#Can I cut the lower leaves off cucumber plants?

[farmerstrend]

Cucumber Farming In Kenya; A Comprehensive Cultivation Guide

Cucumber farming in Kenya has gained significant growth as a profitable agricultural venture, catering to both local consumption and export markets. Cucumber farming in Kenya comprises of three primary methods: greenhouse cultivation, hydroponic and open field growing. Each approach has its distinct advantages and challenges, contributing to the overall success of cucumber production in…

[rassicas]

Haikara Walker Pages 179 - 193: The Inconvenient truths of Kamabo Co.

More artbook translations! These ones I translated a couple years ago (except for some stuff on page 188, just did that now lol), but they needed to be spruced up a bit and moved to a more readable format other than shitty discord screenshots on a twitter thread, so here it is. For the most part I’m not gonna bother translating the handwritten text since it’s usually just design notes. (scans by @milkiemilkshake)

[178 + 179, which is the first image i posted] A huge, mysterious company that creeps in the underground world

 The inconvenient truths of Kamabo Co.

During our coverage of the Deepsea Metro, our reporters saw a huge underground experimental facility. According to the sea cucumber conductor, the company that operates the facility is called Kamabo Corporation. In order to find out more about Kamabo Co., our reporters infiltrated deep underground.

[180 + 181]

Beyond light's reach, unusual sights spread in the deep.

[180] In recent years, the existence of the Deepsea Metro has become clear and has garnered attention. Surprisingly, each station is said to be an experimental facility of a company called Kamabo Corporation. Our reporters had a hunch that more secrets were hidden further in the Deepsea Metro. We received a CQ-80 and a CQ Card from the Telephone, who called itself "The Tour Guide to the Promised Land," and started the investigation. As we hopped on the subway, we were greeted by a squishy and blue sea cucumber conductor. "Overcome the challenges of each station, and gather the four thangs" are the words we went by. As we arrived at the first station, we couldn't believe our eyes at the extraordinary spectacle. There were Octarians whose bodies were so unthinkably blue, and objects from back in the day, floating in the air, defying gravity....  And when we listened closely, we could hear mellow sounds, unlike anything heard in the squid's world. What does this facility do? Why did it develop in this way underground? And what is the "promised land" told by the Telephone? We will continue our coverage further. 

[Page 181, bottom left] Inside the facilities of the Deepsea Metro, medical instruments and equipment can be seen everywhere. Although the hospital-esque atmosphere isn't completely there, there are traces of some clinical trials that have been conducted. As the mystery of the dim and lifeless facility deepens, one could shudder at the thought of it.... 

[Page 181, bottom right] The upper image shows Octarians who are dressed in protective body suits, who appear to be doing some sort of research. What is the huge object in the center? The lower image is of the NILS Statute, which is the center of Kamabo Co.'s facilities. Details will be described later, but it’s understood that it was created through advanced science.

[182 + 183]

Aiming for the "Promised Land": to the core of Kamabo Co. and the NILS Statue

[182 bottom left] While surveying the facilities found along the Deepsea Metro, our reporters found a huge statue called the "NILS Statue."  Upon closer examination of it's interior, seven areas could be seen, with names based on the organs of the humans who once thrived, such as the "Coccyx Prison" and the "Villi Control Zone."* This is Kamabo Co.'s most important facility, as it has more blue-green Octarians and advanced equipment than the facilities in the Deepsea Metro. Through unforgiving Octarian assaults and near-death experiences with the traps strung about, we barely escaped through the top of the statue with our lives. The salty sea breeze comfortably caressed our cheeks, and the radiant rays of the sun shone as it set. In the distance, we could see the region of Inkopolis. Is the world we live in the "Promised Land" the Telephone spoke of? [* translators note: While in the English version it's all just "(name of organ) Phase", the JPN version gives the areas names that are more specific to what actually goes on there. I figured it would make more sense in this context to tell what goes on in those areas.]

[183 with the arrows and 5 little pictures]  The top of the head, which is the final area. There's several devices alongside each other that one can't even imagine what they’re for. There's a gaping hole where the mouth and the right eye are, and there seems to be something in them. Yet the more you look at it, the more beautiful and graceful it looks. ↑ An elevator is installed in the "Spinal central hole". This mechanism that runs through the center of NILS statue is like a spine of a human. From the elevator, you can get to a long and narrow ladder that lets you leave to the surface. It's really long, how many steps are there?.... ↑ An energy core is hidden around the "Diaphragm control tower" and "Peristalsis flow passage." When it is set in a certain place, the core supplies a tremendous amount of electricity to the inside the statue. At first glance, the core looks like a Zapfish, but its power is beyond comparison. ↑ The abdomen of NILS statue. This area is fully prepared to keep intruders away, as it is packed with things such as moving scaffolds and life-threatening lasers. Sometimes the Telephone's voice can be heard through the CQ-80, but one can't tell what it's saying, as the transmission gets cut off. ↑ An area located around the waist of NILS Statue. Since weapons can not be found anywhere, one must use stealth to advance. Move slowly, as any sudden movements will expose one's whereabouts to the Octarians. [183, small text by the cut open statue]  An image showing how the internal structure of the human body has been applied to that of the NILS statue. While looking at the statue, we can't help but wonder: are we just something that gets digested through its body? The rumor that the NILS logo represents a "stylish turd"* suddenly has some truth to it.

* [translators note: literally says "kakkoi unko". take that as you will.]

[183 handwritten captions] [pointing to the top of the statue's head] Mem Cake [bottom right] Digest everything and knead it well, and it'll turn into one thing→ 

[184 + 185]

Revealing Kamabo Corporation's Eight Secrets

[184] As a result of searching all over the Deepsea Metro, these eight confidential documents related to Kamabo Co. have been found. These documents show devices that aren't seen in our world, but if their functions and purposes can be explained, then maybe we can reach the hidden truth and essence of the company called Kamabo.

File no. 1 Telephone  [184] A machine installed at the central station. Although it appears to be a piece of telecommunication equipment that was used ancient times, it seems that it was made by combining some of the latest technology. It has the function to detect an ID from an Octarian's body and discern individuals. Removing the back cover confirms it has an elaborate internal structure.

File no. 2 Ticket Examiner [185 top] Ticket gates and dressers are set up at the entrance of each station of the Deepsea Metro. After getting off the metro and choosing a weapon with the dresser, it appears that there's a system in the ticket gate that opens when the specified amount of CQ Points are paid. When one returns to the dresser after clearing a mission, they can receive a Mem cake. File no. 3 Goal Point [185 bottom] The goal point provided at the innermost part of each experimental facility starts up by painting the device with ink, and stops after a certain period of time elapses. It's a device that has been confirmed to be seen even in the Octarian residential areas, but the ones in the Deepsea Metro are shaped like a pen or a push button. [translators note:  The goal point likely looks like a pen because the words for "ballpoint" and "goal point" are extremely close in Japanese.]

[186 + 187]

File no. 4  Target [186 top] The kind of targets that looks like a cube can be set up on the ground, or are often arranged in stacks. The durability depends on the size of the frame. The kind that looks like a round balloon floats in the air. They say that after a certain amount of time passes, it soars up into the sky. File no.5 8-ball [186 bottom] A huge sphere with a big "8" drawn on it. One can roll it around using the momentum of the ink fired from a weapon for example. It is a fine product that boasts of it's sturdiness; if it falls from a high place, it wont get a single crack. It seems that challenges can be solved by rolling it in accordance with the on-site neon signs, and by hitting the bumpers.

File no.6 Traps [187] Traps found within the body of the NILS statue. There are blueprints of a large device that ejects blue-green Octarians that have been packed in boxes, a wall-mounted ink laser, and an energy core. How dreadful would a secret have to be for one to guard it with traps? [handwritten text by the power core] -On a closer look, it's a nucleus-like part of a baby Zapfish. It actually is an egg. -The baby is blobby. -The energy is captured with the socket

[188 + 189]   File no.7 NILS Cannon [188 top]The NILS statue seems to exemplify the dignity of Kamabo Co. Set in its oral cavity is the NILS Cannon, a device that radiates an enormous amount of energy, said to hold the surprising power to remake the world. When it's triggered, our world may be destined to fall....

[188 bottom, by bottom left image] The top of the NILS Statue's head. There are huge tanks and countless antennas and radars that catch radio waves of some kind, reminiscent of an advanced chemical plant or military facility. Just what was this place made for? [188 bottom, by image at the bottom of 189]  The mouth area of the statue operates like a ventriloquist's dummy, and the NILS cannon is deployed as if it's being spat out. The cannon is filled with bright green ink. Upon closer inspection, there seems to be something mixed in among the ink...?

[190+191] File no. 8 Thangs  [190] It gets installed in the Central Station, and as told by the Telephone, it leads to the "promised land". In order to get there, one needs to collect "the four thangs". One can't even imagine what the individual parts do, but according to these top-secret blueprints, one can guess that it's something that kneads. Is that the Telephone in the part that looks like a lid? [advertisement on the right side of 191] Aim for the promised land Mass Recruitment of capable beings Overcome challenges at each facility in the Deepsea Metro, and do the simple job of finding just four "thangs". Even the inexperienced are warmly welcomed, all that matters is if you're motivated! If you can collect the four "thangs”, you will be invited to a bright utopia!! <Application Requirements> Working place: In the Deepsea Metro, all facilities Reward: depends on the challenge Working time: as much as you like Holiday: up to you Remuneration and benefits: depending on your skill Others: you will be supplied with a sample kit*, CQ Card, and a CQ-80 Contact: Deepsea Metro Central Station

[* translators note: The "sample kit" is the name of the bag attached to your ink tank that expands and explodes when you fail a test. JP splat twitter made a post about it, but the SRL never translated it for some reason.]

[zozee122-2]

The War Ends at Dusk: Chapter 1

It has been six years since the prologue. Blake and Yang moved into a home Taiyang and Yang built on Patch. Blake and Yang traveled Remnant after defeating Salem and got married two years after the war ended. After their marriage they decided to settle down and start a family. Blake works as a part time huntress and has worked to reform the white fang that she and Sun are a part of. Yang is also a part time huntress and in her free time helps people in the community (doing odd jobs and such) and has a garden. Dusk goes to school and loves his mothers very much and has a great relationship with his Aunts Ruby and Weiss. Ruby is still working to end the experimentation on silver eyed people. This is where the story begins.WC: 5,019

She ran until her lungs were screaming in pain, not like she was able to run before. Her red cat tail flicked anxiously as she slowed to a walk. She took several deep breaths and turned in the direction she came from. She closed her eyes and strained to listen; she could not hear any running footsteps. Perhaps they gave up. There were probably 50 more people who were more important than her, they could stand to lose one, she thought. The young girl decided to rest, a bit further from her, the girl could see tall blades of grass she decided that it would be a perfect spot to hide from any trackers that may have been following her. Her feet ached and her growling stomach pushed her to find some area to rest in. But then again, she thought, anywhere would be better than a cage.

…

“My, oh my, don’t you look lovely today!” Yang whispered, “Nice and plump. Ready to eat!” Yang smiled happily and got down on her knees. Nothing wrong with getting a little dirty, she thought as she reached to grab fresh cucumbers. “That should do nicely for lunch.” She said standing back up. Yang stood and wiped some sweat off her brow, she looked across her garden to the thick forestry area that surrounded her and Blake’s house. Blake had feared that predators would come to try to come to raid their garden or at the worst come and hurt Dusk. Yang had reassured her that no predator would come so close to a house, and thanks to a huntsman academy being nearby, Grimm would not be in so heavily populous. Though, Yang and Blake kept it in the back of their mind that perhaps one day they would have to protect their son and their home, but that day has yet to come. Though with that last thought Yang turned quickly at the sound of rustling.

“Seriously?” she whispered, “Is anyone there?” Yang put the cucumbers in her gardening basket and made her way through their lush garden, she cursed herself for not leaving a weapon feature on her prosthetic, but Blake encouraged that she had one without it for home life.

“Hello?” she said once she got to an area with tall grass, a part of land she and Blake did not own. Suddenly a long crimson cat tail peaked out of the grass and more sounds of scurrying.

Yang gasped, “Hey, wait where are you going?” she took longer steps with more confidence knowing that it wasn’t an animal. The scurrying stopped and Yang lowered down to a crouch. She moved some grass out of the way and her eyes widened as to what she saw. A little girl with hair red as the rising sun, a horribly thin body, clothed in dirty rags, scratches, but the most defining feature was the girls large round silver eyes. The girl stood quickly and turned to run but tripped over her own feet. Yang quickly rushed to the girl’s side.

“Are you alright, sweetie?” Yang asked reaching her hand out. Yang couldn’t help but notice the girl’s cuts on her face and arms as the girl reached a protective hand out in front of her. “It’s okay. My name is Yang, would you like some help? I promise I will never hurt you.” The girl flicked her cat tail in contemplation.

“Are you hungry? My wife just made lunch back at our house,” she said pointing towards the house. The girl followed her finger and made a thoughtful face. Yang turned back to face the girl, smiling sweetly. The girl studied Yang’s face, noticing a small scar across her lip, plenty of freckles, laugh lines, and the kindest eyes the girl has ever seen. The girl decided that this woman was speaking true, so she reached out her hand to Yang’s. Yang took the small girl’s hand and made their way back to the house. After passing the grassy field, Yang took a second look at the girl. She couldn’t be any older than Dusk, but she was probably half his size, her small body was covered in bruises and dirt, and her hair reached her low back in tendrils. Yang did not want to think about where this girl could have come from, her mind feared the worse. She needed to call Ruby.

…

“Mommy, when is Momma coming back with the cucumbers? I am hungry” Dusk pleaded swinging his legs from his chair, patiently as much as a six-year-old could for his lunch. Blake turned from her place at the counter where she was mixing tuna salad to look out the kitchen window.

“I am not sure, cub. Maybe she is having trouble finding the perfect cucumbers for us.” Blake responded reassuringly. Dusk huffed at her response, even though he was more patient than any other kid she met, he was still a kid. She came over to him and rubbed a spot between his cat ears. “Sorry, love. Want to go and check on her with me?” she asked planting a kiss between his ears. Dusk’s ears flicked in excitement.

“Yeah!”

Before Dusk could get out of his chair, Yang opened the front door. Blake and Dusk’s ears perked at the sudden noise and turned, “Momma! Did you pick good cucumbers for us?” Dusk stood on his chair, but quickly turned to Blake upon seeing the unfamiliar person next to his mother. “Mommy, who is that girl?” Dusk asked grabbing hold of Blake’s t-shirt. Blake took his hand and stood before her son.

“Yang?” Blake asked giving her wife a questioning look.

The girl hid behind Yang’s leg. “Um, I found her in the grass field, just pass the cucumbers, and yes, dragon cub I picked some cucumbers. Though, I’ll have to retrieve the basket, I dropped it on our way here.”

Dusk nodded, happy with his mother’s answer, while Blake stood idly by still staring questioningly at her wife.

“Do you want a tuna fish sandwich? Mommy makes the best tuna fish sandwiches, and Momma puts in the secret ingredient in! Cucumbers!” Dusk jumped down from his seat to get a better look at the girl, his cheeks turning red from heat. The girl came out from behind Yang’s leg and nodded to Dusk.

Dusk laughed and ran a hand through his long, wavy hair. “Come on you can sit by me!” quickly he ducked around Yang’s legs and took the girl’s hand. Dusk pulled the girl to the seat next to his. He clambered up to his seat and watched her climb into hers. Blake and Yang stared at their son and the peculiar little girl who smiled at Dusk warmly. Satisfied that her son was not going to be hurt by the mysterious little girl, Blake shot Yang an alarmingly stern look. Yang got the message and quickly made her way to Blake’s side. The pair walked closer to the kitchen counter tops and whispered in each other’s ears.

“Yang, who is she?” Blake asked first.

Yang rubbed her arm and sighed, “I’m not sure, Sunflower.” Yang looked behind her shoulder to look at the two children. Dusk was regaling the girl with probably some fantastical story of his own creation. Yang smiled and turned back to Blake. Blake peered into Yang’s eyes, “You noticed her eyes though, right?”

Blake bit her lower lip and ran a hand through her inky, black hair. “They are not easy to miss.” Blake sighed, “And look at how beat up she is, did you notice the wound on her ankle?”

Yang turned again to face the kids, the table opposite the counter tops. The kids were still entertaining each other, well mostly Dusk was entertaining her. Yang looked the girl up and down again. Seeing the girl’s ankle, a circular wound made its mark on the small girl. Yang let out an audible gasp. Her mind ran rampant, fearing the worse was true; the girl had escaped a silver eyed experimentation laboratory. Dusk turned to look at Yang, his ears flicked with surprise at his mother’s gasp.

“Are you okay, Momma? Are you hungry?” Dusk asked sweetly.

Yang smiled at her son; he was so kind. “I’m okay, my sweet dragon cub. I am hungry. Let me finish talking to Mommy, and we can finish making lunch.”

Blake kissed Yang’s cheek, and whispered in her ear “After lunch, I’ll call Weiss, you call Ruby.”

Yang glanced at her and nodded, “Alright, kiddos let me grab those cucumbers and we can have lunch.”

Yang walked out of the front door and Blake turned to fill up some glasses with lemonade. Blake sighed, a part of her did not want to meddle in the girl’s affairs, but Blake couldn’t bear to send the poor girl away. She couldn’t imagine what the poor thing went through, and she was a faunas. Blake felt conflicted as she sat down across from the girl, her little body shuddering, her cheeks hollow from hunger. The girl looked up at Blake, her large silver eyes looking up at Blake’s tall cat ears.

“Mommy, we are all cat faunaes. Isn’t that neat?” Dusk chuckled his cheeks glowing red

Blake nodded, “Fauna, and that is a coincidence isn’t it Dusk?” Blake leaned forward on her arm. Dusk nodded and took sip from his cup. The girl watched him gulp and she looked at her own cup pensively. Dusk looked at her.

“Have you ever had lemonade before? It’s my favorite drink, and it’s yellow my favorite color!” Dusk asked licking his lips from the tart liquid.

The girl shook her head which made Dusk frown, “That’s not right,” he said shaking his head his floppy hair flowing with it, “Go ahead, take a drink. I promise it is delicious. That’s a Xiao Long-Belladonna promise” he crossed his pointer finger over his heart. Blake smiled thinking he must have seen it on a movie, or something he saw Yang do. The girl smiled and took the cup in both of her hands. She brought the glass to her lips and took a small sip. Blake did not think her eyes could get any wider, she took a bigger sip and soon the drink was gone.

Dusk smiled and did the same thing.

Yang walked back in through the front door, “Alrighty who is hungry?” she gallantly walked in eyeing the trio at the table. “Drinking all of my lemonade, are we?”

Dusk laughed, “No, we saved you some. Right, Mommy?”

Yang passed by Dusk and tussled his hair as he giggled, “Well, I appreciate that, Dusk.”

Blake got up from her seat and took the basket of cucumbers from Yang. Blake kissed Yang, then bent down to smooth Dusk’s hair and kiss him atop his head.

“Thank you, Sunshine, these look lovely.” Blake moved from the pair to the sink to wash the vegetables to cut and put in their tuna fish lunch.

Yang blushed and sat at her seat across from Dusk. “Ahh, I have been thinking about these sandwiches all day. Perfect lunch for summer, right guys?” she asked taking a slow sip from her glass.

