Thursday, June 11, 2015

Borepatch, signing off

It's been a long run, but two weeks before my seventh blogiversary I'm hanging it up.  I actually don't expect this will be a big surprise for most of you - I havent been posting much lately and it certainly hasn't been high quality.

Quite frankly, it's been a chore.  The Muse doesn't hang out at Camp Borepatch anymore, and that makes it work.  There's been too much turmoil in my life over the last few years, and that's taken it's toll.  I don't have the mental energy to post anymore.

And so it's time to sign off.

I've made some very close friends from this, and that means more than I can say.  I'll still be around, but just not posting much. Unless the Muse comes back.

Thanks to everyone who comes here regularly.  You've left almost 40,000 comments here (!!!!!) which is nothing short of mind blowing.  I feel a bit like I'm letting you down, but I'm just out of gas.

So it's time to get back on the motorcycle and put some miles under the tires.  Screw it - let's ride.


69 comments:

  1. Just PeopleJune 11, 2015 at 10:02 PM

    I am sorry to hear this. But, I will be in touch.
    Ride safely.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jay GJune 11, 2015 at 10:07 PM

    Fair winds and safe seas, Blogson. Don't be a stranger, and we need to get together on the bikes...

    ReplyDelete
  3. RatusJune 11, 2015 at 10:16 PM

    So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish.

    ReplyDelete
  4. RaptorJune 11, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Been there, understand completely. Best of luck to you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJune 11, 2015 at 11:01 PM

    Why not just phase back for a while and wait for the muse to reappear. Sometimes a little rest and change is all you need.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TacitusJune 11, 2015 at 11:08 PM

    What Gary said, of course.
    But you owe it to yourself to do the right thing as you see it.
    You don't owe us anything.
    And if there were some accounting between you and your faithful readers, the debt would be ours to repay, not yours.
    As this might be my last chance to say it officially...
    Do you really have to get back on the bike?
    Tacitus

    ReplyDelete
  7. Opinionated Grump (Rich in NC)June 11, 2015 at 11:35 PM

    Officially, Thank you for writing this blog, I've enjoyed your take on life tremendously.
    As I am and have always been a civilian, I've no military or LEO sign off for you.
    Just, Thanks for sharing your life in writing with us here in blogland.

    Rich in NC

    ReplyDelete
  8. IrishJune 11, 2015 at 11:55 PM

    Fair winds blog brother. It's not easy to maintain the muse on a daily basis.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Z@XJune 12, 2015 at 12:17 AM

    My guess is that for days, weeks, months, and perhaps even for years, many will be be checking in over here just in case you happen by.

    Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 12:30 AM

    Bye, Borepatch! It's been a good run, and I learned a lot from what you said. Have a good life Away--and bike safe!

    ReplyDelete
  11. waepnedmannJune 12, 2015 at 1:20 AM

    I have read your blog every day since I found it.
    It is part of my morning ritual.
    You will be sorely missed.

    ReplyDelete
  12. WraithJune 12, 2015 at 1:24 AM

    Screw it - let's ride.

    That's the inscription on my gremlin bell. I dig the sentiment...

    ...but you'll be back. I tried to give up blogging and it just didn't happen for me, no matter how much I tried to just let it go.

    You don't know the power of the Dark Side...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Paul, Dammit!June 12, 2015 at 1:45 AM

    Sorry to hear it, but I understand, too. Thanks for everything and stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Aaron C. de BruynJune 12, 2015 at 2:03 AM

    I've only been reading for about four years, but I enjoyed it. Thanks for the entertainment. Peace, and long life.

    ReplyDelete
  15. PhilJune 12, 2015 at 2:39 AM

    Outrage fatigue buddy.
    I can relate to where you are coming from though.
    I have been blogging since 2006 at one place or another. Apparently my muse lived in a whiskey bottle and when I put the cork in the last one a few years ago and set it down, she went with it.
    Fickle bitch anyway.

    You couldn't possibly know this but I have actually been reading your stuff off and on for over five years now.

    I always liked your take on things.

    Take a break my man, life is just too damn short as you have probably been made keenly aware of here the last few months.

