We tried another way we never came back from
Jul. 8th, 2026 11:45 pmFollowing the successful conclusion of one of
spatch's appointments for a change, we returned to Belle Isle Seafood and this time it was a beautiful gold-tilting evening and we could seat ourselves at one of the weather-polished open-air tables and a server came by with her guest check pad and for what we estimate to have been the first time in six and a quarter years we ate at a restaurant together. I got a plate full of smelts piled just as high and sweetly sanded and ate them down to the fried tips of the tails and the delicate bones. Rob assures me that his baked haddock was as flakily rich as it looked under its crumbs and juiced lemon. We had duly observed the warning sign about the seagulls, but mostly we saw sparrows leaning like acrobats through the diamonds of the chain-link and a common tern that made an air-slicing swoop into the water after a small silver struggle of fish. I twisted corners of napkins into earplugs because of the planes roaring out of the peach-haze over Logan. The serpentine water was full of the shivered reflections of boats and the piers built green shadows under the Plimsoll line. When we came home by way of Revere Beach, the sun doubled itself fierily in the salt marsh off North Shore Road. Everything feels like choking and it is so important to have reasons to breathe.


(no subject)
Jul. 9th, 2026 02:03 pmI love how much the character 酒 looks like, wow, look at this bottle of stuff, like it's putting spirit fingers around a bottle of booze
Things
Jul. 9th, 2026 01:45 pmBooks
Finished listening to the audiobook of Monkey King (abridged, Monkey-centric, version of Journey to the West translated by Julia Lovell, narrated by Kevin Shen.) It was very fun.
Tech
Dug out the soldering iron etc that I bought years ago with the annual intention of learning electronics this year. Now to check whether they work and haven't become damaged over two moves and mumble years of storage.
Finished listening to the audiobook of Monkey King (abridged, Monkey-centric, version of Journey to the West translated by Julia Lovell, narrated by Kevin Shen.) It was very fun.
Tech
Dug out the soldering iron etc that I bought years ago with the annual intention of learning electronics this year. Now to check whether they work and haven't become damaged over two moves and mumble years of storage.
Jokes
Jul. 8th, 2026 08:15 pm* What month is the shortest of the year? May, it only has three letters.
* Why do we tell actors to "break a leg?" Because every play has a cast.
* What do you call it when a snowman throws a tantrum? A meltdown.
* My uncle named his dogs Timex and Rolex. They're his watch dogs.
* Did you hear about the guy whose left side was cut off? He's all right now.
* What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me, something smells.
* I'm so good at sleeping I can do it with my eyes closed!
* What do you call a pudgy psychic? A four-chin teller.
* If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
* Why do we tell actors to "break a leg?" Because every play has a cast.
* What do you call it when a snowman throws a tantrum? A meltdown.
* My uncle named his dogs Timex and Rolex. They're his watch dogs.
* Did you hear about the guy whose left side was cut off? He's all right now.
* What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me, something smells.
* I'm so good at sleeping I can do it with my eyes closed!
* What do you call a pudgy psychic? A four-chin teller.
* If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
Daily Happiness
Jul. 8th, 2026 08:14 pm1. They got the AC fixed at work! The guy was already working on it when I got there and he seemed to get it fixed pretty quickly. Everyone else in the office was very excited about it not being so hot, too.
2. I finished up the second of the Star Wars movie poster puzzles.

These really are fun little puzzles, though I will be glad to move on to something a bit more challenging once these are done.
3. Carla arrived safe and sound in Wisconsin this afternoon. Unfortunately the AC was not working well on the train, which is not what you want for an almost two day journey during the height of summer, but at least it wasn't fully off, just spotty in the rooms while still being nice and cool in the hallway. And now she's in the hot, muggy midwest, but at least her aunt and uncle's house has AC.
