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ogonns · 3 months ago

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Exploring Pune: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Drive Car Rentals

Pune, known as the "Oxford of the East," is a city rich in culture, history, and educational institutions. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, navigating this vibrant city and its surrounding regions is best done with the convenience and flexibility that comes with a self-drive car on rent in Pune. With its mix of urban charm and scenic landscapes, Pune offers an array of experiences that are best enjoyed at your own pace, making self-drive car rentals an ideal choice.

Why Opt for a Self-Drive Car on Rent in Pune?

Pune's unique blend of historical sites, modern amenities, and natural beauty attracts a diverse range of travelers. Here are some compelling reasons to consider renting a self-drive car in Pune:

Freedom to Explore: Pune is surrounded by numerous attractions such as Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and the hill forts of the Western Ghats. Having a self-drive car on rent in Pune allows you to explore these places without being tied to the rigid schedules of public transport or the availability of drivers.

Cost-Effective Travel: Renting a self-drive car can be more economical than hailing cabs or using ride-sharing services for every journey. Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, a self-drive car provides you with the convenience of paying a fixed rental fee, often making it a budget-friendly option.

Privacy and Comfort: Traveling in a rented car gives you the privacy to enjoy your journey with family or friends. You can play your favorite music, have private conversations, and even take breaks whenever you like, all without the presence of a chauffeur.

Wide Range of Choices: Pune’s car rental market offers a variety of vehicles to suit your specific needs. Whether you need a compact car for city commuting, an SUV for off-road adventures, or a luxury sedan for a special occasion, there's a car on rent in Pune that fits your requirements.

Ease of Access: With several rental services operating in Pune, finding a self-drive car on rent is easy and convenient. Most companies offer online booking platforms, making it simple to reserve your vehicle in advance.

Top Places to Visit with a Self-Drive Car in Pune

Once you've secured your self-drive car on rent in Pune, the city and its surroundings offer countless destinations to explore. Here are some must-visit spots that are perfect for a self-drive adventure:

Shaniwar Wada: Start your journey within the city by visiting Shaniwar Wada, a historical fortification that offers a glimpse into Pune’s rich Maratha heritage. The site is easily accessible by car, and you can spend time exploring the ruins and learning about the city’s past.

Sinhagad Fort: Located about 35 kilometers from Pune, Sinhagad Fort is a popular destination for history buffs and trekking enthusiasts. The drive to Sinhagad is scenic, with winding roads and beautiful views of the Western Ghats. Having a self-drive car allows you to start your journey early and beat the crowds.

Lonavala and Khandala: These twin hill stations are a favorite weekend getaway for Pune residents. Just an hour and a half drive from the city, Lonavala and Khandala are known for their lush green valleys, waterfalls, and the famous Chikki (a local sweet). A car on rent in Pune makes it easy to explore these hill stations at your own pace, with the flexibility to stop at various points of interest along the way.

Aga Khan Palace: For those interested in India’s freedom struggle, the Aga Khan Palace is a must-visit. This historical building, located in Pune, is where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement. A self-drive car gives you the convenience of visiting the palace and other nearby attractions without the hassle of hailing cabs.

Lavasa: Known as India’s first planned hill city, Lavasa is a picturesque destination that resembles the Italian town of Portofino. It’s about 60 kilometers from Pune, and the drive offers stunning views of the Sahyadri mountains and the backwaters of the Warasgaon dam. Renting a car in Pune for a self-drive trip to Lavasa allows you to enjoy the scenic route and spend quality time in this serene town.

How to Rent a Self-Drive Car in Pune

Renting a self-drive car in Pune is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can go about it:

Choose a Rental Service: Pune has a variety of car rental companies offering self-drive options. Popular services include Zoomcar, Revv, and local operators. These companies typically offer online platforms where you can compare vehicles, prices, and rental terms.

Select Your Vehicle: Depending on your travel needs, choose a vehicle that suits your requirements. For city driving, a compact car might be ideal, while for trips to the Western Ghats, an SUV could be a better option.

Provide Necessary Documentation: To rent a self-drive car in Pune, you will need to provide a valid driver’s license, proof of identity, and sometimes a security deposit. Some rental companies may also require additional documentation like address proof or an international driving permit if you’re a foreign visitor.

Review the Rental Agreement: Before confirming your booking, carefully read through the rental agreement. Look for details about mileage limits, fuel policies, and insurance coverage. Understanding these terms will help you avoid any unexpected costs.

Pick Up and Drop Off: Many rental services in Pune offer flexible pick-up and drop-off options, including delivery to your location. Ensure you check the vehicle for any pre-existing damage and report it to the rental company before starting your journey.

Tips for Renting a Self-Drive Car in Pune

Book in Advance: Pune is a bustling city, and rental cars can be in high demand, especially during weekends and holidays. To ensure availability, it’s a good idea to book your self-drive car well in advance.

Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the car for any dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. Take photos if necessary, and report any concerns to the rental company to avoid being charged for damages you didn’t cause.

Know the Traffic Rules: Pune’s traffic can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, and be prepared for narrow lanes, busy streets, and two-wheelers navigating around you.

Use GPS and Maps: Pune and its surrounding areas are well-connected by roads, but it’s easy to miss a turn or take a wrong exit. Using GPS navigation or a reliable map app can help you stay on track and reach your destination without any hassles.

Drive Safe: Pune’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden showers or fog in the hilly areas. Drive cautiously, especially on winding roads or during low visibility conditions. It’s always better to prioritize safety over speed.

Conclusion

Opting for a self-drive car on rent in Pune is a smart choice for anyone looking to explore the city and its surroundings with maximum flexibility and comfort. Whether you’re a local resident looking to escape the urban hustle or a visitor eager to discover Pune’s rich cultural and natural heritage, a self-drive car gives you the freedom to design your journey exactly how you want it.With a wide range of vehicles available, affordable rental options, and the convenience of online booking, getting a car on rent in Pune has never been easier. So, the next time you plan a trip in and around Pune, consider the advantages of renting a self-drive car and enjoy the city and its nearby attractions at your own pace. Happy driving!

#self drive car rental in pune #car for rent in pune

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new-rockwall-tx · 4 months ago

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Grill Maintenance in Rockwall

Getting a regular grill maintenance in Rockwall offers numerous benefits beyond a shiny exterior, including preventing fires, ensuring optimal cooking, extending the grill's lifespan, enhancing flavor, saving money on minor issues, and providing peace of mind. The climate in Rockwall makes regular maintenance of your grill even more important, as hot summers can exacerbate grease buildup and wear on components. Mr. Grill Cleaner is the best choice for a grill maintenance in Rockwall. Have them clean your grill so that you and your family can eat cleaner and healthier food, extending your grill's lifespan. Remember that a well-maintained grill leads to improved performance, cooking more evenly and efficiently. In need of grill maintenance? Call Mr. Grill Cleaner now at 469-833-4330.

Lake Life in Rockwall, TX

One of the interesting things about Rockwall, TX, is what visitors can enjoy and these are the lakefront, fountain, and boats drifting in and out of the harbor. You can have fun sailing with Scott, who offers with three options: cruise, sunset cruise, or moonlight/starlight cruise. The Seawolf, a 40-foot long by 25-foot wide sailing catamaran, is chartered by experienced captain Scott Self. The cruise allows guests to bring their own picnic. Although Rockwall is known for its higher cost of living, and commuters to Dallas often encounter challenging traffic conditions, Rockwall provides a wonderful environment for individuals and families looking for a family-friendly community with a relaxing feel. The Lake Ray Hubbard is home to Gloria's Latin Cuisine and hosts various events such as concerts, festivals, and movie nights.

Siren Rock Brewing Company

The Siren Rock Brewing Company in Rockwall offers a variety of craft beers on tap, a variety of food options, and a comfortable indoor or outdoor seating area. They also provide games like foosball or ping pong for friendly competition. They often host live music acts, trivia nights, music bingo, Texas Hold'em poker tournaments, and other events. Visitors can take a brewery tour, but information on availability and scheduling is limited online. To enjoy their craft beers, food, and events, visitors should bring cash and be aware of their age policy, as they are likely a 21+ establishment. To plan a visit, it is better to double check the company's website or social media for current hours and special events.

Rockwall County Dam Erosion is Monitored Closely

Rockwall County, Texas, is facing ongoing erosion at its largest dam, estimated to hold 30 million gallons of water. The land at the dam is moving, with cracks at the base and only feet away from the emergency stake at the top. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board held a tri-county meeting to discuss the dam, and the USDA sent a state engineer to check the area. City leaders remain nervous, believing the dam's core is safe and the area will stabilize with rain slowing down. Mayor Bryan McNeal has instructed the area to go to the center apex two feet past. City officials must wait out the storm season and seek funding to fix any damage, which could take years. The only thing they can do to battle Mother Nature is to pray.

Link to Map Driving Direction

Siren Rock Brewing Company 310 S Goliad St, Rockwall, TX 75087, United States

Head east toward S Goliad St 118 ft

Turn right onto S Goliad St 1.3 mi

Turn right 387 ft

Turn left Destination will be on the right 0.1 mi

Mr. Grill Cleaner 2006 S Goliad St #122, Rockwall, TX 75087, United States

#grill store #grill cleaning service #grill repair #grill maintenance #grill store rockwall tx

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jonathankatwhatever · 5 months ago

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It’s 10 June 2024. I have a CT scan in an hour and a half, so I don’t have much time to think out loud. I was looking at the news and marveling at the way locality disorients. I can see the mechanism now. Take Jews: I was amazed to see articles clearly slanted to say that Israel was wrong for rescuing hostages. Why? Because people died. The framing contexts are lost: they’re fighting a war because of the attack which took hostages, who were being held there, meaning Hamas has not surrendered or surrendered them, that they were actively being kept prisoner, and they still need to say it ‘might’ be a war crime to kill people to rescue them. The use of ‘might’ is always there because then they can always make the allegation, and then say there have been repeated allegations, with none of them ever being true.

The issue is encapsulated in the same model that’s been emerging, that the localizing of the focus crosses over a Boundary. That Boundary is 1Space, and the crossing of 1Space from a 0Space to a 0Space means a disruption to the Observer. Those disruptions are or map to closeness, like everything else, and thus becomes measurable and reducible, which brings in the algebras. That last clause took several iterations to make it out because I didn’t realize what it meant: we Attach at the disruption, at the Boundary shift, and that means certain Pathways become available, and that is how the bad thinkers tilt things to their advantage. Like when they demand all eyes on what Israel does, the answer should be to look at how much better the Jews do, especially given what they confront, instead of blaming them for every imperfection, including those they can’t fix.

The breakthrough for this came when I realized, while brushing my teeth this morning, that I heard this clearly in my head when I was 2 and standing in the garage wondering why the object prize of the game wasn’t having fun. I could see in that moment a localization on either side of the door. Took 65 years to figure it out because only then the memory appeared. It was clear as day: this is how … and imagery of how people hurt each other, how they don’t understand each other, and that connecting to the even earlier memory of being placed on the other side of a child gate while my parents had a dinner party. That’s why I relate to animals about their wants: they don’t want to be excluded, want at least to check in, and then they can relax to be alone, to play by themselves or sleep.

I also figured out what z-score meant. There is an extremely vivid moment in Storyline when I look at the chart which identified you and saw an absurdly high z-score, got angry, marched into the HC, had to wait while the table shifted, which revealed some HC members or presences who were more stern and distant than the usual, who told me off. I never got what z-score meant until I realized it’s zK spin versus sK spin. It’s the zK count leading, meaning that as sK and zK flip this is the zK perspective generated as the 0 and also as the first, meaning as the 1, meaning the 1-0Segments construct, and that’s what we are, which connected to the Tizzy concept, which connected me to the extremely strange experience I had where I reached some level at or in the Boundary where I saw a rotation of thoughts flying past at great speed, super fast and super confusing.

They were at the level of worries and concerns, a huge number of what if’s flowing down pathways because the pieces were all short or, more accurately, they bundled to a similar length. It was chaotic because I couldn’t see the assembly, the associations above or below, just that level spinning past. This reminds me of a bit of Joana’s Storyline in which she articulates what I actually did in kindergarten and 1st grade, which was to work out associativity and commutativity. A key piece of that was realizing the process is the manipulation of 1’s, so there has to be a level at which those counts of 1’s appear, and the process by which you associate and commute must have that level within you.

Just realized that this is in fact true. I mean I know the memories but I didn’t realize they were important to telling the story, both as a story and as math. It took a long time to be able to model the associativity we figured out, using a few workbooks and some time on the playground in kindergarten.

I have to get ready.

Localization over a Boundary. And don’t forget the other, Generalization over a Boundary. Inmanation and Emanation! It’s tremendous fun to do this work, to realize that it all really did and does fit together. But I have to get dressed.

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sidrahealthcare · 6 months ago

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The Role of Technology in Home Healthcare in Dubai

Technology has lately modified many factors of our lives, making matters less complicated and extra convenient. One vicinity in which the era is creating a massive distinction is home healthcare, particularly in a contemporary-day town like Dubai. Let`s discover how the era is enhancing home healthcare in Dubai and making it extra available and green for everyone.

Better Communication with Doctors

In the past, a health practitioner was regularly supposed to take time without work, visit the clinic, and sit in a ready room. Today, the era lets us talk with medical doctors from the consolation of our homes. Through video calls and online consultations, medical doctors can diagnose and advise remedies without the want for an in-character visit. This is particularly useful for the aged and people with mobility issues.

These online consultations require lots of time and effort. Instead of spending hours commuting and ready, sufferers can agenda appointments that match their busy lives. It additionally way that human beings dwelling in far-off regions or the ones who’ve trouble shifting around can get admission to top-notch scientific recommendations without the war of journeying lengthy distances. This degree of comfort is a game-changer, especially in a bustling town like Dubai, in which site visitors can regularly be a massive barrier to well-timed scientific care.

Moreover, the era bridges the space between medical doctors and sufferers, taking into account extra common interactions. Patients can follow up with their medical doctors frequently without the want for bodily visits, ensuring non-stop care and higher fitness management. This common communique allows for tracking persistent situations like diabetes or high blood pressure extra effectively. It additionally lets medical doctors modify remedies right away primarily based totally on real-time remarks from sufferers.

Remote Monitoring in Home Healthcare in Dubai

One of the maximum thrilling improvements in home healthcare in Dubai is faraway monitoring. Devices like smartwatches and health trackers can reveal essential symptoms and symptoms which include coronary heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These gadgets ship real-time information to healthcare professionals, who can then hold an eye fixed on the patient`s health. If something uncommon is detected, the healthcare company can act quickly, frequently stopping a minor problem from turning into a severe problem.

Medication Management

Taking the proper medicine at the proper time is important for plenty of sufferers. Technology enables this via apps that remind sufferers to take their remedies and clever tablet dispensers that ensure the right dosage. This reduces the danger of neglected doses or unintentional overdoses, which may be specifically risky for aged sufferers.

Virtual Rehabilitation

For sufferers convalescing from surgical procedures or injuries, ordinary rehabilitation sports are essential. Virtual rehabilitation applications use video video games and interactive apps to make those sports extra engaging. Patients can carry out their sports at home even being guided with the aid of using a digital therapist. This now no longer makes rehabilitation extra exciting however additionally guarantees that sufferers are following the right routines.

Health Information at Your Fingertips

With the internet, sufferers in Dubai can effortlessly get the right of entry to a wealth of statistics approximately their fitness conditions. Online systems and cellular apps offer dependable statistics approximately symptoms, treatments, and healthful dwelling suggestions. This empowers sufferers to take a lively position in handling their fitness and making knowledgeable choices approximately their care.

Support for Caregivers

Caring for a cherished one at home may be challenging. Technology presents assistance for caregivers through diverse apps and online communities. These sources provide advice, emotional assistance, and sensible suggestions on the way to take care of sufferers effectively. Some apps even permit caregivers to music the patient`s fitness and medicinal drug schedules, making the caregiving technique greater manageable.

