let me once more repeat my comment from previous days off, "by the way, I am very aware of how lucky and privileged I am. most people do not have a hundred thousand or more people who care about them. that has to make a difference in the grieving process. so, once again, thank you. I love you all"
Take whatever break you need jeff. But I will take the hit for you today.
Fucking Lindsey Graham is dead.
So Lindsey Graham is dead, and the tribute machine wants me misty over a "true American Patriot." Cool. Here's the patriot's other résumé — the shit-heel one. Co-sponsored DOMA in '96. Voted to block gay couples from adopting kids. Voted against ENDA, against ending Don't Ask Don't Tell while eight Republicans grew a spine he never located, against the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022. HRC clocked his record at twelve goddamn percent. Twelve. Thirty years voting against my life, the sanctimonious fucknugget, and called it principle. The record doesn't do moments of silence.
He exemplified what happens to people who deny who they are: he voted to further suppress himself & hurt lots of other people as a result, and he identified fully with whoever was in power who also hated who he was. Apart from having more awareness of his self-hatred than trump does, Graham had no redeeming qualities and deserves to be vilified for supporting the damage that McConnell did & trump continues to do.
OMG! I went right to Jeff this morning and never saw the LG news! I thought everyone was joking or just hoping. Wow....I guess there is retribution for those traitors who previously hated trump--who's next? Cruz?
KP, LG had just worked on a sanctions package against Russia. Do you think Putin had him poisoned? The ME should test his blood, if he had any. Stephen Miller may have sucked him dry.
No need for Putin to worry, as LG was as two-faced as any Republican when it comes to supporting resistance to tyranny. How on earth could anyone support Ukraine while helping dismantle the Constitution and rule of law in their own country?
You should see the comments at the NYT. The hypocrisy especially from the southern posters is stunning. Whose next in line to be the official ass-kisser? I feel nothing for him. He made his choice.
It is said that things like this come in three’s, McConnell, Graham…..Trump? If that happens maybe some of the R’s will start to think about their actions. Nah!
Waiting to watch the men's singles final from Wimbledon, so, in the meantime, I checked on MS-NOW and CNN to see if I could get any updates about Lindsey Graham's demise.....Neither was covering it--CNN just put the notification in red in the crawl at the bottom of the screen, to set it off from the rest of the news buried down there (oooh--guess that was a poor choice of words).....Zippity Do Dah otherwise. Hokey smokes: what a dis!
I was in disbelief too thinking it was a kind of dark joke. Good riddance is what I say, what a slimy little toad he was, living so far up the Felon's arse it made me wonder if he was a little plaything on Epstein Island. Would not be surprised.
I absolutely love the pictures you post. I feel as if I am getting to know you through Claudia. She must've been one beautiful fun partner! Hold her in your heart and she will never leave you.
Also, I think it's great that you took so many. It's really easy to capture our lives in pictures these days, but not many of us do it as well as you captured hers, and I appreciate that.
And we love you. It always breaks my heart when I see these posts from you. I can't believe she's gone 5 months. I love your honesty about how much you love and miss her. But even in your pain, you can still throw in Donnyloathing and holy fuck Lindsey Graham. Claudia would be proud🙏. Ending with the picture of Claudia toasting with her ice cold martini was perfect. It's like she's toasting all of us. Take care of yourself today. ❤
Jeff, I haven't piped up before, but I feel it's time to say something. You make me laugh, you raise my spirits, you warm the cockles of my cold, dead heart, so keep on writing. This loss is an apocalypse. Living through an apocalypse, we have to find our comforts in the little things. I send you my fervent hopes for the eventual return of joy in whatever form it can take. Sincerely, your avid reader in NC
I’m grateful for the ringside seat to your musings. The intimate photos you share make us feel like a privileged part of your family. Thank you for sharing.
