348 Comments

Thanks so much Joyce for your compassion and legal brilliance— your animal family is such a balm. With respect and appreciation

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I agree in every respect, Lor. So far I've spent a bit of time stewing and also praying for all of us who believe in freedom, community, and the rule of law.

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Lor, you say what I feel, as well--only better. Thank you Joyce, for all you do to keep us between the rails.

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T L Mills...you express yourself quite graciously...

Nicely done! Hens understood everything you said,

am positive.🤗

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There's more intelligence amongst your chooks than the entirety of Mar-a-Lago on a full night!

Peace

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Thank God, we have you, Joyce!

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I took a poll today of where my cats want to live.

Ringo: “Get me out of this fricken hellhole, Billy.”

Wild Man: “What does it cost to rent a ship to take us to Portugal?”

Jezebel: “I’m still waiting for the inoculations so we can go to Katmandu.”

Big Willie: “Now or never, Catman Bill. Bring my mama’s remains with us.”

Muffin: “I never like you but I will purr on your face if you put us on a catamaran.”

Elenore: “Meow now or never, Bill Cat.”

Babe: “The waters are wide but git me the frick out of here.”

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We moved 5 cats to Hawaii and they had quarantine rules. But we went through the process on the mainland and had all our papers in order to take them home from the airport. They needed a rabies test and regular vaccines. This took the place of 4 months in quarantine with no crate sharing. It was a very smooth transition that started a year before the move. But only 2 cats on a flight so my husband and I flew on separate flights to San Francisco from Boston with them in coach. Then we switched them to crates, 2 to a crate, and then went in cargo 6 hours to Hawaii. Opal came in a separate trip 6 weeks later because we weren’t sure she was going to live to make the trip. She lived to more years after arrival with serious autoimmune disease. It is never as scary as you think.

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We got out of Ukraine 10 days after the war started. Then in the fall went back to Ukraine to bring our GSD to Canada. All Canada required was a rabies shot and up to date vaccinations. But getting him through the EU was no simple task. Our vet was busy for a while getting all in order. We have an EU dog passport for him. He had to fly cargo as he was too big for baggage. We found a crate for him in Frankfurt, a freight forwarder that handled live animals and another in Calgary to receive him and get him into Canada. Cost us over $15000 including our airfares. He had the time of his life. My wife suffered separation anxiety.

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Pricy, Allen. But as I commented to Sharon - our animals are worth it. After all, they are family.

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Yes. What else is money for. I was t serious but I thought if I wanted to move to a Europe with my 7 cats, I think it might be better to renting a ship. What could it cost $100,000? I have no idea.

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But Allen, the bottom line was that you and your family got out. I remember everything about your journey and having to leave your precious pet behind. 💙

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founding

Too bad Hawaii isn't its own country.

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I have thought that a million times recently. We had a nice 1400 square foot house with 1 acre and 20 fruit trees and a garden outside of Hilo. I miss it sometimes but my husband’s work said back to an office or no job. Pulse I missed my grandchildren terribly. They were in New Hampshire so a very long trip for visits.

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Wow. A lot of planning was needed.

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Yes. I was organized and in touch with the right people in Hawaii the whole time. I believe it was the DOD who did the rabies titers and gave me certificates.

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One of my son's friends and his wife went thru the whole quarantine thing before their move to Hawaii a few years ago.

They are now gathering themselves to do it again backwards!

Have to admit - thats a lot to go thru but then our animals (cats, dogs or ?) are worth it. And you and they obviously feel the same.

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You don’t have to quarantine to move back to the mainland. We did go from Honolulu to Dallas, 10 hours, with them in the hold. That was too much for them and I wish we would have gone through a California airport and given them a hotel break. Molly came out hissing and spitting and she shared a crate with her sister.

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Thats good to know - still a big move tho.

I imagine it took a while for them to settle back in. Its an adjustment whenever you move with animals. Well, people too,.

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Are you going to keep us in suspense about the results?😋

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Brilliant CATerwauling, there, Bill! 😇 Thank you for bringing a smile to my frowing face despite my best efforts to remain gloomy. 🤝 I over-did the exercising today, as if l could sweat out my bereavement. 😢 And I am a conservative by temperament, no less. 🤭 I will never understand what happened on 05nov24. 😳 I guess that, if too many people are not willing to devote the time to keep up on the issues and understand the mechanics and responsibilities attendant to republicanism, then we may no longer merit a democracy. 💔

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Ned, I’m of the opinion that it’s over. It’s done. Trump or his junior pig has 4 years to destroy an admittedly imperfect government. I don’t see it returning. I’ve now begun writing Part II of my book. I didn’t want to spend more time on this jackass but circumstances demand that of me. Maybe it’s a catharsis to write. I’m terribly frustrated. And to all those who voted for him they have a surprise coming to them.

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My two Massachusetts Senators and my rep, Whip Katherine Clark, aren't going anywhere, as with the rest of the Democrats on Capitol Hill. I've joined Indivisible, and the people running it seem to know what they are doing. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

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founding

David, tell us about Indivisible.

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P.S., good luck on your book. Is it a memoir?

