#the high is supposed to be in the 40s with snow and rain

[forlornmelody]

Today's List of Nice Things:

Matt Smith's doctor is growing on me. Also, I just realized the Vincent Van Gough episode is during his first season and I am REALLY looking forward to that.

Treated myself to some pride socks and celestial tights. Local company, too.

Finally bought the Yaktrax I've been thirsting for since our last snow storm. Prooobably won't be here in time for this one. Hopefully I won't need them.

Got some writing done!

Also ordered myself a keychain for the sake of my sanity, haha.

[your-greatest-queen]

On the verge of a full mental breakdown this morning because of how high my eco-anxiety is and absolutely nobody is taking me seriously

These are from March a few years ago:

These are from November a few years ago:

And of course December:

I live in Canada. Y'know, the Great White North.

These images are showing winter, yeah, but it's not strong. I'm only 18, I was born long after changes started happening to this environment. The winters my grandparents remember are not the same as my parents, and so far off from mine. But the changes were slower then. Less noticed.

The winters of my childhood were freezing. -23°C on a warm day. You'd spend the whole day outside in -25° if the wind wasn't too bad. I noticed the first change, the first major one anyway, when I was roughly 14. I walked outside with no jacket. Just my hoodie and my slippers. It was late December. I think it was Christmas Eve actually. I wasn't cold in the slightest. That should have sent me running back inside, red and chilled to the bone. But I was fine. I could have stayed out there for hours with no issues. I was shocked, but brushed it off as a nice day.

It's been four years and I have noticed every small change since then.

Today, it is December 7th, 2023.

It is currently +2°C outside. The high today is supposed to be +6, with the low only hitting -7 at night.

And this was this morning:

Rain.

I've seen freezing rain in my life. The water comes down hard and sharp as it freezes mid air. It can cut you if you walk through it and it's coming down especially hard. It leaves the roads slick with black ice and everyone gets their salt ready.

This rain was normal, everyday rain. But even then, it was wrong. Rain in July can chill you to the bone. This rain? Not quite warm, but not cold either. It fell all night and all morning. It was coming down hard enough that I would have brought an umbrella, had we not packed them into summer storage two months ago.

And it hasn't frozen. There are puddles everywhere without a hint of ice.

I wore a light coat, not done up; breathable sneakers; no hat; no gloves; no scarf; and I got soaked with rain. And I wasn't even cold.

I never once got to have a cool Halloween costume as a kid because you always had to cover them with a full winter coat. In October.

It's December and we have no snow, it's raining, it's nice outside- the skies are dull and days are short. Those are the only two things that are normal. Even the trees haven't fully lost their leaves.

I wanted to scream about it, but I hoped to settle for talking it through with... Anybody. To point it out to my friends and have them understand my anger and sadness and admit that they feel it too-

But no. Everybody is happy about it.

"oh well, guess we'll have a brown Christmas"

"this is great! Nice weather for a change!"

"we deserve this after always having to deal with -50!!" *(our record low is -54, this is an exaggeration. We usually don't go much lower than -40)

":D"

"Sweet!"

-

I just. I feel like my heart is going to explode and my lungs are gonna collapse and I'm. I don't know. I've been yelling about the climate crisis for years and nobody has ever once listened to me. I get brushed off every single time and it's driving me crazy that nobody can see the gravity of the situation.

New Viking artifacts are being discovered in rapidly melting glaciers and everybody is thrilled and I'm just here sobbing about it. I would happily never learn the small details of the past if it meant our planet was okay. "Yeah, this is a tragedy, but at least it's given us something super cool now!" NO. I know historians and all them are thrilled, and I'm happy for them, but I'm distraught. I don't care how cool that is, it doesn't lessen the pain or anxiety I feel. What good is any of that info gonna do for the world if everything on our planet is dead.

I'm gonna probably go have that mental breakdown now actually- thanks for reading my rambles, and sorry if I just worsened your eco-anxiety too :( this post wasn't ever going anywhere, I just needed to like. Put this into words, Idk.

Until next time, I guess 👋

[spaciousreasoning]

Seeing Our Way Forward

The weather app last night showed snow a possibility for today, with the low this morning at 31 degrees and the high only reaching 39. Even though a little snowflake showed up on the app, no precipitation fell during the daytime. Nevertheless, a little something wet was falling from the skies after the sun went down.

The morning blood sugar popped up to 181. I checked it right after the eye drops were administered, so the high number is probably due to the pasta dinner last night and the Cheetos binge later.

After enjoying our coffee and playing the brain games, we had a piece of toast before heading off for Nancy’s eye appointment for the corneal transplant consultation. We bundled up to be out early to make it. I went along in case they had to dilate her eyes, which would mean she couldn’t drive.

The appointment did not yield any good news. The shingles is still active in her eye, so the doctor is not willing to do any procedure right now. Nancy was prescribed some drops and pills that will help alleviate treat the illness. She’s also supposed to get another shingles vaccine. The next appointment is in two weeks to check the pressure in her eye.

While she was in with the doctor, I spent time reading some of the magazines on the table in the waiting area. There were copies of The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Science, a home decor publication, a rural life magazine, and the Oregon Leaf, one of a family of magazines practicing “Cannabis journalism.” Guess I’ve got a new one for the “10th Muse” section of the next BudZine.

Speaking of which, I will be publishing BZ No. 32, Winter 2025, in the next few days. I’m trying to get all the HTML and CSS figured out ahead of time so things won’t get screwed up during the transition. I’ve already started on No. 33. I’ve cleared the way for the content and added a new quote about the free press.

When Nancy’s doctor visit was done, we drove up Coburg Road to Market of Choice to get some bacon. Then we came home and fried up the leftover roasted potatoes, a couple of eggs, and put the bacon in the oven. We made some plain toast, and had brunch.

I’ve been getting lots of spam in the morning email lately. Most of it is sex-related, and most of it is caught by the email program. The spam comes and goes in waves.

One of Nancy’s prescriptions from this morning became available at the Target/CVS, so we drove over after lunch for her to pick it up. The eye drops she’s going to use won’t be available until tomorrow.

After that we went to Costco to fill up the tank. It was just below half, but with the insanity created by the new Administration, we figured we would go ahead in case the price was going up. Turned out to be the same it was last time we filled up, $3.18 per gallon.

About 5:30 p.m. I heated up a bit of the chicken Alfredo leftover from last night and had that for my dinner before taking off for the Tuesday night men’s recovery meeting. I picked up Henry and we had a room full of fellows, including the MAGAt, who wore a hat with the Chief Felon’s face on it. The reading was about “the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.” Even if you’re still using, you are still welcome to the fellowship. We want you to stick around until it works for you.

Nancy ate a few miscellaneous things for her own dinner while I was away. Then we streamed the Monday night Colbert, with guests Lin-Manuel Miranda and Audra McDonald, and the third episode in “The Gone,” and one of the missing young people turned up dead right at the end.

There is supposed to be a bit of snow overnight, and tomorrow’s low is again 31 degrees, with a high perhaps reaching 40. The snow might continue into the morning, but then the rain should arrive and simply make everything wet.

[lastfrontierheli22]

Transient: Cmh Mourns Loss Of Heli-skiing Pioneer Leo Grillmair

And the Afghan refugee is achieving those goals one after the other. A group of Italian researchers expects to achieve the edge of house Thursday morning, flying aboard Virgin Galactic's rocket-powered aircraft as the corporate prepares for monthly business flights. A warm begin to the season followed by excessive cold and rain has led to an unstable – and unpredictable – snowpack. "I suppose it does attest to the challenging season that we've had," said Jesse de Montigny, of Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore.

90% of heli-skiing in the world happens in British Columbia and the heli-skiing area around Whistler is more than 50 occasions the dimensions of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area. The extent of the terrain means there may be selection and incredible conditions for all weather and snow types. Heli skiing - the phrase had all the time sent Heli skiing cool chills up my backbone. The elitist, expert, edgy sport sounded too dangerous and distant for me. Still, my hard core skier pals and my husband (who has long craved per week long heli trip) insisted it was the last word, a lifetime must. We heli-skied in Bella Coola, British Columbia, and it was as extreme, thrilling, and epic as my highest expectations.

Sometimes slight ridges within the terrain can be rocky locations. Rocks or boulders may lie just under the snow surface especially after a contemporary Heli skiing Canada fall of latest snow. Some ski runs are in areas which have been cleared of timber by standard logging (clear cuts).

One of the world’s largest cat skiing operations has its HQ right here at RED Mountain! Big Red Cats offers day by day trips for skiers and riders in separate cats for skilled, advanced, and intermediate teams. A typical bundle typically included a week-long keep in a high-end mountain inn, and the whole bill was generally fairly exorbitant. Of course, packages like this are still available, for those who can afford it. However, there at the second are a number of more inexpensive choices to choose from, that are usually better suited to the average person’s price range. In fact, now you can reserve single-day packages, with or without lodging.

video! The video plays at least twice for everyone's enjoyment, so make sure Heli skiing BC you invite your friends and family to join you there.

Alpine Helicopters is excited to introduce our newest sightseeing tour location in Kananaskis, Alberta. These excursions have all been specially designed with the local indigenous culture in mind, and each tour presents unique and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Our Stoney Nakoda Sightseeing Tours function out of the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino at 888 Nakoda Way, Kananaskis, AB, located roughly forty minutes West of Calgary and 40 minutes East of Banff. Whistler Heli-Skiing does permit minors to go heli-skiing supplied they are 14 years old or older and they are a sophisticated degree skier or snowboarder. If they are underneath sixteen years old then they have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In the winter of 1975, a joint partnership was formed between the Madsons and Hans Gmoser (Canadian Mountain Holidays), called Radium Bugaboo Heli-Skiing Ltd.. This firm operated out of Radium utilizing helicopters for transportation until 1979. The partnership then moved to Panorama Resort and continued to function as CMH Panorama from the Toby Creek Lodge until 1981. Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing Ltd. was founded by Roger and Jenny Madson in 1970 and included within Heliski the spring of 1972. The authentic operation utilized a (S.T.O.L.) short take-off and touchdown plane based from the airstrip situated at Radium Hot Springs. At this time Forster Creek, Horsethief Creek, Glacier Creek, and Toby Creek were the most important drainages used because of their proximity, with the primary space being the Forster Creek drainage.

