Chris Hessert

Retired US Army musician and techno geek. Plays with antique toy trains.

Code: https://github.com/hessert
Pronouns: he/him

Public Key

npub15deug3lpy0hsjshe68jyesn32up86k9ns2dg6gmkhfc0g2mz4n9qwyusr0

NIP-05 Address

chessert_at_mastodon.online@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs2xu7yglsj8mcfgtuarezvcfc4wqnatzec9x5dydmt5u859d32ejsprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0d4hhxarj9ecxjmntscyde8

Publishing to

relay.momostr.pink

Author Public Key

npub15deug3lpy0hsjshe68jyesn32up86k9ns2dg6gmkhfc0g2mz4n9qwyusr0

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Last Notes

2026-04-04 21:00:19 UTC

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Your family and your pup certainly deserve each other. You, her Pal and your kids are gifts, and she is another unlike any other. 🙂

2026-04-04 14:36:52 UTC

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I look forward to your toots. I'm not much of a gardener, but I do hope to pot some flowers this Spring. And so I appreciate the depth of your poetry, like this haiku.

2026-03-23 20:44:49 UTC

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My favorite views of the ocean are seeing the wind blow the tops off the waves. I enjoy the sight of uncontrollable natural power. 🌊

2026-03-05 18:56:33 UTC

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I mean, a 2026 2nd round pick should be productive, but what are they looking for there? Or maybe they have other trades in mind? I'll just have to wait to evaluate this properly.

2026-03-05 18:50:38 UTC

Not sure how I feel yet, about giving up a proven, veteran receiver for...
hopes and dreams?
#NFL #Chicago #Bears
https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-trading-wr-dj-moore-to-bills-for-mid-round-draft-pick

2026-03-03 23:28:25 UTC

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I did not know about the invitation only bit. It was open registration when I joined over 3 years ago.

2026-03-01 22:46:42 UTC

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Glad your Trainer has you out exercising together. 🙂

2026-02-26 04:12:52 UTC

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I love that you're making and distributing these. Reminds me very much of my local family, who've been on the land here leading simple lives since ~1809. Not native, but 1st gen. immigrants.
You have a beautiful stitching hand. 🙂

2026-02-25 22:11:02 UTC

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Yes! Summer looks considerably less mournful than she did at the top of your stairs.
I hope you feel better for getting outside, too. 🙂

2026-02-24 22:53:50 UTC

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The thing that frustrates me most about higher food prices, is that they never seem to go back down. There's never a glut of coffee or beef that suddenly drops prices back to where they were 12 months ago.
A couple weeks ago, I decided to buy a whole roasting chicken: $16 at Aldi, $12 at Walmart... for a chicken!?
I did some Vegetarian time in college... may be time to take another swing at that?

2026-02-24 22:33:06 UTC

Viewing the SOTU this evening?
Humorous/sarcastic/all replies are welcome! Please boost for exposure. 🙂

2026-02-23 01:39:37 UTC

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Lovely! I enjoy daffies. Have some growing near-wild in the woods behind my house, but they won't be in bloom until late April.
I should probably plant some more bulbs out front. 🙂

2026-02-22 03:36:23 UTC

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We're about to say the same here in NEPA, tomorrow morning. ❄️ 😉

2026-02-18 21:55:26 UTC

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Your toots bring in the sun with you and Summer. It's been a foggy, gray day here in NEPA otherwise. 🙂

2026-01-31 14:17:42 UTC

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I’m sentimental about my vehicles too, as I tend to keep them running to the bitter end. Lots of good maintenance, and hundreds of thousands of miles. Something I inherited from my Dad (and his Dad), I guess?

2026-01-30 06:27:38 UTC

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My family on both sides here in America is full of doctors, nurses, pastors, and teachers. I think those trends began with quality public education after the Civil War. Especially post high school as the 20th Century began. I also think WWII presented new opportunities for women to begin professional careers beyond housewife and motherhood.

2026-01-26 18:55:32 UTC

It’s cold, and will not be warming up for several days. I’ll be out clearing snow (again!) a bit later. Layering, beginning with thermal long johns, will be the order of the day. Also may need to dig through my bin of Winter wear to find some insulated gloves (thank you, US Army!).
Just looked out and noticed we’re getting more light flurries, hurrah! ❄️ 🙄
#NEPA #PAWx #Winter #Snow

2026-01-19 03:50:19 UTC

Much more than I expected from this season with a new HC, offense, etc. No regrets or disappointment in this lifelong Bears fan.
Also looking forward to next season!!

2026-01-18 23:42:57 UTC

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I think being a good neighbor, as well as a kind and generous person is already far above average. You're setting a grand example of how to Human. Hopefully, someone will take note and make good changes for themselves. 🙂

2026-01-11 22:55:13 UTC

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I enjoy the symbiosis between you and Summer. This is a fine example. She alerts you to what has changed in her environment, then you recognize, understand, and evaluate the "threat" (change) she percieved, and reassure her.
What an intelligent and observant pup you have! 🧡

2026-01-11 17:33:16 UTC

Especially sweet to leave the CheddarHeads stinging! 😀
Packers 27-31 Bears
#NFL #Chicago #Bears #Victory
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/115/877/648/948/180/856/original/d058c6c1db2d9814.jpg

2026-01-09 22:56:45 UTC

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A very Happy Anniversary to you both! 🎉
And thank you for being here, and sharing your life with us. 🙂

2025-12-23 16:27:13 UTC

We're getting hit hard with new snowfall. Had a whiteout while I was eating breakfast: could see across the street, a couple of the pines on the adjacent golf course fairway — and everything beyond that was a white sheet, including the Eastern hills and woods.
Cancelled my car service scheduled for this afternoon.
Looks like this should taper off ~3PM, so then I'll get out and start clearing. We've already got 5+".
#NEPA #PAWx #Winter #Snow

2025-11-30 05:51:16 UTC

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Enjoy your family meal! 😋
We started having a monthly breakfast/gathering of the local cousins last February on my suggestion. We generally get ~6-12 people. Most are my age. We convene at our local VFW, which has a large dining room, excellent food, and is open to the public. Good times, with no prep and no clean up! 😉

2025-11-09 01:37:59 UTC

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One of my very great life regrets is that I cannot eat soft-serve ice cream (lactose intolerance). Fortunately, Breyer's makes a lactose-free ice cream which I can (and do) enjoy. 😋

2025-10-19 07:35:50 UTC

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Well, we have already seen many times how this will go down, from similar historical situations. The über wealthy who invested in this will not lose any money. They will be deemed by government "too big to fail". And so taxpayer funds (you and I) will reimburse them for their idiotic investments. This will result in another rapid extraction of capital from the middle class, ala 2008/9. And all will be well, according to the current press.

2025-10-12 20:36:41 UTC

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It's enough for me to know you're enjoying life. 🙂

2025-10-06 17:01:49 UTC

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I was just thinking about this yesterday. I'd written a couple toots, realized how very unremarkable the topics were, and deleted them. Then I thought: "Well, if I only toot my remarkable achievements, no one will ever hear from me again."
I enjoy reading toots from friends here on Mastodon, regardless of subject. It's news and thoughts from friends and neighbors — and I like that. The sense of community here is especially appealing to me. Happy to be right here with you. 🙂

2025-10-05 01:01:14 UTC

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Hey, both your Tigers and my Cubbies made it into the playoffs! That always counts as a good season in my book. 😀

2025-09-26 01:17:18 UTC

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My Mom had, and both of my sisters have the gift of baking. It runs strong in both sides of our family. But I was not touched by the baking fairies.
My Mom made the most magnificent blackberry pies each Summer: fresh picked, wild blackcaps from those untamed forest/field edges here in NEPA. We also had rhubarb, and huckleberry (wild blueberry) pies.
My Dad especially loved a tart apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 😋

2025-09-09 03:09:03 UTC

Sure is exciting to discover you live in the Land of the Terminally Ignorant, rather than the Land of the Free... especially after serving 23 years in the US Army.
I couldn't be more proud at this moment... 🙄

2025-08-25 00:56:11 UTC

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I'm so glad you three are my opposite coast neighbors. Hope all of you are healthy and happy! 🙂

2025-08-24 01:26:43 UTC

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Beautiful skies!
I highly recommend leaf guards on your gutters. I'm surrounded on three sides by maple forests, and the leaves will be genuinely raining down over the next couple months. The leaf guards installed by the previous owners here are very basic, but they're effective. Much better than climbing up and cleaning out gutters every year at our age. 🙂

2025-08-20 17:13:59 UTC

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Happy to read you’re getting some successful relief! 🙂

2025-08-19 00:27:24 UTC

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My Cubbies lost the first game of a double-header to the Brewers today, 7-0. The second game is officially rained-out. I am relieved. (They’ll make it up tomorrow.) 😉

2025-08-09 12:07:53 UTC

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I haven't seen a single firefly this year. They used to be quite common here.

2025-08-04 10:07:58 UTC

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She's not a towering intellect, but at least she's not educated, intelligent, or smart. 🙄

2025-07-26 01:58:33 UTC

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I value your toots because you are a prime example of how communities gather here on Mastodon. I sincerely care about you and your family as much as I do any relative or local neighbor. Because I find we have things in common, and a common humanity. I also appreciate that you take notice of, and respond to things I post that are not directly related to you. Again: community, and sharing.

2025-07-26 01:11:44 UTC

3 good things.
1. I am still alive.
2. I ate 3 reasonably nutritious meals at appropriate times: I prepared only 1.
3. Received an American Flyer Barnum & Bailey Circus sign/whistle I purchased on eBay (pictured here). It's illuminated at the base of the sign, and when you press the button, an electric motor spins an impeller that blows an air whistle. I've been looking for one of these for several years. This one is exceptionally clean, complete, working, and in the original box.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/114/916/857/672/182/046/original/8a7f2a6b05814512.jpg

2025-07-25 22:10:34 UTC

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My Grandma Hessert used to make German Stollen every year (a Christmas bread: candied fruit, nuts, etc. - but not fruitcake). My parents asked for her recipe: like you, she didn't have one. One year, my Dad visited her as she started making it. Everything she was about to chuck into the bowl, he took and measured first. My sisters and I still use that same "recipe". 🙂

2025-07-25 21:22:42 UTC

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I prefer red potatoes too, but I usually make a German potato salad. If you could share your recipe, I'd love to try it!
Me -n- potatoes get along well. 😉 😋

2025-07-21 23:35:36 UTC

It's been a lovely, cool day here in NEPA. Windows open, letting the sweet smelling breezes roll through the house.
"Ah, feel that breeze?"
(Actually, there's not much wind right now, but it does feel good and smell nice.)
#NEPA #PAWx #Summer

2025-07-18 04:17:48 UTC

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You are a very good ally. Just in case you were wondering what effect your social media presence has. 🙂

2025-07-18 04:02:56 UTC

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The county I live in is thoroughly red. I moved here to help care for my aging mother (now deceased). Mom's family has been here since ~1815 (~1650 from Connecticut), and we spent every summer of my childhood here. My parents moved here after retiring. My oldest sister and her family live here.
All that said, I'm ready to go back to where I grew up: liberal, educated, enlightened Chicago (Evanston).

2025-07-18 03:56:14 UTC

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Also, as I age further, an opportunity to sell the house in PA, and reduce expenses further... hopefully reducing possessions to the point that it would be simple to move overseas, if/when I make that decision.
2/2

2025-07-18 03:55:51 UTC

🧵 So... not planning to leave PA immediately. But over the next couple years, my income will change, positively (+SS, -2 mortgages). At that point, I could afford to hold a small apartment in Chicago. I think I would like that. Living (part time) in Chicago, able to enjoy every feature I already love? Cubs games in the Spring/Summer? Museums, music, ethnic foods? Much closer to two of my daughters' families, with easy transportation options for regular visits to all three of them?
1/2

2025-07-04 23:40:52 UTC

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Reading and sharing your toots is also therapeutic: thank you! 😀

2025-07-04 23:15:46 UTC

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Yes. It’s a time for endurance, not celebration.