4. There is a new yuzu green tea from my favorite bottled green tea brand (Itoen's Oi Ocha series) and it's on sale at work through today. I only noticed it today at lunch when I bought a bottle for myself, so I bought a case (12 bottles) before I went home, so I could have them to bring for lunch. When I just buy a drink here or there I don't always use my employee discount as I always use the self-checkout and don't always have my badge with me to scan, but if I make a larger purchase I always make sure to, so I got the employee discount (which is only 10% but better than nothing) plus the sale price.
5. Jasper loves hanging out on this box in my closet lately. If I can't find him, this is always the first place I look!

2. I finished up the second of the Star Wars movie poster puzzles.

These really are fun little puzzles, though I will be glad to move on to something a bit more challenging once these are done.
3. Carla arrived safe and sound in Wisconsin this afternoon. Unfortunately the AC was not working well on the train, which is not what you want for an almost two day journey during the height of summer, but at least it wasn't fully off, just spotty in the rooms while still being nice and cool in the hallway. And now she's in the hot, muggy midwest, but at least her aunt and uncle's house has AC.
4. There is a new yuzu green tea from my favorite bottled green tea brand (Itoen's Oi Ocha series) and it's on sale at work through today. I only noticed it today at lunch when I bought a bottle for myself, so I bought a case (12 bottles) before I went home, so I could have them to bring for lunch. When I just buy a drink here or there I don't always use my employee discount as I always use the self-checkout and don't always have my badge with me to scan, but if I make a larger purchase I always make sure to, so I got the employee discount (which is only 10% but better than nothing) plus the sale price.
5. Jasper loves hanging out on this box in my closet lately. If I can't find him, this is always the first place I look!

"Ethels" Lunch
Jul. 8th, 2026 10:07 pmWoke up at 8 AM. Oliver scratched up my leg because he was on my lap and I tried to get him off, and he slipped. Sigh.
There was a flurry of activity when I started work because of a problem with some Web pages that I posted. I fixed them.
I went out to lunch with the AARP-affliated women’s group. It was nice, but I had to leave early to get back to work, so I felt a little like I had just got there. I told them that I’ll try to get to more of their lunches. My stomach is upset now though (I don’t think that it was the food, but my IBS), but I can’t leave work to lie down when I just got back from lunch.
Oh! I discovered that there is a Le Peep restaurant in Champaign. It’s a really good breakfast chain that I thought was only in the Chicago area. I’ll have to go there soon. It’ll be a little sad though because I used to go to Le Peep with my mom.
My stomach is still kind of wacky. I thought about going to piano class, but I think that I’ll lie down instead. I tried eating something to see if it helps. Couldn’t sleep; my brain was whirring about the things that I needed to do. Oliver was snuggling with me though.
I checked to see if the dryer was plugged in because it isn’t turning on. It seems to be, but it’s hard to tell because the dryer vent is in the way. I’ll have to get someone in to look at it, but I need to check the circuit breaker box first. Meanwhile, I have the heated drying rack.
Got the recycling out. Two full bins and some boxes. The forecasters are predicting rain late in the morning, but I’m hoping that the recycling people will get the boxes before then.
Fed us all. My stomach is still upset despite the food. I need to get to bed soon to settle my stomach, and I need to shower before work because of a dentist’s appointment.
There was a flurry of activity when I started work because of a problem with some Web pages that I posted. I fixed them.
I went out to lunch with the AARP-affliated women’s group. It was nice, but I had to leave early to get back to work, so I felt a little like I had just got there. I told them that I’ll try to get to more of their lunches. My stomach is upset now though (I don’t think that it was the food, but my IBS), but I can’t leave work to lie down when I just got back from lunch.
Oh! I discovered that there is a Le Peep restaurant in Champaign. It’s a really good breakfast chain that I thought was only in the Chicago area. I’ll have to go there soon. It’ll be a little sad though because I used to go to Le Peep with my mom.
My stomach is still kind of wacky. I thought about going to piano class, but I think that I’ll lie down instead. I tried eating something to see if it helps. Couldn’t sleep; my brain was whirring about the things that I needed to do. Oliver was snuggling with me though.
