Poem: "A Generous Impulse"
Mar. 26th, 2026 11:10 pmThis poem came out of the March 17, 2026 Bonus Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from
chanter1944. It also fills the "Sewing" square in my 3-1-26 card for the National Crafting Month Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by
janetmiles. It belongs to the Iron Horses thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.
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Photos: Coles County Community Garden
Mar. 26th, 2026 09:53 pmYesterday we visited the Coles County Community Garden. (See the right side and left side of the Charleston Food Forest.)
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( Walk with me ... )
Poem: "A Darkness in the Sky"
Mar. 26th, 2026 07:50 pmThis poem is spillover from the March 17, 2026 Bonus Fishbowl. It was inspired by a discussion with
roughentumble. It also fills the "Stone" square in my 3-1-26 card for the National Crafting Month Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by
janetmiles.
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Community Thursdays
Mar. 26th, 2026 05:02 pmThis year I'm doing Community Thursdays. Some of my activity will involve maintaining communities I run, and my favorites. Some will involve checking my list of subscriptions and posting in lower-traffic ones. Today I have interacted with the following communities...
* Posted "Photos: Charleston Food Forest Part 2 Left Side" in
birdfeeding.
* Posted "Birdfeeding" in
birdfeeding.
* Posted "2026 Rose & Bay Award Winners" in
crowdfunding.
* Posted "Photos: Charleston Food Forest Part 2 Left Side" in
* Posted "Birdfeeding" in
* Posted "2026 Rose & Bay Award Winners" in
Birdfeeding
Mar. 26th, 2026 02:19 pmToday is mostly sunny, windy, and hot. It is 87°F outside. The promised pouring rain has not appeared, although it drizzled a bit last night. This is abnormally dry for March. :/
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 3/26/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 3/26/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
It's a little cooler now; the high was 88°F today.
I've seen a fox squirrel at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 3/26/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 3/26/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 3/26/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
It's a little cooler now; the high was 88°F today.
I've seen a fox squirrel at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 3/26/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
Photos: Charleston Food Forest Part 2 Left Side
Mar. 26th, 2026 02:18 amToday we visited the Charleston Food Forest. These pictures show the left side. (See the right side and the Coles County Community Garden.)
( Walk with me ... )
( Walk with me ... )
Photos: Charleston Food Forest Part 1 Right Side
Mar. 25th, 2026 11:43 pmToday we visited the Charleston Food Forest. These pictures show the front and right side. (See the left side, and the Coles County Community Garden.)
( Walk with me ... )
( Walk with me ... )
Today's Adventures
Mar. 25th, 2026 10:18 pmToday we ran errands and visited the Charleston Food Forest. It's been drizzling rain on and off today.
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Poem: "Become for Us a Highway"
Mar. 25th, 2026 08:28 pmThis poem came out of the March 17, 2026 Bonus Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from
alatefeline and
janetmiles. It also fills the "WILD CARD: Paint" square in my 3-1-26 card for the National Crafting Month Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by
janetmiles. It belongs to the series Feathered Nests.
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Poetry Fishbowl Update
Mar. 25th, 2026 04:14 pm"Become for Us a Highway"
"A Generous Impulse"
"A Darkness in the Sky"
Birdfeeding
Mar. 25th, 2026 03:47 pmToday is cloudy and mild.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
I saw the first butterfly today, a tiny periwinkle one that might be an eastern tailed blue. It was visiting the grape hyacinths blooming by the log garden.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- We visited the Charleston Food Forest and Coles County Community Garden.
On the way into town, we saw a herd of deer and a tortoiseshell fox. Very clearly a fox, with a white tail-tip, but with streaks and patches of black and cinnamon; not the usual rust-red of a red fox nor the salt-and-pepper of a gray fox. Fascinating. Excellent camouflage.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I planted two clumps of crosne knotroots, one by the maple tree and one in a pot on the new picnic garden.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I planted five clumps of Egyptian walking onions including below the barrel garden, mulberry tree in the house yard, and several saplings in the savanna.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I planted groundnuts in a trough pot and a large pot by the new picnic table garden, and under the apricot tree.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
It's been drizzling on and off today.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
I saw the first butterfly today, a tiny periwinkle one that might be an eastern tailed blue. It was visiting the grape hyacinths blooming by the log garden.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- We visited the Charleston Food Forest and Coles County Community Garden.
