The holiday festivities are well behind us. The US election, well, let’s not go there. In fact, let’s not go anywhere that’s been mentioned in the news in the last twelve months. We have come here to forget all that. We have come to chat, to sample an adult beverage and perhaps have a bite to eat. Oh, we also need to wrestle with Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt, and Linda gave us a challenge this week:
“Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: ‘sky’s the limit.’ Write about something that has or seems to have no end. Enjoy!”
If we were having a beer, you would be near your wits end.
“Dan, where’s Cheryl?”
“It’s not my day to watch her, David.”
“I don’t get it, we’re here every Saturday at three-o’clock. You’d think she’d be around.”
“Relax, David. It’s only two-fifty-nine.”
“Still, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for some service.”
“And I am at your service.”
“Hello Skippy. Dan, this week just keeps getting worse.”
“Hello David, Dan. Can I get you guys something to drink?”
“Hi Skippy. You can bring me a Corona, and I think David would like…”
“Bring me a Corona as well.”
“Wait, you’re drinking beer?”
“I was going to ask the same thing, Skippy.”
“I’m in the mood to drink something quickly. I’ll have the beer and then I’ll have some John Howell’s bourbon.”
“I’ll be right back with your beers.”
“David. You really do have to relax. I’d hate to guess at your blood pressure right now.”
“I haven’t taken my blood pressure since Tuesday, Dan. I’m not taking it until February.”
“David, drink your beer. We’re going to have a couple of drinks, maybe some food, and we’re going to talk about sports.”
“We are not going to talk about sports, Dan. Not this year.”
“Oh, that’s right, your team…well, how about the weather, we could talk about the weather.”
“Great subject, Dan. Maybe you can enlighten Skippy and me on the state of the polar vortex. I hear it’s been broken.”
“I think the technical term is ‘disrupted,’ but yes, it is being altered. It may split.”
“Terrific, then we have two of them?”
“Yes, but it’s not a horrible thing, David. It’s happened before. The vortex is there every year. The Jet stream is always there. This is really normal stuff.”
“It’s not normal, Dan. It’s one more thing the ridiculous media can latch onto and hype. Just in time for us to stop fearing riots, we can fear freezing to death.”
“Skippy, please bring him his bourbon.”
“No problem, Dan.”
“Dan, I suggest you pick up the tab today. I’m not in the mood to give Skippy a tip.”
“You could buy the drinks and I’ll leave the tip.”
“I think it would be better if you handle this.”
“Well, it would be better for you, David, but no matter. If a beer and a glass of bourbon will get you off the ledge, I’m happy to pay.”
“Here you go. Will…I mean John Howell’s bourbon, a snifter of seltzer and a glass of ice.”
“Um, Skippy, Cheryl has been putting a slice of lemon and lime in the seltzer.”
“Of course she has, why not make the most complicated drink in the world even more complex.”
“See, Dan, this is why we need Cheryl. It’s hard to relax with him behind the bar.”
“He’s comical, David. Think of him like a distraction.”
“Here you go, David. A slice of lemon, a slice of lime and two cherries.”
“Cherries?”
“I thought you liked cherries.”
“Skippy, these are chocolate covered cherries. I can’t put these in my bourbon.”
“It’s all we have. We ran out of cherries. The manager gave everyone a box of these. I don’t care for them, so I thought…”
“I appreciate the gesture, Skippy, but I’m not sure…”
“David, those are very good. I suggest eating one and following it with some bourbon.”
“Dan, John Howell’s bourbon isn’t something you use to wash down a bon bon.”
“Why not? Maybe that’s just the thing you need, David, to pound down a slug of bourbon and wash the bon bon, the election, the riot, the vortex, everything, wash it all away.”
“That could become a bad habit, Dan.”
“Maybe if you drank Corona, but I think the price of that bourbon will keep you from reaching for it too often.”
“There’s always Old Crow, Dan.”
“Ha! Like you’re going to pour yourself a glass of Old Crow.”
“Are you guys going to want any food today?”
“What do you recommend for pizza, Skippy?”
“Personally? I like ham and pineapple.”
“For the love…just…”
“Um, thanks, Skippy. We’ll have a large pie with pepperoni, onions and mushrooms.”
“Playing it safe?”
“Exactly. We need to bring David’s blood pressure back down from the stratosphere. We don’t want it getting disrupted along with the vortex.”
Cheryl will be back next week. In the meantime, you can always find her on Blogger.
In case you noticed the play on words in the title, the song you’re thinking of is just under the gallery.
