In our family, Christmas Eve is one of those times we’re able to get together with friends who are so close they’re family, and in recent years, it has become my tradition to make Cassoulet, which sounds a lot more difficult than it actually is, but takes a while to put together.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day . Joyce , thanks for all you do to keep us informed. I value you and this Substack highly. And it goes without saying that no day is ever a bad day for chicken pics !
I’m reminded of a ritual that takes place around my kitchen during feeding twice a day with 2 of my 6 cats; Eleanor and Muffin, who is feral. (Eleanor was named after my Aunt Eleanor because she was noisy and Muffin was so named because I was eating a muffin one day while watching him) While I prepare the food, Elenor waits in the dining room or living room as Muffin trots over and confronts her in a mild fight. Then they separate and Muffin walks through the kitchen through the other entrance as Eleanor confronts him again. This repeats several times until they recognize noises I’m making to indicate the food is ready and they both walk into the kitchen for the feeding. I often need to yell at them all to stop squabbling as the plates are being served. They are calling for breakfast gotta go or else. These cats were all once homeless around my house. Now they have a home. My New Year’s resolution to finish my manuscript and publish, “Katz on Cats and Other Animal Tails.” Maybe I’ll find a publisher this time.
Wishing you and your family calm and rest, Joyce. Thanks for keeping us informed. My husband, daughter and I were able to see you speak recently at the National Press Club. We continue to be together with you in this challenge to our democracy.
All animal stories. My most recent was when a woodchuck couple took over holes under my shed from the previous woodchuck. I had hoped they would reproduce and they did. I was delighted to bring apple chips and cabbage over to the shed 3X a day. Then they began dying one at a time. I found one of the babies still beside the shed. I picked it up and placed it on my lap looking for a heart beat. Non was found so I buried it. The other new birth and the two parents eventually crossed the road and were killed. Now they are all buried in the same place and may they rest in peace. They are memorized in a rhyme and will be in my book. As well my first with a frog I named Zippy as my father entered me into the local frog jumping contest at the Mark Twain House. Or the garter snake that I once brought to school with me for some unknown dumb reason and it caused mayhem including the girl sitting next to me as I pulled the snake pet from my pocket to show her but she screamed. Then Sister Stanislaus looked over at the commotion and seeing the snake in my
hand ran out of the classroom. I guess she thought the snake was the representative of the devil as told in scripture.
Amazing story about the snake. My husband and his kids had a pet snake that he forgot to take out of his pocket when they went to a restaurant for dinner. He says he doesn't remember her causing a problem, but it was a bit of a shock. The snake's name was Susie. Sad about losing the woodchucks, an animal I'm not familiar with other than their name. Your book sounds like it would be a lot of fun.
I had to look up what a woodchuck looks like, and the picture I saw reminded me of a yellow-bellied marmot. It wasn't to surprising to find out that it is a marmot. The yellow-bellied marmot is apparently a western animal, and I am familiar with it because the Bronx Zoo has one for their animal encounters department.
They are extremely cautious around humans. I learned not to go into my back yard when they were running around having fun. And when I brought food out they all scurried into their holes but I tapped on the shed to give the notice that food had arrived.
Well, if you can't find a publisher, you should publish it yourself, Bill. Small presses are struggling, and self-publishing is a lot less difficult these days. You might find it satisfying.
I already did self publish, “Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.” I’m not very adept at social media promotions. In fact I had a friend upload a Facebook page and she asked me why I don’t try and do “friends, and I said please.. I have better things to do. So I’m the worst to get the word out.
So wonderful to hear of your two cats. I currently have one, Heidi, named because she hid for three days after I brought her home from the shelter. She sure did find a Hidey-hole!
Ya I get it. I like to find their hiding places but leave them alone. Just so I know where they are. I decided I want a bigger house and more cats. I can handle it. I seem to like cats more than humans so what the hell.
Bill, if you haven't read it, My Beloved Monster, Masha, the Half Wild Rescue Cat, by Caleb Carr. Just wonderful for any cat lovers. He also wrote the Alienist mystery book. Excellent
Debbie, I’m not a disciplined and seasoned writer. I’m sometimes afraid that if I read a related book that it might distract me from my emerging content. Maybe the opposite occurs and one borrows from such material. But I’ll acquire it and try not to let it negatively impact my own efforts.