    Do us all one big favor though and try to keep the shiny side up, eh?

    I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

    Phil
    (Bustednuckles)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Murphy's LawJune 12, 2015 at 3:18 AM

    Stay safe and stay frosty. And if you're ever out Washington DC way, two dogs and a guy here want to buy you a beer.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AjdshootistJune 12, 2015 at 4:52 AM

    No not another one so many of my favorite blogs have shut down given up,i used to have about 50 blogs i read every day now down to about half that number think i shall quit soon before you all give up dont think i can take much more loss.AJD

    ReplyDelete
  18. libertymanJune 12, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    Ted,

    Your posts have always been at times funny, informative, evocative and profound. You have kept a high standard of content and decorum. I , for one, will miss my Sunday morning music class where I learned so much in so many ways. I hope we can keep the communication going and get together in real space again soon.

    Your Dad would be proud of the impact you made on the lives of so many others, especially this one.

    So, I am sure you have heard Schooner Fare do this Stan Rogers favorite, so I will quote it here, and send my best thoughts and wishes along with my gratitude:


    And you, to whom adversity has dealt the final blow
    With smiling bastards lying to you everywhere you go
    Turn to, and put out all your strength of arm and heart and brain
    And like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.
    Rise again, rise again - though your heart it be broken
    And life about to end
    No matter what you've lost, be it a home, a love, a friend.
    Like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.

    ReplyDelete
  19. gruvinbassJune 12, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    Fair winds and following seas, my friend. Thanks for all the free ice cream, and best of luck to you. Go Cardinals!

    ReplyDelete
  20. EagleJune 12, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Fair winds and following seas, my friend. I'll keep in touch...

    ReplyDelete
  21. scotakuJune 12, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    Thanks for all the ice cream. I have enjoyed reading you each day, and it was an honor and a pleasure meeting you at those early, heady Northeast Blogshoots and Dinners.

    ::scotaku

    ReplyDelete
  22. ChickenmomJune 12, 2015 at 7:36 AM

    I'm going to miss you, your thoughts, your humor and most of all, your kindness. May any road you take be filled with awe and adventure. Thank you Borepatch, for taking us along on your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 8:33 AM

    Do what is right for you just know that you're commentary will be greatly missed.

    I do hope you check in on other blogs; we will be planning another blogshoot and the originator of DAB really should attend another one.

    Sincerely, your friend

    Bob S.

    ReplyDelete
  24. BobJune 12, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    Thanks for all the great content, Ted. Best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  25. DanJune 12, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    I can't say I'm not disappointed, but that's okay. Charlie Mike, Brother.

    ReplyDelete
  26. WoFatJune 12, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    Go forth and prosper.

    ReplyDelete
  27. SpikeJune 12, 2015 at 10:27 AM

    Damn. Sorry to see you go.

    Came for the Guns, stayed for the IT. Taking your advice to swerve into Network security. If I could get around to finishing the training.

    So long, and thanks.

    Fight the good fight my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  28. WeetabixJune 12, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    You've been on my daily read list since I found you years ago. I don't always comment because you do such a good job, there's usually not much for me to add.

    Thanks for all the posts!

    You might post your travel destinations and paths occasionally - I'll bet you'd get a lot of beers and dinners on the way. We'd have a chance to return some good for all the good we've gotten over the years.

    Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  29. WeetabixJune 12, 2015 at 10:32 AM

    ASM, Will you resume your blog? I like your posts, too, but I've only really followed your writing here.

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 10:54 AM

    Of course, am so sorry to hear this!
    But, I understand.

    Enjoy the road, and be safe.

    (And, if you are ever out this way, there's that whole beer thing we've discussed.)

    Thank you, my friend.

    gfa

    ReplyDelete
  31. zdogk9June 12, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    Thanks. You made me think more than once.

    ReplyDelete
  32. aczarnowskiJune 12, 2015 at 11:14 AM

    Enjoy whatever is next Sir. And thanks for all the free ice cream.