Grieving is difficult but necessary🫶
As for other matters of national importance, those of you who are familiar with the Wizard of Oz…ding dong 🎶
We love you, Jeff! I rely on your wit and wisdom every day. You put in so much effort to keep up informed (and laughing), and even when you tell us you need a break, you always leave us with a sprinkling of the best nuggets of the craziest happenings in our world. Take your time!
Ah, yes. You two certainly had your priorities. I have gotten to love you both for how wonderful you have revealed yourselves to be. Take as much time whenever you need it. The shit you help us though will always be there.
There isn't space here to cut and paste the photo of you and Claudia seated in the plane. Having grown up a Lutheran, I noticed your outfit included a white tee shirt neckline which reminded me of the Lutheran pastoral collar. The light from the window shone on Claudia. Ethereal. You have been a pastor for us during these difficult years, helping us deal while our emotions are uber stressed. Thank you for helping us cope while you are coping also. Grateful for you and Claudia.
you know, I really wanted to say more about Old Lindz in my post, but I felt it would be in really poor taste to have 'I miss my wife' and 'ha ha, Lindsey Graham!' right next to each other in the same post — but don't let that stop all you commenters. snark away!
I've already read a post about death coming in threes. Maybe? The fact that trump had another checkup and cognitive test after just having same in May doesn't indicate that he's in stellar health despite his claims to the contrary.
Yeah, that's an imposed fiction people sometimes believe. You can always find three things and a thread to tie them together. Maybe three prominent South Carolinians died today. Or three Trump sycophants
Take the day off, you deserve it. Tomorrow perhaps you can snark on old Miss Lindz and Mitch McConnell. What is with these southerners that make them so unlikable?
Oh, believe me, I am chortling. And when dealing with so-much-for-the-tolerant-left scolds, remember Bierce's advice: "Wit smiles, apologizes...and then twists the knife."
Hope your mental health break provides a respite and you return tomorrow to pay your respects to The Flower Of Southern Womanhood. It is my understanding the paramedics had to remove Graham’s head from Trump’s anus before resuscitation attempts could begin.
"...surprise dirt nap..." LOVE IT. Actually, it reminds me of when my mother suddenly died while being transported - in the hospital, mind you - for some testing. One minute they were transferring her to the gurney, the next minute she was gone. The awful part about that is that my younger sister was on the phone and heard the whole thing go down. My first thought, when the news came, was "Wow, bet she was shocked!" (I know, kinda awful thought about one's mom, but she had her issues)
Well, a couple of dark possibilities occur to me: Trump has been told his time is short and he's getting his enemies list cleared out, or Putin is cleaning out potential witnesses. Don't forget, McConnell aka is Moscow Mitch.
Ted Cruz is very young, only in his 50s. (I know, people were always shocked when I told them back in 2018 that he and Beto were basically the same age.)
Inquiring minds want to know if just dance vance visited him yesterday. Yes, I do subscribe to these events happening in threes. dumpy, susan and chuck are all hiding behind curtains worried the Banshee is headed their way.
I love dirt nap. Will use that from now on for the unlikeable dead.
My sincere condolences..Im 6 1/2 months from losing my golden years cut short husband. Grief comes in waves...I talk to him out loud, my dog thinks Im nuts. But it helps.
Jeff, I lost my husband of 51 years 3 years ago. It does get better, but some days just kick you in the chest, making it hard to breathe. Take all the time you need. And here’s a thought about Trump’s REAL reaction to Lindsey’s death and Mitch’s whatever - I’m sure he’s screaming, “Why are they doing this to ME?!”, while throwing ketchup bottles at the wall… Take care. Those are great pictures of Claudia! ❤️
I'd put dollars to donuts he said something like that. Here's hoping a staffer heard him and it shows up in some future behind-the-scenes tell-all about his decline and fall.
Please take of yourself, Jeff. 5 months is still so immediate and raw (I lost my beloved husband suddenly, and that first year was an especially unmooring, howling at the moon, all-consuming tsunami of emotions) I am amazed ( and grateful) that you have continued to be so communicative and diligent about engaging with your readers ( and the scary US and world politics) during these past 5 months. Kudos to you for your resilience, and hugs to you for the loss of your beloved Claudia, Ms. Spouse.
