GBCW - For a While

I am withdrawing from the field.

I am folding my keyboard, and stealing away.

I am quitting, for a while.

In spite of the attempts of the FP'ers in their frequent meta diaries, in spite of the gentle and not so gentle suggestions as to what constitutes civil behavior in this little corner of the world, and inspite of the frequent admonishions to "be sensible, thoughtful, and kind" to one another, there remains a small cadre of folks who seem unable to adhere to the basic rules in the playground.  I have discovered that I really can't handle the heat in this particular kitchen.  

I'm bloody tired of my diaries being hijacked by posters who have a drum to beat and don't care who is forced to listen.

I am disgusted with discussions of economics and political decision making being subverted by those who read everything through a gauze of racism.  

I am frustrated by those who would hurl "holocaust denier" at anyone who does not immediately embrase their take on any issue.  

I am finding the tone, the hostility and aggressive posturing, the insistance that their own particular slant on issues be given pride of place, and the failure to engage in rational discussions, by those who disagree with me, and with others who comment, to be far too stressful.  

I survived 30 years in the academic wars that we call University.  I raised a gaggle of boys.  I keep a pack of semi-wolves, and I live in the reddest, most backward, most irritating part of the Confederacy.

And yet, I have never encountered so many people who can not  comprehend the written word, and seem so intent on distorting and denying the writers intent, in this high speed, rapid fire, medium.

I've been reading here for a very long time.  I have enjoyed the thoughtful and informed comments of many of you over the years.  I've also been charmed and delighted by the wit, and verbal skills that so many have displayed.  I will contine to read, and to comment, I suppose. (Although, after this entry into the fray, I will steel myself for a lot of snark and anger.)

The problem is that my diaries seem to be drawing an increasing number of people who just want to fight about something.  Anything.  And if the diary I write does not provide the opportunity to get into a pissing match, they just go off half cocked and make something up.

I don't know how to play in that arena.  I really don't know how to tell people to go away, STFU, or just stop it.  Too many years in the lecture hall, I suppose - too many years of having to deal with personality problems one finds in any large venue.

So, to my fans, and I know there are a few, I apologize for my weakness.  To my detractors, yup.  You win.

•  Shall I throw the first pie ?

  Or would someone else like the honor?

  by Granny Doc on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 06:15:00 AM PDT

  •  ..completely understand..

    ..but I'm selfishly regretting your decision.  

    ...but, yeah.  I recently joined an organization that is focused on coastal conservation, and though there's plenty of politics there too - fights with the govt. over over-fishing enforcement, etc - I did it in part to get away from all this crap for a while....not just dkos but nearly all media.

    Now, back to my binoculars and that shrimper who is scooping up sea turtles, porpoises, redfish and killing them along with the shrimp.  Sorry, all you shrimp lovers (and this is not a hijack), do you like your shrimp tinged with a taste of porpoise??

    by sandmancan on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 06:29:42 AM PDT

    •  ditto. I'll miss your diaries, Granny.

      I think I know what the final straw may have been, and I find it irritating, too.  Reason #32 for not writing diaries, but preferring to read yours and those that I like.

      I hope this meta crap will blow over soon, and that you won't be gone too long.

      by vome minnesota on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 07:08:40 AM PDT

      •  I will really miss you, Granny Doc.

        But, I will remember the good times we had together.  You were an avid "Go Jim Webb" diarist and always commented and rec'd Virginia/Webb/Bad George Allen diaries, and I always appreciated your words and thoughts.  You will be missed.

        Since the election of 06, I have lost TU status, I haven't had a rec'd diary, and I seldom comment here.  Why?  Because I agree with everything you have written.  I don't know what the heck happened to this place, but it sure isn't the same D-Kos I knew a year ago today.  Its a shame, really, but it is what it is, and it ain't my site.  So I complain to myself, and I lurk.

        Godspeed, G-Doc.  I'll miss you, and I hope to see you around again.

        Now excuse me, while I get back to lurking in a place I used to actively participate...

        by phriendlyjaime on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 07:19:13 AM PDT

        •  Make this another who will miss you.