    ReplyDelete
  33. rogue14June 12, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    Your input will be missed! I get it though. Fair winds and following seas. Safe riding and check your six!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Rev. PaulJune 12, 2015 at 11:37 AM

    I'm only about three steps behind you. Go with God and be at peace, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    Sorry to see the blog ending, but you have been letting miles pile up in front of the new bike. Long past time to start moving them behind it. Stay safe and enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  36. KeadsJune 12, 2015 at 12:36 PM

    Enjoy the ride and hurry back!

    ReplyDelete
  37. doubletroubleJune 12, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    Happy trails, my friend!
    Hope to see you around, sometime...
    Best 'o luck.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Mrs. S.June 12, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    We will miss your unvarnished reviews on tech issues and warnings about particularly nasty viruses, malware, and security breaches.

    Have fun riding the new motorcycle, and please don't spill again.

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 1:42 PM

    Long Time Lurker/Daily Reader here to say thank you, and wish you the best. I hope that the Muse finds you and prompts you to write a book of your travels some time. I'll buy it and it will sit on my shelf next to BOB, NFO's books, and so many other authors I've discovered here in the blogosphere. A Borepatch diary would be wonderful, once you've lived it and have some time to look back in wonder.

    Best, and thank you for many entertaining, thoughtful, and informative years,

    Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  40. pediemJune 12, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    You'll be missed, but enjoy the ride! And don't let the bike beat you up again, either...

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 1:52 PM

    For as long as I can remember, this has been the first blog I check each day. Thanks for sharing. Good luck and Godspeed!

    ReplyDelete
  42. drjimJune 12, 2015 at 5:08 PM

    Understand fully.

    Thanks for all the information and insights.

    Look me up if you ever get out here to the Left Coast.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AaronJune 12, 2015 at 5:25 PM

    Dang, the blogosphere will be the poorer for your blog not being a part of it.

    Thanks for all the good posts and all the best to you, and if you happen to ride up to Michigan, the first beer is on me.

    ReplyDelete
  44. SiGraybeardJune 12, 2015 at 6:10 PM

    As others have said, I've read you every day since I found this place; usually several times a day. I've learned much here.

    But I can understand.

    For some reason, it feels right to say, "live long and prosper". If you're in Central Florida, my turn to buy the beer.


    ReplyDelete
  45. BrynJune 12, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    Another reader here that will miss you, but I can understand battle fatigue.
    I (and I'm sure many others)will check in from time to time - but take your time and use it for your own well-being; we'll see you if and when you choose to post again.

    Ride safe, stay well.
    Bryn, Isle of Anglesey,UK.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Jerry The GeekJune 12, 2015 at 7:09 PM

    Sorry to see you go, but a man's gotta do etc.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Glenn BJune 12, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    You leaving the Blogosphere - that sucks is all I can say.

    Hope you enjoy whatever you endeavor to do beyond this.

    All the best,
    Glenn B

    ReplyDelete
  48. kahr40June 13, 2015 at 1:49 AM

    Awwwh man! Good luck and maybe after while you'll get the urge again.

    ReplyDelete
  49. John in PhillyJune 13, 2015 at 7:12 AM

    Thank you, you have been a part of my daily reading for quite a while and I am sorry to see you go.

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownJune 13, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    I understand burnout.
    I enjoyed your site. It is a regular stop for me every day.

    Have a GREAT ride!

    ReplyDelete
  51. STxARJune 13, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    Just found you. Sorry to see you go.

    Rubber side down!! Shiny side up!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. DoninSactoJune 13, 2015 at 2:10 PM

    Thanks for all the blogtime. Enjoyed your writing. Be safe.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Backwoods EngineerJune 13, 2015 at 3:39 PM

    You've been on my daily read list for years. I understand; every blogger has had "the Muse" leave, and days go by without posting. Live intercedes.

    Thanks for all your posts, and may God bless you wherever your two wheels take you.

    ReplyDelete
  54. 2centsJune 13, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    I truly feel very sorry for all of you out there in the blogosphere. I have known Borepatch for five decades or so. As you have come to realize, Borepatch has never been short of opinions or the desire to share them. Why do I feel sorry? Because I am sure he will continue to share them with me, albeit on a bilateral basis. I am enriched thereby. So I feel very sorry for you. However, if I may offer a glimmer of hope based upon my decades of association with Borepatch, I have never known him to keep his opinions to himself for very long. If and when the muse returns, or he is irratated by a particular burr under the saddle, he will return...