One of the sizeable blessings of those technological gear is the feel of the network and assistance they offer. Caregivers can hook up with others who are in comparable conditions through online boards and social media groups. Sharing experiences, challenges, and answers with others who recognize them may be quite comforting and motivating. This emotional assistance facilitates caregivers to feel much less remoted and greater empowered to address their responsibilities.

In addition to emotional assistance, generation gives sensible assistance. Numerous apps are designed mainly for caregivers, assisting them to arrange and streamline their tasks. For instance, medicinal drug control apps can ship reminders approximately while managing medicinal drugs, decreasing the hazard of ignored doses. These apps also can offer statistics on feasible aspect results and interactions, making sure that caregivers are well-knowledgeable approximately the medicinal drugs their cherished ones are taking.

Convenience and Comfort

Perhaps the most important benefit of an era in home healthcare in Dubai is the ease and luxury it offers. Patients can acquire brilliant care without leaving their homes. This is particularly useful in a hectic metropolis like Dubai, wherein visitors and lengthy distances may be a barrier to gaining access to healthcare. The home healthcare era guarantees that sufferers acquire well-timed and green care, wherein they experience maximum comfort.

Conclusion

In Dubai, the mixing of eras in home healthcare is revolutionising the manner sufferers acquire care. From far-flung tracking to digital rehabilitation, the era is making healthcare extra accessible, green, and personalised. As improvements continue, the destiny of home healthcare in Dubai seems promising, making sure of higher fitness results and progressed great of lifestyles for all residents. Embracing those technological improvements can assist us all lead healthier, happier lives.

#home healthcare dubai #best home healthcare in dubai

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dailytechace · 9 months ago

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PC Laptops Orem: Best 1 resource for Computer Deals and Fix Administrations

Searching for a solid and reasonable computer store in Orem, Utah? Visit PC Laptops Orem today and get the best arrangements on new and repaired laptops, work areas, and extras. In addition, appreciate quick and expert computer fix administrations from our guaranteed professionals. PC Laptops Orem is your all inclusive resource for all your computer needs. Introduction SubtopicsPC Laptops Orem UT PC Laptops Orem Hours Conclusion FAQs Introduction Computers are fundamental instruments for work, instruction, diversion, and correspondence. Whether you want another PC for your business, a work area for your gaming, or a tablet for your children, you need to find a computer store that offers quality items, serious costs, and phenomenal client care. That is the reason you ought to visit PC Laptops Orem, the best computer store in Orem, Utah. PC Laptops Orem is important for the PC Laptops family, a privately possessed and worked organization that has been serving Utah and Nevada starting around 1994. PC Laptops Orem is situated at 1985 S State St, Orem, UT 84097, close to the College Shopping center and the Orem Center Station. You can undoubtedly arrive at PC Laptops Orem via vehicle, transport, or train, and appreciate free leaving and free Wi-Fi at our store. pc laptops orem Subtopics PC Laptops Orem UT PC Laptops Orem is situated at 1985 S State St, Orem, UT 84097, in the core of Orem, Utah. Orem is a city in Utah Region, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, and home to north of 97,000 occupants. Orem is known for its beautiful view, agreeable local area, and instructive open doors, as it has the Utah Valley College and the Brigham Youthful College. PC Laptops Orem is strategically placed close to the College Shopping center, a huge mall that elements more than 150 stores, cafés, and diversion settings. PC Laptops Orem is likewise near the Orem Center Station, a travel center point that interfaces the Leader commuter rail, the Utah Travel Authority transports, and the Utah Valley Express transport fast travel. You can undoubtedly arrive at PC Laptops Orem via vehicle, transport, or train, and appreciate free leaving and free Wi-Fi at our store. PC Laptops Orem is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and shut on Sundays. You can call us at (801) 225-2646, email us at [email protected], or visit our site at www.pclaptops.com/orem to look further into our items and administrations, or to plan an arrangement for computer fix. PC Laptops Orem UT PC Laptops Orem Hours PC Laptops Orem is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and shut on Sundays. You can visit us whenever during our business hours, or you can call us, email us, or visit our site to make an arrangement for computer fix. We comprehend that occasionally you might require computer fix administrations outside our business hours, or you will be unable to visit our store because of distance, portability, or comfort. That is the reason we additionally offer portable computer fix administrations, where we can come to your home or office and fix your computer on location. We can likewise get and drop off your computer free of charge, assuming that you like. Our portable computer fix administrations are accessible from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can call us at (801) 225-2646, email us at [email protected], or visit our site at www.pclaptops.com/orem to demand a versatile computer fix administration, or to get a free gauge. Conclusion PC Laptops Orem is the best computer store in Orem, Utah, where you can track down a wide choice of new and restored laptops, work areas, and frill from driving brands, and appreciate quick and expert computer fix administrations from our confirmed specialists. PC Laptops Orem is situated at 1985 S State St, Orem, UT 84097, close to the College Shopping center and the Orem Center Station. You can visit us from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, or you can call us, email us, or visit our site to make an arrangement for computer fix. You can likewise demand a portable computer fix administration, where we can come to your home or office and fix your computer on location, or get and drop off your computer free of charge. PC Laptops Orem is your all in one resource for all your computer needs. Visit us today and get the best arrangements on new and renovated computers, and appreciate free check ups, infection evacuations, diagnostics, and backing however long you own your computer. PC Laptops Orem is important for the PC Laptops family, a privately possessed and worked organization that has been serving Utah and Nevada starting around 1994. We are glad to be your trusted and dependable computer store in Orem, Utah. Ensured. FAQs Q: What are the advantages of purchasing a computer from PC Laptops Orem?A: When you purchase a computer from PC Laptops Orem, you get a lifetime administration ensure, and that implies you can appreciate free check ups, infection expulsions, diagnostics, and backing however long you own your computer. You likewise get a 90-day guarantee on undeniably renovated computers, and a 30-day unconditional promise on all buys. Besides, you gain admittance to our elite funding choices, exchange projects, and devotion rewards.Q: What are the kinds of computer fix benefits that PC Laptops Orem offers?A: PC Laptops Orem offers a full scope of computer fix administrations for any brand, model, or issue. A portion of the normal computer fix benefits that we offer are:Screen fix or substitutionBattery fix or substitutionConsole fix or substitutionHard drive fix or substitutionMemory redesign or substitutionInformation recuperation or reinforcementInfection expulsion or securityProgramming establishment or updateEquipment establishment or redesignFramework improvement or tune-upNetwork arrangement or investigatingPrinter arrangement or investigatingAnd that's just the beginningQ: What amount does it cost to fix a computer at PC Laptops Orem?A: The expense of fixing a computer at PC Laptops Orem relies upon the kind, seriousness, and intricacy of the issue, as well as the parts and work required. Be that as it may, we generally offer a free gauge and a no-fix, no-charge strategy, and that implies you possibly pay assuming we fix your computer. We likewise offer cutthroat costs and match or beat any composed statement from our rivals.Q: How long does it require to fix a computer at PC Laptops Orem?A: The time it takes to fix a computer at PC Laptops Orem relies upon the accessibility of the parts and the responsibility of our professionals. Nonetheless, we generally endeavor to give quick and expert computer fix administrations, and we offer same-day or following day administration generally speaking. We additionally keep you refreshed on the situation with your computer fix, and we inform you when your computer is prepared for pickup or conveyance. #internetfriends #caseiphone7plus #cairo #iphone7s #iphonegraphic #iphone #internetmagazin #iphone6 #internet #internetfriendneeded #styleblogs #sustainableliving #iphone7 #instablogs #buscablogs #dailypic #laptopseken Read the full article

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mastermover345 · 2 years ago

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Movers Service At Low-cost Fixed Prices

And because our homeowners are individual buyers, they understand what it’s wish to take care of various demands, upkeep, and funds – so we are ready to provide you with personal care when needed. Because CapeHolidays is not trying to be the biggest agency in Cape Town, we can Corporate Office Movers Simons Town give you customized service. Once you get to know us and belief us, as our homeowners do, you’ll really feel this happiness since your home is not just an asset that must be maintained. (10) Being overseas and relying solely on you to arrange bookings and manage our property makes it robust to think of methods for you to improve your service.