          You have become a role model for me, fast approaching the other side of fertility. I know me, and hundreds of other women like me who read your diaries and comments, are going to get lost in the woods of shifting hormones; you provide a grounded example of a life on the other side is valuable. Please don't stay away too long.

          by zic on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 07:38:14 AM PDT

          •  The Stadium

            The growth in the site is also its weakness.  The small hall has become a stadium.  That means shouting to be heard, a lot of the time.  And it means endless navel-gazing in the form of meta-diaries that are clever smokescreens for keeping the circus going.  Real content gets harder to find.

            But we need to hear from women on this site who are sane and interesting.  So I hope that you take some time and reemerge, or at least leave a forwarding address to another site.

            by Athena on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:01:41 AM PDT

            •  Thats why I love Granny Doc.

              I am a woman, and I think I am interesting, but I don't think I am sane.  ;)

              by phriendlyjaime on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:19:29 AM PDT

            •  Tough Town...

              this internet.

              by Mr X on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:15:34 AM PDT

              •  that's "internets" n/t

                by zic on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:34:00 AM PDT

            •  I've been hanging around here for a long time

              since just after the first scoop launch.

              I come and go, typically I found the traffic and noise level too loud around elections and other political drama times. Then I loose my TU status, loose friends sometimes.

              Initially, I wrote lots of diaries. But I'm a professional writer, it's work, I'm supposed to earn a few peanuts for it (or so I hear in the back of my head,) and I'm also dyxlesic, so writing is really hard work. For the past few years, I've mostly stuck to commenting, and frequently I try to make comments that help teach, help somebody think from a different perspective. That's how I view Granny Doc's diaries.

              When I return after a break, as I recently have, there are new voices, new ideas. Sometimes a change in tone overall.

              But I keep coming back.

              Because there are pearls of wisdom here among the chaff.

              by zic on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:39:20 AM PDT

        •  I wondered what happened to you, phriendlyjaime!

          But I guess I assumed that my not seeing you much was due to my own drop in participation after the elections.  In any case, I've not been party to most of the nastiness here--which I won't miss.  But I see it's driving away members whose diaries and comments I have always found cogent and entertaining--and you guys I will miss.

          Hope to catch you in the comments, at least, GrannyDoc.

          by catleigh on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:45:23 AM PDT

      •  Me too

        The crowd changes from time to time here.  Let's hope that the pie throwers get tired of it!  Perhaps you'll return then.

        by LIsoundview on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 11:13:52 AM PDT

        •  Me, too!

          ....I'm getting a wee bit tired of pie fights myself, although I just usually try to skip to other threads but sometimes that is difficult when there's so much "whupped" cream flying around lately.

          We will miss you grannydoc...please don't run off too far...continue to comment...and hope to read another of your diaries soon.  Don't stray too far. Just enjoy a short sabattical??   ;O)

          by RantNRaven on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 12:51:31 PM PDT

  •  There's a lot of love and respect for you

    here, Granny Doc, and I hope you'll be bringing your common sense and goodwill to a lot of threads still.

    It is a bit heated here lately.  There's a shift in the terms of debate and in general perceptions that has made a small group much more defensive and much more likely to pre-emptively attack than before.  That's unfortunate, but I'm hoping it won't be enduring.

    I'll be looking out for you.

    by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 06:57:06 AM PDT

    •  Alright

      I'll be the first elephant in the room to say it: this comment is divisive.  I'm not calling antisemitism.  I'm calling divisiveness.

      Many people here (like myself) have real, heartfelt opinions that are based on reason in addition to emotion.  To call all of us trolls ("defensive and more likely to pre-emptively attack") is to paint with too broad a brush, and it feels alienating.

      Look people.  There are certainly "anti-Semite!!!1" trolls.  But the response in this community has been unfair.  I feel very marginalized, and I've done my best to discuss everything respectfully.

      by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 08:33:52 AM PDT

      •  Yeah, it's all about you.

        You must be psychic to know that I was thinking about the anti-Semite trolls, rather than the meta trolls, or the troll-rating every Hillary-hater trolls, or any other small-minded, over-eager, trigger-fingered troll-rating trolls.

