Network Update (part 1 of 1, complete)
Jul. 10th, 2025 10:13 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dialecticdreamerNetwork Update
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1414
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 12 p.m.]
:: Several people work together to follow up on the problem that LaQuinta discovered. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
“Cash, I know how to drive a car, not how to do more than change the oil or a tire. Why is this part making you so jumpy?” Doctor Elisabeth Finn asked as she passed the platter of deviled eggs to the right.
He accepted the plate, sighing. “It’s the engine control computer, but it’s supposed to be shielded from electromagnetic pulses.” Cash took a careful, too-slow breath. “It’s also made in China and not meant for export.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1414
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 12 p.m.]
:: Several people work together to follow up on the problem that LaQuinta discovered. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
“Cash, I know how to drive a car, not how to do more than change the oil or a tire. Why is this part making you so jumpy?” Doctor Elisabeth Finn asked as she passed the platter of deviled eggs to the right.
He accepted the plate, sighing. “It’s the engine control computer, but it’s supposed to be shielded from electromagnetic pulses.” Cash took a careful, too-slow breath. “It’s also made in China and not meant for export.”
( Read more... )
Mushrooms
Jul. 10th, 2025 05:40 pmysabetwordsmithToday we cooked up the mixed carton of fancy mushrooms from the Champaign Farmer's Market. They included pink oysters, blue oysters, lion's mane, and some little brown things with long stems and caps the size of a thumbnail. We sauteed them in sunflower oil, seasoned them with garam masala, and added some chopped bacon.
The result tasted good, but not much better than our usual mix of mushrooms, and it was twice as expensive. The oysters were good, but don't taste notably different from the usual white to light brown ones. We did not care of the stringy texture of the lion's mane. Also, they cooked way fast and shrank way down, which left a small amount of stir-fry. They might have worked better in something like wild mushroom spaghetti sauce. So it was interesting to try, but not worth repeating.
The result tasted good, but not much better than our usual mix of mushrooms, and it was twice as expensive. The oysters were good, but don't taste notably different from the usual white to light brown ones. We did not care of the stringy texture of the lion's mane. Also, they cooked way fast and shrank way down, which left a small amount of stir-fry. They might have worked better in something like wild mushroom spaghetti sauce. So it was interesting to try, but not worth repeating.
Artificial Intelligence
Jul. 10th, 2025 04:53 pmysabetwordsmithThis post has the funniest argument I have seen against AI: "A computer can never be spiteful or horny. Therefore a computer must never make art."
Now from an anthropological perspective, anything decorative rather than purely functional is "art" -- a contrasting color around the rim of a jug, for instance. From a cultural perspective, however, art is about emotion. It's how we express our human feelings about things we have seen or imagined as a way of communicating with other people. So by that definition, a computer cannot make art, even if it can mash around colors and images. An interesting point.
Now from an anthropological perspective, anything decorative rather than purely functional is "art" -- a contrasting color around the rim of a jug, for instance. From a cultural perspective, however, art is about emotion. It's how we express our human feelings about things we have seen or imagined as a way of communicating with other people. So by that definition, a computer cannot make art, even if it can mash around colors and images. An interesting point.
Birdfeeding
Jul. 10th, 2025 03:29 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and hot.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches at the feeders. Blackbirds and catbirds are mobbing the mulberry tree in the house yard.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/10/25 -- I did some work around the patio.
.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches at the feeders. Blackbirds and catbirds are mobbing the mulberry tree in the house yard.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/10/25 -- I did some work around the patio.
.
Parcel Out Problems (part 1 of 1, complete)
Jul. 9th, 2025 09:09 pmdialecticdreamerParcel Out Problems
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1084
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 10 a.m.]
:: One package implies a whole lot of problems. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
As soon as LaQuinta laid eyes on Loudmouth, the younger woman patted the air defensively, then had to fumble to catch the falling box. “Crap! Look, I just don’t know what’s in here and the person who hired me to deliver it isn’t particularly fond of following the law, okay? I’m probably screwed if there’s evidence of tampering, I’m definitely screwed if it doesn’t arrive in the next forty minutes, and now I’m afraid there’s a location tag in there and the person who sent it AND the person who will get it are watching the little red dot on a computer map right now.”
She wobbled as she ran out of air.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1084
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 10 a.m.]