Blake hummed and began chopping up the vegetables and finished making the sandwiches. She plated them and put them in front of each person.

“Thank you, Momma and Mommy! Camille and I are super hungry.”

Yang and Blake stopped midbite to look at their son as the kids began eating their sandwiches quickly.

“Camille?” Yang asked looking to Blake then to Dusk.

Dusk looked at his mothers like they were the ones who were not in the know, his eyebrow raised out of sight. “Uh, yeah. That is her name she told me.”

Blake and Yang glanced at each other as if to say, ‘I haven’t heard her speak at all, have you?’

“Cub, when did,” Blake took a slight pause and looked at the girl who was staring at her feet, “Camille tell you this?”

Dusk took another bite of his sandwich and swallowed quickly, “She didn’t tell me, like talking. Camille told me in my mind.”

Blake and Yang raised their eyebrows and looked at each other again in shock.

Dusk looked between his mothers and became flustered. “I am telling the truth, Mommy, Momma. I swear.” He pleaded, his ears lowering to his head.

Blake turned to him, “Of course we believe you, Dusk.” Blake reassured him reaching for his hand. Dusk’s ear perked up again and took Blake’s hand in his. Blake gave it a small squeeze.

“Camille, can you talk to people in your mind?” Yang asked looking towards the girl.

Camille raised her eyes to Yang’s and nodded so hard Yang thought her head would pop off.

‘I can, Mrs. Xiao-Long Belladonna’ Camille shot to Yang.

Yang gasped and stood up.

“Yang?” Blake took her wife’s hand.

‘She’s okay, Mrs. Blake’ Camille shot to Blake.

Blake pulled Yang down back to her seat and quickly whispered, “We need to call them now.”

Yang nodded in agreement, “Dusk, Camille, can you finish your sandwiches here? Dusk when you both are finished, take your plate and Camille’s to the sink, please.”

Dusk took a bite and gave Yang a thumbs up.

Yang and Blake went to the living room and picked up both of their scrolls.

“Would she unlock her semblance at that young of an age? She is probably Dusk’s age.” Blake asked Yang dialing Weiss’ number.

Yang breathed in, “I don’t know, Blake. I didn’t unlock my semblance until I was eleven, but I was a late bloomer. Ruby unlocked hers early, but she was like eight.” Yang hit Ruby’s name in her contacts.

Blake nodded, “I unlocked my aura early, but I didn’t use my semblance until I was 14 or so.”

Weiss answered first. “Blake? Hi! How are you? How’s Yang and Dusk?”

Blake ran a hand through her hair, “Weiss, we are fine. Yang found a little girl today. She has silver eyes and a wound on her ankle. It looks like it’s from a chain.” Blake heard Weiss curse silently. Blake knew she had a lot on her plate already and she can see Weiss clutch her eyebrows.

“Hmm, well Ruby or I haven’t heard anything about a lab being in Patch, but she might have come from a group of escapees.” Weiss sighed again and Blake heard her tapping on her computer quickly. “I can come tomorrow, since it is Saturday, and I am free. Ruby and Jaune are still on a mission in Northern Vale. I am not sure when they can come and investigate. However, I will come tomorrow. Does she need clothes, do you need anything for her?”

Blake looked toward the table, they had both finished their sandwiches and Dusk was showing her his missing front tooth.

“Yes, some clothes please. She is not quite Dusk’s size, but is close enough, or will hopefully grow into them.” She heard Weiss mutter something to herself, “Weiss, there is one more thing. She has already unlocked her semblance and she can’t be older than Dusk.”

“What? Really?” Weiss sounded shocked, but in fairness they all were. “It’s not uncommon, but that is incredibly rare. There must have been some type of trauma that allowed her to unlock it so early, but that would make sense if we are right if she came from a lab.”

Blake sighed, she couldn’t imagine what Camille had gone through. “Yes, I wondered that. Thank you, Weiss we really appreciate it.”

“Well, you’re welcome, it is my job after all, and I don’t need an excuse to see my favorite boy.”

Want to talk to him?” Blake turned to Dusk and gestured for him to come.

“Is that even a question? Put my nephew on the phone!”

Dusk climbed out of his seat and Camille followed him.

“Is that Aunty Weiss, Mommy?” Dusk asked coming up to Blake’s leg.

Blake nodded and handed him the scroll. He took it in his little hands and his cheeks glowed with excitement.

“Camille, talk to Aunty Weiss with me!” he turned to her, his smile beaming. “Hi, Aunty Weiss! Me and Camille are here.”

Blake could here Weiss coddle him through the call as she walked over to Yang.

…

“Hey, Yang doing alright? You’re lucky you called now, Jaune and I are taking a break.” Ruby said through the scroll.

“Heya, sis. Yes, we are doing fine. Though, I need to tell you something important.”

Ruby could hear the urgency in Yang’s voice, “What is it, Yang?”

Yang took a deep breath. “Ruby, I found a girl with silver eyes in the forest today. She looks like she escaped from a lab. She has a mark from a chain.”

Ruby stayed quiet on the other line for a minute, then sighed “Shit, I thought Patch was free. I didn’t think there would be enough silver eyed people to form a lab there. For all I knew Mom and I were the only ones there. But I can come and investigate later this month. Probably in a couple of weeks. I can’t leave this mission on Jaune’s hands. Is there anything else about her?”

Yang bit her lip, “Well, she told Dusk her name is Camille by telling him through her semblance, telekinesis like Fox’s.”

“Semblance? Already? I mean, some people unlock their semblance through trauma. I would say for now not to discuss it with her. Focus on making her comfortable with you all. It might have been a way to communicate with the other captives, a traumatic thing.” Ruby concluded, and Yang heard the wisdom in her sister’s voice, “Sounds good, Ruby. Blake, Dusk, and I will take good care of her.”

Ruby laughed, “I am sure you will. Dusk is an excellent host. Sorry, Yang, I must go now. I love you all and will talk to you again as soon as I am able.”

“Love you too, sis. Stay safe. Tell Jaune, hi for us.”

“Course, Yang. Talk soon.”

Yang sighed as she put her phone back in her pocket. She rubbed her eyes and looked back to Blake who was motioning for Dusk.

…

“Hmm, well at least Weiss can come tomorrow. For now, let’s just make sure she’s comfortable. Maybe a bath and bandage for her ankle.” Blake sighed leaning into Yang’s arms. Yang kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. Yang looked past Blake’s shoulder to see Dusk still on the phone with Weiss. He and Camille were both sitting on the couch, Dusk’s legs kicking above the floor while Camille leaned sleepily on the cushions.

Yang squeezed Blake’s arm lovingly, “Sunflower, we should discuss sometime what we should do for her.”

Blake nodded and looked up to Yang, “I know, though I think we should wait to hear what Weiss says. For now, let’s just let her stay in the guest room. Dusk seems to be quite taken to her as well.”

“I agree, at least for now,” Yang said, though Blake could tell what her wife was thinking. They have been talking about having a second child.

“Can you clean up lunch? I’ll draw a bath for Camille and ready the guest room for her.”

“Yes, of course. I bought new bubble bath soap for Dusk the other day. I think it’s lemon scented.” Yang said and kissed Blake lovingly.

“His favorite.” Blake smiled.

Yang chuckled and turned to the living room, “Kids, I think it’s time to say goodbye to Aunty Weiss. She will be here tomorrow for a visit.”

Dusk shot up from his seat making Camille flinch, “Really? Aunty Weiss you did not tell me.” He said and stomped his foot angrily.

“Dusk, is that anyway to talk to somebody? And apologize to Camille, please you scared her.”

Dusk’s ears lowered, “I’m sorry for scaring you, Camille, and I’m sorry for yelling at you Aunty.”

Yang came up to Dusk and patted his back, “Good job apologizing, Dusk thank you.”

Dusk smiled up to her, “Okay, Aunty Weiss, I have to go now, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait, Dusky boy. I love you. Can you hand the phone back to your Mommy?”

Blake came to Dusk’s side, and he handed her back the scroll. Yang passed them to work on cleaning up.

“So, I can be there tomorrow around 10:30. Is that okay with you, Blake?” Weiss asked.

Blake sat on the couch next to Dusk, “Yes, that should work. We will see you tomorrow, Weiss. Bye-bye.”

“Bye, Blake.” Weiss ended.

Blake looked to Camille, who seemed to have calmed down from her scare. “Camille, how does a bubble bath sound?”

Dusk looked at Camille waiting for her answer.

A soft voice answered, “What is that?”

Dusk was quick to answer while Blake was still contemplating on how Camille has probably never been cleaned with a bath before.

“Well, you’re in a tub of warm water, and bubbly bubbles that make you smell really good. You take a bath because you need to get clean.” Dusk rambled on quickly, “I take a bubble bath almost every night. Mommy and Momma help me get clean and Momma tells me huntress stories. Then you get in your pajamas and go to sleep. It is the best feeling ever.” Dusk finished and began to run up the stairs.

“Cub, where are you going?” Blake called.

“I’m picking out pajamas for Camille! A bath is not complete without pajamas!”

Blake smiled at her son’s generosity then turned back to Camille.

“Well? Camille, would you like a bath?” Blake asked.

Camille looked to where Dusk had gone and to Blake. Blake could almost see the girls thought process.

“Yes. Sounds good.” She replied taking Blake’s hand.

Camille and Blake walked up the stairs and Blake checked quickly in Dusk’s room. He was rifling through his drawers.

“You will put all of those things away, right, Dusk?” she asked, motherly tone activated.

Dusk turned sheepishly around, “Yes, Mommy.”

Blake smiled, “Thank you, Cub.”

Blake led Camille to the bathroom, “May I pick you up?” Blake asked the small girl.

Camille looked to Blake with her big, silver eyes. “Yes.”

Blake lifted Camille and took note as to how much of a difference Dusk and Camille weighed. Blake set her down on the bathroom countertop. “Let’s see here. I am going to clean your wounds first, okay?”

Camille nodded.

Blake bent down to take the first aid kit out from the bathroom cabinet. She disinfected the harsh wound on Camille’s ankle which earned a couple of hisses. Blake calmly soothed her, “It is okay, little one, I know it stings.” Blake then moved up to her arms and face quickly working. After she was done, she heard a small knock. “Mommy, Camille? May I come in?”

“Yes, Dusk come in.” Blake replied putting the first aid kit back.

Dusk opened the door and presented pajamas to Camille.

“Here, Camille. I got too big for these ones, so you can have them. Aunty Weiss gave them to me, and they are super soft.” Dusk handed Camille the light blue set of pajamas with little snowflakes adorning them. Camille smiled at him shaking her tail happily as she took them.

“Thank you, Dusk.” Camille said clutching the gift to her chest. Dusk beamed from ear to ear, his cheeks turning red.

“You are very welcome,” he said balancing on the balls of his feet, “Can I go watch TV now, Mommy?”

Blake kissed his cheek, “Yes, sweetheart.”

Dusk clapped his hands together, “Camille when you are done come watch TV with me! We can watch HuntsMan and Super Zwei!”

Camille nodded and smiled.

After Dusk left the room, Blake filled the bath with warm water and made sure to add plenty of soap. She took out a fresh towel and a washcloth from the cupboard and helped Camille get into the tub. Camille squirmed around at first, her body getting used to the new sensation, but eventually succumbed to the warm water and the gentle scent of lemons. Blake was gentle to scrub her small body and to mind all of the scratches on Camille’s body.

“Camille,” Blake eventually asked, “Where did you come from?”

Camille’s body tensed and she huddled her knees close to her small frame, her body instinctively turning away from Blake’s gentle touch.

“Bad place. Scary place.” She whispered.

Blake reached out her hand and touched Camille’s head. Camille flinched at first but calmed as she felt Blake’s hand stroke her hair.

“Camille, Yang and I promise that nothing bad will ever happen to you again. We will do everything we can to protect you.” Blake said defiantly, surprised at her own words for a moment but her motherly, protective instinct got the better of her.

Camille turned, eyes moist with tears, “Thank you.” She replied.

Blake finished giving Camille a thorough bath and helped her change into her new pajamas which were a tad bit big for her, but Camille did not seem to mind. Blake towel dried Camille’s hair and grabbed a brush.

“Let’s go downstairs. You can watch TV with Dusk while I brush your hair.”

Camille nodded and followed Blake downstairs.

Dusk and Yang were sitting on the couch both sets of eyes glued to the screen as HuntsMan was facing off with his toughest emissary.

“Make some room, you, guys.” Blake said leading Camille to the couch.

Yang scooted over and brought Dusk with her to sit in her lap.

“Wow, those pajamas look great on you, kiddo.” Yang said.

Dusk turned his head from the TV, “Yeah! I knew they would look good on Camille!”

Blake sat down next to Yang and motioned for Camille to sit in between her legs.

Camille looked curiously at Blake for a moment but sat.

Blake began to brush through knots as gently as she could, but Camille’s hair had probably never seen a brush.

“This might hurt a bit, sorry.” Blake said gently combing through Camille’s hair.

“It’s okay.” Camille replied.

Yang looked at Blake, she hadn’t heard her speak yet. Blake shrugged and gave Yang a knowing look.

After Blake finished brushing her hair, Camille joined the three of them on the couch perching herself next to a throw pillow, her eyes heavy.

Blake saw this and asked, “Would you like to go to bed, Camille? I bet you have had a long day.”

Camille nodded sleepily. “Okay, I’ll go set up the guest room for you. Yang, I’ll call when it is ready for her.”

Blake walked up the stairs but was stopped by Dusk pulling her shirt. “Wait, Mommy. I’ll help too.”

Blake smiled, “Of course, Cub.”

Dusk passed her on the stairs and went to his room, “I have something for Camille to help her sleep.”

Blake followed him, and to her surprise Dusk had put away all of the clothes he had previously tossed out. “Oh, yeah? What is it?”

Dusk rummaged around his toy bin for a moment and pulled something out. It was a crimson-colored stuffed cat. “This! I don’t play with it anymore, and Camille does not have any stuffed animals. I have my dragon, so Camille can have this one to sleep with.” He said showing off the toy like a trophy.

“Oh, Dusk. Have I ever told you that you are the world’s sweetest boy?” Blake asked bending down to give him a hug.

Dusk giggled as he reached his hand up to her bobbed hair, something he has done since a baby, “Hmm, maybe once or twice.”

Blake scooped him up as she stood, “Hah, and I see you inherited all of my charm and sass too.” She said lovingly bumping her head with his. Dusk smiled again and hugged her tighter pressing the side of his face on hers.

“Okay, my Cub, let’s set up the room for Camille.”

“Yang? We are ready!” Blake called from upstairs.

Yang stood up and stretched, her prosthetic humming slightly, “Okay, love we will be up shortly.”

Camille had a hard time trying to stay awake but perked up at Blake’s call.

“Would you like me to carry you?” Yang asked turning towards her.

Camille looked at the kind lilac eyes, “Yes.” She replied raising her arms up. Yang smiled and took her up to her body. ‘So light’ she thought and walked up the stairs to the guest room. Blake was sitting on the bed and Dusk was holding something behind his back. Blake stood to pull back the covers as Yang placed the small girl in. Yang pulled the covers up to Camille’s chin and the small girl settled deep within the soft bed.

“Wait,” Dusk appeared between Blake and Yang, “I have something for you, Camille. To help you sleep and it will protect you from bad dreams.” Blake picked him up and placed him on the high bed. He pulled his hands from behind his back and presented Camille with the stuffed cat. “See? She looks just like you.” Dusk said handing the present to Camille. Blake rubbed the small of Yang’s back as the mothers looked proudly on at the sight.

Camille took the toy from Dusk and hugged it to her chest. Dusk smiled and slinked off the bed.

“I knew you would like it,” Dusk said raising his arms proudly.

Camille smiled at him, “I love her. Thank you Dusk.”

Dusk smiled and giggled.

“Okay, Dusk. I think it is time to let Camille rest, she is very tired.” Yang said placing a hand on his shoulder.

Dusk looked up at Yang and then to Blake, “Okay, Momma. I’m going to go play on my tire swing outside.”

Blake nodded and let Dusk slip pass them.

“Camille,” Blake said quietly, “Yang and I will be downstairs if you need anything, alright?”

Camille nodded her eyes finally giving away to exhaustion.

“Sleep well, Camille.” Yang said as she and the love of her life left Camille’s room.

[dirt-cup-draco]

Bucky x Reader-Holding You

@wreckofawriter‘s cliche month

“What are you two doing here?” Bucky seethed, grabbing Rebecca’s arm as you two sauntered about the junkyard, drinks in hand and inhibitions slipping away. 

“Same as you,” Becca sneered, ripping her arm from her brother’s grasp. “Having a good time. It looks like you need to try harder,” 

Bucky growled, a noise low in his throat that only meant trouble but it made your stomach twist in knots and your heart rate rise to dangerous levels. 

“H-Hi Bucky,” You stammered, trying to distract from the tension and get a word in between the two large personalities you were stuck between. Being a Barnes meant being brash, stubborn and the life of the party and Becca and Bucky had those traits in spades. 

Bucky’s attention was drawn to you and he let out a groan. “Why you trying to get into trouble Becs?”

“God, you sound just like dad! Besides, Y/N is here and you’re not yelling at her!” Becca pouted. At nineteen, her teenage rebellion phase was going stronger than ever. Steve saw Bucky in her and you wondered if it was part of the reason the boys you were both so protective of her, keeping her from Bucky’s mistakes in the fear she would repeat history. 

“That’s because she can take care of herself!” Bucky argued and you were halfway between laughing at Becca’s put out look and fainting from the praise aimed at you from Bucky.

“She” You cut in, waving your hand between the two. “Can speak for herself. She is also going to go get another drink while you two argue. Where’s Steve?” You asked Bucky and you tried to keep the nerves from causing you to waver. You always got so nervous around him. Tonight, you refused. You would be as cool as a cucumber, damn it. 

“Oh um, check all the dark corners. Or just look for a lone shadow I guess,” Bucky said, his attention still focused on berating his baby sister for following him to a party that was very much not meant for the company of two young girls like yourself. Becca always hated that. She would be damned if she let anyone else tell her what to do or how to live her life. You could tell Bucky admired it as much as he hated it. 

She really was just like him. Yet, you could pick the two of them apart so easily. Bucky was surprisingly, not as rough around the edges as his sister. She had ideas, always had, and they drove her to being the person she wanted to be without apology. Bucky was the same in many aspects, but he could be who he wanted to be because he was a man. Becca had to fight her way to be accepted as the loud and proud woman she was. There wasn’t a submissive bone in her body. 

Bucky eye’s were lighter in color, sharp and observant but mingled in was the childish splendor that never seemed to leave. His cheeks were adorably rounded and his hair cropped short but it only accentuated his best features. You smiled into you drink thinking about the shape of his nose, the rosiness of his lips. To say you had a crush would be a devastating understatement. 

Grabbing a lukewarm drink from the bin a few feet from the fire pit you watched as people mingled, some sitting and chatting while others danced about. A few even ducked and darted behind and between the junked cars in a tipsy game of hide and seek. You shook the water from the bottom of the bin off your hand and noted that the ice had been long since melted, a shame. 

