mrkinch (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mrkinch) wrote2025-09-15 05:43 pm
mrkinch) wrote2025-09-15 05:43 pmEntry tags:
9/15/2025 Tilden Nature Area
Just 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.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-15 01:42 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-15 01:42 pmEntry tags:
Birdfeeding
Today 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.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-15 03:55 am
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-15 03:55 amEntry tags:
Writing
Six “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.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-15 12:22 am
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-15 12:22 amMonday Update 9-15-25
These are some posts from the later part of last week in case you missed them:
Photos: Fairy Garden Lantern Deconstruction
Birdfeeding
Candy Jar Terrarium Part 2: Plants
Candy Jar Terrarium Part 1: Setup
Wildlife
Birdfeeding
Safety
Philosophical Questions: Rights
Poem: "The Most Precious Heritage"
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Low-Carb Meatloaf Recipes
Follow Friday 9-12-25: Iron Man
Sustainability
Recipe: "Edwards Family Meatloaf"
Poem: "But an Empty Shell"
Birdfeeding
Hobbies: Knitting
Today's Adventures
Music
Birdfeeding
Cuddle Party
Let's Boycott Mississippi has 55 comments. Affordable Housing has 46 comments. Robotics has 68 comments. Food has 37 comments.
"An Inkling of Things to Come" belongs to Polychrome: Shiv and needs $200 to be complete. Shiv attends the first session of his Worldbuilding class.
The weather is sweltering again. :P Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a male cardinal, and a fox squirrel. Lots of butterflies are out, and honeybees are draining the small metal birdbath. Currently blooming: dandelions, marigolds, petunias, red salvia, verbena, lantana, sweet alyssum, zinnias, snapdragons, blue lobelia, perennial pinks, oxalis, moss rose, yarrow, firecracker plant, tomatoes, tomatillos, yellow squash, zucchini, morning glory, purple echinacea, chicory, Queen Anne's lace, sunflowers, cup plant, firewheel, cypress vine, sunchokes, sedum. Tomatoes, ball carrots, cucumbers, and groundcherries are ripe. Fields have started being harvested.
Photos: Fairy Garden Lantern Deconstruction
Birdfeeding
Candy Jar Terrarium Part 2: Plants
Candy Jar Terrarium Part 1: Setup
Wildlife
Birdfeeding
Safety
Philosophical Questions: Rights
Poem: "The Most Precious Heritage"
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Low-Carb Meatloaf Recipes
Follow Friday 9-12-25: Iron Man
Sustainability
Recipe: "Edwards Family Meatloaf"
Poem: "But an Empty Shell"
Birdfeeding
Hobbies: Knitting
Today's Adventures
Music
Birdfeeding
Cuddle Party
Let's Boycott Mississippi has 55 comments. Affordable Housing has 46 comments. Robotics has 68 comments. Food has 37 comments.
"An Inkling of Things to Come" belongs to Polychrome: Shiv and needs $200 to be complete. Shiv attends the first session of his Worldbuilding class.
The weather is sweltering again. :P Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a male cardinal, and a fox squirrel. Lots of butterflies are out, and honeybees are draining the small metal birdbath. Currently blooming: dandelions, marigolds, petunias, red salvia, verbena, lantana, sweet alyssum, zinnias, snapdragons, blue lobelia, perennial pinks, oxalis, moss rose, yarrow, firecracker plant, tomatoes, tomatillos, yellow squash, zucchini, morning glory, purple echinacea, chicory, Queen Anne's lace, sunflowers, cup plant, firewheel, cypress vine, sunchokes, sedum. Tomatoes, ball carrots, cucumbers, and groundcherries are ripe. Fields have started being harvested.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-14 10:14 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-14 10:14 pm
Photos: Fairy Garden Lantern Deconstruction
Someone overheard that I'm working with terraria and gave me this fairy garden lantern so I could turn it into a terrarium. :D So today I deconstructed it and cleaned the container.
The lantern part has an open top with a hanging loop and a solid base. It has a hexagonal shape with a narrow top, widest part below the middle, and slightly narrower base. The panes appear to be rigid plastic. The frame seems to be metal. There's a bit of heft to the base, even when empty.
