rejectomorph (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rejectomorph) wrote2026-04-01 04:04 pm
rejectomorph) wrote2026-04-01 04:04 pm52/393: Less Than Expected
It didn't rain much Wednesday, though it remained overcast all day and the ground remained damp. It was disappointing, but not really a surprise. I slept a lot, and had tasty snacks when I was awake, and finally finished the day with a sandwich, even though the day being cool it would have been a good time to use the oven. I just didn't eel like eating any of those things I had on had to bake or roast. The sandwich was decent though, and nicely washed down with the last can of Sierra Nevada Winterfest. I wish I'd bought another twelve pack of that when it was available. The Springfest they've got now is nowhere neat as good.
The indoor temperature of the apartment is still seventy degrees, so the furnace still hasn't engaged. O expect it will come on later tonight, and run a bit through Thursday, as we don't get back to warm days until Friday. Something sad that is related to that is that there is only a $45 and change climate credit this spring. Last spring it was over a hundred bucks, and I had no utility bill in either April or May, and still had a few bucks credit for June. This year I'll be lucky to get no bill in April, and I might even get one of those annoying bills for like three bucks or something. Drag.
I'm sure there was more, but I've totally forgotten what it was. I'm getting sleepy again, even though I've only been up for about ten hours. Of course the beer I had with dinner isn't helping keep me awake. I'm probably in for another one of those naps that just goes on and on. But then I've got nothing else that needs doing. I was going to fix some strawberries for shortcake, but that can wait. After all, tomorrow is another day... am I getting the vapors? Land sakes, I do declare!
The indoor temperature of the apartment is still seventy degrees, so the furnace still hasn't engaged. O expect it will come on later tonight, and run a bit through Thursday, as we don't get back to warm days until Friday. Something sad that is related to that is that there is only a $45 and change climate credit this spring. Last spring it was over a hundred bucks, and I had no utility bill in either April or May, and still had a few bucks credit for June. This year I'll be lucky to get no bill in April, and I might even get one of those annoying bills for like three bucks or something. Drag.
I'm sure there was more, but I've totally forgotten what it was. I'm getting sleepy again, even though I've only been up for about ten hours. Of course the beer I had with dinner isn't helping keep me awake. I'm probably in for another one of those naps that just goes on and on. But then I've got nothing else that needs doing. I was going to fix some strawberries for shortcake, but that can wait. After all, tomorrow is another day... am I getting the vapors? Land sakes, I do declare!
greghousesgf (greghousesgf) wrote2026-04-01 08:37 pm
greghousesgf) wrote2026-04-01 08:37 pm
(no subject)
Last night when I was trying to watch CSI New York on Roku every time this one interactive McDonald's ad came on the ep would reset back to the beginning and apparently the only way I can come close to watching it normally is to fast forward to a point after the damn ad. It yaps about kids voting and has some really irritating sort of anime looking characters in it. I can't stand McDonald's anyway, their food is gross.
Then this morning I accidentally locked myself out of my apt. I felt like a total fool. I could only find the one maintenance guy who speaks zero English so he didn't know what I wanted, it took me a while to find any of the managers.
Then when I went to pay the rent I realized there's bigger fools than me running this place. I always ask for a rent receipt. They gave me one with somebody else's name and check copy on it. I was all "this isn't my check" and they seemed to think it was no big deal!
I hung out down by the lake for a while. Good thing I wore a jacket because the weather was cold and rather wet. I'm super tired now.
Then this morning I accidentally locked myself out of my apt. I felt like a total fool. I could only find the one maintenance guy who speaks zero English so he didn't know what I wanted, it took me a while to find any of the managers.
Then when I went to pay the rent I realized there's bigger fools than me running this place. I always ask for a rent receipt. They gave me one with somebody else's name and check copy on it. I was all "this isn't my check" and they seemed to think it was no big deal!
I hung out down by the lake for a while. Good thing I wore a jacket because the weather was cold and rather wet. I'm super tired now.
glacier_kitty (glacier_kitty) wrote2026-04-01 04:46 pm
glacier_kitty) wrote2026-04-01 04:46 pmEntry tags:
Books read in March
A love story that defies social boundaries: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune (Feb 26-Mar 19). Since the bookstore isn't doing bookclub anymore, a few of us decided to continue ourselves, and this was the last book we read. It was wholesome and squishy haha, the kids were so fun! We're going to read the next one (Somewhere Beyond the Sea) in May since we liked the first one
A book that makes you feel FOMO: Pouncing on Murder by Laurie Cass (Feb 27-Mar 4). I feel like I'm missing out on the beauty of Michigan when I read this series, the author describes it so well! Eddie the cat in the book says "mrr," and I've caught Curti saying the same thing haha
A book where gardening or a garden is central to the plot: This Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych (Mar 5). Such lovely illustrations!
A book with a "type C" character: The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander (Mar 7-10). Detail-oriented, methodical, and analytical individuals who thrive on logic, structure, and precision..yep, those are the traits of many people who work at bookstores. Agatha Christie was mentioned throughout the book, like The Mysterious Affair at Styles being the first Poirot book, and a couple days later I got to use that trivia at work..Danae was like "I love that you just know that off the top of your head" haha
A book you meant to read in 2025: My Beloved Monster: Masha, the Half-Wild Rescue Cat Who Rescued Me by Caleb Carr (Mar 11-17). He bonded with Masha kind of like how I bonded with Abby. The love of a cat is so special <3
A book you were hoping would fit into a prompt but doesn't: Cat with a Clue by Laurie Cass (Mar 18-24). Minnie the Librarian comes across way too many dead bodies than is realistic, but at least the series is entertaining :P
A book that takes place during harvesting season: Wrong Side of the Paw by Laurie Cass (Mar 25-29). Oof, definitely the worst in the series..it didn't have the same vibe as the others and Eddie wasn't in this book as much as the others. They're getting repetitive too, so I should probably take a break from them..
( the topics )
Here's what the National Weather Service said yesterday: "Fairbanks, we just lived through the history books. The numbers are in, and the December to March 2025-26 season will go down as the all-time record coldest for Fairbanks since records began in 1904. With an average temperature of -13.6°F, we’ve edged out the legendary winter of 1965-66 to take the #1 spot.
Persistence: 150 consecutive days and counting at or below freezing, marking the longest stretch the Interior has seen since the early 1970s.
Extreme Cold: We saw 31 days at or below -40°F, the fourth-highest count on record and the most since 1965. Additionally, 72 days reached at or below -20°F, and 52 days fell to at or below -30°F, with 66 days not even getting above 0°F."
Last March was also the coldest in recorded history..the average temperature was -9, obliterating the previous record of -6 in 1959. That was definitely a crazy winter!! Someone on Facebook said this was their first winter, and they feel like they have superpowers haha! Next week it's supposed to get into the 40s!! We earned that warm weather :P
30. How are you feeling today? Yesterday was alright..still getting cool books at work!
31. What is your favorite thing about mornings right now? Reading in bed, cleaning/shelving books, eating yummy vanilla cake haha
April 1: What are some things that you've bought recently? Books, food, an April bus pass, etc
A book that makes you feel FOMO: Pouncing on Murder by Laurie Cass (Feb 27-Mar 4). I feel like I'm missing out on the beauty of Michigan when I read this series, the author describes it so well! Eddie the cat in the book says "mrr," and I've caught Curti saying the same thing haha
A book where gardening or a garden is central to the plot: This Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych (Mar 5). Such lovely illustrations!
A book with a "type C" character: The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander (Mar 7-10). Detail-oriented, methodical, and analytical individuals who thrive on logic, structure, and precision..yep, those are the traits of many people who work at bookstores. Agatha Christie was mentioned throughout the book, like The Mysterious Affair at Styles being the first Poirot book, and a couple days later I got to use that trivia at work..Danae was like "I love that you just know that off the top of your head" haha
A book you meant to read in 2025: My Beloved Monster: Masha, the Half-Wild Rescue Cat Who Rescued Me by Caleb Carr (Mar 11-17). He bonded with Masha kind of like how I bonded with Abby. The love of a cat is so special <3
A book you were hoping would fit into a prompt but doesn't: Cat with a Clue by Laurie Cass (Mar 18-24). Minnie the Librarian comes across way too many dead bodies than is realistic, but at least the series is entertaining :P
A book that takes place during harvesting season: Wrong Side of the Paw by Laurie Cass (Mar 25-29). Oof, definitely the worst in the series..it didn't have the same vibe as the others and Eddie wasn't in this book as much as the others. They're getting repetitive too, so I should probably take a break from them..
( the topics )
Here's what the National Weather Service said yesterday: "Fairbanks, we just lived through the history books. The numbers are in, and the December to March 2025-26 season will go down as the all-time record coldest for Fairbanks since records began in 1904. With an average temperature of -13.6°F, we’ve edged out the legendary winter of 1965-66 to take the #1 spot.
Persistence: 150 consecutive days and counting at or below freezing, marking the longest stretch the Interior has seen since the early 1970s.
Extreme Cold: We saw 31 days at or below -40°F, the fourth-highest count on record and the most since 1965. Additionally, 72 days reached at or below -20°F, and 52 days fell to at or below -30°F, with 66 days not even getting above 0°F."