Your eyes were peeled, searching for Steve but it seemed like he was nowhere to be seen. He liked to stick close when Bucky was getting up to all that Bucky did but he wasn’t a fan of cheap thrills or getting his hopes crushed by another shallow dame. It made sense that he was somewhere further in the background, uninterested. You wanted to be spending your time with Bucky, but you feared he would grow weary of you following him around like a love sick puppy. Steve made good company and you were growing used to avoiding Bucky at the blonde’s side. 

Your search for Steve however was cut short as a tall man with boyish features approached you. His red hair curled around his ears and it bounced as he jogged to you. His cheeks were round, fair skin covered in freckles. It seemed his entire body was as you connected the dots that trailed down his neck and underneath the collar of his shirt that hung from his willowy form. His eyes were a dazzling shade of emerald and his smile turned golden and blinding from the firelight. “Care to dance?” The stranger asked, hand extended. 

You peered around you, determining that it was in fact you who he was talking to. You considered politely turning him down but then you caught sight of Bucky chatting up some pretty blonde. You sighed, but put on a smile. “I would love that,” 

He took your hand and swept you into the crowd with a celebratory “I told you boys she’d say yes!” that made you giggle. 

--

Three (or for, or five) drinks later and an hour of dancing and you were feeling absolutely dead on your feet, head floating on your shoulders as you tried to focus. You were on the grass, earth spinning about but your hand was clasped with another’s and your back was supported by a sturdy chest. “Hmm, when did we stop dancin’?” You wondered aloud, not quite remembering how you ended up on the ground. 

“Oh you sweet thing,” Shane, that was the pretty boy’s name, laughed warmly in your ear before pressing an affectionate kiss to your temple. “You really are a lightweight,” It seemed you had stopped some time ago as you focused on the embers of the bonfire, the flame burning lower than you remembered as the junkyard grew darker. You remembered feeling light, Shane spinning you around and sweeping you off your feet and now, your feet were resting. 

“Shhh, that’s a secret,” You mumbled to Shane, peering at him in the dying light of the fire. “I’m supposed to look impressive,” You muttered as he grinned, nudging his nose against yours. His hands were large against your hips, trailing up your sides. 

“Impressive for who?” He whispered, hand against your cheek as he nudged you to angle yourself towards him. You shifted then, moving in the handsome stranger’s lap so that you were facing him, elbows on his shoulders and nose against his. 

“Someone who doesn’t want me,” You pouted then, lip wobbling as you thought about how nice Shane was, how he made you feel special and wanted, but how it all felt wrong. You wanted it to be right, you had thought that since the moment he’d asked you to dance. He was sweet, fun, respectful. What was to stop you from wanting more with him? 

“Is it that guy you were lookin’ at before we danced?”

You nodded slowly, mind catching up as your tumultuous feelings and Shane rubbing your back helped you sober up. “Bucky. My stupid, lovely Bucky. Except he isn’t mine, he likes everyone else and I’m just Becca’s friend,” 

Shane didn’t know Becca but just smiled as you rambled on. “He’s a handsome fella, good guy too from what I know. We run into each other every so often. Steve’s a doll, been lucky enough to spend a night with him,” 

“You like Steve?” You gasped, eyes bright. “I love Steve! He’s so good, isn’t he so good? You should date Steve!” 

Shane laughed warm and hearty, reclining back as you stayed put. “I wouldn’t mind it but I don’t think that’s gonna work out, he’s steered clear of me since then... You’re pretty cute too, wouldn’t mind taking you out,” 

--

Bucky cursed as he stubbed his toe against an engine that had been left to collect dust in the yard. Hopping on one foot he surveyed the area through squinted eyes. The party had died down significantly and he had found Becca and Steve on the hood of a rusted car, watching the stars and talking about nothing in particular.

That was the sign that they were both thoroughly tired and his cue to go and search for you. He hadn’t seen you all night long and now as he couldn’t find you, he was growing worried. Bucky had been hoping to dance with you at least once tonight but then he had gotten into it was Rebecca and the chance had left with you when you’d gone to search for Steve.

What worried him more was that Steve told him that you’d never found him. What had you been up to all night? He skirted around the form of some passed out fool and walked closer to the dying firelight, taking long looks at the shadows in it’s vicinity and hoping that one of them had the white blouse you’d worn that night. 

That was his favorite top. It was well fitting and simple. The rosy colored buds of flowers made up the patter of the shirt and it brought out the tone of your skin and the warmth of your smile. You were as pretty as any flower he’d ever seen, prettier even. It hadn’t been until two years ago that he’d really taken notice. It had been a hot summer’s day and Becca was wanting to celebrate her birthday with him, Steve and you. You’d all gone for a swim. 

You had glowed in the sunlight as you ran around with his sister, splashing playfully in the water. “When did Y/N get so pretty?” He’d muttered, accidentally catching Steve’s ear. Bucky hadn’t heard the end of it yet, and it didn’t help that his eyes always seemed to be following you. So why couldn’t he find you now? 

He was about to call your name but was interrupted by two people speaking in low voices. Bucky could make out the frilled edge of your blouse. Your hands were planted on someone’s chest and your hair hung around your face as you giggled. 

“...You’re pretty cute too, wouldn’t mind taking you out,” The soft slur of the man’s voice floated up into the night air and Bucky sighed. He knew that voice. 

“Come on Y/N! Time to get out of here,” Bucky interrupted, hands finding your underarms as he hauled you up from Shane’s lap. The redhead darted up, a frown on his face.

“Jesus, Barnes. Give a guy, and girl-” He added, nodding to you as you pulled yourself from Bucky’s grasp. “-some warning next time,” 

“Yeah,” You said indignantly, fighting the urge to crawl under Bucky’s arm because it was what you wanted or go back to Shane’s side to make a point. Instead, you remained between the two. Your time spent talking to Shane had let you sober up and your mind was clear again and all was well despite the pounding that begun in your temples. “We were busy talkin’” 

“Right.” Bucky laughed. “Talking,” 

Shane opened his mouth, a bashful expression on his face but you cut in sooner. “We were! And so what if we weren’t? You’re Becca’s older brother, not mine,” 

Bucky felt like the wind had been knocked from his lungs and Shane let out a whoop of laughter. 

“Oh buddy! She got you there!” 

“Can it, Murphy,” Bucky blushed. Was that all he was to you? Becca’s brother? He understood if you didn’t feel the same, but he had at least hoped you two were friends. Even when you were all kids and he used to grab Steve and book it down the street so you and Becca couldn’t follow the pair of them to their “Super Secret Boy’s Only Hide Out”, which had only been an alley that didn’t get much traffic from trouble or citizens alike. The name had needed work. Despite his childishness, he’d always come back with Steve after they’d gotten bored and you’d all eat ice pops on the porch as friends. 

“Yeah, Murphy,” You giggled and Shane rolled his eyes at his last name, tucking you under his arm and ruffling your hair. 

“Whatever, kid,” He scoffed.

Bucky felt that familiar jealousy rise up and he glared. “I was just coming to see if you were coming back home with us all, but if you’d rather stay here then I don’t care,” He did care. 

You looked between Shane and Bucky for a minute before you pat Shane’s cheek. “Tonight was fun, don’t forget me, yeah?” 

“Never, ever, sweetheart,” Shane winked. “I’m sure I’ll see you around,” He said pointedly, glancing at Bucky before strolling off himself. 

“Lets go,” Bucky muttered, already four strides ahead of you before you could even process his words. You had to jog the last few steps to get to him. You grabbed his arm, digging your heels in as you brought him to a stop. 

“Why’re you so pissed?” You asked, eyebrow shooting up to your hairline as Bucky grunted. 

“I’m not pissed.” 

“Riiight,” You rolled your eyes in disbelief, trying to ignore how he hooked his arm in yours as you began walking again. You didn’t mind the proximity to him, even if he was being a bristly jerk. “Or did you forget the part where you pulled me off of Shane?” 

“You got me there,” Bucky winced. He’d been jealous, what could he say? “I’m just tired?” 

The suggestion fell flat however and you laughed softly. “You’re a miserable liar even after all of these years. You should’ve learned when you tried to convince me that it wasn’t you who had cut my ponytail while I’d been sleeping over” 

“You might’ve believed me if I hadn’t been holding the scissors,” 

“Maybe, but I’ve come to notice you sound like you’re asking a question every time you lie, like you can’t quite believe it yourself,” 

“You’re drunk?” 

You laughed as Bucky tried to wiggle his way out of the conversation, only now noticing his quite obvious tell. 

“I’m plenty sober now, thank you. But, for a moment there I could barely remember my own name let alone what Shane and I were doing on the ground,” You laughed lightheartedly but Bucky tensed up. 

“What do you have against him.” 

“Nothing?” 

“The truth, Bucky,” You sighed. “Please? I’m not interrogating you, I just hoped we were beyond lies,” Thankfully, the pleasant buzz was still in your system and your fun with Shane had given you the confidence to speak openly and honestly with Bucky. You hadn’t stuttered yet!

“You like each other,” Bucky stated and you paused in your steps. 

“I barely know him,” You pointed out. “We had fun, he’s a friend. I can tell you right now that we weren’t serious about a thing all night- we didn’t even kiss. He’s a nice guy, we were just talking.” 

Bucky just shrugged. 

“Look,” You sighed. “I know you’re protective over Becca and I can see why you see me the same way, but I meant what I said earlier. You’re not my big brother Bucky and-” 

“You really think thats what this is about?” Bucky gaped at you, nearly tripping over his own two feet as you both dodged a spare tire laying around. 

“What else could it be?” You asked, exasperated. You stood beneath the moonlight, arms crossed tight over your chest as you glanced at Bucky. There was a lonesomeness in your eyes that he found he could understand. It was the look of someone who had lost hope for something different from the ordinary. But what was unchanging in your life that troubled you? He couldn’t recall Rebecca mentioning anything. 

“I- You- You really don’t know?” Bucky stammered. 

“Don’t know what?” You asked, feeling a bit frustrated. You didn’t like being out of the loop especially when it came to Bucky. Had you messed up somehow? Did he think you a fool?

“Oh, doll,” Bucky laughed. “You’re going to be the death of me,” 

“Buck, just tell me!” 

Bucky just laughed harder and smiled wider, his hand easily finding yours as he pulled you against him. “What I have against Shane Murphy, is that he got to hold you all night long and I didn’t and I’d have kissed his ass if he kissed you because I didn’t have the guts to do it,” 

Your surprised gasp was swallowed as Bucky brushed his lips against yours, an experiment that left you weak in the knees. He pulled away to gauge your reaction but you chased his lips, gripping the back of his neck as you brought him to you again. “The night isn’t over yet,” You sighed as he trailed desperate, open mouth kisses against your jaw and neck. “He’s not here, and you’ve got me all to yourself,” 

Bucky’s arms were comfortably tight around your waist and you ran your fingers through his hair, wanting to memorize as many sensations as you could before this moment was over. Bucky was paying particular attention to a spot on your neck that had you gasping softly, hot breath coming from parted lips, when he heard a strangled noise and a boisterous laugh. 

“Fuck,” Bucky cursed on a panted breath, head falling to rest on your shoulder. 

“You owe me three bucks and some gum,” Becca beamed at Steve and he rolled his eyes. 

“Rather owe it to you then cheat you out of it,” He muttered with pink cheeks, embarrassed at finding you and Bucky in the middle of something but glad you two were finally realizing what had been between you for the past couple years. 

“You were taking so long, we got worried,” She explained. “You both have the terrible habit of waiting forever. I swear, all I hear from Y/N is how she would kill to be one of those girls you take to dances and Steve only ever hears how pretty you think she is.” 

Bucky grinned, looking down at you as you hid your face. “You had a crush on me?” 

“You had one on me?” You countered back and his smug look turned sheepish. 

“Glad that’s settled,” Becca chimed in again and you giggled as she looped her arm through yours, tugging you forward. “Now lets go home,” 

Bucky wanted to steal you from his sister’s side but he held back as he strolled behind the both of you, Steve elbowing his side in congratulations as he followed after you. You looked over your shoulder, shooting him a smile and a playful roll of your eyes as Becca whispered rapid-fire about something he couldn't make out. It made his heart skip a beat. 

Take that Shane, she’s mine. Bucky thought proudly as he followed Steve, having fallen a few steps behind. Bucky couldn’t get the thought of you out of his head, nor could he forget the feel of your lips against his. And god knows I’m her’s.

Bucky realized that the night truly was over as he dropped you off at home, wishing it didn’t have to end so soon after you two had only begun. Yet, when you kissed him for a long moment before racing indoors he knew that it wouldn’t be for long that you two would be parted and he would be holding you again. 

tag list: @angelinathebook @thehumanistsdiary @cleopatera

[theauthorstreehouse]

Worldbuilding - Food and Recipes

*The chart above illustrated the dietary resources available to the majority of the nation.

Culture of Food

Food is a huge part of what makes a culture and Verdant is no exception to this. They pride themselves as a nation in which no one goes hungry. In a country where most of the land is desert, this is much more difficult to achieve than one might think. But thought centuries of trial and error they have not only learned to take advantage of the county which the land provided, but to cultivate their own food by utilizing the unique seasons to their advantage.

Verdant food is colorful, packed with flavor, and prepared with passion. The hearth is the center of the household and as such the kitchen and living area are usually inseparable in all but the most wealthy estates. Something is always cooking, and as such it is considered polite to offer an unexpected guest food and drink, and considered very impolite to refuse! If invited over, it is an absolute scandal not to bring something along, even if it's just goat cheese rolled in garlic and chives or a bottle of homemade wine.

Accessibility

When one looks at the scope of what the people of Verdant eat, it is important to remember the wide range of territory in which their nation covers. For instance in the capitol city which straddles the coastline, the bounty of the sea is plentiful. This means that people in the capitol can obtain fresh fish, seaweed and such for next to nothing. However in the further reaches, such as the Speckled Pond Oasis, their ability to serve food like swordfish or lobster is severely limited.

As in all countries, the wealthy always have access to more than those in lower classes. The more processed or refined something is the more likely you have to be wealthy in order to afford it. The more elaborate and time consuming it is to obtain and cook, the more likely you must have thralls or servants available in order to ensure it gets accomplished. Domestic pigs, for instance, do not do well in the Verdant heat and are difficult to keep content. So much so that pigs are considered to be a status symbol and kept like very spoiled pets by the super wealthy and socially elite. Goats and chickens on the other hand are a much more common source of sustenance and can be obtained by all but the most impoverished folk. Even then, foraging and trapping is a common chore given to children. Verdant has only a few laws regarding hunting practices, allowing for easier access to food sources.

Preservation

Food must be properly preserved to last as long as possible. With a flooding season and a sandstorm season to factor into the equation, Verdant folk must ensure their larder will hold for as long as possible. Most meat is cured in salt or smoked to prolong it's shelf life. Jerked meats are fairly common, especially among the working class. Packing in animal fat and storing it in a cool, dry place is an excellent method for ensuring the meat remains tender for months. Herbs are air dried and ground into powders,or drowned in oil or vinegar. Fruits and vegetables are often pickled or soaked in a sweet brine which is often then turned into alcohol. Waste is the enemy, and if anything can be used it will be used. Bone broths are immensely popular as a method for stripping the most nutrition out of an animal.

Household Staples

Some things are just a ubiquitous part of the culture, and Verdant is no exception. There are staples served on every table from rich to poor, though the amount and embellishments may differ. As a part of their initiative to ensure everyone is fed, monthly stipends of grain and rice are provided to the poorer districts, the amount depending upon the size of the family. These come from the silos kept by the Queen's government, which are filled through yearly taxes collected at harvest time. Each meal has rice with herbs, pickled vegetables, and flatbread lightly fried in oil. The most popular dish through out all the nation being a saffron crispy-rice cakes. They keep well and can be stored in cloth and reheated for meals or handed off to a worker to take with them for mid-day meals.

Saffron Crispy-rice Cake

Ingredients 2 cups basmati rice 3 ½ cups water 2 tablespoons kosher salt ¼  teaspoon crushed saffron threads 1 cup plain yogurt 3 eggs 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted ½  cup olive oil 1 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

Put your rice in a bowl with enough water to cover and let soak for about 30 mins. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Place 3 ½ cups water into a large pot and add a generous sprinkle of kosher salt. Bring to a boil and add the drained basmati rice. Bring to a boil and give it a stir. Reduce heat and let cook till tender. Sprinkle small amount of salt and saffron threads in mortar and crunch until powdered. Add 2 tbsp hot water and stir lightly. Let steep for about ten mins until deep reddish-orange color.

Mix 3 egg yolks, yogurt, ½ cup olive oil, and 2 tbsp salt into large bowl. Add saffron mix when steeping is done.

Pour 1 cup vegetable oil into skillet and heat. Fluff basmati rice mixture and test to see if fully cooked. Slowly integrate it into the saffron mixture until every grain is thoroughly coated. Don't skimp! You want it to be saturated with this mixture.

Once your oil is hot, put in a small bit of rice to test and see if it is ready. If it begins to bubble immediately, you are ready to proceed!  Form the saffron and rice mixture into patties with you hands and carefully place in skillet, frying on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and place on rack to drain. Serve with choice of topping.

Note: I have personally made this recipe and let me tell you it packs a LOT of flavor. I've put a fried egg on top, mixed it with sweet coleslaw, tossed it with chicken and even put a thick slice of mozzarella on top and stuck it under a broiler until bubbling! It's addictive and it keeps in the fridge forever! The saffron threads are a little bit pricy, $7.99 for 1 tblsp where I got them. But since it made like five meals it was worth it.

Another staple of the Verdant meal is flatbread with garlic oil drizzled over it. The garlic oil is easy enough to make by chopping and frying large amounts of garlic in copious amounts of oil, then straining. The oil is useful for just about every dish in Verdant and is used liberally. The chips are kept and dried out, then ground as a topping or crusting for meals.

Garlic Flatbread

Ingredients ½ cup warm water 1 teaspoon sugar 1 package dry active yeast (2 1/4th tsp) ¼ cup plain yogurt 2 cups bread flour ¼cup garlic oil 2 tbsp crushed garlic chips 1 teaspoon kosher salt fresh parsley

Instructions

Dissolve sugar in ½ cup of warm water and add yeast to mixture. Leave for 10 mins until the yeast begins to foam.

Mix flour and salt together. Slowly incorporate yogurt until you have a loose, flaky dough.

Add yeast mixture and knead thoroughly until smooth. Place in a bowl and drizzle generously with garlic oil. Cover with a plate for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Lightly dust flat surface and pour dough onto surface. Gently shape into rectangle and cut into 8 pieces. Form each piece into a ball. Arrange on plate and cover for another 15 – 20 mins.

Place skillet on stove top and add 4 tbsp olive oil to pan.

For larger flatbread, roll balls on floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. For smaller, cut each ball in half and roll till about the length and width of your hand. Add flatbread to hot skillet and fry on both sides. One side will puff up, creating bubbles of air. Once you flip, DO NOT PRESS FLAT! Cook until golden brown around bubble rings and transfer to rack. Once finished, arrange flatbread on plate and give a drizzle with garlic oil. Add sprinkling of salt, garlic chips and parsley and serve.

Note:These are spectacular on their own but tbh I love them with some goat cheese and some of the broken up saffron cakes above. You can also do them sans garlic/salt/parsley and heat one up in the oven before smearing it with blackberry preserves. It's chewy and lightly crispy and just so satisfying to eat.