When I told a friend the news about Lindsey, she mentioned that deaths come in threes. I asked who she meant, and she mentioned the turtle. So place your bets on who the Reaper is coming for next.
Grieving is a process, 5 months is not long for a lifetime of love. It may take forever. That you have continued these posts is remarkable, I hope they help you heal. I am also in the midst of grief. So I can relate in both laughter and sorrow.
Another total stranger who is also an avid devoted reader, sending appreciation for what you do and ongoing condolences. Grief doesn’t have a timetable. Obviously. We’re here to catch your words and photos.
Your hilarious vitriol helps get me through this wretched time, and I hope your occasional breaks help you get through the aftermath of Claudia’s death.
let me once more repeat my comment from previous days off, "by the way, I am very aware of how lucky and privileged I am. most people do not have a hundred thousand or more people who care about them. that has to make a difference in the grieving process. so, once again, thank you. I love you all"
Take whatever break you need jeff. But I will take the hit for you today.
Fucking Lindsey Graham is dead.
So Lindsey Graham is dead, and the tribute machine wants me misty over a "true American Patriot." Cool. Here's the patriot's other résumé — the shit-heel one. Co-sponsored DOMA in '96. Voted to block gay couples from adopting kids. Voted against ENDA, against ending Don't Ask Don't Tell while eight Republicans grew a spine he never located, against the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022. HRC clocked his record at twelve goddamn percent. Twelve. Thirty years voting against my life, the sanctimonious fucknugget, and called it principle. The record doesn't do moments of silence.
https://thistleandmoss.com/p/what-survives-the-morning-ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead-sorry-no-it-s-not-trump
He exemplified what happens to people who deny who they are: he voted to further suppress himself & hurt lots of other people as a result, and he identified fully with whoever was in power who also hated who he was. Apart from having more awareness of his self-hatred than trump does, Graham had no redeeming qualities and deserves to be vilified for supporting the damage that McConnell did & trump continues to do.
OMG! I went right to Jeff this morning and never saw the LG news! I thought everyone was joking or just hoping. Wow....I guess there is retribution for those traitors who previously hated trump--who's next? Cruz?
A friend texted me the news, and I thought she had confused him with McConnell.
I find it interesting that Turtle has not responded to LG's death.
Who died first?
Excellent question.
Same here! 😄 I thought it was the turtle instead.
Yes!! Same!
KP, LG had just worked on a sanctions package against Russia. Do you think Putin had him poisoned? The ME should test his blood, if he had any. Stephen Miller may have sucked him dry.
No need for Putin to worry, as LG was as two-faced as any Republican when it comes to supporting resistance to tyranny. How on earth could anyone support Ukraine while helping dismantle the Constitution and rule of law in their own country?
I love you Wendy The Druid 😂❤🤗
You should see the comments at the NYT. The hypocrisy especially from the southern posters is stunning. Whose next in line to be the official ass-kisser? I feel nothing for him. He made his choice.
Love you back
Whoever the governor appoints. The good news is they will be a relatively powerless back bencher.
Your quotes on LG are great! And love the pride arch in Detroit!
The rest of us can have a drink and celebrate the dead of another Fascist enabler!
I won't celebrate but neither can I grieve.
It is said that things like this come in three’s, McConnell, Graham…..Trump? If that happens maybe some of the R’s will start to think about their actions. Nah!
Wouldn't that be something?!!
Waiting to watch the men's singles final from Wimbledon, so, in the meantime, I checked on MS-NOW and CNN to see if I could get any updates about Lindsey Graham's demise.....Neither was covering it--CNN just put the notification in red in the crawl at the bottom of the screen, to set it off from the rest of the news buried down there (oooh--guess that was a poor choice of words).....Zippity Do Dah otherwise. Hokey smokes: what a dis!
Oh, well. time for tennis!
