February 3, 2005 February 3, 2018.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

Today marks my 13th year here on DU. When I stumbled across this site (actually in 2004), I had no idea what I’d found. I was very new to the internet, computers and politics on this large a scale. It seemed like a wonderland. I’d never seen posts or topics or different forums before! I had no idea how things worked. Everything was a revelation.

And never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I would be a member this long. And how grateful I am that DU exists. I’ve had my eyes opened to the political reality in both our country and abroad as well. I’ve made many friends. Some have passed on, some are still here and they all matter. I’ve learned so much about human nature, both good and bad. Everything I’ve encountered here has made me who I am today. Of course, older, but also a bit smarter and maybe even wiser. More sophisticated for sure. I’ve become a better photographer, thanks to my good friends in the Photo Group.

I’m 74 now, and I have no idea how long my life will go on, but I will say this: As long as I can type, I will be a member.

DU is home.

Thank you, all of you, for making my experience so amazing.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Well spoken and AMEN! nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. Thanks! n/t

[snacker]

2. Happy DU Anniversary!

To a DU favorite

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Aw...........thank you! n/t

[bigtree]

3. CP!

Thanks so much for being here!

You've made my day special and warm more times than I can remember. Keep on keeping on!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Thanks! You are too kind! n/t

[JimGinPA]

4. Welcome To DU

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. Thanks, and haven't heard that in a while!

[BSdetect]

5. Take the pledge to outlive drumph

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. Oh, ABSOLUTELY! n/t

[Skittles]

6. YEE HAW

yes INDEED

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. Thanks!

[CurtEastPoint]

7. Thank you for being here. I looked at my profile and I was TEN days behind you!

What a ride.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. We were part of the flood of new members!

A hell of a ride for sure.

[RKP5637]

8. ...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

18. What a sweetie! n/t

[yallerdawg]

9. You know YOU have helped make this site what it is!

Thank YOU, CaliforniaPeggy!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. In some small way, I may have...

And I am honored to have done that.

Thank you!

[marble falls]

13. No, thankyou CaliPeg!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

20. So sweet of you to say this! n/t

[kentuck]

21. Peggy, you are one of the jewels to be found on DU

Your steadiness has guided us thru many storms.

kentuck

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. How kind of you, my dear kentuck........

[edhopper]

22. Happy Anniversary Peggy

Wow, I've been here longer than you, yet you have 6 times more posts than me.

You're a posting machine!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

25. Thank you, my dear edhopper!

I was newly retired when I joined and so had a lot of free time! I don't post as much these days.....

Today may be an exception!

[edhopper]

41. Well

keep on posting!

[Ellipsis]

24. That's the "true true" Miss Peggy

You bring a touch of class to the DU.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

27. Thank you! My sigline says it all. n/t

[Ellipsis]

29. Those French Quakers had it going on too.

Best.

[malaise]

26. You're a DU treasure

'my dear' CaliforniaPeggy

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. Aw, my dear malaise! Thank you, sweetie!

[smirkymonkey]

30. Congratulations California Peggy!

It's been great to have you here! Has it really been that long? It seems like yesterday. I have been a DU member about as long, maybe a year or two longer than you have and time does fly. This place has kept me sane and I am eternally grateful for everyone here, as you are.

Your post says it all. It's so heartfelt and kind. You speak like a true Democrat. Cheers to you!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

33. Thank you, my dear smirkymonkey!

I appreciate your kind words!

[Kali]

31. wow I was here almost a year before you

seems like you were greeting me with a lovely "my dear..." I must not have been posting much that first year or so...

you are one of the people that makes the place shine, so glad I know you

[CaliforniaPeggy]

34. My dear Kali!

You and I have seen a lot happen here. You've stood by me and helped me weather the dark days...

I'm so glad I know you too!

[monmouth4]

32. I was much the same as you, very new to the internet. When I joined DU you were among the first to

make me feel welcome, I shall not forget that. Happy Anniversary!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

35. Thank you, my dear monmouth4!

I remember my early days too and the welcome I received from established members. It really pulls you in, doesn't it?

[monmouth4]

36. That it does..n/t

[ornotna]

37. April 28, 2011

Your first "my dear" in the new DU.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181#post12

[CaliforniaPeggy]

50. My dear ornotna!

Awwww....thank you for remembering!

[liberaltrucker]

38. It wouldn't be DU without you, Peggy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

51. My dear liberaltrucker!

It wouldn't be DU without you either, you ol' sweetie you!

[erronis]

39. And I'm a wet-behind-the-ears 70-ish that has enjoyed your posts so much.

I've slowly learned the rules of the road (etiquette - which is not a personal forte) through intelligent and measured posts such as yours.

