Huh? What? Are you shitting me? I can hardly believe that 350 stories have emerged from my cobwebby mind. I mean, when I first began pecking away at my computer’s keyboard a little over nine years ago, writing an initial batch of articles that the WordPress gods were good enough to allow to be published, I doubt if I’d have guessed that the number of opuses residing within Yeah, Another Blogger eventually would turn out to be somewhat impressive.
Sure, many scribes publish stories at a pace incredibly faster than mine. (Take a look, for instance, at bluejayblog, penned by an anonymous gentleman whose handle is swabby429. He produces a piece every single day, and many of them are as astute as all get out.) Still, I’m fairly proud of myself. Writing ain’t easy, for me anyway. But my plan is to continue turning out product, and I’d like to think that I have many more stories in me. As I often note on these pages, though, I’m older than dirt, so my future isn’t necessarily wide open. As it always does, of course, time will tell.
Speaking of which, time has been on my mind a lot of late, along with some of its related matters. Many of us, including me, take time for granted. But, amorphous and difficult to conceptualize as it is, time nonetheless rules. Seeing that we each have only a finite number of days to spend above ground on Planet Earth, it seems pretty clear that trying to become better versions of ourselves should be among our priorities. Pursuing our peaceful dreams, for example, is where it’s at. As is standing up for the little guy. Most important, though, I’d say, is being as open, respectful, loving and kind as possible. Can you imagine how fine the world would be if those four qualities increased by twenty percent or more among humankind? Why, we’d almost be living in paradise.
Believe it or not, my thoughts have been running in these directions because of a television series my wife Sandy and I devoured over the last several weeks. Sandy purchased a new smart phone recently, and with it came a free trial subscription to Apple TV+. There was no reason to put that subscription to waste. Thus, a few days later we began to watch Ted Lasso, which probably is Apple TV+’s most well-known production. I’d heard of Ted Lasso, but knew nothing about its premise. Sandy, on the other hand, knew plenty. And was champing at the bit to discover if the series’ popularity is deserved.
The answer is yes. Ted Lasso isn’t perfect, mind you. The acting and dialogue fall flat here and there, and the occasional plot line heads nowhere in particular. However, little matter. For the most part, Ted Lasso goes down as satisfyingly as your favorite beverage, and provides uplifting messages along the way. It’s inspirational, just what the doctor ordered to get your mind off the world’s woes and to inject you with hope for the human race. The show sure as hell made Sandy and me feel better about things for a little while, as it has done for millions of others.
Ted Lasso boasts an enormous cast, most of whose members receive generous amounts of screentime over the course of the series’ 34 episodes. The show’s biggest focus, not surprisingly, is its title character, a coach of American-style football at a college in Kansas, USA, who, in the series’ first episode, is wooed by the owner of an association football (i.e., soccer) team in England. Almost inexplicably, she wants Ted (portrayed by Jason Sudeikis) to become her squad’s head coach, despite the fact that Ted’s knowledge of association football/soccer is nonexistent. Nonetheless, due to problems in his personal life, he accepts the offer and moves to England.
For me to say much more would spoil the series for anyone who might be thinking of giving it a try. So, I won’t. Except this: Ted is a hell of a fine guy. He’s kind, gentle, empathetic and smart as a whip. He sees the good sides of people, tries to instill self-confidence in those who need doses of same, and unwaveringly supports everyone within his circle. He’s a difference-maker, in other words, in nothing but positive ways.
I also should mention that F-bombs, in a dazzling variety of iterations, drop pretty much continuously throughout each episode. Ted Lasso, therefore, should be avoided by anyone with sensitive ears. My ears are anything but. Which is one reason I liked the show as much as I did. And so, in closing, let me remind everyone that time totally fucking flies. Hence, for anyone so inclined, now is the time to try and become even better than they already are.
Amen.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Well done, Neil. You’re right writing is never easy though I think for all us the rewards are massive. Even more so for neurodiverse writers out there.
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Hey there, Suzanne. I suppose there are good-quality writers who find writing to be pretty easy. Hats off to them, whoever they are!
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Hi Neil! Congratulations on 9 bloggy years and 350 posts!
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Appreciated. Thanks!
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Based on this I’ll have to check it out. Since you’re not afraid of f-bombs, I will recommend “Bodkin” on Netflix. We just finished watching it and it is very good.