On the way into town, we saw a herd of deer and a tortoiseshell fox. Very clearly a fox, with a white tail-tip, but with streaks and patches of black and cinnamon; not the usual rust-red of a red fox nor the salt-and-pepper of a gray fox. Fascinating. Excellent camouflage.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I planted two clumps of crosne knotroots, one by the maple tree and one in a pot on the new picnic garden.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I planted five clumps of Egyptian walking onions including below the barrel garden, mulberry tree in the house yard, and several saplings in the savanna.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I planted groundnuts in a trough pot and a large pot by the new picnic table garden, and under the apricot tree.
EDIT 3/25/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
It's been drizzling on and off today.
I am done for the night.
Economics
Mar. 25th, 2026 11:38 amSwitzerland : Voters Overwhelmingly Choose to Protect Cash Use in the Constitution
Switzerland has become the latest European country to constitutionally enshrine the right to use cash, joining Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia. On March 8, 2026, Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a legal amendment to safeguard the use of banknotes and coins, with 73.4% supporting the measure.
Watch for opportunities to secure your financial liberties in America or wherever else you live.
Switzerland has become the latest European country to constitutionally enshrine the right to use cash, joining Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia. On March 8, 2026, Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a legal amendment to safeguard the use of banknotes and coins, with 73.4% supporting the measure.
Watch for opportunities to secure your financial liberties in America or wherever else you live.
Renewable Energy
Mar. 25th, 2026 12:15 amThe Costs of Renewable Energy
Experts are really far apart on what such a world-wide renewable infrastructure would cost.
There are also costs other than financial. Take wind power. To flying creatures (bats, birds, butterflies, etc.) those are whirling blades of doom. Less dangerous models exist, but are less popular as they tend to be more expensive and/or less efficient. Then there is the problem of noise and vibration. Up close, it's usually miserable for people. Farther away, even the subliminal effects can cause problems like headaches and distraction. In other words, it's not good to put a wind farm near where people live, where "near" can mean 3-5 miles.
Experts are really far apart on what such a world-wide renewable infrastructure would cost.
There are also costs other than financial. Take wind power. To flying creatures (bats, birds, butterflies, etc.) those are whirling blades of doom. Less dangerous models exist, but are less popular as they tend to be more expensive and/or less efficient. Then there is the problem of noise and vibration. Up close, it's usually miserable for people. Farther away, even the subliminal effects can cause problems like headaches and distraction. In other words, it's not good to put a wind farm near where people live, where "near" can mean 3-5 miles.
Good News
Mar. 25th, 2026 12:09 amGood news includes all the things which make us happy or otherwise feel good. It can be personal or public. We never know when something wonderful will happen, and when it does, most people want to share it with someone. It's disappointing when nobody is there to appreciate it. Happily, blogging allows us to share our joys and pat each other on the back.
What good news have you had recently? Are you anticipating any more? Have you found a cute picture or a video that makes you smile? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your life a little happier?
What good news have you had recently? Are you anticipating any more? Have you found a cute picture or a video that makes you smile? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your life a little happier?
Birdfeeding
Mar. 24th, 2026 12:37 pmToday is partly sunny and cool.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I took some pictures around the yard. Spring flowers have been hammered by hard freezes, but some are still blooming.
I've seen some mourning doves.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I transplanted wild chives from the east edge to the septic garden, and from the south lot to the east end of the savanna. There are still some more clumps I want to move.
Honeybees are out in force and currently focused on the little trough water garden.
I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I transplanted wild chives to the forest garden and contorta willow bed. I think some Egyptian walking onions may have survived by the contorta willow in addition to the septic garden.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I transplanted wild chives to the maple tree and the wildflower garden.
I dragged two large limbs to the wildflower garden, since part of its log border is rotting down.
I found a fallen white pine twig and broke off several pieces to see if I can root them.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I sowed Partial Shade Wildflower Mix in the forest garden and the tulip bed.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I sowed 'Choko Baby' pak choi in a trough of the new picnic table garden, and Partial Shade Wildflower Mix in the daffodil bed.