2025-07-02 23:55:44 UTC

I can't bring myself to celebrate the birthday of a Nation run by racist Nazis. I refuse to participate in any such thing while this regime holds power. YMMV.
BTW, my birthday is the day after Independence Day. So I usually associate that closely with myself.

2025-07-02 22:25:19 UTC

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Bless you, and your family.
I personally think you can count elected officials with a soul at the National level on one hand. All the rest are getting paid off, one way or another.
So I believe repelling this assault on our Constitution is going to come down to the local level: Governors, state legislatures, county and local officials, and We the People.

2025-07-01 16:09:18 UTC

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Cosplay of the very worst kind.

2025-06-18 21:14:36 UTC

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My Cubbies play the Pirates again tonight... join in! 😀

2025-06-01 12:01:34 UTC

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So this is looking West into the sunset, from Michigan?

2025-06-01 11:19:48 UTC

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Oof. Wow. Is that Lake Michigan? From which side?

2025-05-30 03:13:15 UTC

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Hoping for better, healthier days for all of you. And thank you for keeping us updated: a lot of here have real, genuine concern. 🙂

2025-05-11 19:08:00 UTC

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Happy Mother's Day, Young Lady! 🙂

2025-04-30 16:44:47 UTC

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Hope everyone in your household is feeling healthier and happier! 🙂

2025-04-28 03:12:33 UTC

Judge me all you like, but my coffee maker is clean, dammit. Clean & purified, I tell you! ☕

2025-04-23 01:05:17 UTC

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Yes, please! Thank you for that! This is the content I am here for. 🎶 🙂

2025-04-11 13:18:35 UTC

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My family lived at St. John’s 1968/69. My Dad was on sabbatical doing research. We attended services in this sanctuary weekly, even though we weren’t Catholic. Good memories! 🙂

2025-04-09 23:42:19 UTC

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Hmmm... looks like the price has gone up (~150/yr), but as a renewing customer, I paid less than $100 for the year. I'd still research that Vet discount, if you're a new subscriber.
https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe

2025-04-09 23:41:28 UTC

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I can highly recommend MLB.tv. It's ~$100/year, and gives you access (live and recorded) to all the games (every team) through the entire season. This year they added the post-season and WS (for the first time) - same price. I think it's one of the very best sports values there is.
You may be able to get a Vet discount as well. They used to clearly offer one (~$20), but I couldn't find it this year.

2025-04-09 23:02:10 UTC

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My Mom's Dad ("Papa") was a huge Tigers fan (they lived in Michigan). They're one of the AL teams I'm happy to root for (unless they're playing my Cubs). 🙂

2025-04-09 22:09:59 UTC

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Do you root for a baseball team? IIRC, you’re a Detroit Lions fan for football?

2025-04-02 21:46:05 UTC

Winter is over, so it's time for a new computer wallpaper image. I'd like something that suggests Spring, new life/growth, and maybe incorporates mountains (we gots 'em where I live). Your suggestions/contributions very welcome! 🙂
Here's what got me through this Winter.
#Photo #Spring #Wallpaper #Image
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/114/270/551/455/405/379/original/4cec18f509b1642a.jpg

2025-03-31 22:46:29 UTC

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I'm not an Adonis. But I was pleasantly surprised to see my upper abs are still defined, when I stepped out of the shower this morning. There is room for improvement below my belly button. 🤣
Still, I thought: "Not too bad for 63?"
My Dad stayed in very good shape until his death (age 75), not so much from a fitness routine, as being physically busy in a lot of activities.