Merry Christmas Joyce and Family (including the yard family). May this year end quietly and 2026 end the suffering so many endured this year. And may we get our wounded democracy back and rebuild a whole lot better/smarter, with experienced foresight.
We celebrate all the Solstice traditions...Hannukah, and Christmas and Pagan. Since Tom learned that his family on both sides was Jewish in the "old" countries, we light a menorah at sundown and think of all the ancestors doing the same for over 2 thousand years. My Celtic and Norse ancestors probably celebrated Pagan Solstice.
Snowing like heck here in Beautiful DownEast Maine. Woodstove going, music playing.
How wonderful! For me Christmas signals the solstice and the return of the light, as I am not religious. I have several Jewish friends in NYC who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah -- and I love that -- celebrate all that is warm and kind and good! I miss the wood stove we used to have when we lived in the country - nothing quite like that heat. Happy Season to you!
Happy Holidays to all of us Civil Discoursers. Please use this day to reflect with and enjoy family. Because in the end, it is family that can get us through anything.
Your lovely chickens spread holiday joy, Joyce. Many thanks for taking the time to share them with us. Much love and holiday joy to you and your family.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day . Joyce , thanks for all you do to keep us informed. I value you and this Substack highly. And it goes without saying that no day is ever a bad day for chicken pics !
Thank you Mark! Merry Christmas.
Chicken pics are certainly welcome on ANY day! Thank you, Joyce, for all kinds of knowledge and wisdom you share with us.
I’m reminded of a ritual that takes place around my kitchen during feeding twice a day with 2 of my 6 cats; Eleanor and Muffin, who is feral. (Eleanor was named after my Aunt Eleanor because she was noisy and Muffin was so named because I was eating a muffin one day while watching him) While I prepare the food, Elenor waits in the dining room or living room as Muffin trots over and confronts her in a mild fight. Then they separate and Muffin walks through the kitchen through the other entrance as Eleanor confronts him again. This repeats several times until they recognize noises I’m making to indicate the food is ready and they both walk into the kitchen for the feeding. I often need to yell at them all to stop squabbling as the plates are being served. They are calling for breakfast gotta go or else. These cats were all once homeless around my house. Now they have a home. My New Year’s resolution to finish my manuscript and publish, “Katz on Cats and Other Animal Tails.” Maybe I’ll find a publisher this time.
Wishing you and your family calm and rest, Joyce. Thanks for keeping us informed. My husband, daughter and I were able to see you speak recently at the National Press Club. We continue to be together with you in this challenge to our democracy.
Love getting good cat stories. Hope you are successful with publishing.
All animal stories. My most recent was when a woodchuck couple took over holes under my shed from the previous woodchuck. I had hoped they would reproduce and they did. I was delighted to bring apple chips and cabbage over to the shed 3X a day. Then they began dying one at a time. I found one of the babies still beside the shed. I picked it up and placed it on my lap looking for a heart beat. Non was found so I buried it. The other new birth and the two parents eventually crossed the road and were killed. Now they are all buried in the same place and may they rest in peace. They are memorized in a rhyme and will be in my book. As well my first with a frog I named Zippy as my father entered me into the local frog jumping contest at the Mark Twain House. Or the garter snake that I once brought to school with me for some unknown dumb reason and it caused mayhem including the girl sitting next to me as I pulled the snake pet from my pocket to show her but she screamed. Then Sister Stanislaus looked over at the commotion and seeing the snake in my
hand ran out of the classroom. I guess she thought the snake was the representative of the devil as told in scripture.
I would buy a copy.
Me too.
Oh… you are inspiring me thank you.
Amazing story about the snake. My husband and his kids had a pet snake that he forgot to take out of his pocket when they went to a restaurant for dinner. He says he doesn't remember her causing a problem, but it was a bit of a shock. The snake's name was Susie. Sad about losing the woodchucks, an animal I'm not familiar with other than their name. Your book sounds like it would be a lot of fun.
Ground hog is our more vulgar name but the Algonquins called the. Woochucks or wouchucks.