Last March was also the coldest in recorded history..the average temperature was -9, obliterating the previous record of -6 in 1959. That was definitely a crazy winter!! Someone on Facebook said this was their first winter, and they feel like they have superpowers haha! Next week it's supposed to get into the 40s!! We earned that warm weather :P
30. How are you feeling today? Yesterday was alright..still getting cool books at work!
31. What is your favorite thing about mornings right now? Reading in bed, cleaning/shelving books, eating yummy vanilla cake haha
April 1: What are some things that you've bought recently? Books, food, an April bus pass, etc
dark_phoenix54 (dark_phoenix54) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
booknook2026-04-01 05:08 pm
dark_phoenix54) wrote in booknook2026-04-01 05:08 pm(no subject)
I've actually got books to report for Wednesday! The reading part of my brain has finally kicked back in!
The Republic of Love, by Carol Shields
Took me almost a week to read this. Not because it's difficult reading- it's actually well written- but I just couldn't care about any of the characters! It's all about various people's love lives, mainly focusing on a couple who have previously had fairly disastrous affairs/marriages.
Dead As a Doornail, by Charlaine Harris
One of the Sookie Stackhouse series; not sure where in the series this one sits, since I haven't read any of the others. It held my interest, and was a fast read- two days. A very complicated tale with about a million characters that gave me some problem trying to remember who they all were, and whether they were vampires or were people or just humans. And I did have a bit of a problem with the way every single hetero male wanted her sexually- kind of reminded me of the Anita Blake books but NOT to the extreme those are taken. (note: I have no problem with sex in books. It's the fact that there is this one woman who every single man MUST have. Give it a rest.) Anyway, if the library has the rest of this series I'll read it at some point.
And, maybe a quarter through:
A Spy for the Redeemer: An Owen Archer Mystery, by Candace Robb
Set in 1370, Owen is coming back from Wales (where he was born) from a pilgrimage to some sacred sites, but gets side tracked by a murder mystery he's obliged to investigate. Meanwhile, his wife, an apothecary, is being accused of murder herself...
So far, so good. Good detail as to how things are done back then. Strong main characters- so far, I really like the Lucie a little better than Owen, but I suspect he'll get more interesting as the story evolves.
The Republic of Love, by Carol Shields
Took me almost a week to read this. Not because it's difficult reading- it's actually well written- but I just couldn't care about any of the characters! It's all about various people's love lives, mainly focusing on a couple who have previously had fairly disastrous affairs/marriages.
Dead As a Doornail, by Charlaine Harris
One of the Sookie Stackhouse series; not sure where in the series this one sits, since I haven't read any of the others. It held my interest, and was a fast read- two days. A very complicated tale with about a million characters that gave me some problem trying to remember who they all were, and whether they were vampires or were people or just humans. And I did have a bit of a problem with the way every single hetero male wanted her sexually- kind of reminded me of the Anita Blake books but NOT to the extreme those are taken. (note: I have no problem with sex in books. It's the fact that there is this one woman who every single man MUST have. Give it a rest.) Anyway, if the library has the rest of this series I'll read it at some point.
And, maybe a quarter through:
A Spy for the Redeemer: An Owen Archer Mystery, by Candace Robb
Set in 1370, Owen is coming back from Wales (where he was born) from a pilgrimage to some sacred sites, but gets side tracked by a murder mystery he's obliged to investigate. Meanwhile, his wife, an apothecary, is being accused of murder herself...
So far, so good. Good detail as to how things are done back then. Strong main characters- so far, I really like the Lucie a little better than Owen, but I suspect he'll get more interesting as the story evolves.
On the DEWLine 2.0: Dwight Williams (dewline) wrote2026-04-01 08:24 pm
dewline) wrote2026-04-01 08:24 pm
Entry tags:
Artemis II
I did NOT know how much I needed to see something like the Artemis launch until I did.
inchoatewords (inchoatewords) wrote2026-04-01 06:55 pm
inchoatewords) wrote2026-04-01 06:55 pmEntry tags:
Media Post
Movies: We watched The Roses last week; this is an adaptation of the 1980s movie, The War of the Roses, based on the book of the same name. I have never seen the original or read the book, so I have nothing to compare it to, but this was a decent movie, mainly due to the leads being Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman. Coleman's character, Ivy, was much worse than her husband . . . at least until the very end.
Television/Streaming: working our way through season 3 of Buffy and Farscape.
Buffy episodes:
"The Wish," where Cordelia wishes that Buffy never came to Sunnydale, leading to a very dark future. This was a really good episode, despite its bleakness.
"Amends," where Angel is haunted by his past. A bit overwrought, especially with the "Christmas miracle" kind of ending.
"Gingerbread," where Buffy's mom finds the two dead children in the park and it turns into a whole book-burning, anti-witch extravaganza. The ideas in this one are a little too close to home these days.
"Helpless," where Buffy is drained of her powers so that she can undergo the slayer test. This one pissed me off so much.