These wider skis will assist you to float through the powder and get the maximum enjoyment out of the expertise. After your wonderful day skiing or using Heliskiing, you'll take pleasure in après at the Bearfoot Bistro within the Listel Hotel and watch the

[literateish]

midnights prompt list

lavender haze

1. i just need this love spiral

2. you don't really read into my melancholia

maroon

3. how'd we end up on the floor?

4. when the silence came, we were shaking blind and hazy

anti-hero

5. i should not be left to my own devices

6. i wake up screaming from dreaming

snow on the beach

7. time can't stop me quite like you did

8. you wanting me tonight feels impossible

you're on your own kid

9. you've got no reason to be afraid

10. you're on your own, kid, you always have been

midnight rain

11. he wanted it comfortable, i wanted that pain

12. i never think of him except on midnights like this

question...?

13. i don't remember who i was before you

14. do you wish you could still touch her?

vigilante shit

15. i've been dressing for revenge

16. you did some bad things, but i'm the worst of them

bejeweld

17. i made you my world

18. i think i've been a little too kind

labyrinth

19. oh no, i'm falling in love

20. i'll be getting over you my whole life

karma

21. you're talking shit for the hell of it

22. i learned from all those years

sweet nothing

23. they said the end is coming

24. all that you ever wanted from me was nothing

mastermind

25. what if i told you i'm a mastermind?

26. now you're mine

the great war

27. i really thought i'd lost you

28. i will always be yours

bigger than the whole sky

29. its all over now

30. i've got a lot to live without

paris

31. i might stop breathing

32. romance is not dead

high infidelity

33. i didn't know you were keeping count

34. its never enough

glitch

35. we were supposed to be just friends

36. i thought we had no chance

would've could've should've

37. i regret you all the time

38. i miss who i used to be

dear reader

39. it feels like a trap

40. make sure you don't miss

[malspinningyarns]

Nitpicky Thoughts About Stranger Things from a Hoosier’s Perspective

Hello. I am from Indiana. Both of my parents are from Indiana. Stranger Things is supposed to take place in Indiana in the 1980s, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. I have notes and questions.

Where the fuck is Hawkins? It has a nearby quarry and tons of woods and hills, which makes it clearly in Southern Indiana. One episode I believe Hopper mentions they are near the Tippacanoe River, which is in Northern Indiana, which is bullshit. At some point someone mentions they are 80 miles from Indianapolis, which, k sure whatever. The official companion book has it between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, which would be North East IN. Which is bullshit. Do you have any idea how flat Indiana in the north? Hell, how flat it is from Indianapolis up? It’s just corn and soybean fields as far as the eye can see. You don’t even start getting real hills and woods until like 30-40 minutes south of Indianapolis in Brown County. Also, I’m pretty sure quarries only are in the southern part of the state. Like I think season 4 kinda tried to rectify this, but it’s still not clear.

If Hawkins is in Southern Indiana, where is all the Indiana University gear, even on extras? Hell, or even a mention? A single poster in a storefront? The 1980s were HUGE for IU basketball. Like these were the Bobby Knight multiple National Championships years. People of Hawkins would be decked out in cream and crimson. Remember in Parks and Recreation where Ron Swanson points at a giant ass poster of Bobby Knight in his office? Yeah, still a thing. Really, there isn’t enough dropping of Indiana Colleges, even as background. I saw a Purdue shirt on an extra once. And Notre Dame gets name-checked by Robin as an alibi (as The University of Notre Dame, which is too much). I can’t explain to you how much college sports mean to the Midwest. Like, Netflix, you are paying for Coke and Jif and a million song rights, you can cough up the money to pay for some IU logos. Hell, IU would probably just give it to you for free if they could get more student enrollment.

I love that The Wheelers just let Mike go to California by himself. Continuing with their A+ parenting. Mike is like the most oblivious teenage boy ever and you trust him to take a long-ass flight alone and properly communicate with the Byers in case things change? Nancy I get, but just Mike?

How does Hawkins and whatever school Will and El go to in California have the same spring break?

Do you understand how disgusting Indiana’s weather is in March? Some days it’s snowing. Some days it’s sleet. Some days it’s raining. Some days it can be warm. It’s real unpredictable. Layers are your friend.

The Wheelers clearly have money (probably upper middle class) but do they have “private college in Boston” money? What would lead Nancy to go to Emerson anyway? Like I know IU and Ball State are state schools, but they have great journalism schools.

The Hawkins High basketball court is hilariously small. Like when we first saw it in earlier seasons, I thought it was the aux gym they use for gym classes. But nope. It’s the regular gym. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a high school basketball gym that small in Indiana. Can the entire town even fit in the stands? That would be like a community meeting place.

There has only been 1 John Mellencamp song in the entirety of the show, “R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A.” during the carnival in season 3. That’s like putting a show in New Jersey in the 1980s and only using 1 Bruce Springsteen song and that song is “Pink Cadillac”. If the show doesn’t end with “Pink Houses” or “Small Town”, I swear to God, missed opportunity.

Of all the things Angela bullies El for, it’s never that’s she’s from Indiana, which is a very open-opportunity for most people looking to bully people from Indiana. As I am sure I will get bullied for this post.

Where is Joyce getting $40,000 from to pay for Hopper’s ransom? That’s a lot of money in the 80s and a decent chunk of change today. She was clearly barely scraping by in rural/suburban Indiana and now she lives in suburban California with one extra mouth to feed? Encyclopedia Britannica can’t be paying that well. The Byers only have one working car. Is it Dr. Owens money?

The giant survival store they go to is great, no notes.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Thursday 27 March 1840

4 10/..

11 35/..

our boiler made tea – breakfast over and we quite ready at 5 ½ - R10 ¼° on my table at 5 a.m. – ‘tis now 5 40/.. – paid horses 1/62 silver – right – but he wanted more – and on finding it right for the six horses, said we had seven – and instead of ./12 for greasing would have ./18 silver – then wanted something for the podorojna! – the first unfair post master we have had .:. there being 2 s.k. over in paying for the 6 horses and greasing as above (he said our kibitka was one that ought to be 12 instead of 6 s.k.) said they were for the candle we had last night and when he wanted me to pay something for lodging said no! it was a government house and I would pay nothing – on setting off, found that our man was not post master but only a soldier appointed by government said George to receive the money – the postmaster a Person – a handsome looking whom I spoke to at the door – off (from Torkinskaia) at 6 10/.. – ground for some distance covered with a white saline efflorescence (as if a light sprinkling of snow had fallen) as at Astrakhan after rain – at Adjichanova at 8 40/.. and then I saw that we had come with 5 horses and a man on the off leader and George having only 3 horses (.:. 8 not 7 from Torkinskaia) was not in sight and did not arrive of ½ hour (at 9 10/..) – Plank station house, as sketched last page and same as ever since entering the Pays du Caucase, but looks less spruce than our last – farmyard stabled to the north, shedded to the south and great gates (doors) and thorough-fare east and west – the range of stabling along the whole north side of the yard divided in 5 stables about 4 ½ x 3 ½ yards – a few light posts and walls of reeds – a few light spars and root of reeds – a 2ft. or 20in. high wall or screen of reeds forms a sort of manger; and opposite this the ground is a little scooped out to form a sort of drain – they seem to put 3 horses into each stable -   Ever since P. du Caucasus horse skeletons lying about at the stations, and blanched bones of horses cattle and sheep here and there on the steppe – bought 3 moorgame (hens) of the Cossack here at ./35 each – he asked ./60 for a black legged pretty white etc. wild duck (several white etc. ditto ditto with red legs – did not ask if the price was different) and 1/. for a wild goose, as large and like a small Grey English barn door goose – he would not take ./40 for the wild duck – Off from A- at 9 35/.. – reading Dictionary geography of Russia till 11 ¼ - great part of the way this stage, tall, coarse, almost small [?]-like grass close on our left – and sometimes our road cut thro’ it – the head or flower or what not of this grass is rather like a small head of male Indian corn (bled de Turquie)? and the straw and head being quite yellow it seemed at a very little distance like an immense field of tall ripe corn – (wheat) – at 11 ¼ some cattle – a kibitka and 2 Armenian or Persian like men in it pass us – and Calmuck tent in the extreme distance and we soon afterwards pass 2 Calmucks stopping by the roadside for their 2 tired horse that could not go on – no wonder – the horses having next to nothing to eat – they pretend to feed them before setting off on a post-stage and that detained us a little this morning – from the dung of one of the poor lean ½ starved animals, I supposed they had given him herchen, casha, millet? the small yellow grain parted with was very like it – our 5 poor things not = 2 common English horses – highish wind again today –

at Sukborozdinskaia at 11 27/.. – house etc. same as before but tidier looking and 2 large old willows or poplars near in front of the house and a little beyond a row of 9 largeish trees same sort – and a few mote in the distance to the right, to the north west – the 1st trees we have seen on the steppe – off from S- at 11 54/.. for Kislar[Kizljar] (the l liquefied à la Russe .:. Kislar [Kizljar]  pronounced Kiz-li-ar), 15v. a willow-shrubbeness from here all along the road left – and from this stage an appearance of trees in the distance south east and west – several masses of distant smoke from the tall grass burning – what they have not used for fuel etc. etc. during the winter and what they will not want, they set fire to, that the young grass may shoot up – and this is the only manure the land (the sand) has – for they were carting the manure out of the farmyard at S- to lay it somewhere in a heap near to be out of the way – they lay it along the bottom of their stables and outbuildings and farmyard walls [?] of board or seed, and even sometimes against the houses to keep out the cold – at 12 27/.. at a branch of the Terek? no! they call it said George Porok? or some such name a white-muddy tolerably strong rather wind-ruffled stream which we crossed in a heavy boat [?] over by a rope across the stream fixed to a 3 legs on each side – 3 or 4 minutes embarking driving on to the deck of the boat and 3 or 4 minutes going over in 7 minutes at 12 35/.. – close upon the stream a little way from where we landed, a tent-like hut, evidently the abode of our Cossack who came over with us – white wide trousers and ½ leather boots – a shube, and over that a brown short sort of caftan – on each breast a row of 6 cartouches like six 4 or 5 in. long white looking ¾ in tubes with his sword and [atahan] – giving him the look of un militaire – several laden carts on both sides passing to Kislar [Kizljar]  – all the stuff done up in matting or boxes with their ends covered with carpet – the stream shallow except in places – and 40 or 50 yards over? our near wheeler down just on getting off the boat – pulled him up by the tail – let him slip into the water – he had not strength to get up the bit of steepish bank on this side and swam back to the other, and waiting for his return by the boat detained us till off at 12 54/.. to pay là bas, at the other ferry 2v. off – from here the steppe (left) covered with the tall grass – all yellow looking vid. line 8 from bottom of last p. like an immense field of ripe wheat – soft marshy ground and road – the road merely a wide track frequented and rutted by other carriages and a puddle – foots pace – George 1st – at 12 ½ stick fast for 5 or 6 minutes at a little bank up from our puddle-hole – Georges’ 2 horses had stopped at it for a minute or so and then struggled up by dint of shouting and whipping – they had to help our 5, and had no sooner got us, on the top and left us – then we stopped again and had to shout (the wild calmuck cry) and whip for 2 or 3 minutes and I laughed and ditto George and the courier – A- took no notice, but continued reading her French Grammar – It was this stage that took Lord Royston 9 hours – however we he had not gone far before the churches of Kislar[Kizljar] were in sight – a group of carts and at the 2nd ferry at 2 8/.. – boat Cossak and tent as before – a few spars reared up and tied together in a point at the top and covered with the coarse straw and felt – the stream broader than before – a more considerable stream – a little sand bank or 2, but nice river about as broad as the Ouse at York? had to wait a little – over in 6 minutes (the driving on to the boat the affair of a moment) at 2 25/.. – very muddy

