Sunday 31 December 2017

Another Chance. A New Beginning.

And thus, 2017 is about to enter the history books.  A year like no other.  A year where if felt like we were all cast members in some strangely weird and rather worrying blockbuster movie. A year where real news and fake news blended into one surreal concoction of confusion, sprinkled with a large dose of political propaganda, led by the delusional, ego-maniac, bungling buffoon named Trump.  Yep, what a horrible thought, things that go Trump in the night. 

Now, you and I are on the dawn of the New Year of 2018.  The personal journey you travelled over the past year may now indicate that the pathway has ended.  You might decide to make a new pathway choice.  Do you go left?  Do you go right?  Do you turn around and go back down the original pathway and reevaluate the experience? 

I do know that, just like the beginning of every new year, I cling onto the dream of a world where, instead of humanity being in conflict, humanity celebrates the beautiful power of an all different, all equal planet.  A place where no longer shall the most vulnerable in society pay for the mistakes of the incompetent fortunate. 
On behalf of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar and my beloved son Tristan, we wish you a peaceful, positive 2018.

Another chance.  A new beginning......

88 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hey Pat!

      And to you, good sir! 🎆🎇

      Gary

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  2. Lovely photo Gary - so pleased you posted it for us ... it does sound as though 2018 will be better for you ... I sincerely hope so. All the very best for 2018 and your future ... with lots of thoughts from your home town area - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      Thank you for liking the photo, Hilary. I have a renewed hope that 2018 will be better for you, for me, for all those who grasp the ideals of a more caring, compassionate world. A most marvellous 2018 to you, my kind friend over there on Vancouver Island.

      Gary

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  3. Thanks for the good wishes and hope 2018 will be a great year for you and Penny.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dizzy-Dick,

      You are most welcome, kind sir. Thank you for the 2018 wishes for us.

      Gary

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  4. Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring. I am hoping for a gentler kinder year. The world needs it.

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    1. Hi Sue,

      And a heartfelt returned hug to you from this side of the ocean. Indeed, we have to have gentler, kinder year ahead.

      Thanks and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones, Sue.

      Gary

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  5. "..all different, all equal.." that's exactly what we are. I wish everyone could see that.
    I am also hoping for a kinder year. Happy New Year Gary, and Tristan and Penny too.

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    1. Hi River,

      Absolutely, that's what we need to have happen. Thanks for the New Years wishes to us. A kinder New Year to you and to all of us.

      Gary

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  6. Happy New Year to you Gary, Tristan and Penny.

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    1. Hi Eileen,

      Thank you, my thoughtful friend. A Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

      Gary

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  7. Happy New Year to you, Tristan and Penny, I hope 2018 is better and brighter for you in many ways x

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    Replies
    1. P.S - I love the new header photo, it's beautiful :)

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    2. Hi Eunice,

      Thanks for your kind words. Here's hoping that 2018 will be a wondrous year for your good self.

      Delighted you like the new header photo. It's a photo taken at Brough Park here in Leek, Staffordshire and it's only about ten minute walk away from where I live.

      Gary 😀

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  8. Happy New Year Gary, much love to you, Penny and Tristan. I hope 2018 brings you happiness and good fortune.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Barbara,

      We appreciate your kind words, Barbara. Here's to you and your loved ones having a wonderful 2018.

      Gary 😀

      Delete
  9. I love your vision of a better world. One day, I hope, it will be realised.

    Happy New Year x

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    Replies
    1. Hi Annalisa,

      Cheers and I know such a vision of a better world resonates in your heart, my kind friend. May it become the reality we dream of.

      Happy New Year x

      Gary 😀

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  10. A wonderful poem Gary. I hope the new year brings you (and Penny) much happiness.

    Yvonne.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne,

      Thank you very much, Yvonne. We wish you an inspiring, healthy and wonderful 2018.

      Gary 😀

      Delete
  11. Hopefully the world wises up, but we doubt it. Happy new year to you all at your hall.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Pat in the Hatt,

      The world will be taken over by a pawetic dog and a pawetic cat, how about that.

      Happy New Year
      Have no fear.

      Thank you, Pat.