:: One package implies a whole lot of problems. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
As soon as LaQuinta laid eyes on Loudmouth, the younger woman patted the air defensively, then had to fumble to catch the falling box. “Crap! Look, I just don’t know what’s in here and the person who hired me to deliver it isn’t particularly fond of following the law, okay? I’m probably screwed if there’s evidence of tampering, I’m definitely screwed if it doesn’t arrive in the next forty minutes, and now I’m afraid there’s a location tag in there and the person who sent it AND the person who will get it are watching the little red dot on a computer map right now.”
She wobbled as she ran out of air.
( Read more... )
The OTW is Recruiting for Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteers, Policy & Abuse Volunte
Jul. 9th, 2025 01:07 pm![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
ao3_news_feed
Are you interested in social media, community management or outreach? Or would you like to assist AO3 users by resolving complaints? Do you want to create videos and connect with fellow fans on TikTok? The Organization for Transformative Works is recruiting!
We're excited to announce the opening of applications for:
- Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteer - closing 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC or after 40 applications
- Policy & Abuse Volunteer - closing 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC
- Communications TikTok Moderator - closing 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC or after 60 applications
We have included more information on each role below. Open roles and applications will always be available at the volunteering page. If you don't see a role that fits with your skills and interests now, keep an eye on the listings. We plan to put up new applications every few weeks, and we will also publicize new roles as they become available.
All applications generate a confirmation page and an auto-reply to your e-mail address. We encourage you to read the confirmation page and to whitelist our email address in your e-mail client. If you do not receive the auto-reply within 24 hours, please check your spam filters and then contact us.
If you have questions regarding volunteering for the OTW, check out our Volunteering FAQ.
Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteer
Do you have an interest in fandom history, or in fannish culture and the different tropes, ships, communities and viewpoints that make up fandom? Are you interested in social media, community management or outreach? The Fanlore committee is recruiting for Social Media & Outreach volunteers!
Fanlore Social Media & Outreach volunteers are responsible for writing and editing Fanlore's promotional posts on social media, planning and running Fanlore's editing challenges, maintaining Fanlore's social media channels, and thinking of ways to reach out to and engage with new corners of fandom.
No extensive experience required—only reliability, teamwork, good communication skills, and an interest in fandom and Fanlore in particular. Join us!
As part of our application process, candidates who pass the initial review will also be asked to create a sample social media post for Fanlore consisting of a 280-character tweet and a 100-word Tumblr post promoting a Fanlore article. Further directions will be given upon applying.
Applications are due 16 July 2025 or after 40 applications
Apply for Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteer at the volunteering page! If you have further questions, please contact us.
Policy & Abuse Volunteer
The Policy & Abuse committee (PAC) is responsible for addressing questions and concerns about potential violations of the AO3 Terms of Service. We determine whether reports are about legitimate violations of the Terms of Service, and what to do about them if they are. PAC volunteers correspond directly with AO3 users and collaborate on projects both within PAC and with other OTW committees.
Our main goals as a committee are:
- to adhere to the AO3 Terms of Service
- to make our reasoning and processes as clear and transparent as possible
- to handle all user reports consistently, no matter which volunteer is doing the work
- to keep every case we work on completely confidential
We are seeking people who can:
- Commit to working on cases regularly
- Be patient with rephrasing explanations
- Ask for help when needed
- Collaborate both inside the team and with other committees
- Act in accordance with established rules, policies, and procedures
- Treat confidentiality and user privacy as a priority
You must be 18+ in order to apply for this role. While English proficiency is required, we welcome applicants who are fluent in other languages, especially Spanish (Español), Brazilian Portuguese (Português brasileiro), Russian (Русский), Chinese (中文), or Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).
Applications are due 16 July 2025
Apply for Policy & Abuse Volunteer at the volunteering page! If you have further questions, please contact us.
Communications TikTok Moderator
Do you use TikTok? Do you like making videos? Do you want to connect with your fellow fans?
OTW TikTok Moderators create content for the OTW TikTok account, including drafting scripts, recording and editing videos, and reviewing other moderators' scripts and videos. Moderators address user comments on videos by responding to user questions, removing comments that violate our policies, and flagging comments for video topics. Moderators also try to regularly engage with fandom on TikTok by interacting with relevant, appropriate videos and liking, reposting, and/or commenting.
You must be 18+ in order to apply for this role. We are looking for volunteers familiar with TikTok and passionate about outreach on the platform. They should be able to maintain a consistent level of work, collaborate inside the team and with other committees, ask for help when needed, and commit to making fair decisions about how to handle comments.
