Rhiannon would like to thank DU on the occasion of her 10,000th post!

Wow. When I first joined DU, I had no idea that I'd still be here, more than two-and-a-half years later, that I'd actually make friends here or how much DU would come to mean to me. Or that I'd ever have thought of so much to say, LOL!
:wow:

I'd never posted on a message board, before, and I was pretty nervous. But then I was welcomed on my very first post by, no huge surprise, that one-person DU welcoming committee, the kind and generous newyawker99. I have told her many times how much that meant to me, since I was no longer nervous because I realized that I was among friends.
O8)

So on the occasion of my 10,000th post, I would like to thank everyone here for your kindness, your sympathy (I would never have survived the last election without DU), your invaluable advice on all kinds of subjects, the camaraderie, and, most of all, for the education.
:think:

I had always voted, mostly for Democrats, but never took politics very seriously until after 9/11/01. On that day, I was held hostage in my dentist's chair, watching that second plane hitting the North Tower, over and over and over. By the time I walked outside, into the warm September sun, I was scared witless and I could barely stand. Like countless others, on that day, I was sure that the world was about to end.
:scared:

So I became pretty driven, because I realized then that I had to learn what was really going on in the world, and especially in this country. I had to know. Since that day, I have read, closely followed the news, researched, talked endlessly with kindred spirits and those who have been following events all along. I subscribe to newsletters, read books and hassle my representatives, LOL, but, most important of all, I have DU.
:yourock:

Thanks to DU, I'm learning the truth, and I really haven't much liked what I've found out. But at least now I know and am unlikely to be blindsided or fooled ever again. So thanks to you all.
:kick:

And I am unafraid to take on the most ardent Freeper, and do, because I am armed with the truth. And I'm not afraid to spread it, because everyone else needs to know what I do. And I often mention DU, and recommend it to others. And what I tell them is that DU has become my home. Thank you.
:grouphug:

Rhiannon:hi:

:woohoo::party::wow::bounce::woohoo::party::wow::bounce::woohoo::party::bounce::wow::woohoo::party::bounce::wow::loveya::yourock::kick::kick::kick:

And you know that I would never have gotten here without you! I only aspire to half of your greatness, LOL! And when I thank DU for the education, you know that you are first in line!
:pals:

You know that I graduate in a week and a half?

Hell, I know half of Congress, now, because you anticipated interning with so many! LOL! :D

I was going to ask you when graduation was. I knew it was soon. What's the exact date? We're going to have to celebrate! (Though only root beer for you, LOL!):beer:

the 22nd is when I graduate.

And I'll remember that. This momentous occasion definitely deserves a congratulatory thread of its own!:hi:

I even saw several written signs and posters around Oregon congratulating seniors or graduates with this misspelling.

OK, kids, now remember when you're out in the work force -- it's:

CONGRATULATIONS, not congradulations. I can understand the error, because of course we spell "graduate" under different rules, don't we?

Ah, the joys of English!

but a gadfly's gotta do, what a gadfly's gotta do.
:thumbsup:
Easy to remember, because we always said "congrats" - cuts down on the ululation.

And I'm used to them, by now, LOL! John is morally opposed to the use of spell check (and speedos), LOL!:D

they're the best bathing suit with the speed back (keeping the shoulder straps up) and the built-in bra. I've been wearing them for many years.

My husband wears Speedos -- he's over 70 years old and I still like them on him. They look great on the younger men, too.

The spell checker is one of my favorite features in MS Word. Sorry to disagree politely with Kleeb. I'll "Kleeb" my opinions to myself next time, I guess...

If you knew John, you'd know that he has a real phobic aversion to speedos. And this is for men. I didn't even know that they made them for women, LOL! But I doubt he'd like them much, either! Too bad that you can't post a pic!:D

And your husband must be in pretty good shape if he can pull this off!:evilgrin:

And I love spell check, as well. One of my favorite features, anywhere. I just wish that they had this when I was writing, using a computer, professionally. But I rarely make typos because I'm in the habit of reading over what I write because of this. And don't worry about Kleebing your opinions to yourself, LOL! He's a pretty easygoing guy, just having graduation anticipation anxiety.:-)

You didn't know that Speedo made women's swimsuits?

See them at:

http://www.speedousa.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.browse/categoryID/696d27b6-c770-4c1f-865f-186f83142b07/

They pioneered the racerback suit.