I checked to see if the dryer was plugged in because it isn’t turning on. It seems to be, but it’s hard to tell because the dryer vent is in the way. I’ll have to get someone in to look at it, but I need to check the circuit breaker box first. Meanwhile, I have the heated drying rack.
Got the recycling out. Two full bins and some boxes. The forecasters are predicting rain late in the morning, but I’m hoping that the recycling people will get the boxes before then.
Fed us all. My stomach is still upset despite the food. I need to get to bed soon to settle my stomach, and I need to shower before work because of a dentist’s appointment.
July questions.
Jul. 8th, 2026 07:51 pm6. Today is the beginning of Great British Pea Week in the UK. Do you like eating peas? Have you ever grown them?
I love peas. I use them in a lot of recipes. And I crave slit pea soup often.
7. It’s the seventh day of the seventh month, and in Japan, it’s the day of the Star Festival (Tanabata). For one day only, wishes, hopes, poetry and dreams are written onto streamers and tied to trees. What would you write on a streamer today?
I would have written something about cancer. My brother is starting his second two-month aggressive chemotherapy. He can use all the prayers he can get.
8. Artemisia Gentileschi was born today in 1593. She was incredibly famous during her career, but largely forgotten until the 20th century. Have you ever seen any of her paintings?
I do know who she is. Her work is lovely but not anything I would want to own.
I love peas. I use them in a lot of recipes. And I crave slit pea soup often.
7. It’s the seventh day of the seventh month, and in Japan, it’s the day of the Star Festival (Tanabata). For one day only, wishes, hopes, poetry and dreams are written onto streamers and tied to trees. What would you write on a streamer today?
I would have written something about cancer. My brother is starting his second two-month aggressive chemotherapy. He can use all the prayers he can get.
8. Artemisia Gentileschi was born today in 1593. She was incredibly famous during her career, but largely forgotten until the 20th century. Have you ever seen any of her paintings?
I do know who she is. Her work is lovely but not anything I would want to own.
There are a lot of frogs croaking outside tonight
Jul. 8th, 2026 10:59 pmFor the first time in the history of my AO3 account, I received a comment worth reporting to Abuse as harassment. Not upset or anything, but I'm curious to see if they handle it any faster than the usual. So far: response slower than the last few 'art scam' spammer comments I reported, though I hear there's a big sporting game on or something.
In better news, the zinnias and dianthus I planted are starting to bloom 🥰
I'm also getting back into using flashcards for Japanese, and I fiiiiiinally switched over to Anki like everyone else did a decade+ ago lol. Mnemosyne worked a lot better for me visually, but the latest version is quite slow and development seems to have ground to a halt, and it turns out Anki now has plugins to make it look nicer than a prison wall, and a better algorithm too. Since I needed to make a new deck anyway... Anki it is. It's been about three days, and with some colors poured into the UI, it's not so bad. 語彙力を高めなきゃ😤
In better news, the zinnias and dianthus I planted are starting to bloom 🥰
I'm also getting back into using flashcards for Japanese, and I fiiiiiinally switched over to Anki like everyone else did a decade+ ago lol. Mnemosyne worked a lot better for me visually, but the latest version is quite slow and development seems to have ground to a halt, and it turns out Anki now has plugins to make it look nicer than a prison wall, and a better algorithm too. Since I needed to make a new deck anyway... Anki it is. It's been about three days, and with some colors poured into the UI, it's not so bad. 語彙力を高めなきゃ😤
Did stuff today
Jul. 8th, 2026 10:22 pmDespite sleeping til about 12:30. Got up then, had breakfast and coffee, and called
mashfanficchick to ascertain that we weren't doing anything today.
Having ascertained that, I went and got a load of laundry together. I filled the laundry bag, and moved it to the hall, then took a break.
I cleaned the cat pan, and I got the black suitcase out from behind my couch that I intend to use to transport the boxes of ashes of Mom, Dad, and Oldest Brother upstate to finally inter them. The suitcase that was supposed to be empty was very heavy.