Applications are due 16 July 2025 or after 60 applications
Apply for Communications TikTok Moderator at the volunteering page! If you have further questions, please contact us.
The Organization for Transformative Works is the non-profit parent organization of multiple projects including Archive of Our Own, Fanlore, Open Doors, Transformative Works and Cultures, and OTW Legal Advocacy. We are a fan-run, entirely donor-supported organization staffed by volunteers. Find out more about us on our website.
Activism
Jul. 9th, 2025 03:03 pmysabetwordsmithScientists host 'science fair of canceled grants' on Capitol Hill to fight funding cuts
The researchers gathered, alongside the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to present posters in a good, old-fashioned science fair, titled “The Things We’ll Never Know: A Science Fair of Canceled Grants.”
It's a great tactic, and one that other fields could use too. "Here are some useful things you could have had, but these specific people took them away from you." That's guaranteed to piss off a lot of people.
It's also among the standard protest techniques in Terramagne. Not only is it sound activism for pounding the perpetrators, it also has a pretty good chance of someone else deciding to sponsor your canceled project if they like your pitch. Feel free to prompt me for that.
The researchers gathered, alongside the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to present posters in a good, old-fashioned science fair, titled “The Things We’ll Never Know: A Science Fair of Canceled Grants.”
It's a great tactic, and one that other fields could use too. "Here are some useful things you could have had, but these specific people took them away from you." That's guaranteed to piss off a lot of people.
It's also among the standard protest techniques in Terramagne. Not only is it sound activism for pounding the perpetrators, it also has a pretty good chance of someone else deciding to sponsor your canceled project if they like your pitch. Feel free to prompt me for that.
Cuddle Party
Jul. 9th, 2025 03:01 pmysabetwordsmithEveryone needs contact comfort sometimes. Not everyone has ample opportunities for this in facetime. So here is a chance for a cuddle party in cyberspace. Virtual cuddling can help people feel better.
We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!
We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!
Birdfeeding
Jul. 9th, 2025 02:38 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny, humid, and hot. Yesterday it rained for half the day and into the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches. They've drained half the thistle feeder but I still need to refill that one.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I filled the thistle feeder.
I've seen a male cardinal and a fox squirrel.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I sprayed weedkiller on poison ivy around the yard.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I potted up two apricot seeds.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches. They've drained half the thistle feeder but I still need to refill that one.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I filled the thistle feeder.
I've seen a male cardinal and a fox squirrel.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I sprayed weedkiller on poison ivy around the yard.
EDIT 7/9/25 -- I potted up two apricot seeds.
Sunshine Revival Challenge 3: Food
Jul. 9th, 2025 12:44 pmysabetwordsmithSunshine Revival Challenge 3: Food
Journaling prompt: What are your favorite summer-associated foods?
Creative prompt: Draw art of or make graphics of summer foods, or post your favorite summer recipes. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
This is actually from 7/7/25 but it wasn't up when I checked, and then the net was down.
( Read more... )
Journaling prompt: What are your favorite summer-associated foods?
Creative prompt: Draw art of or make graphics of summer foods, or post your favorite summer recipes. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
This is actually from 7/7/25 but it wasn't up when I checked, and then the net was down.
( Read more... )
Delivery Dilemma (part 1 of 1, complete)
Jul. 8th, 2025 09:52 pmdialecticdreamerDelivery Dilemma
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1493
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 9 a.m.]
:: On the way to her first delivery of the day, LaQuinta has a LOT to think about. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
The Cort’s house was in a somewhat fancy neighborhood, so it was an easy ride to go from there to the address that had been sent to Torrin. LaQuinta eased the Surrey onto the dirveway into the narrow parking lot, just a strip wide enough for one row of right-angle parking spaces and a lane for the cars pulling in. At the far end of the lot, another driveway let out onto the two-lane street. The angry yellow directional arrows had been printed with black “ONE WAY” lettering recently, much later than the arrows that were beginning to crack.
She parked in front of the specialty parts shop and frowned. It took a moment to remember the small, book-sized tablet that acted as both a professional record for LaQuinta’s trips and a visual reminder that she was also being paid per mile for deliveries. The software did the math and gave her daily summaries, or hourly ones.
So far, it was her favorite perk of the new job.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1493
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 9 a.m.]
