Health (good news)
Oct. 8th, 2025 08:08 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
azurelunaticMy immunotherapy infusion yesterday may have been my last!! I have a scan on Monday that will probably say that. Belovedest celebrated by cracking into the Strategic Redpop Reserve. This will mean much more leeway to leave town and such.
Colonoscopy results: mostly normal, one pre (not sure how many pre-s to put here) cancerous "lesion", and all of them removed. Repeat in two years, this time with Extended Prep. (My understanding of "lesion" and the medical definition may not align entirely well.)
Started the new injectable after the colonoscopy. I can definitely feel the impact. It remains to be seen exactly what kind. One of my friends has a new injectable too; she's getting some sinus clearance from it. Of all the random effects.
After the infusion, Belovedest and I trekked up-city to pick up a package foralexseanchai. All Pampered Chef, and a high proportion of likely goodies vs. likely duds. There were some varying scrub brushes. The utensil/knife scrub brush looks like dentures that are actually a scrub brush, but I can see that coming in handy. There was also a quarter-sheet pan with two eighth-sheet pans. And then we trekked back down when Belovedest realized they'd left their tablet at the cancer center. Freakin' ADHD. We're on The Assassins of Thasalon in our progress through Penric.
I have a smallish makeup hobby. Part of that is sometimes going all Weird Barbie on my face with eyeliner or whatever. Tonight I've convinced myself (via iridescent green eyeliner) that some kind of moon phase forehead jewelry might really slap.
Colonoscopy results: mostly normal, one pre (not sure how many pre-s to put here) cancerous "lesion", and all of them removed. Repeat in two years, this time with Extended Prep. (My understanding of "lesion" and the medical definition may not align entirely well.)
Started the new injectable after the colonoscopy. I can definitely feel the impact. It remains to be seen exactly what kind. One of my friends has a new injectable too; she's getting some sinus clearance from it. Of all the random effects.
After the infusion, Belovedest and I trekked up-city to pick up a package for
alexseanchai. All Pampered Chef, and a high proportion of likely goodies vs. likely duds. There were some varying scrub brushes. The utensil/knife scrub brush looks like dentures that are actually a scrub brush, but I can see that coming in handy. There was also a quarter-sheet pan with two eighth-sheet pans. And then we trekked back down when Belovedest realized they'd left their tablet at the cancer center. Freakin' ADHD. We're on The Assassins of Thasalon in our progress through Penric. I have a smallish makeup hobby. Part of that is sometimes going all Weird Barbie on my face with eyeliner or whatever. Tonight I've convinced myself (via iridescent green eyeliner) that some kind of moon phase forehead jewelry might really slap.
a few things make a post
Oct. 8th, 2025 09:50 pmtwistedchick1. After a little experimentation, I've found that it is possible to sing most popular Christmas carols (and possibly other songs) with the only lyrics being repeats of "Epstein". I suggest this for the use of protesters, as I imagine the lovely sounds of four part harmonies with a stunning effect on the bystanders.
2. Does anyone else have tinnitis? And if so, how do you manage to fall asleep when everything else is quiet? I have been listening to rain sounds on a recording, which helps, but it's hard to be relaxed and ready and just NOT tip over into sleep. Suggestions welcome!
3. Songs I have figured out (to some degree) on Native American flute: the guitar lead line to Layla (the piano interval is in C and very easy); the sax lead line to Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street'; the Beatles' 'Blackbird'; bits and pieces of many other Beatles tunes; the Beach Boys' 'California Girls', including the key change in the chorus that most people don't notice. If my only real inheritance from my mother's dad is his ability to play anything he could whistle, I'm very glad to have it; it has done well for me all my life even though I can read music (he couldn't).
4. I bailed at the last minute on a dental cleaning today, because I got no real sleep last night (see 2.) and I was not up to driving for half an hour or having someone's hands in my mouth for an hour. I also felt overheated and queasy, and told the receptionist that when I called, and she agreed I shouldn't come in. We rescheduled for Nov. 6, which was Mom's birthday, so I'm not likely to forget to come. It's late at night and I still do feel a bit off, so I'm calling the whole thing self care.