Surprise! It was filled with the Kid's clothing that she must have left in it the last time, many years ago, she used that suitcase. I took everything out and put it in a Target bag.
Then I texted the Kid and asked her what she wanted me to do about it. Then I went to take a shower and wash my hair.
She texted me back and we arranged that. Then I took my shower, washed my hair, and got dressed.
I decided that while I was getting this clothing to the Kid, I should her antique hatbox that I've had here for years and years to her too, so I decided to get that out from under the small table beside the couch.
Easier said than done, I had to clear everything off the table, and move the table so I could get it. But I did. Then I replaced the table and all the knick knacks I had on it.
Then I took the laundry down to the laundromat and dropped it off. I came back, and texted RK about him taking care of Oreo and Christie while I was gone. He's our go-to person for that cause he's a vet tech, and really cares.
Then
mashfanficchick called and we talked about stuff, the upshot of everything is I'm brnging the bag of clothes and the hatbox over to zer place and we will take it to the storage unit to leave for the Kid when we're both back from upstate.
I took out the bag of dirty kitty litter, and walked around the block. I had originally planned on stopping at J's Confection for a milkshake but I didn't because it was too close to time to Team the FWiB.
Then I Teamed the FWiB. My D&D is cancelled for tonight because the DM is busy so we were able to talk for an hour and a half.
I had dinner after that, and went to the bedroom where I played solitaire til it was pet feeding time.
I fed the pets and started here. Busy day!
Gratitude List:
1. The FWiB.
2. RK.
3. Clean laundry.
4. Almost time to go upstate.
5. The Kid replied.
6.
mashfanficchick
Having ascertained that, I went and got a load of laundry together. I filled the laundry bag, and moved it to the hall, then took a break.
I cleaned the cat pan, and I got the black suitcase out from behind my couch that I intend to use to transport the boxes of ashes of Mom, Dad, and Oldest Brother upstate to finally inter them. The suitcase that was supposed to be empty was very heavy.
Surprise! It was filled with the Kid's clothing that she must have left in it the last time, many years ago, she used that suitcase. I took everything out and put it in a Target bag.
Then I texted the Kid and asked her what she wanted me to do about it. Then I went to take a shower and wash my hair.
She texted me back and we arranged that. Then I took my shower, washed my hair, and got dressed.
I decided that while I was getting this clothing to the Kid, I should her antique hatbox that I've had here for years and years to her too, so I decided to get that out from under the small table beside the couch.
Easier said than done, I had to clear everything off the table, and move the table so I could get it. But I did. Then I replaced the table and all the knick knacks I had on it.
Then I took the laundry down to the laundromat and dropped it off. I came back, and texted RK about him taking care of Oreo and Christie while I was gone. He's our go-to person for that cause he's a vet tech, and really cares.
Then
I took out the bag of dirty kitty litter, and walked around the block. I had originally planned on stopping at J's Confection for a milkshake but I didn't because it was too close to time to Team the FWiB.
Then I Teamed the FWiB. My D&D is cancelled for tonight because the DM is busy so we were able to talk for an hour and a half.
I had dinner after that, and went to the bedroom where I played solitaire til it was pet feeding time.
I fed the pets and started here. Busy day!
Gratitude List:
1. The FWiB.
2. RK.
3. Clean laundry.
4. Almost time to go upstate.
5. The Kid replied.
6.
Daily Check-In
Jul. 8th, 2026 08:20 pmThis is your check-in post for today. The poll will be open from midnight Universal or Zulu Time (8pm Eastern Time) on Wednesday July 08, to midnight on Thursday, July 09. (8pm Eastern Time).
Poll #34813 Daily Check-in
Open to: Access List, detailed results viewable to: Access List, participants: 8
How are you doing?
I am OK.
5 (62.5%)
I am not OK, but don't need help right now.
3 (37.5%)
I could use some help.
0 (0.0%)
How many other humans live with you?
I am living single.
2 (25.0%)
One other person.
4 (50.0%)
More than one other person.