I suppose ultimately it took about 6 and a half hours and so they worked non cease. I will be using these guys for anytime myself and I would undoubtedly advocate them to all of my pals or household need movers seriously price every penny. Our DBN Moving Company teams in Cape Town are localised & size-specific for large & small home removals. Our Cape Town Moving teams Storage Simons Town cate for all removals that require moving to or from Nothern Buburbs , Somerset West Paarl and even West & East Coast. All our Trucks are enclosed and outfitted with blankets, strapping & protecting wrapping to make sure your house is relocated safely and securely! Near our shoppers We cowl specific areas throughout the totally different regions within the Western Cape.

It is said that clearing out the remnants of the earlier owners is important if a house is to actually really feel like a home. It also seems that, along with upgrading our residing conditions, we should experience specific moments or elements of life beneath a roof to have the International Movers Simons Town ability to call it a home. It’s believed that money is a major source of fear for individuals who plan to relocate. Even when you lead a easy life, moving to a new residence may be costly. It doesn’t matter if you have the money or not to relocate; moving will still price you cash and add to your worries.

You can open moving boxes without scissors or field cutters by creating a pull tab. Leaving further string on the perimeters, insert a bit in the midst of the closed box flaps. Keep slightly bit of string un-taped on the end of the box and seal it with moving tape. It’s roughly a 15-minute stroll from the seashore along Recreation Road to Valyland Shopping Center.

Although quieter than more central Cape Town areas, Hout Bay has plenty of good services and amenities. It boasts some incredible seafood eating places, a energetic weekend market, bars with stay music and water sports activities including stand-up paddling, canoeing, and surfing. One of the massive cultural points of interest is Mariner’s Wharf, which has eating places, marine-focused outlets and vacationer actions. The Hout Bay International School is a good performing college with a diverse student combine. These suburbs are a bit extra remote than another areas, ranging from between 10–15 kilometers from the city heart.

This suburb is a popular alternative among students, with its competitively priced leases and proximity to campus allows for a comfortable commute to and from classes. Located in the stunning Constantia Valley is the leafy suburb of Bishopscourt. Large oak trees line quiet streets the place established household properties can be found. Bishopscourt can also be the location Moving Company Simons Town of several international embassies and many celebrities have additionally taken up residence in this exquisite vacation spot. Homes in Bishopscourt easily fetch multimillion Rand costs and boasts views of the valley and False Bay. The waterfront presents a guided tour that permits guests to step back into the bygone period of sailors, mariners, and brave voyagers.

“This apparently was when it comes to international obligations on the South African Navy to help any vessel going around the Cape,” he said. The storage facilities are properly maintained and of a high normal Home Movers Simons Town. My contents have been delivered in the identical condition as once they had been first saved. We had a incredible move yesterday from Rondebosch to Simonstown.

‍SovTech is a know-how company that specialises in app improvement services. If you are thinking about creating an app with SovTech, there are a few steps you'll have the ability to take to get started. First, you'll must define your app thought and the problem it aims to solve. Then, you'll have the ability to reach out to SovTech and talk about your project with their team of specialists, who can help you refine your thought and supply guidance on the app development course of. Simon’s town is a wonderful seaside town in South Africa.

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peelingpaint-heavyheart · 11 months ago

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thinking of rushed conversations, meeting in secret places, only getting to spend quality time together in the late hours of the night

the acting grand sage didn't want to publicise the fact that he had a partner, much less that he was dating anyone. his reasoning? he had overthrown the government and, inadvertently, got elected as its new head, the grand sage. of course, there would be people who despised this decision to make alhaitham the grand sage, even if the position was temporary. now, with this period of change and recuperation, people with extreme ideals would do extreme things, with siraj being a prime example

in short, alhaitham wants to protect you from the people who are out to get him while he's in the highest seat of power in sumeru. dating him puts a target on your back, a target you didn't deserve, so he proposed to keep the relationship under wraps until he was working as the scribe again

for now, that means midnight walks around the empty city, sending each other mail instead of meeting to talk, he even called you up to his office once on the pretence that he wanted to chat about your research proposal

alhaitham can't wait to step down as acting grand sage more than ever every time he passes you in the street during the commute to the akademiya, hears your name from your group of friends, sees the letters addressed to him in your handwriting. it reminds him of what you two hide, not that he really minds keeping it a secret, but he does want to fix his sleep schedule soon.

he promises that as soon as this blows over, you two can be a normal couple and go on dates to cafes and visit the bazaar (while they are actually open) or maybe just stay at home and read together if you prefer.

right now, he'll have to deal with the kisses behind bookshelves and whispered "i love you"s, the nightly rendezvous by the entrance to the stage of the zubayr theatre, the little packages he'll receive every now and again that contain some food from lambad's with the note "don't forget to take a break :)" in that handwriting he could recognise in a heartbeat

when he gets his old job back, you'll be the first to know and the first thing he'll do is take you on a proper date so you can bask in the sunshine of sumeru together

Oh I wish😩😩😩

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first-impressions-gaming · 2 years ago

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Infinite Guitars

Developed by Nikko Nikko

Published by Humble Games

Release Date 2023

Tested on Xbox Series X

MSRP 19,99 USD

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If you had asked me what was my opinion on Infinite Guitars solely based upon the launch trailer, I would have said ‘it looks lit, dynamic, fun, over-the-top, high-adrenaline gameplay.’ That’s where my series of complaints begin. The trailer and the actual gameplay do not…match that much. At least this was my experience for around 1 hour. I wish I could push myself to play it more, give it a little bit of chance, but I could not muster enough patience to bear the game more than an hour.

The biggest red flag I have encountered is that, the trailer only reflects action-included gameplay, leaving the parts where you are going back and forth, trying to figure out your way, clearing the path from enemies out from the trailer. For a second I thought ‘am I playing the right game? Are there two different games which are titled Infinite Guitars and I am playing the one that sucks?’.

Let’s break down this game, the game has three different fighting mechanics, which are Action, Rhythm and Turn-based, the game lets you tune and customise difficulty for each one at the beginning.

Infinite Guitars is a top-down camera angle game with anime-inspired graphics, and our protagonist is JJ. Let me list my take on the game and give examples from the game.

The game, first of all, has a non-intuitive map design, most of the time you are trying to understand where you are going and ‘why’ you are going there. Maps and locations, and overall environment, feel so randomized as if no thought and effort put into it. The game tries to be both linear and open-world in terms of map design. There is either a path you have to take, or you have to explore every bit of location and fail to get to your destination and return to your beginning point and go from there. I could not get my head around this weird, counter-intuitive, non-player friendly design choice. An indie game such as this should have a more chill traversal experience, as I touched upon previously, I had to explore the map so much over and over that 80% of my gametime was trying to get to the designated point, leaving only 20% ‘actual’ gameplay that you witness in the trailer. It gets frustrating pretty quickly because your desire to get to the action gets hampered by unthoughtful map design. I wish the game leaned more over to actual gameplay rather than traversal. In that way, my general experience would have been much more satisfying. Think it this way, there is a great sushi restaurant on the other side of the city, and you just have to take a long commute to get there, the experience of boring, irritating commute damages your sushi experience, something you cannot ignore. When you know this, you are highly in favour of going to a more average sushi restaurant that you can go in half an hour in the part of city you reside in.

Another major red flag is that the game miserably fails at storytelling. After spending an hour in the game, I realized that I did not understand anything related to plotline. The game starts in an aircraft and we land on a war-torn planet and…we get going. I had to check the game’s description on store to understand what we set off doing. Non-existent in-game story alienates the player, it does not explain itself one bit. I have played dozens of games and I never felt that the game is unsuccessful to open itself to the player this much. The introduction of the game needs a significant fix, the player should be in the know regarding who you are, what you are, where you are and what is your motive. When you are not conveying these to the player directly or indirectly, the engagement gets cut off eventually. A person is not going to read a book, watch a movie/series or play a game that s/he cannot identify with, the invisible interaction between the audience and the game is absent in Infinite Guitars, sadly.

