richardderus First 2011 thread

Welcome to one and all!

Last year's cartoon thread-openers seem to have been a cause for controversy. Not unexpectedly, I must admit! But this year, I will open my threads with images of artworks that I love, or that have some special connection to me, but usually both.

Above is an image of "Reverie to Silence," an oil painting by Hovsep Pushman (1877-1966), an Armenian artist of, primarily, spiritual and Far Eastern subjects.

His paintings have always evoked in me a sense of the sacred as present, as fully part of the everyday world, and therefore available to everyone at all times, whether of religious faith or not. This painting is one that I particularly love, as its red background is my absolute favorite color. (And it goes with my sofa! ;-P )

It worked last year. I believe I shall continue the multi-thread approach to reviews for 2011. THIS thread is for NEW books read, those published from 2009 to the present.




The Books off the Shelf thread for 2011 is up, though sort of nekkid. My goal there is now 30 books from my shelves read and donated, shared, or generally gotten out of the house.




Not sure where I'll host the "published before 2009" part of the reviews. Club Read seems awfully *serious* and I'm not really down with that.

What, no claims about how this will be your only thread of the year? ;)

>3 _Zoe_: My first visitrix! W00t!

LOL But now that you've said that, you watch: I'll get no visitors and need only one or two threads for the whole year. Woe will be me.

Ha, I wouldn't worry about that! It is eerily quiet for now, though.

THAT is not likely to happen Richard dear ;-)
I like the starting picture!

Oh. For a minute, I thought it was a picture of you and you had traded in the purple shirt and red shorts for a robe. Oops.

So good to be here!

>6 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita! Glad to see you.

>7 tloeffler: I could *totally* rock that robe, but I want a different color than terra cotta.

Hi Richard, I adore your painting, love the colours, a very serene start to a new year. Thank you.

Hi Kerry! Oh, I *am* glad someone else sees Pushman's serenity.

I like the painting too. It almost seems to be a bit of trompe l'oeil, with the statue and all, or maybe my eyes are just tired...

You have a 2yr old, Amber. Your eyes *are* tired, along with every synapse you possess. It goes away in about 4 years. For about 4 years.

I would trade *not one moment* of it, either.

I really, really like the beginning picture, Richard. I enjoy art in many forms and look forward to seeing future selections for the year. What a great idea. And I was just going to repost a picture of my dog in a Santa hat!

>13 Donna828: Thank you, Donna! I think it's a great image, and evokes the proper reverent spirit for a solemn, serious thread such as mine always is.

> 14 the proper reverent spirit for a solemn, serious thread
My stomach aches from laughing again Richard, please stop!

Got your thread starred, Richard. Not sure why, sense you'll obviously continue to post 2010 reads in the 2010 group (as that would be the only logical choice) and you'll have at least 2, possibly 3, 2011 threads before the year even starts. Silly!

Gotcha! I like the art - looking forward to more of that as you add threads in 2011.

Wait... that's a painting?

I only glanced at it when the thread began. I shall have to have a proper look.

...

That's a gorgeous painting: really rich, bold colours and wonderful perspective. (Is perspective the word I want?)

Caty- balance or focal points maybe?

Hi Richard!

Love the picture, Richard! Got you starred and on the radar early - may 2011 be the year I keep up! *crosses fingers and hopes for the best*

>15 FAMeulstee: I Do Not Acknowledge a Certain Dutchwoman's inapporpriate laughter.

>16 Ape: You never know what'll happen over here, Stephen; but it's true, no reviews will be posted before 1/1/11. Cool date, huh?

Oh, and 11/11/11 is another one!

>17 lauranav: Laura, they'll be pretty eclectic, so maybe you'll see things that are new to you!

>18 Eat_Read_Knit: If by perspective you mean the sense of the figures as full, three-dimensional objects, then yep, that's le mot juste.

>19 leperdbunny: Tamara! Howdy do! *smooch*

>20 elliepotten: the year to keep up LOL oh oh that's so ROFL *wipes eyes* oh Ellie that is just LMAO

Well, obviously keeping up with Stephen alone will be a full-time job, and I'd like to do some actual BOOK reading at some point... but I'll try, okay? *smooch*

*chuckle* Sure, love, you do that! *snicker*

Love the idea of starting with a painting, and I love that particular choice too. Looking forward to much solemnity and seriousness...

Don't worry Ellie, I'll be slowing down myself next year hopefully if all goes as planned. *Crosses his in hopes of getting a frickin' job* :(

>21 richardderus: the sense of the figures as full, three-dimensional objects

That's precisely what I meant. I'm glad my vocabulary is holding up.

finally made it, had to revive a certain someone.... what a stubborn one she is ...........

nice new digs you have here :) I love art in all forms so I will be excited to see what is in store for us

*wanders off to double check on Laurel*

Richard- That's a beautiful painting! Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great reading year. Neil Gaiman hater! See I ruined it!

I second that...lovely painting!

Me, I think I'll go with a Honky tonk theme on my thread...y'know...Redneck Grrl w/ Smarts??!!

have you STARRED as usual, Sweetie!
J

>28 curlysue: *sigh* Don't I know, Miss Hardy, don't I just know.

>29 msf59: Gaiman-hatin' ain't no crime...yet...Cuz'n Markie (clearly you ain't read my Xmas story on the 2010 thread yet).

>30 jdthloue: How do, redneckarincess!

Hello there, Wilberforce! That picture is so lush and warm. Can't wait to see what other artwork you have in store for us in 2011.

Starred and *smooched*!

Eh, the picture is ok... "Reverie to Silence," I'm thinking you just like the idea of peace and quiet.

Oh, hi Richard!

Does this mean I have to start thinking of a theme for my 2011 thread?
Glad to see you have a new thread-home all ready to move into. Are you gonna have a new year/new thread party on Jan 1st?
Maybe we could all bring you a decent picture for your new decor. (hehehehe)

>32 LauraBrook: Welcome, welcome! Always glad to see a *friendly* and *kind* face, unlike SOME around here *cough*Claudzilla*cough*

>33 -Cee-: Good evening, Madam. *frostily regards art-taste-less Philistine down nose*

Hi, Richard! I really love the painting!

I have you starred and waiting to see what reading and havoc will come from your threads in the coming year.

>35 tymfos: THANK you, Terri, it's a lovely thing, isn't it?

>36 cindysprocket: Chilling thought, isn't it, Cindy?

Gorgeous colors ~ I had to look twice too before I could tell it was a painting. I thought it was actual decor. Now I'm thinking maybe I'll redo my bedroom in the coming year with a Far Eastern theme. I could use some serenity in my life, and that red is scrumptuous.