SH:7/ML/E/24/00059

whitish muddy stream – paid ./80 for the 2 kibitkas passing the 2 ferries – trees seen lining the distance to the left (east) and sleeping round ahead to Kisliar [Kizljar] – en route again at 2 ½ and for five minutes close along the river – tremendously close for the sandy bank seemed as if it would crack off under us and let us down into the water – there seems a hedge of woof along the horizon in front and to the right of us, skirting along to and behind and beyond the town – on leaving the river, turn right, and make, by apparently a long détour, for the town – a sand chaussée quite an excellent road for these parts – at 3 enter a sort of hollow or diked off very grove of poplars? some willows and some mulberries? – pass the barracks said George no! probably all belongs to the etablissement de la poste aux chevaux – a few huts at a little distance and some black sheep – a couple of rude carts with 2 little oxen each – In ten minutes (at 3 10/..) the Cossack maitre de poste rode up to us, and we were to take some fresh horses or we could not get thro’ the mud tho’ the barrier was apparently only about a hundred yards off – changing tooking about ¼ hour – the Cossak galloped by our side – we passed thro’ the Schlagbaum barrier in 3 or 4 minutes – and enter the unbuilt precincts of la ville – then in 3 or 4 minutes more, we stop in large open place, the fortress right and a line of houses left, at the house in this line of colonel Grauert at 3 33/.. – not colonel – sous colonel said George query major people here like to give a superior rank to their friends when speaking of them to us – E.G. countess A.P. addressed colonel G- at Nijni [Nižnij Novgorod] as General --- sent in our letter from General Rebender to --- Traŭɜpmz (pronounced Grau-wert) – at home – would be glad if we would stay at his house but asked if it was for long – answer we were much obliged – for 2 or 3 days – asked to see him meaning to say all that was civil etc. etc. and that if he would tell us where to go etc. etc. I waited some time – it seemed our friend was in his robe de chambre and faisait Grande toilette – had all brought in – settled ourselves among all his papers etc. etc. in his little salon – poor man! how terrible to be thus disturbed – in about ¾ hour he made his appearance – in full uniform – good sort of nice person – his wife chez son père the commandant of Vla di Caucase but to be back in 2 or 3 days – he himself unwell – the fièvre du payus (ague) from a refroidissement and could not go out with us – gave him General R-‘s official letter to prince ........... the commandant here – asked about going to the Caspian from honey – must have an escort – Left George to drive, and A- and I out at 4 50/.. – to the fortress – earth embankment and fosse all round large open space within – very picturesque and striking – went into the cathedral – service – vespers beginning – very pretty church – round – a sort of round arcaded aisle around the dome up to the prestole close behind the dome – the Iconostase all covered with painted saints and worthies – then out by the opposite porte into the large open place of the Gastinoï [Gostiny] Dvor – several carts and some [?] standing there – then into the town, and all along the ravine a narrow water – a sort of drain along small houses or courtyards of houses, little almost

flat mud roofed low houses – eastern like and picturesque with each a little portico towards the court – crossed and passed in apparently the best street one very pretty wood house, that of a rich Armenian, to the great Armenian church – a larger white handsome Russian Greek-like church – then (A- much tired) made the best of our long and dirty way home at 6 20/.. – the servant brought 2 cups of tea as he had done before our going out – begged for the Semovar – Mr. G- came and stood talking – tea over at 8 – brought us a bottle of Kislar [Kizljar]   red wine – 5/. per vedro = 16 bottles – they drink nothing else here – the gentlemen about ½ bottle a day – the ladies about ¼ or 1/8 bottle putting water to theirs – the gentlemen drink it unmixed – the wine particularly good chez and notre hôte – not everyone can have it so good refreshing enough – not very strong – but pure and good – he cannot keep ice – buys it – cheap – a large lump for 4 or 5 kop. – it is kept by those who have high ground to sink their cellars in – here all is clay – that is marly sandy clay, and there is everywhere here water at 2ft. from the surface – the houses are quite dry – covered with a mixture of Clay and sand and chopped straw in proportions according to the purity of the clay – seldom cracks even during the great heats – have R40° - laid on the thickness of mortar – and if there is a crack, it is merely filled with fresh stuff – can have horses for the voyage à la mer but the excursion not very safe – can only hive an escort of 3 or 4 Cossacks, and a thousand Lesgees are on foot to pick up what and whom they can – would not advise our going – not safe even to go far beyond the town for fear of being attrapé – of course, gave up immediately all thought of going – Mr. G- spoke of the heights of the mountains and of the great avalanche from the Casbeck 2437 sajènes high in 1832 – will give us a copy of the heights – shewed us plan of the ville belonging to some book he had but did not say what – lent us the 2 vols. of Balbi Géographie and I reading vol. 2 p.808 et seq. till had Domna at 9 40/.. – fine day R13° in our room – highish wind on the steppe – and wind all the day – highish in the barrack yard of the fortress – blew our cloaks about as we stood on the top of the earth mound that encloses the fortress –

Excellent sun and rain proof roof – plaster good for Shibden

[decadenceisnomore]

Info

- Frisk: The Fallen Child. * It's a curious child, but gets afraid pretty easily. Items: Broken Stick and Bandage. Stats: 2 ATK 5 DEF 20 HP - Flowey: Your Only Friend * A scared Desert Flower/Black Flower. * Tries to attack Frisk, but soon he joins Frisk on their journey. * Usually hums classical music when bored Stats: 3 ATK 1 DEF ?? HP His themes are "Your Only Friend", "Your Only Savior" and "FINALE" - Napstablook: The Lonely Beat Maker * Not really feeling up to. sorry. His theme is "Espiritual Strife" - Toriel: The Guardian Of The Decaying Catacombs * Can act super protective with Frisk, but is a sweet person to anyone who is nice with them. * She bakes Cheesecakes, but she isn't really good at it so she bakes a pie instead. * Won't let you leave that easily. * Nobody have ever saw her without the hood, that covers half of her face with a shadow. * Loves reading suspense and horror books. Stats: 75 ATK 55 DEF 450 HP Her theme is "Heartattack" - Sans: The Easiest Enemy...? * Always trying to earn some money so he can sustain his brother and himself. * Really enjoys telling puns, mostly involving dark humour or imature humour. * Sells chili dogs for high prices, but usually making discounts to his friends. * His favorite drink is Mayonnese. * He calls frisk "Poker-face" and "My Safe Box" * The judgement eye is blind. Stats: HP 1 ATK 1 DEF 2 His themes are "smells like rotten bones.", "Song That Will Play When Sans Judges You", "There is a storm somewhere" and "Sentence." Check: He won't lose to a stupid child that easily. - Papyrus: The Evilest and Coolest Skeleton * Wants to be a part of the Royal Guard, but got rejected 5 times in a row for being too stupid. * Loves making puzzles and traps, but mostly fails on making his traps actually harmful. * He cooks meatballs, but sometimes he tries to cook spaghetti or lasagna, but always fails to cook it. * Likes to say "Nyar har har" * Hates seeing sans smoking, but he always tries to not just slap his cigar * He got his scar and battle body while fighting undyne and supposely winning. Stats: ATK 40 DEF 30 HP 750 His themes are "Facing The True Evil" and "Sharpboned Cataclysm" Check: Likes to laugh like a goofy maniac. - Undyne: The Black Eyed Hero...? * She is the capitain of the Royal Guard. * On one of her fights, she got injured on her eyes, making her get hyphema on both eyes. * She liked to play piano, but stopped after the situation of the underground got a bit worse. * She doesn't use much armor, meaning why her body is full of scars and marks. * After the fight she had with Papyrus, they don't talk much like before. * She thinks sans is a weirdo and is a little afraid of what he hides. Stats: ATK 60 DEF 30 HP 2000 Her themes are "Agonizing Spears Of Fear" and "Confronting The Most Malignent Hero" - Alphys: The Royal Scientist * As said, she is the Royal Scientist of the underground, got promoted after the previous scientist disappeared. * Even tho she might look like a mad scientist, she is pretty chill, but sometimes she might get a bit out of control during her experiments. * Loves to eat spicy noodles and watching she buys illegaly. * As undertale alphys, she is romantic attracted to Undyne, but she can hide her attracting better than her undertale counterpart. * She was the one who created Mettatron, but didn't really worked well on him. Stats: Unknown Her theme is "Alphys..." - Mettatron: A Broken Robot * Was the first experiment of Alphys that actually worked. * His humanoid body is just a prototype. * When on box form, he have four hands with destroyed arms, that are just connected to each other by some unknown liquid. * While on EX Form, smoke comes out of some of his orifices, mostly because his body is overheating. * He have a whole brand called MTT Enterprise. * Usully his brand makes every type of stuff, but usually focus on the food market. Stats: HP 9999 (Box)    ATK 40 (Box)    DEF 300 (Box)       HP 2000 (EX)    ATK 64 (EX)    DEF 40 (EX)       HP 30000 (NEO)    ATK 90 (NEO)    DEF 5 (NEO) His themes are "Metal Slammer", "Tragic Death By Charm" and "The Lethal Power of NEO" - Muffet: The Negotiatior * She is still as greedy as undertale muffet, but she have great administration skills. * She owns a sodas and snacks brand named "Muffety's Sweets Inc." * Her brand is Mettaton's biggest competitor. * She have a small shop hidden at the Decaying Ruins. Stats: ATK 45 DEF 20 HP 135O Her theme is: "Arachno Swing" - Asgore: The King of The Underground * Haven't appeared to the public in a while. * His garden is full of Black Flowers/Desert Flowers. * He says that he likes how his garden looks like a huge hole. * He won't let Frisk get out that easily. Stats: ATK 100 DEF 100 HP 4000 His themes are "Foran deres konge" and "THE KING ASGORE." - Asriel: ... * The King and Queen's son. Stats: ATK ∞ DEF ∞ HP 9999 His themes are "His old theme...", "Destruction and Despair", "BURN!" and "SAVE the world" Decadent Society's basic story: Once upon a time, there was two races, monsters and humans One day by the monsters greediness, a war broke between the two races But unfortunately, the humans ended victorious They took a huge indemnity from the monsters and sealed them in the underground Mount Ynadd 20XX Legendes say that whoever climbs the mysterious mountain never comes back Basic information about the locations Forgotten Palace: ruins replacement, once the first hideout for the monster kind, now just an abandoned castle, it's dark but there is a lot of plants growing there, with huge trees included Foggyville: snowdin replacement, the most poor city of the underground, contains a small amount of establishments and has most just houses, instead of snow, there is a lot of fog, but is still as cold as snowdin... somehow Submerged: waterfall replacement, once a decent city, now completely flooded by the sudden unending rain, contains ruined/submerged buildings, with just some specific locations still not submerged VolcanoNation: hotland replacement, an industry only location, with both abandoned and still working buildings, the location of muffet's and mettaton's brand industries The CORE: still da core, is powered by the volcano's lava, might turn off at any moment as the volcano is in risk of dying Capital: the most rich city, based around Brooklyn on it's 80's Precious Home: new home replacement, a small and dark house All of the info was made between July 13, 2020 and September 21, 2020