They didn't have Speedo back when I was young. Here's me in a Catalina in 1955 or 1956. I haven't changed much since then! (Not!) That suit was made of 100% wool. I swam in it once at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, Florida, where this photo was taken. It shrunk to a tiny little suit that didn't fit me any more. I complained to the saleswoman at Burdine's Department Store in downtown Miami. As I recall, they gave me my money back! I wish I could have this body back...

It looks like a classic commercial! And you are one hot chick, LOL!:D

John has a phobia about speedos, which is the only reason that I even mentioned it. But I think that it's for guys. I'll have to point this photo out to him!:hi:

and about speedos, I was on the swimteam as a little kid so go figure and about spell check, I use it all the time on my papers.

I've been sitting on your 9999 post, and here you are!!!!

Congratulations my dear friend!!!!!:toast::loveya:

I thought that you dropped out of sight several hours ago! And, yes, I have been sitting on that damn 9999 post, but you know my circumstances. But tonight had to be the night! And thank you, also, my dear friend, for your kindness and everything else. It means more than you can know.:hug:

:hug:

I've enjoyed your posts so much and am so glad that you also found DU.:hi:

You did good:)

Yikes! It seems like only yesterday that I thought I'd never reach 100, LOL!:D

What a gracious and thoughtful post! May the next 10,000 be twice as enjoyable! :party: :toast: :yourock: :toast: :party:

I've posted threads on milestones, before, but there is only one 10,000 and I wanted this one to be special, to express what I really felt. And it means a lot to me that you got it, because it's all downhill from here, LOL!:hi:

:hi:

Welcome to the 5 Digit Club my friend!!



:loveya: :toast: :party:

If it wasn't for you, and your kind welcome, I probably wouldn't be here. So, thank you, again!

Rhiannon:loveya:

Congrats!
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Thank you, my friend!!! Your kind effort means so much!!!:D

Rhiannon:wow::hi:

on edit: I LOVE the little woohoo guy! He's rapidly becoming my favorite, in place of :shrug:, so thanks!:-)

You were the person who turned me on to that game. Are you using a different nick there, or have you moved on to greener pastures?

Do you mean I/P? I keep meaning to go back there, but I lost track of things when I was off-line for five months, and those folks are so very good. The Magistrate calls that forum "the grudge match in the basement," which is the reason I thought of it. Please explain.:shrug:

Here's the link to the game: http://www.zerotv.com/hangman/

And, considering whose name's at the top of the board, I'd be some kind of idiot to take you on! Yikes!
:wow:

Actually, there is another Rhiannon on this board, hence the zip code stuck after my name. However, I looked her up once, and she's listed, but this person apparently registered, using that name, then disappeared without ever having posted even once!!!:grr:

Haven't even hit 1000 yet (about 100 or so to go). And I've never responded to one of your posts. But, judging from your login name, we probably have at least a little bit in common. :)

I became active politically when it became obvious that the Republicans were hell-bent on railroading Clinton. I'd been arguing with Creationists since 1994, even writing essays against them, but not really pushing the political aspects of things, as I was more concerned with matters of ultimate truth. But the Clinton attacks made me remember that the right-wingers had been proclaiming their intention to subverse the government for about a decade, and I decided then that it was about time to enter the fray.

I'm limited in what I can do, but DU helps me keep my motivation, goal, and incentives clear. And DU is a powerful place. Thom Hartmann mentions Bev Harris in this month's interview with The Sun. Members have done some outstandingly wonderful things. If we come through this, future historians will cite DU as one of the major forces preserving American democracy. I'm proud to be even a tiny part of it.

Congratulations on your 10,000. Congratulations on your awakening. And congratulations on your sense of humanity. I hope that I can one day attain the same.

From what you say, I think that we have much more in common than Stevie Nicks. I agree with everything that you say, and invite you to join us in the Atheist/Agnostic forum. if you're so inclined. Thank you for your kind words, and I sure share your sense of outrage about Clinton and your praise for DU. Please, keep posting, and keep in touch!

Rhi:hi:

I may just take a look at that forum. :)

I never expected to receive as many kind words as I've received on this thread. I just couldn't let this huge milestone go by without thanking those who made it possible and sharing a little more of myself than I usually do. And it meant a lot that you did the same for me.:-)

And, if you're so inclined, please join us in the group. I haven't had the time to get back there, recently, but we usually have some pretty interesting discussions. And from what you say, it sounds like you're a kindred spirit.:hi:

Here it is:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=263

I answered a couple posts in the A&A forum, just to get my feet wet. :)

And that's great! I'll make it a point to look for you.:hi:

I appreciate your congrats and your kick!:hi:

:toast:

That's quite an accomplishment!