>38 Storeetllr: I completely agree. I painted my south-facing bedroom that shade of red (Frosted Pomegranate is its name, got it from Home Depot), and was called nutsy-cuckoo...until winter afternoon sunlight made the room feel like the inside of a wool sock; the summer sun is blocked by a Japanese maple, so there's dappled light and leaves a shade darker than the walls outside. Very satisfying.

Opened your new thread to a beautiful painting! What a treat. Thank you for posting it, Richard, and sharing art you love.

Gosh at this rate you will be on your second thread before January 1!! Let me add to it :)

Well, you already know that I am a philistine....
but I do like the idea of peace and quiet...

and kara.. I am


stubborn? What a thing to say. Me???????? Stubborn??

Hello Richard, wonderful painting and a lovely friendly thread.

As always a for you:)

Good morning, Richard. How wonderful to open to a painting so lovely it made me gasp: the serenity, the spirituality...so beautiful...

And then the joy of reading the posts and finding out that things will go on as usual: funny, snarky but caring (not an easy trick to pull off), good friends chatting and poking at one another.

Hi, Richard. Lovely painting to start the thread with. I too thought it was actually three-dimensional.

As for red rooms, I used to have an orange wall-to-wall carpet in the livingroom. In the winter, when the sun was shining at that low angle into the apartment, the whole room was suffused with the warm glow. Thinking of doing that again, in fact.

I'll be on my 2010 thread for the rest of the year. Too confusing to keep track everywhere.

>40 alcottacre: I'm so glad you liked the painting, Stasia! I wondered if you were okay, it took you so long to come around and visit. Or maybe you just don't visit *me* anymore until there's no one else...yeah, that's it...you don't love me anymore! *sob*

>41 sally906: Sally! Hush that noise, now! This thread will last until Feb. 1, I have confidence it will!

>42 mckait: Stubborn? You? Perish forbid! But let's just take note that satellite video of Kath's town routinely shows huge trains of mules snaking through the streets on their way to assertiveness training at a certain private residence....

>43 calm: Hi calm! Glad to see you here for another round!

>44 Matke: Good morning, Gail! What a lovely, kind assessment of the goin's-on in these crazy parts. Happy that you're back!

>45 ffortsa: I've given up on the topic of confusion, Judy. I'm just resigned to it, expecting it to be the norm around here.

PffffffffffffT!

Pfffbbbpppptttt back!

WAITAMINNIT what are you doing here?!?

#46: Oh brother.

did you visit your 2010 yet?

Hi Richard!
Would like to add... the red in this picture is the best thing! I do love it.
And your red room sounds wonderful. Isn't it amazing how various sunlight experiences can give life to a room? I have a room like that - also south facing, come to think of it.
Fondly, Phil

>49 alcottacre: I know, I know, just *imagine* Herself denying she's stubborn! Sheesh!

>50 mckait: Yeup, once I remembered it existed.

>51 -Cee-: Zilla! The Divine Miss apologized to me, back when I moved in, that the largest bedroom was devoted to Auntie and her care...I smiled Mona-Lisa-ly and said that was perfectly *fine* (which worried her, and still does a little bit); but the truth is it's my favorite room and always has been. One south-facing window, looking out into the Japanese maple in front of the house; one west-facing window that gets a wonderful breeze through the aptly named sweet gum tree. Big enough for a secretary-style desk *and* a rocking chair next to a well-lit corner table. *sigh*

52 posts. I'm missing 52 posts, and the year hasn't even started.

No, I didn't read them. Well, I read the first 3.

I feel the same way...I look at the 2011 forum and think, I'm behind *already* so what's the coming year gonna be like?!?

BTW, hi.

>42 mckait: kath it was said out of luv :)

Hi!

Starred :)

>57 BekkaJo: Howdy Bekka! Have you started your thread yet?

No Richard,, I have not started my 2011 thread yet...it is STILL 2010...and I'm a nitpicker that way. Love your art, but sweetie, I won't be checking back until 2011...can't keep up with holidays, visitors, books (I DO like to read), cookies, eggnog, and finishing out a wonderful year, even if it's ending on a bit of a downer. enjoy your new threads...you'll probably be on #3 by the time the new Year starts.

Big Smooch !!

>59 Carmenere: Cool pentagram, Lynda!

>60 tututhefirst: Perfectly okay by me, Tina, this is not the Home Thread yet. I'll find you (somehow!) when you start your 2011 odyssey. *smooch*

We have a red feature wall in the kitchen - when hubby suggested it I have to confess I thought him to be utterly raving bonkers, we have grey glass splashbacks - but allowed him his way so he could see what a fool he was.

WELL

It is utterly gorgeous!!!!

I had to eat humble pie - was delicious

Don't you love being wrong about the right things, Sally?

Richard,
If you keep going like this you will need a new thread by New Years!

>62 sally906: Naah, Cheli, interest will drop off tomorrow...by 2011, no one will have posted here in days. You watch.

Hey you time traveler!

Beautiful painting, just wonderful.

A little unnerving, isn't it? Oh, that painting makes me smile every single time I see it. Just *glorious*! I'm glad you like it, too!

I like your painting too, Richard, but I gotta tell you I kind of wish you'd put a frame around the dang thing, cuz I've looked at it about 8 times since yesterday and it STILL looks 3 dimensional to me. It is beautiful, though. Probably it's envy over your stylishness that's talking.

LOL I lack the skills to do such a thing. Also the desire...I like making people nervous....

#61 re #59 Ok kaaay, so in the future I will just say "pentagrammed ya" and you'll know what I mean ;)

PS: Hope all's well with Auntie today.

She's in and out of sleep after her marathon sleeplessness--almost two days! It was awful for her. Now she drowses, comes up for a drink of juice, drowses...getting towards normal again, thank goodness.

Just checking in so that I can be ignored.

Hi Richard! Thanks for the welcome in my bare (so far) thread. Seems like you are the social director around here. Love the painting! Exactly something I would like above my couch.

Ok, even me, miss Art Director over here thought it was a photoshopped picture with a painterly effect at first. Impressive. The artist's sense of light is amazing. Very very good. I have a red wall in my living room (on the rhs of the picture on my thread) and in my hallway. I may change the shade a little, but I've had it for ten years and I never tire of it.

Btw, I gave you some credit of sorts on your 2010 thread for inspiring me to put a large image as my thread opener, but I realize now I should have posted that here. Consider it done. Didn't even think we had red as a common theme. The painting on the wall ties the red wall together with the shocking pink curtain on the lhs of my living room so all I see from where I'm sitting when I look over is shades of red as opposed to beige wall/green couch.