"The Zeppo," where the rest of the gang tells Xander to stay away and he ends up getting into his own adventure. I think we watched this the day or so before Nicholas Brendan was found dead. I found it to be a kind of annoying premise, as he has been helpful before.
Farscape episodes: "Losing Time," "Relativity," "Incubator," "Meltdown," "Scratch 'n Sniff," and both halves of "Infinite Possibilities," Daedalus Demands and Icarus Abides. Overall, I don't really think there is a bad Farscape episode. I like how they balance the serious with the occasionally silly.
Books: I finished An Offer from A Gentleman as well as the 2nd epilogue. It was okay. Benedict is much worse in the book than he is on screen. And how many times does Sophie need to tell us that she is a bastard/illegitimate? You could devise a drinking game with it.
I also read If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein. It is described as a Gothic horror, set in the Hollywood Hills, in a crumbling mansion that is a current "hype house" for social media influencers. So a lot of obnoxious kids making Tiktoks. Everyone in this book is insufferable. I had higher hopes for this, but even reading this as completely satirical, it was just annoying. And the very last page plot-twist I could have done without.
Video Games: still working my way through Bendy and the Ink Machine, but I've gotten to a part that is really frustrating and I don't know if I will be able to get past the mini-game to prrogress. I've looked on Reddit and some folks suggested to turn down some of the resolution and other settings to get past it, so I will have to try that.
Listening to: I've listened to two albums on the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums list.
Number 486: Continuum by John Mayer. This was not on the 2012 list. Rolling Stone blurb:
Okay, so I listened to this last week and I was fairly unimpressed by it. I followed my rule of listening at least twice (unless it's so objectionable that I just can't) and I thought it was just okay. Even opined to husband that it was just "coffee shop white boy hipster" or something like that.
Yesterday was a bad noise day and I needed to put something on in my headphones quickly and this album was still in my queue. And maybe I've become hypnotized or something, but I am really enjoying this album now!
I really like "Belief," "Vultures," "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," and "In Repair"
Number 485: I want to see the bright lights tonight, Richard and Linda Thompson. This was at 471 on the previous list. Rolling Stone blurb:
I'd not heard of this one before, but I really enjoyed it. Played it through multiple times during my workday. The whole album is excellent, but "The Calvary Cross" is great, especially the expansive live version that closes out the album (from the 2004 CD release, not the original). I also really like the title track.
Television/Streaming: working our way through season 3 of Buffy and Farscape.
Buffy episodes:
Farscape episodes: "Losing Time," "Relativity," "Incubator," "Meltdown," "Scratch 'n Sniff," and both halves of "Infinite Possibilities," Daedalus Demands and Icarus Abides. Overall, I don't really think there is a bad Farscape episode. I like how they balance the serious with the occasionally silly.
Books: I finished An Offer from A Gentleman as well as the 2nd epilogue. It was okay. Benedict is much worse in the book than he is on screen. And how many times does Sophie need to tell us that she is a bastard/illegitimate? You could devise a drinking game with it.
I also read If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein. It is described as a Gothic horror, set in the Hollywood Hills, in a crumbling mansion that is a current "hype house" for social media influencers. So a lot of obnoxious kids making Tiktoks. Everyone in this book is insufferable. I had higher hopes for this, but even reading this as completely satirical, it was just annoying. And the very last page plot-twist I could have done without.
Video Games: still working my way through Bendy and the Ink Machine, but I've gotten to a part that is really frustrating and I don't know if I will be able to get past the mini-game to prrogress. I've looked on Reddit and some folks suggested to turn down some of the resolution and other settings to get past it, so I will have to try that.
Listening to: I've listened to two albums on the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums list.
Number 486: Continuum by John Mayer. This was not on the 2012 list. Rolling Stone blurb:
After establishing himself as a post-Dave Matthews heartthrob, John Mayer grew into his soul and blues ambitions for a subtly crafted album aided by ace musicians like guitarists Ben Harper and Charlie Hunter, drummer-producer Steve Jordan, and jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove — from the smooth Hi Records-tinged soul of “Vultures” to “Waiting for the World to Change,” a deceptively knowing and self-aware take on generational apathy.
Okay, so I listened to this last week and I was fairly unimpressed by it. I followed my rule of listening at least twice (unless it's so objectionable that I just can't) and I thought it was just okay. Even opined to husband that it was just "coffee shop white boy hipster" or something like that.
Yesterday was a bad noise day and I needed to put something on in my headphones quickly and this album was still in my queue. And maybe I've become hypnotized or something, but I am really enjoying this album now!
