Now we are four

Our preoccupations of the moment afforded an Althouse moment on the computer desk early afternoon. Upper left, a printout of the geometry puzzle that's been driving us mad and taking up far too much of our time for days. Center, the Xmas card featured in our very first blogpost four years ago today.

We've been gnashing our teeth and tearing our hair out since Thursday, when The News Junkie at Maggie's Farm caught our eye with a link to the "World's Hardest Easy Geometry Problem" at Keith Enevoldsen's Think Zone [via Cayote Blog]. As former Captain of the Math Team of Exeter High School, we consider it a matter of honor to beat this thing. Argghhh!

Meanwhile, the greeting card center front above features a Photoshop-enhanced image of Chelsea-by-the-Sea festooned with Christmas lights, the very first image in the very first post ever published on our blog:

In our first blog post December 12, 2003, we planted our rhetorical feet firmly on the incorrect side of the politically correct divide with a bold expression of "the tidings that dare not speak their name."

Our first blogiversary post a year later on December 12, 2004 explains:

Speaking of Christmas card designs, our very first post -- "The tidings that dare not speak their name" -- one year ago today, featured last year's card and a timely challenge to the cluelessly politically correct that we were unafraid to either wish or be wished a "Merry Christmas." We second that emotion.

"Two-year-olds are a handful, and our blog becomes two years old today, so watch out," we warned on our second blogiversary two years back, but the following year we were so busy blogging that we forgot to celebrate, preferring instead to blog about "How cats celebrate Christmas."

Now we are four, and -- as we've said more than once before -- are happy to report that we still agree with ourselves. We also find ourselves agreeing more and more with the idea of Fred Thompson as president. He is a standout in this afternoon's Republican debate on Fox News. Not that we're listening to every word, but everyone else sounds scripted, faux earnest, pompous or a combination of the above. His sensible words -- less government interference, more individual choices -- and his manner -- commonsensical and presidential -- are leaving the other horses in the dust.

Comments

[Carol Ward]

Congratulations on turning four. Your posts have been so interesting and thought provoking that I thought you had been at this much longer than four years!

Best wishes also on your upcoming birthday - easy for me to remember because we share the date.

Carol Ward

[goomp]

Your four years of blogging have been a joy for me, both to read and a chance to comment.

[Teresa]

Oh my!!! I've been gone all day and nearly missed it. A late, but not quite belated Happy Blogoversary!!! *grin*

[michico]

Wowwww...... congratulations~!!!

[Gayle Miller]

Happy 4th Sissy. I have enjoyed every second of your journey and because of you and a few others who encouraged me, I've had a wonderful time blogging myself.

Besides, you introduced 3 new loves to my life (besides you and Tuck): Baby, Tiny and goomp!

Oh yes - and thanks to the Cold Turkey Cookbook, my oh-too-solid bum is slightly (very slightly) less prominent! Could 2008 bring slender Gayle? Hardly. But healthier Gayle is a distinct possibility.

Thanks Sissy. You are AWESOME!

[Elisson]

Happy Fourth Bloggy-Versary, Sissy - and Merry Christmas, too, for that matter.

You've been revealing Beauty in Unexpected Places for four years now, an activity that takes insight, a skilled pen (or keyboard), and a discerning eye. May you continue to share your revelations with us.

And of course, the best to Tuck, Baby, Tiny, and goomp, who have to put up with your Regular Bloggy-osity.

[Laura Lee Donoho]

I'm late (my life's been all kind of busy) but just want you to know, Sissy, that I have loved reading your blog ever since I discovered it. I remember noticing your name on blogs like Instapundit, and others and when I checked it out I knew I had found a winner. Artistry, whimsy and keen intelligence. Plus, the two beautiful kitties. A great combination. Keep it up please.