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Bill, hang tough ole timer; I am as frustrated as you are. Though l often feel pessimistic, I try to remain hopeful, mainly because I can think of no other alternative in the attitude department. If nothing, in my limited social sphere, I can be kind.

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founding

I’m with felines. Get me out of this place!

But wait! I also want to put things right around here.

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What a preposterous fiction!

A cat’s choices about moving are just between the kitchen and the living room. No non-paws methods of transportation permitted!

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My cat Allister begs to differ. He has just returned from a month in Malta and Rome...

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Thanks for chickens and projects! Debbie Downer here. I expected to feel better this many days out, but it actually seems worse. I have no desire to do anything and I cry every day. I worked as a nurse all my life. I saved, but I have outlived my pensions. I work at McDonald's to make ends meet. If my Social Security goes or is reduced, I will be homeless. And there will be so many of us that already inadequate and soon to be eliminated social services will be nil. I am terrified. I met Tim Walz at a rally in Columbus, GA, a week before the election. To go from that magic to this is more than I can take in.

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You are not a “Debbie Downer”. You are a citizen of a nation that has been over run with

targeted disinformation from nefarious groups here and abroad. The election is the result.

We will not let your SS be cut and, by God, we will all fight for you and all of us!!

Please know, as Joyce aptly says, “we are in this together”!!

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I feel very bad for you, Janey. You are not alone in feeling down. I'm there, too, because the chaos from my childhood is being reactivated. I am hoping for at least some sanity in Congress, so that you don't lose Social Security or Medicare.

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I feel for you, Janey! Sometimes we do everything right, but it goes wrong for us anyway. Some folks have found others, family or not, with whom to live and share burdens and also joys. Cohousing, house sharing, etc . Millions will suffer if social security is cut, but we must find ways to help one another. Best of luck, Janey!

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Hang in there, Janey. You must live in the south, as I do (Georgia). It can be hard to be surrounded by these people. But try not to worry about Social Security. They know they can’t cut that for the people who are already collecting. They would really have a revolution on their hands then.

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I've been waiting for a chicken appearance on tv 🤗

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I agree. How do the Sisters-in-Law feel about having a guest on the podcast? I'm all in favor of a loudly stated helpful analysis and opinion. With all the squawking we've been hearing from the MAGAs for the last decade, I'm sure Leeda will have a more intelligent and accurate point of view.

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I never met an animal yet that didn't think what it was doing and thinking was supremely important. Apparently, chickens fit the pattern.

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I’m so grateful to you for your clear headed comments. I live in Massachusetts so I’m happy about that, but how do I help those who aren’t so fortunate?

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It doesn't matter where we live since we are all in this together. I live in Mass., too. Someone suggested we write to our Reps to urge them - respectfully - to stand up to the Felon and oppose all dangerous nominations and actions.

I plan on starting a petition to tell the DNC that we "ordinary people" need a seat at the table as they discuss the future of the party. Not just politicians (I don't think that they always listen to us) but individuals from every state.

A friend sent me an essay that I plan to study, The Authoritarian Regime Survival Guide, as well as some other literature. verfassungsblog.de/the-authoritarian-regime-survival-guide/

It's a start!

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Those of us in DC not only have no one who can do anything, many of us expect round 2 of Inauguration Doom to hear the few rights we have disappear, that the roundups have begun and abolishing MLK Day on which Inauguration will be held in 2025.

Today in Columbus, Ohio, there was a march of neo-Nazis: all in black, red face coverings, carry flags with Swastikas. JD Vance, still an Ohio Senator, has not, to the best of my knowledge, spoken out.

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These are provocations, with the fascists hoping antifa will rise to the bait, respond with street fighting, and provide excuses for shutting down demonstration rights.

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I heard about that and it enraged me! Don’t worry, JD will not speak out about how vile that is but you know who did? DeWine, the governor!!

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Nor is he likely too, they are his posse.

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I've already done that--Markey, Warren, and Katherine Clark in my case--and I'll probably be doing it again. That petition sounds like a good idea, too! And I'll check out The Authoritarian Regime Survival Guide. We need to take action!

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I live in Florida. Unfortunately Trump took DeSantis’s slogan “Make America Florida” to heart.

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Me too. For now. House-hunting underway. Trump and DeSantis in the same state I'm in is not good for my mental health. Double-dipping in a**holery is just plain dumb.

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I’m sorry! Just resist however you can. I think DeSantis won’t last forever.

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He has two more years in his last term as Governor, but I expect him to run for President again in four more years.

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I'd be much less worried about DeSantis than Trump. DeSantis doesn't have the same sort of support.

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JOIN Indivisible or one of the other groups that's there to keep our Democracy going. Get to work with one of these groups, and try to buck up others who are worrying more than trying to figure out what they can do.

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I wanted to check out your Substack but it requires pledging money to support it. I understand but I cannot afford anything else now. I am on social security.

You can check out mine that I just activated. I am not asking for financial support. I want to get some conversations going.

Best of luck with yours!

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I don’t understand this at all. I don’t want anyone to be charged for communicating with me. Let’s find another way.

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If you write a post you can see how it looks and choose how to set it up. Subscribe button takes you to pledge choice but doesn't ask for money.