I really like "Belief," "Vultures," "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," and "In Repair"
Number 485: I want to see the bright lights tonight, Richard and Linda Thompson. This was at 471 on the previous list. Rolling Stone blurb:
With Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson was one of the first prominent Sixties folk rockers to look to his native England’s traditions for inspiration. After leaving Fairport, he joined with his wife, Linda Thompson to make stellar albums in the Seventies. Richard played guitar like a Sufi-mystic Neil Young; Linda had the voice of a Celtic Emmylou Harris. Bright Lights is their devastating masterwork of folk-rock dread. Radiohead even picked up some guitar tricks from “The Calvary Cross.”
I'd not heard of this one before, but I really enjoyed it. Played it through multiple times during my workday. The whole album is excellent, but "The Calvary Cross" is great, especially the expansive live version that closes out the album (from the 2004 CD release, not the original). I also really like the title track.
Fueled by Ramen and cheap beer (somedayseattle) wrote2026-04-01 04:34 pm
somedayseattle) wrote2026-04-01 04:34 pmin a state of love and trust
My doctor appointment was at 1 PM. I scheduled my ride at 12:15 in case there were errors. (Also my referral said to be there at 12:40). I made it at 12:45 to find all three receptionist were on lunch break. Why in the purple piss would you schedule me to be there at 12:40 if there’s no one there?? One of the drones eventually showed up. I was third to check in. After going through all my information she tells me I’m in the wrong suite. I tell her my referral says Suite 3349. She corrects me to Suite 3300.
I make the roll to Suite 3300. I hand all of my medical information to the receptionist. Recently my Medicaid has changed names from Stupid Ass Medicaid to Bullshit Medicaid I believe. The receptionist tells me she can’t accept Bullshit Medicaid because it’s a different name. Now it will take at least 15 days to approve the new insurance that’s actually the old insurance that they already approved. She told me next time let them know I have new insurance ahead of time. I’ve never actually been here so how the fuck could I confirm with you my insurance is different you silly cow. Then she tells me my doctors referral was incorrect. I had to do a different procedure which had to be rescheduled. How do you know what my doctor prescribed was wrong? You don’t work with my doctor thus you don’t know what he wanted.
You guys can do all your cross checking and reassuring and rescheduling, but one thing is for certain, you won’t see my stupid ass at your office ever again. This is not a procedure of life and death. It’s merely a test because my original heart guy needs a kickback to pay off his Porsche.
Not today, bucko. That was three hours taken from me. It’s a beautiful 72° day and I don’t need to waste three hours screwing around with dingleberry doctors.
I make the roll to Suite 3300. I hand all of my medical information to the receptionist. Recently my Medicaid has changed names from Stupid Ass Medicaid to Bullshit Medicaid I believe. The receptionist tells me she can’t accept Bullshit Medicaid because it’s a different name. Now it will take at least 15 days to approve the new insurance that’s actually the old insurance that they already approved. She told me next time let them know I have new insurance ahead of time. I’ve never actually been here so how the fuck could I confirm with you my insurance is different you silly cow. Then she tells me my doctors referral was incorrect. I had to do a different procedure which had to be rescheduled. How do you know what my doctor prescribed was wrong? You don’t work with my doctor thus you don’t know what he wanted.
You guys can do all your cross checking and reassuring and rescheduling, but one thing is for certain, you won’t see my stupid ass at your office ever again. This is not a procedure of life and death. It’s merely a test because my original heart guy needs a kickback to pay off his Porsche.
Not today, bucko. That was three hours taken from me. It’s a beautiful 72° day and I don’t need to waste three hours screwing around with dingleberry doctors.
Mad Scientess (nanila) wrote2026-04-01 09:38 pm
nanila) wrote2026-04-01 09:38 pmEntry tags:
1SE for March 2026
Very much feeling as though I'm limping toward the finish line here. The University shuts down at CoB tomorrow for the Easter holiday. I'm running on fumes and caffeine, trying to clear my desk and inbox of things I really shouldn't leave until after it re-opens.
This month features the return of the canal boats*, two trips to London, and the inaugural ice creams from the Ninja Creami (thank you,
semianonymous!). Making your own soft serve ice cream from scratch truly is a luxury.* We missed them last year. The entire lock flight had to be shut for months so the Canal and Rivers Trust could carry out extensive repairs to a lock with collapsed walls.
oursin (oursin) wrote2026-04-01 07:37 pm
oursin) wrote2026-04-01 07:37 pmWednesday went on a jaunt to Rochester
What I read
Finished Honeycomb.
Read Jonathan Kellerman, Jigsaw (2026), for a change of pace. While the perp is, for a change, not a serial killer with intricate pattern of murders, still a psycho, though revenge in the mix. I yearn for Dr Delaware to get a locked room mystery at a country house party with a load of ye trad motives.
Then back to Barbara Hambly, Murder in the Trembling Lands (2025), which I still found fairly confusing - admittedly the plot is rooted in confused/confusing stories - on a re-read.
Something or other brought to mind a really obscure author whose 2 novels I'd managed to find (after reading the second from the library and then wanting to read it again and searching for it for years), so actually managed to retrieve these from the approximate places where they were supposed to be on actual shelves.
D. A. Nicholas Jones, Parade in Pairs (1958), first novel, some good things, thought the racial violence at the end was a bit gratuitous - chronology suggests it could not have been response to Notting Hill Race Riots. Period racial attitudes are situated in characters and there is quite a bit of ambiguity going on. Also some, fairly peripheral, characters are gay.
On the go
D. A. Nicholas Jones, Never Had It So Good (1963), which is the one I first encountered. I see I wrote about it years ago back in LJ days.
Also on the go, as I was out and about today and did not want to tote about a substantial hardback, Farah Mendlesohn, Considering The Female Man by Joanna Russ, or, As the Bear Swore, published yesterday.
Up next
No idea.
maju (maju) wrote2026-04-01 01:10 pm
maju) wrote2026-04-01 01:10 pm(no subject)
When I came upstairs this morning I found the ceiling fan in the living room festooned with toilet paper. I asked Violet what was going on, and she said "April Fools". Strange April Fools joke but I guess the joke would have been on everyone if someone had turned on the fan.
It's very warm today; right now it's about 22°C/72°F and the humidity is quite high. There is rain in the forecast but so far it's only cloudy (but looking more threatening as time passes) after a sunny morning. This morning I actually went for a run in very pleasant conditions.
I've been doing a virtual run around the US since December 2016, and at my current rate of about 5 km a day I will finish on 21st June this year. So far I've covered 16,769 km and I've got 401 km to go. Now that the weather has improved I'm hoping to increase my daily average slightly and finish sooner, but we'll see. When I finish this map I plan to do the shortest one available, Run Around the UK and Ireland, which is only 3,890 km, or if I decide I'm feeling slightly more ambitious, Run Around New Zealand which is just over 4,000 km.
It's very warm today; right now it's about 22°C/72°F and the humidity is quite high. There is rain in the forecast but so far it's only cloudy (but looking more threatening as time passes) after a sunny morning. This morning I actually went for a run in very pleasant conditions.
I've been doing a virtual run around the US since December 2016, and at my current rate of about 5 km a day I will finish on 21st June this year. So far I've covered 16,769 km and I've got 401 km to go. Now that the weather has improved I'm hoping to increase my daily average slightly and finish sooner, but we'll see. When I finish this map I plan to do the shortest one available, Run Around the UK and Ireland, which is only 3,890 km, or if I decide I'm feeling slightly more ambitious, Run Around New Zealand which is just over 4,000 km.
vysila (vysila) wrote2026-04-01 10:01 am
vysila) wrote2026-04-01 10:01 am
Entry tags:
Mission 116 Update for March 2026 (Month 23) – No Foolin’ Day
What a bust of a month as far as the goals list was concerned, lol! Basically, I spent the entire month sick as can be and accomplished nothing. It was just a simple viral cold far as I could tell, no fever, no infection. Just general misery. Much better now, although still trying to rebuild energy and strength slowly. Bouncing back doesn't happen at my age, it's a slow, long climb.
As I said before, I'm not particularly bothered by any lack of progress on my goals list going forward. If it happens it happens. I'm looking forward to exploring my new home state as the weather warms – the big tulip festival is this month and I really want to see all those beautiful fields of colorful flowers.
As I said before, I'm not particularly bothered by any lack of progress on my goals list going forward. If it happens it happens. I'm looking forward to exploring my new home state as the weather warms – the big tulip festival is this month and I really want to see all those beautiful fields of colorful flowers.
Fueled by Ramen and cheap beer (somedayseattle) wrote2026-04-01 12:11 pm
somedayseattle) wrote2026-04-01 12:11 pmpitching a tent
Another damn doctor referral viait. This time I am off to Wake Med Heart and Vascular for a Lexiscan Sestamibi AKA 3 hour waste of a lovely sunny afternoon. I think I have 1 more referral next week then.....
summersgate (summersgate) wrote2026-04-01 10:50 am
summersgate) wrote2026-04-01 10:50 amwednesday
Tick Season. I got so many ticks on me yesterday when I walked the dogs to the creek. I feel like I'm under assault. I took 5 off Rainy later that night and this morning. It's much harder to see them on Andy. We treated the dogs with a fresh dose of flea and tick last night. I have checked myself thoroughly but I still feeling them crawling on me.
Last year I got a cassette playing device that will read and store information from old cassettes and transfer it to your computer. I wanted to copy the cassettes we made of my dad telling his stories and then copy that to thumb drives to give the family. He was quite a story teller and had some good ones. Anyway I've been avoiding actually doing the work of using the device and listening to dad's voice. I fear it'll just make me sad. But I think today will be the day that I try to do the transfer. I had a dream last night that seemed encouraging in that direction. I imagined it would just be simple - just play the cassettes while hooked up to the computer but no, after opening the box I see it takes downloading a program to get it to work. I guess. Blaa. Doing that now. I don't know what I'm doing! I used to understand my computer much better when we had Windows xp. I don't know my way around my computer anymore. I wish Johnny was here.
Susan Dennis (susandennis) wrote2026-04-01 07:34 am
susandennis) wrote2026-04-01 07:34 amWednesday
The cats and I are having a food fight. They do not like the latest acquisition but 1. we have 24 5 oz cans of it that we are going to eat come hell or high water and 2. it's especially formulated to relieve stress. So they do not have to like it but they are going to eat it all up. It could be a long cat food month.
Amazon is ever increasing its options for returning stuff. I remember when my nephew first moved to his teeny tiny NW Iowa town, the first thing he told me about it was that the closest Amazon return site was an hour away in Nebraska. That's living off the grid in my book. Anyway, around here, they have now added Fed Ex. Like UPS, you just take your item in with a QR code and they provide the package and the label and the shipping. It's a schosh more convenient than UPS. So I thought I'd try it. I have one item to return but I also have 30 days so I'm in no hurry.
It probably won't be today. The Mariner game is an afternoon game today. Chicken TV!
I'm now reading the second of the 5 books that the librarian offered up. Proof by Jon Cowan. It had a rough start - lazy plot development/writing but now I'm at the 50% mark and he's hit his stride. Interesting plot and I'm hooked. So far, of the 5, 1 was a huge success, 1 was a total fail and now we're on this one. I'm still on hold for the other two.
I was debating skipping the swim today but now I've changed my mind. I think I'll just suit up and head on over. Such a luxury to have such a lovely pool such an easy walk from here.
Amazon is ever increasing its options for returning stuff. I remember when my nephew first moved to his teeny tiny NW Iowa town, the first thing he told me about it was that the closest Amazon return site was an hour away in Nebraska. That's living off the grid in my book. Anyway, around here, they have now added Fed Ex. Like UPS, you just take your item in with a QR code and they provide the package and the label and the shipping. It's a schosh more convenient than UPS. So I thought I'd try it. I have one item to return but I also have 30 days so I'm in no hurry.
It probably won't be today. The Mariner game is an afternoon game today. Chicken TV!
I'm now reading the second of the 5 books that the librarian offered up. Proof by Jon Cowan. It had a rough start - lazy plot development/writing but now I'm at the 50% mark and he's hit his stride. Interesting plot and I'm hooked. So far, of the 5, 1 was a huge success, 1 was a total fail and now we're on this one. I'm still on hold for the other two.
I was debating skipping the swim today but now I've changed my mind. I think I'll just suit up and head on over. Such a luxury to have such a lovely pool such an easy walk from here.
Punk (runpunkrun) wrote in gluten_free2026-04-01 07:43 am
runpunkrun) wrote in gluten_free2026-04-01 07:43 amEntry tags:
Prompt: Comfort Foods
Our prompt for April is Comfort Foods!
To fill this prompt, you can:
- Slide into the comments of this post and share a link to a recipe, product, or resource and why you like it.
- Write up a favorite recipe and post it to the comm.
- Post a review of a related product or cookbook to the comm.
- Try someone's recipe and reply to their post (or comment) with any changes you made and how it turned out.
And, a reminder, you can now tag your own posts.
pilottttt (pilottttt) wrote in common_nature2026-04-01 07:31 pm
pilottttt) wrote in common_nature2026-04-01 07:31 pmEntry tags:
Persian squirrels inhabiting the ruins of the legendary Troy
You can read more about how we visited Troy here (in Russian).
Susan Dennis (susandennis) wrote2026-04-01 07:05 am
susandennis) wrote2026-04-01 07:05 amChicken details
I spent all of yesterday tending to my flock. Trying this and then trying that and then, finally, I think I have a pattern I'm happy with.
One issue was the eyes. They end up needing to go into where there is a hole in the crochet. Summersgate said she's been sewing over that hole and I tried that and it kind of works. Another issue is that there was still too many holes and the stuffing shows through. So I dropped a size in my crochet hook but then the chicken was too small. Then I added a row and then the chicken was too big.
So I had a think. And changed my granny square to a granny round square with a special corner for the eye. I like the results a lot. There will be a lot more chickens, I believe.
Here's what I'm doing.
1. 12 double crochet (12)
2. 2 DC in each stitch (24)
3. 2 DC, then 1 DC, then 2 DC, etc (36)
Then I make a square
4. 2 DC, ch 1, 2 DC in 3 corners, [2 hdc, 4 sc, 2 hdc] on 4 sides. In the 4th corner, 5 DC's.
5. 1 DC in every stitch and 2 DC, ch 1, 2 DC in 3 corners and fill in (1 or 2 DC's) in that one corner.
That one corner becomes a nice, stable area for the eye.
I put an eye on each square and then put them wrong sides together and do a single crochet around the three edges leaving the one opposite the eye open.
Then I add the top comb. With the eye on the top left hand corner, I count 8 stitches over from that corner and start - 1 sc, 3 DC, 1 sc, [1 DC, 1 TR], [1 TR, 1 DC], 1 sc, 3 DC, slp the last stitch.
Then round the eye corner I skip one stitch from the comb and start the beak. 1 DC, ch 2, 1 DC in the first of those 2 chains, 1 DC and then a slip stitch to end.
Then I stuff her and close up the bottom and add the chicken feet: [ch 3, TR] 3 times in the middle of the bottom.
DONE!
One issue was the eyes. They end up needing to go into where there is a hole in the crochet. Summersgate said she's been sewing over that hole and I tried that and it kind of works. Another issue is that there was still too many holes and the stuffing shows through. So I dropped a size in my crochet hook but then the chicken was too small. Then I added a row and then the chicken was too big.
So I had a think. And changed my granny square to a granny round square with a special corner for the eye. I like the results a lot. There will be a lot more chickens, I believe.
Here's what I'm doing.
1. 12 double crochet (12)
2. 2 DC in each stitch (24)
3. 2 DC, then 1 DC, then 2 DC, etc (36)
Then I make a square
4. 2 DC, ch 1, 2 DC in 3 corners, [2 hdc, 4 sc, 2 hdc] on 4 sides. In the 4th corner, 5 DC's.
5. 1 DC in every stitch and 2 DC, ch 1, 2 DC in 3 corners and fill in (1 or 2 DC's) in that one corner.
That one corner becomes a nice, stable area for the eye.
I put an eye on each square and then put them wrong sides together and do a single crochet around the three edges leaving the one opposite the eye open.
Then I add the top comb. With the eye on the top left hand corner, I count 8 stitches over from that corner and start - 1 sc, 3 DC, 1 sc, [1 DC, 1 TR], [1 TR, 1 DC], 1 sc, 3 DC, slp the last stitch.
Then round the eye corner I skip one stitch from the comb and start the beak. 1 DC, ch 2, 1 DC in the first of those 2 chains, 1 DC and then a slip stitch to end.
Then I stuff her and close up the bottom and add the chicken feet: [ch 3, TR] 3 times in the middle of the bottom.
DONE!
nverland (nverland) wrote in recipecommunity2026-04-01 04:30 am
nverland) wrote in recipecommunity2026-04-01 04:30 amEntry tags:
Jammy Pepper Pasta Salad
Jammy Pepper Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 cup nuts (such as hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)
3 lb. mixed bell peppers (baby, regular-size, or a mix of both)
2 red Fresno chiles
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 head of garlic, cloves separated
3 large sprigs thyme
2½ tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more
3 tsp. sugar, divided
½ cup plus 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
½ red onion
1 lb. rigatoni
6 oz. ricotta salata (salted dry ricotta), cut into very thin planks, or crumbled feta
1 cup basil leaves
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast nuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown, 5–10 minutes depending on type of nuts. Let cool, then coarsely crush; set aside.
Meanwhile, cut bell peppers in half lengthwise through their stems. Remove and discard any seeds and white ribs. Cut large bell peppers into 1"-thick strips and baby bell peppers in half lengthwise. Thinly slice chiles crosswise into rounds; discard stems.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high until shimmering, about 3 minutes. Add peppers, chiles, garlic, thyme, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers begin to soften and are golden brown in some spots, 10–15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add ½ cup vinegar. Partially cover pot and cook, stirring every 5–10 minutes, until peppers are very soft, jammy, and browning in some spots, 35–45 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Pluck out and discard any shriveled thyme stems.
While peppers cook, thinly slice onion and transfer to a small bowl. Add ½ tsp. salt and remaining 3 Tbsp. vinegar and 2 tsp. sugar, then toss to combine. Let sit to lightly pickle until ready to use.
Cook rigatoni in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and add pasta to pot with peppers. Add pickled onions and their pickling liquid, then toss well to evenly coat pasta. Let cool to room temperature.
Crumble ricotta salata into pot, then stir in reserved nuts. Tear basil into coarse pieces, add to pot, and stir until combined.
Transfer to a large bowl and serve at room temperature, or cover and chill if you prefer to serve salad cold.
Do Ahead: Pasta salad can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool to room temperature, cover, and chill.