Rhiannon would like to thank all on DU on the occasion of her 3000th post!

This might sound similar to 2000, except getting just a bit more personal. You all are the best. You have welcomed me, educated me, congratulated me and sympathized with me. Thank you for all this and the very special brand of camaraderie that is unique to DU!:D

I was late in finding my political voice. I had always voted, but not much else. One of the best friends of my life, a wise and compassionate man, made me realize that, like him, I was a liberal. I often wonder what he would make of recent world events. I have often thought that, after a lifetime of service, it might be better that he was not here to witness 9/11 and Bush*s relentless march to war. These horrific events might have broken his heart. He died four years ago, at 101.;(

The event that finally woke me up was 9/11. I had a dentist appointment that day and had heard what had taken place, but not seen it yet. For what seemed like an eternity, I was held hostage in the dentist's chair, watching that second plane slam into the North Tower, over and over and over. Stumbling out into the early September sun, I became determined to find out what was behind all this and really understand what was going on. There is nothing like believing that the world is about to end to concentrate the mind.
:scared:

I have not only found political kindred spirits here, but also those who share my love and compassion for animals. I feel like a bit of a hypocrite saying this because I have lost both of my dogs in six months. This has ripped my heart out and DU has provided both sympathy and distraction. My Barney was at least 18, so I should have been better prepared, but he was my love and I was not. Losing Sheena was also unexpected. It just came on so fast. I would have done anything for my guys, and did, including acupuncture, herbs, special diets, but it was just not enough. I lost her on her 11th birthday.;(

Because she seemed to really miss Barney, I found Sheena another companion, an 8-lb. wonder whose owner had died, like Sheena's, who was also in desperate need of a home. He had spent his entire life with his sister, but she had been placed separately, so the poor little guy was really lost. He bonded immediately with Sheena, slept behind her on her bed, ran to her when he was afraid, followed her lead in everything. I thought I had found a happy ending for both of them. He is sleeping behind me in my chair as I write this.;(

I must also thank, once again, George W. Bush*. Without him, and his zany antics, most of us would be at a loss for words. He gives us endless topics for heated discussions and keeps us focused and inspired. Former Texas Governor Ann Richards summed it up very nicely last week on Larry King. She said that Bush* is very good. He is always on-message and doesn't get distracted by the questions. She said that if you ask him what time it is, he will respond that Saddam is a bad man. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for keeping us equally focused.:grr:

Thank you all, once again, for everything!
Rhiannon:hi:

THANK YOU! :toast: RHIANNON THANKS ALL ON DU ON HER 3000th POST! :party: THANK YOU! :bounce: RHIANNON THANKS ALL ON DU ON HER 3000th POST! :wow: THANK YOU! :kick:

on edit: p.s. Lay off of Will Pitt. You all know that he is one of the good guys.:-)

ideas and commentary. they are excellent. i really enjoy reading them.

I am a neophyte compared to many here, but have learned so much. Thanks!:-)

and find this beautiful thread. So glad to be a part of this community with you - and you certainly contribute to its sense of community. :hi: :toast:

to me on DU, and everyone has been very kind, since I was welcomed here by newyawker99 on my very first post. Thank you so much and congratulations again on your amazing 16,000!:hi:

You're a great asset to DU, I enjoy your threads a lot. Congrats on 3k!!! :hi:

I enjoy yours as well!:hi:

I love reading your posts.

I just love being here and the kind and informed people that I have met on DU!:D

:toast::toast::toast:

And congrats to you on your return to DU and for becoming a mod. It was an inspired choice.:-)

3000 you must spend a lot of time here! btw how did you do that cool moving words?

Thanks for being here, you make DU a far better place! :toast:

I have enjoyed our exchanges.:-)

You are one kind hearted soul. It has been a JOY having you around...here's to 3000 more in short order ! :toast:

I still contend that you are better at that than I am. Thank you for all you are to DU and for welcoming me here on my very first post. It made me feel that I belonged here and it is something I will never forget.:D

I have loved your humorous posts and our exchanges. DU would be a much duller place without you to shake things up!:hi:

Thank you very much. BTW, I love your sig line, too. I have the video of that speech and have passed it on to anyone I could. Gore was just excellent, relaxed and confident. It was good enough that I think it's a toss-up whether the one he made right after the 2000 election, or this recent one, is ``the speech of his life.'' :-)

love you for being You and grateful for your presence here.
(((hugs)))

:toast:

And thank you for the hugs. Back at ya. The past few months have not been the best for me and I really appreciate all the kind words and certainly can use the hugs.:-)

I understand your feelings about your dogs. My daughter has 2 labs and you sound so much like her.