I've seen a male cardinal.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I took some pictures around the yard. Spring flowers have been hammered by hard freezes, but some are still blooming.
I've seen some mourning doves.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I transplanted wild chives from the east edge to the septic garden, and from the south lot to the east end of the savanna. There are still some more clumps I want to move.
Honeybees are out in force and currently focused on the little trough water garden.
I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I transplanted wild chives to the forest garden and contorta willow bed. I think some Egyptian walking onions may have survived by the contorta willow in addition to the septic garden.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I transplanted wild chives to the maple tree and the wildflower garden.
I dragged two large limbs to the wildflower garden, since part of its log border is rotting down.
I found a fallen white pine twig and broke off several pieces to see if I can root them.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I sowed Partial Shade Wildflower Mix in the forest garden and the tulip bed.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 3/24/26 -- I sowed 'Choko Baby' pak choi in a trough of the new picnic table garden, and Partial Shade Wildflower Mix in the daffodil bed.
I've seen a male cardinal.
I am done for the night.
Sprouts
Mar. 24th, 2026 11:10 amA friend and I got to talking about bean and pea sprouts. If you can't garden outside, just want to save money, or wish for more variety, then check out these resources...
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Feathering the Nest
Mar. 24th, 2026 12:53 amCommunities
Mar. 23rd, 2026 06:50 pmThe Myth of Mobility: Why Faster Cities Often Leave People Behind
When cities measure mobility by speed, they often make everyday life harder to reach.
In many large urban areas, particularly those built during the late twentieth century, everyday necessities have been separated from residential life. Homes are clustered in residential zones while shops, restaurants, libraries, and workplaces are placed far away along commercial corridors or in large retail centers. The result is a city where nearly every basic activity requires driving. On paper, this appears to increase mobility. In reality, it often reduces it.
For people who cannot drive easily, such as older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, or those who cannot afford a car, the distance between daily needs becomes a barrier. Even for those who can drive, environments designed for cars are not always designed for people. Vast parking lots, wide arterial roads, and enormous retail spaces can be physically exhausting and psychologically overwhelming to navigate. True mobility should not be measured only by how fast people can travel, but by how easily they can reach the things they need.
When cities measure mobility by speed, they often make everyday life harder to reach.
In many large urban areas, particularly those built during the late twentieth century, everyday necessities have been separated from residential life. Homes are clustered in residential zones while shops, restaurants, libraries, and workplaces are placed far away along commercial corridors or in large retail centers. The result is a city where nearly every basic activity requires driving. On paper, this appears to increase mobility. In reality, it often reduces it.
For people who cannot drive easily, such as older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, or those who cannot afford a car, the distance between daily needs becomes a barrier. Even for those who can drive, environments designed for cars are not always designed for people. Vast parking lots, wide arterial roads, and enormous retail spaces can be physically exhausting and psychologically overwhelming to navigate. True mobility should not be measured only by how fast people can travel, but by how easily they can reach the things they need.
Science
Mar. 23rd, 2026 05:23 pmThis floating time crystal breaks Newton’s third law of motion
A simple setup of sound-levitated beads has revealed a bizarre new time crystal that breaks physics rules—and could reshape future technology.
Scientists have created a new kind of time crystal using sound waves to levitate tiny beads in mid-air. These particles interact in a one-sided, unbalanced way, breaking the usual rules of motion and creating a steady, repeating rhythm. The system is surprisingly simple yet reveals complex physics with big implications. It could help advance quantum computing and deepen our understanding of biological timing systems.
Aaaaaand all of us from the Torn World shared world are going O_O >_< O_O
A simple setup of sound-levitated beads has revealed a bizarre new time crystal that breaks physics rules—and could reshape future technology.
Scientists have created a new kind of time crystal using sound waves to levitate tiny beads in mid-air. These particles interact in a one-sided, unbalanced way, breaking the usual rules of motion and creating a steady, repeating rhythm. The system is surprisingly simple yet reveals complex physics with big implications. It could help advance quantum computing and deepen our understanding of biological timing systems.
Aaaaaand all of us from the Torn World shared world are going O_O >_< O_O