5. And I'm looking forward to seeing the nominations list for Yuletide. Every year there are more diverse possibilities, many of which I have no idea about since I'm not up on the latest Korean or Japanese or Chinese shows. But there are still enough oldbies like me around that I should be able to cobble together some requests and a list of possibilities to write about.
2. Does anyone else have tinnitis? And if so, how do you manage to fall asleep when everything else is quiet? I have been listening to rain sounds on a recording, which helps, but it's hard to be relaxed and ready and just NOT tip over into sleep. Suggestions welcome!
3. Songs I have figured out (to some degree) on Native American flute: the guitar lead line to Layla (the piano interval is in C and very easy); the sax lead line to Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street'; the Beatles' 'Blackbird'; bits and pieces of many other Beatles tunes; the Beach Boys' 'California Girls', including the key change in the chorus that most people don't notice. If my only real inheritance from my mother's dad is his ability to play anything he could whistle, I'm very glad to have it; it has done well for me all my life even though I can read music (he couldn't).
4. I bailed at the last minute on a dental cleaning today, because I got no real sleep last night (see 2.) and I was not up to driving for half an hour or having someone's hands in my mouth for an hour. I also felt overheated and queasy, and told the receptionist that when I called, and she agreed I shouldn't come in. We rescheduled for Nov. 6, which was Mom's birthday, so I'm not likely to forget to come. It's late at night and I still do feel a bit off, so I'm calling the whole thing self care.
5. And I'm looking forward to seeing the nominations list for Yuletide. Every year there are more diverse possibilities, many of which I have no idea about since I'm not up on the latest Korean or Japanese or Chinese shows. But there are still enough oldbies like me around that I should be able to cobble together some requests and a list of possibilities to write about.
Wishlist! I made things! :D
Oct. 9th, 2025 11:22 amchina_shopI made four things for Wishlist (one a little late) - two Weilan and two ChuGuo, two very General Audiences, and two not so much. :D
My other late gift is still an extremely long, extremely messy draft, so I'll see how that goes...
ION, check this out!
- Title: to those who wait (1567 words) [General Audiences]
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Relationships: Shen Wei & Professor Zhou (Guardian), Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Pre-relationship (sort of), First Meeting (for one of them), alternate first meeting, Coincidences/Fate, alcohol consumption, Urban Setting
Summary:Shen Wei had planned to pour his professor into a taxi, spend a few hours patrolling the city as the Black-Cloaked Envoy, and then get to work on his literature review or perhaps draft a proposal for establishing a school system in Dixing. He was already constructing arguments for the latter in his head. But Professor Zhou was distracted by something down the street and set off with surprising vigour for someone who, a moment ago, had barely been able to extract his credit card from his wallet.
Shen Wei was obliged to follow in his wake.
- Title: defying gravity (1507 words) [Mature]
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Established Relationship, domestic setting, Inspired by Fanart, Blow Jobs, Clothed Sex
Summary:“Like this?” Zhao Yunlan hops onto the stool and stretches to prop his feet on the nearest ottoman. His elbows automatically find the edge of the breakfast bar behind him. He knows it looks a bit ridiculous—Da Qing never spares an opportunity to mock him for lounging like this—but it's surprisingly relaxing.
And Shen Wei clearly appreciates the view. His throat bobs as he swallows. “Like that. Are you—comfortable?”
- Title: Supportive (1807 words) [General Audiences]
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Relationships: Guo Ying/Yu Jinlan (Guardian), Chu Shuzhi/Guo Changcheng
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Handwavy fix-it, POV Outsider, Gossip, slight social awkwardness, tiny misunderstanding, Getting Together, (ChuGuo getting together I mean), Established relationship for Guo Ying/Yu Jinlan obviously
Summary:Guo Ying tells Yu Jinlan about his first day at the SID.