I did fear for DU during the assaults around the 2016 election and I hope we can all work together to make this a stronger, and more inclusive community.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

52. I'm so glad you've enjoyed my posts, my dear erronis!

I hope we can help DU become a more inclusive community too...

[pwb]

40. I found us a year after you.

More a reader than poster. Do enjoy your post Peggy . Big fan of our left coast. Spent a short time their on my way overseas and the people went out of their way to make me feel welcome. Hitch hiking back then was common and a man went miles out of his way to bring us where we wanted to go. A lasting good memory I will always have of that trip Uncle Sam sent me on. Hope your here for many many more years. Peace.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

53. Thank you for your good thoughts, my dear pwb!

Peace to you as well...

[withoutapaddle]

42. You were one of the first ones to greet me

way back in D2, when I was backtoblue. You've always been kind and welcoming. Thank you for making this place cool.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

54. My dear withoutapaddle!

Thank you so much!

[PatSeg]

43. I became a member in 2004 also

though I had been visiting the site for quite awhile before that. At the time, it was hard to find reasonable, liberal voices. DU helped me keep my sanity during the Bush years and I've made some life-long friends in the process.

Happy Anniversary!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

56. My dear PatSeg!

The internet has changed so many of our lives! I too have made life-long friends here. It has been an invaluable experience!

Thank you for your kind words!

[lapfog_1]

44. I've been here only slightly longer (coming up on 14)

and your presence here is one of my highlights...

of course, you are much more prolific than me!

Keep it up and here is to 13 more years at DU!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

58. Thank you, my dear lapfog_1!

Let's see............13 more years would get me to 105 years old!!! I kinda doubt I'll live that long, but ya never know!

[lapfog_1]

60. Clean living and modern medicine

My grandmother lived to 102, so... ya never know

[orangecrush]

45. Glad you're here!

Wishing you many more years on D.U.!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

61. Thank you, my dear orangecrush!

I'm really glad to be here, too!

I'm looking for as many years as possible.

[NBachers]

46. And thank you for taking us along with you on your journey, Peggy!

Your post reflects the experience that many of us here have shared.

This fellow Californian treasures your presence here. Your upbeat and positive attitude always enhances my day.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

64. Thank you, my dear NBachers!

I thank you for your kindness...

[Aristus]

47. It's been a wonderful 13 years, CalPeg.

I still flatter myself that I'm the one who coined that nickname. Even if I didn't, though, you'll always be CalPeg to me...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

65. It has indeed, my dear Aristus...

And I think you did coin my nickname...

I love it and I thank you for it.

[volstork]

48. Dear California Peggy,

[CaliforniaPeggy]

66. Thank you, my dear volstork!

[Butterflylady]

49. Happy DU Anniversary

Glad to know there's someone hear older than me!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

67. Thank you, my dear Butterflylady!

And there are a few older than either of us!

[doc03]

55. I thought it started in 2003. I think that is why I used the name Doc03,

apparently I am wrong. Oh Ok 2004 was when you joined.

[llmart]

63. I think you're right...

I've been on DU since 2003 also.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

68. Actually, I officially joined in 2005. I lurked in 2004.

DU started up in 2001, long before I had a personal computer!

[Mira]

57. We love you

You are our sister.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

69. Thank you, my dear Mira...........

You are my sister too...

[The Wielding Truth]

59. kentuck -POST# 21. Expressed exactly how I feel about you. I couldn't say it better.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

70. Thank you, my dear Wielding Truth! She was certainly eloquent.

[H2O Man]

62. Recommended!

Thank you for being here, and all that you add! You are very much appreciated.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

71. Thank you, my dear H20 Man!

I don't have a great intellect or the capacity for deep thinking, though I recognize those qualities in the people around me...You are one of those great thinkers and writers. I lack the discipline and energy for such work.

But I know it when I see it! And I always try to support such good thinking/writing. Thank you for helping me do that.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

72. CaliforniaPeggy! I know you too, here on DU.

I’ll never forget several times when you gave me very kind, caring words. I really needed them! I’ll always remember how much you lifted my spirits, those times.

So very kindhearted. That’s You! 💙

Ha! I’m getting to where I can’t type *red* hearts anymore!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

78. You're so very welcome, my dear BlancheSplanchnik!

There have been times when I needed those too, and I will always be grateful for those who extended them.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

129. Indeed

💙

[sl8]

73. My Dear Peggy,

There are so few that I wouId address so.

There are few that I hold so dear and even fewer that I call Peggy.

I look forward to many, many more of your posts.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

79. Aw, thank you, my dear sl8!

That is so very kind of you...

