Donald Ham 🏳️‍🌈 🐱🏋️‍♂️

Gay partnered (for 17 yrs) Boomer. Retirement job: Napa wine tour concierge, now actually retired. Before that I was a tech analyst studying emerging technology for Fortune 500 companies. Step-Papy to 2 amazing 20-something daughters. Big time cat dad.

Mostly UK DNA, huge Anglophile.

Timeline: Norman OK til I was 31, then I spent my 30s in Houston/Galveston, 40s in Chicago, 50s in Fort Lauderdale FL, 60s in SF Bay/Napa, and Rancho Mirage CA (Palm Springs area) 2022-present (I'm 73 now.)

No outrage: you can call me anything: if you mean it kindly.
Heritage: 🇺🇸 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🇸🇪 🇳🇴 🇮🇪 🇩🇪
Reach me on Signal: donaldham.06

Public Key

npub1fddrmt778342urwlntrqcv80xj2jggaruye4sf7shzumtslc56sqrqkh3n

NIP-05 Address

donaldham_at_mstdn.social@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsykk3a4l0rc64wph0e43svxrhnf9fyyw37zv6cylgt3wd4c0u2dgqpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsaahwh3

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1fddrmt778342urwlntrqcv80xj2jggaruye4sf7shzumtslc56sqrqkh3n

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Last Notes

2026-11-01 02:43:10 UTC

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Congratulations, Stux!

2026-10-31 02:19:02 UTC

Just now, my friend @npub1zjj…7q4t posted that today is his Mastodon anniversary, which helped me remember...
It's mine, too! I joined as part of the great Twitter exodus, the confirmation email is dated October 30, 2022.
Thanks for being there, friends, and a special thanks to @npub1s20…twmm who works so hard to keep mstdn.social spam and troll free.

2026-10-29 19:54:16 UTC

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I'm so sorry to read this.
Armistead Maupin has written about the "logical" family (as opposed to the "biological" family.)
Sometimes it's the family of choice (the logical family) that ends up meaning more to us than the family of birth.
Maupin was referring to what so many LGBTQ+ people go through, but it can impact anyone. Big hugs to you.

2026-10-24 02:14:36 UTC

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I am so grateful that the universe steered me to mastdn.social when I joined Mastodon 3 years ago. Thank you, thank you for all your hard work on our behalf. Get some rest.

2026-10-22 05:15:42 UTC

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Thank you for your hard work, and goodnight to George and Washy.

2026-10-16 18:35:55 UTC

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If you use SiriusXM, they play pricing games. You have to call to cancel a full-price subscription, during which they quickly offer something like $10/month to get you to stay.
BUT, they'll do better, and it's silly you have to counter-offfer. For years I've paid $5.99/month for the all-channel, car and Internet access. I just say I want that again, and they say yes immediately.
I set a calendar reminder to call them once a year before they auto-renew at full price.

2026-10-06 02:42:03 UTC

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I like all your photos, but these are especially lovely!

2026-10-05 21:32:59 UTC

RE: https://c.im/@gkearney/117389223913130917
I received the orange mussolini's $90 bribe today as a direct deposit from Social Security.
Thank you, Mr. Trump! I turned right around and donated all of it to the ACLU, who will fight for our civil rights and against corruption.
#ACLU
#USpol
#CivilRights
#note17fn…04mv

2026-10-02 02:19:03 UTC

RE: https://c.im/@cdarwin/117368389650768955
Nobel winner Paul Krugman, one of the signers, alerted his followers to the most important aspect of the billionaire tax a few months ago.
It's a tax on wealth, not income, and would be one of the world's first, a precedent that could spread and make them pay up worldwide. Thats why they're in such a panic.
Be sure to vote "yes" on 40, and "no" on 41 and 42, red herrings designed to neutralize 40.
#note153w…qpp6

2026-10-01 21:00:43 UTC

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Cory Doctorow's column today is spot-on about this, the politician who needs you until elected, then stops working for you, vs. the Mamdani method, which involves caring AFTER you're in office. Spoiler, Barack Obama does not come off well here.
I hope establishment Democrats learn a big lesson in November.
@npub1fdr…lvhs
https://pluralistic.net/2026/10/01/data-centers/#now-make-me-do-it

2026-09-29 01:32:36 UTC

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I hope you are feeling better, Mr. Stux! Good night

2026-09-28 01:02:58 UTC

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I hope the quick onset means quick departure as well! Hugs from our family.

