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As I've explained some time ago, I'd love to join in the discussions here but my health doesn't let me. But some things just cannot be allowed to pass without comment, so I've spent a very long time putting this post together - only to see that Hopalong has beaten me to it, and said what I had planned to!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FF!!!
When I began visiting the BRN threads on HC it seemed a bit like eating at a serve-yourself all-you-can-eat buffet or bistro. You know what it's like.... some of the food looks horrible. Some looks great - but leaves you with a nasty aftertaste. Some turns out to be very filling, and leaves no room for what you'd really like. And some tastes soooo good that you find yourself going back for more... And more!
So many of the posters on here are just plain horrible. And some appear ok at first, but then you learn they have a nasty side. Others post repeatedly without contributing anything of value. They waste your time. I put all these types on Ignore.
Then there is another group of posters here who are like the food that is great to eat and is really nutritious. These are the posts I enjoy reading. They are often humorous, contain useful insights, and show a generous spirit that drives them to willingly share their thoughts, research, ideas and knowledge with the rest of us. I have great respect for you all and really enjoy devouring what you post. I "Follow" you. That makes it easier to pick out what to read.
I've been in my own "home lock down" for decades, so even though I have a loving wife, a large family and faithful friends who visit me regularly, life can be very lonely at times. Although you don't know me, I feel as though I'm gradually getting to know many of you, and your words spike the neurons in my brain and give me that feeling of being alive! So thank you for that.
And then there's
@Fact Finder. He's the food that you keep going back for multiple helpings! Thank you so much for being here, FF. You have a wonderful way of making even complex things understandable. Your approach to the folk on here is always caring, generous, inciteful and genuine. I read every single thing you post, and have never once thought I'd wasted my time doing so. When others need pulling into line, you do so in a gentle way that calms everybody down and restores the delightfully harmonious spirit of mutual encouragement that exists here.
I know it sounds corny, but words cannot express the depth of my gratitude to you for the wonderful way you've allowed me to enjoy reading your contributions here. Even if BRN turned out to be a total fizzer, I'd not regret the time I've spent sitting here reading your many words of wisdom. As I read, it feels as though I'm listening to an old friend! We share a similar sense of humour and the same earnest desire to search out the truth. Thanks again, and many happy returns!
We are truly at a potential tipping point for BRN, and I'm sure we're in for a very exciting future. Although I'm not able to post as I'd like, please know that I read all the worthwhile BRN posts and will continue doing so!
GLTAH and AKIDA BALLISTA!!!
Jeff
(20min delay)