I read every single message here btw. Doubt I'll be able to keep up at this rate!

Am rambling wayyyyy too much today. I should be doing artwork or writing up making Christmas cards from discarded watercolour paintings of mine today and instead what? Partying on LT! AND WHERE ARE THE DRINKS?!? Sheesh!

>72 alcottacre: ...hmmm? Did someone hear something?

>73 TanyaTomato: Social director LOL Who, me? Absolutely *no one* pays attention to me, relax Tanya!

>74 Smiler69: AND WHERE ARE THE DRINKS?!? Sheesh! Ever since Terri Loeffler poached the naked dancing boys a few threads back, the service has gone downhill. So sorry, Ilana. Perhaps at the least Hans and Klaus, the naughty Austrian twins, could be persuaded to come home.

NO!

*sigh* Well, I tried. Good naked dancing boys are tough to find.

Don't I know it! That's why they will be staying HERE.

>75 richardderus: Dang! I was away making my very last-minute Christmas cards. Did I miss them did I did I??? I like Ozzies. Bring them back!!! Can you show me a picture at least? Pweaaaaaase? Ok, I'm beyond retarded today. I got to start thinking of sleep. Well, read first, sleep when the book flops on my face.

#58 Heya - not so much. My hubby and baby are away for 4 days in the uk though so I may actually have time to sit and set one up... keep thinking I might hit 100 by the end of this year but pretty sure that's now a pipe dream since I am reading 3 tomes! But I will go set one up soon - promise!

#78: I am coming to visit you, TLo! Just do not tell my hubby :)

2011 already, oh the humanity. I've barely caught up with my to-do list from January 2010 (and don't ask about January 2009's list).

Lovely picture, that red is a possibility for one of the walls in my condo even.

Hi Richard, found your new thread and started my own, too.

Terri Loeffler poached the naked dancing boys again? Weird hobby...

>79 Smiler69: Yeah, Ilana, they're all over at Terri's place in Missouri. *sigh* Here's to hoping your sleep had some more ornaments than usual in it!

>80 BekkaJo: I'll keep checking, then, Bekka...good luck with the tomes! Perfect time to plow on through, when the young'un's away! Oh, and the baby too.

>81 alcottacre: KERRY! KERRY!!! OVER HERE, LOOK LOOK STASIA'S BEING NAUGHTY!!
You didn't say *I* shouldn't tell him.

>82 ty1997: Tom, welcome! Glad you're here. I found the cyclical and repetitive nature of to-do lists too depressing to deal with after a few years. Now I just do what's in front of me.

That sounded odd....

>83 paulstalder: Hi Paul! I'll come look for your thread.

>84 mckait: Weird? Having fit, young, naked men around the house sounds odd? Well, let me be odd forevermore, say I!

Nothing wrong with fit young naked men around the house - I'll give them a frilly apron and a feather duster....

...errrr.....

to dust my books of course!!!

>86 sally906: ...oh, of COURSE, Sally! Of COURSE!

*snort*

A nice, quiet night until 6a. Hasn't been a regular enough occurence since auntie's dementia hit a downward trend here lately. This might be easier if I didn't know as much as I do about the course these things take.

#85: Thankfully Kerry is never on LT, so he will not know that you tattled. I, however, will remember.

#87: Glad you had a quiet night for a change, RD.

>88 alcottacre: *ulp*

*slinks out*

#89: You can change your name to



Slinky!

Cute GIF!

>77 richardderus: How difficult was it for you, Richard, to avoid saying "Good naked dancing boys are hard to find?"

And Stasia, your secret is safe with me. Come on up!

Kath, I agree with Richard. If it's weird, then call me weird.

Naked dancing boys are definitely not weird. Especially if they also mow the lawn, do the dishes, clean the oven...

>92 tloeffler: After Turkish Delight's jealous meltdown, I've been casting about for his replacement...well, whaddaya know, today a candidate announced his interest in applying for the position! The guy I've bought my lottery tickets from for the past who-knows-how-long visibly worked up his nerve and, passing me my SURE TO WIN the $123mil jackpot ticket, said, "So, where shall we go when you win?" Turns out he's from Surinam, and said he'd like to show me how beautiful it is there.

Now you've seen me. "Plain" is a kind assessment. "Tubby" is more sincere. "Old" is a foregone conclusion. Even for a ticket home to a weird place like Surinam, why would this kid (maaaybe 25) go to the obvious effort to oversome shyness and...this is the part that amazes me...*hold my hand* while we're chatting?

For Brad Pitt, I can see making this kind of effort! For Tom Selleck, for Harrison Ford...but me? Whatever it was I did right, o beneficent spirits, thank you! I'll do it some more!

But tell ya what...made the rest of my day pretty pleasant.

>93 ffortsa: The oven cleans itself, but the rest of the chores are certainly a plus.

85.. having them around is one thing. poaching them seems excessive. Ane where do you get a big enough pot?

94: *Shakes head* You sold your soul to Satan and you know it, you crazy bastard. :)

Ok now I want to cry. HEEEEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPP!!!!!!
How is a gal supposed to keep up with so many threads when the year hasn't even started yet. And oh yeah, read and do other things too once in a while??? :-(

94: Well, I, for one, am glad that you found a 'potential"

and your denigrations of "self" are silly.....everybody gets the Kerfuffles at first meeting...I'm hoping something works out

;-}

>96 mckait: I have a nice big stock pot for the stock. I mean, help.

>97 Ape: You rumbled me!

>98 Smiler69: *evil Muttley laugh* Welcome to the world of the 75ers, Ilana. This is how it is here, a zillion threads and people chatting in all of them, and by gum you know what? We all like it this way, in spite of the *huge* logistical challenge of getting 1/5 of them read. Just terminally chatty, that's the basis of the group!

>99 jdthloue: *smooch* You so good to me!

Well this is just great. 2011 version and I'm already 100 posts behind. Wahhhhh!

*there there, pat pat*

Remember it only gets worse! But isn't it a delight to have *this* problem? We have great pals around here, and I want to keep track of every one of them. Since I'm not a cyborg with seventeen eyes like *some* people I could name, I can't, but I'll give it the old college try.

Isn't it a bit ridiculous to have so many posts on next year's group? Or are you trying to get out of having another thread on 2010?

Ridiculous or not, they're here...I'm not going to have another 2010 thread even though the last one's got a bunch more posts than I like to have.

>100 richardderus: if I have to keep up with so many threads, I'm going to have another nervous breakdown. I'll have to think of something. Will ask for help on my own thread. Suggestions welcome.

