After being gone for over three years I'm here again. And very glad to be.I missed you guys!

I'm here. Week days only, no more nights and no more weekends. Through the divorce, I've lost one material thing after another and have found other treasures, way better. I didn't need the computer and the cable internet. I only worked more when I had that stuff. Stuff is a necessary evil, but we don't need as much as we think we do!

-Robin

or -Rob to my friends. Call me either of those or even rob333. Heck, I answer to anything. Especially the dinner bell.

KJ here.
I've gone through a long period of only checking once a month or so, mainly to make sure things were OK here.

Since the big snow and the effort involved in dealing with it---and the cold---I've been more housebound more than usual---and have started checking in more often.

I too, enjoy the daily quotes and tid bits.

Steve, it hurt to hear you say you felt you had little of importance to say. You never know how much brighter or interesting you may have made someone else's day by your words. I think you are a lovely person with much to share anywhere you go!

For me, I guess I feel like a little Toyota hybrid----quieter.
I'd LIKE to feel like a Dodge 4X4 with a big ol' Cummins heartbeat!

batya here. I check in a few times a week, also on Hot topics, herbs, and lately the cleaning forum (mold issues...)
It seems that on sabbatical I must work more hours at a low paying job to make up for the 4 months in the US gallivanting about and barely working, and to make up for the half pay I get this year. Refuse to do Facebook although my sons have all begged me, too much information there....
It's probably the winter thing, no gardening and we're tucked in early. peace, b

Here I am. I check in every couple of days, but don't post much.

Leone here. Checking in for both of us. George didn't want to say anything or have me tell but he is quite ill. We've known for over a year that he has lymphoma and the treatment has kept it in check. Now it has become aggressive and the treatment will become more aggressive too. I believe he was supposed to have the quotes next week, would appreciate it if somone would sub for him. We will be quite occupied next week. A prayer or two would be appreciated.

I love this forum and check it everyday. just don't often respond. George will be in my thoughts. Such a sweet man!

Oh Leone! What can I say except for a prayer or two that the treatments will work and that he will stay with us for a long while yet.

I'm supposed to do the quotes starting on the 31st but will do it next week instead. Will someone take mine beginning that last Sunday this month?

Leone,I sure wish George wasn't going through this.I hope he can tolerate the next round of treatment well and you know he will be in my thoughts all the time. Give him our love.

Yes, I Marda has spoken for us collectively, give him OUR love. You're in our thoughts and prayers George! The sunflower brigade is out in full force! Get well dear one.

Love and hugs and anything else I can muster to give my support! George, you are both loved here. And Leone, I'm sending you all of my virtual strength for both of you.

Karen

I don't post here much at all anymore. I started visiting Hot Topics, but that got too "heated," so I left there. I check in here about once a month.

Oh no! Leone, you and George are in my prayers! I can't begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed the two of you posting here. Even though we've never actually met, you feel like family. I'm sending hope, love, and strength to you both.

Joan

Just got back from a long weekend in Homosassa Springs, Florida kayaking amongst and also swimming with Manatees. It were most enjoyable. What was also enjoyable was spending this time with a woman and her ten year old son.

But that's all I'm going to say about that.

George and you are in my prayers. George's posts were the main reason I came out of lurkdom. Sunflowers facing you both and sending get well wishes. Hope the treatment will be strong enough to help and mild enough not to give distress.
All the strength and love I can send are on the way to you both.

Anneliese

George, you have always been the most stalwart in posting stories of life as it is and completing the job, no matter what it takes, without a word typed about how much it cost you physically.
Your stories reminded me of days gone by and the way my brothers, sister and I were raised.
I always felt a respectful kinship with you because of that.

You and Leone are a special couple who have shared so much on this forum over the years and I am joining everyone else in offering heartfelt prayers for your recovery and for extra strength for Leone as she helps you along.

I firmly believe in Guardian Angels. I have four.
I will ask if a few can be spared to stay very near you and protect you in the days ahead. This is said with an earnest and sad heart.
My best to you both.