- Title: a tempting fate (3238 words) [Teen and Up]
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Relationships: Chu Shuzhi/Guo Changcheng
Additional Tags: Episode Related, episode 18, Fight Club Case, Time Travel, Time Loop, Angst, Mild Hurt/Comfort, minor first aid, First Kiss (for one of them)
Summary:Chu Shuzhi bends sideways so he’s right in Xiao-Guo’s face. “Xiao-Guo, look at me! Did something happen out there? Have you been hypnotised?”
Hypnosis wouldn’t explain the change of clothes. And Xiao-Guo is actually laughing at him now. He pats Chu Shuzhi’s knee, too, and leaves his hand there as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
My other late gift is still an extremely long, extremely messy draft, so I'll see how that goes...
ION, check this out!
What I'm Doing Wednesday
Oct. 8th, 2025 03:53 pmsagebooks
Checkmate (The Lymond Chronicles #6) by Dorothy Dunnett. 1975. cw: war, murder, offscreen sexual assault, subsequent PTSD. The exciting conclusion to the series. No lie, this one was rollicking, despite an overuse of untranslated French.
still reading: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Book one. So charming.
still reading: Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed. 2023. Graphic novel. Shubeik lubeik translates to "Your wish is my command" in Arabic. This version of Egypt is modern except it has wishes that come true, and are regulated (and black market). Great concept. I'm only 20% through, but it's a good book so far.
yarning
finished a yellow bunny and the above calico Cat Stitch scarf. The scarf sold this morning (without even me listing it first) & another person wants to get a custom one made! Yay! I worked on a grey and black kickbunny at yarn group Sunday and had a nice time. I'm nearly finished with it, though now I have a commission to recreate a cat's favorite turkey leg toy with wool and catnip. And scarf customer reminded me that xmas is coming and it's time to to work on stocking the shop! I ordered more catnip & hopefully won't run out of silvervine yet. All in all, a productive week!
healthcrap
The drooping eyelid is making me crazy -- double vision, blurry vision, the eyelid being in the way of seeing. ( more healthcrap )
#resist
October 18: No Kings Day 2!
I hope all of y'all are doing well and can see with your regular number of eyes. :g:
Checkmate (The Lymond Chronicles #6) by Dorothy Dunnett. 1975. cw: war, murder, offscreen sexual assault, subsequent PTSD. The exciting conclusion to the series. No lie, this one was rollicking, despite an overuse of untranslated French.
still reading: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Book one. So charming.
still reading: Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed. 2023. Graphic novel. Shubeik lubeik translates to "Your wish is my command" in Arabic. This version of Egypt is modern except it has wishes that come true, and are regulated (and black market). Great concept. I'm only 20% through, but it's a good book so far.
yarning
finished a yellow bunny and the above calico Cat Stitch scarf. The scarf sold this morning (without even me listing it first) & another person wants to get a custom one made! Yay! I worked on a grey and black kickbunny at yarn group Sunday and had a nice time. I'm nearly finished with it, though now I have a commission to recreate a cat's favorite turkey leg toy with wool and catnip. And scarf customer reminded me that xmas is coming and it's time to to work on stocking the shop! I ordered more catnip & hopefully won't run out of silvervine yet. All in all, a productive week!
healthcrap
The drooping eyelid is making me crazy -- double vision, blurry vision, the eyelid being in the way of seeing. ( more healthcrap )
#resist
October 18: No Kings Day 2!
I hope all of y'all are doing well and can see with your regular number of eyes. :g:
Void Trilogy, by Peter F. Hamilton
Oct. 8th, 2025 09:28 amrunpunkrunThe Void Trilogy is three books that are really just one long, enormous book: The Dreaming Void, The Temporal Void, and The Evolutionary Void. They don't stand on their own even as installments in a series and must be read one after another, no dawdling.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the Commonwealth Saga, its predecessor, which I remember as being dense but interesting science fiction. It had a lot of characters, in a lot of locations, but all were distinct and memorable and their stories slowly converged in a satisfying way. This book (all three of it) is written to the same formula, but bloated to the point where so much was happening, and for so little reason, that the people, locations, and factions all ran together despite them being on many different planets, which also ran together. The only memorable parts of the book were Edeard and Araminta, and in the beginning I mostly kept reading for Edeard, though I became less interested in him as time went on and he became so powerful that all that was left to do was wait for the corruption to set in. Luckily Araminta started to get more attention around that same time.
