acknowledge that. I have animals/pets, live out in the countryside, husband retiring with government pension. I feel best when I am using that privilege in service.

Be well, and thank you for your inspiration and uplifting conversation this morning!

[Grasswire2]

120. You know I consider you a friend, NR, and a good guy.

I would like to step out, too. I love my books, my collecting and preserving ephemera from estates, my extended family, my dear kitty, my life on the bank of a river.

But my fourteen ancestors who served in the American Revolution will not let me go.

THEY pledged treasure, sacred honor, and even blood itself to throw off a king and tyranny.

One of them lost 14,000 acres of land with a profitable sawmill in New England, and then (because he helped ill neighbors who were loyalists) was imprisoned on a horrid ship, in shackles, and nearly hanged twice, escaping only when his wife nailed him into a pine box and smuggled him away. He was a patriot, who cared naught for mean tweets of the day but did what was human and moral.

And memories of my Uncle Bob will not let me step out. He spent nearly four years as a prisoner of war in the Philippines. His gangrenous leg from wounds suffered in the artillery barrage was sawed off by an Army surgeon in a tunnel! He told us (children): NEVER FORGET.

What kind of person would I be if I stepped back and let this happen without resisting as actively as I can, no matter the personal cost? I spend a good portion of each day resisting and keeping close track of what's happening. I have been in the ER twice this past week with blood pressure issues.

Our very way of life is threatened. Autocracy is a mere breath away. All that's between autocracy and ourselves is..........us. This is our time in the barrel. Will our lives return to normal? That's up to us.

I'm not letting go.

[NRaleighLiberal]

139. I'm not letting go - just using a different approach

world peace, one tomato (talk) at a time!

[KY_EnviroGuy]

141. Thank you for your inspirational story. n/t

............

[Paper Roses]

121. Different life situation but:

I pulled back from DU posting in 2016 for the same reason. Yes, I read DU daily, in fact several times a day. I hope the discourse during this primary stays more civil.
I don't post much because my opinion cannot compare in knowledge with others. Still love this place and hope it stays pleasant.
Good to see your post.

This old timer will be soon thinking of the garden again. What is summer without tomato plants?

[NRaleighLiberal]

138. What indeed!

[Pachamama]

122. +1000000 - Thank you for stating this

I feel very much of the same about DU and watching what has been happening and the cycle that is all too familiar to many of us who have been on DU since it began.

I had all the same feelings and reactions and have come and gone from DU, especially around the election cycles and all the Newbies who suddenly appear and the divisiveness and attacks.

Look even at what happened at the beginning of your thread.

I miss seeing you around and I am happy to hear how you and your wife are doing. You are wise and doing what so many of us need to be doing if we can.

Wish I could join you in the Garden..

[NRaleighLiberal]

137. me too! Be well and stay in touch!

[llmart]

123. Excellent essay!

So nice to read a positive post these days. I think it's terrific that you're living the good life and not allowing all the negativity to seep into your days. I keep up with what's going on only on DU. I do not have cable and do very limited TV watching. I do however, volunteer for two very worthy organizations, read voraciously and listen to music - whatever the mood calls for - travel, keep up with friends and family and simply adore watching my four-year old granddaughter grow and learn about life. I am an advanced master gardener, certified environmental steward and live about a mile from a huge metropark where I walk daily.

My physical and emotional health do not suffer because this person is squatting in our White House. As my mother used to always tell me, "This too shall pass."

[NRaleighLiberal]

136. your kind words are so appreciated.

[markpkessinger]

124. Thank you, NRaleighLiberal . . .

. . . I so relate to the feelings you express in your post. I, too, used to post far more often than I do now.

Great to hear from you!

[NRaleighLiberal]

135. Very nice!

thanks, my friend.

[Worried senior]

126. I hope to follow your new

garden in you new home.

I've learned quite a bit from your facebook postings and really do miss them.

I sure hope things go well for you.

[NRaleighLiberal]

134. if you are in instagram,

follow me @nctomatoman - and look for my blog at my website. Just had to depart from FB and Twitter - my philosophical choice!

thanks for the kind words and stay in touch

[Red Mountain]

130. Not so far away......Bahama side of Rougemont

Where have you moved that is 'further out'?

Just out of curiosity. Get outside of the more built up areas and things get interesting around here. It can take many years to get to the point you become a known quantity if not accepted as a local. Social ties run a couple of generations deep.

[NRaleighLiberal]

133. Howdy - we are in Hendersonville

Loving it - easing into the gardening community!

[cilla4progress]

142. This thread (post) is my mantra...

my bible verse.

I will come back to it time after time to return to center, to calm, and to perspective.

Bookmarked for perpetuity.

Thanks again, NRL.

[NRaleighLiberal]

143. that's really sweet...

thanks, friend!

[cilla4progress]

144. Well - I have been,

and continue to, struggle with my role and level of participation in politics these day.

For years we've assiduously followed "Rachel" (she's one, like Cher, who can go by one name...) seeing and expecting sanity and resolution of the sick circus that is now our federal government and political system. We see clearly what is going on, but not enough people seem to be alarmed enough (yet?) to fix it.

I can't take watching the daily developments any more. It seems the Dem candidates as a whole are playing into it. I remember previous debates where the audience was cautioned not to make any comments or applause until the break. These are now like Roman games. Playing right into Putin and drumpf's divisive strategy.

At the same time, I can't entirely drop out. Of course I will vote...for the Democratic party nominee. I am hoping to also do GOTV. But I can no longer invest the time and energy to follow every move, hoping and believe that "this is finally IT."

So your post gives me both support and affirmation that it's ok to go on living life seeing the beauty and grace that the natural world - and even some homo sapiens - bring. And also hoping to add to it.

Thanks, NRL!

[cilla4progress]

147. I'm onboard with living life as you imagine,

NRL, but it's painful to see my husband still caught up in the mayhem.

Sent him your post.

[GulfCoast66]

146. Right there with you but a few years younger

The wife and I have done very well considering we started out poor. But that is a common story. Still love my job and not looking towards retirement and it will be here before I know it. Like you we have bought a lot in a small town, but on the on the gulf coast we hope to build a smaller house. An historical area as well. And near the marina we will keep our boat. And my wife and her grandmother used to quilt till her grandmother died. Never could get my head around how she sewed the pieces backwards so when opened up they fit. Quilters must be great geometry students!

But more interested in your gardening. I’m a professional horticulturalist. We are serious gardeners although central Florida is about the worst place you can imagine for gardening. Sandy soil, hot and humid in the summer. This is the time of year we raise our greens for the year which I put up. Beans and tomato’s as well. Mainly in containers. Not organic since I use chemical fertilizers but not pesticides or fungicides. And soilless mix with lots of pearlite to combat our wet conditions.

I have been more interested in heirloom vegetables than ever. At this point in life gardening is more about quality than saving money. If you feel comfortable I would appreciate you mailing me the names of the books you have written. Would like to check them out.

And like you I have started just reading on DU. I think this is my third post in the last couple of months. Primary season and Trump have kept me away. But still a committed and enthusiastic Democratic voter!


Miss your posts.

Sounds like you have realized your goals. Congratulations.

[EllieBC]

148. I think there are many people who feel the same!

Not all of us are retired but many of us have stepped back politically. Much like you I’m still voting, but I’m far less emotionally invested. For me it’s a mental health self care thing.