Richard, I just dropped by to star you - I can see this is one popular place! Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome to the 75er's.

It's not yet 2011 and you already have 106 posts on your first thread! LOL ... I'm going to take bets that your thread count in 2011 will be higher than the one for 2010.

I would come hold your hand too, Richard, if I thought it would brighten your day :) You deserve some bright ones!

Wow, more than 100 posts already on a 2011 thread! Time for me to say "Found and starred you" before you open thread #2.

I love the painting, what a beautiful color! I didn't know red could be so calming. I'd love to have a painting like this one in my living room, but it wouldn't go well with the rosé of the walls (that was my landlady's doing and she didn't look friendly when I asked her if I could change it into something 'more neutral').

103. What is ridiculous about people who enjoy each others company, enjoying each others company? And what difference if it is done in two threads in a year or twenty two? It is all good fun.

105. What will happen, most likely, is that you will find people whose thread that you visit every day or so and other that you visit every few days and then others where you pop in as you can. It is impossible for me to visit them all.. but I think we each develop our own "core" group and spend most of our time there.
I find starring and using the "your posts" option to be most helpful to me.

rd... hope today is a good one. I will be back later to see how things are in rdland.

Morning Richard- I guess I could have made one more thread on the '10, but I decided to jump into '11. I don't want to hassle with 2 threads. Hey, as long as we find each other! That's the key!

>105 Smiler69: I've made mine, in your thread...it helps, but nothing can keep us all the way current except being a nineteen-eyed cyborg like two of my visitors are.

>106 DeltaQueen50: You're welcome, Judy! Glad you've joined the party.

>107 cameling: I predict a precipitous drop in interest in about two hours...you won't see a new post by anyone but me for weeks! You wait. That's what'll happen. Yeup.

>108 alcottacre: LOL Of course it would brighten my day, Stasia, but for wholly and entirely different reasons...like "whatinahell is this crazy cyborg about?!?" *smooch*

>109 Deern: Hi Nathalie! Oh yes, cold reds are very calming. I can't find an image of it right now, but there's a painting by Zurbaran that has an apple in it of this same cold red. I first saw it in 1973, on a trip to Europe, and it smacked me hard. It's been my favorite color ever since.

>110 mckait: Thank you, dearest, for standing up for me, I confess I felt a little attacked by that.

>111 msf59: Well, Mark, I'm still going to post reviews over in the bloated 2010 thread. But I confess I'm glad the chat-action has moved over here, to keep that from being a 400-post thread!

I hope you have a wonderful Saturday, Richard, despite you calling me a crazy cyborg. . .again :)

since I won't be able to do it physicly, know that I'll hold your hand virtually if that makes you happy! Or I might be able to persuade Frank for this purpose (he might be willing, virtually LOL)

>110 mckait: yes, 'core' group sounds right to me. As much as I love all the socializing, I'm no party animal and need plenty of time away from the computer to read and do artwork and such... I guess I have a whole year to find the right balance.

>112 richardderus: Thanks much Richard. Believe it or not, I came to your thread before visiting mine!

Exactly... it will all fall into place nicely once the year begins to age.

>117 mckait: Kath: I'd revise to "once the year begins" period! lol

you might be right! :)

Hallo Richarddear! Per your command, I've created my 2011 thread.

Beautiful artwork. Good idea.

I also loved your cartoons.

XO
Horrible

#113 : You can blame us all for the expanding posts on your threads, Ricardo. We just have so much fun here and you're so welcoming that everyone who pops into your thread brings their own beanbag, settle down and grow roots so we can have a snuggle-fest ... and lordy are we a garrulous lot!

true, caro.. true.

"Garrulous" be my middle name...when it's not "chatty"

Where's my bean bag??? who took my bean bag??

;-}

I may have found the culprit who stole and hid it ... somewhere...

((Hugs)) for today, RD.

awww a kitty !

>114 alcottacre: Saturday was one heckuva day, Stasia, what with *finally* putting up the tree and crapping up the house. I had to rush out in the middle of things to go get food, since I had no dinner makings, then cook them; but The Divine Miss and her light'o'love did a great job. I'll post pics soon.

>115 FAMeulstee: Awww ow sweet! A wife pimping out her husband! :-P

>116 Smiler69: Don't be afraid to adjust your balance many times over the year, Ilana. There's every reason to stay flexible as the year goes on and some readers suit your interests better than others. This is a place to have fun, not to add to the "must-do" list that all adults have in their heads. Kath says it best...it *will* fall into place, don't fret or push yourself.

>120 karenmarie: Hi Horrible! Glad to see SOMEone listens to me. And very glad you like the artwork!

>121 cameling: Well, that's certainly what I'm aiming for, so that works for me!

>122 mckait: ...and you are...?

>123 jdthloue: Actually, Jude, I hate beanbag "chairs" so I went out and got wingbacks for everyone.

>124 cameling: *choo*

>125 alcottacre: Thank you cyborg dearest!

>126 mckait: *choo*

lol it isn't even 2011 yet and so much to read :)

>129 Kel_Light: Oh, just wait for alcottacre/Stasia's threads to start up! You ain't seen NOTHIN' yet, Kelly!

Argh too much! No seriously I am so looking forward to joining in:)

Well now, I can't even load my own thread, so it's time to get a new one: twenty-first 2010 thread is over here!

Wow, I managed to visit twice in one thread! Note to self: *must* keep up with Richard's snarky reviews in 2011... On the subject of red walls, my living room and bedroom, both west-facing, have red as a main part of the colour scheme (with a kind of creamy colour in the bedroom and golden yellow in the living room) and when the sun slants in of an afternoon it is DIVINE. So warm and rich...

Yeah, I just adore the light effects. Makes the whole experience of living in a room so wonderful, doesn't it?

#130: Don't scare the poor girl off so quickly, Richard! She just got here :)

lol thanks alcottacre! No I shall be strong and not run away:)

>135 alcottacre: - ... she types with one hand, while using the other five to make tea, read a book, dust a shelf, darn her Wonder Woman costume and, er, read another book...

Nope, not scary at all!

#123

Actually, I loved beanbags when I was a slouchy teen..but with my back as it is now....NYET...i'll take a wingback any day...

;-}

I prefer a couch - overstuffed and loaded with bedroom pillows - and a couple of cats to keep the lap warm.

Juist woke up from yet another nap (recovery is not helping me keep up with my reading) and find that when I pop into Richard's thread for 2011 he has another 70+ messages from the last time I was here. Richard you told me it was going to quiet down. What happened?

>135 alcottacre: Who could possibly be scared of the world's cuddliest cyborg?