I think perhaps Hamilton is best held to two volume books because this story seriously got away from him in three. There was stuff in here that just did not need to be in here, and then once it became relevant again (if it ever did) Hamilton did not give a flying fuck whether you remembered it or not and refused to give you a hint even if it was referencing something from the last book or two thousand pages ago.
It's so long that by the time you get to the actual climax of the series it's like, they ask a guy not to do the thing that'll end the universe, and he's like, idk, and then they ask him once more with feeling and he's like, well, okay. There's plenty of excitement on the way, but talk about anti-climatic. And then everyone goes home to a happy ending because no one (with insurance) ever dies in this universe. They just get downloaded to new bodies. Though you do kind of forget about that while you're reading because the characters are in so much peril.
Also, and I don't know how else to put this, but every reference to sex read like it was written by a man, like the beautiful identical twins who married the same man, and the one guy in multiple bodies who told his singular-bodied girlfriend that he had to fuck other women with his other bodies while he was with her because she (the girlfriend) just made him so hot, baby.
The eye rolls I rolled.
Still, obviously I found something compelling about this in order to spend, according to Libby, something like 72 hours reading it. But if you're looking to get into granular space operas, I don't think this is the place to start with Hamilton.
( Status Updates from Goodreads )
Contains: Descriptions of sexual violence; graphic physical violence; animal harm/death; references to forced impregnation and forced abortion; "Oriental" used to describe people; lingers on fatness in a way that isn't positive; mind control; cops; and for the ebooks: so many OCR errors I was instantly transported back in time to 2009.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the Commonwealth Saga, its predecessor, which I remember as being dense but interesting science fiction. It had a lot of characters, in a lot of locations, but all were distinct and memorable and their stories slowly converged in a satisfying way. This book (all three of it) is written to the same formula, but bloated to the point where so much was happening, and for so little reason, that the people, locations, and factions all ran together despite them being on many different planets, which also ran together. The only memorable parts of the book were Edeard and Araminta, and in the beginning I mostly kept reading for Edeard, though I became less interested in him as time went on and he became so powerful that all that was left to do was wait for the corruption to set in. Luckily Araminta started to get more attention around that same time.
I think perhaps Hamilton is best held to two volume books because this story seriously got away from him in three. There was stuff in here that just did not need to be in here, and then once it became relevant again (if it ever did) Hamilton did not give a flying fuck whether you remembered it or not and refused to give you a hint even if it was referencing something from the last book or two thousand pages ago.
It's so long that by the time you get to the actual climax of the series it's like, they ask a guy not to do the thing that'll end the universe, and he's like, idk, and then they ask him once more with feeling and he's like, well, okay. There's plenty of excitement on the way, but talk about anti-climatic. And then everyone goes home to a happy ending because no one (with insurance) ever dies in this universe. They just get downloaded to new bodies. Though you do kind of forget about that while you're reading because the characters are in so much peril.
Also, and I don't know how else to put this, but every reference to sex read like it was written by a man, like the beautiful identical twins who married the same man, and the one guy in multiple bodies who told his singular-bodied girlfriend that he had to fuck other women with his other bodies while he was with her because she (the girlfriend) just made him so hot, baby.
The eye rolls I rolled.
Still, obviously I found something compelling about this in order to spend, according to Libby, something like 72 hours reading it. But if you're looking to get into granular space operas, I don't think this is the place to start with Hamilton.
( Status Updates from Goodreads )
Contains: Descriptions of sexual violence; graphic physical violence; animal harm/death; references to forced impregnation and forced abortion; "Oriental" used to describe people; lingers on fatness in a way that isn't positive; mind control; cops; and for the ebooks: so many OCR errors I was instantly transported back in time to 2009.
Books read lately
Oct. 8th, 2025 12:00 pmegret I haven't been good about recording these. But I also haven't been reading much due to work. So ironic for an English professor.