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Actually you can choose No pledge.

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Thanks! I received an email saying I now have access. Mine is msmarypaz@gmail.com

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Have you posted anything yet, Penelope?

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Democratic governors are forming a coalition to fight back. We can volunteer to get the word out. Don’t despair. We will repair! Look at joining groups like Indivisible, Swing Left, etc. and get involved. I too, was in a comatose state like in 2016. I am bouncing back by not listening to the news. That has really helped me a lot. I take tap dancing classes at the young age of 73. People in the class are various age groups and they’re delightful as is our young male instructor. See if the library can use your help. It is essential that we get out of our own heads and do something. Joyce has her knitting or crocheting plus the chickens. We have to be nice to ourselves first. Then we can help others.

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Thank you so much Joyce. I’ve been so down since election results. I started a new job Monday and it helped. I decorated my house first Christmas today. It makes me happy. And knitting too. I love your chickens. Thank you again!

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I have been so depressed since this election. He has some very questionable cabinet picks. I am hopeful we can all survive a four years run with him.

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I'm taking the stance that many of these people will be fired or quite before long...we'll measure their tenure in Sacarmuccis! But they are a dreadfully unqualified bunch. The main thing you need (beside some relevant experience, of course) is the understanding of how large bureaucracies work and the patience and ability to deal with that. Doing away with whole departments or radically overhauling the way they work is futile. I worry most about Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth, two people in vital positions who certainly shouldn't be there.

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These are ALL VITAL POSITIONS !

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These are ALL Vital positions

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I think the real problem is that they will do nothing to stop his worst impulses, but will instead enable them no matter what the law says. The maggot Supreme Court just gave him immunity to do whatever he wants. He’s satanic, I’m convinced of it. A normal person would have looked at the responses to his appointees and put in a correction, he’s enjoying this, no normal person takes pleasure in the pain of others. I wish people would stop talking about his mandate, he doesn’t have a mandate, he didn’t get 50% of the people who voted, much less a plurality, and a good many of his voters, in the millions, had no idea what they were voting for. My guess is that a majority of his voters have no clue what any of those Secretaries do with their departments, and the people he’s nominating are just as fucked up as they are, so what’s not to like? 🤷‍♂️

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founding

Trump won't survive 4 years. The real problem is vance.

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Hauling out the Christmas stuff even as I write. First time in my life I will have the tree up before Santa Claus shows up. First time in my life I've needed to.

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Congratulations, Patti! I hope the job is what you wanted and needed.

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I appreciate how you are using your skills to keep us informed about how this presidency is unfolding! True diligence towards the rule of law is the best chance to survive the national nightmare!! Thank you for your work!!

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founding

I love seeing the pets at your place. I have been staying out on my horse on my place because I simply can't stand to think about 51% of the people of this nation voting for a criminal like Trump.

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Joyce you truly are the one person I count on. So many others I have just stopped reading, I can't take the constant repeat of how bad, how bad, how bad. I want to just yell I KNOW ALREADY! You help keep me sane and I am loving your chickens. I wouldn't want any myself but I love watching yours. Thanks for just being you.

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So glad that you are there for us all, Joyce.. I have to remind myself that I don't bare the entire burden of our democracy on my shoulders. Hugs and love the chickens

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founding

Rebecca, you are wise. We’re lucky we’re all in this together. Thank you,Joyce. Hugs to all.

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Great idea. Everyone repost these on Bluesky. There are a lot of folks there that are looking for guidance on what they can do. Abandon X.

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Everybody, the Professor's handy Link to the 'Bluesky platform is on her 11/12 post "Veterans Day ..." post.

For those following the underway Pennsylvania Senate recount, AP says all PENN comities must start recounting by 11/20 & report the FINAL tally 7 days later.

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Beyan, I’d like to see a total recount of all of the swing states! Kamala, right now, is closing in on Trump’s numbers.

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Rest peacefully Joyce, you are a treasure too precious to lose. I look forward t your ideas on what we do to save our Constitutional democracy, preferably intact.

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Thanks, Joyce, for being who you are!

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I too have stepped away from watching the news except for Nicolle and Lawrence. Binging shows I love on Roku, getting more done in the house and now I’m getting ready to have thyroid removal surgery so I gotta get the house fixed right. I think me time, family time is appropriate until after the holidays when the circus really starts. John Heilman might want to revive his show on Showtime.

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Good luck with your thyroid surgery. I had mine the day before Thanksgiving and was able to go out to dinner with friends on Thanksgiving. It was not a difficult procedure to recover from. My thyroid tests since have shown me to be on a roller coaster with how much replacement therapy I need, so I hope you have a good endocrinologist lined up. Hopefully your post-op experience will be saner than mine (my surgery was in 2008).

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Hope Leeda's foot heals soon. Is there such a thing as a chicken band-aid? Thanks, Joyce.

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Merrill...your post lifted my spirits ! As an old nurse could just bring up.a vision of Joyce trying to put a band-aid on a chicken !

Thank you for my chuckle of the day !🤗

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You are most welcome, Lynn!

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So grateful for your words and efforts to help us stay focused!!

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