The game falls short on tutorials as well: combat, skills, mechanics, enemies, overall traversal, objectives, progression of the story and our relationship to other characters.

For instance, we land on a planet at the very beginning of the game, and we are surrounded with robotic enemies that attack us constantly with shockwaves and you got to dodge them, and there are bigger enemies that bombard you and you attempt to dodge them as well by rolling. During my whole playtime, I wanted to figure out what these enemies are, why they are hostile to us and what they stand for. The game should include indirect narrative on these types of encounters, it could be text-based messaged, audio logs etc. It felt like there were enemies just to have some enemies, for no clarified reason.

My final thoughts: Infinite Guitars do have some components that work, but they are in minority and I don’t see myself spending more time playing it, or recommending it to a fellow gamer. I do hope that the developer learn from their mistakes and remedy them in their next game.

#games #gaming #game review #infinite guitars #xbox #playstation #nintendo #Youtube

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blackmagicspecialist786-blog · 2 years ago

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Widening Highways Doesn’t Fix Traffic. So Why Do We Keep Doing It?

Interstate 710 in Los Angeles is, just like Los Angeles itself is well-known due to its infrastructure. Freight trucks that travel through the city, and Long Beach's port Long Beach, along with commuters, cause congestion on the highway. Trucks idle in traffic jam, which contributes to the poor conditions for air in the neighborhoods around them which are home to more than one million residents. The solution proposed was the same as the one that transportation officials across America have employed in the past since 1960: Expand the highway. However, while adding lanes could reduce congestion however, it could also motivate drivers to travel more. In the years following the highway has been widened, research indicates that traffic along with the emissions of greenhouse gases that go along with it usually return. The California Department of Transportation was, as many other state transportation agencies created to construct highways. Each year, states invest billions of dollars to expand highways. Other solutions to congestion, such as public transit as well as pedestrian-oriented projects are typically taken care of by transit agencies in cities and are funded less. In over the course of five years the states will receive $350 billion federal funds for highways under the infrastructure law that was passed in the year 2000. While some have signaled a change in their approach to transportation spending -- including following federal Title ="">guidelines that advocate the use of a "fix it first" approach prior to constructing new highways Many are still seeking multibillion-dollar widening projects even in states that are Democratically-led with lofty climate goals. It is believed that the Biden administration suggests that the states be more considerate in their strategies for tackling congestion. Sometimes, widening the roads is required Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated however other ways of solving traffic problems, such as improving existing roads or offering transportation options, must be taken into consideration. "Connecting people more efficiently and affordably to where they need to go," he stated, "is a lot more complicated than just always having more concrete and asphalt out there." Certain communities and government officials are fighting back against expanding plans. The case of Los Angeles, this opposition was a factor. After the expenditure of $60 million in design and planning for two decades The Route 710 expansion was canceled in May. "We don't see widening as a strategy for L.A.," said James de la Loza, chief planner of Los Angeles County's transportation department. It is yet to be determined whether this cancellation could be the start of a pattern or just an isolated event. Projects to widen the highway are in the pipeline for roads in Texas, Oregon and Maryland among others. New York City is even contemplating re-widening the congestion-stricken Brooklyn Queens Expressway. LOS ANGELES A Change in Approach to Congestion The denial of Route 710's Route 710 expansion came after California was taught the hard way about the principles of "induced demand." In 2015 the year 2015, a $1 billion construction project to broaden a 10-mile stretch along Interstate 405 to Los Angeles was completed. In the short time, "congestion was relieved," said Tony Tavares, the director of Caltrans the state's Department of Transportation. However, the relief did not last long. The rush hour traffic quickly recovered, he explained. If a highway is widening, the time to travel drop initially. However, people then alter their habits. If they learn that a road is less crowded commuters could shift from driving to transit or alter the route they travel to get to work. Some might even decide to live further away. "It's a pretty basic economic principle that if you reduce the price of a good then people will consume more of it," Susan Handy is an associate professor of environmental science as well as policy and management at the University of California, Davis explained. "That's essentially what we're doing when we expand freeways." The idea of inducing traffic has been in use since the 1960s. However, in an 2009 study researchers confirmed what experts in transportation have observed for many years: in an urban area, when the road capacity is increased by one percent, the amount of vehicles that are in the roadway after a couple of years also rises to 1 percent. Over the years, opponents on Route 710 have been vocal about their concerns. Route 710 plan had voiced reservations that the increased width of the highway would result in more greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the deforestation of the towns surrounding it. In the latter half of 2020 In the latter half of 2020, the E.P.A. decided that the plan to widen was in violation of regulations of the Federal Clean Air Act, and officials suspended the project. In the spring of last year, Caltrans canceled the project entirely. The project was canceled completely. Tavares said it was "probably the most significant" cancellation in the history of the agency. Caltrans is exploring alternative options for dealing with congestion on the Interstate and could include moving freight onto a rail line. "Caltrans in the past was very focused on dealing with congestion primarily," Mr. Tavares said. "We have since pivoted, completely done a 180." State transportation agencies have said they were shifting their focus on providing citizens with alternatives other than driving . They are planning to redirect funds to projects that benefit communities that surround Route 710. Some options include improving air quality in schools, ensuring more access to green spaces and investing in a zero emission truck program. However, there are plans to broaden other highways throughout the state. "One size does not fit all for transportation, and California is definitely not one size," Mr. Tavares said. JERSEY CITY, N.J. Air Quality in comparison to. the Economy On a day that was unseasonably warm in November of 2011, a plethora of north New Jersey residents gathered in the shade of an overpass for the highway located in Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from New York. In a state with a high density of residents with an extensive transit infrastructure there were many who wondered what the reason was behind the decision to expand the highway. "If we are looking to become an outstanding state, take a take a look at the work Colorado is doing in putting an end to their road expansions. Check out Los Angeles," Jimmy Lee President of Safe Streets JC, said. New Jersey transportation officials plan to rebuild and create as many as four lanes parts on the New Jersey Turnpike leading to the Holland Tunnel. Apart from transporting traffic to Manhattan the turnpike also serves as similar to Route 710 within Los Angeles, an artery frequented by freight vehicles that transport goods between ports as well as warehouses located in the region. This project is estimated to cost around $10.7 billion, will include the reconstruction of elevated roads and the bridge that crosses Newark Bay on the long-running highway that was built 66 years ago. Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti who is the head of the state's transportation department, claimed the project was way overdue. A flood of new homes and warehouses for commercial use in the region has clogged the highway with vehicles. This expansion is required to improve the security of the highway and ensure that the ports, the most important element of the economy of New Jersey, stay functional. "Congestion is not safe," Ms. Gutierrez-Scaccetti stated. "I don't advocate widening roads just for the sake of widening." The project has the backing of the governor of New Jersey, Philip D. Murphy, who is a Democrat who has set high-profile climate targets for New Jersey as well as local labor leaders. Mark Longo, director of an organization that represents heavy equipment owners, said it is "the single most important road project for the economic future of New Jersey." The plan's critics say congestion can be tackled through other methods, such as investing in public transportation. The officials in Hoboken along with Jersey City, which surround the highway and suffer from one of the poorest air quality in the nation and have criticized the plan. "There are other types of mobility that people value instead of just cars," Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said. HOUSTON A Commitment to Expansion For those who oppose broadening projects, the best illustration of induced need is Katy Freeway in Houston, one of the most expansive highways on the planet featuring 26 lanes. The moment Katy's last expansion was completed back in 2008, the expansion was celebrated as a success. In the next just five years peak hour traffic time on Katy's freeway had become longer than they were prior to when the project was completed. Matt Turner, an economics professor at Brown University and co-author of the study of congestion in 2009, believes that adding lanes is an ideal solution if the intention is to put more cars onto the road. However, the majority of highway expansion projects, such as those currently being developed in Texas are based on the reduction of traffic as their main purpose. "If you keep adding lanes because you want to reduce traffic congestion, you have to be really determined not to learn from history," Dr. Turner said. The officials of the Texas Department of Transportation said Katy expansion was a necessity. Katy expansion would provide the capacity required to meet the projected population increase in the Houston region. "Expanding roads does not create more congestion," transportation officials stated in an announcement. They said that, instead that they said, it "helps to manage new travel demand." The Texas Constitution mandates that the majority of the transportation budget goes towards improving the state's highway system. Over the next few years the state is expected to invest 86 % of its budget for highway-related projects. One of them are a $9.5 billion project to widen and reconstruct the section of Interstate 45, which crosses routes along Katy Freeway. Katy Freeway. Transportation officials have said that the project will improve safety, ease the amount of traffic and also address flooding on the road. The idea to build Route 45, Dr. Handy stated, is yet another plan that is being promoted as a way to reduce congestion. "But what's especially troubling about that project is the destruction to the neighborhood that it will cause." According to the Texas Transportation Department estimates that that more than 1000 people and 300 businesses in the neighborhoods around that are home to the majority of residents, Black and Hispanic and could be affected due to the expansion. In the meantime Houston's public transportation department are putting together funds from federal grants and bonds to provide an another way to combat growth and congestion 500 miles of enhancements for public transit. Additional productions produced by Stephen Reiss. Read the full article

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kazewhara · 3 years ago

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falling asleep on the train with xiao 😳😳😳

"sorry to bother you but, uh, is this seat taken?"

xiao takes out one headphone at your words and shakes his head. "no, go ahead." he gestures subtly to the seat beside him for you to sit and shuffles over some more when you do.

the trains are usually packed whenever you do your daily commute to and from classes everyday. you'd tried your best to plan your schedule around rush hour, but there were no other times available for the classes you needed, so you had to settle for what was being offered. the crowding and heavy foot traffic does very little to improve your mood for the day, but it's not all bad when you get to see xiao on the way home.

you've had a crush on xiao since the end of your freshman year. he made a name for himself amongst his fellow music majors and professors as a prodigy since he's well-versed in musical history, theory, and overall talent. his good looks only helped boost his popularity with the other students, and soon enough you, along with several others, found themselves weak to xiao's silent charm. you consider yourself to be one of his luckier admirers though, since you're the only one who's been riding the same train with him for over two years now.

the only real problem is that you've never been able to talk to him one-on-one. you have mutual friends which pushed you two together on occasion, but never have you actively sought him out for conversation unless absolutely necessary; you preferred to admire xiao from afar -- or at least as far as hu tao would let you whenever she hosted gatherings.

you squeeze yourself into the end seat beside xiao, willing your heart to slow down when you feel how warm he is next to you. "thanks," you say, smiling a little when he gives you a small nod.

you wish you could say you had some magical moment with your crush on a crowded train, but you can't. after you sit, nothing happens; you and xiao just sit in silence as your train speeds through the city to your respective destinations. you notice that xiao still had one headphone out and for a second, consider telling him that you recognize the song he's listening to, but you think against it; what if he thinks you're weird for paying attention to his music in the first place? his music is loud, but you don't want to come across as nosy, so you stay silent.

honestly, the silence is nice. the rest of the train car is surprisingly quiet, and as the events of the day begin to weigh on you, you feel your eyelids starting to get heavy. you blink twice slowly before giving up and shutting your eyes. you've slept a few times on the train before, so this shouldn't be a problem, right?

xiao nudges you gently, making you jump. "s-sorry," you stammer as though you were in the wrong.

he shakes his head. "no, that wasn't..." the harsh screeching of the train stopping makes him pause for a second, then: "i was going to ask if you wanted to listen since you're nodding off."

your cheeks warm. you look down to see him handing you an ear bud and then back up at his face. xiao isn't the most expressive guy, so you don't know what you were expecting to see, but his golden eyes are fixed on you which makes you look away quickly to pretend you didn't make eye contact at all. this should be fine, right? you two aren't exactly strangers -- this is fine. just friends being friends.

...right?

"are you sure?" you ask, hestiantly taking the earbud. your fingers brush and you recoil a bit. "i don't wanna bother you or anything--"

"if you were bothering me, i would have ignored you when you asked to sit." xiao's words are as blunt as ever. he has a point, even if he's a little too brash in his approach. but here you were, sitting here with your heart hammering away in your chest anyways. "do you want to listen or not?" he asks again.

fearing that you were annoying him, you nod quickly and put the earbud in, your brows furrowing as you tried to make out what song was playing. when you ask xiao about the song that comes to mind, he turns his eyes back to his phone. "do you not like this one?" he asks.

"no, no, it's fine!" you raise a hand to stop him. "it's alright, really. thank you."

xiao gives you a grunt in response and then... nothing. you're back to square one, sitting in silence with your crush as you ride home. the music doesn't ease your nerves the way you thought it would. you can still feel xiao pressed against your side and you're listening to his music; something he likes that he thought you'd like -- something he was willing to change just for you.

you're not sure how you got to this point, but you're pretty sure your crush on him just got worse.

not only does the music not help your nerves, but it doesn't help your drowsiness either. when the next song starts, you close your eyes and try to focus on the music in hopes that the beat would wake you up, but it doesn't. you're asleep in almost no time at all, your head nodding as the train shambles quickly along the tracks.

xiao, who's been watching you from his peripheral for the past couple of minutes, sighs when he sees your head jerk backwards. he's not sure what he was hoping would happen when he offered his headphone to you. he made up the lie of keeping you awake on the spot. he'd actually been meaning to do something like this ages ago; sharing music with others was his way of expressing his fondness for them, be it through the lyrics or melodies, since he wasn't the best at words of affirmation. part of him hoped you'd have picked up on that by now, but judging by the way you seemed to fear him still, he still had a long way to go before he got that message across.

beside him, your head thuds against the wall behind your head and you scrunch your face in pain with a quiet groan, but you don't wake. xiao hesitates for a second before he brings his hand up and pulls you down against his shoulder. xiao tries to reason with himself for being so impulsive -- he's just trying to keep you from hitting your head again, that's all. but when you hum and lean into him a little more, he finds himself stuck.

you seemed to be afraid of him enough as it was; every time you met up, you'd avoid his eyes or cut conversations shorter than they needed to be. just a few minutes ago you shrunk back from his touch like he'd burned you, leaving him clueless. he has no idea what he did to make you act like this around him, especially since he's gone out of his way to make his feelings for you as unnoticeable as possible.

as you slumber on his shoulder, xiao wonders if you would hate him for touching you like this if you found out. again, he sighs. maybe if he was more obvious, you wouldn't act the way you do around him. he rolls his eyes. he swore he would never ask zhongli for advice, but the longer he thinks about it, the more he realizes he may not have a choice.

because if this is what it's like to be so close to you on the regular, if you were always this cozy, then... maybe xiao would have to be greedy just this once.

he rests his head on yours and keeps scrolling through his phone. he'll move and wake you before your stop comes so you won't hate him later. for now, he was going to savor the moment and indulge in your warmth for a little while.

#z box #z anon #z scribbles #z list #genshin x reader #xiao x reader #modern genshin au #admittedly this might be a little.. bad #i get distracted by music with lyrics #but like.. atmospheric shit helps me right #do you see my problem

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dandelionlovesyou · 2 years ago

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My Shelter - Chapter 4

Confession Day!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/39255591/chapters/102282369

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14086779/4/My-Shelter

.......

Here we go! This is the last chapter for now. An epilogue will come later, but I'm not sure when I can write it since on-site work restarted again. Life will be super busy, with commuting and all, but I am very excited to get out of the house! Don't fret, though, for I will write this epilogue, and there will be more cats in it. =)

A special thank you to my friend, @jhsgf82, for beta reading this chapter. Your support, input, and appreciation for this fic mean the world to me. Thank you, too, for the cat info! I learned a lot about cats from you =D

….….

Here we go. Everything begins today.

Peeta rounds the curb to Katniss' house and then parks his car in the driveway overlooking the small house. The Everdeens’ house is a home, really, despite its lack of wealth. Before Mr. Everdeen passed away, he made sure that his girls had a permanent roof over their heads. It was one of his dreams being a blue-collar worker and growing up in a life of poverty. Toiling away and doing odd jobs was tough for years, but he did them all for his small family.

Peeta admired the man.

Painted mustard yellow with a gray and white door, the bungalow house is simple and quaint. It's surrounded by Prim's herb and flower garden, adding character and color to the exterior. On more than one occasion, Peeta helped them fix a leak on the roof or replace a pipe under the sink. Nothing too out of the ordinary or something that Katniss herself cannot fix. But he would always volunteer, anyways‒if only to spend more time with his best friend.

"Hi, Peeta!" Prim chirps from the doorstep. She's growing too fast and looks radiant in her cobalt blue and yellow summer dress. Skipping on along the path, her sweet smile brings levity to Peeta's heart. It's always good to see Prim very happy.

"Hey there, Prim," Peeta greets back, checking his car for any last-minute item that needs to be cleaned. He spent two hours yesterday under the summer heat, vacuuming, washing, and polishing his new (but old) Honda Civic.

"Can I ride in front? Katniss and mom aren't done yet, so I get first dibs on the seats."

"Yeah, sure." Peeta exits his side and hustles to open the car door for Prim.

"You didn't have to do that," Prim says, then rolls her eyes. "I'm not my sister."

Peeta lets out a nervous laugh. At this point, it's only Katniss who doesn't know about his intentions. Mrs. Everdeen gave him her permission to court her eldest daughter last December. That was a long time ago, and she's been giving him expectant looks every time he brings Katniss home.

"Cool car," Prim interrupts his unease. He closes the door gently and then leans in on the window.

“What do you think about my baby?”

"She's nice and tidy. Smells good. Soft seats too, but … your radio's ooold, Peeta." Prim scans the archaic device; no doubt it's something Peeta found in his dad's attic. "Haven't seen a tape player before in my life. That's probably ten times older than me." She chuckles and flips the opening where the cassette tapes go in.

“Hey, don’t insult the merchandise. It still works pretty well, I tell you.”

"Yeah, if you want to impress grandmas," she banters back and wrinkles her cute button nose in an adorable smirk.

"It's just bodywork, Prim. The engine is good; the wheels are relatively new, and the heater and AC haven't stopped working for three months now."

"I suppose so… Katniss did say that your body looks good." Prim giggles at her not-so-subtle insinuation.

Really? Katniss said that about my body.

“I mean the car, Peeta,” Prim coughs out, smiling mischievously. She’s definitely not the innocent little sister Peeta is used to.

Prim continues, “Not your body. God knows Katniss thinks your body is more than alright. She can't stop talking about how strong you are." Prim shifts in her seat and tries in the most comical way to exaggerate and mimic her older sister, "Did you know that he can lift hundred-pound bags of flour? That's not nothing, Prim. Peeta's strong!"

"No way she said that!" Peeta protests, though the slight flush on his cheeks must give away how happy he is about such revelation.

Did she really notice that? I mean, did Katniss really?

“She said that over dinner many times before, Peeta. Too many to count, actually. My sister would defend your honor to her grave.”

“You’re kidding now.”

“Nope. I’ll send you a video if I have to.”

They both laugh at each other, easily conversing as if they were family. Prim transfers to the driver's seat and asks about all the buttons and pedals while killing time. She honks the horn thrice, telling her sister to hurry up.

"You better not do that again, Prim!" Katniss yells back from the house. For good measure, Prim honks the horn again. Peeta can’t stop the monkey grin from spreading on his face.

“So?” Prim turns to him. He is now sitting in the passenger seat and biting his nails as he watches the front door.

"So," Peeta answers back, then stops himself from looking at Prim, who undoubtedly is sporting a naughty grin.

Damn, Prim’s going to grill me now.

"Why didn't you take my sister to prom?" she queries and taps his shoulder like a demanding little sister. Buttercup startles him by jumping through the back window and stretching before loafing in the back seat. Gossipy cat.

"I mean, you could have confessed your undying love then!" Prim presses, not so quietly.

"Prim, keep it down. She could hear you," Peeta pleads under his breath. Prim just smiles at him, and they both ease back into their seats.

With a huff, Peeta brings out his phone from his pocket. “It was the same day as the annual adoption fair,” he explains. “Here, take a look.”

On his phone are hundreds of pictures of dogs, cats, volunteers, and the crowds of people in the park; no doubt he was documenting the entire event three weeks ago. "There was a concert in the evening, and Katniss didn't want to leave until everything was finished and packed away. It's important to her, and I couldn't take that away from her."

Prim scans through his gallery. The event did look fun and meaningful. There were various booths from sponsors, basic obedience training sessions, and a spread of tables where possible adoptions were processed.

Sliding the screen further up, she opens a folder with a heart on the corner named "My Shelter." Inside are pictures and pictures of Katniss throughout their growing-up years. Some were taken candidly, but most with her permission.

“Peeta …,” Prim sighs.

"I know," he breathes out and joins her in looking at the photos of the one who holds his heart. "I'm a goner, Prim."

"That you are," she concurs sympathetically. She hands Peeta back his mobile, lingering on a selfie of the two of them with Whitney and Rye-Rye at the fair. They both smiled from ear to ear, clearly ecstatic because the two dogs were finally adopted into loving homes.

“For what it’s worth, you already had my vote years ago.” Prim squeezes his shoulder. “I knew you would take care of my sister and make her happy. She’s better with you, Peeta. You’re always hopeful, kind, and patient. My sister needs that in her life.”

“Thanks, Prim. That means a lot coming from you.”

Peeta swipes the screen and taps it to enlarge a file. "Want to see a video of her dancing at the fair?"

“With you?”

"Nah, I'm always behind the camera," he says, unsure if he should be happy that he got the chance to capture so many memories of Katniss before she leaves for university, or sad because it means that he hasn't taken the leap yet. "She's swaying with the cats as usual."

"That's my sister…except with Buttercup," Prim utters with a chuckle. "Okay, let's see it."

In the video, the park was lit with warm yellow lights above the dance floor, and a country band was playing a familiar love song. In Katniss' arms was Pepper, a brown and white, short-haired Tabby cat that was one of the kittens they rescued.

Last fall, an emaciated, young female cat appeared in Peeta's backyard. She was scavenging in the garbage bin when he saw her that afternoon. Noticing some milk in her teats, he was unsure whether the female cat was pregnant or if she’d already had her kittens. Peeta gave her some cat food and named her Paprika because of her red and white coloring. When he told Katniss about her, they set up a birthing box on his porch. But after a few days, it was obvious that Paprika had given birth somewhere else. Worried about the kittens, they set out to follow her when she would leave at night. Peeta had a hard time with his prosthetic, often staying farther behind so as not to alarm her with his loud footsteps. It was difficult, and Paprika was quick and so sneaky that even Katniss couldn't keep up with her. It was Jo who came up with the bright idea of putting a GPS collar on the feline. Paprika protested and pawed at the collar when Peeta put it on her, but eventually, she got used to it. Three days later, they found her kittens.

Paprika had five kittens. Two females and three males in all. They were Tabby cats with red, white, and brown coloring. They named them Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Sage, and Wasabi. Pepper was the last one to be adopted from the litter of five. It was a miracle she survived because she developed a severe upper respiratory infection a month after being rescued. She was sneezing, had a runny nose and eyes, was feverish, and lost her appetite. Many thought she was going to die with her swift decline, but Katniss and Peeta both took turns nursing her back to health. The Everdeens fostered Pepper, and Peeta helped tend to her until the wee hours of the night before sneaking back into his house. He cared for her and decongested her with the steamy shower running every night. Katniss slept while Peeta was with Pepper, so she could take the night shift. It was a grueling two weeks. They were falling asleep in their morning classes from exhaustion. In the cafeteria, they were often seen napping together during lunch breaks, which caused suspicion from their homeroom adviser.

Katniss and Peeta were ecstatic when Pepper was eventually given the all-clear by Doc Wiress. It took a while for the little runt to return to her old self. Loafing, scratching her cat pole, and climbing the kitchen cabinets at the Everdeens’ became her favorite pastimes when she got her strength back, though. Prim enjoyed having another cat in the house, and Katniss relished seeing Buttercup being ruffled-up by another feline with no boundaries yet. Two weeks later, Pepper was back in the shelter, and Jo began training her for adoption.