        Nice of you to pop in and cheer Granny Doc up with your little ray of sunshine.

        by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 08:48:57 AM PDT

        •  You referenced

          "a small group" and I guessed at your meaning, since I/P threads have been all the rage lately and I've seen you posting in them.

          I don't want to deface Granny Doc's GBCW diary (godspeed, Granny Doc), but this is an important topic and I just want to stop feeling marginalized around here.

          by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:11:56 AM PDT

          •  If you don't want to be marginalised,

            then become a full member of the Kommunity and embrace the Kommunity beyond your own narrow self-interest.  Show some respect for the depth, passion, experience, intelligence and love that this Kommunity embodies.

            I write about a lot of stuff including Iraq-Iran, intelligence, torture, human rights, international law, global economics - and sometimes I/P.  I participate in hundreds of threads and diaries.  Just because you had a diary I commented on this morning doesn't mean the whole world and my entire attention revolve around your petty concerns.

            You've written 6 diaries.  I've written nearly 150.  Granny Doc has written 65.

            If you don't want to be marginalised, then put yourself among us - not at the margin.

            by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:25:04 AM PDT

            •  Look

              I'm trying to get a Ph.D. right now and I don't have the time to fully immerse myself in the DK world, as much as I'd like to.  I got no sleep last night because I got involved in two diaries, so I can't do this very often.

              This is not a matter of showing you disrespect.  It's a matter of doing the best I can on limited resources.  I made a mistaken assumption, and for that I'm sorry.

              Granny Doc, please, please don't leave this site because of people like me.  I'm trying my hardest and I don't want to drive away caring, committed community members like you.

              by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:39:56 AM PDT

              •  You are one of the ones doing so.

                I've stopped reading the comments and seldom come to dKos these days as there are too many Space Invaders who don't know discourse nor how to have an argument.  The place ain't what it used to be.

                by Rolfyboy6 on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:10:23 AM PDT

                •  As far as I can tell,

                  I listened to criticism, learned my lesson, and apologized.  And backed off.

                  How is that not appropriate discourse?

                  by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 01:55:21 PM PDT

                  •  Not every thought needs expression

                    As MaggieMae says below to Granny Doc about another young lad who had a rough transition from self-obsessed jerk to valued diarist:

                    As I told Raybin once- EDIT! Not every thought need be expressed.

                    Might I suggest that given how very wrong and misguided you appear to have been on this thread, and how very much hijacked the thread became, that this additional self-justifying comment might have been withheld.

                    by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 03:36:04 PM PDT

                    •  I really

                      do not like being called names.  I am not a self-obsessed jerk, and I am not the problem with this website, and I will be called neither.  I thought your original comment in this thread was aimed at me because we'd been sparring earlier in the day.  It was a bad assumption, and I should have been much, much more careful about addressing it in a thread of this nature.  But people make mistakes.  It's the nature of open dialog.

                      So stop beating me up, and stop trying to bully me into silence.  I made an honest mistake, but I've been as respectful as possible throughout the process and apologized where it was necessary.  It would be nice if you could extend the same courtesy to me.

                      by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 04:07:13 PM PDT

                      •  Yeah, it's all still about you

                        Believe it or not, I've spent much more time on you today than your behaviour here indicates that you deserve.  In part, it was because I remembered Raybin with some affection.  His GBCW diary and reappearance later were instructive - because both were welcome.

                        I have no need to apologise to you.  You have behaved despicably here on a diary which I took very seriously indeed - in precisely the way that the diarist was protesting.  You are a self-obsessed jerk and every comment you have written here supports that conclusion.    

                        Your parents might think you're wonderful.  I don't have to.  

                        I have responded to your oafishness with grace and good humour, but they are not inexhaustable.  I have tried to be constructive, but you are determined to be confrontational.

                        Either grow a skin or go away.  You have wasted way too many column inches of our time here today.

                        by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 04:19:30 PM PDT

                        •  You call

                          calling somebody a "self-obsessed jerk" for making one mistake "grace and good humour" and "constructive"?  You really need to get over yourself and realize that it's never okay to call good-meaning people names.  You have been much ruder to me in this thread than I have been to you.

