What is hard for a naturally modest person like my self is to graciously accept praise that is sincerely meant and I know is deserved, even if I think some of it verges on flattery 😀 I have been told off in the past for being too self-effacing and I don’t want to go to the other extreme and appear to be a braggart. Love me or loathe me, I am what I am!

If you judge a person by the company they keep I’m content with my own company, but I’m thankful to all of you who read my blogs, it’s good to know you’re paying attention 😅 Here are a few comrades who have said nice things about me 😊

Chris Williamson @derbychrisw.bsky.social has done more than anyone to encourage me to write, he has said that my voice deserves to be heard because it’s authentic.

Prem Sikka  @premnsikka.bsky.social has thanked me for helping to turn the few into the many.

Ray Woolford @raywoolfordfrsa.bsky.social called me a “National Treasure”, although he deserves that accolade more than I do 😊

I regard Val Burlinson @vamroses.bsky.social as a sister, she always comments on my blogs 😀

But I measure success not only by those who praise me but those who I’ve successfully goaded into blocking me, including two dishonourable members who are now ignoble lords, Tom Watson and Ian Austin, and two more whose names I refuse to spell as they would wish – John McTurnip and Luke Achehurts.

My Lakota name wasn’t chosen at random, I’ve always walked my own path rather than follow a crowd going in a different direction. I welcome comrades to walk beside me for but I neither lead nor follow and if it comes to a parting of the ways I hope it will be without regret or recrimination.

Some old friends have departed this life, others have simply disappeared off my radar without explanation. I don’t intend to cross over just yet and promise not to come back to tell you what it’s like 😉 but I prefer bad news to no news and will endeavour to leave a message for friends and comrades.