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DLJohnson's avatar

This, all of this, is what I've feared coming down the line since '16. Didn't think it possible, but as much as I hate trump, I find myself despising his followers and our inert Democratic party members as much, if not more. Must be grand living in a cocoon that makes anyone think this insanity won't eventually effect them. This BS of masked ICE/cops grabbing people off the streets is next level fascism. All of it, and what's ahead, just a perfect storm...

I'm going to an Indivisible mtg this Sat and test the waters around my area for local sentiment (SE WI).

On a happier note, for being in MA, your garden's way ahead of mine. I suppose being near the ocean gives MA a boost - looks good!

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Thanks. I tend to push the season. Plant too early. But we haven't had a killing frost in mid May since the 90s. I also do succession planting to extend the harvest - but also as insurance if I did actually plant too early.

Mother Nature teaches me something every year. Dealing with a cutworm issue - decapitating some of the sugar snaps. I probably should sift the soil in that area before planting?

Good luck with your garden. Thanks for the comments.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Next life I will be a dog. It's all very upsetting. I'm with you, Bill.

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Me too. If reincarnated, I hope to be my wife's dog.

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Cathy Cohen's avatar

Mahalo /Thank you for sharing . Sometimes just seeing our friends “get it”…they see the insanity in the Oval Office is grounding and when they remind us to find balance with the good things in life (like wonderful friends /gardening/nature ) it brings us back to sanity . I needed this reminder today so Double Mahalos! Namaste 🌺

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Thanks for the comment, Cathy. Hugs to you both.

"They" can take away a lot. But if we allow them to make us endlessly miserable, we have given them extra powers. The best revenge is a happy life.

On the other hand...this insanity will not stand. We will rise. We will overcome.

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Ellen's avatar

“The best revenge is a happy life.” Yes! I refuse to allow these imbeciles to take away the joy in my life. In spite of all the chaos, we went ahead with our plans for an extended trip with our camper, and I don’t regret it one bit. We enjoyed the natural beauty and spectacular scenery of our country, finding friendly people everywhere we went. I needed it!

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Cathy Cohen's avatar

Mahalo Mr Bill. We miss you and our Bonita more than you know .

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Fay Reid's avatar

Agreed, my friend, on all points.

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Kathleen Weber's avatar

It's very clear, Bill, that you have no intention of sharing your garden with deer or rabbits! Stay sane my friend!

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Yup! It's community garden with 50 plots. The town even drilled a well for us. Grateful.

But the deer still jump that fence! They don't bother my plot - intimidated by my bean poles, perhaps.

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Marilyn O’Neill's avatar

Love your garden design.

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Thank you "M" :)

Love your friendship design.

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Stewart Whisenant's avatar

Thanks Bill. The focus is sharp, as usual, and the sanity is a great balm in this insane historical moment.

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Estelle Cohen's avatar

As always, you articulate so clearly what is in my heart. I especially love the photos of your garden, your sanity.

Thank you for writing what so many of us are feeling/thinking; for providing us with such carefully researched information!!

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Mike Wicklein's avatar

Hi Bill. I haven't written and published for awhile. Your rant pretty much sums up what I see, hear and feel. We are also spending as much time out in nature as we can, in the forest that's around us with the birds and deer away from the madness. Take care.

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Thanks for commenting, Mike.

Write when you are moved to. I always enjoy your substacks.

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Diane’s Blue Forum's avatar

Well-done, Bill. It’s a great article!

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Still Learning's avatar

Gorgeous garden 🪏🫜getting underway. Your dog is my dream dog. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the joys of life !

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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

I have a special spot in my heart for a black dog with a white chest. Long stories...

Forgive me if you have read this already, but I wrote about Sophie's beginnings here:

https://billalstrom.substack.com/p/chosen?utm_source=publication-search

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Dr. Deborah Hall's avatar

Your full life

makes me happy!

I love how much

your readers

are enjoying it.

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