                          I've been on this site a long time.  I don't diary all that much, but I like to think my diaries have been positive contributions to the site.  I'm a TU.  So stop with the extreme condescension.  I am not a pariah, so stop trying to make me out to be one and move on.

                          by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 04:27:58 PM PDT

                          •  Uh-huh. Riiiiiiiiiiiight.

                            I could never convey as unflattering an image of you as your own writing here has done.  Shrug.

                            by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 04:38:09 PM PDT

      •  This comment is a perfect example

        of the very sort of knee-jerk, assumption-laden, chip-on-the-shoulder, narcissistic, diary-highjacking bullshit that Granny Doc and many others (count me as one) are so weary of.  Please give it a rest, at least for one thread.

        by Captain Nimrod on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:15:51 AM PDT

        •  Please, people

          Stop calling me narcissistic.  I really, really didn't want to hijack this diary.  It was entirely rational to interpret his comment the way I did.  If I was mistaken, fine, but don't call me irrational.

          From my point of view, your comment is a perfect example of the rudeness that people feel they can throw at a Jew who feels marginalized.  And it only makes me feel more marginalized.

          And seriously, is this really the kind of comment that would drive somebody away from dkos for good?  I'm trying to have an open, honest, respectful discussion.

          by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:20:55 AM PDT

          •  What in heaven's name does the fact that

            you are a Jew and feel marginalized have to do with this diary? I am serious, I don't get that.  I am sorry that you feel marginalized, and your religion/ethnicity is generally irrelevant to me unless you want it to be an issue.  But I don't think it's cool to come into a thread where a valued writer who is generally known for her consideration and respect is so frustrated with the rancor here that she is leaving and respond to a very general post in support of her frustrations, that did not mention you or your issue in any way, and assume that the writer intended a slight, a criticism, or even worse, a religious/ethnic slander.  It's totally unjustified, and it completely undercuts any sympathy that you might otherwise engender for your cause. I found it neither honest nor respectful, but I do not want to pick a fight with you or turn this thread into another pointless flame war, so I will have no more to say on the subject, other than no disrepect intended.

            by Captain Nimrod on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:31:12 AM PDT

          •  Maybe I Missed Something...

            but where in the HELL did s/he mention Jew in the comment?

            Seriously?

            People need to take a step back and lighten the hell up - folks are taking this site waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too seriously.

            by Alegre on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:32:31 AM PDT

            •  oy vey

              Jew was just an apropos adjective, people.  I wasn't trying to call antisemitism.

              I'm sorry!  Arg, I'm trying my best here and people are piling on me as being the reason why dkos is going to hell

              by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:38:17 AM PDT

              •  Bad puppy!

                Consider this a swat on the snout with a rolled up newspaper.  Now you're forgiven.

                I liked your diary this morning, by the way, and valued what you were trying to do.  Now give it a rest.

                by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:40:26 AM PDT

              •  You brought it up!

                Granny Doc's concerns were lack of civility and diary hijacking and you freaking brought it up!

                You had to know this would happen.  A blatant diary hijack in the first quarter of the diary.  If there's anything that's going to throw gas on a fire at DKos it's the mention of I/P.

                If GrannyDoc wasn't a TU I'd TR you to hide the thread for the diary hijack.

                Holy Cow!  Show a little restraint!

                by DMiller on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:43:05 AM PDT

                •  Lesson learned!