[skgway]

1823 Aug., Thurs. 28

5 3/4

11 1/4

Did not hurry myself got my breakfast in comfort, took George in the gig, and set off to Rochdale at 7 40/60 – Walked all the way to H–x [Halifax]. 

A little drizzling rain so thick a mist on the top of Blackstone edge (got out of it in about 20 minutes) could scarce see 2 or 3 yards before us – A smartish shower for 3 or 4 minutes at Littlebro’, – The descent upon which place from Blackstone edge is fine scenery – Cleared up as we came within a couple of miles of Rochdale, and pretty fine when we stopped at the Wellington Inn at 11 10/60 –

Just 3 1/2 hours in coming – 17 miles from Shibden i.e. about 5 miles an hour – I had to let Caradoc feel the rein and whip a little in Rochdale streets to get him forward – Surely he cannot be tired – I drove him very gently to the top of Blackstone edge – Just 2 1/2 hours in getting to the Inn at the top – Walked and made George walk (1/4 hour) from the turnpike (about 8 miles from Rochdale) to the top of the hill –

“It has been remarked by the celebrated Haller, that we are deaf while we are yawning The same act of drowsiness that stretches open our mouths, closes our ears” volume 1 34/356 

“The Friend: a series of Essays, in 3 volumes to aid in the formation of fixed principles in politics, morals and religion with literary amusements interspersed By S. T. Coleridge, Esquire a new edition” …. London 1818 

“Avolent quantum volent paleæ levis fidei quocunque afflatu tentamonium! eo purior massa frumenti in horrea domini reponetur. Tertullian. Let if fly away, all that chaff of light faith that can fly off at any breath of temptation; the cleaner will the true grain be stored up in the granary of the Lord" 97/356 

“a good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life” Milton’s speech for the library of unlicensed printing 108/356 

Napoleon’s “close imitation of Charlemagne was sufficiently evident by his assumption of the Iron Crown of Italy, by his imperial coronation with the presence and authority of the Holy Father; by his imperial robe embroidered with bees in order to mark him xxxx as a successor of Pepin, and even by his ostentatious revocation of Charlemagne’s grants to the Bishop of Rome” 136/356….. 

“unless above himself he can erect himself, how poor a thing is man!” Daniel 166/356 

“who has not, a thousand times, seen it snow upon water? who has not seen it with a new feeling, since he has read Burn’s comparison of sensual pleasure, to snow that falls upon a river, a moment white – then gone for ever!” 184/356

“Our bodies had their morning, have their noon, And shall not better – the next change is night; But their far larger guest, t’ whom sun and moon are sparks and short-liv’d, claims another right – The noble soul by age grows bustier, her appetite and her digestion mend; we must not starve nor hope to pamper with women’s milk and pap unto the end. Provide you manlier diet! Donne.” 179/356 

All the above of today written at the Wellington Inn Rochdale. Shut up my book at 15/60 having written about an hour, and thought but a few minutes – (Manghester) ordered the gig – George gone out, and not returned – Near dead he return of 1/2 hour – Asked him the reason of this when I had ordered him to be ready in 2 hours – his “watch was wrong” – bade him not do so again, and drove off from Rochdale at 2 40/60 – 

Got into Manchester – Stopt at the Bridgewater arms at 3 50/60 i.e. 11 miles in 2 10/60 hours – A hilly stage – Caradoc came better than before, and was less heated – He is unaccustomed to busy streets I was obliged here also (Manchester) to give him the whip once or twice –

Mrs. Lacy did, or I fancied she did, look a little surprised at my walking in alone. The gig could not get to the door for a carriage and four but she was very civil. Yet I have a very small room on the third floor and the bar parlour –

Ordered dinner at 6 – Washed and made myself comfortable – It was 4 40/60 before I set off to Mr. Simmons George St., having previously written a note to leave if he was not at home – It was 5 55/60 when I left him that I must have been a full hour with him – A plain-appearing, plain-mannered man – I told him the same story I had told Doctor Simpson save that my friend had been thrown from a curricle, not horseback. Enlarged on my suspicions but he said supposing it was originally a gonorrhoea that must be new worn out and it was a gleet or leucorrhea that now remained.

The discharge of whites if virulent or any other mucous disch[arge], if ditto, might be infectious. When I told him the immense exercise I had taken in Craven he agreed the complaint could not be weakness but something rather inflammator[y]. Perhaps astringents would not answer. As yet advised my taking capivior copaiba balsam but it would affect my breath and urine and this would not do till I returned from Scarbro etc. Thought I had better take lodgings here for three weeks. He could then do better for me. Said [I] would put myself entirely under his care and would not consult Doctor S[impson] anymore. I shewed him his presc[r]iption but said I had not tried it. 

He knows the literary people here. Dalton would give me lecture in chemistry if I liked this. I said would make me not begrudge my time. He talked of organic disease. I was anxious to know that the complaint did not go beyond the vagaina. He hoped not. Asked if I had had many children from the impulse of the moment, I said ‘Lord, bless you, no. I never was married but my life was of too much consequence to my family for me to hesitate to do anything likely to be of service.’ 

He then proposed an examination. A [I] said I should not think it right to refuse to submit. Unbuttoned my drawer and he put his finger up. Then lay on my left side on the sopha and he put his finger high up and pressed. Desperately, said I, once or twice, ‘that hurts exceedingly’ However, he said there was no organic disease and very little discharge. Bade me not make myself uneasy and not think much of it. In fact, he did not then seem to think me very bad. I told him I had only just washed –

He thought my tongue furry and that a little gentle opening medicine would do me good. Might take warm sea water but not bathe – He thought proper diet and care would set me right. I might be subject to slight returns, but should know how to keep them off. Should lie with my hips supported so that the syringe being withdrawn, the contents should remain half hour. A sponge saturated with the injection being applied to keep all in. 

I might take olibanum at Scarbro. This would not affect my breath nor render me liable to anything disagreeable. His prescription for me is different from π [Mariana]’s lotion of chamomile, hemlock, and purified sulphate of zinc and olibanum. To take inwardly. The handling hurt me and I felt it quarter or half hour afterwards, but otherwise I did not mind it much. These things are chiefly in idea, for strictly speaking there is no real indelicacy in submitting to a thing of this kind when so necessary –

Dinner not ready till 6 40/60 then sat down to boiled salmon, mutton chops, boiled potatoes, plum tart, a pint of very tolerable port and biscuits – Enjoyed my dinner and afterwards wrote the last 8 lines of the last page and all this so far –

For the weather vide the beginning of this journal of today – Beautifully fine all the way from Rochdale here, and very fine evening – I feel rather warm – (‘Tis now 8 20/60 p.m.) – Then wrote out the draft of the index to this volume from 25 to 29 this month, and copied wrote out the index into this volume from 15 to 21 this month which took me till 10 5/60 – 

Came upstairs at 10 1/4 having paid my bill, determining to be off before breakfast at 7 in the morning. E [two dots, treating venereal complaint] O [two dots, signifying middling discharge] Several drops, thickish and yellowish –

[sideways in margin] Manchester Rochdale

[two-wheeled-therapy]

FINAL RIDE of  2020

As 2020 is finally coming to an end, I took today off as it looked like it was supposed to be the warmest, dry day left of the year.  Tomorrow, Christmas Eve is supposed to be warmer, but raining most of the day here in Virginia.  With a high of 48 predicted, I got ready to take my likely final ride of 2020.

It was 36 degrees when I pulled the bike out of the shed.  I thought that was going to be lowest temp of the day, but it was few degrees colder in the mountains where I was headed.  I threw my heated gear in the saddle bags in case I needed it, but I was dressed for the cold in my Under Armor Heat Gear, Duluth Trading Co, lined Fire Hose pants, and my cold weather boots and socks.  I put on my glove liners and my mid weight gloves as I wanted to test out both my new liners, and the hand guards I mounted on the bike.  Throughout the 218 miles I got in, my hands did get a little chilled along the way, but I think the combo did the trick as they never got really cold.  I never did put on any of my heated gear, even at 3,600 ft along Skyline Drive . . . Ahhh yes, Skyline Drive, let me tell you about my route.