      Gary 😀

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  12. This is a lovely post, Gary, complete with the beautiful picture of your family. We start the new year like we always do, with hope and thoughts that things will be OK. May your 1918 bring you peace and joy.
    Arleen

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      I'm very pleased you think this is a lovely post. Thank you. I'm proud of the photos and my amazing family. We shall truly embrace that thought of hope that things will be okay.

      May 2018 also bring you and your loved peace and joy.

      Thank you, Arleen.

      Gary 😀

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  13. There's nothing like the start of a New Year full of hope and ambition.....2017 was indeed a wild and wacky year and I'm quite happy to see the back side of it. Best wishes to you, Tristan and Penny for all things bright and beautiful. Happy New Year.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Delores,

      Hope and ambition, for sure. Oh yeah, 2017 and it couldn't go away soon enough.

      We all thank you for your ongoing support and kindness, Delores. A most amazing New Year to you and your loved ones.

      Gary 😀

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  14. Yes! Wishing you all kinds of peace and joy and love. May 2018 be wonderful to you and yours!

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    1. Hi Jemi,

      I say, "Yes!" to your Yes! Thanks for your thoughtful words, Jemi. An awesome and inspiring 2018 to you and your loved ones.

      Gary 😀

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  15. "Things that go Trump in the night." BAHAHAHA Gary, that is going to be the funniest thing I run across today.

    Thank you for this wonderful post. Happy New Year to all!

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    1. Hi Martha,

      Glad you liked my thought about Dump, um, Trump😀

      Thank you for the compliment, Martha.

      Happy New Year, eh, to you and all your friends and family.

      Gary

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  16. Replies
    1. Hey Bazza,

      Thank you, old chap! We wish you and your loved ones a most enjoyable 2018.

      Gary

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  17. And the same to you all! It has indeed been a weird year and I hope 2018 is much better!

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    1. Hi Jenny,

      Thank you very much, Jenny Woolf. After such a weird and worrying year, 2018 has just got to be better!

      Happy, hopeful 2018 to you, Jenny.

      Gary

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  18. I wish for the things you wish for, too, Gary. We can all try to do our part. You are a huge force for good in the world, my friend. I hope 2018 brings you better days. Warm hugs for you and for Penny! She is a dear old girl. Happy New Year to you, her and Tristan.

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    1. Hi jenny_o,

      I sensed that you most assuredly do, Jenny. Help each other, we help ourselves. Your words are most assuring and kind and I thank you for that.

      Warm hugs back to you for an inspiring 2018. Penny is doing remarkably well for a dear old gal who over 17 years old.

      Thanks again, Jenny.

      Gary

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  19. Warm sentiments, Gary. I hope 2018 takes a significant turn for the better. Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi Ian,

      Thank you for the warm sentiments, good sir. A significant turn for the better in 2018 is something we will aspire to.

      Happy New Year to you and your family.

      Gary

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  20. Things that go Trump in the night are so scary. I want that to stop in 2018.

    Love,
    Janie

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    Replies
    1. Hey Janie,

      Wind-breaking news! Justin Trudeau will be taking over the Oval Office. Mon dieu!

      Happy, hopeful 2018, Janie!

      Love n'stuff,

      Gary 😀

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  21. Happiest of new years to you and Tristan and Penny. May we all find some solace in that tomorrow is another day, if we're lucky enough to see it. There's a lot of fight left in us dogs yet. Know justice, know peace.
    Laura
    x

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    1. Hi Laura,

      Thank you, Laura. We all appreciate that. We will see another day, another dawn, a better reality if we dare to make it so. We shall fight injustice with the power of peace.

      Here's to a fairer, kinder New Year to you and all your loved ones, Laura.

      Gary
      x

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  22. Happy New Year to all 3 of you. I also hope 2018 sees peace in this world!

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    1. Hi Becca,

      How lovely to see you back, my nice friend😀 Thank you for your thoughts of peace.

      And a fantastic, inspiring 2018 to you, Becca.

      Gary

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  23. Happy New Year Gary! I hope 2018 is better for all of us.

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    1. Hi JoJo,

      Thank you, JoJo. A better New Year for all of us, indeed!

      Gary

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  24. Yours is a most beautiful end of the year card! I hope your dream comes true, and maybe if we all dream it together it stands a chance. Here's to a splendid and healthy 2018!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lee,

      That's most complimentary. Thanking you kindly. Our shared dream can hopefully make such a dream the reality it should truly be.