>136 Kel_Light: Oh Kelly...you have much yet to experience with Stasia/alcottacre's abilities...very, very unnerving how she talks to *every single person* on LibraryThing at least once or twice a day, reads ~50 books a week, and remembers each and every detail of everything she sees! If I hadn't seen her for myself, in my own home, I'd never have believed she was real. Those nineteen eyes come in handy for reading.

>137 elliepotten: I forgot about the extra typing hands! Good catch, Ellie!

>138 jdthloue: Exactly what I was thinking, Jude. Do you want the red leather one or the green velvet one? Both recline....

>139 jasmyn9: Jasmyn, except for the cats, that sounds perfectly lovely.

>140 cyderry: I got no idea, Cheli! The messages keep comin' and since they're all from folks I'm glad to hear from, I just smile and feel grateful!

Hi Richard. I finally made it by.

For those of you who don't want to fill your book reading time with LT thread reading instead, I take the following approach ... I read threads at work when I am supposed to be working. That way it does not cut into my reading time, since I am not allowed to read books at work anyway.

Cheers!

LOL @ Jenn

Though I don't doubt you for a moment.

Yes, Richard. Where do you think I am right now?

#141: Spreading rumors about me is not nice.

#142: I love that, Jennifer!

>144 jmaloney17: Nuaghty, naughty! *snicker*

>145 alcottacre: They are NOT rumours if I have *seen it for myself*! The dog is still in therapy form eyes 11-14 inspecting her, and The Divine Miss still whimpers in terror whenever she hears "whirring" noises.
*smooch*

Spreading rumors about me is not nice.

But what if the rumors are nice ones? I don't know about you, but I just don't know many cuddly cyborgs. Usually the steel plating in their neck kind of ruins the mood. You should be happy Richard so readily tells those who have never cuddled against you that your cyborg half is so life-like as to make you appear so realistic! Why, if I didn't know any better I'd say you were a real genuine human bein'!

*Waves at Richard*

Sheesh, can even take time to blink around here before a flurry of new posts appear!

But yes...

>127 richardderus: it *will* fall into place, don't fret or push yourself.

You sound just like my shrink Richard, and I'd offer to pay, but we get medicare here so I don't pay for those services normally. Much appreciated though! ;-)

>147 Ape: *waves back*

>148 Smiler69: No charge, Ilana, just much experience reaching a hand back.

Good Lord, man, it isn't even January 1 yet and already you've got 150 posts!

Love your idea of starting your threads with a contemplative work of art, and I really like the first one. Serene, yes, but also the colors of the season (red and green). I'll have to come up with something appropriate in return. Got you starred so I can see what develops.

> 141 lol I do not find 19 eyes off-putting at all. I mean imagine the reading you could do!

Richard- How are you, sir? Any reviews in the works?

Um, what day is it? My head is spinning.

What day is it????? Monday, i thimk....

and, is everyone aware of the fact that tomorrow is the official beginning of Winter? I guess all this butt-freezing cold has been mere practice for the real thing!!! Damn!

And Richard..i'll take the red leather....it will match my black leather recliner quite nicely..

;-}

Oh cripes *gulps*
Just thought I'd stop by and say Hi and that I have you starred Richard dahling but if this is gonna be the norm for 2011 I may be fighting a losing battle to keep up. But I'll do my best :)
*totters out*

#154 : Jude - Winter definitely started today here in MA. Snow and black ice do not make for great road conditions ... I was running an errand this afternoon and saw 4 spin outs along the way. A usually 20 mins drive home took 2 hours! Yes, 2 hours!!

I'm hoping to stay up for the lunar eclipse tonight ... hopefully the sky will be clear enough so I can see it

#155 : Don't worry, LadyViolet ...I lose the battle all to often on some of these threads, especially Richard's. It's easy to just pick up whenever you come visit.

Richard - what do you have against beanbags? They're oh so comfy and i love burrowing in them.

I read all these messages and have no idea what was really said here... I'm thinking - nothin' . So, that's good... I 'm not missing anything! :)
>153 mckait: ditto!

Hi RD! Waiting to see the pictures of your holiday home!

We hardly had any summer this year, and for three days now it's been chilly and raining hard. I'm all, like, where am I? This can't be sunny Southern California. And now I am reminded that tomorrow's the first day of winter. Yikes! Hope the hillsides don't melt in all this rain.

But it's great weather for lying on the sofa, snuggling under a blanket while sipping hot tea and reading.

>151 Kel_Light: Exactly! Wait until you experience the first fusillade of Book Bullets on Stasia's Sunday list! I just don't go to her threads on Sundays. The list of ~30-40 books recommended, the ~20-30 she doesn't recommend, eee it's all so much! And she makes them sound so *irresistable*!

>152 msf59: Hi Mark! Not in this thread, it's the 2011 forum, so they're all going to be over in the 2010 thread. I'll put links up in this thread, too.

>153 mckait: It's the Winter Solstice, the total lunar eclipse, and also the *real* end of the Mayan Long Count calendar (no one ever took into account the Western calendrical changeover, with its lost weeks and also its more precise leap-year calculations before). If anyone wants to make some changes in their life, today's the day to start that process.

>154 jdthloue: K red leather it is.

>155 RLMCartwright: Rach, my little cabbage, the battle's already lost. Don't stress about it! Come and go, chit the chat with whoever happens to be here when you are, and *have fun*!

>156 cameling: If I ever sit in a beanbag chair, Caro darling, I will die in it because there is no force known to physics strong enough to lever me back up from its gooshy clutches. My sadly worn, gouty knees would cause untold agonies; the rest, well, it simply doesn't bear thinking about.

>157 -Cee-: Can't really say it's *nothing*, but it's idle chitter-chatter and so all the more fun. No need to solve all the world's problems every day. They'll all still be there tomorrow, because humans don't like solved problems all that much. Or so history teaches us. I need to upload pics from my camera, don't I?

>158 Storeetllr: ANY weather is great for that!! Crank the a/c to 60 if necessary, that is a luscious way to spend an evening.

Gosh 160 messages - you'd better start deciding on the picture for your second thread ***snicker***

Yeah, nothin' around here is always somethin' ... sorry that came out wrong. I was pretty tired last night.
This particular thread reminds me of newborn puppies snuggling together in a nice warm box - getting ready to explore the world! LOL

Probably a daft question but how do I put a picture in a post?

>161 sally906: Waaay ahead of ya, Sally, I've got the first six picked out and bookmarked. The way things are going, though, no one will come back and see them! They've talked themselves out already!

>162 -Cee-: Yeah, that works as an image...a pile of sweet little puppies all scroogled up to get warm, making those *adorable* puppy noises to figure out who's who, gosh one of my favorite images from kid-hood.