( Read more... )
The lantern part has an open top with a hanging loop and a solid base. It has a hexagonal shape with a narrow top, widest part below the middle, and slightly narrower base. The panes appear to be rigid plastic. The frame seems to be metal. There's a bit of heft to the base, even when empty.
( Read more... )
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-14 02:53 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-14 02:53 pmSafety
Scientists invent 'glue gun' filled with 3D-printed materials that heal broken bones 'in minutes'
Tested on rabbits, the device was able to quickly create complex bone implants using 3D printing technology, without prefabricating a metal or donor-bone graft in advance.
Placed directly on the area of impact, the 3D-printed grafts offer flexibility while also releasing anti-inflammatory antibiotics and promoting natural bone regrowth at the site, according to the research, published in the journal “Device.”
This really is closer to handheld 3D printing than a true bone glue. The former is useful when large parts of bone are missing. The latter is what you want for attaching the ends of a bone broken in half or to piece together many fragments. And while replacing lost sections or puzzling pieces together are invasive processes, just sealing one break doesn't have to be.
Of course, that's if hospitals can be arsed to provide this type of care. They probably won't.
Tested on rabbits, the device was able to quickly create complex bone implants using 3D printing technology, without prefabricating a metal or donor-bone graft in advance.
Placed directly on the area of impact, the 3D-printed grafts offer flexibility while also releasing anti-inflammatory antibiotics and promoting natural bone regrowth at the site, according to the research, published in the journal “Device.”
This really is closer to handheld 3D printing than a true bone glue. The former is useful when large parts of bone are missing. The latter is what you want for attaching the ends of a bone broken in half or to piece together many fragments. And while replacing lost sections or puzzling pieces together are invasive processes, just sealing one break doesn't have to be.
Of course, that's if hospitals can be arsed to provide this type of care. They probably won't.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-14 02:34 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-14 02:34 pmBirdfeeding
Today is mostly sunny and sweltering. It is 90°F in mid-September. Fuck climate change. >_<
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds. The metal birdbath was empty again.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I set up 9 crabapple seeds in a baggie of damp sand to cold-stratify in the refrigerator.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I disassembled the fairy garden so I can use its lantern container as a terrarium.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
9/'14/25 -- I watered the irises, old picnic table, new picnic table, septic garden, telephone pole garden, and a few seedlings in the savanna. *goflopnow*
Cicadas and crickets are singing. I've seen a lot of butterflies today -- cabbage, painted ladies, and monarchs. :D
As it is now 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. The metal birdbath was empty again.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I set up 9 crabapple seeds in a baggie of damp sand to cold-stratify in the refrigerator.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I disassembled the fairy garden so I can use its lantern container as a terrarium.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/14/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
9/'14/25 -- I watered the irises, old picnic table, new picnic table, septic garden, telephone pole garden, and a few seedlings in the savanna. *goflopnow*
Cicadas and crickets are singing. I've seen a lot of butterflies today -- cabbage, painted ladies, and monarchs. :D
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
P'shaw (she/they) (pshaw_raven) wrote2025-09-14 09:32 am
pshaw_raven) wrote2025-09-14 09:32 am
Entry tags:
Sunday Link-O-Rama
I have had the great misfortune to learn about Barbie Botox. Apparently a procedure that started as a way to help patients with neck and shoulder pain, as well as some kinds of headaches, people are now getting it to ... uh *checks notes* make their shoulders look slimmer. Kim Kardashian has been airbrushing her traps out of photos for a while now, in order to make her shoulders slimmer, and her neck longer, basically like a Barbie doll, which we all know is a perfect paragon of realistic female embodiment. I also want to point out that everything I've ever learned about Kim Kardashian has been entirely against my will.
As a palate cleanser, enjoy Nemo's Dreamscapes. I love a good soundscape.
Uneventful vacations are the best. Basically, overplanning and trying to have Maximum Fun every day is a sure way to burn out, get home exhausted, and remember much less about your trip. I see this with families on a big, once in a lifetime Disney trip - they pack too much in, trying to see and do everything in the parks, and wind up dead tired with crying kids and angry, stressed out adults. Everyone has a meltdown and no one enjoys themselves. I know that trying to get everything in on a trip you may only make once is very tempting - what if you miss something? But don't let FOMO rob you of the chance to have good memories of your trip later. Type B Travel for the win.