      Here's to peaceful and kind 2018 to you and your loved ones, Lee.

      Gary

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  25. I come from the land of Trump
    His voters put us all in a dump
    Trump's ego has an extra large pump
    Of hot air inflates the large lump
    He'll be out on his rump
    But it will take a collective ump.

    Have a good year Klahanie. My resolution this year is to try to enjoy everything that comes my way. Cheers my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ann,

      I'm liking your poetry
      Obviously
      No more things that go Trump in the night.
      Y'all have had enough fright.

      Thanks for the New Year wishes, Ann. Here's to that enjoyable 2018 you so crave. Cheers back at you, my friend.

      Gary

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  26. It has been a very weird year indeed. Sometimes I think I am in a parallel universe and I need to get back to the world I came from. :)

    I am hoping that 2018 is fantastic. May people put aside their differences of opinions and celebrate that we are all humans. Our differences make us more interesting and learning about others opens our minds. Let's all be kinder and more understanding. Spreading light is the best thing we can do.

    Have a happy and healthy 2018! Great post. :)
    ~Jess

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jess,

      Ah yes, 2017, the year reality and surreality became one in the same. Hope we all get back to the world we came from 😀

      Well said, Jess and may we celebrate the diversity of humanity.

      Here's wishing you and all of us, a kinder, more understanding world.

      And a happy, healthy 2018 to you and all your loved ones.

      Gary 😀

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  27. Wishing you all the best this year Gary, and Penny and Tristan! Your son holds a special place in my heart ❤️ because my son shares his name...! Hugs and good wishes to you all.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa,

      Thank you so much, Lisa. All three of us appreciate your kind words.

      Indeed, Tristan and Tristan! 😀

      Hugs and here's to a wonderful 2018.

      Gary

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  28. Happy New Year my kind friend! This year has been strange in so many ways. Let us hope 2018 brings new visions of hope and peace. Wishing you and your family a year full of peace and health.

    Much love my friend...

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    1. PS - A toast to new beginnings!

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    2. Hi Truedessa,

      Thank you and a wonderful, poetic 2018 to you, my nice friend. That vision of hope and peace is one I stay focused on. Good thoughts.

      Thank you for the toast and love.

      Hugs and hope, your way,

      Gary

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  29. Look at that HANDSOME son of yours!!! Oh my has he grown up and of course sweet Penny! Seeing your comment on our blog brought a huge smile to my face! YES to new beginnings!! praying 2018 is a kinder, gentler year for all of us! Much love to all of you! Happy New Year!! xoxo DakotasDen

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    Replies
    1. Hi Caren,

      Cheers and of course, he takes after his mother! My son has grown up with sweet Penny. I glad my comment could put a huge smile on your face, Caren! 😀

      Here's to that kinder, gentler year ahead for all of us, my adorable friend.

      Gary

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  30. You worded this perfectly. I couldn't have said/written any of it better myself. Indeed and amen. Here's to a much better New Year.
    Love to you and yours.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robyn,

      Thank you very much for that. I sense you embrace such hopes and dreams.

      A much better New Year for all of us, dear Robyn.

      Gary

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  31. What a great photo of Penny and Tristan! I know you had a crappy 2017 so I'm hoping that you have a marvelously awesome 2018 because you deserve it! Happy New Year, eh?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debra,

      Thank you for liking the photo of Penny and Tristan. Thank you for such kind, supportive words. Goodbye to crappy 2017 and hello to an inspiration, compassionate and loving 2018.

      Wishing you a totally awesome New Year, eh! 😀

      Gary

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  32. Wishing all of you a healthy and happy 2018. Shiner and Wrangler say ARF and WOOF to Penny. They told me that she'll know exactly what they mean :)

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    1. Hi Carol,

      Thank you very much, Carol. Penny also thanks Shiner and Wrangler for their well thought out barks of peace for the New Year.

      May you and your loved ones have a joyous 2018, Carol.

      Gary 😀

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  33. I wish I could get paid for casting in that weird film of 2017! Happy New Year Gare-bear. May it be a great one!

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    Replies
    1. Hey Tam-bear,

      I think we should all get paid for being in the weirdest blockbuster movie ever made in 2017 and seems to be continuing, unless we're now in a sequel.

