Thanks to all of you for expressing your appreciation of my small efforts here and the participation of so many. I'm so thankful for each and every contribution to those threads...you guys make them what they are.

I've had the pleasure of meeting a number of participants in person and I've enjoyed every one.

I will extend a special thanks to Eld and Nicole for stepping in to take care of the daily threads in my absence, and an extra special thanks to dedtired for reaching out to me to make sure I was OK when the storm knocked out my connectivity. You guys are the best!

It's so hard to pick just a few to comment on, as so many have made impressions on me and all have helped create the character and richness of this place that helps it bloom so lushly. From elmer's backbone, to oklamoni atop her bicycle (I wish I had the strength!), to raven's water lilies, to marilyn and her work with horses (I so love horses and applaud the work you do!), and oh so many more. I often think of mamapinky and her amazing knowledge of all things laundry, may she rest in peace. Everyone's willingness to share their experiences, knowledge and advice no matter the topic, their support in difficult times and the emotional outpouring for those who are suffering is most amazing. In these times of strife and divisiveness, it's knowing that people from all over can come to a place in the middle of cyberspace to share their concern and support for each other that keeps my hope up for humanity.

Thank you one and all.

You guys are all the best. Thanks for being here especially during the past few months and those other times that you may not know about, when life gets a little rocky.

I'd like to give a special shout out to Emily who has put up with so much over these years from all of us, done her best to both advocate for the forums and to keep them up and running while preventing our lesser angels from flying out of all semblance of civility. While I may not always agree with all decisions, I certainly appreciate her efforts in doing the best she can to deal fairly with this motley crew. It's not an easy job and I applaud her for giving it her all.

I think almost everyone here has some positive qualities. Two that stand out in my mind are Lucille and Amylou.

Lucille comes across as very kind, caring, intelligent, and interesting. Also incredibly diplomatic, especially when dealing with controversial subjects and opinions.

And Amylou, what can I say. I love LOVE her writing style, her positive approach to situations, her wit, her 'inner joyfulness' (for lack of a better term), and her passion for pink.

Rusty

I left some names of people I appreciate most off my earlier comment and have added them. Anyone who felt overlooked may find their name is now there or, failing that, can let me know I made a mistake.

I miss Mama Pinky. She was a sweet soul.

I can't pick. I nominate the entire forum! For so many reasons. Each does their part to make me smile. Listen to me. Comfort me. Smack me. When I need it. Whatever it is, it's here!!!

I don't participate enough to be on anyone's list. Plus I relish the opportunity to be an outsider! I do want to say that, despite the fact I pop in and out with an irregular frequency, I enjoy this board and the differences among us.

I almost missed this thread because DH and I have been painting all weekend and I finally decided it was time to quit and relax - and where do I come for a little relaxation and enjoyment - why, right here of course.

Everyone who comes here contributes something that helps make the KT special - a wonderful community of individuals who are willing to share experiences, offer advice, encourage and debate. I've learned so much from my 'invisible friends' here.

There are 2 KT-ers that immediately came to mind - and they're not invisible friends since I have met both of them. The first is Alisande and over the years we've been able to get together for a few lunches when I'm in upstate PA and we rendevous mid-point. We're way overdue for a long lunch and even longer chat when Covid is over.

Ded-tired is the other - I often feel like we've shared many experiences and I enjoy her posts and her great sense of humor - I think it must be our mutual love of libraries that binds us. Thank you for you kind words and you were so right when you wrote 'there's no way to pick and choose.'

My favorite shot of my girls. They were just wee ones at the time.

:-(

Kitten whiskers.

With the help of a friend I adopted a young small cat as a "barn cat" about 3 weeks ago that was left behind when a family moved away.

At first the cat was frightened by her new surroundings, but even by the second day she was coming out and begging for attention.

However after two weeks she was seeming "off" and listless, and wasn't eating. So we took her to the vet who diagnosed her as having "bobcat fever" which by the point it had progressed to where it is affecting the red blood cells causing anemia, even with the most aggressive, round-the-clock treatment still has less than a 10% chance of living.

So although she had only just come here, and seemed to be happily settling in, it seemed like the best decision to end her suffering, rather than live on for 2 or 3 days in abject misery.