I knew two things when I left the shed; 1) I wanted to ride on Skyline Drive, and 2) I wanted to put in around 200 miles for my final ride.  I made my route up as I went, and I think I did pretty darn good.  I headed out Pageland Drive and wiggled through the Manassas Battle Fields and up to Braddock Road before heading west towards US 15.  I was on 15 for a short time, like 200 yards, before I turned off for more back roads of Carolina Dr and out towards Mountain Rd to Waterfall Drive. 

Taking Waterfall, I saw the first signs of the recent snowfall, which had passed through late last week, but had melted by my house.  Riding through the shadows of the shaded road, I eased through all the curves selecting what looked like the driest line through the curves.  I did feel the bike slip a little on some icy patches, but avoided any sudden input on the controls and kept chugging along. 

I got on 55 in The Plains and followed that through Marshall, before turning off to take Crest Hill Road out into Flint Hill before I picked up Fodderstack Road and rode through Little Washington and on into Sperryville.  I was debating between stopping at the Griffin in Flint Hill and the Headmaster's Pub in Sperryville for lunch.  Ultimately, I chose Sperryville as it put me about 15 miles closer to Skyline Drive and I would be freshly “warmed” up before hitting the mountains.  I got into Sperryville just after noon, but the Pub was closed until 4:00 PM.  I knew of another place in town that was pretty good, so decided to check that out, but it just had carryout - F U Covid! I figured I would find something down the road, and if not I can afford to miss a meal every now and then.  I geared up and got ready to hit Skyline Drive. 

Just before starting up the mountain, I saw a new restaurant that was open with indoor seating.  God bless businesses like this that opened in spite of Covid.  I parked the bike and headed inside to this new establishment that was quickly filling up.  I ordered a BLT, Creamy Tomato soup, and a coffee.  All of the above were Delicious, and just what I needed to warm me, and fill me for the rest of my journey.  Sufficiently warmed and filled, I headed back out to my bike and rode 211 up the mountain to Skyline Drive.

Thank you U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt!  In November of this year he issued a directive that gave all veterans free access to the Department’s properties.  Today that saved me the $25 motorcycle fee for Skyline Drive.  Basically Mr. Secretary, you bought me lunch today, so thank you, Sir! 

I knew as I headed up 211 that I made the right choice to come up and ride the Drive.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The mountains were still covered with snow, and the roads were lined by mostly undisturbed snow.  I saw a few deer along the way and also a couple of snowmen that people had made in some of the pull offs.  The air was crisp (in the lower 30′s) and clear and the views were spectacular.  Yes I made the right choice.  If this truly is the last ride of the year, it is a good one.

I stayed on the Drive to Route 33 and rode into Standardsville, then Madison before heading up US 29 towards home.  Once down from the mountains, it warmed up to the mid to upper 40′s as promised and I rode in comfort thanks to my gear and my new hand guards. 

Putting the bike away, I logged 218 miles for the day, bringing my yearly total to 8,018 miles.  After a very slow start, I was able to catch up and pass my goal of 7,500 miles.  This total brings me and my 2011 Kawasaki Voyager 1700 ABS to a  grand total of 91,226 miles.  She will turn 10 next year.  Next July will mark 10 years that we  have been together.  My goal has always been to ride 100,000 miles on her in 10 years.  That means I have my work cut out for myself next year . . . Fortunately, I also have a plan . ..  .

See you in the 2021 wind!

[jadekitty777]

Umbrella

@chiherah drew the cutest Fair Game sketch of Clover and Qrow sharing an umbrella at my request. And thus, I got inspired.

Rating: K+

Pairing: Qrow/Clover

Word Count: 1900

Ao3 Link: Umbrella

Summary: It’s pouring out and Qrow has no umbrella. Luckily, the cute, new guy at the apartment complex is willing to share his. [Modern AU]

~

Qrow liked to think of his mornings as chaotically organized.

That is to say that he got up at 6:40 sharp every morning, spent 5 minutes on downing a burning cup of instant coffee, 12 minutes on his bathroom routine, and was out the lobby doors of the apartment complex by 7:02 to catch the 7:10 bus that was two blocks away. He had it down to an art, always was on time without failure every day; and though he’d probably benefit from turning his clock back even five minutes to avoid rush, why change something that wasn’t broken?

Problem was, being so precise with his schedule didn’t leave for any opportunity to make last minute adjustments. Like, for example, grabbing an umbrella. Or a coat.

Qrow stood in the foyer that acted as a go-between to the lobby and the outside world, sourly staring at the sheets of rain coming down in thick torrents from the sky. As he pulled out his phone, hoping by some miracle he had three minutes to spare, he stepped aside as he heard the door open behind him to get out of the way of whomever it was.

7:02 AM laughed back at him.

“Shit.” He grumbled.

“Everything alright?”

He jumped, looking over to the person who’d joined him in the foyer. Brunette hair, teal eyes, and an easy-going smile greeted him in return. He instantly recognized him as the new guy who’d taken Maria Calavera’s old apartment when she’d moved out into assisted living earlier on this month (A fact he was a bit salty about – he liked that old codger). Qrow also happened to already know his name because, by habit one day, he went to go get Maria’s mail for her and found a new name etched on the box: Clover Ebi.

He’d caught a few glances of him in passing, but this was his first up-close contact and the realization hit him hard over how unforgivably handsome he was.

“Uh, yeah.” He avoided his gaze when he realized he was staring. “Just, forgot it was going to rain, is all.”

“Oh. That’s unfortunate.”

Qrow snorted. “Buddy, that’s my middle name. Anyways, see ya.” He offered him a wave before walking into the storm. He ducked his head as the rain instantly assaulted him, feeling cold spikes hit along the back of his neck and exposed arms. He sighed, crossing his arms and hunching over as he started his miserable walk to the bus stop, knowing he was going to be drenched by the time he got there.

Or so he thought, until a shadow fell over him, the rain blocked from above.

“You know, I had thought you were going to go back up and grab a coat at least. You’ll catch your death of cold going out like that.”

He tilted his head up, spotting the turquoise umbrella with little, happy aquatic creatures patterned along it, then to the one who had offered it. “Don’t have time. I’ll miss the bus.”

Clover’s smile hadn’t faltered, even as he was pelted by the rain. “Where ya headed? I’ll walk you there.”

Despite the chill in the air, he could feel heat creeping up his neck. “Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”

Wow, real grateful. Good job Qrow. A+ social skills.

But if it offended the other, he didn’t show it, stepping closer so he could hide under the umbrella as well. “Actually, I’m running early. I don’t mind, really.”

“I uh, well, sure, thanks.” He said articulately, his sociability surely continuing to impress.

“Lead the way.” As they started down the street, shoulders nearly touching, he offered. “I’m Clover, by the way.”

“Qrow.” He replied. With his profile now in his sight-line, it made him realize his left ear was pierced, a little silver shamrock twinkling there. Huh, cute. “Soo,” He drawled, feigning obliviousness, “You just moved in, didn’t you?”

“Yep, all the way from Montana.” Clover replied.

“Montana?” He felt his eyebrows shoot towards his hairline, easily picturing lush forests and grand mountain ranges and snow fall ten feet deep. He had to wonder if the guy also had a deer head mounted on the wall and a bearskin rug in his living room. “That’s quite a move. Why’d you come out all this way? It not like Wilmington is the Los Angeles of North Carolina.”

Clover laughed. It was a very nice sound that had Qrow’s heart pattering harder than the rain along their nylon shelter. “That’s an interesting way of putting it. Honestly though? The beach.”

“Okay, fair.” He conceded. Wrightsville Beach was less than an hour away from here, and was the one of the east coast’s most beautiful tourist attractions for a reason. The stunning, deep blue water and wide sandy banks were easy attractions to an appreciative eye and had a calming effect on the soul.  Back during his more insomniac years in Uni, Qrow would oftentimes head down there just to capture the sunrises on his easel.

“I’ve always loved the sea, so when my job offered a relocation opportunity out here, I knew I’d be stupid not to take it.” Clover continued. “Kind of hoping for some time off to rent a boat, maybe do some fishing.”

Well, now the aquatic creatures above them made more sense.

Qrow stuffed his hands into his pockets, trying to keep them warm. “You fish?”

“I know, it’s about the most boring thing you’ve ever heard, right?” He joked.

He rolled his shoulders in a shrug, focusing more on the cracks in the concrete as he hesitantly admitted, “Actually, I uh, I bird watch.”

Immediately as the words flew out of his mouth, he regretted them. Of all the things he could have said! What was he thinking, telling this cute guy about his dumb, weird hobby? Now, he probably thought he was about as drab as a broken lamp.

“Really?”

…So then why did he sound so awestruck?

Qrow swallowed his nerves. “Yeah, my parents were ornithologists and they were a little obsessed with their work. It’s why they named me and my sis after birds. Raven hated it.” He did another shoulder roll, feeling that blush creeping up on him again. “But my parents were always so fascinated and one day I decided I wanted to try and see what was so special about ‘em and well, I didn’t care for all the science and stuff, but I liked watching them fly and build nests. I even learned how to do a few calls.”

“Really?” Clover’s eyes widened. “Can I hear one?”

“What? No!” Now he was positive the blush was on his face.

“I won’t laugh, I promise.”

He just shook his head even more vehemently.

“Alright, then I guess I’ll just have to improvise.”

What?

Clover cupped a hand over his mouth, took a deep breath, and then let out a series of loud squawks. “Caw-caw! Caw-caw!”

Qrow watched him a moment, briefly flabbergasted, and then just started to laugh. “What in the hell are you doing?”

“Bird-calling.” He replied innocently.

“That is not bird calling.”

“Well then,” He lent forward in the small space the umbrella offered, his smile coy. “Guess I got to learn from the master.”

Yep. He was red a tomato, for sure. “Alright, jeez, you swindler. I’ll do one.” Ignoring the way Clover’s face lit up like a damn Christmas tree, Qrow regretfully unearthed his hands from their temporary warmth. He thought over which one to do that was both easy for him but also impressive. “Okay, this’ll be a canary.”

He’d learned how to do that one in high school, and it taken him months to get it just right. The moment he did though, he belted it out randomly in the halls, enjoying the slight chaos it caused the other kids as they tried to find the source of the noise. Just like he used to back then, he pressed the pinkies of both hands to his lips, curled back his tongue a bit, and whistled through them, vibrating his vocal chords just enough to make the sharp trill of the bright yellow bird, the sound easily piercing over the falling rain.

