162 Comments

Tell you what Joyce, I have decided it doesn't matter what you are writing about, I just Love reading what you have written. This was a perfect end to a scary week. Your writing and pictures put me at ease for the night. I am so pleased that "We’re in this together" Judy

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Thanks so much for this posting. I also had a perfect day. It was so restorative and energizing and I am ready to face the week ahead. I haven't chimed into this conversation before but want to let you know how much I appreciate your work, your writing, your experience and wisdom, and the expertise you offer to help us understand the complex legal issues that will impact the future of our democracy. And the pictures! Chickens, dogs, cats - great way to stay rooted when the political winds are threatening to blow us over. With deep gratitude....and I'm glad we are in this together!

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I’m a psychoanalyst, and Vance is a role model for healthy living in these times. Whip smart, fact-based, able to communicate her position well — and also able to turn it all off and find and appreciate the things that give life meaning. I really enjoy her column.

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Margaret, I always look forward to her column, whether it's sharing pictures with us or talking about anything, because she is genuine. I would love to have just half of her energy.

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An inspiration for us all!

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Loved "fact-based," Margaret! Rather than "alternate facts."

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Enjoy the most beautiful things, your family and the fortress you share with them and your feathers and furs!

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What a perfect description of Joyce's home: feathers and furs. Love it!

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Joyce, I’m shutting down for the night and thought I’d read one more thing - and it calmed my heart and made me hopeful. And your “we’re in this together” felt like a promise from a trusted friend. Thank you!

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It does feel like that, doesn't it? I always appreciate that sign-off - it's very reassuring! :)

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Joyce, you truly are an inspiration!!!!

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Yes you absolutely are❣️❣️

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Loved finishing off my Beautiful Saturday of Sunshine with your evening post to help solidify your mantra.. “we are in this together” as we prepare, once again, for yet another soap opera of Chief Cheeto, heavy sigh.

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❤️⭐️The Soap Opera of Chief Cheeto ⭐️❤️. Perfect!!

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Thanks for the updated chick pic of Pickle😎. Hope you are having a good weekend☮️

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Chickens can be such task masters!!!

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Haha! It gives credence to "henpecked."

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AND demonstrates that henpecked is NOT a gender specific descriptor. Hens are equal opportunity task masters.

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Truth!

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They are descended from tyrannosaurs and have never forgotten it 😂🦖

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😍

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yes indeed, spring is springing. Bulbs are pushing, vines are sprouting new buds. It was relatively warm, dry today in God's country. I pruned blackberries, grapes in the afternoon. The lazy gardener's new concept is the Hugel mound. Put all trimmings in a pile, leave it to molder into the ground. In one year, plant in the mound like a raised bed. Simple. RIP chickens, under big fallen tree. Will hold Viking's wake when I've cleaned enough stuff off their flattened chicken house. Thanks to Joyce for motivating me to get back into chicken ranching. They give back a great deal of satisfaction. Will start over in a couple of weeks with day-olds.

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I'm sorry about your chickens. Was Viking the one in charge? I am glad to hear that you will be starting over. Maybe one of the bitties (that's what we called baby chickens in NC) can help supervise your yard work when he or she gets older. I feel sad because of what happened, but then realize that it could have been worse. The big tree could have fallen on your house or someone in your family.

I cannot wait to get outdoors and work in my flower beds. It's the best therapy, and much, much cheaper than my real one. I'll be limited in what I can do this year, but as long as I can keep the hummingbird feeders clean and full of nectar, and don't neglect the different songbirds, we should all be happy. Now, if I could just get rid of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Groundhog who are gradually destroying my shed. One tried to attack me last summer.

Our planting zone changed a bit due to global warming, so it'll be interesting to see what things I can grow that I was never able to before.

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A fine brief missive. Sorry to hear about your aviary cataclysm... that would be a depressing bummer to most folks... and I like your "Phoenix mentality" about your situation. Hope you find anew a fun version of Pickles, etal.

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Oh no! Poor chicks! Sorry for your loss.😩

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Bummer!!

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Thanks for getting a pic out of Pickles! I am snuggling up with my sweet doggie right now. Gonna take a bubble bath and then pass out. See you tomorrow.

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Tonight we enjoyed a crab feed with friends and family .. no politics really .. just crab and wine and dancing and enjoying our lives… we should all be so blessed…. Thank you Joyce for caring for all of us ..XO

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We went to a crab feed too! Yummy sweet crab. It was a fund-raiser for Lions/Police youth programs.

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Our day here in California was also sunny, warm, and hinting at Spring. It gave me a mental lift after days of rain and crumby news. The media doesn't let the foot off the gas. But alas, nature brings us back to our true selves.

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Enjoy the next day. Sometimes we all need a break from the chaos!

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What a wonderful Saturday night. Pickles and blooms from you. Moon from HCR doesn’t get much better!

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Have a well deserved day at home even though Pickles and brood will keep you busy. Spring is coming! Love you and the photos!

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