:: On the way to her first delivery of the day, LaQuinta has a LOT to think about. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
The Cort’s house was in a somewhat fancy neighborhood, so it was an easy ride to go from there to the address that had been sent to Torrin. LaQuinta eased the Surrey onto the dirveway into the narrow parking lot, just a strip wide enough for one row of right-angle parking spaces and a lane for the cars pulling in. At the far end of the lot, another driveway let out onto the two-lane street. The angry yellow directional arrows had been printed with black “ONE WAY” lettering recently, much later than the arrows that were beginning to crack.
She parked in front of the specialty parts shop and frowned. It took a moment to remember the small, book-sized tablet that acted as both a professional record for LaQuinta’s trips and a visual reminder that she was also being paid per mile for deliveries. The software did the math and gave her daily summaries, or hourly ones.
So far, it was her favorite perk of the new job.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Jul. 8th, 2025 12:51 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and warm.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/8/25 -- It rained for about half the day and into the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/8/25 -- It rained for about half the day and into the night.
Morning Meeting (part 1 of 1, complete)
Jul. 7th, 2025 10:52 pmdialecticdreamerMorning Meeting
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 813
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 9 a.m.]
:: LaQuinta meets with the Corts again, and is surprised by the nature of their gesture of thanks. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
LaQuinta set down the half-empty mug of coffee and smiled as the twins “ran” awkwardly, screaming with giggles as a dark-haired man chased slowly after them. His short dark hair gleamed as he roared, but his swaying arms moved slowly. Hunched over, he was taller than the twins, but his knuckles banged against the toes of his scuffed military boots. She muffled a giggle as the boys clambered up Robert’s lap.
Robert shook his head. “Zaur, this is LaQuinta Dixon. LaQuinta, this is Zaur Rybokov.” He laughed. “He’s visiting while his husband is outside, looking for… stray cats.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 813
[Thursday, 3 August, 2017, 9 a.m.]
:: LaQuinta meets with the Corts again, and is surprised by the nature of their gesture of thanks. Part of the Unfair Trades arc in Mercedes, within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
LaQuinta set down the half-empty mug of coffee and smiled as the twins “ran” awkwardly, screaming with giggles as a dark-haired man chased slowly after them. His short dark hair gleamed as he roared, but his swaying arms moved slowly. Hunched over, he was taller than the twins, but his knuckles banged against the toes of his scuffed military boots. She muffled a giggle as the boys clambered up Robert’s lap.
Robert shook his head. “Zaur, this is LaQuinta Dixon. LaQuinta, this is Zaur Rybokov.” He laughed. “He’s visiting while his husband is outside, looking for… stray cats.”
( Read more... )
Poem: "Tomato Seedlings in Tin Cans"
Jul. 7th, 2025 04:48 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the June 3, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "growth" square in my 6-2-25 card for the Pride Fest bingo. This poem has been sponsored by Anthony Barrette. It belongs to the series Daughters of the Apocalypse.
( Read more... )
wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "growth" square in my 6-2-25 card for the Pride Fest bingo. This poem has been sponsored by Anthony Barrette. It belongs to the series Daughters of the Apocalypse.( Read more... )
Bee Food Flowers
Jul. 7th, 2025 03:11 pmysabetwordsmithScientists’ top 10 bee-magnet blooms—turn any lawn into a pollinator paradise
Botanists from the University of Copenhagen and the UK set out to find the best flower combinations for bees and hoverflies.
Danish and Welsh botanists sifted through 400 studies, field-tested seed mixes, and uncovered a lineup of native and exotic blooms that both thrill human eyes and lure bees and hoverflies in droves, offering ready-made recipes for transforming lawns, parks, and patios into vibrant pollinator hotspots.
Below are the plants recommended for European and United Kingdom uses...
( Read more... )
Botanists from the University of Copenhagen and the UK set out to find the best flower combinations for bees and hoverflies.
Danish and Welsh botanists sifted through 400 studies, field-tested seed mixes, and uncovered a lineup of native and exotic blooms that both thrill human eyes and lure bees and hoverflies in droves, offering ready-made recipes for transforming lawns, parks, and patios into vibrant pollinator hotspots.
Below are the plants recommended for European and United Kingdom uses...