                  But look on the bright side.  If this sub-thread shows Granny Doc that obnoxious elements like myself are sometimes just ignorant and not malicious, maybe it'll hasten his/her return.

                  by jforman on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:49:56 AM PDT

                  •  We all make mistakes

                    Good on you for listening to constructive criticism and being good natured enough to reply with a sense of humor.

                    by joanneleon on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:28:35 AM PDT

                •  and...it seems...

                  hijacked a diary.

                  by kredwyn on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:57:17 AM PDT

            •  Way too seriously

              That is usually my comment.  But I have to say, having had a bit more free time than I usually do I've frequented this blog a lot more in the past four or five days.  I used to think it was a guilty pleasure, but today I honestly thought to myself, what's the point?  Attempts at real discussion are usually hijacked by people who are playing the rules as ways to troll.  I don't know what the fancy name for that is.  If some don't have good arguments that hold water they will simply hang around and nitpick commenters to death, moving on from one complaint to the next.  Many have resorted to cursing at one another almost immediately, I used to substitute in high schools, and the language here has been worse of late than what I heard in the lunch rooms there!  The absolute, positive worst is when people start hashing out grudge matches in diaries and with diaries.  I've tried several different ways to combat these things, even tried just following the rules as I've been told them by other more frequent Kos members, it simply doesn't work.  The only alternative it to ignore the huge lines of flame wars, but lately they are taking over every thread.  If you try to step in and calm things down it just gets worse.  Comments used to be about topics at least sort of related to the diaries, with a little bit of joking and maybe some inside Kos stuff here and there, but that isn't the case anymore.  If someone doesn't like the overall theme of a diary they will hang out in a diary and start picking at everything.  I'm not talking about criticism, I'm talking about finding every thing they can possibly find to complain about while avoiding the point of the diary.  This has always gone on, but it has increased.  In the past, if you Tr'ed someone you gave a short explanation as to why and that was that.  People didn't use the very rules that were created to help the site to ruin it.  Things have gotten much worse here and I can't say taking it "way to seriously" anymore, because I am also turned off in a major way.  It is only my total despair over the way our country is being destroyed that is bringing me back here, it used to be a haven of people that would work together.  Now Dkos seems to be becoming one big child's game that is impossible to figure out.  I hope that the site gets it worked out.  I was never a major diarist but I loved to read, comment, learn and share what I know.  I too will be reading less frequently, the angst and nastiness stayed with me last night from this site, and God knows I don't need more of that!

              by Karma for All on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:55:45 AM PDT

              •  I'm with you

                Let's just avoid the flame wars and stick to the good content that helps us become better informed and better able to do constructive things that make a difference.  I'm all metaed out.  I had the same realization in recent weeks (yet again!) that I don't want to spend my time that way.  It's bad for me, bad for my family, bad for my life.  So I continue trying to avoid it.  I'm here because it helps to reinforce this - by seeing that others are sick and tired of it too.  It's tempting, in a car accident rubbernecking kind of way, but I'm going to do my best to keep staying out of it.  The only time I may break that rule is if I happen to see someone being bullied badly.  I can't tolerate that.

                Let's avoid it, and patronize and recommend the best work here, because there is a ton of it.  

                by joanneleon on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:34:36 AM PDT

          •  If that comment was too rude for you...

            ...I'd suggest that maybe you need a "time out", too.  And I don't see your comment as rational, but rather a bit "out of the blue".

            by Land of Enchantment on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:22:49 AM PDT

          •  You are a doctoral student...

            by definition (and, as someone who has her PhD,  I've been there) you are steeped in your own narcicissm at present.

            It will go away--trust me.

            But at the moment...accept that the world is about currently 2 people (you and your advisor)...and then figure out a way to set that aside when you step into other worlds outside academe.

            by kredwyn on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:56:28 AM PDT

        •  My Thoughts Exactly

          Yet ANOTHER attempt to hi-jack someone else's diary.  What's happening to our community?

          Goddess forbid you mention faith - you get attacked for believing in Santa Claus.

          Godess forbid you express support for Clinton - you get attacked for killing Iraqi babies.

          Goddess forbid you come off sounding like a feminist - you get called a castrating bitch or worse, a whore (ala Hispanic Caucus style).

          And don't you DARE mention gun control around here - people jump down your throat over their uzzi's.

          I'm startint to think this site's been taken over by trolls and a LOT of them.  There's a vocal and vicious element here who are intent on starting fights and dragging them on for days and days - just to get in the last word or show the world how much "smarter" they are.

          I'm with you Granny Doc - this place is going to the dogs and I have to wonder if we're all REALLY on the same side in opposing BushCo and the neo-cons out there.