The pickled vegetables may very day to day depending upon availability. Children are typically sent out as soon as they have eaten to go forage for wild edibles which can be added in to make for a more hearty fare. Knowing how to source edible plants from their environment is a necessity, as it may save their lives during the Trials needed to become a Citizen.

Sweet Pickled Vegetables

Ingredients 1 Eggplant 1 Cucumber 1 Carrots 1 Red Cabbage 1 Leek 1 Squash 1/4th  tsp salt 1/4th tsp ground pepper 1/4th  cup Olive oil 1 Red oranges 2 tbsp Brown sugar Optional: Pine nuts Goat cheese

Instructions

Turn oven on to 400°.

Slice your eggplants,squash, and leeks into widths about the size of your pinkie finger. Toss in drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper and place on baking tray. Place in oven for 20 mins or until cooked through. Chop cucumbers, red cabbage and grate carrots into large bowl. Mix to combine.

Take 1/4th cup olive oil and add 2 tbs brown sugar. Juice one red orange and add juice to mixture. Stir to combine until sugar is dissolved.

Once roasted veggies are thoroughly cooked, turn on broiler and roast till lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them. Broilers work quicker than you think.

Once browned, remove from oven and allow to come to room temp. Mix in with rest of vegetables and drizzle the orange dressing over top. Mix generously.

Top with pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Note: You can really serve this at room temp like a warm salad but it's just as good second day as like a slaw. I love to add it onto rice and chicken for a lunch bowl.

One of the easiest sources for protein across Verdant is the ocean and all the bounty it provides. Even if one doesn't have a boat, they can search along the rocky beaches for mussels and dig into the sand for cockles. Just about everyone has a trap for crabs or eels and takes advantage of this as they taste wonderful when grilled. Spearfishing and diving for urchins are popular methods for obtaining harder to catch food sources. However under Guild law, anything which requires a boat in order to catch requires a Guild permit.

Mussels with Leeks & Tomatos

Ingrdiants 1 lb mussels 1/4th cup olive oil 1 Leek 6 Garlic cloves 1 cup Multicolored cherry tomatoes ½ Red onion 1 tbsp Ginger 1 Lemon 1/4th tsp salt 1/4th tsp pepper ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

*Check your mussels thoroughly before use!

-rinse thoroughly

-trash any cracked or opened mussels

-if you find a 'thread' on the mussel, remove it

Take a deep saute pan and add in olive oil.

Thoroughly clean leeks between the leaves. They're noted for being dirty.

Chop leeks, red onion, garlic cloves and tomatoes. Add to hot olive oil and cook till lightly browned.

Add in your mussels and cover with lid. Steam for 10 – 15 min until all the mussels have opened up. Stir gently to combine.

Juice 1 lemon and grate 1 tsbp lemon. Stir together with cayenne, salt and pepper until combined.

Scoop mussels from pan into large bowl. Pour lemon juice onto mussels while stirring. Serve.

Note: Mussels are one of my favorite things to eat! There really is no end to the different things you can combine to them but sometimes the simplest is the best!

[yourdeepestfathoms]

Pigeon

another dumb stupid animatic script i made but this time with plant symbolism!!! enjoy this worthlessness

Plant chart: Aragon- Golden dahlias that are wound beautifully up her arms and are also woven in her hair; Anne- Green hydrangeas that make a puffy color around her neck and also sit in clusters on top of her head like her spacebuns; Jane- White roses that are coiled around her head like a crown; Cleves- Hibusces that cover her torso and one arm in a sash-like formation; Kitty- Camellia blossoms that curl delicately around her neck with a few bloomed flowers and also decorate her hair; Cathy- Blue chrysanthemums that wind around her stomach and wrists; Joan- Unknown flower buds on strings of ivy that wind all over her arms, legs, torso, and head. They shouldn’t be clumped, rather sparsely spaced out.

——————

Circling around the kitchen

Why has nothing changed?

Joan slowly enters, her head lowered and eyes deeply saddened. She looks up to see Jane and Kitty together a few feet away. They don’t notice her.

Feed cucumber sandwich to a pigeon

Chipping nail polish on guitar strings

Joan approaches slowly, then turns away, rethinking her decision to try and get Jane’s attention. She passes by a window with a distorted, grey pigeon sitting on the sill, which turns its head to follow her with its gaze. It shouldn’t be in focus with the camera and the line art should be messy and spastic.

Got a pillow case made out of money

*During the instrumental right before “got”, a golden bird is seen getting one eye pulled out

Joan looks down at a canvas with Jane painted on it.

Feelin' pretty fake when I wake up

*During the instrumental right before “feelin’” a green bird is seen getting its wings torn off

Her hands tighten around the edges and we see her nails grow slightly into silvery-blue claws.

Tissue paper castle paper caddy

*During the instrumental right before “tissue” a red bird and blue bird are seen getting smashed together, squirting darkly-colored blood all over the hands holding them

Each word shows a different pair: “tissue paper”- Anne beaming about something, arms outstretched, while Aragon watches her, chuckling endearingly (can be read as a ship if you so please); “castle paper”- Cleves and Cathy deep in a conversation, both grinning; “caddy”- Jane and Kitty hugging.

Scaly little friend's got my backup

*During the instrumental right before “scaly” a pink bird is seen getting its head ripped off

Joan stands alone, holding the painting with a sad expression. She watches everyone else longingly. Scaly, pale blue wings manifest on her back. They should be messily drawn and the line art shifts constantly. The grey pigeon from earlier can be seen on a window behind Joan, too, blurry like wings.

Didn't give me time to say goodbye in the way that I wanted to

Joan takes a slow, shaky step forward, like the weight of her wings was hindering her. She clutches the painting tightly in her hands, then extends one to reach out to Jane, who is still busy with Kitty. The grey pigeon watches from the window behind her.

So honey, close your eyes and stay like you're supposed to do

Joan closes her eyes tightly and all goes black. At “stay” her eyes open and she sees Jane standing in front of her, smiling lovingly. They hug. However, after “do” the scene cuts away to Joan just hugging her painting of Jane. The grey pigeon is in the background on a windowsill.

During the brief instrumental between lyrics, Joan can be seen leaving the painting on Jane’s makeup table in her dressing room.

Don't you wanna give me time to write another song for you?

Joan eagerly checks the dressing room seemingly hours later, but is horrified to find her painting battered and clearly stepped on- whether it was done on accident or on purpose is unclear. The camera pans to an angle in front of Joan, who is kneeling on the floor with the destroyed canvas clutched tightly to her chest. A few of the queens crowd the doorway with mixed expressions- awkwardness, pity, confusion, curiosity, concern. They cannot see the way Joan’s eyes began to flicker and blur out of control (line art should be similar to the grey pigeon and wings).

[Instrumental]

This part should be an absolute mess. It symbolizes Joan’s downward spiral caused by her jealous and neglect from other people. It should be filled with abrupt cuts to different shots and a lot of bird and plant symbolism mixed in between regular scenes.

In order of some of the scenes in this instrumental bit: Jane and Kitty cuddling; a pink bird strangled to death by a vine; the first shot but Kitty is headless and Jane still has the same smile, but there are glistening tears running down her cheeks; Joan clawing at her face while crying; Joan stabbing a pink bird against the wall; a camellia blossom wilting rapidly; all the queen’s laughing and smiling and then abruptly, out of nowhere, staring into the camera with horrific blank faces; Jane armless with white roses growing from the gashes; etc...

Fuzzy feeling and I miss you

Why can nothing stay the same

Kitty is violently shoved to the ground. She fearfully looks up at Joan, whose eyes are still flickering. The wings are on her back. The flower buds wound about her body are actually Venus flytraps and they’re all open and seemed to be drooling.

Fucking stupid head i'm gonna kill you

This part is lipsynced by both Joan and all the flytraps.

Melt all your art and drink the paint

Joan grabs Kitty by the throat, who looks terrified and is now teary-eyed.

I am not a beast I'm not a monster

Joan yanks her arm back and the ivy that had been coiled around Kitty’s neck is in her hand. It and the camellia blossoms are covered in blood. What seems to be a trachea or esophagus dangles from the vines.

I don't care what you say

Lipsynced by Joan and the flytraps, which they yell into Kitty’s face. Kitty is very dead and her throat should be a gaping red horror.

You can't have the bad guys without a hero

And I'm the only one who's got a cape

Joan stands slowly, wearily, still holding the bloody ivy. She walks over to Jane, who is standing in front of a window, looking out of it. Joan offers her the ivy with an “Are you proud of me?” look. Jane turns to her and she has no face.

Didn't give me time to say goodbye in the way that I wanted to

Joan bolts upwards. She’s breathing heavily and soaked in sweat. It had all been a nightmare- she is lying on a couch in one of the dressing rooms, presumably her own, and she scrambles out of it fearfully. She hurries to the bathroom.

So honey, close your eyes and stay like you're supposed to do

Water is rushing from one of the sinks, which Joan paws her face with. She braces herself against the counter, still breathing harshly, and then looks up fearfully. Her reflection should bear the distorted face of the grey pigeon. It’s eyes are solid white with no discernible appearance in them, yet they should somehow still look disappointed in her.

During the four beats in the instrumental after this lyric, the image of the birds from the beginning appear in the reflection- first the gold one with one eye missing, then the green one with her wings torn off, then the red and blue ones with them both dripping and gooey from being smashed, and finally the pink one with its head missing.

Don't know how I'm gonna live without, but I'll stay strong for you

A closeup shot shows Joan on the floor, shaking and struggling to get up. We can only see the bottom half of her face, but there are tears and blood streaming down her cheeks (there should be much more blood than tears). She’s clearly in pain. Her mouth is open slightly.

Finally, at the “you” we see her entire body: she’s on her knees, arched backwards slightly, screaming at the ceiling. Venus flytraps are open all along her body. The distorted scaly wings are stretched out wildly. Colorful birds are writhing in her eye sockets- the cause of all the blood on her face.

[karensfifthsense]

The 7 Top Ways to Deter Rats from your garden

Table of ContentsTop Insider Tips regarding Humane Rat TrapsLocal technicians for Rats NestTop Secrets about Get Rid Of RatsFinding the Best 24 Hour Pest ControlPest Control Near Me24 Hour Pest Control Near MeRats In Compost Bin Near Me

It needs to be dark brown, be damp however not wet and look really comparable to soil with no obvious bits in it.

Friday 1 Might 2020 Composting in your home fasts to establish and much easier than you might believe. The process is simple, but it is essential to get the essentials right from the start to ensure you get the finest from your house compost bin. Put your compost bin on bare soil in a warm spot where possible Include a 50:50 mix of green (lawn, fruit peelings and coffee grounds) and brown (eggshells, newspaper, cardboard, dry leaves and twigs) products to your compost bin.

This implies your soil improver is now ready to utilize on your garden. Spread the soil improver on borders and vegetable spots, to include nutrient-rich material and structure to the soil. This ought to result in healthier plants. For a potting soil appropriate for growing most veggies, mix two-parts soil improver to one-part sieved garden soil.

The 3 Top Best Pest Control solutions

Leading firms for Humane Rat Traps

Products such as meat, bones, dairy and cooked veggies ought to not be put in your home compost bin. These foods need to be composted at a greater temperature and may encourage unwanted pests and odours in your house compost bin. These items can instead be placed in your kerbside food waste caddy for recycling.

feline litter and other animal faeces as the composting process can not destroy the parasites and germs, which can be very hazardous to individuals nappies and any type of plastic Your compost bin shouldn't smell unpleasant - rats in my compost bin. If you discover that it does it may indicate that it includes excessive damp material and does not have air.

This need to resolve the problem. It's extremely unlikely that your compost bin will draw in rats. Try to disturb your compost bin as often as possible, this might simply be by frequently visiting your compost bin to add product or blend the contents with a garden fork. Prevent including any meat, fish or dairy products to your bin.

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To assist Essex residents start with home composting, we provide subsidised compost bins. To acquire a subsidised compost bin: You should reside in statutory Essex (which doesn't consist of Southend and Thurrock). Have the compost bin provided to your Essex address Choose in between either a 220l or 330l sized compost bin You can purchase two of the very same size compost bins and will get a further 50% of the cost of the second bin.

All you need to do is enter your Essex postcode and your discount will be immediately used. However, if a compost bin is not for you, you can always develop your own compost heap from materials that you have lying around. compost bins and rats.

Is it normal to have rats in the compost load? I believed I was being all green and excellent in buying among those plastic compost bins instead of provide my veg to the council, and I've been really proficient at filling it up all summer. We don't put yard in as our lawnmower mulches the lawn cuttings, so it's just kitchen waste, however I make sure I only put raw veg, fruit, eggshells, teabags etc and never put anything cooked into it, never ever anything like bread or meat - yet today, I opened the lid and there was a huge rat therein.

Finding the Recommended Get Rid Of Rats

I can't believe that I in fact threw today's offerings (rotten cucumber and some potato peelings) in on top of him and knocked the lid shut - he could have lacked the hole in shock and up my leg - yeuch!I thought that the stuff was composting truly well as the level never ever seemed to be increasing, however it must have been a lovely buffet for rodents.

I'm so horrified that I have actually simply rinsed our old, overlooked council-supplied compost bin, and I'll be using that in future (and letting the council have rats) unless someone can suggest something to get rid of young Roland (something that does not require me looking in that bin ever again). 0.

on July 16, 2018 If you have actually got undesirable rodents living in your compost bin a basic and efficient way of keeping them out is by adding vermin mesh onto the bottom of it. Vermin mesh (aka rodent mesh) is made from thick wire (around 2mm) and has small squares that child rodents can't squeeze through.

Finding the 5 Star Rated Compost Bins And Rats

Vermin mesh The very first action is to choose up some vermin mesh from your regional hardware store we got it in a roll of 5m as we understand we'll utilize it for bits and pieces around our property. Some stores will sell it by the metre just call around until you find the finest place. Which's it! So quick and simple. The only tools you need are some excellent wire cutters. From here you can find your compost bin somewhere convenient in your garden. We have actually placed ours near our chooks and goats who we feed every morning, this makes it simple for us to place food scraps in there on the exact same trip effeciency plus! You can also dig the compost bin into the soil 200mm to create another barrier to the rodents from getting in however normally the vermin mesh suffices to do the job.

This makes it simple for us to add a small container of carbon with each container of food scraps that goes in. We likewise make sure we slice up our food scrasp to the size of a 20 cent coin to assist them break down quicker. For something that take less than an hour to do, you'll be kicking yourself you didn't do this years back.

Local firms for Humane Rat Traps

You're never ever even more than 6ft far from a rat in the city, or two the over-inflated metropolitan myth goes. Although 160ft might be a little more accurate a distance, the thought that our garden and allotment compost heaps can attract rats, typically puts a great deal of individuals off composting. The important things is, by not composting, you're missing out on a source of natural fertilizer for your garden that is completely FREE and: Enhances your garden's soil in a way that assists maintain moisture, reduce plant diseases and decreases the requirement for chemical fertilizers Motivates the production of useful germs and fungi that break down organic matter to produce rich nutrient-filled product (" humus") that naturally fertilizes your plants for long-term much healthier development Not to point out that by NOT tossing out your compost waste with your basic rubbish, you're likewise helping to lower methane emissions (a powerful greenhouse gas) from landfill and to lower your carbon footprint.

Finding the Best Rats Nest

Your compost heap must have alternate layers of the following 3 types of organic product components: brown materials (like dead leaves, straw, twigs and woodchippings) that supply carbon for your compost, green products (like fruit and veg scraps, lawn clippings and fresh plants) that supply nitrogen, water for moisture to assist break down the natural matter.

It's easy to produce your own compost heap in your garden. All you require to do is: Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost heap or bin. Add brown and green products as they are collected, ensuring bigger pieces are sliced or shredded - rat pest control. Moisten dry products as they are included.

Optional: Cover top of compost with a tarpaulin to keep it damp. When the product at the bottom is dark and rich in colour, your compost is all set to use. This generally takes anywhere in between two months to two years depending on how well you handle it and are actively composting.

Local firms for Rats In My Compost Bin

Keeping your compost stack actively composting (with the appropriate mix of greens, browns and water) is a good deterrent to rats in itself. After all, a clean compost pile, visited regularly, will be less appealing to them due to the fact that you'll be disturbing them and preserving a wet, uninviting area. Here are a couple of other ideas for keeping rats away from your compost Don't place your bin beside a fence or hedge, which gives rats unseen access leave a gap around it.

https://obsessionnuz.tumblr.com/post/624558914443362304/rats-in-compost-bin

⚡️ “Rats in Compost Bin”https://t.co/tUXgk8sYkx pic.twitter.com/6JyKAGe5D0

— Rats Compostbin (@RCompostbin)

July 24, 2020

[trekraider]

Kiss me like the final meal

Fandom: Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV) Rating: General Audiences Relationships: Aziraphale & Crowley (Good Omens) Characters: Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens)  

Crawly is in a garden. Not just any garden, but The Garden. The very first garden. Hell has sent him to do a quick temptation, and it was almost too easy. As though it was meant to happen. He slithers up the wall and at its apex is almost blinded by the view. The sun is glinting on the sand and searing his eyes, and beside him stands a being of the most intense light he’s ever witnessed. But he has been fooled by beauty and golden locks before, and he knows better than to trust an angel.

“Didn’t you used to have a sword?” Crawly asks, the first chapter in their story. The rest is history, though butchered by the words of mankind. 

**

He meets Aziraphale again, having grown fond of his own human form, and now his name is Crowley. No longer bent and forced down in supplication, not grovelling on the floor for those who see themselves superior. He is Crowley, and he’s been waiting to see Aziraphale for years. 

Their paths intersect in a crowd, animals and humans paired off two by two, and at the front of a barricade separating the species is a lone figure with glowing platinum hair. Crowley moves towards him, two by two, and slots himself at the Angel’s side. They wait for the storm.

**

Centuries pass before they run into each other again. Crowley sports a new haircut and his amber slit eyes are covered with dark lenses. It’s completely by chance, but Crowley gets this niggling feeling in his stomach at the thought of leaving. And then the Angel offers a temptation to him and his heart stutters in his chest. It’s quickly covered up and Aziraphale corrects himself, but Crowley feels drawn to him.

**

Crowley starts keeping tabs on Aziraphale - as much as he can without drawing suspicion from the Higher Ups and the Lower Downs. There is a revolution going on and it’s the perfect place for Crowley to find himself, amidst all the chaos, yet Aziraphale is there too and with his forked tongue he can taste that something has gone awry. He finds him in a cell awaiting execution, and that just won’t do. 

He freezes time around them, and behind Aziraphale tries to make himself look as nonchalant as possible. The Angel turns and says his name, his name, the chosen one that not even hell honors, and it melts something inside of him. He scoffs at Aziraphale’s excuses, plays up the demon act just enough to deter questions about his conveniently timed appearance, and gives into the hope that this time an angel won’t hurt him.

**

The Arrangement is so organic between them, and their run-ins change from coincidence to a steady routine. Clandestine meetings in parks, on buses, and soon enough Aziraphale is inviting him to his bookshop. 

Crowley feels his guard coming down, his walls caving, and after enough drinks he tests the waters and lets Aziraphale see his eyes again. It’s the most stark representation of his true nature, of what lurks within, and Aziraphale never shies away. Crowley realises that Aziraphale accepts him, wholly and without desire to change him. 

And by then he’s forced to admit he’s falling in an entirely new way.  

