1. I'm in Maine right now visiting the kids, and I mean that in both sense of the word. I'm both visiting my niece and nephew, and one of my sister's goats just recently gave birth, resulting in frolicky, happy twins who are indescribably cute. 2. Most people like animals, which is to say they … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Abbreviated Vacation Version
Life
Two Days to Remember
Today's a confluence of two American celebrations which belong well together. First, as everyone knows, it is Mother's Day, which is why I have the Tiger's baseball game on as I write this. My Mom's a die-hard Tiger's fan and is at the game today (my brother got tickets through his work), and though I'm … Continue reading Two Days to Remember
Friday Flotsam: Grammar, Super-Heroes, and Socio-Political Stuff
1. I'm learning grammar at the moment. I figured after five books, a few short stories, and dozens of articles published, it was probably time. Don't want to rush into these things. Obviously, I already knew a fair bit of grammar, but I knew it either instinctively, simply out of use, or from distant recollections … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Grammar, Super-Heroes, and Socio-Political Stuff
The Invisible Fire
Part of the process of building the Brooklyn Bridge (as with other, similar structures) involved sinking pressurized caissons made of reinforced timber into the East River so that workers could dig the foundations into the river bottom. The caissons go to the bottom, are pressurized to the level of the surrounding water to keep them … Continue reading The Invisible Fire
Friday Flotsam: Traveling, Pollution, and ‘My Hero Academia’
1. I'm currently on the road visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Alabama. 2. On the way we've been listening to A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, about the author's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, which alternates between oft-hilarious anecdotes of him and his degenerate, but strangely lovable friend struggling along the … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Traveling, Pollution, and ‘My Hero Academia’
Friday Flotsam: Done With the Job, Men’s Conference, and Louis L’Amour
1. Today was my last day at the Job. Mostly a matter of putting things in order. It's such a relief to be done at last. 2. What happens next is, of course, the big follow-up question, but I have time to worry about that. There are a few avenues I might pursue, but mostly … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Done With the Job, Men’s Conference, and Louis L’Amour
Friday Flotsam: Mostly About Giving Notice
1. So, over last weekend I made the decision to quit my current job. I have enough money and do not have any dependents, so staying on for a paycheck just didn't seem worth it. What I'm going to do next is kind of undecided, except that I'm definitely going to be writing more. In … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly About Giving Notice
Friday Flotsam: Cut Short
1. Had an unexpectedly bad day yesterday; nothing really happened, but I found myself strangely lethargic and unhappy. I experience this kind of dreariness every now and again, and it never results in anything good. I need to find a way to snap out when that happens. 2. I'm realizing that part of the effect … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Cut Short
Friday Flotsam: Lent and Reading
1. So another Lent begins. This year I'm focusing on purgation, clearing out habits that have been a drag on my mind and attention span. In particular I'm giving up most video media: no perusing YouTube, no movies, no shows, etc. I'll still work on my own videos some, and still use 'ambience' videos (which … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Lent and Reading
Friday Flotsam: ‘Memento’, Prayer, and a Couple Other Things
1. Going to get my other eye's Lasik done at last, so I'll finally be able to gauge just what I think of the whole thing. Pray that goes well and that I don't lose any vile jelly. 2. Last week's movie was Memento, which I had never seen. It's definitely a unique experience and … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: ‘Memento’, Prayer, and a Couple Other Things