To the tune of the Moody Blues' Legend of a Mind:
Lindsey Graham's dead
No, no, no, he's down there looking up
He'll wave his bubble wand
And deepen the trump swamp pond
Tell you lies with a straight face
Leave you stuck in a bad place
He got on the trump train
And then he did disdain
The memory of John McCain
Another character stain
Lindsey Graham's dead
No, no, no, he's down there looking up
He was in on trump's dumb con
To start a conflict with Iran
He loves the killing and war mayhem
Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham
I've had this stuck in my head since about 3.30 this morning when I woke up to find my feeds jammed with the news about LG:
https://youtu.be/LetN_usw-w8?is=MAn3oCWDutzbD0Za
Thanks. Never heard this before
Lol I just read your link after posting. We think alike lol referencing the Wizard
Two down, one to go.
Unfortunately SC Gov. McMasters is allowed to name a successor for lindsey, but KY Gov. Beshear is not. That's the repugnicants for ya.
Nancy Mace has already popped up like Reese Witherspoon in the movie "Election" and yelled "Pick me, ME!"
What about Massie
I was in disbelief too thinking it was a kind of dark joke. Good riddance is what I say, what a slimy little toad he was, living so far up the Felon's arse it made me wonder if he was a little plaything on Epstein Island. Would not be surprised.
No moment of silence here!
Error: should read MOTHERFUCKING Lindsey Graham is dead. But wait, that would be a slur on the regular motherfuckers.
All those cheap China frump flags have disintegrated but I was able to ID the MAGAts by their USian flag flying at half staff. Thanks Lindsey.
I absolutely love the pictures you post. I feel as if I am getting to know you through Claudia. She must've been one beautiful fun partner! Hold her in your heart and she will never leave you.
Also, I think it's great that you took so many. It's really easy to capture our lives in pictures these days, but not many of us do it as well as you captured hers, and I appreciate that.
Take the time you need, Jeff, to grieve, mourn, reflect, remember, smile at a memory, laugh at a joke you shared.
We’ll be here when you get back.
What BVB said. We all love you, Jeff! Continuing, as always, to keep you in our hearts.
Back atcha. You help us more than you'll ever know.
And we love you. It always breaks my heart when I see these posts from you. I can't believe she's gone 5 months. I love your honesty about how much you love and miss her. But even in your pain, you can still throw in Donnyloathing and holy fuck Lindsey Graham. Claudia would be proud🙏. Ending with the picture of Claudia toasting with her ice cold martini was perfect. It's like she's toasting all of us. Take care of yourself today. ❤
Jeff, I haven't piped up before, but I feel it's time to say something. You make me laugh, you raise my spirits, you warm the cockles of my cold, dead heart, so keep on writing. This loss is an apocalypse. Living through an apocalypse, we have to find our comforts in the little things. I send you my fervent hopes for the eventual return of joy in whatever form it can take. Sincerely, your avid reader in NC
We’re lucky to have you too, Uncle Jeff.
I’m grateful for the ringside seat to your musings. The intimate photos you share make us feel like a privileged part of your family. Thank you for sharing.
Grieving is difficult but necessary🫶
As for other matters of national importance, those of you who are familiar with the Wizard of Oz…ding dong 🎶
Fingers crossed for the trifecta
We love you, Jeff! I rely on your wit and wisdom every day. You put in so much effort to keep up informed (and laughing), and even when you tell us you need a break, you always leave us with a sprinkling of the best nuggets of the craziest happenings in our world. Take your time!
I'm glad you're taking the time to care for yourself. We love you!
Ah, yes. You two certainly had your priorities. I have gotten to love you both for how wonderful you have revealed yourselves to be. Take as much time whenever you need it. The shit you help us though will always be there.
You never have to worry about us Jeff- we will still be here - promise♥️
There isn't space here to cut and paste the photo of you and Claudia seated in the plane. Having grown up a Lutheran, I noticed your outfit included a white tee shirt neckline which reminded me of the Lutheran pastoral collar. The light from the window shone on Claudia. Ethereal. You have been a pastor for us during these difficult years, helping us deal while our emotions are uber stressed. Thank you for helping us cope while you are coping also. Grateful for you and Claudia.