No Facilities 
welcome sunshine!–beautiful golden tones in your photos, especially with Maddie. Curious, do you use a telephoto for the squirrel pics or do they actually come up close? we put out a “buffet” on our patios on Saturdays, but we’re limited to observing through windows. Choc cherries, yum, have you tried buckeyes?
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Today’s photos were with my point & shoot zoomed in, but these guys do get very close. It’s just that when they’re close, we try to get the peanut out to them quickly. One of the black squirrels will actually put her front feet on my shoe. I think to get a picture of that, it would take two of us. A lot of the close looking images are from my phone and just cropped.
I just looked up buckeyes – oh my goodness, I need to find some :-)
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I do enjoy seeing the photos–they sure like the peanuts! yep, you need to find some (edible) buckeyes :D
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They love the peanuts. They are so noisy when they eat them, but it’s fun to watch.
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Close up of leaf in the fence is exquisite! I think everyone’s blood pressure is a little high these days. It has been a rough few weeks in the states and that is felt all over the world. Let’s hope the 20th changes everything, or at least starts the process.
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There’s a lot going on around here to keep the diastolic over 90, that’s for sure. I think things will wind down, but it’s going to take time.
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Great post – great pictures AND>>>
“In fact, let’s not go anywhere that’s been mentioned in the news in the last twelve months.” Thank you very much for that, Dan!!
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You’re welcome, GP. There are way better places to get an opinion of the issues than this blog. I’m here to try and entertain.
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I’m sure happy to hear THAT!
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Love Maddie’s sun-lit feathers and the close up of the leaf. Once again, MiMi not looking happy about being disturbed. Squirrels are looking pretty chunky. Perhaps you should look for diet peanuts! Lol.
Glad Skippy was working today. I think he’s funny. David’s negative attitude today really sums up how we’re all feeling. We would like just one day where everything goes ‘normal’ and smooth. Sigh….
Ginger
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The Editor grumbles at me when I say the squirrels are looking chunky. Something about the pot calling the kettle… Oh well, I figure they need a little blubber layer in case that polar vortex splits and the arctic spills into New England.
Maddie was aglow in that sunlight. It was so bright, I couldn’t even see if all of her was in the frame. I told her, “if this comes out, your friends will love it.” She’s such a show off.
MiMi just isn’t a morning kitty.
Here’s to a normal day, Ginger. You know, in the future.
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Speaking of beer: I’ve become a big fan of Deschutes brewery, which is in Oregon. Last night I had a bottle of their Black Butte Porter. Delicious.
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That sounds like a beer our daughter would like. There a bar near where she lives that often features beers from Oregon (don’t ask why). I’ll have to let her know about this.
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They have wide distribution — I live in Pennsylvania.
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Great photos, Dan. We woke to 30 degrees here this morning so the photos looked right in place. I think David reflects all the concern we have about everything that’s going on. Saw a joke yesterday. “I just finished my seven day free trial of 2021 and want to return it.” Well done on the prompt and thank you for the mention too. Have a great weekend. Go Steelers.
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Thanks John. I try to stay upbeat in these posts, but it was a challenge this week. At least from this as a starting point, 2021 has to get better with time…right? A win over Cleveland tomorrow would be a good start.
Have a good weekend!
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You too, and yes it woud be a good start.
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Maddie in her handsome coat and sunshine are a wonderful thing. Avoiding current events also falls under the wonderful category too. :-)
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There’s too much of current events, everywhere else, Judy. I don’t want to minimize them, but it’s not why we go to the bar.
I hope you have a nice weekend.
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I could use some of that sun, Dan. Waking up to another cloudy day and it’s getting old. Then again, I suppose I should be thankful we are not in the throes of a polar vortex winter. I’ve already lived through one, don’t need to do that ever again.
I don’t think washing down chocolate with an adult beverage could be wrong on any level, although pizza is mighty tasty with a beer. At least Skippy was thoughtful enough to share.
Have a wonderful Saturday and weekend. Let’s hope it’s a fairly quiet one.
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It’s sunny and very cold here, Mary. It’s that kind of cold that is colder than what you’d expect given the numbers.
Skippy’s not such a bad person, he just has questionable taste ;-)
Enjoy the weekend. Stay safe.
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Okay, you can keep your sun and I’ll put up with the warmer clouds a little longer.
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Think of the clouds as a comforter.
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Another fun exchange! Thank you, Dan. I love the photos and envy your sunshine. We’ve had rain and grey skies for several days now. Kinda fits the mood. We’ve basically banned news from our household, though a few peeks on the internet might happen. Take good care of yourself and continue to reach for the sky! 😊
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Thanks Gwen. The sky’s the limit for news and hype and “analysis” but we are avoiding most of it. I read news, but I rarely watch it, and I never bother with commentary.
Take care!
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The chocolate-covered cherries made me laugh and brought back memories of when I was in the Army and was stationed in South Korea. One of my favorite treats at the officer’s club was warm apple pie a la mode. One night they brought it to me with chocolate ice cream, because they had run out of vanilla. Let me reassure you that it is not the same. We all need a break from this week. Pizza sounds good for tonight, though I might swap out some red wine for your beers.
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We support all adult beverages, Mike. We even support non-alcoholic beverages, but after this week, I’m not sure they would taste as good.
I like chocolate ice cream, but I’m with you on vanilla being the better choice with pie.
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I like puffy skies, Dan. Thanks for the plug. Still working with those health issues down here but it remains paradise in all other ways. We just found out even immigrants and foreigners will be able to receive the vaccine here. Good luck with sports matters. I don’t care for the bon bon style chocolate covered cherries but homemade or when the centers are liquid I love them.especially followed by a shot of Jameson or Tullamore Dew, well just a good Bourbon blend…meanwhile there is Jack Honey keeping me company. That pizza looks so delish.
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I hope you get the health issues taken care of. I’m so glad to hear that you will be able to get the vaccine. These cherries were good, with a nice liquid center and quality chocolate. They don’t go well with beer, but they are good with bourbon.
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I’d have a tough time if I had to choose between chocolate and beer. But then, I love a good chocolate stout brew. 😉
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Nice post. I always have a box or two of dark chocolate covered cherries at Christmastime, the only time of thd year they’re available here. My sisters and I love them. The pizza looks delicious too. Do I haven’t had coffee yet, but now I’m hungry. Every Saturday your blog whets my appetite for 😄 Have a great weekend!
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I forget the time difference between when I write these posts and when people read them. Half the time, they make me hungry, too. Especially when I include those bacon and eggs breakfast pictures.
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😊
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:o) Pineapple and ham pizza — no wonder Lulu and Skippy hit it off. MiMi is looking coquettish with her tail draped just so. Thanks for these smiles, Dan. They were much needed. Hugs on the wing!
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Haha – I forgot that Lulu ordered the pineapple pizza. Maybe that’s when Skippy decided he liked it ;-) I’m glad I could make you smile. That’s usually the sole intention at this bar.
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It has been that kind of week. A cold one and pizza sound darn good about now. Enjoy the game and good luck. I would say more. However many a season has taught me about the Browns and wagering. Not that I ever did wager in that regard.
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I never wager on my teams.
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A very wise choice.
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Chocolate covered cherries!!! Oh, that Skippy. I at least give him ‘A’ for effort. And David called them ‘bon bons’….This was too fun. Maddie does look so pretty in her holding pattern photo. So Walker Lady still goes out in the cold weather? Darn, she’s good. We were out yesterday in 46 degree weather and I about froze……
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46? Damn Lois, that’s balmy. Maddie wanted to go today, but the windchill was 17 and temp was 22. I wasn’t up got that. I did sit with her later.
Walker Lady still tortures Maddie.
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ha! I’d be curled up in the fetal position with your temps, Dan! 🤣
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Maddie would curl up next to you. MuMu would lay on top of you.
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Throughly enjoyed this post. Absolutely loved the gallery. And Now I want to have some of John Howells bourbon with a bon bon chaser 😂. While do enjoy ham and pineapple pizza, you made the right choice with pepperoni, mushrooms, and onion. I’m in a savory pizza mood today. 😉
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Pour yourself a glass and munch. A couple of those and you can eat any pizza.
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The polar vortex splitting is distracting me, but I’ll take your word for it that it’s not something to worry about. Skippy does seem to be trying in his own special way. It’s always nice to see Maddie and the sunrises. I really like the photo of the leaves in front of the fence and the chunky squirrel.
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I’m not sure it isn’t something to worry about, but more for those of us up here. The last time this happened, we saw a week’s worth of single-digits and below zero nights.
I was glad Maddie dragged me over to that fence. Otherwise, I would have missed that leaf. I won’t mention that you used “chunky” – 🙂
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I’ve been trying to follow a news diet lately – ever since the Rumble In DC – so did I miss something? A split in the polar vortex?! WTH? As if we don’t have enough things to worry about, the polar vortex is multiplying?! Given all the weird stuff that’s been happening over the past year, I’m beginning to think anything is possible now – even a decent tasting pizza with ham & pineapple.
… ok, maybe not the pizza …
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No, not the pizza. The split vortex could be bad, but who knows. I guess it will hit you before me. Pay attention, let me know.
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You’re really going to rely on me? Are you sure that’s wise? 😏
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Haha. You’re my first line of defense 🙂
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Mission accepted!
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😏
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Pineapple on pizza is an abomination. Excellent squirrelly shots!
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I agree about the pineapple, but some like it. As for the squirrels, they prefer those roasted peanuts plain :-)
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Why can’t you put chocolate covered cherries into your bourbon? Sounds like a good plan to me! (it’s a little early here for such experimentation though!)
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Hahaha – I can’t answer that. It might be a very good combination. I never thought about it.
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I really love the way you captured the sunlight on that leaf in the chain link fence. Beautiful.
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Thank you. I guess I was lucky our dog wanted to walk down that fence line.
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Chocolate covered cherries in your buorbon…that’s alcohol abuse Dan!!!
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I stick with beer, but it’s been suggested that they might go good together. David wasn’t buying it. I think he’d agree with you.
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smart man
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I do like ham and pineapple on a pizza, maybe with bacon as well. But I also like a pizza with almost everything except anchovies. :-) Your team will get another chance this week. We’ll be pulling for the Browns, of course. :-)
Let’s enjoy the game.
janet
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We’ll sing you up on Team Skippy 😊
I understand your support for the Browns.
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Above all, I’m a Packers fan but since we lived in Cleveland for so many years and my husband grew up in Ohio, the Browns have become one of my teams as well. It’s so exciting to have them make the playoffs finally. I can imagine Cleveland was so excited. I remember how people rejoiced when the Cavs won. Of course the Browns haven’t won anything but they did break that terrible no-playoff streak, so yeah, let’s celebrate.
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I like the Packers very much. Second only to the Steelers. I’d like a rematch in the SB.
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Great SoCS Dan – the song pulled it all together, it was fun to listen to while looking at your photos too! PS – I’m with you on cheering for the Packers for the SB this year, can they hold it together, I hope so!!! ;-)
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Well, I’m actually hoping for a rematch with the Steelers (a long shot), at which point I wouldn’t be rooting for GB 😏
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We’ll know soon enough who we get to watch from the comfort of own homes, which is about the most normal part of this season I can think of! ;-)
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True
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Your pictures are always good for my blood pressure. And thank you for the song! Poor old Skippy; he means well. Of course, so does Stan Laurel, and we know how well that always turns out.
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Ha. This is another fine mess Skippy’s got David into 😏
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Okay so the Tom Petty song was a great closing touch here – njce Dan
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This is a great bar post, Dan. I really enjoyed it. Everything went wrong, even poor Skippy and his chocolate covered cherries [which sound really delicious actually].
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The cherries (a gift to me) are quite good. I haven’t tried them with bourbon. This wouldn’t be a good time for me to start sipping bourbon.
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Two limes…music to my ears. I cannot begin to process what is happening to our world.
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It’s very difficult, Audrey.
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David had a Corona!??? What the heck?! I do think John Howell’s would wash down those bon-bons nicely, but what do my taste bugs know? 😂
I love the clouds, and golden light you see on your early morning walks with Maddie. That backlit leaf was pretty.
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Just one, he switched back. I’ve been told that the cherries go nicely with bourbon, even if you dunk one in ;-)
I’ve been able to see a lot of beautiful sunrises. I think they’re on hold for a while, it’s been in the teens when we normally walk, so I’ve been making her wait.
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Brrrr! I don’t blame for that. I’ve been waiting until the afternoon for my walks when it’s a wee bit warmer.
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I’m DYING that you posted that song, because that’s exactly how I sang your title :) Fabulous! I like the way that worked out!
Okay, so you know what WILL make everything wash away? Moonshine cherries :P Oof! I cannot eat them at the pace of cordial cherries, but their effect… Oof!
Lovely photos :)
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I’m glad someone got the link between the title and the song! Yes, moonshine cherries would be better.
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Still humming it :)
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😃
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Love this, Dan! You pulled in science, mixed it with humor and wit. Here’s to lowering David’s blood pressure!
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We do our best each week, Jennie. I’m glad you enjoy the conversation.
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Always!!
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