2025-03-31 22:28:41 UTC

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My Mom was a great baker. Both of my older sisters are great bakers. I am, what I assume you call, a non-baker. 😉 🤣
I certainly miss all those treats, but at 63 I can still see my abs. 🙂

2025-03-28 21:33:01 UTC

Ham hocks, collard greens, black-eyed peas & co. just started simmering, and…
Oh man, does that smell good! 😋
I live in a house with an open floor plan, so once something’s going in the kitchen, the whole house gets it. 😀

2025-03-26 19:42:20 UTC

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When I lived in South Carolina, I decided to build a 0 gauge railroad layout in my garage. For the backdrop, I went to Home Depot and picked as many paint cards as close to sky blue as I could find. Then I went outside, and held each up to the clear Carolina sky, to make my selection.
I don't recall the name of the color I selected. 🙂

2025-03-26 02:43:59 UTC

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I'd say I'm shocked, but I don't think anyone in this cabinet could pass the standard FBI background check required for military security clearances. And I'm certain none of them have had such a background check. I know whereof I speak.
Also, zero (0) OPSEC experience, awareness, or training.

2025-03-25 04:18:59 UTC

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I'm only 40% disabled, but I've only used VA services twice (initial evaluation)... because I don't trust them to provide the best care (and I'm very stubborn). So I've relied (to date) on a combination of my TRICARE coverage, and civilian medical providers. It was easier in South Carolina, when I had access to TRICARE Prime and military medical facilities (not an option here).
1/3
#USA #Veterans #Medical

2025-03-25 01:44:16 UTC

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I completely agree. But that doesn’t absolve the corporately controlled Democratic Party of responsibility for their non-action on social progress over (now) many decades. Specifically, I’ll refer to who are chosen to lead the Democratic Party at the National level. It’s been corporate friendly, to the exclusion of progressives, every single time over many years.

2025-03-25 01:36:52 UTC

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Corporate sponsored Dems are gonna hang on to power (and do nothing) just as long as they possibly can, because (exactly like their Republican counterparts), that’s exactly what they’re getting paid to do… not to represent the interests of US Citizens.

2025-03-24 23:41:57 UTC

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I think we're still 3-4 weeks before blooms start opening up here. I'll notice the Daffodils first, as there are so many growing locally, including the woods behind my house.
While my Mom was still living (retirement home), I was able to pick a bouquet of daffodil blossoms from the ones she'd planted at our lake property, and present them to her for Mothers Day (yellow, with white centers, and very frilly).
They were usually starting to fade by May. 🙂

2025-03-24 17:01:20 UTC

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We also need to recognize that to date, there is no personal financial incentive for Democrats in Congress to BE the opposition. They’ll keep doing what they’re doing, as long as the cash continues flowing into their pockets.
The only exceptions are people like Bernie Sanders and AOC, who don’t take corporate payouts. And that group is a truly minimal slice of the Congress pie.

2025-03-17 10:34:40 UTC

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It would be best for Germany to warn all their citizens against traveling here in the USA. I regret I have to say that as a US resident, but it’s true. 🙁

2025-03-07 22:10:04 UTC

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Ours is gone here too in NEPA. Far too early to judge it gone for the season, though: we still have the rest of March and April to watch.

2025-03-04 15:22:02 UTC

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I’ve been happily using LibreOffice for many years on Linux, Mac, and (yes, once upon a time) Windows. I recommend LibreOffice highly: it’s a selection you won’t regret. 🙂
And for the record, I started with StarOffice (German). That was open sourced to become OpenOffice, which I also used for years.

2025-03-02 23:34:19 UTC

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Lake Michigan, or Huron?

2025-03-02 19:43:27 UTC

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Boosted AND bookmarked! 😋

2025-02-24 16:55:58 UTC

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Hi, Tom! Thank you for your completely unsolicited and irrelevant opinion. You have a great day out there, responding to things that have nothing to do with you.
Feel privileged: I don't normally respond to trolls. 🙂

2025-02-24 16:13:01 UTC

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If you support one corporate/billionaire owned media company over another corporate/billionaire owned media company... don't bother telling me why.
Bottom line: you and they are both full of it. 💩

2025-02-18 06:55:38 UTC

Released in November, 1976. I was in HS. Memorable? Oh yes: for a full lifetime. Currently relevant? Well, let's just see...
"And if I claim to be a wise man, well...
It surely means that I don't know." — Kansas (1976)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5ZJui3aPoQ
#Music #ClassicRock #1970s #Kansas

2025-02-18 04:24:53 UTC

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Mastodon is real social media. I am so grateful to be here, and meet and listen to people like you and your family (like me and my family).
Connecting brings hope, and joy, and strength: I hope you feel and know the same.