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Hi Sandy. Thanks for the tip. I’m always on the lookout for series to watch.
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First things first, congrats on 350 authored pieces, that’s 350x🥳!
Thank you, Sandy for the Bodkin recommendation: it’s funny, in my one before last blog piece, I was looking for recommendations just after recommending a couple of shows, Ted Lasso, which I also found enchanting, and another that fits the bill, that I just found out was renewed for a 4th season, another 🥳 🤓 And I was hoping to find more, so thank you!
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Hello, and thanks for stopping by. Take care.
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Congratulations on your nine years! 🎉 Agreed – genuinely trying to improve ourselves would probably lead to near paradise. And thanks for the series suggestion. Cheers.
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Those nine years went by quickly. As I mentioned in the story, time fucking flies.
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Congratulations, Neil. That’s some achievement, and what a great post to mark the occasion. I’ve not seen Ted Lasso, but you’ve peaked my interest.
I was thinking on very similar lines this weekend. So much happening in the wider world is so horrendous at the moment that we can feel totally powerless, but we can all make a small difference by striving to be kind, considerate, positive and encouraging.
I don’t know if the Hairy Bikers ever made it to American TV, but it was a hugely popular and entertaining food and cookery show over here, hosted by two hairy bikers named Si and Dave. Very sadly Dave died of cancer recently and on Saturday, Si lead a procession of over 40,000 bikers from London to Barrow-in-Furness (Dave’s home town) to pay tribute to Dave. Barrow is just down the road from us, and all afternoon we could hear the distant hum of bikes. It was a phenomenal tribute for a TV chef, but what made Dave special was how down-to-earth, warm and amiable he was. He embodied, kindness, cookery and self-deprecating humour—three things the world needs much more of.
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The Hairy Bikers screened in NZ, and we found them very entertaining. Hopefully, Si finds another avenue for his talents.
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Yes, let’s hope so. He must be feeling very bereft now as they were best mates for years.
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I am sure he is very bereft as they were two peas in a pod.
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Absolutely.
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George, your description of the Hairy Bikers tribute is beautiful. I hadn’t heard of the show. I’ll try and find out if it’s available on any of the channels/platforms I get. Take care.
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Congratulations, well done! I am in awe of people who can post daily, but I guess we are all different and not everyone can spend that much time on blogging.
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Hi, and thanks. My next step is to figure out what story #351 will be about!
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Congrats, Neil. That’s an awesome number.
And Ted Lasso sounds very positive. I wish someone like him had bought our company instead of the dipshit that bought it and then laid us all off.
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Ted wouldn’t have laid people off!
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I wwas an initially reluctant convert to Ted Lasso… and loved it! The episode set in Amsderdam is one of the best hour’s TV I have ever seen… and the competition is tough. Congrats on your 350.
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Man, I’m with you about the Amsterdam episode. It was magical.
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I look forward to Blog Number 700 and all those in between.
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Many thanks, Paddy.
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350 down, Neil: I admire your staying power and ingenuity in coming up with new material; trust there’s many more in the tank 🙂
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To be honest, lately I’ve felt that the tank is getting kind of low. We’ll see.
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oh no; you’ll come good, Neil; we always surprise ourselves 🙂
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Many congratulations
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Thanks very much, Sheree.
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Congratulations, Neil. Keep it up, your blog is always a pleasure. Ted Lasso clips keep leaking onto YouTube, and it looks like my sort of thing, possibly worth a subscription to Apple TV.
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Hi Michael. Subscribe to Apple TV — the Apple company needs your money!
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Congrats, my friend, on 350 amazing – entertaining, informative (and VERY well-written) – posts!
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I appreciate it. Thanks.
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Congratulations on 350 posts. How wonderful. It is good to remember quality is a hallmark regardless of quantity. By the way, thank you for the kudos.
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You’re welcome. You set a high bar.
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Congratulations, Neil, for all your achievements!
Joanna
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I appreciate that. Thanks a lot.
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You are more than welcome, Neil!
Joanna
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Congratulations, Neil! The average posts in 9 years of writing is 3.24/month, that’s a delightful schedule. I’ve not seen the show you described, but I’d say, your description of “He’s kind, gentle, empathetic and smart as a whip.” fits you well. I wish you many more episodes of you finding your way here to wow us with your blogging moments!
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It’s really nice of you to say all of that, Shelley. Many thanks.
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You’re welcome!
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Wow, haven’t you done well, Neil! Muzeltov. I just read your piece on the Golden Age of TV. Being Brits, though now retired in Spain, we watched a lot of American TV, but never saw Ted Lasso. (We are also older than Methusaleh, so viewing times must have differed…) Although we love travel and nature progs, we are very keen on humour and adored Mash , Cheers, Taxi and Frasier in particular. And, how about Woody Allen’s writing and take on things? I know the British and American sense of humour can sometimes be different, but I love the Jewish US and British humour…It really tickles my funny bone. Woody: ‘I don ‘t mind dying; as long as I’m not there when it happens. ‘ Completely stupid, but funny…How about you? Cheers.
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Hi Joy. The shows you mention are terrific. Do you remember the character Reverand Jim, on Taxi? The actor’s name is Christopher Lloyd. Coincidentally, a couple of nights ago we saw CL on a new episode of a show called Hacks.
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Good review!
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A lovely piece, Neil. I don’t have Apple TV Plus, so I have not seen the show, though.
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Hi. I doubt if we’ll keep Apple TV after the free trial expires. In any event, I’m glad I got to see Ted Lasso there.
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I couldn’t agree more … in fact, not only do I fucking love Ted Lasso, but I’ve just yesterday written a song about time! Congrats on #350, and may there be many more!
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Thanks for adding your comments. Who is this, though? You’re listed as Anonymous.
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Congratulations Neil! A fabulous journey for you. This is another well-weitten and thoughtful piece. Your third paragraph is spot on. It mirrors how I feel about time and what our roles in a global society should be, the standards we should strive to meet. We recently got a trial subscription to Apple TV as well, gotta start watching Ted Lasso. Good job Neil!
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Many thanks, Ernie. And, yes, give Ted Lasso a try.
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Give me a good honest F-bomb any day. I don’t have an Apple TV subscription but I do need a new MacBook so maybe I will get one soon. I will definitely watch Ted when I do.
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Hi. The most recent season of Ted was released this year. It’s also the final season. I think they were smart to wind things up, rather than risk dragging things on for too long.
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I’m taking a blogging break, but when I saw the title of this post, I had to stop by for a quick congrats! Always enjoy your posts, and I’m with you all the way about Ted Lasso and making the world a better place.
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Thanks for stopping by, Laurie. I appreciate it a lot.
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Congratulations on your blogging longevity! I read somewhere that most blogs only last a couple of years, so in blog years, you’re really old, ha ha. Me, too.
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In human years I’m really old too!
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Big Congrats Neil!! I start to feel really old when I look back at how long I’ve been blogging…so I don’t and I just ignore all those WP Happy Anniversary notifications each year.
I never did get into the Ted Lasso thing, but I know many who rave about it- including you and Sandy now. I probably will continue to scoot past the suggestions to watch but I can say that any show that uses fuck in any iteration is okay by me 🙂
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I’d estimate that at least 40 F-bombs are dropped in each episode of Ted Lasso.
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Good for you, Neil. I’m glad to hear you’re planning to keep blogging. More colourful vehicles and local scenes, I hope!
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Hi Audrey. Yeah, I’ll keep on writing. And I’ll be interested to see what I write about!
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Congratulations! I always look forward to your blog heaving over the horizon..always upbeat and always kind.
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Hi Helen, and thanks very much.
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Major congratulations.
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I appreciate it.
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Congratulations Neil, well done! To many more years and stories ahead!!
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Thanks. Onward!
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Wow, that’s a lot of posts! And I for one have been enjoying your take on things, your sense of humour and your art on wheels posts for the last year or two (I think, but have no sense of time). Keep em coming, Neill!
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Hello there, and thanks. Right now I’m getting a bit nervous, because I have no ideas for story #351.
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I’m going with that open, respectful, loving and kind business. It’s worked for me for 91 years now . . . and you’re just a kid.
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Hi Fran. You don’t allow getting older to slow you down. You’re amazing.
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Congratulations Neil! Here’s to 350 more 🙂
I haven’t seen Ted Lasso, but heard people talking about it a lot. I’ll keep it in mind if we ever get access to Apple TV. Maggie
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Hi there, Maggie. I can’t imagine that I’ll produce 350 more pieces. But I’ll be very glad if it happens.
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Congrats on 350! But is the website doing the counting for you? At our age (yours and mine), it’s hard to count that high.
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Just about everything becomes harder at our age. Except for napping!
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When Time’s flies get annoying, swat ’em with another post, perhaps with another few hundred. Congrats!
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I like your advice!
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Love the positive vibes of your post, Neil! When we get on the conveyor belt to success, we often forget that what really matters is, as you put it, “being as open, respectful, loving and kind as possible.”
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With effort, I think that most people can become a bit more open/respectful/loving/kind. Doing that would make a difference. Thanks for adding your thoughts, Rosaliene. See ya!
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See ya!
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Huzzah on that milestone, my friend! I don’t know if I’ll give TED a try, but I will always think of you when I spot some colorful doors and trucks. 🙂 xxxxxxx
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Hi, Jean. Many thanks!
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Nice to see you haven’t lost your enthusiasm for posting, even after 350 of ‘em! But regardless of the number, the best one is always the next one, right?
Keep er goin’!
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Evening, Bradley. One thing for sure is that writing is a satisfying creative outlet for a lot of people, including you and me.
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Congratulations!
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Thank you very much.
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350! Nicely done. That’s about 50% more than me in the same time period – damn fine output for a “cobwebby mind.”
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Hi Dave. I’m stunned that I’ve written that many pieces. Now I have to figure out what story #351 will be about!
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It would take me a lifetime, or perhaps multiple lifetimes, to write that many blog posts. Congratulations on your talent and dedication, Neil. Your posts are always a pleasure to read.
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Many thanks, Paula. I truly appreciate what you said.
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Congratulation on post 350 and wishing you many more. I loved Ted Lasso, and also started watching it because of an apple purchase. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen the last season. I guess we’ll have to wait till we make another apple purchase.
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Hi. The third season is very good. Two or three of the episodes are tremendous. I don’t know who this is, by the way. You’re listed as Anonymous.
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I caught up to Ted Lasso earlier this year and devoured all three seasons in a matter of a couple weeks. Congrats on the 350! Well done.
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Hi. I really liked the transformation that Jamie Tartt underwent. He was a smug, egotistical guy who turned into a sweet, tolerant person.
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A heart warming series. We need those from time to time.
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For some reason I assumed that show was about an arrogant newscaster!
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Hi Jan. Arrogance is on display by a few people in Ted Lasso. But not by a newscaster.
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Congrats on 350! I’m not sure now exactly where I came in, but I know I have read and enjoyed all your posts since that day whenever it was. (See what time does to memories?)
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Hi Anabel. Thank you for being a loyal reader. One of the things I like about WordPress is that it puts us in touch with people from all over the world. That’s very cool.
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Wow, that’s an amazing achievement.
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Hi Peggy. Good to hear from you. Yeah, I’m kind of amazed I’ve written 350 stories. Somehow it happened!
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I don’t know when or how I found you, but it’s been pleasure ever since. Congrats on your first 350; may the next 350 give you even more pleasure. I know they’ll please us!
As for Ted Lasso, I’ve only heard the name, but I laughed at your caution about language for the sensitive. I’ll not collapse with the vapors if I bump into one of ‘those’ words, but I will set aside articles or books that depend a little too heavily on them. You should take it as a sign of my appreciation for your humor and creativity that in your case, the occasional F-bomb or whatever never has bothered me. I’ll always want to know what the good Dr.’s up to next, or what great decorated vehicles you’ve found!
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Many thanks, Linda, for your kind words. They mean a lot to me.
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Congrats on the milestone! I’m going with the open, respectful, loving and kind as possible.
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Hi Fran. Thanks for being a loyal reader. Much appreciated.
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Congratulations Neil. I love reading your stories. They make me inquisitive and I love the humour. I look forward to the next 350. Greetings from The Netherlands.
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Many thanks!
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Congrats on all of the writing and publishing! Once upon a time I was posting at least 5 days a week. Perhaps I should get back to that? Ted Lasso…I’ll have to find it at the library if they have it on DVD. I don’t have Apple TV+ so maybe if it ever winds up on Netflix by some chance…
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You used to publish five or more days each week? That’s amazing.
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Congrats on the milestone. That’s awesome!
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Thanks a lot.
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