Amanda Ashby - The Widows' Guide to Murder - Enjoyable audiobook about a group of 4 widows in rural England who provide emotional support for each other while also solving cozy murders. This one involved the murder of a mean librarian. The newest widow adopted a cat. The first in an ongoing series.
That seems to be it. I gave up on the Rivers of London series at Book 7. I loved it until I didn't love it. I've DNF'd a lot of audiobooks lately as I realize I just don't care and return it to the library. Is it me? Is it the books? *shrugs*
I did go through a phase of listening to news podcasts instead of audiobooks but have stopped that as the news is enraging and there is nothing I can do about any of it. I kept having angry dreams where I was fighting with everyone. Listening to murders is better for me!
Currently reading: Amanda Ashby - The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing - Book 2!
Up next: Genius of Place - a biography of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead
Amanda Ashby - The Widows' Guide to Murder - Enjoyable audiobook about a group of 4 widows in rural England who provide emotional support for each other while also solving cozy murders. This one involved the murder of a mean librarian. The newest widow adopted a cat. The first in an ongoing series.
That seems to be it. I gave up on the Rivers of London series at Book 7. I loved it until I didn't love it. I've DNF'd a lot of audiobooks lately as I realize I just don't care and return it to the library. Is it me? Is it the books? *shrugs*
I did go through a phase of listening to news podcasts instead of audiobooks but have stopped that as the news is enraging and there is nothing I can do about any of it. I kept having angry dreams where I was fighting with everyone. Listening to murders is better for me!
Currently reading: Amanda Ashby - The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing - Book 2!
Up next: Genius of Place - a biography of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead
Drawtober challenge days 1-8
Oct. 8th, 2025 06:55 pmmificOur annual October art challenge is underway over at ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
drawesome. I've been combining some of the prompts where possible as it adds an extra twist. The pics are all made in Procreate - you can click on each one for the full-sized art. The individual posts are here.
drawesome. I've been combining some of the prompts where possible as it adds an extra twist. The pics are all made in Procreate - you can click on each one for the full-sized art. The individual posts are here.  |
| "through a window" & "molten" |
 |
| "friendship" & "pool" |
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| "mushroom procession" |
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| "ignite" (mushroom procession at night) |
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| "fluffy" and "under the bed" |
I'm definitely making this again. and again. and again!
Oct. 8th, 2025 12:39 amtrobadoraI just discovered that you can make the perfect peppermint hot chocolate with Ritter Sport Peppermint. (I expect After Eight mints or similar would work too.) It turned out super delicious, so I need to share the joy!
Proportions: 250ml milk / 25g Ritter Sport Peppermint.
Just put the chocolate into the milk and heat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring thorougly in between, until it's entirely melted. (It pays to use a glass and not a porcelain mug, so you can see whether it's fully incorporated. *g*) Add a little sweetener to taste. YUM. :D
Proportions: 250ml milk / 25g Ritter Sport Peppermint.
Just put the chocolate into the milk and heat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring thorougly in between, until it's entirely melted. (It pays to use a glass and not a porcelain mug, so you can see whether it's fully incorporated. *g*) Add a little sweetener to taste. YUM. :D
Recent reading
Oct. 7th, 2025 07:40 pmluzulaI read some fiction! Only novellas though. I nominated them for my turn at book club, and ended up reading both of them.
Clear by Carys Davies (2024)
A poor Presbyterian minister takes a job evicting a tenant from a remote island during the 19th century Scottish Clearances, while his wife stays at home (at least she does at first). He falls and hits his head and the tenant, not knowing what his errand there is, takes care of him. I liked it well enough, but while I am generally a fan of resolving love triangles with poly, I thought the resolution here was much too hasty.