Unlike his classmates though, Clover wasn’t fooled by who had made the noise. “Wow.” He breathed. “That was spectacular.”

“Ehehe, not really.” Qrow rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yes really.” He knocked his arm gently with the umbrella stem. “Don’t cut yourself so short. I bet that was hard to learn how to do.”

How was this guy so nice? Helplessly, he scrambled to respond, “I mean, not as hard as the seagull.” At the other’s sudden, eager grin, he gave a firm, “No.”

“Aah, alright.” Clover surrendered, “We’re almost at the stop anyways.”

Qrow glanced forward, spotting the familiar black structure just a few feet away. As the approached it, he ducked under the curved roof that functioned as a blissful shelter form the rain, and turned back to the man who had gotten him here, realizing this was probably goodbye.

He was surprised by how disappointed he suddenly felt.

“Uh, thanks, for, you know.” He said, gesturing around himself as words again failed him. There was a reason he never took public speaking in school.

“It was no trouble, really.” Clover replied, that easygoing smile back on his face.

He crossed his arms, rubbing the exposed skin idly. “Guess I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah – oh, wait.” Suddenly, the other stepped into the shelter with him, flipping his umbrella upside down and leaning it up against the bench. Then in one smooth motion, he yanked the green hoodie up and over his back, running a hand through his hair to fix the little quiff at the front.

Qrow’s brain short-circuited because whoa, muscles.

Clover held it out to him. “Here, you can borrow this.”

“Huh?” He looked from those nicely toned arms to the offering to his eyes, suddenly catching up to the situation. “No, I couldn’t.”

“I have time to go back and get another. Besides,” He winked, short circuiting Qrow’s brain again, “It’s not like you don’t know where I live.”

Oh. Oooh.

Qrow was experienced enough to recognize the gesture for what it really was: a surefire guarantee that they’d run into each other again.

Now how could he ever refuse that?

“Suppose I do.” He quipped back as suave as he could. He took the hoodie, pulling it on. It smelt like pine, heady and rich and despite their similar heights, it still dwarfed his leaner frame. Some of the other’s body heat still lingered in the fabric and he couldn’t help but melt into the much-needed warmth. He fingered one of the strings, trying to remain casual as he subtly offered, “I’ll return it tonight. Around…?”

“6:30.” Clover rested the umbrella back on his shoulder, expression just as sly. “Maybe we could catch some dinner too?”

Qrow felt his stomach flutter, face easing into a grin. “I’d like that.”

“Then it’s a date.” As he stepped back out into the rain, he winked at him again. “See you soon pretty bird.”

“See you.” He returned, watching the other leave, eyes scanning along his backside and appreciating the view.

Despite the dreary beginnings, it was shaping up to be a great morning after all.

[ktheist]

FROM THIS POST

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

i do! it wasn't always like this before buy i'm glad my relationship with them improved <3

02: Who did you last say “I love you” to?

me mom bc i luv her

03: Do you regret anything?

my wasted potential oof

04: Are you insecure?

who isn't?

05: What is your relationship status?

i'm taken!! by meeeeeee!!!

06: How do you want to die?

in my sleep because i won't notice i'm dying - or will i realize i died when i wake up? oof

07: What did you last eat?

a popia, i think it's a traditional food here.

08: Played any sports?

breathing is a sports

09: Do you bite your nails?

thankfully, no!

10: When was your last physical fight?

been a long while, last fight i remember is wrestling the tv remote from my bro and we were like kids and i'm old now ):

11: Do you like someone?

like someone i can potentially get or someone i can never? min yoongi and jeon jungkook ):

12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours?

oof i don't think so but i might once i get desperate enough to take some adderall

13: Do you hate anyone at the moment?

at first i thought i don't but now that i really think about it, there's this one dude who, every time i think about him, makes me wanna puke bc of his shit hygiene and we got preeeeetty close at some point

14: Do you miss someone?

nopee

15: Have any pets?

my demons uwu

16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment?

as of 15th dec, ya girl is tideeeee

17: Ever made out in the bathroom?

naw that shit nastyy

18: Are you scared of spiders?

TERRIFIED

19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

yes omg

20: Where was the last place you snogged someone?

at my ex's place before he left the country

21: What are your plans for this weekend?

work and sleep and hopefully sleep some more

22: Do you want to have kids? How many?

five is too many but i'll start off w one kitty and adopt more from there!!!

23: Do you have piercings? How many?

none, i'm a puthy ):

24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)?

english / research / acadamia. potato potato yk

25: Do you miss anyone from your past?

i shudder at the idea of meeting people from my pasts lol

26: What are you craving right now?

i’m always craving for ramen!!

27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

ig

28: Have you ever been cheated on?

yes and no? it didn’t feel like a real relationship lmao

29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?

i wouldn’t say make since i asked them about why they did sumn sketchy and they ended up crying

30: What’s irritating you right now?

the shitload of work that i have ):

31: Does somebody love you?

meeee and ig my parents luv me

32: What is your favourite colour?

maroon, deep blue and grey!!

33: Do you have trust issues?

omg yes how did you know

34: Who/what was your last dream about?

i don’t remember but i usually like my dreams bc it’s like watching a fantasy movie lmaooo

35: Who was the last person you cried in front of?

i don’t cry in front of people

36: Do you give out second chances too easily?

i give out third chances lmaooooo

but ig it works out bc if they mess up after the third, then it’s bye bye for good bc they dead to me

37: Is it easier to forgive or forget?

to forget wooooooooo if you mess up then you’re dead to me 

38: Is this year the best year of your life?

nah bro its 2020

39: How old were you when you had your first kiss?

legal

40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked?

outside like in public or just in my house? bc if the first, then neverrr

51: Favourite food?

ramen yumm

52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

depends lol sometimes things just happen to inconvenience me and i don’t appreciate the person who caused it 

53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?

scroll my ipad

54: Is cheating ever okay?

depends lol, are you both cheating and aware of it? then yes. if only one party’s cheating and being sneaky? no i hope they get pooped by a bird every time they go out

55: Are you mean?

idk ): sum say i come off too strong but it’s only been them puthy ass men that’s said that

56: How many people have you fist fought?

my bro

57: Do you believe in true love?

yes for self-love and no for romantic kind of love, maybe for familial love

58: Favourite weather?

livin in a hot and humid country makes you appreciate the rain a bit more!!

59: Do you like the snow?

they look magical in tv!!

60: Do you wanna get married?

yea sure if the dude fits me. i don’t believe marriages are supposed to be a compromise, if you have to change something to fit the other, then that’s not really a good reason to keep being tgt for me.

61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby?

eh it’s okay

62: What makes you happy?

sleeping!!

63: Would you change your name?

i would... to cara (;

64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?

idk man, i don’t have any problems but depends if they wanna ykwim?

65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

noooooo best friends are best friends for a reason!!!

66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around?

no but oh well i’m v comfortable w my girlfriends alr

67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to?

uh, besides my dad and bro, ig this one friend from high school who’s like super chill

68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

a friend on tumblr by the name of my fav day; rain ((((:

69: Do you believe in soulmates?

ig? i mean if they fit you then they fit you. 70: Is there anyone you would die for?

me mommy bc i appreciate her sm <3

[spaciousreasoning]

On the Road for a Bit

Today’s forecast was a little rain in morning, a bit more early tomorrow morning, and then none for the rest of the week. And the high today was supposed to be 49 degrees. The forecast changes minute by minute, but this week could be a good time to get out and do some sightseeing around the state.

The morning’s blood sugar today was up a few, to 138. We kicked off with the usual coffee and brain games. We went with oatmeal a little while later.

My “Pixel Mongrel” account on Tumblr turned 11 today, as an early email informed me. It’s been more than a year since posting anything there, so today I posted the collection of FB cover calendars since arriving in Oregon, May through November.

Only five more days in November. I may have to go in search of something for the December edition. Since the next week isn’t suppose to see much rain, it might be a good time. Maybe a picture-taking excursion on Black Friday instead of shopping insanity? There are four more covered bridges not too terribly far away.

Speaking of Tumblr, for my last couple of entries to Tumbling Pixels I have searched for “Pacific Northwest” photographers and illustrators, since I seem to be running short of those in just Oregon. Maybe the new year would be a good time to switch to something else.

I finally posted the “Leaves All Over Thurston Park” video to YouTube. My first one in more than a year. I might eventually go back and post the last one that did not make it, the “Tucson Meet Yourself” from October 2023.

A little before noon, we grabbed a mocha from Old Crow Coffee at the corner and then drove east out OR 126. Nancy’s PTSD kicked in about the time snow started to appear on the sides of the road, so we turned around and came home. I did take some photos along the way, and I adapted one for the December FB calendar cover shot. With the help of a little AI.

When we got home, we made lunch with tomato soup and grilled cheese once again, then Nancy went down for a nap. I set out to walk while the rain subsided and before the temps started falling, but as soon as I stepped out the door the first time, it was sprinkling. I waited until it stopped and took off about 3 p.m. I made 3.46 miles in 1:01:40, with an average pace of 17:49 per mile, and 7,600 steps. I did get rained on again the last 20 minutes or so. Hopefully I don’t come down with another cold.

We skipped a real dinner and had some cheese and crackers, then we watched the final episode of the first series of “Inspector Ellis.” We also watched the final episode in the third season of “Whitstable Pearl.” It was a real change of pace from most of the other episodes in the series. There was more real police work and some deep emotions to deal with. We hope to see new series of both shows.

Since Nancy has a really early appointment with the eye doctor on Tuesday morning, we finished the evening by taking showers. If the promise of no rain tomorrow holds true, we might head out for more adventures after the eye appointment.

[dipplie]

This is how I cope don’t @ me

1: Top 3 pets you wish to have Bunny, Mouse, pet bee 2: Top 3 Disney Movies Tangled, Zootopia, and a close tie between The Princess and the Frog and Wreck it Ralph 3: Top 3 OTPs Nick and Judy (I’m not a furry), honestly probably the other pairings from my 3 (4) favorite movies like Felix and Calhoun or Tiana and Naveen or whatever 4: Top 3 pick up lines Pick me up- no literally please just carry me around like sweep me off my feet no like ACTUALLY like ju- 5: Top 3 summer activities Lying in the grass, listening to music on the swings, drinking from the neighbors sprinklers because you didn’t bring water on your walk 6: Top 3 school memories    -Once in 5th grade we were doing an egg drop, and I put mine off till the day before, so my parents just gave me a jar of peanut butter, and I just put the egg in the jar, and when they dropped it from the school roof it exploded all over the pavement and left a stain for years.    -Another time in 9th grade, a couple friends and I wrote a giant “send nuds” in the snow beneath my friends next class’s window, and some other kids took a picture of it and spread it around, and like the whole school was talking about it for a day or two (though we denied it was us so we didn’t get in trouble).    -And in 12th grade the last day of the 3rd semester, my AP Psych teacher said “you know you guys might not come back after spring break since the covid-19 virus might come to America.” And half the class was like: “I hope so we don’t have to come back haha.” And then we went into lockdown for a year 7: Top 3 things you find attractive Being looked at, Being talked to, Being touched at all oh my go d 8. Top 3 shops I dunno man can I say Build-a-Bear Workshop I’ve never been there 9: Top 3 romantic dates Theme park, Aquarium, Build-a-Bear Workshop 10: Top 3 drinks Milk, Milkshakes, the color purple 

11: Top 3 spices/herbs oh my god im too white for this question I think doritios are spicy, SALT 12: Top 3 apps to use not tumblr 13: Top 3 months of the year not winter 14: Top 3 clothing items Skirt, Bows, Thigh-highs 15: Top 3 kinds of flower Daffodils, Buttercups, Dandelions (yes I’m aware they’re a weed) 16: Top 3 Christmas movies Home Alone 1, Those stop motion rudolph ones, the original grinch 17: Top 3 things you don’t/Won’t miss Angsty middle schoolers, Angsty high schoolers, Angsty people 18: Top 3 games Minecraft, Stardew Valley, All the Zelda games between 2002-2009 19: Top 3 binge perfect tv shows I really don’t watch actually T.V. shows I just watch anime sometimes maybe and youtube series man 20: Top 3 kinds of candy Butterscotch, Chocolate coins, Those little pebble chocolates that looks like fish tank rocks 21: Top 3 ways to exercise/be active Well I have an answer, but I don’t think I can say it~ 22: Top 3 spirit animals (I’ve heard something about this being possibly racist so I’ll approach this wish caution) Bunnies, Lambs, a pet rock 23: Top 3 petnames Honey, Muffin, Sweetheart 24: Top 3 places you’ve been to A yearly carnival my old town had once a year, Disney World even though I almost drowned there, The Arcade in my old town called Bananas 25: Top 3 most used websites Youtube, Tumblr (regrettably), Pintrest 26: Top 3 people you last texted My boyfriend, my friend, my co-worker friend 27: Top 3 hashtags you use imagine using the tags how they’re supposed to be used 28 Top 3 items you can’t leave the house w/o clothes (i’m really funny) 29: Top 3 guilty pleasures I write self-insert sometimes I guess 30: Top 3 subjects of study/classes to take Psychology, Sociology, certain art classes 31: Top 3 things to draw/doodle My OC’s, My friends, inappropriate stuff 32: Top 3 aesthetics Cottagecore, Bloomcore, Wonderland 33: Top 3 things you’d buy if you gained three million dollars Pretty things, Cute Clothes and stuffed animals, therapy 34: Top 3 ways to treat yourself Buying pretty things, Wearing cute clothes and holding stuffed animals, therapy 35: Top 3 cartoon crushes Kyoya from OHHC, Mako from Kill La Kill, Marceline/Marshall Lee 36: Top 3 things to do in the snow Draw in it, make snow sculptures, eat it 37: Top 3 accents to hear Russian, Spanish, idk spanish 2 38: Top 3 scents Vanilla, Cream, Strawberries 39: Top 3 things to do in the rain Sit in the car quietly, make out probably, cry 40: Top 3 cupcake flavors Chocolate, Chocolate 2, Chocolate 3 41: Top 3 fruits Cherries, Strawberries, Grapes 42: Top 3 holidays to celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Valentines 43: Top 3 embarrassing moments My friend jokingly revealing my weird self insert fanfic I wrote in middle school (that was gross don’t ask about it) to my friend group, getting a constant D- in AP Stats the whole semester and the whole class secretly knowing about it, wearing an oversized minecraft shirt in my 6th grade school picture 44: Top 3 crayola colors Seafoam, Canary, Cotton Candy 45: Top 3 things you hope to accomplish in college Get back into theater and actually be included and noticed, not cry in the bathroom, feel cared about by my classmates 46: Top 3 fanfictions you’ve read don’t ask me that you can’t ask me that the last fanfics i’ve read were in middle school  47: Top 3 people you miss right now My boyfriend, Two of my friends GJ, my dopamine  48: Top 3 fears Being hated, Being alone, Being abandoned 49: Top 3 favorite literary devices (oh god it’s been a minute hang on) Alliteration, Juxtaposition, Colloquialism 50: Top 3 pet peeves Saying one thing and doing another, trying to act like you’re being the bigger person by not choosing a side, constant self deprecation 51: Top 3 music artists AJR, 3OH!3, Fake Type 52: Top 3 bad habits BFRD OCD, speaking before I think, lately I’ve been lashing out  53: Top 3 ice cream flavors Cookie Dough, Bubblegum, Cheesecake 54: Top 3 meals you love Bread and cheese, cheese with bread, I like dairy and bread 55: Top 3 things you want to say to someone in your lifetime Where are we going, What are we gonna do, what are you doing onii-chan (im so sorry) 56: Top 3 dog breeds Small, fluffy, actually a cat 57: Top 3 TV shows from your childhood The Amazing World of Gumball, Courage the Cowardly Dog, y’all remember Might Bee??? 58: Top 3 languages you speak/wish to speak Better French, More ASL, I guess Spanish would be useful 59: Top 3 series (book, movie, television) I like the first couple Saw movies but then it went kind of downhill, I eventually stopped keeping up with SU ad AT but they have lesbians now and we love that, and I guess I read Warrior Cats in middle school. 60: Top 3 pizza toppings Cheese, ???, that’s all I need 61: Top 3 youtubers you’re subscribed to Markiplier, Erolds Story, Wilbur Soot 62: Top 3 tattoo / piercing ideas Little Flower earrings, Little flower tattoos, Little flower stuff 63: Top 3 awards you want to win love trust and affection  64: Top 3 emojis 🍄🐝🍋 65: Top 3 things you’d do differently have different parents 66: Top 3 places to be in the world In love, Back up, Purgatory  67: Top 3 things you miss about being a kid Lack of responsibility and pressure, Mental illness, Lack of shame 68: Top 3 baby names Penelope, Theodore, Sofie 69: Top 3 smoothie combos/flavors Grape, Strawberry, Cherry 71: Top 3 turn ons People being patient with me, People treating me equally, Being touched kindly at ALL 72: Top 3 turn offs looking like Tyler1 73: Top 3 recipes you want to try Sugar spice and everything nice 74: Top 3 dream jobs Primary School Teacher, Child Consoler/Therapist, I dunno being a storytime animator sounds nice... 75: Top 3 lucky items Fidget Toys, Stuffed Animals, Random Office Supplies (you know the ones)

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #297

“crushed, damned, and broken; lost, sick, and left unspoken.”

When was the last time you did clay work/pottery? Not since high school when I made an anatomically correct heart. Do you like art, hate it or just not mind it? I adore it. Is crime a big problem in your area? Oh yes. What's the scariest story/urban legend/creepypasta etc you heard? Maaaan, as a cryptic fanatic, that's hard. Maybe the Rake. What personality trait does nearly everyone in your family seem to have? We're some resilient motherfuckers. What is your favorite soda? Well, it's technically strawberry Sunkist, but I do NOT let myself have it because I will fucking chug it and binge on them if available to me. So, I just consider Mountain Dew Voltage my fave. When you're on the beach, do you throw beached sea creatures back? I've never even seen a beached animal. I would, though. Have you ever thrown food at someone? Yeah, small food fights as a kid or joking with a friend. Have you ever been to a bonfire? Yeah. Do you like orangutans? I love them; such fascinating, enchanting animals that act more human than people half the time. When you see a bug flipped on his back, what do you do? It depends on what it is, but I usually try to help it. Is cereal good? Yeah, I love cereal. Do you like spaghetti? Love it. It was my favorite food as a kid. Is there any kind of weapon in your bedroom? No. Do you like snow globes? I love 'em! Be honest, did Fifty Shades of Grey arouse you in any way? I didn't read it and never will. What does your sibling(s) call you? "Britt" or "(little/big) sister." Do you have any close friends that are the opposite sex that your significant other dislikes? N/A Do you honestly believe everything happens for a reason? Why or why not? Nope, because I want you to explain to me why a child dies of cancer. Why the 11-year-old was raped and forced to bear the child. Why a partner is beaten to death by their s/o, etc. etc. Things just... happen. Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not? No, mostly; I DO kinda wonder about it, I just find it unlikely. It would be kinda poetic, though: being given the chance to experience so many unique things. But, I kinda want a conclusion to my mortal life. The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner? I read the first HG and loved it; I started the latter novel while I was in the psych hospital for a while, but I never finished it or got that far in. It did sound pretty good, though. Has anyone you’ve known claimed to be psychic? Well, they believe(d) in tarot readings; does that count? Idk. Did/do you believe them? I wouldn't. Is anything annoying you right now? "Annoyed" is a fucking understatement when it comes to what transpired at the capitol a few days back. Have you ever been ice-skating? No. Does the sound of rain at night help you sleep? It can, depending on how heavy it is. Have you ever seen an albino person, in person? Albino, no, but I knew a guy and his sister in high school who had vitiligo. Have you ever worn a pair of scrubs? Yeah, at the ER and hospital. Have you ever walked into a massive cobweb? I don't believe so. What would you say is your strongest felt emotion right now? Rage. I'm not over "the event." I'm just tired of humanity. Are you talking to anyone at the moment? No. Do you have trust issues? Oh yes. Have you ever found an arrow head? No. Who is with you? My mom's home. What can you not stop thinking about? *points upwards* Then there's Jason because PTSD, that's very normal. Do you forgive easily? I forgive very easily, honestly. In what part of your life so far, have you learned the most about yourself? 2017, when recovery began. I think... or maybe 2018, idk. I've truly come to discover myself quite a lot the past few years. Have you ever been in a fist fight? No. Are your ears pierced? Yeah: my earlobes twice, and then my right tragus has a stud. I want to get my others back... I had to take them all out in the psych hospital, and a lot of my piercings closed up. The only one I don't wanna re-do is my anti-tragus, because mine was *always* inflammed and aggravated. What did you last say out loud? "Okay" to Mom. What are you waiting on? Right now, an opportunity to go to the parlor I'm getting my tat tidied up at to get a price range on it. They just need to be open while we're out of the house. Do you tell people when they get on your nerves? Not really. Are your feelings hurt easily? Yep. What's the most expensive piece of clothing you have? Did you buy it yourself? I dunno... I very rarely get new clothes, nevermind expensive ones. Who is your closest platonic friend of the opposite sex? His nickname is Girt. He's been my best male friend since high school; we even hang out sometimes, but it's been a long while. How do you think your first relationship shaped who you are as a partner now? As a partner, it taught me to not fall head over heels and love more realistically and in a healthy fashion. I don't put my faith solely into them, but myself, too. I also accept "forever" is not always true just because they promise it. Who is your favorite protagonist of the same sex? Oh god, this is hard. I suppose maybe Tyrande Whisperwind from WoW. I love her dedication to her people and that her story has become more interesting in her finally "breaking." I could list so, so many "faves," tbh. Were you popular in high school? What was your reputation like? No; I was just the average teen. Have you always known your sexual orientation or did something happen to make you realize it? Somethings happened. There were a lot of hints building up before I even began to consider the possibility, but a daydream solidified it as fact. What was the hardest part of your last break up? Realizing I still wasn't "ready" or "fit" for a successful relationship. What brought you out of the hardest period in your life? As strange as it sounds, my suicide attempt put it into action. I was obviously hospitalized for a while, and then I was brought into a month-long partial hospitalization program that has a fucking genius psychiatrist, and I also had daily therapy as long as school days during the week. It was the intense help I needed. What's your favorite kind of smiley face? (: Does anybody know your deepest darkest secret? My old therapist and maybe my mom; I can't remember if I told her. Did you ever watch Rugrats? (the babies) I LOVED that show! I even had two of the video games. What about Hey Arnold? Ugh, I hated it, but I think my little sister did, or we just watched it if we couldn't find anything else. Do you like pep rallies? NO. NO. NO. My teachers always understood that they really stoked my anxiety and allowed me to opt out of going. I'd just stay in the classroom and read or something. Have you ever had pneumonia? No. What do you feel about surgeries? Do they worry you? I fear anesthesia awareness, but not to a debilitating degree or anything that makes me panic beforehand or anything like that. Do you play Minecraft? if so, feelings about servers? Never have, and not interested. Do you read creepypastas? Nah. Do you think vlogging in public is scary? It seems awkward as FUCK to me. Even alone. Have you been to an escape room? Was it a success? No. What social class would you say you're in? I think we're actually near the poverty line (or were, idk anymore, Mom slipped it before), so definitely lower. Have you ever recorded a cover of a song? No. How do you feel about guns? They scare me. What's the most traumatizing event that ever happened to you? A very abrupt and poorly-executed breakup while being madly in love to the point of obsession with the person. Are you faint to the sight of blood? No. Do you like spicy food? Yes. Do you have good dreams or nightmares more? Well, considering I was woken up by myself shrieking my lungs out this morning, guess. It seemed for a little bit that my nightmares were chilling out, but I guess not. When was the last time someone insulted you? What was the insult? Does my mother telling me I'm saying too many "f-bombs" count? I dunno otherwise. What’s your second favorite color? Maroon. Do you ever wish you lived in a different country? Hey Canada, mind adopting me? Who’s the last person you “pounded” fists with? Ha, I think my nephew. Have you ever been involved in an affair? No. Wait, maybe? Does the Joel thing count? We never even physically met each other, we were just being idiot kids flirting over text messages. You be the judge, ig. How many times a week do you speak to your boss? I don’t have a job. What do you want for your birthday? Just donate to my tattoo fund lmao. Having to get my laptop fixed fucked up my plans yet again... Have you ever been to a masquerade? No. Is there anybody you think is hot over the age of 40? A handful, yeah. Who in your phone has a heart after their name? Just Sara does. Anything you’re avoiding? Always. After breaking up, what’s the worst? Letting go if you're the one who still has feelings. Does your sibling have a significant other? I don't know if my brother does, or the half-sister I've never met. Another sister is engaged, and two are married. Nicole is single, though. She's smart as hell about who she dates; she's probably pickier than me. Do you use Skype? Just to talk with Sara. Are you a fan of acrylic nails? I wouldn't wear them, but they look fine on some people. Except when they're square shaped. Name one happy song that describes you better than any other. "Get Up" by Mother Mother comes to me first. Name one sad/mellow song that describes you better than any other. Haha I connect with a lot of sad songs and would honestly rather not dig through 'em right now. What is your most used pick up line? None, they're all awful. Do you like the taste of alcohol? Noooooo no no. The only alcoholic drinks I like are very weak and sweet. What kinds of food make you sick? So this probably sounds so stupid, but "fancy" foods, like stuff with a lot of ingredients my body isn't used to, I guess. My stomach is very finicky with foods, so it's easy to make this list.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Friday 16 January 1835

9

11 40

No kiss very rainy night and rainy morning - F44 ½° at 9 55 am in my study - breakfast at 10, and afterwards as I could - A- had William Keighley in during breakfast and told him to go and look after the damage done by the snow in Holcans wood – will go on Monday – a little talk about the Spiggs colliery business - advised them to settle it with Hinscliffe – I would certainly stop the loose, if we could not agree – but I was sorry for the William K- and his brother and did not wish to be hard upon them – but what I took for the loose for coal to be bought would not be taken out of their pocket but out of that of the seller of the coal – then had Joseph Mann – paid him £8.6.0 in full of £30.5.11 cost of driving the drift to get water to John Bottomelys’ – it looses at the far end –JM- thinks it had better be puddled there – will do all that is wanted for 20/ - agreed and it is to be done or begun on Monday - puddling and getting the puddle to the place all for the 20/. - P- advised me yesterday to let it wait a little (and he can tell whether water come or not) before I lay out anymore money on it - thinks the drift will stand well enough - he can manage it - said very well - he might do what he would with it, only he could pacify John Bottomleys’ fears of its all falling in - talking to my father and Marian about ¾ hour till after 12 – then sat talking to A- till got her our (very much better – well as usual? Today) at 12 ¾ - began to rain before we got to the Dumb Mill Inn, and continued driving small rain at our backs all the way to Cliff Hill – Mrs A.W. very glad and surprised to see us – would not sit down (because rather wettish) but stood talking 14 minutes – then back (by the high road – the bottom of the walk overflowed from the drain into the brook, and in going we had got over the railing into the Dolt and so along the footpath) in 46 minutes at 3 35 - Rain, or hail, or snow all the way back and both of us wet – I staid out in the barn talking to John till near 4 then came in and changed my dress – talked a little while with Charles H- and John had told me Mr Joseph Wilkinson meant to bid hand for the Stump Cross Inn and Charles H- told me Mr Washington’s sub-steward (pays him £50 a year for the sub-stewarding on the Leeds and Whitehall road) Mawson, who keeps a public house at Leeds and did Mytholm-mill dam for me, worth a good deal of money by taking jobs of this kind – wanted the Stump Cross – had spoke to Mr Washington about it who was supposed to have told me – Thomas Pearson had said he (Mawson) was worth a good deal of money and Charles thought him a very likely tenant - a man should have £500 to engage with the Sump X - hoped there it would not be as at the Mytholm farm letting - only one round of biddings - had there been a 2nd round one Lobley who put in no ticket the 1st time would have put in a good one the 2nd time - and he was a likely man - when Mr. Sunderland and Mr. Drake let Dove house and Caldwell ill (they themselves were the letters) they had 3 rounds of bidding and after the 1st and the 2nd declared who was highest bidder as in customary - in consequence of this came upstairs and wrote as follows to ‘Robert Parker Esquire etc etc’ – ‘Shibden Hall Friday evening 16 January 1835 – Sir - you only put in one round of biddings at the Mytholm-farm letting, and I have understood that, if, as is customary, you had declared who was the highest bidder, and then put in another round, there was a person there who did not bid at all, who would have put in a good ticket at the 2nd round – I shall be much obliged to you to have, at least, 2 rounds of biddings tonight, or 3 if you think proper, I sent this note by Charles H-, a man accustomed to attend lettings and well able to give a shrewd answer to any question that might be asked him on such an occasion - I wish the biddings to be known to no individual but yourself – I am sir, etc etc. A. Lister’ - Gave Charles the above about 5 saying what it contained and desired him to give it into Mr Parker’s own hand or if not there into of the clerk in attendance for him, or to bring it back to me – it was written on a ¼ sheet and sealed up in a ½ sheet envelope -

 SH:7/ML/E/17/0147

 Dinner at 6 ¼ - coffee – 20 minutes with my father and Marian – then came upstairs and from 8 to 9 40 wrote from line 25 of page 278 of Wednesday up to this lines and moment of today – very kind letter tonight 1 half sheet full and 1 page and 1 end of envelope from Lady Stuart de R- dated Tittenhanger Wednesday 14th and ½ sheet dull from Charlotte Stuart delighted with the watch which she had just received from Miss Berry - (both letter sin one franked from Lord Stuart de R-) - Lady S- de R- says nothing will be settled till after the elections are over - they have no appointment yet - ‘I suspect it will end in Vienna which you must put on your list of promises thought not one of your original points of attraction - I cannot bear to think of India that would involve such a choice of evils to me - as a matter of interest to Lord Stuart, he always rates it the highest in the scale, but he is not likely to be taken out of his immediate line of business - nothing will be settled till the elections are all wound up - I shall remain here with my girls sometime longer - my dear mother is tolerably well - yours very sincerely E. Stuart de Rothesay’ - then 20 minutes with my aunt till 10 5 - finis in the morning till about 2 pm - then rainy afternoon and rainy wind rough evening and night - a  well dressed man walking behind John tonight on the Northbridge knocked him and then ran away -F41° now at 10 ¾ pm in my study - fine night between 11 and 12 and ground white again with snow.