You've got me beat, and then some! And congrats on your much more important milestone! 18! Yikes! Welcome to the adult world, my friend! And also congrats on leaving for college! (I have a friend who tipped me off on that ;-) )

Rhi:hi:

:woohoo::party::toast::bounce::woohoo::party::toast::bounce::woohoo::party::toast::bounce::woohoo::party::toast::bounce::kick::kick:

If you ever read the Adk. Journal... I was in there not too long ago! :D

I'm glad you're here, too. Smilies are great, aren't they. :yourock:

That's the best gift of all! And, yes, you know that I can't resist the smilies! (except in I/P, LOL!):D

:applause: :toast: :applause:

I just returned from the NYC meet-up. I must agree with you the DUers I've gotten to know are wonderful people.

It'll be nice to meet you this summer too.:hug:

:hi:

And congrats to you on making another meet-up! You're making quite a habit of this, LOL! And I agree, the DUers that I have met in real life, who I didn't know previously, have all turned out to be terrific and very special people! And I'm looking forward to meeting one more!

Rhi:hi:

:woohoo::party::wow::bounce::woohoo::party::wow::bounce::woohoo::party::bounce::wow::woohoo::party::bounce::wow::loveya::yourock::kick::kick::kick:
:yourock: :toast: :wow: :beer:

And I sure try to be kind, but I don't know how brave am, LOL! And thank you for your lovely tribute. Your effort and your friendship (and your patience, LOL!) mean a great deal to me.

Rhiannon:hug:

:hug: ;) :yourock:

You are brave because you handle freepers.

But there was just that crazy old lady at my vet's office, and she deserved what she got from me because she was eavesdropping! And the veterinary assistant who I was speaking to was the real heroine. She shoved me into an exam room before the Freeper could nail me with the crutch that she was waving around, LOL!:D

The only other one I've taken on was a geezer in the PetSmart parking lot, on election day. He objected to my Kerry buttons and my bumper stickers. But I knew I'd get nowhere with him. What he was saying, repeating the empty Bush* campaign rhetoric, was just so amusing to me that all I could do was burst out laughing!:D

to get that 10,000th post in - and look forward to the next 10,000 and then some! :hi:

But I have a long way to go before I ever reach your lofty heights!

Rhiannon:hi:

You are one of the kindest, most thoughtful souls on the planet. :hug: Your posts are always interesting and insightful, and I always look forward to reading them.

Congratulations on reaching the 5-digit mark! Looking forward to may more!!! :yourock:

I appreciate your kind words more than you can know.:hug:

And this gives me a chance to tell you how much I love your amazing kitty! And now he has a friend! They are so cool!
:yourock:

:woohoo: I'm glad you are a part of DU

And you've changed your sig! Actually, I think it's even better!
:yourock:

responding to this post.

As for the sig line, I had to get Tammy Baldwin in there especially in time for Gay Pride Month. The only openly lesbian Congressperson and a great advocate for labor! Also very lovely in her own way!!

And I am sincere in my appreciation both to DU and anyone who's kind enough to reply to me. In addition, I'm kicking my thread, LOL!:D

So that's who this is in your new sig! I did not know. Thanks. See, I am learning more, everyday, thanks to DU, and you, my friend.:-)

but she is a great Democrat. And whenever they have the photo essays of notable American Gays and Lesbians, you can bet she's in there.

And I was aware of this "gay pride" celebration, since one of my best friends, from DU, is participating, for the first time. And the mayor of Albany marched in the parade that they had down there, according to the local news. And I'm sure that this woman is a great Democrat! We sure could use more of them.*sigh*:-(

Tammy Baldwin gave a good speech during the DNC 2004. She is known as a populist...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A16584-2004Jul26.html

And thanks for the link! Now I remember her! She spoke at the convention and she was just excellent! Thank you!:hi:

;)

I honestly don't know... :shrug:

Nice guy, who led the "gay pride" parade. But I couldn't find, anywhere, what party he belongs to. I don't live in Albany, so don't vote there.:shrug:

I'm one, as well, LOL! And I especially love that little woohoo guy, so thanks for including him in your post!:D:woohoo::yourock:

Wow! It will be quite awhile before I catch up to you, LOL!:hi:

Always a pleasure to see you about the place!