          The circular firing squads are getting old - really old.

          by Alegre on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:31:10 AM PDT

      •  You probably think this [post] is about you,

        Don't you. Don't you.

        by NoMoJoe on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:44:41 AM PDT

        •  We should have an Apricot Scarf Award

          for the vainiacs!  Gotta go find Dood....

          by KateCrashes on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 02:01:40 PM PDT

      •  If the shoe fits....

        by Do Tell on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 11:45:20 AM PDT

    •  granny will be back

      It's a good idea to take breaks from Dkos occasionally. In fact, they should probably be mandatory ;)

      bottom line though this place will turn you into Ike Turner..."I caint quit chew baby! Take me back Dkos! Take me back! We had LOVE!!"

      by sooner on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:26:43 AM PDT

      •  Don't I know it! n/t

        by LondonYank on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:42:52 AM PDT

        •  ditto baby

          by sooner on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:45:18 AM PDT

    •  Granny Doc is more than loved she is

      repected
      a voice of reason
      an incredibly insightful person
      kind
      wise
      better at responding to those that comment to her diary than anyone here
      She exemplifies the spirit of KOS
      She excemplifies why people leave KOS
      She is needed
      She would be a HUGE loss to this community

      by notimportant on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:20:09 AM PDT

      •  I am deeply touched by

        all of this kindness.  Thank you, all.

        by Granny Doc on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:23:14 AM PDT

        •  Heck,

          I don't want to be the only sane person left!  Stay!

          by xyz on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 11:41:08 AM PDT

        •  Granny, although I understand exactly

          what you are referring to, having gotten caught in the swirling bathroom bowl of diary hijacking myself recently, this site needs well reasoned, thoughful, insight of the kind you provide.

          Personally, I've taken to scrolling past the hijacked portion of a diary, and back to the substance. Not sure why some of the people who comment feel the need to express every trivial thought or perceived grievence. As I told Raybin once- EDIT! Not ever thought need be expressed.

          I add my voice to those who would ask you to not be gone for long.  Presidential candidate lists are longer than the Libby Grand Jury tapes, and things will get more interesting in the next few months. Drop back by soon!  

          by maggiemae on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 02:44:54 PM PDT

  •  Don't let the bastards grind you down!

    You are one of the best diarists.  You are better than them!  The average troll is a punk who likes to click things and takes approximately 10 seconds of thought to decide to ruin your day!

    Please don't leave us, Granny.

    by Dania Audax on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 07:00:46 AM PDT

    •  I mostly come to D-Kos

      To get info we don't get in the mainstream and for the humor of some diarists. We have to face the fact that there are bastards everywhere, here as well as in the Democratic party.
      I like a good argument as well as the next person but when it gets personal I agree with GrannyDoc and it is time to take a break. I know I spend way too much time here and mostly enjoy it but it is so disheartening when we attack one another.

      by gabie on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 07:51:41 AM PDT

  •  Granny, I have really enjoyed your diaries

    and comments. I hate to see you go.

    by blue jersey mom on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 07:01:52 AM PDT

    •  Ditto. n/t

      by jdmorg on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 08:10:32 AM PDT

      •  Me, three!!

        I'm glad you will still be here, and perhaps with time diarying will return. I have had windows of more and fewer diaries (though never as many as some), and a number of times when I just took a leave of absence to pay attention to other things. Looking forward to your comments, and know that you are appreciated.

        by Wee Mama on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 08:23:42 AM PDT

        •  Me four--your diaries are always the best.

          Screw the commenters who have their own agenda.  

          Hurry back, Doc--we miss you already.

          by Phil S 33 on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 09:28:56 AM PDT

          •  me five.

            This site needs strong, wise voices like yours granny doc. I have  enjoyed your honest and original diaries.

            OTOH, this can be a harsh community. I know - in the past I was subjected to some intense name-calling etc...

            I think its not so much just this place, but the nature of  the anonymous internets.

            Go in peace... but you will be missed, and I hope you come back soon..

            by biscobosco on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 10:06:31 AM PDT

            •  That about sums it up for me