Mugolio syrup - the expensive pine cone syrup you can easily make yourself. I had never heard of this stuff until reading this article. According to other articles on it, you can also use Bald Cypress nuts. I might try making some but it's not really the right time here for young pine cones. We have a lot of Longleaf Pine and the cones are enormous.
I am still in the process of cleaning up the camper and everything from our trip, on top of which I get very sucked in to playing Silksong, which I'm enjoying immensely. I was going to finish the camper up and lower the roof, but we decided to air out the "rug" we like to spread out around the camper steps. Apparently it was much wetter than we thought when we put it up, because the compartment it was stored in was full of stinky water after just a few days. I thought an animal had somehow gotten inside and peed in it, but there's a LOT of liquid. Those woven plastic outdoor carpets must hold a lot more water than you'd think. Anyway we pulled everything that was wet out, hosed it off, and we're letting it dry in the sun.
As a palate cleanser, enjoy Nemo's Dreamscapes. I love a good soundscape.
Uneventful vacations are the best. Basically, overplanning and trying to have Maximum Fun every day is a sure way to burn out, get home exhausted, and remember much less about your trip. I see this with families on a big, once in a lifetime Disney trip - they pack too much in, trying to see and do everything in the parks, and wind up dead tired with crying kids and angry, stressed out adults. Everyone has a meltdown and no one enjoys themselves. I know that trying to get everything in on a trip you may only make once is very tempting - what if you miss something? But don't let FOMO rob you of the chance to have good memories of your trip later. Type B Travel for the win.
Mugolio syrup - the expensive pine cone syrup you can easily make yourself. I had never heard of this stuff until reading this article. According to other articles on it, you can also use Bald Cypress nuts. I might try making some but it's not really the right time here for young pine cones. We have a lot of Longleaf Pine and the cones are enormous.
I am still in the process of cleaning up the camper and everything from our trip, on top of which I get very sucked in to playing Silksong, which I'm enjoying immensely. I was going to finish the camper up and lower the roof, but we decided to air out the "rug" we like to spread out around the camper steps. Apparently it was much wetter than we thought when we put it up, because the compartment it was stored in was full of stinky water after just a few days. I thought an animal had somehow gotten inside and peed in it, but there's a LOT of liquid. Those woven plastic outdoor carpets must hold a lot more water than you'd think. Anyway we pulled everything that was wet out, hosed it off, and we're letting it dry in the sun.
mrkinch (mrkinch) wrote2025-09-13 12:07 pm
mrkinch) wrote2025-09-13 12:07 pmEntry tags:
9/13/2025 Inspiration Trail
There was fog but it wasn't blowing so very hard so I put on a windbreaker and started down the trail ten or fifteen minutes after the initially invisible sunrise. But soon the fog thinned enough for me to see where the sun was, so that was a good start. It as quiet on the way out to the north end of the trail, and out there it was very quiet. I didn't find a single new species there, bar the probable thus unreportable Blue-gray Gnatcatchers at the point on return. No vocalizations but one or more small, blueish birds flitting about with Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Lesser Goldfinches. The sun made it's best attempt at 8:30 or so when I was approaching the very tall pines just north of the dip. Suddenly I was in the middle of great activity, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Bushtits, all three nuthatches, Bewick's Wrens, Purple Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos, a pair of California Towhees, a Wilson's Warbler, and a flock of Townsend's Warblers. I reported six but I'm pretty sure there were more. I think they only flock when they are on migration, which they almost certainly were. It was wonderful, what we always hope for. Unfortunately I was at the end of my stamina and couldn't stay watching as long as I would have liked, but it did make the fog worthwhile. ( The list: )
I expected to run into game day detours and had learned a new alternate route home, but it's an evening game and nothing was blocked yet.:) Game days are such pain, especially since Cal Stadium is right at the beginning of the road I take up to the western ridge.