You are a wonderful friend and I treasure our conversations.

I am so glad that you found me. I feel the same way. I appreciate your kindness, wisdom and generosity.:-)

Thanks for mentioning my dogs. I remember the labs, beautiful dogs. I know that you have seen Sheena, but I don't think you saw Barney.

Here's my special boy:


BTW, I never did tell you how much I like your avatar. I remember this case and the thread in FA/NS. This was a terrible miscarriage of justice and it is beyond me why it was never revolved.

Cheers from one former apolitical to another!!!! :toast: :party:

For the congratulations and for reading my post! I cannot believe that I spend all that time in ignorance. There is a certain freedom in knowledge, don't you think? I find it very empowering. Congrats to you, as well!:toast:

And on looking back at my ignorance, :scared: :)

It is much more frightening to be still in the dark! I can't believe it took me so long!:o

I'll get there...someday! Congrats! :)

I appreciate all the encouragement. You will get there in no time. Just keep raging against the machine and attempting to defeat the quad laser! You are doing great! LOL!:hi:

Glad to have you among us. Here's to three thousand more!

My condolences on the old companions: that is hard indeed.

When will we see pictures of your animules?
:toast:

You rival The Magistrate for formality by always using my entire screen name, LOL!:D

As for my animals, I posted a picture of Barney on reply #26. He was my love.;(

Here are Meneken and Sheena. A good friend was kind enough to make it possible for me to post them. Thank you for asking.:-)

It's wonderful to be here. And to have you back among us. Compliments mean a great deal when they come from someone with your wisdom.

Thank you, also, for your kind words about my dogs. It still is very hard and will be for a very long time. I am grateful that you understand.

BTW, Congratulations on your star! That must make life on DU a lot easier.

Hope to see you back in ``the grudge match in the basement.''

Memsahib Rhiannon :-)

You have always been exceptionally warm and welcoming to me, and I appreciate it greatly. And Polly says Hi.


Here's to another 3000!

*CLINK*

-shawn

Who is Polly, your dog? If so, give her a belly rub for me!:D If not...

Do you have a photo? If you want to see my guys, I posted photos on replies #26 and #36. My scared little Meneken is sitting behind me in the chair as I write this.
:scared:

Thanks for the kind words; these are tough times and I am grateful for any kindness I can find.:-)

:toast:

3K wow how time flies. Hearty congratulations.

complete without my first friend on DU.:D

How are you and how is business? I see that you did change your avatar. I preferred the Space Needle, but understand your reasons.:shrug:

It was your incredible post that received such an overwhelming and heartfelt response that made me realize that I had found my home on DU. Thanks so much for that and for your friendship.:-)

Rhiannon

:toast:

--Taylor

There are so many mods or former mods congratulating me that I'm going to be flamed like I would have been for being the ``teacher's pet'' in school. Actually, I was, so became the rebellious kid to compensate for it. Now you know how I landed on DU!:D

Thank you, Taylor, and for your objectivity and good sense. It means a lot to hear from you.:-)

:toast: :toast: :hi:

This is an honor! Your ``Fair and Balanced Political Report'' is among my ``favorites.'' You are a great asset to DU and I appreciate your superior knowledge!:-)

While you were late getting into this politics thing, you certainly have made up for lost time.
I have to thank you for keeping me up to date on threads I should post to. I just can't get here as often as you do and I miss a lot.

:party:

Yes, I am late coming to politics and you were probably the first one whom I told what woke me up. I told my little story in my original post. I am a neophyte and appreciate both your support and your advice. I try to keep you up to speed on what is happening on DU because I know that you care and believe that you know enough to make a difference.:shrug:

Thank you for your kind words. I have not been sorry that I took your advice in looking at the candidates. Perhaps I will soon be ready to make other changes, even though that would mean that the local candidates would no longer stop at my door.:-)

All hail the one tined fork!

Here's a party band, playing "Jerusalem" just for you!

Your lovely tribute is so very sweet. It is a pleasant memory for me. Thank you for not reminding me of ``Seating Day!'' That would have given me nightmares for a week!
:scared:

:party::party::party:

a true Goddess!

Do you really love Guinness? I am Irish, have visited Ireland more than once, and have visited the Guinness plant. It was fascinating to learn how they make it, but when it came to sampling it, I just took a sip and passed it on to my dad, as did my grandmother. It was just a bit too heavy and bitter for me. I don't mind Killian's, but I am usually a wine drinker. Does that mean I am not a true Irishman or no longer in your favor? If that is the case, it would disappoint me greatly, as I am a great admirer of yours on DU.

Thanks, again, Rhiannon (a Welsh witch):hi:

on edit: fixed paragraph