Today we visited the Charleston Food Forest, Coles County Community Garden, and Lake Charleston. These are the community garden pictures. (Begin with the food forest.)
( Walk with me ... )
( Walk with me ... )
Today we visited the Charleston Food Forest, Coles County Community Garden, and Lake Charleston. These are the food forest pictures. What started out as a beautiful fall day, sunny and cool, clouded over by the time we got out of the house. So the lighting isn't great, but at least the pictures look okay. (Continue with the community garden.)
( Walk with me ... )
( Walk with me ... )
Engineers built a drifting wheelchair for an injured colleague.
Given how crappy the official medical equipment is, and how expensive, I'm delighted to see people making adaptive equipment on their own.
Given how crappy the official medical equipment is, and how expensive, I'm delighted to see people making adaptive equipment on their own.
Tags:
An Off Day
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 2184
[December 2016]
:: Elisabeth Finn has many things to accomplish, but her body just isn’t cooperating. Several people offer subtle (and not so subtle) assistance. Written for the October of 2025 Feathering the Nest event, prompted by![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
callibr8, and posted for everyone to enjoy, with my deepest thanks. Part of the Finn Family and the Mercedes story arcs in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Doctor Elisabeth Finn peeled her eyes open slowly, feeling sticky gunk clinging to each eyelash as they separated. When her eyes focused, or tried to, her temples began to pound. Scraps of light slipping over the top of the drawn curtains in the bedroom stung her eyes like frosty wind.
One hand flopped to cover her eyes as she groaned. Then, the existence of daylight registered in her sluggish brain and she pushed the quilt off of her body.
The air in the warm room slammed into her and gooseflesh rose instantly, even on the tops of her feet and the skin on her elbows. Elisabeth groaned.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 2184
[December 2016]
:: Elisabeth Finn has many things to accomplish, but her body just isn’t cooperating. Several people offer subtle (and not so subtle) assistance. Written for the October of 2025 Feathering the Nest event, prompted by
callibr8, and posted for everyone to enjoy, with my deepest thanks. Part of the Finn Family and the Mercedes story arcs in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::Doctor Elisabeth Finn peeled her eyes open slowly, feeling sticky gunk clinging to each eyelash as they separated. When her eyes focused, or tried to, her temples began to pound. Scraps of light slipping over the top of the drawn curtains in the bedroom stung her eyes like frosty wind.
One hand flopped to cover her eyes as she groaned. Then, the existence of daylight registered in her sluggish brain and she pushed the quilt off of her body.
The air in the warm room slammed into her and gooseflesh rose instantly, even on the tops of her feet and the skin on her elbows. Elisabeth groaned.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Common pesticides may cause testicular damage and lower sperm counts
Widespread farm pesticides may be quietly undermining male reproductive health.
A decade-long review by George Mason University researchers reveals growing evidence that neonicotinoid insecticides—the world’s most widely used class of pesticides—may harm male reproductive health. The findings, based on 21 animal studies, show consistent links between exposure and reduced sperm quality, hormonal disruption, and testicular damage.
This will be useful to people seeking to ban or limit harmful pesticides. Perpetrators may not care about the environment or other humans, but they almost certainly care about their own virility. Similarly victims who are lethargic about other health threats may rally over this one.
Widespread farm pesticides may be quietly undermining male reproductive health.
A decade-long review by George Mason University researchers reveals growing evidence that neonicotinoid insecticides—the world’s most widely used class of pesticides—may harm male reproductive health. The findings, based on 21 animal studies, show consistent links between exposure and reduced sperm quality, hormonal disruption, and testicular damage.
This will be useful to people seeking to ban or limit harmful pesticides. Perpetrators may not care about the environment or other humans, but they almost certainly care about their own virility. Similarly victims who are lethargic about other health threats may rally over this one.
Tags:
Today is sunny and cool, a beautiful fall day.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- We went to the Charleston Food Forest and Coles County Community Garden, where I gathered more seeds.
We also stopped by Lake Charleston in search of migratory birds, which was largely a bust. :/
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 11/8/25 -- We went to the Charleston Food Forest and Coles County Community Garden, where I gathered more seeds.
We also stopped by Lake Charleston in search of migratory birds, which was largely a bust. :/
EDIT 11/8/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
People have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
Is hierarchy necessary for all successful human communities?
No. It's just easier. Humans seem inclined to prefer having leadership. Egalitarian communities exist, but they tend to take more work to create and maintain.
Is hierarchy necessary for all successful human communities?
No. It's just easier. Humans seem inclined to prefer having leadership. Egalitarian communities exist, but they tend to take more work to create and maintain.
Tags:
The first orange came off the tree: small, and not entirely ripe-looking, probably propelled by some critter. So I pulled off the one fat, split orange I'd noticed, cut out the mouldy bit at the bottom, and will add both of them to my breakfast tomorrow. Looking back, I see the first ones came down on almost exactly the same date last year.
Today we made a smoothie with:
1 cup strawberry apple cider
1 cup Brown Cow vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup ice
The result is bright pink and on the thin side, with a nice fruity flavor. We used strawberry apple cider from Grissom Orchard -- they have a few different flavors, all good. It's at least the second time we've made this, but I forgot to write it down earlier.
1 cup strawberry apple cider
1 cup Brown Cow vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup ice
The result is bright pink and on the thin side, with a nice fruity flavor. We used strawberry apple cider from Grissom Orchard -- they have a few different flavors, all good. It's at least the second time we've made this, but I forgot to write it down earlier.
This poem is spillover from the November 4, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired and sponsored by librarygeek. It also fills the "I didn't want power. All I wanted was control. Over my life." square in my 11-1-25 card for the Fairy Tales and Fantasy Stories Bingo fest.
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the more detailed notes, some of which are spoilers. It includes a ritual for justice with violent ends, ominous mythical figures, a bad leader, reference to sexual assault, reference to abuse under color of authority, treachery, and other challenges. If these are touchy topics for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
librarygeek. It also fills the "I didn't want power. All I wanted was control. Over my life." square in my 11-1-25 card for the Fairy Tales and Fantasy Stories Bingo fest.Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the more detailed notes, some of which are spoilers. It includes a ritual for justice with violent ends, ominous mythical figures, a bad leader, reference to sexual assault, reference to abuse under color of authority, treachery, and other challenges. If these are touchy topics for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
Over Dessert
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1265
[Sunday, May 10, 2020, early evening]]
:: Liana and Beverly are offered dessert, and the conversation eases the tension a bit more, fortunately. Part of the Edison’s Mirror universe. ::
Back to Another Idea
To the Edison's Mirror Index
On to
Aidan lifted Beverly’s empty glass. “Would you like some more? Or perhaps a serving of the berry crumble that Vic made for dessert? I adore reheating things in the microwave, it’s almost less work for me than walking to the kitchen.”
Liana brightened. “That sounds good!” She turned a guilty glance to Beverly. “Is it okay?”
“Of course it is,” the older woman assured. “I’d like some as well. Could… Could you explain a bit more about how you would annoy Declan, basically by existing?”
Vic snickered. Loudly. “He’s trying to stake a claim on Liana, and following her around like a stalker. The fact that I’ve been seen with her--male, about her age-- Well, that makes me a massive threat to his ‘approach’. Ed’s too young, and Aidan’s too old, but hanging out with them is a legitimate reason for me to be around her, which will drive Declan up a wall if he’s a classic talker.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1265
[Sunday, May 10, 2020, early evening]]
:: Liana and Beverly are offered dessert, and the conversation eases the tension a bit more, fortunately. Part of the Edison’s Mirror universe. ::
Back to Another Idea
To the Edison's Mirror Index
On to
Aidan lifted Beverly’s empty glass. “Would you like some more? Or perhaps a serving of the berry crumble that Vic made for dessert? I adore reheating things in the microwave, it’s almost less work for me than walking to the kitchen.”
Liana brightened. “That sounds good!” She turned a guilty glance to Beverly. “Is it okay?”
“Of course it is,” the older woman assured. “I’d like some as well. Could… Could you explain a bit more about how you would annoy Declan, basically by existing?”
Vic snickered. Loudly. “He’s trying to stake a claim on Liana, and following her around like a stalker. The fact that I’ve been seen with her--male, about her age-- Well, that makes me a massive threat to his ‘approach’. Ed’s too young, and Aidan’s too old, but hanging out with them is a legitimate reason for me to be around her, which will drive Declan up a wall if he’s a classic talker.”
( Read more... )
Tags:
People are having funerals for the world's melting glaciers. Could it mobilize further climate action?
Glaciers around the world are melting so quickly that the scale of the loss is difficult to comprehend. Death, on the other hand, is a universal experience, familiar across all cultures.
To bridge that gap, anthropologists Dominic Boyer and Cymene Howe of Rice University are drawing parallels between human death rituals and the disappearance of glaciers, offering people a more tangible way to understand what’s being lost.
( Read more... )
Glaciers around the world are melting so quickly that the scale of the loss is difficult to comprehend. Death, on the other hand, is a universal experience, familiar across all cultures.
To bridge that gap, anthropologists Dominic Boyer and Cymene Howe of Rice University are drawing parallels between human death rituals and the disappearance of glaciers, offering people a more tangible way to understand what’s being lost.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Today is sunny and mild.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
Tags:
Got any Follow Friday-related posts to share this week? Comment here with the link(s).
Here's the plan: every Friday, let's recommend some people and/or communities to follow on Dreamwidth. That's it. No complicated rules, no "pass this on to 7.328 friends or your cat will die".
Tags:
Today's theme is Kingdom Hearts.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
addme_fandom -- find friends who share your fannish obsessions.
[Active with one post in October.]
akuroku -- BURN BABY!!!!!
The axel/roxas community.
[Active with one post in November.]
khkinkanon -- Kingdom Hearts Anonymous Kink Meme
[Active with multiple posts in October.]
kingdomhearts -- Kingdom Hearts Community
For Fans of Kingdom Hearts.
[Somewhat active with last post in March.]
.
addme_fandom -- find friends who share your fannish obsessions.[Active with one post in October.]
akuroku -- BURN BABY!!!!!The axel/roxas community.
[Active with one post in November.]
khkinkanon -- Kingdom Hearts Anonymous Kink Meme[Active with multiple posts in October.]
kingdomhearts -- Kingdom Hearts CommunityFor Fans of Kingdom Hearts.
[Somewhat active with last post in March.]
.
Tags:
The committee and guest banquet was tonight, so I headed down to the Windycon hotel. We sorted out a few small things and now I'm at home, the minivan is mostly packed, and tomorrow I will head back to the hotel.
Gretchen will follow as soon as school lets out.
Go team!
Gretchen will follow as soon as school lets out.
Go team!
Saw all three cats today—plus Tabby. Monty hadn't shown himself to me in a couple of days, but was waiting for me on the front lawn when I returned from my walk in the evening. He may have been watching when I took the dog out for walkies just prior, and restrained her from chasing Tabby. If so his thoughts on the matter are of course inscrutable.
Another Idea
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1260
[Sunday, May 10, 2020, early evening]]
:: Liana and Beverly visit, bringing another possible solution. Part of the Edison’s Mirror universe. ::
Back to Ed’s Worries
To the Edison's Mirror Index
On to
Aidan had just put the last, newly dried dish into the cupboard when the doorbell downstairs rang. He dried his hands on the towel that had just wiped the last plate, then hurried toward the stairs.
At the front door, he opened it, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth but not settling in place. “Hello, Liana. Hello, Beverly. Would you like to come in?”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1260
[Sunday, May 10, 2020, early evening]]
:: Liana and Beverly visit, bringing another possible solution. Part of the Edison’s Mirror universe. ::
Back to Ed’s Worries
To the Edison's Mirror Index
On to
Aidan had just put the last, newly dried dish into the cupboard when the doorbell downstairs rang. He dried his hands on the towel that had just wiped the last plate, then hurried toward the stairs.
At the front door, he opened it, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth but not settling in place. “Hello, Liana. Hello, Beverly. Would you like to come in?”
( Read more... )
Tags:
.