I had to look up what a woodchuck looks like, and the picture I saw reminded me of a yellow-bellied marmot. It wasn't to surprising to find out that it is a marmot. The yellow-bellied marmot is apparently a western animal, and I am familiar with it because the Bronx Zoo has one for their animal encounters department.
They are extremely cautious around humans. I learned not to go into my back yard when they were running around having fun. And when I brought food out they all scurried into their holes but I tapped on the shed to give the notice that food had arrived.
Well, if you can't find a publisher, you should publish it yourself, Bill. Small presses are struggling, and self-publishing is a lot less difficult these days. You might find it satisfying.
I already did self publish, “Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.” I’m not very adept at social media promotions. In fact I had a friend upload a Facebook page and she asked me why I don’t try and do “friends, and I said please.. I have better things to do. So I’m the worst to get the word out.
So instead you're piggybacking on the work of others? Because you don't want to do the work yourself?
I think there are others you can fuss with today but not me.
So wonderful to hear of your two cats. I currently have one, Heidi, named because she hid for three days after I brought her home from the shelter. She sure did find a Hidey-hole!
Ya I get it. I like to find their hiding places but leave them alone. Just so I know where they are. I decided I want a bigger house and more cats. I can handle it. I seem to like cats more than humans so what the hell.
Bill, if you haven't read it, My Beloved Monster, Masha, the Half Wild Rescue Cat, by Caleb Carr. Just wonderful for any cat lovers. He also wrote the Alienist mystery book. Excellent
Happy cat Christmas.
I ordered it. Thanks.
Debbie, I’m not a disciplined and seasoned writer. I’m sometimes afraid that if I read a related book that it might distract me from my emerging content. Maybe the opposite occurs and one borrows from such material. But I’ll acquire it and try not to let it negatively impact my own efforts.
Merry Christmas Joyce and Family (including the yard family). May this year end quietly and 2026 end the suffering so many endured this year. And may we get our wounded democracy back and rebuild a whole lot better/smarter, with experienced foresight.
^^What Natalie said.
What Robert said!
A Russian doll of ‘what’ Natalie said, Robert then Jan now me as well :-)
Amen Natalie!
Happy Christmas Joyce -- and the same to all here for whatever holiday traditions you celebrate!
We celebrate all the Solstice traditions...Hannukah, and Christmas and Pagan. Since Tom learned that his family on both sides was Jewish in the "old" countries, we light a menorah at sundown and think of all the ancestors doing the same for over 2 thousand years. My Celtic and Norse ancestors probably celebrated Pagan Solstice.
Snowing like heck here in Beautiful DownEast Maine. Woodstove going, music playing.
How wonderful! For me Christmas signals the solstice and the return of the light, as I am not religious. I have several Jewish friends in NYC who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah -- and I love that -- celebrate all that is warm and kind and good! I miss the wood stove we used to have when we lived in the country - nothing quite like that heat. Happy Season to you!
Happy Holidays to all of us Civil Discoursers. Please use this day to reflect with and enjoy family. Because in the end, it is family that can get us through anything.
Blessings to you and your family and friends, Joyce. The really good people on this planet love and care for their critters. Love that about you.
May you continue to keep us grounded and fighting in the New Year.
Yes rest and relax. A chill Christmas is the best! Enjoy your Cassoulet! Look forward to your columns in the New Year and more chicken pics.
Your lovely chickens spread holiday joy, Joyce. Many thanks for taking the time to share them with us. Much love and holiday joy to you and your family.
Joyce, I hope you and everyone who follows you has a wonderful holiday. And hope abounds for a better New Year and a return to sanity.
Thank you for your positive, encouraging and welcome note and likewise chicken pics..we’ll need more of both in 2026..
Merry Christmas to you, Joyce and to your family. My family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. 🎄🕎❤️💚💙🕎
Thank you Joyce for everything you have given us this year to help us make sense out of the chaos. Have a warm loving wonderful Christmas!
Have a great day.
Thank you so much for the chicken pictures-a wonderful Christmas present! May you and yours have a peaceful day!
Love the chickens pictures. Merry Christmas.
Joyce, I love your chickens! Your warmth, love of animals and intense deep intelligence is a light in this dark world. Thank you.
Have a wonderful holiday