( Read more... )
Monday Update 7-7-25
Jul. 7th, 2025 02:10 pmysabetwordsmithThese are some posts from the later part of last week in case you missed them:
Poem: "An Interest in the Affairs of Your Government"
Poem: "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness"
Poem: "Always Surprised by Consequences"
Poem: "No Such Thing as Finished"
Geology
Birdfeeding
Today's Smoothie
Early Humans
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Government
Fireworks
Writing About Fireworks
Birdfeeding
Follow Friday 7-4-25: Historical Fiction
Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Indigenous Fire Stewardship
Birdfeeding
Climate Change
Birdfeeding
Problem-Solving
Hard Things
"Philosophical Questions: Looks" has 41 comments. "Not a Destination, But a Process" has 146 comments. "The Democratic Armada of the Caribbean" has 95 comments.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sunshine_revival is running through July. See the schedule, meet the moderators, and use the master post to navigate the event. Meet new folks in the friending meme. Spread the word!
* Sunshine Revival Challenge 1: Light
Poem: "The Pleasure of Escaping the Responsibility"
* Sunshine Revival Challenge 2: Tunnel of Love
Poem: "Legs of Grass, Feet of Flowers"
summerofthe69 is now open! You can see the calendar here and the current themes are Tetris 69 and Body Worship 69.
"In the Heart of the Hidden Garden" is now complete! Lawrence shows Stan more of his favorite places.
The weather has been variable here. It rained yesterday and last night. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a pair of mourning doves, a male cardinal, a gray catbird, a fox squirrel, a skunk, and at least 1 probably 2 bats. Currently blooming: dandelions, pansies, violas, marigolds, petunias, red salvia, wild strawberries, verbena, lantana, sweet alyssum, zinnias, snapdragons, blue lobelia, perennial pinks, impatiens, oxalis, moss rose, yarrow, anise hyssop, firecracker plant, tomatoes, tomatillos, Asiatic lilies, cucumber, snowball bush, yellow squash, zucchini, morning glory, purple echinacea, narrow-leaf mountain mint, black-eyed Susan, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, chicory, Queen Anne's lace, sunflowers, cup plant. Daylilies are done blooming. Cucumbers, tomatillo, and pepper have green fruit. The first 'Chocolate Sprinkles' tomato ripened and some other tomatoes are showing color. Wild strawberries, mulberries, peas, and blackberries are ripe. Black raspberries are done.
Poem: "An Interest in the Affairs of Your Government"
Poem: "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness"
Poem: "Always Surprised by Consequences"
Poem: "No Such Thing as Finished"
Geology
Birdfeeding
Today's Smoothie
Early Humans
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Government
Fireworks
Writing About Fireworks
Birdfeeding
Follow Friday 7-4-25: Historical Fiction
Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Indigenous Fire Stewardship
Birdfeeding
Climate Change
Birdfeeding
Problem-Solving
Hard Things
"Philosophical Questions: Looks" has 41 comments. "Not a Destination, But a Process" has 146 comments. "The Democratic Armada of the Caribbean" has 95 comments.
sunshine_revival is running through July. See the schedule, meet the moderators, and use the master post to navigate the event. Meet new folks in the friending meme. Spread the word!* Sunshine Revival Challenge 1: Light
Poem: "The Pleasure of Escaping the Responsibility"
* Sunshine Revival Challenge 2: Tunnel of Love
Poem: "Legs of Grass, Feet of Flowers"
summerofthe69 is now open! You can see the calendar here and the current themes are Tetris 69 and Body Worship 69."In the Heart of the Hidden Garden" is now complete! Lawrence shows Stan more of his favorite places.
The weather has been variable here. It rained yesterday and last night. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a pair of mourning doves, a male cardinal, a gray catbird, a fox squirrel, a skunk, and at least 1 probably 2 bats. Currently blooming: dandelions, pansies, violas, marigolds, petunias, red salvia, wild strawberries, verbena, lantana, sweet alyssum, zinnias, snapdragons, blue lobelia, perennial pinks, impatiens, oxalis, moss rose, yarrow, anise hyssop, firecracker plant, tomatoes, tomatillos, Asiatic lilies, cucumber, snowball bush, yellow squash, zucchini, morning glory, purple echinacea, narrow-leaf mountain mint, black-eyed Susan, yellow coneflower, wild bergamot, chicory, Queen Anne's lace, sunflowers, cup plant. Daylilies are done blooming. Cucumbers, tomatillo, and pepper have green fruit. The first 'Chocolate Sprinkles' tomato ripened and some other tomatoes are showing color. Wild strawberries, mulberries, peas, and blackberries are ripe. Black raspberries are done.