    ReplyDelete
  55. Old NFOJune 14, 2015 at 12:07 AM

    Best wishes my friend. And thanks for all the posts!

    ReplyDelete
  56. OldAFSargeJune 14, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    Go do what you need to do brother. We'll be here when you get back.

    The blogosphere will be a lesser place without you.

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousJune 14, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    Hate to see you go, 'patch, but I take comfort in knowing you're out there somewhere.

    FWIW, I let my own blog lapse in 2012 for reasons you may find marginally familiar:

    (1) Went through a period of deep professional upheaval (bad enough that I almost walked away from a 30+ year career).
    (2) A few months later, injured myself bad enough to be immobilized, and require surgery.

    Sound familiar at all?

    Those, coupled with too narrow a blog focus, pretty much beat my muse into submission. I've been thinking about picking it back up, but I'm not sure what or how just yet, or if I have anything truly meaningful to say. That, more than anything, is the most obstructive thought.

    Ride awhile, find your center, then find your peace. Once you do, you may find the words fighting to get out once again. If you do, we'll be here. If not, you'll always be amongst silent friends.

    ReplyDelete
  58. CoffeypotJune 14, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    I don't post much on the blog anymore, either and have considered doing the same thing. But thanks for all your post and the efforts. And enjoy your ride... just don't smile too much. It's a bitch to clean all those squashed bugs off the teeth.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Eric WilnerJune 14, 2015 at 9:25 PM

    So long, and thanks for all the free ice cream.
    This has been one of the blogs I read on a fairly regular basis for a dose of outside-the-bubble perspective. All too many have gone dark, for one reason or another.
    But, if you're going off to pursue life, that's a nice positive reason. And I'll check in every so often, in case your muse does return.

    ReplyDelete
  60. DorsaiJune 15, 2015 at 2:32 AM

    Damn. You should know that you've enhanced my life and that you will be very much missed. Even when I've disagreed with you, your viewpoint, your logic and your erudition have given me much to think about.

    So long, and thanks for all the free ice cream.

    ReplyDelete
  61. TamJune 15, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    If the road under the bike's tires happens to run this way, let me know. I owe you a lunch at least in return for all the ice cream.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Windy WilsonJune 15, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    Thank you sir, your blog has been a fount of knowledge, some wonderfully useful, but always interesting. And thank you for putting up with my tangential comments.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Home on the RangeJune 15, 2015 at 8:55 PM

    I understand - but your posts will be missed. Securing your friendship out of it, little blog brother, has meant more than you know and I look forward to our little phone chats every so often, as always.

    hugs - B.

    ReplyDelete
  64. the pawnbrokerJune 15, 2015 at 9:39 PM

    As someone said when I signed off my former blog several years ago because I had mostly said what I had felt I needed to say and was beginning to bore myself...

    "Meh...remember where your browser button is and when things are slow, check back in."

    I haven't yet, but it was pretty good advice and I might some day. You might, too.

    If you scoot down Fla way, watch the Q-tips, they will run your ass down.

    ReplyDelete
  65. kx59June 15, 2015 at 10:32 PM

    Be well BP.
    This is the end of a Blog Era.
    Without your time here I would not have had the fortune to make your acquaintance.
    Don't be a stranger if you find yourself back in Texas. Belle and I will be here.

    ReplyDelete
  66. mbumguaJune 16, 2015 at 1:13 AM

    Thanks for your time writing this blog and have fun.Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  67. NotClauswitzJune 16, 2015 at 1:10 PM

    Sorry to see you go, it was fun while it lasted.

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousJune 17, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Sorry to see you go but glad you'll be having fun in the sun. Enjoy the ride.

    ReplyDelete
  69. SixJune 18, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    I understand well my friend. Thanks for everything and have a blast on the road.

    ReplyDelete

Remember your manners when you post. Anonymous comments are not allowed because of the plague of spam comments.