Today's Cooking
Sep. 18th, 2025 07:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithToday I made Three Sisters Succotash. I want to write up my version because it's a bit different than the Iroquois-inspired one that I started with.
Then it occurred to me that I had half a dozen fresh corncobs, so I am making corncob broth to see if that's any good.
Then it occurred to me that I had half a dozen fresh corncobs, so I am making corncob broth to see if that's any good.
9/18/2025 Lower Packrat Trail
Sep. 18th, 2025 11:23 ammrkinchI'd kind of planned to go sit on the bench at the top of Lower Packrat for a while, but the succumbed to the lure of possibilities at Jewel Lake (despite the chipping/occ chainsaw noise). I found nothing terribly exciting there, a Warbling Vireo and a Townsend's Warbler, but the Red-breasted Nuthatches were surprisingly numerous and loud, and when the sun came out the activity exploded. I heard a Swainson's Thrush and two Western Flycatchers on the way, and possibly a Wilson's Warbler, though just one chip so I did not report it. Surprise of the morning was two Northern House Wrens... ah, just twigged to why they were right there. Stacks of brush are perfect habitats for NHWR, I saw this a few years ago up in the eucalyptus grove along Nimitz Way, and the chipping operation has not gotten as far as the road across from the Lake. The wrens were buzzing loudly and even singing a bit. But those lovely piles won't be there long. ( The list: )
Rain has disappeared from the forecast, big surprise.
Rain has disappeared from the forecast, big surprise.
Artificial Intelligence
Sep. 18th, 2025 02:52 pmysabetwordsmithAn argument that large language models should be called goLLuMs.
There is so much potential for satire and mockery here. :D
There is so much potential for satire and mockery here. :D
Birdfeeding
Sep. 18th, 2025 02:20 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and hot.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I watered the patio plants.
.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/18/25 -- I watered the patio plants.
.
Good Doctors
Sep. 18th, 2025 07:49 ampshaw_ravenA horse, a horse! My kingdom for a ... doctor who isn't a dipshit.
Actually my current PCP isn't exactly a dipshit, he's just not really the right doctor for either me or Fox. Yeah, we see the same guy. But Fox actively dislikes him, and I'm just tired of dealing with him, so we're finding new ones to see. Fox found someone in literally the same office, and I'll be calling the office next door, which has two likely candidates.
Ideally I'd like a doctor who is athletic, but I'll settle for someone who at least acknowledges that *I* am and that my activity levels can make me a little different from the usual run of 49 year old women. I'd personally point to the time my current doctor suggested I get out an walk, and then said there's a mile loop around the complex, and I should try doing two loops for two miles in under thirty minutes. And he said all this without ever asking me if I exercised and/or what I did. He also apparently doesn't acknowledge or can't remember that I do strength training.
Finally, I'm fed up with the liver biopsy push. I saw a liver specialist and had extensive blood panels done on top of a deep tissue ultrasound to look for scars and hardening, and they found exactly nothing wrong. But the current doctor just looks at lab results, makes recommendations on that, and doesn't bother asking questions about lifestyle, family history, or anything else. He just sees that ALT is 40 when it should be 25 this time around, ignores that it was normal last time, and I'm so tired of arguing with him. I'm not going to stop working out for a week to ten days just to have "good" blood work.
Anyway.
I have never really wanted a ball cap, I suspect I look like a massive dork in them. However, I have done some soul-searching and made peace with the fact that ball cap or no, I am actually a massive dork. And I have never needed or wanted a ball cap the way I need and want this one.
I wrote my thesis on Anais Nin's diaries. (Sorry about the lack of umlaut but I don't feel like switching to the international keyboard.) I can still talk the bark off a tree about interiority, exhibitionism, and the importance Nin placed on erotic episodes in her journals. Unfortunately, I no longer have the collection of books I used - that all got left in Louisiana when I moved, and Ex Husband likely tossed out or sold them. It would probably be worth my while to start rebuilding that portion of my library.
Actually my current PCP isn't exactly a dipshit, he's just not really the right doctor for either me or Fox. Yeah, we see the same guy. But Fox actively dislikes him, and I'm just tired of dealing with him, so we're finding new ones to see. Fox found someone in literally the same office, and I'll be calling the office next door, which has two likely candidates.
Ideally I'd like a doctor who is athletic, but I'll settle for someone who at least acknowledges that *I* am and that my activity levels can make me a little different from the usual run of 49 year old women. I'd personally point to the time my current doctor suggested I get out an walk, and then said there's a mile loop around the complex, and I should try doing two loops for two miles in under thirty minutes. And he said all this without ever asking me if I exercised and/or what I did. He also apparently doesn't acknowledge or can't remember that I do strength training.
Finally, I'm fed up with the liver biopsy push. I saw a liver specialist and had extensive blood panels done on top of a deep tissue ultrasound to look for scars and hardening, and they found exactly nothing wrong. But the current doctor just looks at lab results, makes recommendations on that, and doesn't bother asking questions about lifestyle, family history, or anything else. He just sees that ALT is 40 when it should be 25 this time around, ignores that it was normal last time, and I'm so tired of arguing with him. I'm not going to stop working out for a week to ten days just to have "good" blood work.
Anyway.
I have never really wanted a ball cap, I suspect I look like a massive dork in them. However, I have done some soul-searching and made peace with the fact that ball cap or no, I am actually a massive dork. And I have never needed or wanted a ball cap the way I need and want this one.
I wrote my thesis on Anais Nin's diaries. (Sorry about the lack of umlaut but I don't feel like switching to the international keyboard.) I can still talk the bark off a tree about interiority, exhibitionism, and the importance Nin placed on erotic episodes in her journals. Unfortunately, I no longer have the collection of books I used - that all got left in Louisiana when I moved, and Ex Husband likely tossed out or sold them. It would probably be worth my while to start rebuilding that portion of my library.
Hobbies: Embroidery
Sep. 18th, 2025 12:32 amysabetwordsmithFolks have mentioned an interest in questions and conversations that make them think. So I've decided to offer more of those. This batch features hobbies.
Embroidery is a fibercraft hobby of making things from colored thread on fabric. If you feel frustrated by planned obsolescence, artificial intelligence, and other current issues then consider embroidery as a form of protest. Make something beautiful that will last.
On Dreamwidth, consider communities like![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crafty, cross_stitch, everykindofcraft, get_knitted, justcreate, sewing, and sewing101.
( Read more... )
Embroidery is a fibercraft hobby of making things from colored thread on fabric. If you feel frustrated by planned obsolescence, artificial intelligence, and other current issues then consider embroidery as a form of protest. Make something beautiful that will last.
On Dreamwidth, consider communities like
crafty, cross_stitch, everykindofcraft, get_knitted, justcreate, sewing, and sewing101.( Read more... )
Hopescrolling
Sep. 17th, 2025 11:34 pmysabetwordsmithConsider Hope-Scrolling
Today’s goal is to boost your mood, inspire positivity, and restore some bits of faith in humanity. Now is the time to acknowledge the importance of regularly searching for hope and applying the benefits. The hip new slogan for this process is known as hope-scrolling.
I aim to do this as a counterbalance to the often dark things I post regarding climate change, activism, etc. It's challenging because there aren't as many positive news sites as mixed or gloomy ones, and they don't update as often. Sometimes I can find good science news. I used to pull fun educational things or amusing animal videos from YouTube, but I don't really want to support a site that's mistreating its users. :/ Still, I'm always keeping my eye out for sources of upbeat news.
Today’s goal is to boost your mood, inspire positivity, and restore some bits of faith in humanity. Now is the time to acknowledge the importance of regularly searching for hope and applying the benefits. The hip new slogan for this process is known as hope-scrolling.
I aim to do this as a counterbalance to the often dark things I post regarding climate change, activism, etc. It's challenging because there aren't as many positive news sites as mixed or gloomy ones, and they don't update as often. Sometimes I can find good science news. I used to pull fun educational things or amusing animal videos from YouTube, but I don't really want to support a site that's mistreating its users. :/ Still, I'm always keeping my eye out for sources of upbeat news.
Genocide
Sep. 17th, 2025 11:13 pmysabetwordsmithU.N. Commission Finds That Israel Is Committing Genocide in Gaza: What Does It Mean?
On Sept. 16, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (COI) published a report finding that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Commission concluded that Israel has committed four of the five underlying acts of genocide listed in the 1948 Genocide Convention (killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction, and imposing measures intended to prevent births), and that it has done so with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians as a group. The commission’s findings build on its earlier reports that considered crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Took them long enough. While this does not really change anything, it is a useful stick to beat people with when they claim that Israel's actions are okay and protesting them is wrong.
On Sept. 16, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (COI) published a report finding that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Commission concluded that Israel has committed four of the five underlying acts of genocide listed in the 1948 Genocide Convention (killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction, and imposing measures intended to prevent births), and that it has done so with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians as a group. The commission’s findings build on its earlier reports that considered crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Took them long enough. While this does not really change anything, it is a useful stick to beat people with when they claim that Israel's actions are okay and protesting them is wrong.
Space Exploration
Sep. 17th, 2025 10:25 pmysabetwordsmithThe violent collisions that made Earth habitable
The violent final 1% of planetary formation may decide which worlds could host life.
Late-stage planetary collisions reshaped Earth and its neighboring planets, delivering water, altering their atmospheres, and influencing their tectonics. New findings suggest these violent impacts were central to both planetary diversity and the origins of habitability.
The violent final 1% of planetary formation may decide which worlds could host life.