**

The fantasies started at least a thousand years ago, and not much about them has changed since they first came to him in the recesses of night, save for Aziraphale’s appearance and his latest gourmand proclivities. Crowley doesn’t hunger and doesn’t crave food. Not until he sees flecks of it dusting Aziraphale’s lips, rivulets of syrups and cocktails and other delightful concoctions dripping from him. 

As a demon, you would expect his mind to be laced with sinful, lustful images in this moment. Aziraphale sits across from him, one hand neatly folded in his lap while the other dips a spoon into a shallow ceramic bowl filled with chilled cucumber soup. Aziraphale raises it to his rosy lips and purses them as the cold liquid slips in, satisfaction dripping from him with a pleased moan as he wiggles in his seat. 

And Crowley is, as always, transfixed at the motion, the well-practiced puckering of his mouth. But instead of thoughts of ravishing, all he thinks of is Aziraphale's lips on his. Other demons would certainly laugh at him for wanting something so tender, almost holy in its nature, but he can't help it. And so he watches. It's become his favourite hobby, his obsession. 

Crowley’s mind is consumed with tasting it all on Aziraphale’s skin, delving his tongue into Aziraphale’s mouth to lap up every last trace of flavour until all that’s left is Aziraphale himself. He wants to remove every unworthy morsel that gets to luxuriate in Aziraphale’s mouth.  And then Aziraphale selfishly dabs the remnants away with a serviette.

**

It gets worse after the bomb drops, and then comes to a rolling stop. “You go too fast for me, Crowley.” He retreats. He feels disgusting, predatory, and doesn’t see Aziraphale again for a while.

**

It’s a Tuesday, which is nothing special in and of itself, but Crowley and Aziraphale are together again. Well, dining together, as they do for almost every meal lately with trouble looming on the horizon and who knows how much time they have left.

It’s the only time Crowley really humours that oh-so-mortal necessity, and if he’s being honest - which he compulsively is around Arizaphale (just not always out loud) - he still wouldn’t mind being together in other ways too.

Crowley sips gingerly from his own teacup, the closest he'll get to eating today. The noise of food distracts too much from Aziraphale, unsettling crunching and munching and saliva-slick chewing like cud. He drinks Aziraphale in with his eyes, and it's all the sustenance he needs. 

The corners of Aziraphale's mouth quirk and Crowley watches his lips form his name, and then again, which sends a tingle up his curved spine. It takes a third concerned Crowley, dear for him to snap back to attention and look Aziraphale in the eyes. 

"Hm? Sorry, what were you saying?" 

"I was asking if you'd like to go for a stroll after lunch." 

Walking makes it much harder for Crowley to watch Aziraphale, but it's closer than having a table between them and that's something he will always be amenable to. "Where to?" He asks, not that the destination matters because he would follow Aziraphale anywhere. 

**

It’s a random Thursday after the not-Apocalypse and this time Crowley is alone in his vast apartment. Away from the forces of hell and their energy, his anger has dissipated. His plants grow just as well, as vibrant and luscious as ever. Though they still tremble out of muscle memory, Crowley hasn't yelled at them in weeks. 

He waters them with flowing wrist movements, more akin to a barista making patterns in foam than a demon doing, well, anything. It’s methodical, meditative. And it’s the only thing keeping him sane right now.

Crowley is in a self-imposed exile. He feels on the verge of making a mistake, of slipping up in front of Aziraphale. His gaze has been too intense as of late and he needs these moments of privacy to centre himself before their meals, their jaunts, their too-late-in-the-night drinks in the bookshop. 

He puts the watering can away and drapes himself over the charcoal sheets of his bed, smooth and slippery as his own true skin. Crowley drags his hands down his face, covering his eyes as he rubs the inner duct with his fingers, and then ghost over his mouth. His thoughts are back to Aziraphale. Damn it. (Bless it?) 

He holds his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger, playing with the delicate, pliable skin, and wonders again what Aziraphale would be like. Crowley imagines carding his fingers through Aziraphale’s lamb-soft hair and capturing his mouth. He wants to feel teeth on his skin and to open the Angel’s mouth with his long tongue, to utterly devour him. 

But his mind never strays from Aziraphale’s mouth, never ventures away from the plumpness of those lips. He wants to worship at the throne of them, lay offerings of decadence on an altar to them, and revel in the liturgies they spout. Aziraphale has been the only one to utter kindnesses to him without motive, not once in 6000 years has he demanded anything of Crowley or made him feel lesser than. 

He might just die if he doesn’t kiss Aziraphale soon, and that would land him right back on Hell’s doorstep. 

**

Mere hours later, Crowley finds himself back in Aziraphale’s sitting room behind the bookshop. The Angel is pulling out a slate tray piled high with pleasures for his senses: jams, candied walnuts, ripe figs, medjool dates, apple slices, brie, port salut, garlic and herb boursin, smoked gouda with a deep brown rind, ricotta smothered in local honey, and toasted slices of baguette, with a pomegranate, feta, and rocket salad. 

He’s careful in his movements and glides effortlessly to place it on the low coffee table, not a single item shifting under his grasp. Crowley sits, restlessly shifting as red zinfandel swirls in his glass and stirs when Aziraphale sits down right next to him, sinking into the plush couch. 

Aziraphale cuts a wedge of brie with a slotted knife, and lays it on a slice of toasted baguette with sour cherry jam, and offers it to Crowley who politely declines. It crunches under Aziraphale’s teeth and he breathes out a sigh of relief as he chews. His tongue darts out to collect the crumbs and Crowley is captivated by it.

Crowley waivers for a moment, then gives in. “Actually, can I-,” he’s surprised at himself for even considering it, but he needs the distraction and it would feed his fantasies for another decade. “I’d like to try a piece. Whichever is your favourite.” Whichever tastes most like you, he means.

Aziraphale inclines his head. Crowley rarely ever does more than drink in his presence, but ever the gracious host Aziraphale moves to select the proper cheese. “I dare say I can’t really pick a favourite of these,” his eyes flicker back to Crowley, curious, and ultimately he decides to play it safe with a cube of the smoked gouda. “This, um, this is a Dutch cheese, wonderful for snacking on if I do say so myself. Sturdy but creamy enough to break away in your mouth, and the darker the rind is the better.” Aziraphale had spent several years in the last century hopping from country to country on the Continent, sampling various wares between bestowing virtues, and became himself quite the connoisseur. 

Aziraphale plucks up a cube of the smoked gouda and with a slight tremor raises it up for Crowley to take from him. Instead, Crowley is already leaning forward with his eyes closed and lips parted, patiently waiting, and Aziraphale freezes. He’s never seen Crowley like this before, so exposed and vulnerable to him, at least not while inhabiting a body. Then he continues, afraid he might startle Crowley if he moves too fast. 

Crowley’s forked tongue pokes out as though he’s about to receive holy communion, and Aziraphale gently places it down. Crowley is tugging it into his mouth, wrapping his lips around it, but Aziraphale hasn’t let go yet, and suddenly two of his fingers find themselves tucked into a wet heat. The tongue swirls around them and Crowley is astonished that he enjoys the flavour, letting out a shocked moan. Then confusion is crossing his brow at the size and shape of the intrusion, and he opens his eyes wide. Crowley’s jaw goes slack, the forgotten cheese tumbling into his lap, and sputters.

“A- Ange-- Aziraphale, I…” And Crowley doesn’t know what to say, he can’t think. Well no, that’s not true. He can’t think about anything else but the taste of Aziraphale and his mind has stammered as much as his voice. “I’m sorry,” he finally manages in panic.

Aziraphale feels just as nervous, and confused, and… and then his eyes are locked on Crowley’s lips, glistening with saliva, and his own breath starts coming fast. The world fades away and a puzzle piece clicks in his head. This act, this behaviour, he recognises it from all the times he has spent with Crowley, being watched like he is the centre of the universe. “Don’t go,” he asks, pleads, wants. 

And Crowley stops. 

And Crowley feels himself hoping at the expression he sees mirrored on Aziraphale’s face. 

And Crowley waits.  

“Why?”

“I love you, Crowley.”

“You’re an Angel,” he says matter-of-factly. “You love everything.”

“But I choose you.”

They meet somewhere in the middle. Aziraphale’s hands are cradling Crowley’s face, and Crowley’s hands are split between Aziraphale’s hair and the top of his shoulder. Their noses touch as they share the same breaths of air, hesitating at the all-too-real feeling of it under their palms. 

Crowley’s bottom lip is starting to quiver as he tilts his head, and he fights fights fights against the voice in his head and replaces its words with Aziraphale’s. I love you. He loves you. Not Crawly the underling, the traitor to Heaven, but Crowley the self-named being, the friend. 

And Crowley falls, overcome with a love he can at last show. His lips part and he closes the distance between them, melting into Aziraphale and shedding his past. Aziraphale is his future, his present, his everything, and he will devote lifetimes to showing him that.

[puckyeahmightyducks]

NaNoWriMo 2019

Yup. Doing it again! You can friend me here if you’d like and we can cheer each other on! To whet all of our appetites for the story ahead, here’s a scene from last year’s NaNo. I’m still working on this story and not ready to release it, but I like this scene and feel it’s pretty decent for not being edited. Enjoy! Location: Infirmary Setup: Wildwing was badly injured and is now incapacitated. He doesn’t handle medical things well... Words: 1699

Wildwing tried to lay still. He kept his eyes closed, refusing to look around him and confirm again what he already knew. He was in the infirmary. Doctors had operated on him. And he was somehow going to have to endure weeks of letting them touch him, poking and prodding like he was some lab experiment.

It was easier to keep his eyes closed and ignore it all. Whatever they gave him to help dull the pain made sleep easier to reach.

As much as his logical mind tried to shout over the chaos of the panic wrapped around him, he could not listen to it. These were his friends. He knew Dr. Lowes for a year and she had been nothing but professional with them.

The last time this had happened, everyone died.

Everyone.

He should have too.

Why was he cursed to live?

0000

Nosedive sighed in boredom. He knew staying in here wasn’t healthy, but he’d do it for Wildwing. It was too quiet in here. The television Tanya kept in the infirmary was too small and watching movies on it majorly sucked. He’d already read and reread the latest comics issues he’d bought and it would be another two weeks before the next issues came out.

He glanced at his brother and tried to keep the flashbacks at bay. Counting his breaths while tapping his thigh helped ground him to the present.

Frustrated, he got out of his chair and started doing push ups.

Kathy looked up from her book when he started exercising.

“You don’t have to stay in here,” she said. “If you want to go to the gym, that’s okay. I can keep an eye on him.”

“No.” He didn’t stop.

“Okay…” She watched him for several minutes, impressed at his stamina. “You know, I’m kind of bored.”

“Then do something.” He switched to sit ups.

“Okay.” She set her book down, kicked off her shoes, and lay down on the floor next to him. She started doing sit ups and matched his pace.

He paused, elbows on knees at watched her.

“We stopping now?” she said, coming to a stop too.

“What are you doing?”

“Something.”

“I didn’t mean sit ups.”

“It’s almost the end of my eight hour shift and other than changing his dressings, there’s not exactly a lot to do. And I’ve been missing my daily runs.”

“You know we’ve got a gym down here, right?”

“How about you and I go work out together when my shift is over?”

“No.” He shook his head and stood, then went back to his chair and sat down.

“Why are you so determined not to leave this room?”

“I have my reasons.”

“Care to share them?”

He crossed his arms and stared at her.

“You know,” she tilted her head to the side. “I usually don’t think you and Wildwing look anything alike. But that? Yeah, I see it.”

He rolled his eyes and dropped his arms to his sides before slouching down in the chair.

“You hungry?”

“No.”

Wildwing snorted and opened his eyes.

“You’re always hungry,” he said.

“Oh, sure. Now you stop pretending to sleep,” Nosedive mocked. “And for your information, I ate… Uh.” He scratched his head in thought. “Yesterday? I think.”

“Oh, look,” Kathy rolled over the tray of cold toast and fruit from when Mallory had brought them breakfast this morning, “Breakfast.” She held the plate of toast out to him.

Wildwing tried pushing himself into a sitting position and Nosedive and Kathy helped him. He pulled away from Kathy’s touch, only allowing his brother to assist. She didn’t let that stop her and grabbed the pillows from the next bed to help prop him up.

Glancing at the time, Kathy realized it was time to check his vitals again. Thankfully, the wonderful machine Tanya had built made this so much easier than it would have been in a regular hospital. She pressed the buttons at the console at the foot of the bed and wrote down his blood pressure, heartbeat, temperature, and blood oxygen level. His oxygen level was still much lower than she’d like to see, but it was just above the mark to require oxygen.

“How are you feeling?” she asked him.

Wildwing’s response was the typical impassive gaze.

“Dude, seriously.” Nosedive scolded.

“Fine,” he said.

“I doubt that.” Kathy checked the amount of fluid left in his IV bag and decided they could wait a little longer before she switched it out for another one. “But I’ll take your word for it.”

“Want to watch anything on TV?” Nosedive asked.

Wildwing half shrugged.

“Want me to get another book and read to you?”

He shrugged again.

“Then we’ll just sit here in silence.”

Nosedive couldn’t sit still for much longer. He tapped out the melody to Sienna’s Song on his thigh. It’d been a while since he’d had a chance to practice the piano. There was a keyboard in his room, but he didn’t want to leave to get it.

Duke chose that opportune moment to enter.

“Hey, just checking in on you lot,” he said. “I’m getting lunch together in a bit. Sandwiches good or you want leftovers from last night?”

“Whatever’s easiest for you,” Kathy said. “Thank you.”

“Um, yeah. I don’t really care.”

“Ashe mast,” Wildwing said.

“We can start you on a clear liquids diet next week,” Kathy said. “Until then, you get to be a plant and photosynthesize your nutrients.”

“Hey, could you grab me my keyboard?” Nosedive asked.

“Sure. Where is it?”

“Should be under the couch in my room.” He didn’t bother telling Duke the code to the room. He’d let himself in with or without it. Besides, he couldn’t remember if he’d locked the door or not,

“Alright. Back in a bit.” With that, the gray drake left.

Kathy turned on the television to the home and garden channel and left the volume on low. They all watched a bearded man explain how to use a quarter to check if floor tiles had been laid correctly.

When Duke returned, he had balanced the two plates of food on top of several music books that were on the keyboard.

Kathy took both plates of food off it while Nosedive took the instrument and set up the stand for it that had been folded underneath. Once he had that set up, he turned it on and scooted his chair closer to it. Kathy moved his plate from that morning on the rolling table and made room for his current lunch.

“You need to eat,” Duke reminded, eying the neglected breakfast.

“I’ve gone longer without food.” Nosedive flipped through the music books that Duke had brought. He already knew most of these, but that was okay. He was more interested in something easy to play right now. Selecting one of the simpler pieces, he started playing Doll by Helen Jane Long. The Porcelain music was for classical piano, deep and mournful, but not too difficult.

“Yeah, when it wasn’t available. Now you’ve got it, so eat.” He gestured to the tomato, cucumber, dill, shrimp, and cream cheese sandwich he’d made.

Wildwing smiled and actually looked calmer when the music filled the room. Duke quietly sat on the bed Nosedive slept in and Kathy ate in silence.

The keyboard’s song mimicked a piano well enough and Nosedive’s skillful playing entranced them all. He moved from one piece to the next, playing straight through the book.

Carol came in for her shift when Nosedive was halfway through the last piece in that book. He stopped when she entered.

“Hm?” Wildwing woke up again as the music stopped. The peaceful, sleepy expression vanished when he saw Carol.

“Hey,” Carol greeted. “Dr. Maps, reporting for duty.” She saluted as if she were in the military.

“Almost,” Kathy smiled. “I’ll call you doctor once you’ve actually graduated. Come on, let’s get these bandages changed; then I’m going for a swim and nap!”

Nosedive carried the keyboard to an open spot against the wall and set it there before returning to his seat. He sighed and stood to Wildwing’s right, resting a hand on his shoulder. He really hoped his brother didn’t panic again.

Wildwing’s breathing had already become shallower and quicker. His whole body was tense, shaking both from the injuries and fear.

“It’s okay, Bro,” he tried to soothe. “It won’t last long.”

“Hey, I’m here too,” Duke added, circling around where Kathy had maneuvered her stool to the abdominal wound so she could change the dressings and bandage. He stood by his leader’s right shoulder, hoping to block his view of what the doctor and nurse were doing.

Wildwing squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head towards Nosedive. He whimpered when they began carefully removing the plastic from the wound and lightly dabbed on more medicated ointment. A putrid stench assaulted their noses when it was exposed to the air.

“Gah,” Nosedive gagged. “That can’t be good…”

“Actually, it’s fine,” Kathy said. She somehow didn’t react to the smell at all. “The viscera looks good and red. That’s normal.” She inspected the hole in his side a little closer. “We’ve got some weeping here, but that’s to be expected. I’d say it’s healing well.”

Carol handed her the supplies as she worked efficiently to clean and redress the injury. From there, they did the same to the smaller, more shallow cuts on his arms and chest.

Wildwing silently endured their attention. He couldn’t relax even when they were done. Every muscle refused to let go of the tension.

“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” Duke patted his shoulder. “You didn’t even try to run this time. I’d say that’s an improvement.”

Wildwing covered his eyes with his right hand.

“Just leave me alone,” he begged.

Duke patted his shoulder twice before stepping away.

“You got a com on the table right there. You need me for anything, you know how to reach me.” He left the infirmary.

Carol took the seat Kathy had vacated and pulled over the rolling table she had set her textbooks on. She began studying while Nosedive returned to his bored TV watching.

[meolcwifes]

I played Alone Among the Stars and had a nice time!

//BEGIN RECORDING: 20:24 SSC 15/03/35

//THIS IS THE LOG OF SOJOURNER KESTREL VISH.

+ Made planetfall as the suns set; after making camp, I set out under the light of the close-orbiting moon to investigate bands of phosphorescence visible 1.5 miles off, over hard terrain (dry, rocky bluff interspersed with 'hoodoos' eroded by wind). After ascending nearby escarpment, it becomes clear that phosphorescence is a property of certain strata of the rock formations themselves.

+ have followed river from its headwaters in the bluffland, and established base of ops. in high-sided canyon. Where higher elevations dry, lifeless, this area thrives; thick stands of fleshy plant life, fern-trees upward of 20' in height. Veins of sap seem to carry residual phosphorescent properties found in minerals deposits, river silt.

+ Caught my eye as I stopped for meal. further downriver I have found the remnants of some kind of construction: a low dome-shaped structure topped by a platform, reachable by stairway. All built of dry red-veined stone (abundant around river). Platform dominated by stone ring, roughly human-height in its aperture; study reveals its opening to align with the rise of the moon.

+ On leaving my leafy canyon, I find myself in dry hills again. Rounding a bend, I am faced suddenly with another ruined structure: carefully designed to blend into the land around it, a ciruclar area paved in stone bricks, surrounded by what appear to have been towers. The complex strongly reminiscent of small spaceport.

+ The weather has grown hot, and I have retreated to another river-canyon. This is forested with 'trees' like huge, swaying, coiling rosemary bushes. After much difficulty I manage to climb the ropey branches to harvest the fruit I see growing in the upper canopy. Thick and oblong, edible, something like a fibrous cucumber in texture. Sweet, somewhat peppery flavour.