[DFW]

74. Although I have encountered a few DUers briefly

You and LM are the only DUers I have ever spent any real time with, and certainly the only ones to whom I have introduced my wife.

There is a reason for all that.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

80. Thank you, my dear DFW...

So much eloquence in so few words...

I thank you.

[longship]

75. Your living room seems to be a very comfortable place, CP!

Certainly your contributions here make it seem that way.

Happy DUnniversity!!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

81. Thank you, my dear longship!

Well, it's more like a virtual living room! But, yes, I want it to be a friendly, welcoming and comfortable place.

[longship]

97. That was my intended analogy, Peggy.

I look at entering into a CP thread as being invited in for a comfy sit down and friendly chat for a while.

[mvd]

76. Hi CaliforniaPeggy!

What a beautiful post! DU has changed over the years, but something that has not changed is you being one of my favorite posters. I want you to see the next Democratic President - I am sure you will!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

83. Thank you so much, my dear mvd!

I can put a couple of words together when I put my mind to it!

I know I will be here for the next Democratic President.

[catbyte]

77. From one long-time DU member to another, I agree wholeheartedly

I joined in 2002, not sure of the exact day & month, but it was in reaction to Bush/Cheney. Back then, I thought those were the worst of "The Dark Times", little did I know that things would get so bad that I'm actually nostalgic for those days.

I would've lost my sanity without DU & I've always enjoyed your posts. Happy Anniversary!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

84. My dear catbyte!

Thanks for your reminiscences! (Yay! Spellcheck knew how to spell it!)

I hear ya about nostalgia........oh boy do I.

[Glamrock]

82. Shit

You mean you're only74!
Keep rocking Peggy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

85. My dear Glamrock!

You certainly got my attention with that opening!

Well, I will be 75 in November!

I expect to live awhile yet.

[Glamrock]

87. I raise my glass to you sweetheart!

Always happy to see your posts. Got a feeling I'll be reading them for a good long time!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

89. Thank you, and cheers!

[lpbk2713]

86. I never miss one of your posts Peg.

I am glad you are a part of the DU community.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

88. My dear lpbk2713!

Thank you, dear man...I am glad you're part of this community too.

[Ferrets are Cool]

90. May you Live Long and Prosper!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

91. Thank you, my dear Ferrets are Cool! I am planning on it! n/t

[Elwood P Dowd]

92. Hope you have another 13 here CP. Been here going on 15 myself. Hope we still have a country

with a functioning democracy when your next DU anniversary arrives.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

93. I hope for all those things too, my dear Elwood P Dowd! Fingers crossed! n/t

[panader0]

94. Hooray for Peggy! You make DU a better place.

9/11/2005 for me.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

100. Thank you, my dear panader0!

[Tracyjo]

95. Yay!

I'm sure glad you're here. It is a great place, isn't it? Happy anniversary!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

101. Thank you, my dear Tracyjo! It IS a great place for sure.

[erlewyne]

96. Oh, that is sweet

I will watch for you from now on!

You are precious.

I just turned 70 and "I’m 74 now, and I have no idea how long my life will go on,"
means a lot to me.

Thank you

[CaliforniaPeggy]

103. Thank you, my dear erlewyne!

These days I usually hang out in the Photo Group. It's a great place, full of beautiful photos and friendly photographers!

I'm glad I helped you.

[TygrBright]

98. CaliforniaPeggy, you're one of the best things about DU.

Thanks for all you do making it such a wonderful community.

appreciatively,
Bright

[CaliforniaPeggy]

104. Thank you so much, my dear TygrBright!

You've done more than your share of making DU a great community...thank you for your contributions too!

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE your username! I always know there will be something good to read when I see it.

[grantcart]

99. CaliforniaPeggy is the official "better angel" that sits on the shoulder of DU

[CaliforniaPeggy]

105. Omigod, my dear grantcart! Thank You.

[Lifelong Protester]

102. I ALWAYS click on your posts first.

You are a treasure!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

106. Wow, thank you, my dear Lifelong Protester!

You honor me.........so much.

[Hekate]

107. Peggy, you are one of the people who makes DU a community, & worthwhile staying around for...

I showed up here in September 2002 at the urging of a friend. At times DU saved my sanity, at other times it tested my sanity. It remains a remarkable place.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

109. Thank you, my dear Hekate!

DU has both saved my sanity and tested it, just like it has for you! It's a great place.

[Pachamama]

108. I can't remember how I find my way here either, but I remember actually welcoming you when you were

...a new member and sending you a welcome and all the various times over the years as we posted and discussed various topics, even if we didn't agree, although I think of you like a sister who its all good and if we ever disagreed, I can't remember over what and it doesn't matter.....