2026-09-24 17:18:37 UTC

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I just sent my monthly 10 Euro donation.
Commence rant: I think it's shameful that so few people are stepping up to pay for what's valuable to them. Stux could easily be a millionaire if he chose, but instead he's having to practically beg to keep the lights on.
Get off your privileged butts and send in a Euro or two. Do it regularly. Or risk losing one of the best things technology has ever brought us.
Rant concludes, back to your regularly scheduled agreeable Don.

2026-09-24 00:54:03 UTC

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He is very noble, a fine, fine cat.

2026-09-21 00:44:10 UTC

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Good night, purple blanket and all who sleep on it!

2026-09-19 17:37:09 UTC

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Will be on the lookout for good news soon. Places I've found our cats hidden: inside kitchen or bathroom cabinets; in the pantry; in the dryer (I try to always keep it closed, but ..;) under dressers I thought were too low to get under (once inside a dresser drawer;) inside the sofa, having torn out a corner of the dust cover underneath.

2026-09-16 17:53:14 UTC

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When @npub1klz…zg63 shared that AI's username, I immediately went and reported it, then blocked it (Mark, aren't you the admin for weird.autos?)
Then I searched that AI company's name and blocked every user from it that has been allowed onboard.

2026-09-03 17:52:42 UTC

Shrinkflation in action. Same product, Kroger Instant Oatmeal. The packages look almost the same, but what's different? The most recent box I bought has 8 packets, where it was 10 before -- 20% less product, 100% same price.
Know your monopolists.
#Consumerism
#Kroger
#Shrinkflation
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/117/208/370/339/348/341/original/112517849bb8e651.jpg

2026-08-30 00:17:00 UTC

My husband Craig is great big. Kitten Bob is very small. They love each other.
#Caturday
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/117/181/564/625/555/263/original/000ce918bd84ff98.jpg

2026-08-28 17:03:29 UTC

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Here's my additional vote for Wise for anything related to international funds exchange/transfer. Seamless, responsive, better exchange rates, low fees.

2026-08-28 05:12:50 UTC

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Happy birthday to your daughter, and thank you for sharing your story.
I found you right after I joined Mastodon at the end of October in 2022, and loved your posts. But I think some people were unkind to you then and your profile disappeared. Every week or two I'd search, and I've been so happy to follow your adventures ever since you came back as NorCal Gma 2. I'm so glad you're here.

2026-08-21 02:26:06 UTC

Another day with kittens. Bob, like every orange boy I've known, is very affectionate. Just to make sure of me, he fell asleep holding my ankle.
#CatsOfMastodon
#Cats
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/117/131/113/924/082/421/original/c828e746e13d139f.jpg

2026-08-15 01:27:48 UTC

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They grew like weeds outside our house in Fort Lauderdale FL, I love sanseveria. But I didn't even know they flowered, it was a total surprise when I saw flowers like those in our backyard.

2026-08-15 01:24:31 UTC

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Goodnight, orange boys! And happy weekend.

2026-07-31 01:40:06 UTC

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Good night, George and Washy!

2026-07-26 18:23:50 UTC

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I know some people think they're ordinary, almost weeds, but I just love marigolds. Not just the color, but that wonderful spicy scent, just say "summer." I may have to watch Coco now.

2026-07-25 16:32:48 UTC

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Kate, one of our new kittens, had the same problem for several days right after we brought her home. Luckily it wasn't an obstruction, so the vet gave her anti-nausea medicine and and advised us to add a few drops of olive oil to her wet food to help things move along. Since Washy is still eating, that might be something to try.

2026-07-23 16:10:24 UTC

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I went through the DROP signup last week. @npub1fdr…lvhs is right: the process is insanely convoluted and I already *have* an ID.me account.
I'm grateful to live in a state that's making an effort, but of all places, why is the home of silicon valley doing so poorly to protect its citizens with a process that's got sign up failure built in?
https://pluralistic.net/2026/07/23/drop-a-dime/

2026-07-17 17:13:27 UTC

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That's the kind of day I like to store away in memory and bring out when it's been snowing and really cold for weeks. The dusty road, the smell of wind over dry grasses. It's wonderful

2026-07-12 01:38:39 UTC

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Reefer Madness was frequently on the bill. Harold and Maude showed up at midnight showings, too I think.

2026-06-30 22:03:08 UTC

Taking an example from @npub15w9…2huq I just signed up to send handwritten postcards to voters in swing states.
They supply the postcards and addresses, you buy postcard stamps (61 cents, but the price goes up in a week and they're good forever, I ordered 100 online from USPS.com)
Let's work together and win this fall!
https://secure.ngpvan.com/bcp6GpoxVEC3b1bF0GqgZg2?

2026-06-29 02:11:30 UTC

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Happy Pride, Mark!

2026-06-28 02:22:26 UTC

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Good night, Washy and George!

2026-06-25 23:34:30 UTC

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Bunq transfer to you just now, 20 Euros. Hang in there, my friend!

2026-06-16 02:16:50 UTC

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Good night, Mr. George!

2026-06-15 22:07:01 UTC

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Yeah, one thing I will agree with all you about: a used BMW, out of warranty, is a bad choice for a 19-year-old's first car.

2026-06-15 21:42:30 UTC

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If I can just present the view as an "insane" BMW owner:
TL;DR, after 6 of them (7 if you include my Oxford-built Mini Cooper,) I don't have a single horror story to report. My 128 is 13 years old. In 18 months, I've replaced brakes and shocks, replaced a windshield washer motor, and a valve cover gasket.
Most BMW owners take great care of their cars. Find one of those: no deferred maintenance, low miles--they're out there. It will serve you well for years.

2026-06-13 16:08:42 UTC

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Just did a 10 Euro transfer to Stuxhost.

2026-06-08 01:32:16 UTC

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Sleepy squoosh-head kitty

2026-06-05 15:03:17 UTC

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I love Kathy.
Although I really hope she will use her Mastodon account one day, there's good news for those of us in the greater Palm Springs area (like me!)
She will begin a residency at our Plaza Theater early next year.
https://www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/kathy

2026-06-05 02:33:52 UTC

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You are lucky to be from one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

2026-06-04 02:09:08 UTC

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Good night, kitties and humans.

2026-06-03 16:04:49 UTC

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(Rant mode)
@npub1s20…twmm
It's wrong that you do so much good for everyone on mstdn.social, and still have to worry about rent! Those of us who benefit from being here need to step up.
This is an appeal to everyone to support their instance with their wallets as well as their hearts. The good guys of the tech world shouldn't have to just make do every month.
(End rant)

2026-05-30 20:46:36 UTC

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Thanks for all your work! Just sent direct bunq transfer contribution.

2026-05-22 01:22:21 UTC

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Like all orange boys, they are adorable! Good night, Stux & Co.

2026-05-10 15:36:04 UTC

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And with thy spirit

2026-05-08 16:20:49 UTC

@npub1zjj…7q4t
Happy early birthday, my friend!

2026-05-07 00:31:34 UTC

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Good night, everyone and every cat!

2026-04-28 00:48:33 UTC

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That is *extra* derpy! Sleep tight, pusscats

2026-04-23 18:33:45 UTC

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I first tried them a couple of months ago, they are GOOD! They taste like a lot more work than they are, really great on tacos.

2026-04-19 02:34:59 UTC

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I second this. After a hospital stay some years ago, the feeling of not contributing as I recovered was tough. At first, just feeding the cats felt like I was contributing again. I'm not sure, but I'd guess by letting Summer and your husband help check something off the list, everyone felt better.

2026-04-17 18:36:54 UTC

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Congratulations on precipitation, I know it's welcome!

2026-04-09 16:26:37 UTC

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I miss the flowering shrubs of spring, so thanks for these photos. Lilac, especially, with its magical scent. Do you also see flowering quince and forsythia in Colorado?