It seems amazing that I can be so heartbroken after only knowing the cat for 2 weeks, and only interacting with her for a few hours, but her personality was larger than her tiny body.

My life has turned upsidedown :o( Need prayers! Thanks for the positive thoughts. Turning 81 has not been good.

Hang in there, Glenda. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

So sorry, Bob...but know that her life, however short, was sweeter because of you.

Sending good thoughts your way, Glenda!

So so many...

Glenda and her updates about her grandson and all the wonderful recipes she shares

Amylou and her fun posts

Marilyn and her animals

And probably my favorite would be Elmer. We disagree about some things and agree about others but I have always found his outlook to be well thought out and insightful.

He is the only one I can think of that my hubby knows by name because his posts/comments/viewpoints will come in to play in real life conversations between the two of us. Not always for good reasons but still...thought provoking is ALWAYS good! ;)

I appreciate everyone here, it is the only online forum/platform I really partake in. Despite being of the generation most likely to engage in online stuff, I've generally avoided it.

Oh my Glenda, you have me worried. Sending good vibes your way.

Bob, so sorry. A sad loss when things seemed hopeful. I think there must be another kitty out there who needs you.

I hope everything is okay Glenda. Good thoughts coming your way.

Glenda- I was going to PM you but see that I can't. If you need to chat with someone, I'm awake right now. Just message me. Hope everything is ok with you

bob_cville - I am so sorry about your kitty, it doesn't take long for them to take over your heart. She is just so cute. What was her name?

Glenda - Hope all will be well, and that your life will soon right itself and that your family is well. Keep in touch.

(((((Glenda))))). Sending good thoughts your way.

(((((Bob Cville))))) So sorry about your kitty!

Glenda, you’ve got my prayers headed your way.

Bob, what a cute little cat she was. I’m sorry she was so sick. Maybe when you’re ready, you could give another little kitten a loving home. So many need them.

Yesterday I didn't have any cat photos to post but this morning when I opened my blinds I discovered this little yellow cat snoozing behind the laurels.

Bob - what an adorable kitten and it's easy to see how she stole into your heart. I'm sorry to hear about that she was so ill.

Glenda - sending along prayers and good thoughts of course.

Bob, you gave that little kitty a good home and love, even if only for a short time. Life isn't fair but you made it sweeter.

Glenda, good thoughts and prayers for you!

I wasn't going to participate in this thread, but I'll say, I come to the KT for shared experiences, laughter or tears, for little interludes that connect. So in addition to all the 'regulars' I thank every person who de-lurks long enough to add a bit of brightness or enlightenment to our shared days, or shows a little support by liking someone's comment. The quiet ones.

Bob I'm so sorry about your kitty. Glenda, sending hugs and prayers your way.

Bob, that's so sad. I'm reminded of a tiny calico kitten we adopted from the shelter years ago. We named her Baby because she was so little. Too little, as it turned out. The vet said she was taken from her mother too soon. She lived only a few days, but we'll never forget her. I'm glad she had lots of love in those few days, and I'm sure the same is true of your kitten. You did good.

Glenda, yes, we're worried. I hope things turn around for you soon. Meanwhile, please check in when you can.

Bob...I'm so sorry about the kitten. I had to look up Bobcat fever. You did the right thing and it's soooooooo hard. What a cutie!

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Sending you heartfelt prayers, Glenda. You are one of our stalwarts, so stay strong!

Sable

I'm undeserving of any praise. Like others, I enjoy and try to contribute truthful honest conversation. And I appreciate and thank the many of you who feel and act the same way

Thanks to all that show concern. Been around the KT long enough to appreciate true friendship here.

And to Bob, my special thoughts!

Bob, I'm so sorry about your adorable kitten. Poor little guy, you did the right thing. And Glenda, I'm worried for you and sending healing thoughts. I feel like I've known you all these years, especially seeing Parke growing up and becoming a young man. I hope you feel better soon!

My list would include Elmer-love his well thought out commentary. Alisande, I have always wanted to meet you, you seem like such a neat lady. I also have a special place in my heart for Chisue, since we are both from the same area in Chicago and I have been following your health struggles and wishing you the best. And also Chi, who I didn't realize was taking a break. We have corresponded a bit in the past, and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.