+ Planet listing entered into Ekumenical Database as planet 'Sapsorrow' - name pending ratification. __________

+ Planetfall; fierce windstorm makes landing difficult. I make contact with small outpost of genemod settlers. Their aircraft shepherd me through storm, and the community gives me hospitality.

+ My first venture out of my hosts' territory cut short; their homestead is located on a volcanic 'island' in the middle of a hot sulphur lake.

+ After breakfast and tending to repairs on the ship, I catch my first sight of native life on the planet: an airborne plantform, something like a vast sail of kelp suspended in a 'rigging' of roots and held aloft by this world's forceful air currents.

+ Planet registered in Database under inhabitants' name: planet 'Ciuciush' - indigenous identification, ratification unnecessary. _________

+ Touched down on a black outcrop of rock near the equator - planet distant from sun, largely icebound - made camp on ridge overlooking the rough blue field of a glacier. From out my viewport as I made tea, I spotted the blackened wreck of what looks like an old transmition aerial, projecting from the ice. No signs of construction around me otherwise.

+ Surveying the glacier; I didn't see them at first - my snow goggles limiting the range of my vision - but I heard the whirr of their motorsledge. A research team from the Polis-Worlds. They crewed the station whose aerial I saw yesterday, before a fire consumed it and much of their assembled data; they make for another station on the far side of the mountains.

+ I am travelling with the researchers now; I haven't room in the ship to carry them, but the sledge moves faster now we've moved what supplies we can onboard. Progress impeded today by an unexpected ice barrier - the glacier's surface is variously pitted and upthrusting into weird daggers many storeys high. Tove - a geologist - and I climb one to get a better view. We'll have to go around the rough ice - at least a half day of travel.

+ As we progress along the spine of ice, we find that some of the pits contain liquid water - unusual! We refill our stocks.

+ Scouting ahead, Tove and I find the bare framework of another transmitter. 'The original survey team put down around here', she says. 'I thought they were further from us, though'. Ekumenical contact was apparently first made 20 SSY ago; Tove and her team are part of the ratification effort.

+ The descent from the glacier is exhausting. We are forced to disassemble the sledge; I ferry goods down in Penelope's Loom, but much of the journey is still a hard, dangerous climb. We are successful. Two days later: we have reached the research base. I manage a goodbye to Tove and my comrades of the past several days before they are consumed by a series of debriefings.

+ Planetary designation: Mahler. Ratification ongoing. __________

+ The skies here are thick with swarms of insects, hovering like flocks of starlings. They coat every surface with a tarry substance, which has found its way onto the Loom's exterior almost immediately. I have spent the morning attempting vainly to clear the viewports of the stuff.

+ Scanners reveal something on the lakebed; with great difficulty I fight through the thick skin of swarm-secretion which floats on the surface. It clogs my breathing apparatus, clings to my limbs. Not until get below it can I clean myself off, relying on oxygen backup. I am rewarded with the sight of a majestic stone sculpture: an enormous, beautiful face, its features human but made uncertain by erosion. Patches of mosaic scintillate under my searchlight.

+ The waters of this world hide such beauty. In a caldera lake, the surface clear of the omnipresent bugs of the lowlands, I find another statue. Tiled in long red oblongs, a huge human figure; the position of their arms evokes something ritual, prayerlike. The people of the world were or are truly wonderful artists.

+ Took water samples from a channel cutting through the highland rock. As I take a break from rowing, I spot through the water a trio of tiled figures, deep at the bottom and surrounded by a garden of tissuelike vegetation. I will miss this place.

+ Listing entered into Ekumenical Database: planet 'Monumence' - name pending ratification. ___________

+ Planetfall at mountain peak - atmosphere at lower elevations dangerously thick. A low stone wall rings the area, hemming in the mountaintop like an ancient fortress.

+ Pausing during the preparation of my landing and camp site, I see dark outlets carved into the cliffs above me. Perhaps the mountain *is* a fortress?

+ At night, the snow turned green under the hazy light of the moon as it filters through the atmosphere, the Loom is rocked by something outside. A small herd of animals: quadrupedal, avian, long-legged. At least 10' at the shoulder. The nuzzle the warm ground around the ship, perhaps for food.

+ I inspect something which I took initially to be a flying creature, but which has hung in the same place the last three days. It is an aerial structure; no sign of habitation - merely a lonely metal shell, a bunker in the sky. Its engine and means of staying in the air are opaque to me.

+ Though my record of this world is incomprehensive, I feel deeply uncomfortable here and have decided to leave. There is a presence that I do not like, and feel to have intruded upon.

+ Planet logged in Ekumenical Database: designation 'Broch' - name pending ratification. This article lacks physical data. __________

[ofcloudsandstars]

✧ . 🌸Beltane Solitary Rituals🌸 *✧

Bluebells are popping through the freshly sprouted glass, blossom petals litter the streets and flowers burst open to bloom on every lawn and ceramic pot as we approach the pinnacle of Spring. The time of the Spring Crossquarter, Beltane, is upon us! It's time to re-pot house plants and give them plant food, sow seeds in the garden, sow seeds of intention and give back to nature. Beltane is nested perfectly within the earthly season of Taurus and near Earth Day and I feel like it's a second earth day for pagans and witches.

Beltane is the sabbat that mirrors Samhain, though it's celebration is completely opposite (fertility and life vs death and the end) it has the same intensity of the Halloween festival. Instead of spirits, it's the fae that is out and about, mad with excitement at the stirring earth, causing pranks, confusion, hayfever and mischief to their victims as pre festival activities as they prepare for their grand fairy queen ball. With other witches I've celebrated this by dressing up as a fairy or spirit of nature which felt a lot like a halloween yet more etheral and mysterious than spooky, yet this post is for solitary witches that don't have their own community to do a whole fairy ball with.

A lot of witches practice alone and have our own solitary rituals for each sabbat that we observe (or the ones we’ve created just for ourselves that we observe alone!) Like any solitary eclectic witch I do things my own different way but some of these things might line up with others practices. I do refer to some of the equinoxes/solstices/crossquarters by their celtic sabbat names but I celebrate them in a secular animist way and treat the wheel of the year I celebrate as more of an agrarian cycle and celebrating nature. I use sabbat names as a point of reference and also people that do celebrate these witches sabbats more traditionally might find value in my personal practice!  Here is my personal correspondences post and my personal Beltane tag!

When I am alone and casting spells a lot of it is visualization/intent so my solitary rituals are more like activities I like to do then specifically casting a spell. If I am doing a spell with an activity based on it a lot would be listening to music to get in the mood and focusing on a candle while visualizing for a period of time! Eves are also important to my celebration as I like to stay up until midnight to cast a spell then!

Spring Crossquarter’s Eve

Monday, April 30th 2018

Clean litter around your area This is a great excuse to go on a nature walk and enjoy the wonderful spring weather, yet also please the spirits of nature and make our green spaces more enjoyable and safe for the beings that live in it. Wear some gloves and help clean up!

Enjoy snacks while doing crafts like green pepita seeds, red radishes, gummy worms, pixie sticks, chocoshrooms, unicorn inspired anything, fairy floss, kale chips etc!

Watch Fairy Films while doing crafts There are some movies I hardcore associate with this sabbat. Those being: Strange Magic, Thumbelina, LABYRINTH, fern gully and stardust. They help to get you in the spirit!

Make LED flower lights If you are feeling creative and want to cover your space in glowing flowers you should try this craft! If you can get fabric tulips I think the process would be easier and quicker since you wouldn't have to layer.  

Flower tealight bowl If you still want flowers but don't have too much time for crafts, get a bouquet of flowers and cut their stems off. In a wide glass bowl, fill it half way with water, and float the flowers on top. Add tealight candles to light up the piece.

Make paper flowers I have so many of these DIYs saved and they are super pretty. You can add LED's inside too and have large paper flowers glowing in your space! ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 )

attach them to a branch! ( 1 , 2 )

make garland  

Hang chimes! Enjoy the fairy festivity by hanging twinkling chimes! It’s a low energy activity that can make the space feel wonderful. Open the windows to let in some sweet spring air and have the chimes twinkle.

Make Flower Water! Simmer lavender petals or rose petals in a pot of water. If it's edible you can use the water in cooking but if not you can use the water as a cleansing wash and to elevate the energy! Get a perfume bottle to put rose water in and mist the air in your space.

Midnight

This night is known as witches night and often has been an evening for ritual dancing and witches flight. It's also a good night to do attraction magic

Bloom Focus on what you'd want to bloom and grow further in your life. Whisper your wishes to the flowers outside and sprinkle full moon water on them as an offering.

Attraction Magic This time of the year things start to speed up and it's easier to get certain outcomes, people or resources to come to you. Use this evening to do spells to attract what you need to create an ideal summer. Candle magic (Bonus if it's floral ) would make a great attraction charm especially for the element of fire on this festival and that you can carve your wishes onto it.

Sex Magic This is a festival of fertility and deep fiery creative manifesting energy. It can pull on the lower energy pools of the body. If you are comfortable with that part of yourself you can tap into that energy and the energy of the stirring earth with masturbation and using it to manifest what you want. Before hand meditate and visualize what you want to manifest. While climaxing focus your energy on that and you will release powerful energy towards that spell while orgasming. You can also charge charms and sigils this way. You can use safe tumbled crystal eggs and 'massage' wands (I always stick to quartz based minerals or glass products since those don't dissolve in water), anoint yourself with oils, burn rose incense, take a self indulging floral bath with flower petals to seduce yourself before hand, light candles, there's a lot of magical tools and magic in general to incorporate into this ritual. It's very self indulging and all about making yourself comfortable and using your own unique energy (plus orgasming on the midnight of Beltane is a great way to bring in the festivity while alone haha).

Spring Crossquarter's Day

May 1st

Dress like a fairy or in florals I love to dress in florals or in flowery lace on this day. If possible you should dress up like a fairy or spirit of nature but if you have to be a functioning human in modern society not many places might accept that so a quieter way would be to dress floral. Wear a flower crown! Make a ribbon wand. Use your own colorology/color correspondences for the ribbons you pick. Tie ribbons in a braid in your hair for knot magic. Wear rose oil or any floral fragrance oil that is your favorite (I am obsessed with hyacinth).

Flower Essences A wonderful form of flower magic is flower essences. It's a gentle way to heal and transform your energetic and emotional body. Is there something you want to let go or manifest within yourself? You can look that up like (thing I want to do + flower essence) and the internet can give you a thorough list. (Examples can be resentment, anger issues, responsibility, courage, feeling loved etc). There are a lot of books on it but flower essence knowledge can be expensive to obtain which I personally find unfair since they can be helpful. A good book if you’d want to invest in it would be the flower essence repertory but google (for now) is free and you can just keep track of flower essence powers in your grimoire and google the ones you need. Find the flower ally that speaks to you the most, order that essence (Bach is the best company) and start today as the first day to take it and note your journey in your book of shadows.

Play fairy-like music I have instruments and music I associate with each sabbat and for Beltane it's harps. They sound graceful like fluttering wings and falling blossom petals. Here are a few soundtracks ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), fill your space with ethereal music!

Repot plants It's easy to get caught up in life and forget about your green best friends but I like to remember this day as a day to repot your house plants. They will love you and grow bigger and leafier due to it, it definitely honors the spirit of nature within the home and it's helpful to take time to remember to do this!

Make a butterfly feeder Butterflies have come out and about! Make butterfly feedersso they have get a tasty treat!

Make seed bombs Make bombs of local wild flowers (especially the kinds butterflies and bees need) and throw them around in empty grassy lots!

Do fun fairy inspired activities Such as making enchanted bubbles (add a teeny pinch of mica to make them sparkle but not too much or else they won’t hold and add floral fragrance to them) and blow them in a park, play pranks on people you don’t like such as stealing their shit and hiding it in some obscure place, eat sweets (bonus if it’s floral like rose, jasmine or lavender), read poetry and riddles.

Make delicious floral treats The easiest would be to make teas like rose, lavender, hibiscus or jasmine, you can make rose lattes as well (with a milk wand and hot milk with a dash of rose water) or steamed floral milk (pairs best with plant based milk like coconut, macademia or almond). Make floral buttercream to sandwich between cookies or decorate flowery cupcakes with. Enjoy flowery macarons if you don't have time to bake or add gelatin to floral teas on the eve (bonus if you have flowery cake molds to pour it into) to enjoy today.

Have a picnic under a flowering tree The weather is finally wonderful which makes this day a perfect day to celebrate under a blooming tree in a park. Bring spring picnic foods with you like cucumber sandwiches, radish salads, kale chips. Connect with the blossoming trees and do energy work with them. Charge yourself on a carpet of fallen petals on the ground laced with tree roots. Leave some food as offerings to the spirits of nature as well. Let bees and butterflies drink from your bottle cap.

Venture into the realm of nature and plants Massive disclaimer about psychadelics, if you don't know yourself well or don't trust yourself you should avoid them at all costs, but shrooms is incredible and the most wonderful experience if you use them only for sacred and spiritual practices. It attunes you to the realm of plants and the fae, trees will have messages to give you, you can see the earth breathing, the world is alive and we are all connected to this planet. You will remember people you love and you will feel loved, your ancestors will be surrounding you, you can hear the gossip among the fungi, you can feel the stars and planet's gravitational movements in the heavens. As wonderful as it can be, it can be dangerous though to people unfamiliar with it which leads me to say I'm only making this suggestion to the witches that have experience with it and understand it. Beltane is a day a lot of witches "travel" and often sometimes with the use of more intense tools way more complex and dangerous than mushrooms, but anyway on a day to honor blooming nature and the thriving earth, shrooms is an ideal tool to help you access that realm if you have a day off so you can be in a park under a flowering tree and cry over how beautiful tulips and moss are.

Walk barefoot on the earth If the weather is nice, take a walk in a grassy park  or in your yard barefoot. Feel the fertile ground charging your body with energy. Do a grounding ritual and some energy work!

Flower magic Like all plants, flowers are also kind and our allies and are wonderful to do magic with. Learn about the various flowers and what magic they are good in helping you with. Make friends with them, offer them water and sing to them. I made a post a while ago about flowers for love and friendship spells. You don't have to pick the flowers, it's best if they are kept alive or if you grow them. But if you happen to pass a florist or have them already picked, then you can use them in your physical spells as well!

Evening

Feast Cook yourself something lovely to celebrate the pinnacle of spring! A great and simple dish is artichokes since they are a lot to pick apart and eat and are a beautiful savory flower that pairs well with delicious salad dressings and vinaigrettes to dip into. Other wonderful dishes can be beet soup, roasted beet hummus with radish + cucumber and asparagus to dip, white asparagus, literally anything with black truffle on it, chive bread rolls, oyster mushrooms, snails with chive and garlic butter, chopped red cabbage salad, adirondack blue mashed potatoes, truffle risotto, something simple and leafy like a tossed spring salad with radishes and purple lettuce. Endives with chopped boiled eggs and roasted beets nested inside, duck with sugar glaze and fresh edible blossoms. Most countries don't have a midspring feast holiday so many people might not be familiar with midspring food ideas but there are a lot of beautiful and flowery dishes in season this time of year to enjoy alone! Not to mention the desserts! Lemon and lavender pound cake, rose meringues, floral parfaits, rose buttercream cakes, violet and chocolate brownies, lilac sugar dusted cookies, candied rose petals, sakura jellies etc. Bake yourself something wonderful and magical for dessert! Also if you like to drink while celebrating, try creme de violette mixed with anything whether it be rose prosecco, plain soda water or a light wheat beer. There are other wonderful cordials too such as elderflower (St. Germain) that you can mix with a white iced tea (or an elderflower iced tea), and rose and lavender syrups you can mix with soju and sodawater. If you love wines you should try a dandelion or rose wine or steep edible flowers in a light wine over the day to infuse!

Leave offerings to nature Leave a bowl of flower water outside, sprinkle native wild flower seeds, mist the plants or sing to the trees. Let earth know you still love and honor her. Leave any extra food you made to your guides that care about you.

[sherlysylvia1897]

How long will it take to see results with Turmeric Total Boost?

Is it safe to take turmeric every day?

If we say that we are going to talk about an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, you would surely read this far. But if we say that we are going to explain the properties of turmeric and that it is also the plant with whose root curry is made, and we include in the information that this spice is the basis of the preparation of Asian cuisine dishes, surely you will be interested in this article.

Because you have to know that turmeric is much more than a simple coloring or seasoning that will give our dishes flavor and exoticism. Turmeric provides us with dietary fiber, vitamins C, E and K, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, among other nutrients.

It is time for you to know the different properties of turmeric and you can apply them to improve your health and the appearance of your skin.

The properties of turmeric in the kitchen

Although you may not be aware of it, we are actually eating small amounts of turmeric in many of the foods we bring home from the supermarket.

As the European Union includes it within food additives, on the product label it does not appear as such but as E100. And in this way, we do find it in some types of cheeses or mustards and especially in curries whose proportion is 20%

For the kitchen, it is a natural product that is used as a colorant, especially in mustards. It is also common to use it as a substitute for saffron, and to give flavor and aroma to pastry and bakery products.

It gives an intense yellow color to stews and that special color to mustard.

The properties of turmeric

Use the properties of turmeric to make a salad dressing with flavor and color and taste a dish that will provide you with vitamin C from citrus fruits, Omega-3 from flax seeds and vitamin E from olive oil.

You need:

·       Olive oil (Four tablespoons)

·       Lemon juice (One tablespoon)

·       Orange juice (Two tablespoons)

·       Flax seeds (One tablespoon)

·       One teaspoon of turmeric.

·       A pinch of black pepper

How to use: dress the salad just at the time of serving to make the most of the vitamin C and, "Bon Appétit"

The properties of turmeric on a medicinal level

·       Properties of turmeric as a natural antiseptic as it helps accelerate the healing process of skin wounds.

·       Properties of turmeric as an antioxidant helping to delay cellular aging as it fights free radicals.

·       Properties of turmeric to control cholesterol levels, because it acts on the absorption of cholesterol that we eat.

·       Antibacterial properties of turmeric that allows us to have gums in good condition.

·       Properties of turmeric to prevent the formation of blood clots by improving blood circulation.

Due to its powerful healing properties, if we include turmeric in our diet, we can help keep many diseases at bay.

Besides acting as a natural tonic in states of exhaustion, it helps diabetics lower their blood sugar. For this reason, you can have a drink based on hot milk and a teaspoon of turmeric daily.

Turmeric for cancer

Curcumin is a promising candidate as a cancer treatment. It selectively kills tumor cells while leaving normal cells unharmed and works synergistically to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation when it is carried out.

Suggested dosage of turmeric consumption for general health

Most of us in Western countries are familiar with turmeric found in the dry spice section at the grocery store. But you can buy turmeric root in some product sections - it looks a lot like ginger, a "raw" plant that is another source of curcumin.

Suggested turmeric dosages for adults:

·       Fresh root: 1.5-3 grams per day

·       Dried, powdered root: 1-3 grams per day

·       Fluid extract (1: 1): 30-90 drops per day

·       Tincture (1: 2): 15-30 drops, 4 times a day

The recommended dosage for curcumin - a standardized powder supplement - is 400-600 mg, 3 times a day.

The properties of turmeric on a cosmetic level

·       We can use turmeric internally and on our skin.

·       Due to the moisturizing properties of turmeric, it is a perfect product to act against the dryness of our skin. But it will also enhance your appearance by restoring shine and radiance.

