I just realized that August marks the anniversary of 10 years of blogging for me. As I begin my 11th year I want to say thank you to all my loyal readers who have endured my attempts at decipherable literature no matter how often I fell short of the mark.
In spite of the recent paucity of posts, I have recorded well over 500 posts in these ten years. I also have over 500 followers, which is a respectable number considering I have never been honored with a “Freshly Pressed” of “Discovered” award by the WordPress publishers. While that speaks volumes for their unimpeachable integrity when evaluating posts, you would think they would occasionally throw me a bone just to keep me as a subscriber. But now that I think about it, it should be sufficient that they provide me a platform to publish my pablum, no questions asked. And never mind that probably over half of my followers are just trying to entice me over to their websites to sell me something.
The main point I want to make is that it has been a real pleasure to interact with so many of you over these years. Our back and forth has provided many both informative and humorous moments, not to mention interesting insights into your lives.
I never had any “pen pals” while growing up, but blogging has made up for that in spades! I feel have gotten close to so many of you without ever having met you. We’ve talked about topics many and varied and provided support to each other where it was needed.
Probably the biggest thrill from all this is when I get a chance to meet some of you in person during my travels. Each time that happens it feels more like a reunion than it does a first meeting. While I’ve met up with several bloggers in this country, just a few years ago I was able to rendezvous with five of my bogging friends during a trip to England. A couple of them traveled a good distance to meet Patty and me in London. You can read about that here. I look forward to meeting more of you once this crazy Coronavirus has finally run the gamut.
Without a doubt, blogging has allowed me to to explore a creativity that heretofore laid dormant. For that, my friends, I thank you.
See you in the “sphere”.
Your pal, Al
The Cvillean 
Congratulations!!!
Late to the party as always but my heartiest congratulations on your anniversary. I have never been Freshly Pressed, squeezed or otherwise constricted but I have made some great chums through blogging and I’m very pleased to include you among them 🙂
Thank you, Peter, and back at ya. IMHO every time you post it is an award winner.
Nice blog
Thank you Saania and thanks for visiting!
Happy anniversary and we have August anniversary dates! I posted my first blog story in 2012. I don’t have followers like you but I know the few friends and family that read my blog stories always enjoy them or at least I provide them with a laugh! Keep up the good work! jfh
Thank you, Janet and happy anniversary on your blog. I’ve truly enjoyed following it. I agree, it’s mostly for family and friends but it is fun to meet new people as they pop in.
Congratulations!! I’m so glad to have made your acquaintance and look forward to being pen pals for a very long time. I feel confident that we shall meet face-to-face one day. That would be my honor.
Keep on keeping on.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Thank you for the kind words, Patricia. It may be sooner than you think. If this hurricane hits us hard we might be needing to book one of your rooms for a while. Do you think the cats and dogs will get along?
Yes. The cats must stay outside, but the doggo’s would be inside. Separate quarters so we can all co-exist. I haven’t quite convinced my husband of this yet, but I’m working on it.
My Bro, it is a continuing delight to connect with you here and many congratulations on your ten year blogging anniversary. I suspect that being Freshly Pressed is not all it’s cracked up to be! Meeting you and Patty was a heart memory that will never fade. ❤ always ❤ xXx
Also one of our life highlights here. Still talk about it like it was yesterday. We’re busy battening down the hatches for a hurricane right now.
Oh my loves, take care, which I know you will. Sending you much love, always. ❤ xXx
Hello Cuz, Congratulations and many Happy returns. Love, Cathy & Marc MJZ From: The Cvillean <comment-reply@wordpress.com>Sent: Saturday, August 1, 2020, 2:58 PMTo: mzemlick@cox.netSubject: [New post] I Wish You All a Happy Anniversary! a:hover { color: red; } a { text-decoration: none; color: #0088cc; }
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Al posted: ”
I just realized that August marks the anniversary of 10 years of blogging for me. As I begin my 11th year I want to say thank you to all my loyal readers who have endured my attempts at decipherable literature no matter how often I fell short of the m”
Thanks to my west coast contingent!
Congratulations, All. It’s been a real pleasure. I commend you for keeping at it for so long. It’s not easy at times but as you have mentioned, the people make it incredibly rewarding. Keep writing and stay well!
Thanks, George. It’s been a delight to get to know you these past several months.
Congratulations, Al! I certainly enjoy your wit and your skill with words.
The anonymous is me.
Ah ha! So glad you follow my blog, Arlene. I love hearing from you!
Aww thank you my friend. 🥂❤🌹cheers to more posts and more laughs – not forgetting good business for your venture!.👍😄
Happy 11th blogging anniversary. Wow!!
Many of those moments have been spent laughing at your posts! You spread much cheer my friend.
Congratulations Al! It has been such a pleasure connecting with you through our writing. Cheers, Lynn🤗💕
Back at ya, Lynn.
Wow, Al – 10 years!! Happy Anniversary! I feel lucky to have found you in the blogging world and still hope to be able to meet you one day!
I’ll have a glass of wine to toast you later 😉
Best of wishes from Madrid
Thanks, Carly. Anytime you come back to the states please put Virginia Beach on your itinerary.
I will do! I’ve never been to the states, but it’s top of the list!
Congrats!
Thanks, LA.
Though you were never Freshly Pressed, you have the greater honour of being the President of the ‘Never Been Freshly Pressed’ Club. (Hard to believe you assumed that lofty position seven years ago…)
Congratulations on your Ten Year Milestone – looking forward to following you for another ten!
Yes, Margy, that change of command ceremony was definitely the highlight of my blogging career. Remember how the champagne flowed?
And the Chocolate Fountain…
Would that I make it so far.
No doubt you will. There is a definite niche for an alien expose’.
Bravo my friend. Nice job.
Is that you again, Lauren?
Wow, 10 years of blogging is an impressive stretch, congratulations Al! It’s been a real pleasure reading you blog and conversing through comments.
I’ve not never ad the “Freshley Pressed” honor either. I’m not convinced it even exists…. 😉
It probably doesn’t, Tricia. It’s just the carrot on the stick that keeps moving right along with the cart.
I’ve really enjoyed your perspective on the goings on in this country. Would that there were more level-headed, common sense individuals like you out there.
Congratulations for continuing your blogging for 10 years! That is quite an accomplishment. So many bloggers fizzle out after a short time. I really enjoy your blog and definitely like the photos that you include.
Thank you, Diane. It’s nice to still have some contact with you. My time at BDP was most enjoyable with all of you.
Congratulations! You have stuck with it for a long time. I think a lot of people give it a go and then quit after a few months. (and I thought I was the only one with a kazillion salesmen followers.)😝
Right you are about people giving up, Linda. You given me a great idea. Would it be OK if when I reply to my “new followers aka sales pitches” I provide them with a link to your blog? We should share the wealth, he, he, he.
NO, NO, NO! 😱😂