Bob, years ago I rescued a tiny little kitten who obviously needed help. I don't recall what the vet said was the problem but it was better resolved by peacefully ending her life rather than her suffering. The little sweetie was with me just days but decades later I remember her sweet spirit. I'm sorry for your loss. No matter if you have them 2 days or 20 years, it's a loss.

Glenda, I'm sorry for your troubles and hope things look up for you soon.

Bob, so sorry for the loss of the kitten. She was very cute and I'm glad you were able to give her a good home during her short life.

I would like to give a shout out to recognize all of the KT members who have not been mentioned on this thread. All of you bring something of value to the table.

Edit to add that while I don't personally have a cat, my hubby and I rescued this tiny kitten from the highway one dark and rainy night. She was skin and bones and so hungry. She was also full of personality and smarts and it broke my heart to take her to the shelter after no one responded to my efforts to find her owner, but we couldn't keep her. It's always been my hope that she found a fantastic home, but at least I know that while she was in the shelter, she was fed, warm and dry and not in danger of being hit by a car or killed by a coyote or starving to death.

Sorry to read about your cat, Bob, somehow I had missed your post on the first read through. Glad you were there to care for her.

Bob, I am so sorry as well. A couple years ago, we adopted a kitten from our late friend who managed a feral colony. She was a sweetheart and only with us for a few months because she had such severe congenital health problems. We still miss her.

Nicole, so happy to see Aspen looking so well!

Sending prayers Glenda.

I have a history of obvious, descriptive names for pets. As a kid, I named a guinea pig Piggy, or a sandy colored mutt was named Sandy, or much more recently a dog with a single large spot on his back, was named Spot. So as I was describing that to a friend, I said the cat is black and fluffy, and put those together to come up with the name Buffy. I wasn't sure that name was going to stick, I'm sad that I'm not going to find out.

Glenda, hoping the best for you. Bob, Buffy was a cutie. That's a hard decision to make.

Lower back and hip problems requiring assistance with a walker. Not a happy camper. Thanks for all concerned, Am trying hard to have a positive outlook.

Bob, so sorry to hear about Buffy.. Such a cutie and so lucky that you came into her life at just the right time. Think of how she might have suffered if not for you.

Glenda, so worried about you. I know how health can turn on a dime at our age. DH could hardly walk because of spinal stenosis (wouldn't use a walker but does use a cane) Surgery was not recommended at his age, length of surgery, length of recovery and physical therapy etc. Two weeks ago they gave him six shots (3 on either side of his spine. He's in so much less pain now and a little steadier on his feet, but still using a cane. Is surgery on the hip/hips a possibility? If not, how about shots. I hope you find something that gives you relief. Prayers coming you way.

Bob - Buffy, what a great name for a cat. I don't think she'll ever be forgotten.

Glenda - I hope your aquatic classes will be helpful and that you're doing better soon.

Really sorry to hear you're having trouble Glenda. I hope you can get relief soon. Take care.

Had shot in my hip on Wed. Prescription for walker with rollers.. Doctor sent HOA a request for ramp to be installed for easier access to condo.. MRI on back this weekend.. Next is hip replacement if mri does not look good. :o(

georgysmom2 Special thoughts for your husband. Life gets tougher as we age.

Praying for Glenda to get better. For Bob, you now know how wonderful to have a kitten, time to go get one for happiness.

I've been on here about four years (when we started remodeling our kitchen I stumbled on this site). I usually go to KT or HT. One time I was in HT and got so angry I made a childish gaffe because two other posters really ticked me off. I also managed to insult someone else in KT . At the time, I didn't realize how close knit this site can be with regular posters etc. I don't comment half as often as I used to but I do have my favorite posters. One is Lily316 and the other oddly (because he can irritate the heck out of me) is Elmer.

Sending good thoughts your way, Glenda. Just know I am thinking of you.

Thank you MrsM. I have been absent for over a half a year from GW because the clique on HT got me banned. I was only allowed back if I promise never to post there. More progressives than I can count have been banned but the ones who cause the problem are Teflon and are never banned. .

Mrs.M, please don't limit your posting! There are people who work hard to discourage certain political viewpoints and every poster they're able to bump off is a win for them.

I'm sure I irritate the heck out of some posters, but I refuse to let untruths and innuendo stand without argument. That's how fake news works.