·       Turmeric acts against acne and reduces the presence of stretch marks.

Returns the shine to the skin of your face thanks to the properties of turmeric:

You need:

·       ¼ teaspoon of turmeric.

·       5 drops of lemon.

·       2 tablespoons of coffee with blended cucumber.

How to use:

Mix well all the ingredients. You just have to apply the mask on a clean face and leave it on for 10 minutes. To finish, wash your face with warm water.

Your hands can also benefit from the properties of turmeric:

You need:

·       One teaspoon of olive oil.

·       ¼ teaspoon of turmeric.

·       A cup of warm water.

How to use:

Mix the turmeric and olive oil well and then add them to the water. Put this liquid in a container where you can leave your hands submerged for 5 minutes. Afterwards, it will be enough to rinse them with warm water.

Uses of turmeric in the little ones:

And for the little ones, how can I make use of the properties of turmeric?

Children seem to be a powerful magnet to attract stains and because of their ability to play without rest, they also often bring bruises and a small cut home.

Applying turmeric powder will help support the healing process. We invite you to read this report on a r healing emedio turmeric with honey.

Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs. Together they help the body fight infections and other diseases. When germs such as bacteria or viruses invade your body, they attack and multiply. This is called an infection. The infection causes the disease that makes you sick. Your immune system protects you from the disease by fighting off the germs.

Turmeric Total Boost

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Soil Preparation: How Do You Prepare Garden Soil for Planting?

Vegetables need good soil for healthy growth and harvests. Well-prepared soil is the foundation of your entire garden—and gives you a jump-start on the season! In our guide to soil preparation, we’ll help you get to know your soil type, teach you how to improve your garden soil quality, and give your plants the very best start!

Gardening does not start with a seed in the ground. It starts with the soil. You can’t have healthy, productive plants without rich, soft soil that allows the roots to grow deep enough to soak up nutrients. 

You're reading: Soil Preparation: How Do You Prepare Garden Soil for Planting?

The good news? You can improve your soil with compost and organic matter. Rich soil literally has a life of its own with micro-organism activity (such as earthworms) that break down matter to release essential nutrients that plants need. Soil enriched with organic matter holds onto nutrients and moisture but drains well, loosens soil to create more oxygen for plants, and stablizes and anchors plant roots.

Spring Soil Prep: 3 Easy Steps

The last thing we want to do is overwhelm the beginner gardener! While we’re going to really “dig in” to full soil preparation below, here are 3 basic steps for spring:

Clear out rocks and debris. To dig up grass, use a spade to cut the sod into small squares and pry from the planting area with the end of the spade.

Loosen the soil. If it’s your very first garden, loosen soil to a depth at least 8 inches (12 is better) so that roots can reach down.

Adding Organic Matter: In the spring, if all you do remember is to add organic matter such as compost, that will get you off to a good start! Add on a day when the soil is moist but not wet. 

Spread a minimum of 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure onto your soil (and no more than four inches).

Many gardeners will dig the organic matter into the soil.

However, there’s also a no-dig philosophy to expose fewer weed seeds and not disturb the soil structure; simply leave the compost on the surface. Let the worms do the digging in for you!

To us, it really depends on the shape of your soil. In year one, if you have poor soil, we’d work in the compost. Or, if you have hard, compact soil, consider building a raised bed. Or, you could grow in planters and containers. 

Level the garden bed with a steel garden rake before planting. 

A couple other tips:

Warming Your Soil: If you live in a colder region, consider a raised garden bed to help wet, cold soils dry out and warm up more quickly. You can also cover your beds before planting with black plastic to cardboard to block light and protect it from snow, rain, and erosion.

Clearing Out Weeds: One method to get rid of weeds early—before planting time—is to lightly disturb the soil surface, then warm up the soil using sheets of clear plastic. Once the weed seedlings are up, pull them out or remove them with a hoe. Don’t dig up the soil, which will just bring new weed seeds to the surface—the idea is to just remove those that are already at the top.

Once you build a foundation of rich, dark, fertile soil, gardening will be “easier” the rest of the year and every year going forward! 

Digging Deeper: Know Your Soil

So, let’s learn more about YOUR soil and how it affects how plants grow. Do you have clay or sandy soil? Is your soil acidic or alkaline? Is it thin or rich in nutrients? We’ll review three important components:

Soil Type

Soil pH

Soil Nutrition

I. Soil Types

All soil is a mix of rocks that break down over time, mixed organic matter (dead plants and animals), and other microscopic things that plants need to survive.

There are three types of rock particles: large (sand), medium (silt), and small (clay). Usually, soil is a mix of these particles. The mix of particles will affect:

How water drains. Clay soil drains slowly and holds too much water. Sandy soil does not hold enough water, as it flows through too quickly.

How much oxygen plant roots get. Clay leaves little space if it gets compacted. 

How well the soil holds nutrients. Clay has tiny particles that hold nutrients, as does silt. With sand, nutrients flow through too quickly.

How quickly the soil will erode. Clay is sticky and sand is heavy, but light silt particles are more prone to erosion.

Clay Soil Very fine particles are slow to absorb moisture or to drain. Clay soil holds its shape when rolled into a ball. It can bake hard in summer and become waterlogged in winter. 

Read more: 29 easy garden ideas – simple, low-maintenance updates to transform your outdoor space

Sandy Soil Large particles that drain quickly. Sand does not hold onto nutrients very well, but warms up quickly in spring.

Silty Soil Smaller particles than sandy soils. A slightly slippery, floury feel. Holds onto moisture and nutrients for longer.

The perfect balanced soil is called “loam”

The ideal soil texture consists of equal parts of sand, silt, and clay; this type of soil is referred to as “loam” or “loamy.” Loamy soil has that perfect balance—it holds moisture but also drains well, allows oxygen to reach plants’ roots, and is rich in humus (organic matter). It’s fertile, easy to work, and contains plenty of organic matter.

Good garden soil crumbles easily. It will not form a hard ball when squeezed nor crack or crust over when dry.

So, how do you find out how much sand, silt, or clay is in your soil? 

The simplest and most generic method is the feel test; rub a moist sample of soil between your fingers. Sand will feel gritty, silt smooth, and clay sticky.

Another test is the ribbon test; with this test, squeeze a small, moistened ball of soil between your thumb and forefinger to create a ribbon. Sand or sandy soils won’t ribbon; loam, silt, silty clay loam, or clay loam soil ribbons less than 1 inch; sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, or clay loam ribbons 1 to 2 inches; and sandy clay, silty clay, or clay will ribbon more than 2 inches.

There are other tests you can do at home such as the jar test.

II. Soil pH

Whereas soil type was about particle size, soil pH is about nutrition and soil fertility. Soil pH affects plants’ growth because it affects the availability of nutrients and minerals in the soil, as well as how well a plant can access, absorb, and regulate these materials. A very high or very low soil pH will result in nutrient deficiency or toxicity, leading to poor plant growth.

A pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for most garden vegetables. This is the ideal range when microbial activity is greatest and plant roots can best access nutrients. However, many plants tolerate a wide range and certain plants have specific pH range preferences. Find a list of common garden plants and their pH preferences here.

Availability of Nutrients at Varying pH Values

This chart shows the availability of nutrients at different pH levels. Slightly acidic soil (6.0–6.5 pH) is best for most plants. Image by CoolKoom/Wikimedia.

III. Soil Nutrition

To quickly review, plants’ primary nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). On the package of a fertilizer, you’ll see these three values separated by dashes (N-P-K); the numbers of each nutrient indicate the percentage of net weight contained.

Nitrogen (N) promotes strong leaf and stem growth and a dark green color, such as desired in broccoli, cabbage, greens and lettuce, and herbs. Add aged manure to the soil and apply alfalfa meal or seaweed, fish, or blood meal to increase available nitrogen.

Phosphorus (P) promotes root and early plant growth, including setting blossoms and developing fruit, and seed formation; it’s important for cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes—any edible that develops after a flower has been pollinated. Add (fast-acting) bonemeal or (slow-release) rock phosphate to increase phosphorus.

Potassium (K) promotes plant root vigor, disease and stress resistance, and enhances flavor; it’s vital for carrots, radishes, turnips, and onions and garlic. Add greensand, wood ashes, gypsum, or kelp to increase potassium.

Learn more about NPK Ratio: What Do Those Numbers Mean?

A soil test will provide information about the level of nutrients available. Depending on the soil test you choose, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are the most common nutrients you will receive information about.

Get a Soil Test

It’s a good idea in the spring (or fall) to send of a soil sample for testing. That way, you’ll know if you need to add lime or sulfur to adjust pH.

As well as pH, a soil test will also tell you your soil type, what nutrients are missing, and how to improve your soil. Most university extension services provide soil testing for home gardeners. You can also probably purchased kits in garden stores or online. You just dig up a small amount of soil from a few places in your garden.

In terms of nutrition: You may find, for example, that your test indicates that your soil needs more potassium but absolutely no additional phosphorus. Your soil test will recommend what amendments to add.

In terms of pH: Perhaps you find out that your soil is too acidic (which is great for blueberries and azaleas, but not cabbage). Your soil test results will make recommendations to adjust your soil pH.  If your soil pH is too low (acidic), add garden lime to the bed. If your soil pH is too high (alkaline), add powdered sulfur to the soil.

Raising and lowering your pH does take time; once lime or sulfur is applied, it can take a year or more to see any movement in pH. Remember, you do not have to change your soil pH if you grow plants that tolerate the current pH of your soil. And never assume that you should add lime, sulfur, wood ash, or other amendments. Don’t make already alkaline soil even more alkaline with wood ash!

Improving Your Soil

Soil Amendments

Soil amendments are materials that are added to the soil in order to change it in some way. Often, they are used to improve the soil’s texture, nutrient content, or pH level. Amendments can be divided into two main categories: organic and inorganic.

Read more: Garden Line

Organic soil amendments include things like compost, aged manure, coconut coir, and wood ash.

Inorganic soil amendments include things like sand, perlite, lime, and vermiculite. 

Which amendments you use depends on what your soil needs. Here are some of the most common amendments and their functions:

Plant material: Leaves, straw, and grass clippings. Work material into the soil several months before planting to allow it time to decompose. 

Compost: Decayed plant materials such as vegetable scraps. Work it into the soil at least a few weeks prior to planting. Excellent soil conditioner that adds nutrients. May also lower soil pH.

Leaf mold: Decomposed leaves that add nutrients and structure to soil.

Aged manure: A good soil conditioner. Use composted manure and incorporate it into the soil well ahead of planting. Do NOT use fresh manure on vegetable gardens, as it can damage plants and introduce diseases. Note: Manures contain a higher concentration of salts, so use them more sparingly than you would other organic amendments, particularly in dry regions where salts won’t be leached away by rainfall. 

Coconut coir: A soil conditioner that helps soil retain water. This material is a more sustainable alternative to peat moss.

Bark, wood chips, and sawdust: These materials should be composted before being added to garden soil. Otherwise, they will rob the soil of nitrogen and, consequently, starve the plants of this essential nutrient.

Cover crops (green manure): Cover crops are more of a soil improvement technique than a soil amendment. Cover crops (such as clover, rye, or oats) are planted in the garden at the end of the growing season. They grow rapidly in the fall and are then worked into the soil in the spring. They often contain an abundance of nutrients and their roots can provide structure. Read more about using cover crops.

Topsoil: Usually used with another amendment to provide volume. Replaces existing soil.

Lime: Raises the pH of acidic soil. Only use if recommended by a soil test.

Sulfur: Lowers the pH of alkaline soil. Only use if recommended by a soil test.

Wood ash: Raises the pH of acidic soil. Only use if recommended by a soil test.

Amending With Organic Matter

As discussed above, the best way to make poor soil into perfect soil is to add nutrient-rich organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold.

The benefits of organic matter are countless! Adding organic matter…

…loosens tight clay soil to improve drainage and aeration, and release minerals.

…bulks up sandy soil to improve its water-holding capacity and nutrient retention.

…makes soil easier to dig and work with.

…moves soil pH towards a level ideal for most fruits and vegetables.

…provides a slow-release form of fertilizer across the season, reducing reliance on commercial fertilizers.

…supplies food for beneficial soil organisms (earthworms, insects, fungi, and beneficial bacteria), which not only convert organic matter into nutrients for plants, but also aerate the soil.

Fixing Different Soil Types

Once you know which type of soil you have in your garden, you can amend it properly. Remember, before adding any amendments, it’s a good idea to get a soil test done!

Here’s how to tackle each type of soil:

Sandy soil: Sandy soils dry out very quickly and don’t retain nutrients well. To fix this, work in 3 to 4 inches of organic matter (such as compost or well-rotted maure), as well as a material such as coconut coir, which will help with moisture retention. Mulch to retain moisture. In subsequent years, mix 2 inches of compost into the soil each fall. Using cover crops and then working them into the soil can also help to provide structure in sandy soils.  

Clay soil: Clay soils hold too much water, and the small particle size of the clay allows it to quickly become compacted and clumpy. To amend clay soil, start by adding 3 to 4 inches of compost to make it more workable. Each year thereafter, mix an additional 1 inch of compost into the soil in the fall. Fibrous materials such as straw or fine bark mulch will add more structure to clay soils, too. Contrary to popular belief, amending clay soil with sand will only result in tough, concrete-like soil! Minimize tiling.  Or, just use raised beds.  

Silty soil: Silty soils hold water and nutrients, but are more susceptible to erosion. If you have silty soil, add 1 inches of organic matter every year to improve the texture. Avoid tilling as much as possible and compacting the soil. Or, just use raised beds.  

Loam: Loam is the ideal mix of all three soil types and will likely not need significant amending to get it ready for planting. Nevertheless, if a soil test does show a lack of nutrients, adding organic matter will improve the soil and give your plants a boost.

Too Much of a Good Thing

As with anything, adding too much organic matter can be detrimental! Too much organic matter can rapidly increase microorganism activity, which uses up available nitrogen and affects soil pH. Aim to have organic matter make up about ¼ of your soil mixture overall and thoroughly mix it into your existing soil.

How to Add Organic Matter

Ideally, you’ll add organic matter in the fall. By the spring, worms will have done a great job incorporating most of that organic matter into the soil. If you are looking to amend your soil in the spring, you can do so as soon as the soil is workable.

How do you know when the soil is workable?

Take a handful of soil from a depth of about 6 inches and squeeze it in your hand to form a ball. If the soil crumbles through your fingers, then it is dry enough to work. If the soil forms a ball that falls apart on its own or when you press it with your thumb, then the soil is dry enough to work. However, if the ball retains its shape or your thumb just leaves an indentation, the soil is too wet to work. Wait a few days and check the soil agan. 

To add organic matter:

Pour enough organic matter on your garden so it can be spread to a depth of at least 2 inches. Do not add more than a 4-inch layer. With a garden fork, mix the organic matter into the top 6 to 8 inches of existing soil. Make sure it is well combined and spread evenly!

Continue to add organic matter each season during soil preparation to build and maintain the soil. Be patient; it may take several seasons of amendments until the soil is loamy.

After amending the soil, it’s best to water well and then check the soil moisture.

Let a window of at least two weeks pass between when you add organic matter and when you plant.

Before planting, rake the soil clean and level it. Remove all fallen sticks, rocks, and other material. Now you’ll be ready to plant!

A Note on Raised Beds

If you’re struggling with your soil, another option is raised garden beds. With raised beds, you control the soil that you put in the bed. Whether you decide to plant directly in the ground or in a raised bed, make sure that you don’t walk on your newly amended soil or it will get compacted. The general rule is to make sure a bed is no wider than four feet—or has a garden path—so that you don’t walk on the soil. See how to build a raised bed.

Raised beds also help in colder climates to advance your growing season by a couple weeks. Speed things along by covering the beds with something light-blocking and non-porous like black plastic anchored down with rocks. If you’re not keen on plastic, you could lay old salvaged windows over the bed. At minimum, we like to cover our beds with cardboard or old carpet remnants to keep weeds from growing.

Free Online Gardening Guides

We’ve gathered all of our best beginner gardening guides into a step-by-step series designed to help you learn how to garden! Visit our complete Gardening for Everyone hub, where you’ll find a series of guides—all free! From selecting the right gardening spot to choosing the best vegetables to grow, our Almanac gardening experts are excited to teach gardening to everyone—whether it’s your 1st or 40th garden.

Got an over-spent or neglected field you want to turn into a garden? Read our article about reclaiming your garden soil.

Source: https://livingcorner.com.au Category: Garden

source https://livingcorner.com.au/soil-preparation-how-do-you-prepare-garden-soil-for-planting/

[seedtolife-yt]

Gardeners in you must be very excited as the spring has begun. I know I’m. I can’t wait to get outside to see new surprises in my garden. All the seedlings have started sprouting and spring flowers are blooming. As the temperatures have started rising, to stay hydrated we can grow some juicy watermelons.

History of Watermelons

Did you know that watermelons are ancient fruits that are being cultivated since prehistoric times? They were growing in wild in the Kalahari desert in Africa. Those fruits were not sweet-tasting like today’s watermelons. They were also found in the tombs of Egypt at multiple archaeological sites. These discoveries show that watermelon was being cultivated since ancient times. Inner green and bitter parts gradually were replaced with red mellow parts by selective breeding and advances in agricultural technology. Seedless watermelons were discovered by Japanese scientist Professor H. Kihara.

Growing Climate

Watermelons grow well in a tropical and temperate climate. Last year, I grew some baby watermelons in a container. Usually, summer in my region is harsh and the temperature is consistently is above 100°F. It affects even heat-loving plants like watermelons. But last year, I installed a quick homemade trellis in a 17-gallon container and I could enjoy a refreshing harvest.

The benefits of growing watermelons in containers

You can control the amount of space it occupies and also the amount of water. Watermelons like consistent watering. Perfectly watered watermelons are sweeter in taste with juicy pulp.

Also, you can protect the plants better by covering them using either a tarp or shade clothe during constant rain and extreme summer heat if the plant is contained.

Keeping watermelon plants potted and growing them vertically also saves a lot of space. Planting them in the ground occupies a considerable amount of space since if grown directly in the ground the recommended spacing between two plants is about 6 feet. If you have a big yard then it is not a problem but for urban gardeners, potted plants work the best.

The plant is a creeping branching vine. The tendrils are the coiled structures that easily grab onto the trellis helping the vine grow upwards. With the plants wrapping around on the trellis, a beautiful vertical structure can be created in the garden. The vines still can get unruly like a toddler and try to wrap onto the branches of the adjacent plants. So you may need to keep guiding them and if you choose a big fruit variety you may even need to support the fruit to ensure that it doesn’t break off of the vine.

When grown vertically in containers, it is easier to protect fruits from animals. I have seen a friend of mine was growing watermelon and rodents used to nibble on the fruits.

Growing Watermelons in the Ground

When grown in the ground watermelons can act as a ground cover, somewhat like a mulch, and retain moisture in the ground. The fruits may need extra protection to keep them dry. You can use some straw, cardboard or readymade stands to keep them away from the ground and getting damaged by moisture.

The harvest is definitely bigger if watermelons are grown in the ground as plants can grow unrestricted.

You can grow bigger varieties easily in the ground.

Why choose a Small Fruit Variety?

If you have decided to grow watermelon in containers then I would recommend picking a small fruit variety like baby watermelons. They mature faster compared to the regular varieties.