      Thanks for the New Year's thoughts, my adorable friend. May you and all your loved have a joyous, inspiring year ahead.

      Gary 😀

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  34. A heart-felt wish to and for all, Gary! Toasting a glass to you, Penny, and that handsome son Tristan!

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    1. Hey Susan,

      Thank you so much for your toasting words, Susan. You are most kind in what you say. Here's to a great 2018 to you and all your loved ones.

      Gary

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  35. I cling to that dream, too. Happy New Year, Gary! I hope 2018 is better for us all. :) And Happy New Year, Penny! Woof.

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    1. Hi Chrys,

      I knew you, my remarkable friend, would embrace such a dream. Thank you for the New Year's wishes. Indeed, let's focus on 2018 being so much better for all of us.

      Penny sends you pawsitive wishes! *Arf!* 🐕😃

      Penny's human dad,

      Gary

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  36. 2017 left a horror of bad thoughts. I hope 2018 has an invisible arrow pointing up.

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    1. Hey Dana,

      Those horror of bad thoughts that were so prevalent in 2017 will now go down in the annals of horrible historical events. Oh look, there is that invisible arrow pointing up, even though I can see right through it.

      A better 2018 for you and your loved ones, Dana.

      Gary

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  37. Oh, I'm dabbling around with my old blog again.

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    1. Ah yes, I'm aware of your blogging dabbling via the email notification I received. Of course, I've also noted you made mention of your blog on your favourite social "notworking" site, "Farcebook"!

      Thank you, lotta joy.

      Gary

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  38. Hi, Gary!
    I love that photograph! Perfect!
    It was one crazy year wasn't it. Wow! Words are so hard to find to describe it, personally, and globally! I do have fears, but today hope is winning out. May it always do so!
    Wishing you all the best for 2018!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Yolanda!

      Delighted that you like the photo. Thank you.
      In the last year, reality and surreality blurred into one. May hope triumph over fear. Hope shall will.

      Thanks for the thoughts for the New Year, Yolanda. Here's to you and your loved ones having a good time by the beach.

      Gary

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  39. January 6th already and so far, so good in 2018. May the rest continue in the same vein. I hope you, Penny, and Tristan have peace and love throughout all your days.

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    1. Greetings rhymeswithplague,

      January 7 or as they state in the UK, 7th of January, already, when I reply to your comment. Ah, the wonder of time zones. Indeed, so far, so good, kind sir.

      Thank you for such thoughtful wishes to my family for the Newish Year. And to you and yours, a peaceful, positive year ahead.

      Gary

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  40. I love the photo, I love your attitude, and I love your vision of what the future can hold. Happy 2018, Gary, Penny, and Tristan!

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    1. Hi Lynda,

      I'm most pleased you love the photo, the attitude and the vision for our futures. Thank you for the wishes for 2018, kind lady.

      Here's to you and your loved ones having a wondrous, health and happy 2018.

      Gary

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  41. Can you believe the first week of 2018 has been and gone! It simply whizzed by.

    Sending lots of Happy New Year Wishes to you, Tristan and Penny, and I hope 2018 will be good for you all.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Hey Jan,

      Indeed and at this rate, it will soon be the season to be jolly, yet again. Actually, let's make the season to be jolly a all year round situation :)

      Thanks so much for the Happy New Year Wishes to me and my family. All the best to you and your loved ones for a marvellous year ahead, Jan.

      Gary

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  42. Happy Nude Rear! 2018 is going to me much better for us, I feel it in my water.

    *washes her hands laughing*

    Much love for the coming year dear, Michelle xxx

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    Replies
    1. Hey Michelle,

      For sure, no ifs, ands or butts! :) Happy water situation to you!

      Loads of love and good wishes to you and your loved ones, my adorable friend, Michelle.

      Gary xx! :)

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  43. Love your blogs and your positivity Gary. I too always hope for a fresh start at the beginning of each year. I think lst year was about macabre comedy. Let's hope this new year will be much more grown up.

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    1. Hi Heather,

      Thank you and oh my, at almost four in the morning, I find myself replying.

      Macabre comedy just about sums up the disaster that was basically 2017. An adult theme for 2018, indeed. Maybe that didn't sound right! 😀

      All the best in your new adventure with your new blog, Heather.

      Penny's human dad,

      Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.