"ethereal" That is the same word I used in my reaction to that heavenly picture.
We love you!!!!!!
Bereavement support groups can be helpful, to be with people who understand what you're going through. Wishing you hugs and healing.
Get some rest today. Sending love and care.
we promise to behave while we chat about Lindsey's surprise dirt nap & speculate on what the third thing will be.
you know, I really wanted to say more about Old Lindz in my post, but I felt it would be in really poor taste to have 'I miss my wife' and 'ha ha, Lindsey Graham!' right next to each other in the same post — but don't let that stop all you commenters. snark away!
Ha ha Lindsay Graham! A trifecta would be Trump next!
To the tune of Dion's Abraham, Martin, and John:
. . .Didn't you hate the things they stood for?
Didn't they try to hurt you and me?
And we'll be free someday now that they're gone
Lindsey, Mitch, and Don
I've already read a post about death coming in threes. Maybe? The fact that trump had another checkup and cognitive test after just having same in May doesn't indicate that he's in stellar health despite his claims to the contrary.
Yeah, that's an imposed fiction people sometimes believe. You can always find three things and a thread to tie them together. Maybe three prominent South Carolinians died today. Or three Trump sycophants
What a lovely thought - trump next!
Take the day off, you deserve it. Tomorrow perhaps you can snark on old Miss Lindz and Mitch McConnell. What is with these southerners that make them so unlikable?
Jon Ossoff? Raphael Warnock? Jimmy Carter? Or is Georgia an exception?
I should have specified GOP southerners. Marsha Blackburn, Rand Paul come to mind.
I guess gorging at the Trump Trough isn’t as healthy a diet as Miss Lindsey thought.
You can share tomorrow! lol
There’s no comparison in there, Jeff
I wonder if they can fit 2 million Epstein Files in his coffin.
My connection to heaven must have its wires crossed. I prayed for Trump and got Graham.
Oh, believe me, I am chortling. And when dealing with so-much-for-the-tolerant-left scolds, remember Bierce's advice: "Wit smiles, apologizes...and then twists the knife."
Just tell the scolds the left is only echoing Dear Leader's loving reaction to Robert Mueller's death.
No, no, no judgement here, you can of course miss Ms. Spouse in one heartbeat, then sign "ding,dong' about LG in the next! You do you!!!
Sadly, Lindsey apparently had no loved one to grieve him because he wouldn't let himself be who he is.
Hope your mental health break provides a respite and you return tomorrow to pay your respects to The Flower Of Southern Womanhood. It is my understanding the paramedics had to remove Graham’s head from Trump’s anus before resuscitation attempts could begin.
Must we behave? 😂
absolutely not
I’m now waiting to hear about the passing of Mitch McConnell. Bring it on!
We need to wait until Aug 3rd
Or 4th.
“Damn! Missed again.” — Death
Oh, he daid. He daid fo sure.
Mmm mmm mmm, don't he look natural.
And Rumpy!!!!!
In 2 weeks…
Yep. These things happen in threes.
😍
GOP strategists must be having a meltdown. Open Senate seats in SC and KY.
"...surprise dirt nap..." LOVE IT. Actually, it reminds me of when my mother suddenly died while being transported - in the hospital, mind you - for some testing. One minute they were transferring her to the gurney, the next minute she was gone. The awful part about that is that my younger sister was on the phone and heard the whole thing go down. My first thought, when the news came, was "Wow, bet she was shocked!" (I know, kinda awful thought about one's mom, but she had her issues)
Well, a couple of dark possibilities occur to me: Trump has been told his time is short and he's getting his enemies list cleared out, or Putin is cleaning out potential witnesses. Don't forget, McConnell aka is Moscow Mitch.