If you have a small family then it is better to grow these tiny varieties because you don’t have to worry about storing the leftover fruit after cutting it open.

If you want to avoid sweet fruits for some reason then smaller fruits are better for potion control.

Soil Requirement/ Sun Requirement/

Watermelon like the soil well-draining sandy loam and moist with pH between 6–7 i.e. slightly acidic. Watermelons are heat and sun-loving plants.

Optimal Temperature

They are not at all cold tolerant. They do not well when the temperature drops down to 50°F and below. At these lower temperatures, plants may survive but the fruit doesn’t mature. The optimal temperature for growth is 65–95°F. I live in Texas where summers are exceptionally hot and the temperatures are in the mid to high hundreds and it is normal to have heat waves lasting up to a week or more at a time. In my zone, i.e. zone 8, Watermelon plants do well from spring-early summer and then again late summer-early fall in my region. During the extreme heat of summer, the leaves start drying up and turn yellow. You might even feel that they are not going to survive the summer but they recover as soon as the temperature starts dropping down.

Watering Needs for Watermelons

Watermelons need a good amount of water and nutrients to keep growing as they also grow a lot of foliage too. During summertime, I keep pruning the leaves to divert all the nutrition towards growing fruits.

When to Start the New Plants

Now let’s see when to start the plants. If you have a short summer in your region then you can start the seedlings indoors in late winter, about 6–8 weeks before the temperature in your region reaches about 70°F. At that time they will be ready for transplanting outdoors.

Or start the plants directly outdoors 2–3 weeks after the danger of the frost is over and the temperature is consistently warm. The seed to harvest time for watermelon is approximately 80 days. It is longer for the bigger varieties.

What to feed the plant to get the best fruits?

In the initial period, I want the plant to mature faster so I feed fish fertilizer every 2 weeks for a couple of months and also when I transplant the plants in the final spot I add a mixture of blood and bone meal to provide both nitrogen and phosphorus so that the fruit-bearing and maturation occurs. I also add some azomite to give my plants complete nutrition. The blood and bone meal are long-term fertilizers and I start seeing their result in about 2 months after the application. I frequently feed some compost to my plants.

Are Watermelons Annual or Perennial Plants?

Watermelons are annual plants so you have to start them every year. They can easily be grown from seeds. Unlike a longer growing period, germination time is much shorter, usually between 3–10 days. You can see healthy seeds sprouting only in a couple of days. This year, I’ve decided to grow some of the germinated plants in a raised bed. I’m still planning to grow them vertically though.

Parts of the Watermelon Plant

Roots

Watermelon has a taproot system and the roots are delicate. It matters more when you grow the seedlings in some pot and then try to transfer it in the ground. They can easily get damaged especially while separating the seedlings and if you are not gentle with them while planting.

Leaves

The leaves are partitioned into several parts and look very attractive. But they also attract several pests like aphids, cucumber beetle and several other. Beneficial insects play a key role in taking care of the plants in a safe way. I keep removing the dead and yellow leaves during summertime to reduce the energy needs of the plant.

The stems are covered in hairy structures and they branch. They also have coiled structures on their stems called tendrils that help the plant get support.

Flowers

Flowers start developing after about a couple of months. At first predominantly male flowers develop and once the plant is mature enough to bear fruits, both female and male flowers appear. It is not hard to distinguish between male and female flowers. female flowers have a small fruit-like structure under the flower. If the pollination is successful this tiny fruit becomes a mature fruit. It takes another 1 1/2- 2 1/2 months for the fruits to get ready for the harvest.

How do you know that the watermelons are ready for picking?

It can be tricky to know if the watermelon is ready to be picked or not. If you wait too long then the fruit might fall off from the vine or if picked early, it may not reach its maximum level of sweetness. I keep checking on the fruits mainly the tendril near it. Once the tendril turns brown, you can harvest the fruit. Waiting longer even after the harvest makes the watermelon much sweeter. You can see here the skin is very thin and the fruit is very juicy.

Watermelon Nutrition

About 92% of the watermelon is water. The rest is mainly carbohydrates mainly sugars, anti-oxidants, vitamin A(31%), vitamin C (37%), vitamin-B 6 (5%), and Magnesium (7%). It contains very little proteins. The fat co

[365-money-diary]

Days 1-7

DAY ONE [JAN 1 2021]

8:00 AM - I’m back! It’s been a few years since I’ve done this and I thought it would be cool to try again. There are a lot of differences with COVID in my life – I mostly don’t leave the house and we [K and I - same boyfriend] are waiting for the vaccine before integrating back. 

10:00 AM - Grab a handful of chex mix, make a chemex, and zone out on the couch for a bit. It’s been a really slow week all around, but good. I’ve gotten a lot of cleaning stuff done and I’m hoping to wrap up my to-do list this weekend.

11:45 AM - Clean the kitchen and shoot black bean burgers for my recipe blog. I started this sometime in 2018 but really picked things up in 2019 and even more so with being home in 2020. I have a goal to turn this into a lucrative side gig by the time I have kids which won’t be for a few more years. 

2:30 PM - Burgs turn out great and photograph well too. K and I eat them with a side of chips and salsa and a seltzer.

4:30 PM - K, KP (dog), and I take a 1-mile walk. I do a Pure Barre livestream after. I’m doing the platinum challenge this year (15 classes x 12 months), so my first class of 180 is done! Hah. Decide I want to buy some stickers for the chart I made to track my classes so I buy a pack on Amazon. $7.44

6:30 PM - Make cauliflower rice for dinner with tofu. Put Mamafuku crunchy chili sauce on it that friends gifted us for Christamas. 

10:30 - Get a nasty text from my mom about refinancing my house. I want to put K on the title, but it turns out I will get taxed a gift since we are not married (yet!). Kind of annoying, but K and I decide to just wait until that happens. Also my parents suck with anything non-traditional and it is becoming a huge problem in our relationship.

DAY ONE TOTAL: $7.44

DAY TWO

9:30 AM - Make a chemex. Feeling a little off from last night and the way my mom seems to think she can step all over me. Watch Youtube [Dessert Person] and start to edit photos from yesterday.

12:00 PM - Make soyrizo tofu (for me) / egg (for K) scramble tacos for brunch. 

1:00 PM - Can’t decide on which color background is better for these burgers and after polling my friends one of them suggests and A/B test. The nerd in me is so down and I build the campaign in Facebook. Open a seltzer. $10

3:30 PM - Ride the Peloton for 10 minutes (Trying to integrate this more into my workouts - I love it, but I love barre more!) and then do a barre stream. I email the studio about the new warmup since I seem to have hurt my lower back from yesterday’s workout. 

5:00 PM - K is tired of finding my hair literally everywhere so we decide it’s time to cut it - I haven’t had a cut since December 2019. He chops off a good 6-8 inches. It looks ok! 

6:30 PM - Heat up leftover lasagna rolls and air fry some green beans for dinner. Eat a piece of peppermint bark while everything heats.

9:30 AM - Make a chemex. Feeling a little off from last night and the way my mom seems to think she can step all over me. Watch Youtube [Dessert Person] and start to edit photos from yesterday.

12:00 PM - Make soyrizo tofu (for me) / egg (for K) scramble tacos for brunch. 

1:00 PM - Can’t decide on which color background is better for these burgers and after polling my friends one of them suggests and A/B test. The nerd in me is so down and I build the campaign in Facebook. Open a seltzer. $10

3:30 PM - Ride the Peloton for 10 minutes (Trying to integrate this more into my workouts - I love it, but I love barre more!) and then do a barre stream. I email the studio about the new warmup since I seem to have hurt my lower back from yesterday’s workout. 

5:00 PM - K is tired of finding my hair literally everywhere so we decide it’s time to cut it - I haven’t had a cut since December 2019. He chops off a good 6-8 inches. It looks ok! 

6:30 PM - Heat up leftover lasagna rolls and air fry some green beans for dinner. Eat a piece of peppermint bark while everything heats.

8:00 PM - Pour myself a glass of rosé and rummage for snacks - eat a small handful of chex mix and some gf pretzel sticks. 

9:00 PM - Looks like yellow is winning the A/B test by about 2%! I build out the rest of the assets for the post so it’s ready to go first thing tomorrow.

DAY TWO TOTAL: $10

DAY THREE

9:30 AM - Chemex and a handful of chex mix. Turn on Raptors / Pelicans game from yesterday. Wrap up my black bean burger post and get it up into the interspace.

1:00 PM - Wow that took 100 years. I’m really trying to amp up my posting signal, and what normally takes 30 minutes took an hour. Blah. Need to get away from screens.

2:00 PM - Eat leftover black bean burgs for lunch with chips & salsa with a Polar seltzer. Set chairs up in the backyard. NY Friend is in town and he and Q are stopping by. Q paid me back the last of the ~$2k he owed me sometime last summer. We’ve remained very close and I don’t feel like our friendship has been affected by this transaction in a negative way!

5:15 PM - NYF & Q head out. Jump on a zoom with K’s family for a bit and then hop over to another one with some of my girlfriends. Pour a glass of rosé. 

8:00 PM - Watch the last two minutes of the Suns game (they lost). Need to eat. Heat up a Big Sur Breakfast Burrito for dinner with tortilla chips and truffle hot sauce. Check analytics on black bean burg it’s doing REALLY well. Yay!

9:30 PM - Make brine for ham seitan and check my fantasy teams (I’m in two NBA leagues). Both are on track to win this week!

DAY THREE TOTAL: $0

DAY FOUR

7:00 AM - Pure Barre weekly charge. $15

8:30 AM - Cue that They Might Be Giants Song, I Don’t Want to Go to Work. Pull on a pair of fitted sweats with an Everlane tee. Make a chemex and seitan ham dough. Open my computer and discover that Slack is down. Do some misc reddit things before returning to emails.

9:30 AM - KP barfs on the carpet. Gross. K helps me clean it up. Wash hands and toss seitan ham in the oven.

10:00 AM - Eat siggi’s plant-based yogurt for breakfast. This is by far the best vegan yogurt out there. 10/10 - vanilla is the best.

11:45 AM - My seitan exploded. Damn. It’ll still taste good but I hate when that happens! Eat a piece of rye toast.

12:45 PM - Eat a leftover lasagna rollup for lunch along with the last of the chex mix. Open a Polar seltzer.

4:30 PM - Here’s the part where you stop reading already because of generational wealth - Dad calls and says there was enough money in the family trust this year for every grandchild to get $5k and that he transferred the money into my account. This was a total surprise - we thought last year was supposed to be it. Always eternally grateful for all of the gifts my grandparents have given me over the years and 2021 is no exception. Check my account and see my stimulus also hit today. What a day to be alive. 

5:30 PM - Do a Pure Barre live stream, take a birdbath, and get ready for the grocery order. We order Instacart every 2.5 weeks and it’s always a production to wash and put everything away. In this order, we get frozen burritos, tofu, tortilla chips, riced broccoli, real cheese, vegan cheese, frozen corn, plant-based yogurt, cloves, low carb tortillas, bread, onions, scallions, bell peppers sauerkraut, pickles, relish, vegan butter, sprouts, bananas, basil, green beans, vegetable bouillon, chickpeas, oranges, romaine, grapes, clementines, black beans, vegan mayo, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, cauliflower, garlic, lemon, celery, cucumbers, limes, jalapenos, apples, horseradish, leeks, cilantro, marinara sauce, dark chocolate, frozen peas, olives, BBQ sauce, salsa, pepperoncinis, mustard, lasagna noodles, & lemon juice. $324.11

8:15 PM - Finish up seitan ham and roast potatoes to go with veggie sandwiches. We eat these at the start of every grocery run and they have Dave’s Killer Bread, Vegenaise, vegan cheese, seitan ham, cucumber, onions, red bell pepper, sprouts, romaine, and red wine vinegar. So delicious. Pour a rosé after dinner.

DAY FOUR TOTAL: $339.11

DAY FIVE

8:15 AM - Lay in bed thinking about the generosity of my grandparents. Decide to put $3k of the money into my investment account, $1k into HYSA, and put the last $1k off to the side for wardrobe improvements – I lost some weight last year and NONE of my clothes fit. I have 4 dresses that are work-appropriate and the rest - I gifted to friends and others in need. For the most part, I’m waiting until COVID winds down and I have to be in public again before buying much just in case my size changes again. 

9:00 AM - Chemex, banana and a clementine for breakfast. KP seems to be feeling better today. 

12:30 PM - Make K and I salads for lunch with romaine, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, chickpeas, red onion, and cashew ranch. Open a Polar seltzer.

2:00 PM - Yard guy texts me and says he never got December’s payment. He says it’s totally chill but it’s absolutely not because he did a crap ton of work on our side yard. Pay him plus an extra $20 immediately and schedule something for the weekend so he can get the rest of the leaves out front. $180

3:00 PM - Last night I found the DDR subreddit and honestly couldn’t be more happy. I LOVED the game and still have my gear from middle school. I drop in the shed to find my mat and dust it off to use for later. Also eat a handful of gf pretzels. Venmo my old coworker for a joint bday present for another old coworker. $25.30

4:00 PM - Work is finally slow so I change into my exercise clothes early and do pure barre livestream. I make it through the entire workout uninterrupted and try DDR for the first time in a hot minute.

5:45 PM - That was SO fun. I played for 30 minutes. Did mostly songs on standard but had way better stamina than other times I’ve tried to pick it back up again when I’ve been extremely out of shape and couldn’t really keep up + light songs are boring so this was just a treat.

7:30 PM - Make leftover bean, rice and cheeze burritos for dinner with chips and homemade chile de arbol salsa. Drink a glass of wine after.

DAY FIVE TOTAL: $205.30

DAY SIX

8:50 AM - I slept through my alarm? Or turned it off. Weird. My butt is so sore today from yesterday’s workout. Make a chemex. Eat a banana.

10:00 AM - Have a call with a mortgage loan officer and give him the official green light to proceed with refinancing my house. Interest rates are so good right now. Shortening my loan by 4 years and mortgage will only go up by $20! Give the guy my card number to pay for the appraisal and credit check. Goodbye stimulus. $658.66

12:30 PM - K turns on the news to watch the Trumpers protest. I make a salad for myself for lunch and toss one for him in the fridge. Attend virtual therapy. Got some good things to think about and am energized after. Therapist doesn’t take insurance so this is OOP. $90

2:15 PM - Tune into the news. What a giant cluster. I don’t have much to add to the conversation. I’m disgusted but not surprised. Eat 2 clementines and a handful of gf pretzels.

5:30 PM - Do a barre livestream. Start to catch myself feeling a little wonky halfway through and make a nuun. Perk up after 5 minutes and finish strong.

7:00 PM - Make veggie sandwiches for dinner with miso butter broccoli. Watch the news for a while, finish a book about abusive partners (I grew up with a lot of abuse and still deal with it from family members who suck), pour a glass of rosé and eat a couple chocolate squares and a few sweedish fish.

12:30 AM - Fall asleep on the couch. At some point I wake up and sleepily eat a few mini pretzels on my way to the bedroom.

DAY SIX TOTAL - $748.66

DAY SEVEN 

8:50 AM - Sleep in again but this time on purpose. Make a chemex and eat a banana and two clementines for breakfast. Make an effort to drink water too.

10:00 AM - My back has been feeling really bumpy lately and I think I need to get that layer of bacteria off since my regular cleanser isn’t cutting it. Buy a bar of zinc soap from Amazon. $14.04

1:30 PM - Eat K’s salad from yesterday so it doesn’t go bad with a Polar seltzer. 

4:00 PM - Work has been wild today. Lots of calls. Good progress, but not so much for a major report I have due soon. Hopefully I’ll be able to finalize it tomorrow so it’s off my desk. Eat some grapes. 

5:30 PM - Ride the Peloton for 10 minutes and do a barre live stream. 

7:00 PM - Rinse off, do the dishes, roast potatoes in the oven, make the last of the black bean burgers for dinner. Spend the rest of the evening working on the header and footer templates for this project, reading Remain in Love, and watching NBA.

DAY SEVEN TOTAL: $14.04

[jingyanliublog]

Plant-Based Diet is a diet that uses plant-based ingredients as the main dietary source.

Why choose a plant-based diet?

Compassion for animals: Many farm animals live in crowded environments throughout their lives, where there is almost no space for natural stretching. Many times, they endure this kind of survival, just to die slowly and painfully. Compared with plant-based diets, meat production systems require more land, energy, and water. Also, the meat industry is one of the industries with extremely large greenhouse gas emissions, so it has a great impact on climate change.

Hope is good for health:

According to the wiki, A plant-based diet may help reduce weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases (such as glucose metabolism, cardiovascular disease, and certain malignant cell mutations). Plant-based diets may also help control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and control blood sugar.

People who regularly consume large amounts of healthy plant foods have a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. Moreover, Plants are rich in a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to the body's health, including nutrition (such as folic acid), minerals (such as potassium, fiber, and protein. Intake of plant-based diets is often associated with obesity and many chronic diseases. The lower risk of disease is directly related.

Plant-based diet is a plant-based diet is based on fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains (such as cooked oats and brown rice). It has become a trend, and it will eventually be incorporated into dining habits. So a plant-based diet becomes an important part of the recipe

Meatless BBQ Skewers is a good choice. Switching to a plant-based diet doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to grilling. There are lots of vegan barbecue recipes to enjoy." In fact, Brussels Sprouts, tofu, Cauliflower, pineapple, and coconut -- Crusted Tempeh are only a small handful of the Myriad of Skewer Options you can toss on the Grill. "(Tamara, 2018)

Tofu Peanut Satay and Cucumber Skewers Topped with Toasty Peanuts and Fresh Mint

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 block firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 English cucumber, peeled into long thin ribbons

Tofu Marinade:

1 Tbsp peanut butter

3 Tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)

2 Tbsp sesame oil

2 Tbsp maple syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

Satay Sauce:

1/4 cup coconut milk

3 Tbsp peanut butter

1 Tbsp lime juice

2 tsp tamari (or soy sauce)

2 tsp maple syrup

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

Pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce (optional)

Pinch of sea salt

Toppings:

1/2 cup toasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Make the marinade in a bowl and let the tofu sit in it for 10-15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, wash off the cucumber well. Use a vegetable peeler to peel long, thin ribbons, going from top to bottom.

3. Stir together the ingredients for the satay sauce until smooth.

4. Thread the marinated tofu onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers,  make sure you soak them first.

5. Place your skewers onto your BBQ or grill that’s set to medium heat and lightly oil with about 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil. Grill the tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until you see a nice browning.

6. Once cooked, carefully remove the tofu from the skewers, except for one tofu cube. Then begin threading on the cucumber ribbons, interchanging between tofu and cucumber. You’ll need to fold the cucumber back and forth several times so that it’s easy to thread onto the skewer.

7. Top with chopped peanuts, satay drizzle and mint leaves. You can also dip each skewer into the satay sauce.

BY: TAMARA GREEN AND SARAH GROSSMAN

MAY 16, 2018 | 10:14 PM

The procedure is simple and there are no hard-to-obtain materials (you can easily buy materials at the grocery store downstairs).

When I found this recipe, I thought it was very suitable for plant-based diet. Peanuts, tofu and coconut are a classic combination, paired with crisp cucumber ribbon lime.

Reference:

Green, T ＆Grossman, S (2018) These Are the 5 Best Meatless BBQ Skewers You’ll Ever Eat