2 (25.0%)
<sigh> My apologies, folks. I simply forgot what day it was. 😢
Please, talk about how things are going for you in the comments, ask for advice or help if you need it, or just discuss whatever you feel like.
The Devastation We Reap
Jul. 8th, 2026 06:28 pmTitle: The Devastation We Reap
Author: Tazmy (
sgatazmy
sgatazmy )
Challenges: Policy/Sheet (although I thought this month was virus/program, so it works for that, too)
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
No Pairing
Word Count: 839
No Warnings
Summary: They chose murder. Of course they did. While they always had the best of intentions, their impact was usually devastation and destruction, as though it was their policy to be stupid and rash.
Author: Tazmy (
Challenges: Policy/Sheet (although I thought this month was virus/program, so it works for that, too)
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
No Pairing
Word Count: 839
No Warnings
Summary: They chose murder. Of course they did. While they always had the best of intentions, their impact was usually devastation and destruction, as though it was their policy to be stupid and rash.
Shall We Try Typing?
Jul. 8th, 2026 05:51 pmI had my first physical therapy appointment today, though I've been doing some exercises 3x per day since last Thursday (cast-off day). She took measurements of various angles of range-of-motion and set up a more tailored set of exercises. Turns out there's an app for that: has a list of the exercises with demonstration videos and timers. I like that.
I got praise for my exercise technique (including having done a lot of finger work even before the cast came off). Typing as therapy is approved. I got clarification on the timeline for weight-bearing. (Timeline started at the operation, so I'm already up to 2-3 lbs occasionally.) The brace is only for extra protection when I feel I need it, plus at night. (I think they assume I flail around more in my sleep than I actually do.) I have a compression glove for general wear, which will help with mobility as swelling is part of what I need to overcome.
I have follow-up appointments weekly for the rest of the month to assess progress and adjust exercises. Yesterday I went to the gym for treadmill time, which I plan to make a daily thing.
The typing is slow and slightly painful, but my key-accuracy is much better than my first attempt several days ago. And last night I pulled out my almost-finished socks and did the cast-off (which I've been joking about for some time).
I got praise for my exercise technique (including having done a lot of finger work even before the cast came off). Typing as therapy is approved. I got clarification on the timeline for weight-bearing. (Timeline started at the operation, so I'm already up to 2-3 lbs occasionally.) The brace is only for extra protection when I feel I need it, plus at night. (I think they assume I flail around more in my sleep than I actually do.) I have a compression glove for general wear, which will help with mobility as swelling is part of what I need to overcome.
I have follow-up appointments weekly for the rest of the month to assess progress and adjust exercises. Yesterday I went to the gym for treadmill time, which I plan to make a daily thing.
The typing is slow and slightly painful, but my key-accuracy is much better than my first attempt several days ago. And last night I pulled out my almost-finished socks and did the cast-off (which I've been joking about for some time).
Steel Roses
Jul. 8th, 2026 07:48 pmHeartQuest is an early 2000s FUDGE-derived system for shoujo manga-style campaigns. Steel Roses is the expansion that adds mecha. Supposedly it's inspired by Escaflowne, Rayearth, and Sakura Wars, but i got a lot of loose Evangelion vibes from it.
I'm just kinda amused and amazed that this exists. fascinating artifact. who convinced all these writers that mech games need AI rules. why are they Asimov again
notes on The Residence finale
Jul. 8th, 2026 05:43 pmPaul William Davies et al, The Residence
A cosy whodunnit set at the White House during a state dinner. About six hours' worth of material, spread over eight hour-long episodes. Rapid-fire dialogue reminiscent of Howard Hawks's screwball comedies, a fun birding-obsessed detective, and a great cast. Recommended.
Three thoughts after the last episode:
1) That last episode is emblematic of the Netflix Way. The detective gathers all the suspects to walk them through the crime, as is traditional for the genre (though she's doing it to see who will give themselves away, rather than because she knows). So she takes them all through a recap of everything that's come up in the series so far. Then, just in case you missed it, she spells out explicitly how the murder was committed, again, for the big reveal. Dumbed down, for people who've been half watching and half scrolling. Kudos to the writers for managing to keep the rest of the show interesting, but I was about ready to gnaw my arm off to escape yet more Here's What Happened.