I vote for Cruz. Or Ron Johnson
Grassley. But they need a scarecrow for Halloween.
Ted Cruz is very young, only in his 50s. (I know, people were always shocked when I told them back in 2018 that he and Beto were basically the same age.)
Who mourns these dead Republutards who made life worse for our citizens?
Plus, he was a BIBI ass kisser!
Inquiring minds want to know if just dance vance visited him yesterday. Yes, I do subscribe to these events happening in threes. dumpy, susan and chuck are all hiding behind curtains worried the Banshee is headed their way.
I love dirt nap. Will use that from now on for the unlikeable dead.
I have my hopes on #3...
One down 20 more Maggots to go!
Lindsey can have his 20 minute conversation with Mitch now.
‼️‼️‼️🤣🤣🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
😂
😂
LOL!!
My sincere condolences..Im 6 1/2 months from losing my golden years cut short husband. Grief comes in waves...I talk to him out loud, my dog thinks Im nuts. But it helps.
Sending a hug your way, Barb.
Yes,it helps. I've been there too.
❤️❤️
A friend who experienced a similar loss a few years ago said it never goes away but it does get easier.
Jeff, I lost my husband of 51 years 3 years ago. It does get better, but some days just kick you in the chest, making it hard to breathe. Take all the time you need. And here’s a thought about Trump’s REAL reaction to Lindsey’s death and Mitch’s whatever - I’m sure he’s screaming, “Why are they doing this to ME?!”, while throwing ketchup bottles at the wall… Take care. Those are great pictures of Claudia! ❤️
I'd put dollars to donuts he said something like that. Here's hoping a staffer heard him and it shows up in some future behind-the-scenes tell-all about his decline and fall.
Please take of yourself, Jeff. 5 months is still so immediate and raw (I lost my beloved husband suddenly, and that first year was an especially unmooring, howling at the moon, all-consuming tsunami of emotions) I am amazed ( and grateful) that you have continued to be so communicative and diligent about engaging with your readers ( and the scary US and world politics) during these past 5 months. Kudos to you for your resilience, and hugs to you for the loss of your beloved Claudia, Ms. Spouse.
Poor ol' Lindsey. But hey... Finally, someone is actually going to speak with Mitch McConnell!
lol
When I told a friend the news about Lindsey, she mentioned that deaths come in threes. I asked who she meant, and she mentioned the turtle. So place your bets on who the Reaper is coming for next.
Satan is heating up his poker. It's going to be a fun night in hell when all 3 show up. I'm not a religious person but if I was....
Take all of the breaks that you need. I, for one, am not going anywhere. See you when you post again.
Nice to see you taking some time off❤️❤️ ❤️❤️
Grieving is a process, 5 months is not long for a lifetime of love. It may take forever. That you have continued these posts is remarkable, I hope they help you heal. I am also in the midst of grief. So I can relate in both laughter and sorrow.
You are a treasure Jeff. As, we are finding out through your photos and reminiscing, was Claudia. Wishing you peace today
Another total stranger who is also an avid devoted reader, sending appreciation for what you do and ongoing condolences. Grief doesn’t have a timetable. Obviously. We’re here to catch your words and photos.
Your hilarious vitriol helps get me through this wretched time, and I hope your occasional breaks help you get through the aftermath of Claudia’s death.
My love, my saving grace,
your eyes are awfully blue.
I kiss your funny face,
your coffee-flavored mouth.
Last night I slept with you.
Today I love you so
how can I bear to go
(as soon I must, I know)
to bed with ugly death
in that cold filthy place
to sleep there without you,
without the easy breath
and nightlong, limblong warmth
I've grown accustomed to?
--Nobody wants to die;
tell me it is a lie!
But no, I know it's true.
It's just the common case,
there's nothing one can do.
My love, my saving grace,
your eyes are awfully blue
early and instant blue
-Elizabeth Bishop
You getting all sentimental on us, Doc.
Your friends help to carry your pain. We care about you! Rest and relax. We're always ready when you are!