I expected to run into game day detours and had learned a new alternate route home, but it's an evening game and nothing was blocked yet.:) Game days are such pain, especially since Cal Stadium is right at the beginning of the road I take up to the western ridge.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 02:04 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 02:04 pmWildlife
No one knows what these strange larvae grow into
Constructing the tree of life for parasitic barnacles and their relatives.
Not all barnacles just sit on rocks and ships. Some invade crabs, growing like a parasitic root system that hijacks their bodies. A mysterious group called y-larvae has baffled scientists for over a century, with no known adult stage. Genetic evidence now reveals they’re related to barnacles and may also be parasites — lurking unseen inside other creatures.
Constructing the tree of life for parasitic barnacles and their relatives.
Not all barnacles just sit on rocks and ships. Some invade crabs, growing like a parasitic root system that hijacks their bodies. A mysterious group called y-larvae has baffled scientists for over a century, with no known adult stage. Genetic evidence now reveals they’re related to barnacles and may also be parasites — lurking unseen inside other creatures.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 01:57 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 01:57 pmBirdfeeding
Today 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 metal birdbath again.
9/13/25 -- I assembled the large terrarium with a polka dot plant and a fern.
9/13/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
9/13/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
9/13/25 -- I watered the patio plants.
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 metal birdbath again.
9/13/25 -- I assembled the large terrarium with a polka dot plant and a fern.
9/13/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
9/13/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
9/13/25 -- I watered the patio plants.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 12:41 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 12:41 pmEntry tags:
Safety
I’m exhausted but am surviving. How can I heal from burnout without expensive time off?
You can't. Burnout comes from exceeding your capacity over the long term, doing more than your body and mind can handle sustainably. It can permanently injure you. It can kill you. As long as you continue overworking yourself, burnout will get worse. Before you can heal a knife wound, you must first remove the knife.
( Read more... )
You can't. Burnout comes from exceeding your capacity over the long term, doing more than your body and mind can handle sustainably. It can permanently injure you. It can kill you. As long as you continue overworking yourself, burnout will get worse. Before you can heal a knife wound, you must first remove the knife.
( Read more... )
P'shaw (she/they) (pshaw_raven) wrote2025-09-13 09:28 am
pshaw_raven) wrote2025-09-13 09:28 am
A Day Late and a Dollar Short
1. What is your favourite fruit?
Almost any citrus. I love grapefruit and I'm glad I'm off the meds that didn't allow me to have them.
2. What is the last book you read?
"The Difficulty in Being Good" by Gurcharan Das, a book about ethics in the Mahabharata.
3. Do you like any of your school photos?
Holy shit no.
4. Do you ever blowdry your armpits to get the deodorant to dry quicker?
I'm sorry, do I WHAT?
5. What was the last film you watched?
Coco - the Pixar movie. Really enjoyed it :)
Almost any citrus. I love grapefruit and I'm glad I'm off the meds that didn't allow me to have them.
2. What is the last book you read?
"The Difficulty in Being Good" by Gurcharan Das, a book about ethics in the Mahabharata.
3. Do you like any of your school photos?
Holy shit no.
4. Do you ever blowdry your armpits to get the deodorant to dry quicker?
I'm sorry, do I WHAT?
5. What was the last film you watched?
Coco - the Pixar movie. Really enjoyed it :)
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 03:24 am
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-13 03:24 amEntry tags:
Philosophical Questions: Rights
People have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
What is the most important right our government allows for?
Liberty. With that, you can get most of the others; without it, you're screwed.
Life is also important, but America has ample evidence of people valuing freedom over mere survival.
Though I should point out that the government is terrible at supporting rights. Most things have devolved in to paid privileges or prizes for winning the crotch lottery.
What is the most important right our government allows for?
Liberty. With that, you can get most of the others; without it, you're screwed.
Life is also important, but America has ample evidence of people valuing freedom over mere survival.
Though I should point out that the government is terrible at supporting rights. Most things have devolved in to paid privileges or prizes for winning the crotch lottery.
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-12 11:33 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-12 11:33 pmEntry tags:
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-12 11:24 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-12 11:24 pmEntry tags:
ysabetwordsmith (ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-12 10:57 pm
ysabetwordsmith) wrote2025-09-12 10:57 pmEntry tags: