"Would you rather use the app? :)" I cannot begin to describe how much I wouldn't

Ok, but. But. Recently I went in to town to the block that has the Courthouse, one of the libraries, a couple churches, and a small museum I volunteer at. About ten years ago they pulled out the regular parking meters and put in parking "kiosks" where you put in money (or credit card) and it spits out a receipt that you then put on your dashboard.

When I tried to put money into the kiosk for my two hours, the place for that had cardboard taped over it. The place to put a credit card in also had cardboard taped over it. And there was a sign on the side of the kiosk directing me to do Something with my "Parking App"!!!!

My what now!? I don't HAVE the app! I didn't know I needed an app! And I have an elderly flip phone which cannot DO apps! How am I supposed to freakin' park there?!

Bad enough that they exist, but they sure as hell should not be the only option! grrrrrrr.

Morning

The morning dogwalk was spectacular, bands of slatey-blue-gray clouds highlighted with electric pink were faffing about the eastern sky and the snow was crisp. Dogs were happy and zoomie(y). I took the compost bucket out to dump it, took warm water to the chickens, and checked the water trough in the pasture (not icy.) It was a very pleasant 25°F (-4C), which is my favorite winter temperature. Cold enough that there's no mud around, without being too cold. Hopefully I'll be able to find energy for some outside farm work this week. Those new overalls need to get broken in!

At mid-day K packed up her clothes, books, and two small terrariums of pet jumping spiders. Back to school. Her schedule got complicated late last week, when she was dropped from a vet class unexpectedly. I hope she can get that resolved with her advisor on Monday. I'm going to miss her a LOT.

I have practically the whole dining room table covered with paperwork that I need to deal with or file. I'd MUCH rather stomp around outside cutting brush back from the fenceline or paint. Eugh!

My kid has been gone for three whole hours and I'm miserable.

When encountering someone stuck in an Apology Loop, I do not uselessly ask, or worse, demand that they “stop apologizing.”

Rather, I have found it much more useful to affect a theatrical tone and formally “absolve” them. “Like a Renaissance pope, I absolve you, my child.” Usually the combination of having the absurdity of the situation highlit, combined with a touch of physiological release if I can get a laugh, is enough to soothe their nerves a bit and get them to break the loop. And who knows maybe they feel absolved I dunno I have an authoritative bearing

This counts as a spell

The last person who got stuck in an overapologizing loop in my house was a long-time friend. That is why I felt that I could get away with.

Throwing myself on the floor at her feet, and rolling back and forth on my back, wailing and sobbing, "Oh I'm Sorry I'm sor SORRY I'm sorry I'm breathing I'mm TOO MUCH I'm Sorry I'm . . "

She was looking down at me, first in bafflement, then very thoughtful. I wrapped it up and got back to my feet. Dusted myself off (dog fur). "Honey," I told her quietly, "I don't need you to do that to me. It doesn't make my life any better when you apologize too much. It puts a burden on me to make YOU feel better about whatever you're upset about."

Pretty, um, aggressive behavior mod on my part. However, I do know her very, very well. And vice versa; it's not like I was any less of a maniac when I was 15. And she does have the emotional maturity to self-reflect. It ended up being a good moment for the two of us, and hopefully gave her a chuckle later on when she told her husband.

Not an widely-useful strategy at all, though.

A wing and a prayer

There are, generally, two ways a wild animal can react if it is injured and a human is trying to catch it to render aid. One, FREAK THE HECK OUT bitingyoubitingyoubitingyou. Two, a fatalistic resignation to (assumed) death. "I only wish I could see once more my comrades in la Résistance" (gazes Frenchly into the sky)

Then. There's whatever the hell Susan has going on.

Susan was found walk-hopping across the yard down at Home Farm, one wing injured. She chose to achieve a moderate wing injury in the yard of the only person within MILES who is actually a falconer, with all sorts of large bird equipment and medical experience.

She tried to hop away from Roommate, but as soon as he netted her she just. Settled down. I'm sure that being very, very hungry and then being fed and comfortably full made a difference. However, her ridiculous tameness is highly unusual. She's cool with the jesses. She's cool with her perch. She's VERY cool with getting fed the wild game that Roommate hunted to feed his Harris Hawk, Xerces. When the kids made themselves a big pot of Low Country Boil with crawdads from the creek, she happily ate crawdad parts and actually tried to make puppy eyes to get more than her fair share. I mean. Picture the lady above walking across the floor to stare fixedly at you, begging for crawdads. She will carefully take food directly from your palm, like a horse. So. Susan the Gentle, indeed.

By her gradual return to biiiiig wing-stretches and some light flapping, Susan's wing is healing well. She will be able to be released soon. Back to soaring the sky in search of road-kill. Possibly dreaming of crustaceans and Old Bay seasoning.

Meanwhile, I can freak K out by saying, in my scratchiest voice, "Susan friiieeeend! Live with gelflings in Peeeace!"