Late-stage planetary collisions reshaped Earth and its neighboring planets, delivering water, altering their atmospheres, and influencing their tectonics. New findings suggest these violent impacts were central to both planetary diversity and the origins of habitability.
9/17/2025 Inspiration Trail
Sep. 17th, 2025 12:42 pmmrkinchToday was the third of three clear, hot days this week, good weather for getting out there and back early. I was at the top of the rise by dawn and by the time I was there again two and a half hours later it was warmer than I like. Two warblers, a Townsend's and a Yellow, were the only incoming migrants. Migrants I thought had left were Western Wood-pewee, Western Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, and two Black-headed Grosbeaks who seemed to be heading west. The Western Tanager I think was just passing through. I was surprised to see a single American White Pelican on San Pablo Reservoir; I think they're around all year now. ( The list: )
There's a chance of rain tomorrow night. I'll believe it when I hear it!
There's a chance of rain tomorrow night. I'll believe it when I hear it!
Birdfeeding
Sep. 17th, 2025 02:34 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and hot.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the yard.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did more work around the yard.
I watered the new picnic table, old picnic table, telephone pole garden, and a few savanna plants.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the yard.
EDIT 9/17/25 -- I did more work around the yard.
I watered the new picnic table, old picnic table, telephone pole garden, and a few savanna plants.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Good News
Sep. 17th, 2025 05:10 amysabetwordsmithGood news includes all the things which make us happy or otherwise feel good. It can be personal or public. We never know when something wonderful will happen, and when it does, most people want to share it with someone. It's disappointing when nobody is there to appreciate it. Happily, blogging allows us to share our joys and pat each other on the back.
What good news have you had recently? Are you anticipating any more? Have you found a cute picture or a video that makes you smile? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your life a little happier?
What good news have you had recently? Are you anticipating any more? Have you found a cute picture or a video that makes you smile? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your life a little happier?
Art
Sep. 16th, 2025 08:11 pmysabetwordsmithQOTD: Walter Benjamin on the relationship between photoraphs and captions
Every field has certain works that everyone working the field is expected to be familiar with. In art history, one of those is Walter Benjamin's 1935 essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction."
This seems like a useful topic to discuss in today's context.
( Read more... )
Every field has certain works that everyone working the field is expected to be familiar with. In art history, one of those is Walter Benjamin's 1935 essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction."
This seems like a useful topic to discuss in today's context.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Sep. 16th, 2025 02:20 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and hot.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds. The honeybees had drained the small metal birdbath again.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did a bit of work around the yard.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I watered the patio plants and the old picnic table.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I watered the irises, telephone pole garden, and a few of the savanna seedlings.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I watered the new picnic table and septic garden.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds. The honeybees had drained the small metal birdbath again.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I did a bit of work around the yard.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I watered the patio plants and the old picnic table.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I watered the irises, telephone pole garden, and a few of the savanna seedlings.
EDIT 9/16/25 -- I watered the new picnic table and septic garden.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
9/15/2025 Tilden Nature Area
Sep. 15th, 2025 05:43 pmmrkinchJust me and U today, and I chose to simply walk up the boardwalk and back on the road. Loud neighbors til midnight may not be so bad for most, but for me that's three or four hours of voices in my bedroom. Best moment of the morning came right in the parking lot: our first of season Fox Sparrow! exactly where they often are. If they were only passing through, that spot must send out a "perfect spot for sparrows" vibe. We heard only two Swainson's Thrushes and no Wilson's Warblers, but saw several Townsend's Warblers. Nuthatches were very evident, Pygmy in a couple of places, White-breasted around the bridge at the Lake, and several Red-breasted loudly working trees right beside the trail. Interestingly, no finches at all. ( The list: )
We'd only just started up the road when we heard a Belted Kingfisher rattling, looked up and saw them, too, flying south. We imagine that they came to check out Jewel Lake, found absolutely no fishable open water, and departed forthwith. The lake bed isn't entirely dry yet, but what water there is can't be more than an inch deep, stagnant, and scummy. We're waiting for the rain.
We'd only just started up the road when we heard a Belted Kingfisher rattling, looked up and saw them, too, flying south. We imagine that they came to check out Jewel Lake, found absolutely no fishable open water, and departed forthwith. The lake bed isn't entirely dry yet, but what water there is can't be more than an inch deep, stagnant, and scummy. We're waiting for the rain.
Birdfeeding
Sep. 15th, 2025 01:42 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and sweltering.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Writing
Sep. 15th, 2025 03:55 amysabetwordsmithSix “Weak” Fantasy Powers That Are Incredibly Strong
These are powers that are considered minor, some interesting flavor at best, but actually provide a huge advantage. The only question is whether storytellers realize it.
It's not the amount of power in an ability, but rather your creativity in using it that matters.
These are powers that are considered minor, some interesting flavor at best, but actually provide a huge advantage. The only question is whether storytellers realize it.
It's not the amount of power in an ability, but rather your creativity in using it that matters.