I recognise that audiences can't be trusted anymore, what with the proliferation of videos explaining the ending of even fairly straightforward movies. I just wish it weren't so.
2) I did not so much call the culprit as really really want it to be that person.
3) The whole series demonstrates how mysteries are a fundamentally conservative genre. ( spoilers follow ) I have no beef with this in general; it's just really obvious, and not a little frustrating, in this instance.
A cosy whodunnit set at the White House during a state dinner. About six hours' worth of material, spread over eight hour-long episodes. Rapid-fire dialogue reminiscent of Howard Hawks's screwball comedies, a fun birding-obsessed detective, and a great cast. Recommended.
Three thoughts after the last episode:
1) That last episode is emblematic of the Netflix Way. The detective gathers all the suspects to walk them through the crime, as is traditional for the genre (though she's doing it to see who will give themselves away, rather than because she knows). So she takes them all through a recap of everything that's come up in the series so far. Then, just in case you missed it, she spells out explicitly how the murder was committed, again, for the big reveal. Dumbed down, for people who've been half watching and half scrolling. Kudos to the writers for managing to keep the rest of the show interesting, but I was about ready to gnaw my arm off to escape yet more Here's What Happened.
I recognise that audiences can't be trusted anymore, what with the proliferation of videos explaining the ending of even fairly straightforward movies. I just wish it weren't so.
2) I did not so much call the culprit as really really want it to be that person.
3) The whole series demonstrates how mysteries are a fundamentally conservative genre. ( spoilers follow ) I have no beef with this in general; it's just really obvious, and not a little frustrating, in this instance.
Unconventional Courtship Masterlist 2026
Jul. 9th, 2026 12:41 amIt's the end of another round of unconventionalcourtship! Thank you so much to everyone who participated this year. Whether you wrote fic, read fic, signed up, made banners, promoted the fest or fell down the UC Generator rabbit hole your participation was very much appreciated.
Now the fest is over here is this year's masterlist to peruse while you give yourself a pat on the back!
2026 masterlist of fic:
June 21st: The UNIT Article (Doctor Who: Kate/Sarah Jane) by
paranoidangel
June 22nd: And All the Stars Aligned [Shadow & Bone; Aleksander Kirigan/Nikolai Lantsov/Alina Starkov] by
meridian_rose
June 23rd: My Favorite Things (Hazbin Hotel, Angel Dust/Husk) by
cornerofmadness
June 24th: All the Same (Doctor Who (1963)) by
natequarter
June 25th: fare well (out here trying to feel good again) [South Park, Kenny McCormick/Heidi Turner] by
lumiosecity
June 26th: The Right Wrong Number (Stargate Atlantis, John/Rodney) by
melagan
June 27th: His Noble Nature (Blake's 7) by
vilakins
Amnesty Week:
July 5th: Beyond the Sunset (Octopath Traveler II - Agnea/Throné) by
rubylily
Now the fest is over here is this year's masterlist to peruse while you give yourself a pat on the back!
2026 masterlist of fic:
June 21st: The UNIT Article (Doctor Who: Kate/Sarah Jane) by
June 22nd: And All the Stars Aligned [Shadow & Bone; Aleksander Kirigan/Nikolai Lantsov/Alina Starkov] by
June 23rd: My Favorite Things (Hazbin Hotel, Angel Dust/Husk) by
June 24th: All the Same (Doctor Who (1963)) by
June 25th: fare well (out here trying to feel good again) [South Park, Kenny McCormick/Heidi Turner] by
June 26th: The Right Wrong Number (Stargate Atlantis, John/Rodney) by
June 27th: His Noble Nature (Blake's 7) by
Amnesty Week:
July 5th: Beyond the Sunset (Octopath Traveler II - Agnea/Throné) by