January update! Queen Susan the Gentle evaded the first 'release' that Roommate attempted because her wing was not quite good enough for flying. He took her outside and she glided around a bit, but clearly was not ready. The second attempt had her flying off . . then landing nearby and hopping around like her leg hurt. Seriously? We were all a little suspicious about this second 'injury.' Was it real, or was it her rather clever way of remaining safe in the barn, with food handed to her daily. We shall never know.

However, this month Roommate went into the mews (which used to be my mother's goat barn) to get his Harris hawk out. While the door was open, Susan hopped outside. She looked around, and then . . . flew! She was ready. Hopefully she will be able to go right back to the ordinary vulture pursuits of soaring over the valley and looking for roadkill. If she's in trouble - she'll probably be smart enough to head back to Home Farm.

OPENING COMMISSION SLOTS

Opening 10 Commission slots for traditional (ink or watercolor/gouache) art! If you are looking for an original physical piece and have specific size requirements let me know, otherwise they will be on small 5.5x8.5 sheets. Please note I will not be able to do major revisions due to the medium. Shipping of original piece is optional but cost of shipping NOT included in these listed prices. Payment via paypal or venmo accepted (I will take a deposit of 1/2 of the original price once you approve the sketch, and 1/2 upon completion, full upfront is also fine.)

Backgrounds are ok but will increase price (likely ~$150-175 depending on complexity) multiple characters are ok but will be charged each as individual pieces.

Check out some past finished commissions here!

Please DM me for questions or more info or contact me at [email protected]

4/10 Full! Get 'em while they're hot!

Got up feeling absolutely awful. Not sick, just exhausted. I spent much of the morning just reading quietly, aside from critter chores. Finally, FINALLY got all the new chickens to roost inside the coop instead of in the dratted apple tree, so that's an improvement. When I went out to take them hot water I wanted to tell them "I told you so!"

I ran some errands in the afternoon. Got those pendants back from the jeweler - finally - the ones that were supposed to be done before Christmas. Picked up unsold artwork for myself and a friend at a gallery. Ran to the Discount Grocery and got a whole bunch of sweet treats I don't need (but I want them!) and a bulk package of hamburger.

Now I have hambuger, pork sausage, onion, green pepper, oatmeal, and lots of herbs and spices cooking in the crockpot to turn into goetta. Goetta is a wonderful breakfast. It's either labeled "an authentic German recipe" or "A Cincinatti favorite" if you look it up online. Definitely recommend it.

Called the vet - the large animal vet - because Hero seems to be losing weight. It's too much, too fast, and he was a pretty reasonable weight before. The appointment person told me that a Dr. Slim would come by tomorrow between 2 and 4. I hope he can get Hero feeling a little better. He's a senior horse, but 22 is certainly not THAT old. That compares to mid-sixties for a human.

I need to collect. Over twenty different forms or worksheets for doing taxes. This is ridiculous.

I've had this dang stone sitting in a tiny little box for over twenty years. It is a MIRACLE it didn't ever get lost. It's finally in a setting, so my daughter and I can wear it.

Sadly, a photo of goetta just looks like a bunch of meat on a plate, and dramatically undersells its deliciousness. I used Montreal Steak Mix seasonings, Italian herb blend, and paprika, and applied them liberally.

Pros: It's precooked, so when you're making your breakfast you can heat it up quick in a skillet or microwave. Pairs well with eggs, toast, or potatoes, but could also be enjoyed with a small salad or a piece of fruit. If you want to make it more of a one-dish meal, you could shred some carrot or sweet potato in there in addition to the pepper and onion. The oatmeal adds a whole grain/fiber component.

Cons: None that I can see. Damn.

Got up feeling absolutely awful. Not sick, just exhausted. I spent much of the morning just reading quietly, aside from critter chores. Finally, FINALLY got all the new chickens to roost inside the coop instead of in the dratted apple tree, so that's an improvement. When I went out to take them hot water I wanted to tell them "I told you so!"

I ran some errands in the afternoon. Got those pendants back from the jeweler - finally - the ones that were supposed to be done before Christmas. Picked up unsold artwork for myself and a friend at a gallery. Ran to the Discount Grocery and got a whole bunch of sweet treats I don't need (but I want them!) and a bulk package of hamburger.

Now I have hambuger, pork sausage, onion, green pepper, oatmeal, and lots of herbs and spices cooking in the crockpot to turn into goetta. Goetta is a wonderful breakfast. It's either labeled "an authentic German recipe" or "A Cincinatti favorite" if you look it up online. Definitely recommend it.

Called the vet - the large animal vet - because Hero seems to be losing weight. It's too much, too fast, and he was a pretty reasonable weight before. The appointment person told me that a Dr. Slim would come by tomorrow between 2 and 4. I hope he can get Hero feeling a little better. He's a senior horse, but 22 is certainly not THAT old. That compares to mid-sixties for a human.

I need to collect. Over twenty different forms or worksheets for doing taxes. This is ridiculous.

I've had this dang stone sitting in a tiny little box for over twenty years. It is a MIRACLE it didn't ever get lost. It's finally in a setting, so my daughter and I can wear it.

Yes we are!