Godspeed to you, Mr. George, on a speedy recovery. You are a loved and valued member of this society. May God keep you in His care.

Gandle, you are the pulse of the party. Hang in there.

George and Leone, I am so sorry to hear about your struggle. I can't count the number of times your words have touched me in a positive way over the years. I am sending love, energy and concern to both of you.

George and Leone, I will add my love and prayers to the above.

George, you are a dear man much loved and much respected here.
Right now I wish I could give you and Leone a great big hug.

George and Leone, words do not cover the value you both bring to us. Just know that there are quiet thoughts for your support.

I still come here every now and then and post every now and then. You were here when I learned to ride a motorcyle and when I lost a grandson and the next year a daughter. This is a warm calming room to me.

Gloria Gloriam

Yes tibs! The pulse of the party. That is a perfect description for our George and his Leone.

Karen

Leone and George, I will keep you in my thoughts and hope that everything goes well.

Kris

(((HUGS))) to GandLe

Rarely pop in any more....but was given a heads up that George needs sunflowers and prayers.....so I planted rows and rows of sunflowers....and will keep you both in my prayers.
Remember the dark days when you would get a thread pulled if you mentioned prayers?
Hang tough...let someone else do the shoveling for a while. Chemo stinks, but it does the job.
Linda c

Only check in a couple times a week; post if I can't keep my fingers out of the pie.

Please add my sunflowers to all the others for both George and Leone. While I don't check just/only for their posts, they are a good reason to keep coming back.

Due to an unexpected fork in the road of life's journey, I haven't posted much lately; but, I check in regularly.
Y'all have kept me going more times than I could even begin to tell you.

gandle, you and Leone are very special to me.
When you close your eyes, imagine yourself surrounded with the love this group feels for you...it surrounds you daily.

Leone, please give George a big hug and a smooch on the cheek from Christian and me.

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Wanda

I'm one of the originals garden party-ers. Though I catch up with the GP every day, I rarely post. Count me as one of the many who have fallen in love with George and Leone. Stay strong and get well, George.

Dorie

Thank you Rob for sending me an email about this. I've been on Facebook & haven't been checking in here, although I have been thinking about you & was meaning to post at Christmas but then life....well you know how that goes.

Sending loads of sunflowers & good wishes to George & Leone. You have been mainstays of the GP for so long now. I'm wishing you only good things as you head into treatment.

Please know you're both in my thoughts. You're one of the posters I always read, and contribute so much to this place (and, I'm sure, to the Real Life place where you live too).

Sunflowers to you both as you deal with this.

Leone, thanks for sharing with us. Heartfelt prayers are being offered for recovery for George and strength for you as you support him. As others have said, both of you are much loved by this group. Hugs and sunflowers are coming your way.

Ms. Leone, please give Mr. George a warm comforting hug from me and let him know that prayers, sunflowers and healing thoughts are going out from me.

I lurk but come here each day to read and always to check on how you are both doing. I am very sad to read that he has been ill for a while and has not shared the burden here.

Please keep us posted.

Leone and George. I treasure you and I'm sorry to hear that George is not well. You have shared so much of your lives with us. I don't think I ever said thank you. So now I do. Thank you. I will hold George close in my heart and wish for better days for him. And I will hold you close too, Leone. We must never forget the loved ones.

I rarely come here ~ lured away by demands on my time and by facebook and turned away by sometimes ugly personal attacks. But I have been shown real kindness here and I should forget the bitterness and embrace the affection. I forget to do that sometimes.

I have been here since the beginning! I feel true affection and friendship for so many of you. We've gone through a lot of stuff together.

love
Sheila

Leone and George. This must be a very difficult time and I want to thank you for posting here at the party. I think you are very special people and I have enjoyed your "real life" tales over the years.
It seems that real life is getting serious, please let us know what's going on.

I rarely, rarely post, but had to let the "Gandles" know my thoughts are with them. For years, their posts have refreshed my Nebraska roots; George's posts about growing up reminded me of my own parents' lives. Thank you for a precious gift.

I check in daily but don't post too much unless it's a quotes week for me. George and Leone my thoughts and prayers are with you, George I feel a certain connection since you share my Dad's birthday and I can feel the same zest for life my Dad had and you have. Your stories are amazing, please stay strong and positive and most of all laugh when you can with Leone and your family.
husky004_ (kathy)

George and Leone...armloads of NC sunflowers and many prayers for both of you!

I don't post much these days but do stop in when I have a chance, which isn't often these days. I feel like I've become a turtle...poke my head out, take a look around and then retreat. My soldiers keep me busier than ever and I'm pulled in more directions than I ever thought possible. Still, next to my DS, they remain my heart and soul...

Maryanne

(((((George and Leone)))))

When Gandle talks, the world always seems a little saner, and more gentle. Both he and his wife are the kind of people you want to live down the road from you. You know he'd climb an icy ladder to help you even if you did insist on bolting him out. Godspeed on recovery, George.

I've enjoyed all those Nebraska tales as well. I add my good wishes.

I agree with all about how much I always enjoy gandle's posts. (((((George and Leone))))) You are much loved by the folks here. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Leone, thanks for letting us know about George's health setback.

As others have mentioned, George's approach to life reminds me so much of my parent's lives and especially my father's attitude about "getting things done". I have many a chuckle when I read about George helping with harvest or, as Calliope mentioned, when he helps the neighbor woman even if she did lock the windows and doors on the first floor! George, in you many of us see those traits and actions that we love, respect, and wish more people had - a person who loves mankind and animals; shows kindness, thoughtfullness, and caring; and someone who remains an inspiration to us.

I'm sending a Texas size load of sunflowers, hugs and prayers to both of you. Leone please take care of yourself, also.

Mary

I don't post much now, but I check in and read pretty often. Garden Party has very nice posters, but has gotten slow -- let's hope it picks up.

Kitchen Table, Cooking, Roses and Pets are other forums in which I participate, along with Music Room at the Glyphs part of GW.

Thinking healthy thoughts for "gandle" -- (((George & Leone)))

Yep, I'm still here !
I know I don't post, but I check on my buddies at least once a month.....

Sign me "Grateful to be employed in Apopka !"
Lee

It's becoming obvious from this thread that there are a few of us posting and a lot of us reading.Reminds me of a small town where a lot of people grow up and leave but come back once in awhile because it's their hometown and it feels good to touch bases with old friends. I hope the GP will always be here for them.

I'm julu444

I check in about 3 times a week & post when I have a question or problem which needs solved. Which, I might add, you all have been very helpful. Kris

Thanks for posting this Marda. It's good to see who is at least lurking. I tried to get this to post Sat. night/Sunday morning but it wouldn't go through so I copied and kept it. Smiles.

I'm around. I did get hooked in September with fake farming and only recently have I begun to slack off on that.. finally. I still love this place and am glad I came back. It's always the people here that draw me whether they post or not. I'm very glad to see so many post to this thread. Lately I've only been reading here every week or so and not posting, but the draw is still here and I'll be here more often again.

Doing the quotes is a good way to stay close. Smiles. Marda, if you haven't found anyone to do your week yet, I'll do it.

It makes me very sad to hear of Gandle going through this. Leone and Gandle are indeed Party treasures. Lots of healing energy heading your way.

I too have noticed some tendencies to jump on people when such differences or dislike of a topic would previously have just started a debate, a brief comment or a scroll by....smiles. The edge of nastiness that might or might not only be perceived still stings. What really hurts is when great people don't post because of it. I'll hope for better behavior in the future. And by better behavior I don't mean agree to everything.. I mean take things in the way they are given. Sharing a view, telling a tale, expressing an opinion is what we are here for and should be supported and encouraged not disparaged or nit picked. Hauling the good old soapbox away. This thing has gotten realllly heavy.

Keeping the "Gandles" in my thoughts and prayers. I pray George feels the strength from all our love. I look forward to more posts by him.

Mary

Has anyone heard from "the Gandles"? I looked for an update and didn't see anything, but then, the ether fairies seem to be busy at this site.

lynn