I got the World's Cutest Xmas Card yesterday...a little bitty puppy all curled up into a sleeping ball! I about had an attack, it was so pweshus!

In a former life, I would now be worrying about where my dignity had gone. Now, however, I merely note its absence with a slight smirk.

>163 Kel_Light: Kelly, that's not a daft question at all! There is an entire thread devoted to answering basic-to-us questions like that in the 75er group. It's over here.

I would mark that thread in some way because it's so amazingly useful, and the guy who runs it, Tad, is such a great resource for help when you run into trouble.

Oh oh, beanbag chair..... ow ow yelp.

>165 richardderus: you are a star, thanks!

>164 richardderus:: They've talked themselves out already!

Not me, Richard, I'm still trying to get out of the clutches of this oh-so-irresistable bean bag chair. I haven't sat in one of these in over a decade -- and it shows!

>166 sibylline: Amen, Sister Lucy, sing it!

>167 Kel_Light: You're very welcome, of course, and this is your proof: Ask anyone in this wonderful, happiness-spreading forum a question, and somehow your wish will be granted. Works every darn time. Amazing to me!

>168 Donna828: You find one, Donna, it's all yours and no backs.

Cyborgian drive by hugs (scrunch!) and kisses (ouch!)

LOL You so craaayzee! *smooch* on your chilly metallic cheek! ;-P

#171: Should I chip in for Stella's therapy? lol

Oh, that's kind of you, but thorazine isn't an expensive med anymore.

OK, I would help with her therapy, poor puppy. You are on your own though :)

#169: "Ask anyone in this wonderful, happiness-spreading forum a question, and somehow your wish will be granted. Works every darn time."

Hmm. Okay then, I'd like to be a bazillionaire!

*Waiting patiently for the wish-granting fairies to do their magic...*

ETA: I'd also like some cookies, please.

Ask anyone in this wonderful, happiness-spreading forum a question...

Richard, I'm pretty disgruntled and have to say and I've decided you're the one to blame what with the noises you've been making about disliking cats.

I'm pretty sure I saw someone over on the Meet you fellow readers thread say that they're joining the anti-cat camp.What the $%#@&%*^#?!?! Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression there were no 'anti'-anything camps in this group, and unlike Groucho, I'll gladly join a group that'll have me (not easy to find these days!), but I'm not sure I want to be part of one that has a whole contingency which has decided they hate 2 out of 3 of my furry kids just because they're cats without even having ever met them (my eldest, Ezra, might justify those sentiments mind you!) I mean, how about I started a "anti-human-children-between-zero-and-six-years-old camp??" or an '"anti-books that were written before 2010" camp?? I doubt that would go over so well, hey?

ETA: I think there was a question in my little accusatory rant, if you can find it, btw.

I just don't think he's found the "right" cat yet. My boyfriend moved in and hated my two little ones (he's allergic and thought all cats were "dumb"). About a month later he's laying on the floor playing with them and gets highly upset if Pumpkin (aka the Big Fat Bubba Cat) won't come when he calls her. He even said OK to getting a third (as long as it was already litter trained)! If Richard could only find the one that fit him, I think he'd change his mind and quickly dispel the anti-catness.

Who knows...he could even turn into a crazy cat lady in his old age????

#169: "Ask anyone in this wonderful, happiness-spreading forum a question, and somehow your wish will be granted. Works every darn time."

Hmm. Okay then, I'd like to be a bazillionaire!

And I want a teleportation device!

>178 Ape: Make it peace on earth for me, with me getting to keep all the world's riches and everyone in the world happily doing my bidding as my slaves (spoken like a true cat lady so far, no?), AND I'd like to be able to fly and become invisible at will. lol

ETA: >177 jasmyn9: Have to agree with you Jasmyn. My youngest Mimi has been known to win over a few previously loveless hearts (as far as cats go anyway). Even Ezra, who really can be quite a pest, has made friends with some of the guys who've been over (who had previously not liked felines much), but that's because he's much nicer to men for some reason. Maybe Richard should come over to my place for a little conversion...

Now really, ladies, it's not at all unreasonable to dislike the ambulatory, breathing proof that Satan exists and wishes humanity ill. (That would be cats.) It's not necessary to "join" the anti-cat camp. It's where all right-thinking people start. (Left-thinking ones, too.) It is through some hideous chemical malfunction, one not at all the fault of the poor malfunctionee, that persons become cat fanciers. It's no more blame-worthy than herpes or leprosy, though just as disfiguring.

*sends symathetic "awwww" waves at victims of the Catspiracy*

AND I'd like to be able to fly and become invisible at will.

Oh, yes, that would work too! If a teleportation device isn't possible, flying and invisibility'll work I s'ppose.

I would like to be able to absorb people's super powers at will....that way I can get any of the cool stuff people come up with.

ye gods.. impossible.

What is going on here???

Bonnie- Excellent question! Wondering the same thing!

oh, groan... I'm so glad I am NOT here!
Maybe this will make more sense in 2011?

>180 richardderus: Hm!!!

That's it.

I'm not.

Talking.

To you.

Anymore.

Richard!

Your thread is boring anyway.

A big ol' sloppy raspberry to you Sir!

Richard, I dearly love my cats and all cats. I do get a kick out of your defamation of the cat family. I just think your bark is worse than your bite. I love dogs,too. Just not convenient to have.

I've put up an important poll on my thread. We're talking life or death, no joke. Your vote is required. Addressing everybody but Richard here of course!

#189:...and i voted NO on your poll...

Richard doesn't know any better!
;-}

Same here.

>187 Smiler69: Well, as sad as I might be about that, I seem to recall somewhere upthread there was someone who thought all these posts ridiculous, so they'll be happy.

Just for making your meanie-greenie-got-no-weenie poll, I am sending you Popular Hits of the Showa Era, a book so ghastly it made my teeth bleed.

The following was taken from the Popular Hits of the Showa Era description:

... a rivalry of epic proportions between six aimless youths and six tough-as-nails women who battle for control of a Tokyo neighborhood. At the outset, the young men seem louche but harmless, their activities limited to drinking, snacking, peering at a naked neighbor through a window, and performing karaoke. The six "aunties" are fiercely independent career women. When one of the boys executes a lethal ambush of one of the women, chaos ensues. The women band together to find the killer and exact revenge. In turn, the boys buckle down, study physics, and plot to take out their nemeses in a single blast. Who knew that a deadly "gang war" could be such fun?

Sounds right up my alley, BRING IT!

Just PM me your address. It is *so* yours.