2026-04-08 00:16:33 UTC

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Sweet dreams to everyone!

2026-04-03 02:25:54 UTC

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"We've rebooked your itinerary" is one of the scariest email phrases ever created.

2026-04-02 01:12:08 UTC

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Good night, sweet boys

2026-03-22 02:21:01 UTC

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Goodnight Happy George and Washy on the purple blanket

2026-03-19 21:17:24 UTC

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Just sent 10 Euro, thousands more invited to do the same to support you and our beloved instance!

2026-03-18 02:03:44 UTC

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Good night George (and Washy too!)

2026-02-25 03:29:26 UTC

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Good night, sweet Washy!

2026-02-17 02:33:14 UTC

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Good night George, Washy, and all who love and care for them.

2026-02-14 03:13:39 UTC

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I'm glad you're getting some rain! Any hope for some help for snowpack at higher elevations?

2026-02-06 15:24:43 UTC

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What a nice change from the neighbors you had at your old home! I'm so happy for you.

2026-02-02 00:58:23 UTC

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So much to discover for George and Washy!

2026-01-30 16:06:19 UTC

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Congratulations! That's an especially nice kitchen.

2026-01-29 00:12:00 UTC

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Congratulations! I know it was a tough search and a long wait, so here's wishing you, your partner, and George and Washy a warm homecoming!

2025-12-31 18:48:35 UTC

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Happy New Year, Stux!

2025-12-31 18:14:07 UTC

Well, we made it through this year, whew!
And so did I. As of today, I'm 73 years old.

2025-12-29 01:12:28 UTC

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Good night, George. Good night, Washy!

2025-12-25 02:10:06 UTC

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Wishing good night and a joyous Yuletide to you and your (human, cat) family!

2025-12-15 18:40:09 UTC

Non-rage, non-scary fun thing:
A Mastodon post months ago showed me WeatherStar4000+ from netbymatt.com, a functional duplicate of the old current conditions display from the Weather Channel on cable. It even includes the light jazz background music from the old days. Fun. Try your own location!
https://weatherstar.netbymatt.com/
PS, today's weather is the reward year-round desert residents receive for staying through the 120-degree F temperatures in the high summer.
#CAWX
#Weather
#PalmSprings
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/725/012/043/185/676/original/0d1393eb9b9f1a7e.png

2025-12-12 02:11:04 UTC

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It's good to see George get some purple blanket time! Good night, everyone

2025-12-07 02:21:16 UTC

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Good night Stux and your gf and George and Washington kitties. Sweet dreams to one and all.

2025-12-05 03:28:06 UTC

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It's a very beautiful tree! What does Summer think about that big, bright thing in her house?

2025-11-30 02:37:59 UTC

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Good night, George and Washy and your family!

2025-11-27 20:28:18 UTC

Happy Thanksgiving to all my lovely Mastodon friends.
I treasure your stories, your cats and dogs and birds and hedgehogs, your flowers and vegetables, your music and art and literature. And your families, your travels, your fights for freedom and justice, your struggles and joys. Your cooking and coffee and tea and cocktails. I love what we have in common, but especially all the wonderful ways we're different.
As Mr. Rogers says, "I like you just the way you are."

2025-11-23 02:14:43 UTC

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Sweet dreams, George and Washy!

2025-11-18 20:50:53 UTC

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Good luck, Stux! It sounds like George and Washy would approve!

2025-11-12 20:53:40 UTC

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Remember, Costco's board stood firm in support of their DEI initiatives, and they pay workers fairly, so that's a plus.
We have had great experiences with appliance purchases from Costco, so far a washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and our TV. They deliver, install, then remove the old appliances and all the packing material at no extra cost. I'd never go anywhere else.

2025-11-10 01:43:10 UTC

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Good wishes to your mom, I hope it heals quickly.