2025-02-15 20:44:34 UTC

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
— fortune from a fortune cookie (real)

2025-02-08 20:36:16 UTC

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Nice to see the Gentleman out and about. 🙂

2025-02-01 00:07:05 UTC

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If you told me this was video of a missile strike on Ukraine, I'd believe you.

2025-01-30 18:45:47 UTC

If you're still using Microsoft Office in any variety... why??
LibreOffice is free, works great, doesn't cull/steal your data, doesn't incorporate AI, and is compatible with all Microsoft document formats.
I tell you this as a computer geek who's been using LibreOffice (and its predecessors) for 26 years. Yes, also in corporate environments, because I could get the same tasks done much more quickly.
#OpenSource #Office #LibreOffice
https://blog.documentfoundation.org/blog/2025/01/30/400-million-downloads-and-counting/

2025-01-30 00:29:02 UTC

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I enjoy Winter anywhere there’s snow and ice. 🙂

2025-01-28 01:50:16 UTC

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No offense to you, or anyone else who helps us track the news here. In fact, you have my deepest gratitude! But yeah, for me personally, my consumption of "current events" is going to be throttled way down, until the Pumpkin Clown is gone. I refuse to break my spirit & hope for current "awareness".

2025-01-28 01:34:45 UTC

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Always grateful to hear how you all are doing, good or bad. We had a beautiful day here in NEPA too: sunny, and about 10˚F warmer than the previous week. 🙂

2025-01-25 23:45:35 UTC

At the rate I go through vehicles and clothes, i just realized what I'm buying now will probably be what I die with.
I'm my father's son: clothes go from publicly presentable, to "work" clothes (worn), to "comfortable" clothes at home (holes, maybe some tears), to PJs (holy t-shirts & flannel PJ trousers), to rags.
My Mom was the ultimate authority on finally trashing worn out garments, and yet... my Dad still found a way to retain his especially treasured items.

2025-01-22 23:49:20 UTC

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They aren't local, but they have great customer service. I've been using USAA Federal Savings Bank in Texas for over 20 years. Excellent online banking. They also do homeowners & auto insurance at good rates. Primarily serving the military community and their descendants.
https://www.usaa.com/

2025-01-21 03:33:44 UTC

I was looking for this earlier.
I'd offer it as slim hope about America for our allies, but...
Far more people couldn't be bothered to vote, than voted for either major candidate. And that is how the USA became home to the Nazis... again.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/113/864/232/526/751/431/original/d135df9a9878c704.jpg

2025-01-18 05:10:21 UTC

You think to yourself: "It's kinda chilly in the house tonight."
And then at midnight, you decide to put on your boots, and walk out to the mailbox to post a couple letters.
And when you get back inside the house, you realize that no: no, it is not chilly in here. It's everything warm and perfect about living up North.
May we always be content with what we have, and appreciate every bit of that to the fullest.

2025-01-18 00:01:30 UTC

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I had some very beautiful, but enormously overgrown rhododendrons here. Had all of that pulled out last Fall, for new landscaping. I'll certainly miss the blossoms this Spring, but meanwhile, there is so much more light in the house this Winter. It was a good choice, for me.

2025-01-17 18:14:21 UTC

Couldn't bring myself to break off from FB.
It came down to access to family, friends, and communities I can't yet replicate elsewhere. It is what it is, and I am who I am. I do express regret, but I won't apologize for maintaining those relationships.
1/3

2025-01-07 06:45:27 UTC

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Huh. Maybe the US should not permit chicken shit to be incorporated into livestock feed? Just a thought.
https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/12/we-feed-cows-chicken-poop/

2025-01-05 10:18:19 UTC

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As Frank Zappa sang:
"Watch out where the huskies go,
And don't you eat that yellow snow!" 😜

2025-01-01 21:51:52 UTC

Winter twilight, looking out on the woods after a fresh, light snow. I enjoy this scene, as the light gradually fades to dark.