I'll sleep on it. For all I know, asking for my address is part of a devious plot of yours to have me and my cats sent to a ghetto, which we all know will eventually get us deported to a cat-centration camp where you will probably force all cats to take showers whenever they let out a "meow". We'll get back to you on that.

And FYI, New York isn't THAT far from Montreal. Plenty of cat people I know there too... just sayin'...

Curses! Foiled again! *twirls long black mustachios in annoyance*

MWAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

189: I love the two undecided votes, haha...

considering that rd tells one and all that he is not a cat lover..
there is a lot of cat discussion in his thread, doncha know.

:)

>198 Ape: - I've made the fourth undecided! I definitely think some sort of punishment is in order, but I'm not sure burning at the stake is an offence-appropriate solution... Maybe we could just poke him in the eye repeatedly, or tie him to a chair and ensure that there is a cat on his knee all day, every day, for the entire of 2011?

>200 Ape: Hahahahaha! cute gif, Stephen!

So, RD... why do you fear cats? Did you have a bad experience? btw, I still think we may be able to redeem you. I voted no. ;}

I don't *fear* cats, I fear their TOXIC SPIT and DANDER which cause untold agonies of breathlessness and red-eyed itch-misery.

Besides, they're sneaky, expressionless, and sadistic. Cute when they're kittens, though!

#203: Hmm...Exaggerating, just a little??

But, oh my, you're already a very busy man in 2011! In need of a new thread, let's say ...later today or tomorrow? :)

>204 Apolline: Exaggerating?!? Bente...my friend...I am underplaying the hazard to freedom and democracy that cats represent!

And bite your tongue! I won't need another thread until January 1! No reason for it, no none at all!

Haha, well at least you are funny!;)

Cats are great, so are dogs, I've lived with both, but my vote goes to parrots! Nothing like being dissed by your nonhuman roomie in human speech.

>207 Storeetllr: Mary

couldn't agree with you more :) my African Grey talks up a storm and will mimic the cat and the dogs

Yeaaaah, birds pretty much creep me out. I like 'em about as much as Richard likes cats. Ahhh, yay for diversity! :)

I used to be anxious around birds.. no idea why. Then I worked for a vet. There is no animal that makes me uncomfortable now .. and yes rd, you are being a little dramatic, I think.

#210: Richard? Being dramatic? Say it isn't so!

*smooches* RD

>203 richardderus: "Cute when they're kittens, though!"
I think we've made a start...

;-)

I keep thinking of clever things to say, but by the time I've read all the posts and gotten down here to the writing part, I've forgotten them all.

LOL Notepad, sweetiedarling, notepad!

>198 Ape: SIX undecideds last time I checked. Which is pretty amazing considering how nervous some people get at the idea of a little stake burning... Maybe I should try the poll again with slightly different wording? Some other form of medieval treatment might be in order methinks. Suggestions welcome.

>201 elliepotten: I like where you're going with this Ellie. A sharp stick to poke him in the eye while cats claw at his flesh and someone tickles him with a feather perhaps?

>213 tloeffler: Don't worry about it Terri. It's not like this conversation is actually going anywhere!

Listen, If you want to burn someone at the stake, I have a few suggestions..
None of them rdear.

I voted no too. I'm not a cat person but I don't hold them in utter contempt like, ahem, some others. I just prefer to keep my distance which isn't really necessary because they don't come near me. Arrogant.

silly bonnie.. They are loving you from afar.

>218 mckait: *snort*

Hi, brenzi! Hi, mckait!
Geez, richard, your thread is almost maxed out.
The painting is beautiful. Thank you.

*smooches* to start your day off, RD

Goodness me, at this rate you'll be onto multiple threads before 2011 is even on the horizon. I look forward to seeing what you read once the year starts.

My husband is not a cat person - he bought me a book years ago with a title along the line of 101 ways to use a dead cat - it was very funny - like making a cushion out of it - and stuffing it and using it as a door stop. I was both horrified and killing myself laughing. Not a good place to be. I still love my hubby though despite his anti cat stance :)

* horrified* @ such a book.

Good morning rdear.. xo

>220 jadebird: Good morning, Ren!

>221 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! *smooch*

>222 Ygraine: I can't hhheeeaaarrr yooouuu....

>223 sally906: My favorite one in that book was the pencil sharpener...the expression on the stuffed cat's face was *priceless*!

>224 mckait: Good morning, Snookiepookums. You'd've clutched your throat and passed out if you'd ever seen the book. When does son the second arrive? Do we know of Circe of the Evil Manipulative Ways is sirenning him away yet?

>210 mckait: I have not worked for a vet, so I still have an issue with birds - mainly dead birds. I do not handle it well. Luckily the hubster has no problem with dead birds. Insects, however, freak him out. Luckily I can handle the insects - we make a great pair.

And I have only had a run-in with a dead bird 3 times in my mflmfl years, but that was plenty. My mom handled the bird's nest that fell from a tree while we were doing yard work. My nephew handled the bird mushed between the piano/pad of paper and the wall (don't ask, I have no idea how it got there), and my husband handled the dead bird the cat brought into the house (the cat was miffed when he got back in and couldn't find his bird).

We do not want to torture Richard. We want to brainwash him. Put him in a "happy room", drug him, and show him pictures of kitties being adorable for a few days and see what happens.

Jasmyn! That is so purrfect! We want to convert Richard - not kill him! I like your style.

I love your profile picture and the Pueblo Indian prayer that "theoldman" sent you. Will be back to check out more of your profile... Claudia

OH! Hi there, RD!
I'm still NOT here! :)

Wow this thread is extremely busy...

I love all animals!! Cats are awesome!!

There is no need to convert Richard dear, I had some cats decades ago and will never have a cat again. I don't hate them, but they are not my kind of species.
All cats in the neighborhood conspire against my poor dogs... So these cats should be inside and leashed as they leave their home or garden!!
Just my humble opinion ;-)

>225 richardderus: I didn't remember that book until you mentioned the pencil sharpener - then it all came back!

>226 lauranav: We had a black Lab mix years ago, and one day a squirrel was electrocuted on the transformer behind the house (happened every once in a while) and the guys from the power company couldn't find the body. Well, Ben did later, and proudly brought it back to my mother. He was just a puppy, but the retriever instinct was pretty strong; there he was with a stiff, mangy gray squirrel almost as big as he was hanging out of his mouth; Mom said she 'didn't want to stifle his instincts' - so she said 'good dog' - and screamed for my father!

When my cats go outside, they are attached to a lead and can't leave the yard. Beware the dog that tries to come investigate though!!!