"We don't know what we want, but we're ready to bite somebody to get it."

nothing, without you! And you were instrumental in helping me get here!:D

And, also, thank you for the thoughtful quote. I have missed your wise words. I have hesitated in returning to "the grudge match in the basement" since I was not on-line, for awhile, and lost track of what exactly was going on. And, as you know, yourself included, those folks are good. But I hope to return soon. I still consider this one of the most pressing concerns to be solved in our world, though Bush* has managed to totally ignore I/P for five years!:grr:

And, thank you, it's great to hear from you! I'm so grateful that you found me!:hi:

"Some contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch...."

I actually burst out laughing when I read this! Thanks so much! I really needed that, today!:rofl:

And here's mine, for the day. A bit more serious:

To be a patriot, one had to say, and keep on saying, "Our country, right or wrong," and urge on the little war. Have you not perceived that that phrase is an insult to the nation?
Mark Twain, "Glances at History," 1906

...You Go!... :bounce: :bounce: :toast: :party: :woohoo:

I truly appreciate your kind words, not to mention the little smilie celebration, LOL! I love it! And you are also a favorite of mine, I must confess.:-)

Rhiannon:hi:

Of course that 2830 is more than my entire posting history.

I totally sailed past 7000 and 9000 without even noticing. So I made sure to keep track before I hit this one. You'll reach 5000 before you know it! So be sure to let us know, not that newyawker99 would ever let it slip by without noticing!:D

congratulations!

And how are all the kitties?:grouphug:

:toast: :party: :bounce:

And I have a year, at least, on you, so I'd better get typing, LOL! Thanks so much!:hi:

Way to go. :)

And you're looking at 5000, soon, yourself!:-)

HOW GOES IT ??? :hi:

And how's it going with you?! And thanks so much for not bursting my little balloon by threatening to kick my a**! LOL! And thanks for coming to my party. It wouldn't have been the same without you!:hi:

I don't know how you five-digit posters do it.

And you're really close to 5000! You'd be surprised! You'll catch up with me before you know it!:hi:

They don't usually have a scent, but they're very beautiful.

Also, they're the only flowers that begin with RH that I can think of.



More colors of rhodys (and azaleas) at:

www.gsat.edu.au/~users/wildog/rhodo1.html

And I actually do have some rhododendrons, but they're of the purple kind (my favorite color), but I like these much better! I love the pink, and the white, especially! How very kind of you! And I bookmarked this website. I truly love flowers and it was so very thoughtful and perceptive of you to have known. Thank you so much!:hug:

this climate. My favorites are pure white with dark purple centers -- kind of yin and yang. Just a gorgeous flower. Such a nice surprise every spring! The only other place I remember rhododendrons blooming with such profusion was in western North Carolina near Hendersonville, when I was a kid at camp. I had never seen them before!

Here's another site with Oregon rhododendrons:

http://funat.winchesterbay.org/rhodys.html

Scroll down and double click on the thumbnails for a larger image.

I wish that we had such impressive displays around here. There are lots of rhododendrons; it seems like every other house has a bush and they're all in bloom right now. However, I have yet to see any other color but purple.:shrug:

And I've been to Hendersonville! My Nana retired to Black Mountain!:bounce:

When you're right, you're right! But I'd also like to take the opportunity to congratulate you on achieving an even 600, no small achievement! Here's to your 600 and wishing you many more!
:toast:

Here's to you, 48pan, from me! Kudos!
:party::toast::woohoo::bounce::party::toast::woohoo::bounce::party::toast::woohoo::bounce::party::toast::woohoo::bounce::kick::kick::kick:

:toast:

:party:

You are so very close that I can feel your breath on my neck, LOL! Be sure to let me know, so that I don't miss it and can post a little celebratory parade for you, as well!

Rhiannon:hi:

And, yikes! My small accomplishment is nothing, compared to yours! But thank you, anyway. But I bow to the master!:patriot:

Now please, get out more. :^)

But not today. There are huge monsoons and washouts here in my neck of the woods this week. And there's an old man in a boat waiting outside, LOL!:D

I just wish that I could have made it to D.C. to join John Conyers. *sigh*:-(

:toast::beer::toast::smoke::beer::toast::bounce::beer::bounce:

And it's great to see you, my friend! How are you?:hug: