The way some people here talk to others indicates that many, if not quite the majority don't really care if nobody would want to hang out and have a beer with them IRL. You have to give grace if you ever wish to receive grace. It's ok to scroll past a dumb tweet. I think this meanness at a distance actually gives people the sense it is OK to do at the more intimate level as well. I sense this puts the very on-line on edge, wondering who they can trust. Kindness isn't free. It takes a little time and a little self-giving. I find myself drawn to those who connect people. Who pay attention to their mutuals and find connections. This platform allows that kind of connection. A few years ago I was chided for "hanging out with communists" who imperil my soul. Turns out none are commies! I've broken bread in Italy with @SirEvanAmato and @BogatyrH. I've broken bread with @keeper_orchard and visited his pecan trees. I've hosted @cognazor. I attended @dogeatcrow's Baptism and Confirmation and First Communion. @derrick71203411 and his wife have become good friends and travel with us. @gwbled has become a dear friend who has traveled to see my family perform in community theater. There are others I'm not mentioning, as well. I've sent wild apple cuttings to @IntractableLion and @simoningall and received cuttings as well. Consider @nealjclark1's whistling man meme. One turn of a phrase might change your outlook on a person from the angry dude who hates the world to the whistling happy man. If you're spending time wondering what people are thinking of you, save your brain bytes. They're not. But once you start connecting people and helping them find their path in life, suddenly they'll let you know how much they think of you.

4 of @simoningall apple grafts from last spring on a single tree are strong this year. New ones I took this Jan from MN seem to be doing well so far. Hopefully they will burst soon.