2025-11-05 02:12:38 UTC

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You all stay snug during the storm. I know you're no stranger to inclement weather, but this seems early for a strong NorCal wintertime storm

2025-10-30 15:55:02 UTC

I created my Mastodon account 3 years ago today, and it has been the best online experience I've ever had.
I have a bunch of real friends here, a community of lovers of animals, of nature, of art, music, and literature. Of the possibilities of tech. Of food, gardening, travel, and cars. Of fellow LGBTQ folks. And of protecting democracy.
Thank you all. Special shout-out to @npub1s20…twmm , who tirelessly keeps mstdn.social safe, spam-and-troll-free, and welcoming.
Weird small Mastodon forever!

2025-10-30 01:39:11 UTC

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Good night Stux and family! Hugs and pats to all

2025-10-29 21:52:10 UTC

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Like @npub1zjj…7q4t , I have a Cuisinart* I've owned since 1981. It's a tank!
I couple of months ago I finally bought a mandoline to slice potatoes, since it's light and quick when you don''t need to bring out the Cuisinart.
This one's from OXO, sits on top of a bowl, and the sturdy hand guard keeps you from slicing fingers. You just hold the potato with the guard and slide it across the blade, slices fall into bowl. Goes right in the dishwasher. <$20
*DLC 8e
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/459/614/968/346/396/original/5260363df64331b1.jpg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/459/628/479/891/659/original/56ed51f7a12b98c9.jpg

2025-10-23 01:57:20 UTC

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I always play the "is it Washy or is it George" game when you post one of their pictures. Got it right tonight!
Good night to all of you.

2025-10-20 16:52:17 UTC

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I kept running into people trying to sell for-profit healthcare plans until I found HICAP, California's state-supported senior medicare advice service.
They were exactly what I was looking for. I hope they can help you, too.
https://www.aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Medicare_Counseling/

2025-10-06 17:20:06 UTC

@npub1s20…twmm
I have tried to send a contribution for two days. Ko-Fi will no longer accept a donation without requiring me to create a PayPal account, which I will not do.
Can you accept money as direct deposit using your IBAN? Or do you recommend another way that doesn't involve evil billionaires?

2025-10-03 02:21:22 UTC

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Good night, I hope sleep and cat therapy helps you feel better soon me

2025-09-21 01:49:29 UTC

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Goodnight Washy!

2025-08-31 16:01:55 UTC

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Thanks to the work you and your moderation friends do, I've never gotten even ONE of those false authentication messages here on mstdn.social.
That scam where a bot pretended to be a young woman a few months ago? I heard about it from friends on other instances, but none of those messages ever got to me.
And in almost three years, I can count the number of spam messages on my feed on one hand.
Thank you!

2025-08-12 01:47:01 UTC

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Happy meow meows, I hope you feel better soon!

2025-08-01 14:21:43 UTC

You know what part of online life has never been enshittified? Craigslist, where founder Craig Newmark could have been an asshole billionaire, but chose a better path.
He is my tech hero.
Here is a great profile from media news site Poynter.
https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2025/did-craigslist-kill-newspapers-poynter-50/
@npub1km4…ujph
#Craigslist
#Poynter

2025-07-25 17:43:30 UTC

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Time for my monthly 10 Euros, just sent via KoFi. Keep up the good work, my friend!

2025-07-25 01:55:30 UTC

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Good night, George and Washy and family!

2025-07-12 01:30:00 UTC

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Good night Washy and George, happy #Caturday

2025-07-11 16:49:45 UTC

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Did you try out your new camera this morning?

2025-06-29 19:00:16 UTC

#SilentSunday
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/768/171/875/820/006/original/48acdba19eed01c1.jpg

2025-06-26 00:20:08 UTC

When @npub15w9…2huq posted a picture of an agapanthus today, it reminded me how much I loved seeing them in our yard when we lived in Vallejo, and around the wineries when I worked for Napa Valley Bike Tours. You know for sure it's June when all of a sudden, they burst into bloom.
One summer I got a small stuffed black cat for our girls. It's name: Agatha Panther.
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/746/762/707/304/900/original/42ffe924b61c381e.jpg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/746/763/939/152/786/original/65491869c4be6ce2.jpg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/746/764/536/530/905/original/79100aed0d2dbac5.jpg

2025-06-07 00:01:45 UTC

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Good night, George, Washy, and Stux! Happy weekend

2025-06-01 02:21:58 UTC

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Good night kitties and humans.