Aerth by Deborah Tomkins (2025)
Meh. It sounded like the kind of ecologically minded SF that I used to read a lot of, but it felt kind of flat to me. It takes guts to reference The Dispossessed so clearly in its plot, and I feel it just did not live up to that. And come on, you can't grow apples in a climate which is so cold that you get regular frosts in June! The flowers would freeze and you'd never get any apples. *grumbles* I did learn something new and exciting from the book, though, which is that runner beans (unlike ordinary beans) are actually perennial! They have tubers which you can dig up, store through the winter, and plant again in the spring (in warmer climates you don't have to dig them up, obviously). I'm totally going to try that with our runner beans, especially as they cross-pollinate and we had two varieties, so I can't trust the seeds to breed true.
Er, sorry to make everything about vegetable gardening.
Clear by Carys Davies (2024)
A poor Presbyterian minister takes a job evicting a tenant from a remote island during the 19th century Scottish Clearances, while his wife stays at home (at least she does at first). He falls and hits his head and the tenant, not knowing what his errand there is, takes care of him. I liked it well enough, but while I am generally a fan of resolving love triangles with poly, I thought the resolution here was much too hasty.
Aerth by Deborah Tomkins (2025)
Meh. It sounded like the kind of ecologically minded SF that I used to read a lot of, but it felt kind of flat to me. It takes guts to reference The Dispossessed so clearly in its plot, and I feel it just did not live up to that. And come on, you can't grow apples in a climate which is so cold that you get regular frosts in June! The flowers would freeze and you'd never get any apples. *grumbles* I did learn something new and exciting from the book, though, which is that runner beans (unlike ordinary beans) are actually perennial! They have tubers which you can dig up, store through the winter, and plant again in the spring (in warmer climates you don't have to dig them up, obviously). I'm totally going to try that with our runner beans, especially as they cross-pollinate and we had two varieties, so I can't trust the seeds to breed true.
Er, sorry to make everything about vegetable gardening.
I won Guardian Wishlist! We ALL won Guardian Wishlist! :D
Oct. 7th, 2025 07:47 pmchina_shopguardian_wishlist was a fantastic success. *twirls everyone who participated and made gifts* *and also everyone who's enjoying the collection* <3 <3 <3I received four amazing presents, all beautifully tailored to my id, wow! Srsly, I could not be happier!! :D :D :D
- Happy, gloriously soft and indulgent M-rated YOHE art with finger-sucking Weilan (based on one of my fics, eeeeeee!) by
facethestrange
- A little Shen Xi/Zhao Xinci AU, where Shen Xi knooows (eeeeeeee!), and the family resemblance with Zhao Yunlan is outstanding by
- A sumptuous, indulgent, idyllic Shen San/Wei domestic interlude with perfect voices (Guardian novel fic) *smishes them forever* by
- Gorgeous b&w art of Chu Shuzhi & Zhao Yunlan, which manages to be angsty and hurt/comforty without even showing their faces a;ldskfjasdf by
I have a couple of late gifts in progress, and then I'm looking forward so much to diving into the collection!!
10/6/2025 Lower Packrat Trail
Oct. 6th, 2025 03:03 pmmrkinchU, Chris, and I met as usual, walked out trails and met at Jewel Lake, which shockingly had water in it! We had a little rain last week but there must be something else going on. Anyway, the Black Phoebe was very active - we watched him beat a large bug into submission and swallow it - and two Mallards were swimming about. The highlight on Lower Packrat was hearing a Swainson's Thrush! It's been a couple of weeks since the last one. ( The list: )
As I was walking along the creek I heard a sound I knew but not in this context: a bird was bathing! The creek is very well hidden for most of that trail and I did not see the bird, but one of my favorite people on youtube posts videos of birds bathing in her several water features in Eastern Tennesee, so I could imagine it.:) Honestly, I did not think there was clear water enough in the creek for birds to want to bathe, but it is upstream from Jewel Lake. Warbler Ridge Birds, if you're interested.
As I was walking along the creek I heard a sound I knew but not in this context: a bird was bathing! The creek is very well hidden for most of that trail and I did not see the bird, but one of my favorite people on youtube posts videos of birds bathing in her several water features in Eastern Tennesee, so I could imagine it.:) Honestly, I did not think there was clear water enough in the creek for birds to want to bathe, but it is upstream from Jewel Lake. Warbler Ridge Birds, if you're interested.