Glad we have been able to be here sharing all these years and that we stay strong and make it through this current nightmare that had any of us been told during the GWB years would happen, we would never have believed it....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

110. Omigod, what a great memory you have, my dear Pachamama!

I am embarrassed to admit that I don't remember that... But I am old and lots of good things have been forgotten.

We are staying strong and I believe we will survive the current mess.

Thank you for your kind words!

[steve2470]

111. keep on being you, Peggy

One of the very best on DU, hands down. So glad to have you in MHSG. Glad your photography is so fulfilling

[CaliforniaPeggy]

112. Thank you, my dear Steve!

I don't know how to be anyone but me. So we're stuck with that.

I have a lot of fun with my photography, but there is still so much I don't know how to do........and some days I lack the motivation to learn!

[MLAA]

113. I always look forward to you moon photos and I appreciate hearing your opinions.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

115. And I appreciate your kindness, my dear MLAA! Thank you so much. n/t

[yuiyoshida]

114. omedetou gozaimashita!

おめでとう ございました! congratulations!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

116. Thank you so much, my dear yuiyoshida! And for the translation too!

[yuiyoshida]

117. most welcome

dou itashimashite ど いたしまして~!

[applegrove]

118. I joined around the same time. Republicans online were picking and baiting

democrats after shrub won the election. I tried the mixed boards, destroyed the opposition but that is not me. Then i found the DU and found a place where I could share and laugh and cry with like people who want everyone to succeed in life in every way.

And Peggy you set the tone here and we would not be the same without you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

120. Thank you so much, my dear applegrove!

I appreciate your kind remarks so much!

[BadGimp]

119. Wonderful Post... Thank you!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

121. Thank you, my dear BadGimp! I appreciate your input so much. n/t

[Neema]

122. My dear Peggy!

I was lucky enough to meet you years ago and you're a lovely person. I left DU for awhile and was so happy to find you here when I came back. xo

[CaliforniaPeggy]

131. My dear Neema!

Thank you for your kind words...

[orleans]

123. "DU is home."

it really does feel that way to me too.

(so i had to check my profile & i hit my 13th yr this past nov 26. finding du on a desperate search for some sort of liberal website was an absolute lifesaver.)

thank you peggy for being here with the rest of us

[CaliforniaPeggy]

132. Thank you, my dear Orleans.

I am glad to know you too!

Being here completes me!

[Rhiannon12866]

124. Congratulations, Peggy!

And thank you for all you do!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

133. Thank you, my dear Rhiannon!

Your kindness touches me...

[samplegirl]

125. Congrats

From another old D.U.er March 19 it will be 14 years.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

134. Thank you, my dear samplegirl, and congrats on your anniversary too!

[UpInArms]

126. I am so glad you are here, California Peggy

You have added so very much to this community ...

I arrived in February or March of 2001 ... wandered in from the cold ... was taught how to post by Kephra (I miss him stilll) ... those were such dark days in the world ... and your light has brightened my days so very many times ...

Long may you post ...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

135. Thank you, my dear UpInArms!

I miss him too...one of many gone too soon.

[Angry Dragon]

127. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

[CaliforniaPeggy]

136. Thank you, my dear Angry Dragon!

[pandr32]

128. That last line works both ways

Thank you, CaliforniaPeggy, for helping to make the DU experience so amazing.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

137. My dear pandr32!

Ah, thank YOU. I appreciate your support...

[nolabear]

130. My dear Peg, you know how much I love you.

I haven’t been around quite as long as you but it’s been a long time. I’ve gotten so irritated with DU sometimes I cold spit, but then there are folks like you around (here and in that other place we see one another) that remind me we’re, as one of my analytic forbears said, “simply more human than otherwise.” We’re all in this together. So I stay and it’s worth every harrumph and every laugh out loud.

Here’s to ya, Peggy. And to DU, as Zorba affectionately said, “The whole catastrophe.”

[CaliforniaPeggy]

139. Ah, my dear nolabear...Thank you.

I do know and it always astonishes me. I sure do appreciate your kind words.

I love that quote! "The whole catastrophe."

[kerry-is-my-prez]

138. I initially joined after Bush was "selected" in 2001. This site was mentioned on MSNBC. I had to

re-sign back up because I was expelled during the Clark vs. Dean war on here. I was originally "gore-is-my-prez" - lol! This place helped me retain my sanity back when this country went crazy and you could barely find anyone who dared criticize Bush. Right now, I feel that this country has again "gone off the rails,"

[CaliforniaPeggy]

140. And it has gone off the rails!

It's up to us to put it right.

I appreciate your comments!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

141. So surreal! At least the majority of the country doesn't like Trump unlike when Bush & 9/11

happened. If it wasn't for this site and Olbermann, I would have gone nuts.