I think my little Billie Girl has a bit of retriever somewhere in her kittiness. She really enjoys to leave the mice she kills outside my bedroom door for me to step on when I wake up in the morning. Once there was even a bird, although I am still at a lose as to where she could have gotten it from. I live in an old farmhouse and I can only imagine the mouse problem we could potentially have if it weren't for my little furballs.

When my son Craig was about 5, he came running up the stairs one day with a "Mommy! Look what I found!" In his pudgy little hands was a dead bird. He was so proud of himself. "That's nice, Craig, now take it back outside please...."

Have you all seen the Cats and Dogs movie Revenge of Kitty Galore?. The pigeon (not dead) steals the show, but then, I'm partial to birds.

I like the immersion technique for rd...

No idea if Circe of the Evil Manipulative Ways will be infringing.. I will elt you know when I do :P

>225 richardderus: Oh the pencil sharpener... I remember it and yes I agree with the expression on the cats face - gosh I nearly wet myself laughing at that one - then cuddled my cat in apoplogy. Talk about being conflicted!!!

Drive by hugs, RD. Merry Christmas Eve! Try not to stress yourself out over the holiday, OK?

Circe of the Evil Manipulative Ways has already reached out her tentacles. *shudder*



Merry Christmas my friend.. xo

I wish you a very Happy Christmas, Richard!

Happy Holidays, Richard. Maybe Santa will bring you a new thread for Christmas! We are all eagerly anticipating the new work of art.

Merry Christmas! :)

Merry Christmas, Richard.

A merry Christmas from me and my cats Ezra and Mimi... and my angel Coco too.

Merry Christmas Richard and Happy New Year too. (I'm off the grid with Christmas travels until January 4th.)

Almost time for a new thread -- AND IT ISN"T EVEN 2011???

Oh well, time for another cool artwork pic!

Away for a week on a cruise, get back home, pick up LT first thing, Richard's first 2011 thread is busting at the seams. Ah, it's good to be home!

How do you DO this, Richard? I turn my back for, well, ten days (but it only FELT like five minutes) and you're there with your massive thread, and I got as far as #4 before I felt compelled to write and tell you that the idea of you not getting anyone commenting on this thread is actually absurd.

I must confess it's late, so I didn't really read the rest of the thread, but in the course of scrolling down, I saw talk of cats, which got me to wondering how many cats it would take to pull Santa's sleigh (NOT a euphemism!) and other random nocturnal festive nonsense.

Anyway, all I really need to say is *waves* and merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas, RD!

A very Merry Christmas to you, Richard!

...and also from Willie, my cat!
There. Now you need another thread. *Willie chuckles over having been the one to complete the thread*

Merry Christmas from your friend Horrible.

XO

Sneaking in before you start a new thread to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Richard!

Merry Christmas, Richard!

Happy Boxing Day, Richard! I suppose the mistletoe is all gone, but *smooches* anyway :)

xoxo

Missing you my friend.. hope you and your new boarding house are all
happy, healthy and warm. Make them pitch in and help..

And a good St. Stephen's Day aka Boxing Day to you too, Richard!

Ok, so first off Richard, thanks for dropping by my thread and for the good wishes. The very same to you sir and by all means go and see my reply to you over there.

Now... the rest of this message is pure unadulterated SPAM!! HA HA HA!!!

I spent bloody hours and hours and hours working on a post with pictures of my Christmas setup and a bit of chatty stuff about the festivities that I thought would just take *a minute* to put up and I want people to see it so that it will all have been for something, dammit!!! So what better place to advertise than Richard's party thread?

If any of you lovely fellow LTers are curious to see the fruit of all that hard labour(!), by all means do go ahead and visit. Of course you can do as you please, but comments are always much appreciated! :-)

ETA: made the pic of Coco bigger so you can appreciate the fact that he's pulling his tongue at you Richard! He takes to training so well. I just have to say 'Richard', and out the tongue comes! lol

Yeegods and little gold fishes....it's taken me almost the entire "sound of Music" to get thru this thread. Let me see if I can make any sense from my notes to utter some somewhat intelligent comments before the current blizzard wipes out our power/internet connection.

Naked dancing boys????? I suspect I'm way too late for that one so I'll let it slide until the next time the subject rears it ugly head is discussed when I'm au courant

just LOVE LOVE LOVE the opening painting. I brings such touch of class, sense of peace, and indication of culture to us all.

Now for #176, ff - the anti cat controversy. I am a cat person. Richard is not. There are lots of other facets we each have as individuals not shared by the other. Each of us has unique characteristics that make us who we are, but one of those characteristics that I so love about this group, (and which I trust we all share) is the ability to respect differences, to be able to poke fun at differences, but not, in the end to proselytize each other. Richard's never going to like cats, but Richard's never going to not like me because I like cats, nor am I going to not like Richard (or threaten to burn him at the stake) because he doesn't care to be in the same space as a feline.

So now that I've caught up with Richard, I'm going to trot over to Meet My Fellow readers, and probably start a Thread for the 75 in 2011 group.

Smooch, smooch, and Great big hug. Thanks for leading us into the New Year in style. You are starred here....please don't get away from me yet.

hey there, Ricardo ... I left you voicemail today. With the blizzard and everything else with the FIL, we couldn't pop over for the much anticipated visit. :-( Hope you are snuggled in nice and warm ..... ooh... apart from when you have to take Ms Stella out. We'll just have to take a rain check.

>258 tututhefirst: The only reason I suggested something as extreme as stake burning Tina is that Richard said some pretty horrible things about cat lovers—something about being a cat lover being as disfiguring as herpes or leprosy, if my memory serves correctly—so I came up with one of the most horrendous forms of torture I could think of as a form of retaliation. All in jest of course! Btw, thanks for your comment on my painting; in case you haven't signed up to receive subsequent comments from the blog, I just replied to you over there too.

((Hugs)) from me, Richard! Please stay warm and cozy, despite your boarders :)

Richard- I hope you are surviving up there! Good luck sir! Thoughts are with you!

Left you a message in 2010 and same goes for 2011. Hope all is well in snowbound NY.

All but one made it home, blessed be, and the one who's left would be here anyway! I sprang into action and got people to the trains before they shut down, clever me.

I hurt a lot today because the weather makes the bone damage done by the acid crystals ache. I don't think I'll be here a whole lot today. But I did put up my new thread for 2011! Go check out which painting I chose...very nature oriented.

Clever you for sure :)

hugging you my friend.. cause cyber hugs won't hurt you.
Hope you feel better soon. I will go and star your new thread....

Found you! I love the opening painting and I got some tips from your thread on how to respond. Looking forward to keeping up with you in 2011.