That night at the fair, Pepper finally found a home with Madge Undersee, the mayor's daughter.

As the band was playing, Pepper placed her head on the nook of Katniss' arm as she was cradled like a baby. Katniss had wanted a last dance with her. With a gentle gaze, she seemed to memorize the features of the cuddling bundle in her arms. Peeta couldn't resist taking a video of them, smiling at them, and loving them. His heart overflowed.

"She's really magnificent, isn't she?" Peeta whispers as his finger skims over Katniss' face on the screen. "Fierce, protective, devoted …" He longs for these moments of vulnerability. Tender and soft instances when Katniss wears her heart on her sleeve.

Just perfect the way she is.

"Prim, come in for a second, please," Mrs. Everdeen all of a sudden calls from inside the house.

"Okay, Mama," Prim replies, shifting in the driver's seat and giving Peeta a hopeful smile. "Just go for it, Peeta. Tell my sister you love her already. Don't be scared; she won't bite."

“I will … Thanks, Prim.”

Snapping back to her bright and witty self, Prim walks back to the house to attend to her mother's request. Buttercup follows her, but not before rubbing his face on Peeta's shoulders. He gracefully leaps through the window, meowing about as he parades himself lazily.

Stepping out of his car, Peeta can hear the youngest Everdeen scolding her sister and mother for being so slow and making Peeta wait for ages. Katniss grumbles back, saying that Peeta is always early anyways. This earns a snicker from him, delighted as he is that Katniss knows him so well.

I’m always early for you, my love.

Except ... for telling you that I love you.

Well, no more. Today’s the day!

Five more minutes pass, and it's Prim who exits the door first. She skips to Peeta's car, hastily opening the door herself in the back seat. Mrs. Everdeen then comes out next, greeting Peeta with a cheerful smile. He meets her halfway and escorts her to the car. Smooth, but totally natural for him to do.

Opening the car door, Mrs. Everdeen gives him a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, Peeta. You did wonderfully all these years,” she praises him, patting his rosy cheek.

He closes the passenger door and takes a few steps toward the house to wait for Katniss. He almost misses the moment she strolls out the door because he notices a watermark on the windshield. Promptly searching his pocket for a handkerchief, his whole body stills when he briefly glances at the gray and white door. There, under the soft morning sun, is his everything.

[… … …]

No word, no image, no thought revolves around his head. Only the beating of his heart exists.

Tha-thump. Tha-thump. Tha-thump.

When she smiles at him, the ballad "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon begins to play in the background. His blue eyes go into tunnel vision, zooming and ending only on Katniss. She's wearing a flowing, evergreen summer dress with a mockingbird pin on her chest. Her dark, majestic hair is in an elaborate braid that their art teacher Cinna would surely praise. Her cheeks are a modest pink, and her lips are a subtle crimson.

Bellissima.

Peeta deliberates if he has already died and gone to heaven.

I can't fight this feeling any longer

And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow

What started out as friendship has grown stronger

I only wish I had the strength to let it show

I tell myself that I can't hold out forever

I said there is no reason for my fear

'Cause I feel so secure when we're together

You give my life direction

You make everything so clear

"Is this real or not real?" he whispers to himself before his feet start moving of their own accord. It feels like walking on pillowy clouds.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you

I've been running 'round in circles in my mind

And it always seems that I'm followin' you, girl

'Cause you take me to the places

That alone I'd never find

"I'm not waiting any longer," he says next, halfway through the narrow path where Katniss is waiting. Everything feels warm and fuzzy under his gray suit. He's crawling out of his own skin.

And even as I wander

I'm keeping you in sight

You're a candle in the window

On a cold, dark winter's night

And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might

“Hi, Peeta.” Katniss’ sultry voice penetrates through Kevin Cronin’s singing in his head. “Sorry to keep you waiting. My mom…and my hair…”

“You look beautiful.” Peeta swoons, reaching for her hand and placing a gentle kiss there. Katniss' cheeks turn a slight pink, and she bites the insides of her bottom lip.

Blue eyes meet grey ones.

Like lightning, though, a moment of panic pricks Peeta’s gut.

What did I just do?!

His eyes start to go wild.

BEEP! Beep! Beep! The sound of the car horn snaps them out of their trance (or dilemma?)

“Hurry up! You both won’t make it to your graduation!” Prim yells out, leaning on the driver’s seat and pressing the horn again.

“Shut up, Prim!” Katniss reluctantly shouts back. She squeezes Peeta’s hand in hers and tugs it before briskly walking together to the car.

…..

Graduation flows smoothly as the newly promoted Assistant Vice Principal Fulvia Purpletown runs the whole ceremony. Emilia Fernsby, also known as 'Foxface,' gives an impassioned valedictorian speech, earning a standing ovation from three teachers‒Mr. Flavius (Trigonometry), Ms. Venia (Human Anatomy), and Mrs. Octavia (Logic).

As Pomp and Circumstance Marches plays, the seniors climb up to the wide-open stage. Everyone takes their turn on the wooden platform receiving their rolled-up fake diploma and moving the tassels on their dark blue graduation caps. Peeta and Katniss cheer profusely, whistling and clapping their hands as the other marches up to shake Mr. Heavensbee's hand. Proud as ever and moved by the momentous music, they are both teary-eyed as they accept their diploma.

High school was not easy. Juggling it with their families’ situation and their time at the animal shelter made studying very trying, but they succeeded. Together. Effie and Haymitch advised them from the start of their high school days that they could accomplish anything as long as they remained as a team.

Twenty more photos and a lengthy video of Katniss' march were added to Peeta’s favorite gallery folder by the end of her turn. Both their families stood up to watch them, glowing with happiness under the breezy summer day.

After Principal Heavensbee gives the final message to the graduates‒a highly philosophical speech about history lessons and the human condition‒the song "Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen unexpectedly booms in the background. He’s startled by Bruce’s “Let’s go!” causing him to spill his juice from his teacher’s mug all over his brown, tailor-made suit.

The entire faculty scrambles to their feet, some briskly walking backstage to find the source of the loud rock music that is causing young hips and shoulders to shake rhythmically. Principal Heavensbee is red as a ripe beet, pointing at all sorts of icons on Vice Principal Fulvia’s controller. The tech crew, wearing black shirts, tries to stop the music to bring back the solemnity of the ceremony, but to no avail. The crowd is already wild!

Tough luck, Mr. Heavensbee!

The whole assembly dances and sings like the crazy teenagers they are. Thresh and Marvel run across the field, shedding their togas and shirts and popping confetti guns with suspicious-looking colored powders. All the while the school’s Golden Victor mascot is chased around by Mr. Flickerman because he is running buck naked and flashing everyone. All color drains out of the teachers’ faces.

That’s the 74th batch of Panem High for you folks.

"Oh, this is definitely Cato's doing!" Peeta announces to Katniss, leaning near her ear to be heard above the loud music. "It's got his signature written all over it!"

“Well, they can’t expel him now!” Katniss all but shouts as she stands on tiptoes to reach his ear as well.

Peeta’s warm cheek grazes hers.

Katniss steadies herself, grabbing his solid arms. She leans into his masculine jaw.

For a moment, they both freeze at the contact. Had they rotated their heads just a little more, their lips would have certainly met. Actually…

Akjfkjdfsdfjdsvdsnvj!

But the moment is not right, Peeta thinks. So he just holds her close and envelopes her in his arms. Following suit, Katniss lets her palms crawl up the expanse of his back, keeping them flushed against each other's graduation gown-covered bodies. They both breathe in each other's scent.

Cinnamon and dill.

Lavender and oatmeal.

The scent of forever.

Their schoolmates continue to sing in chorus; some throw their graduation caps in the air, and many stand on their chairs to take a live video. But Katniss and Peeta are frozen in time, existing in a unit of space where their shelter is each other's heart. All too soon, the music stops, and a tech crew laughs mightily from pulling out the main electrical plug, killing the mood. Principal Heavensbee chestily declares without a mic, "With the power vested in me by the Committee of Education, I now pronounce you all as graduates! This concludes the year and your entire high school education." He emphasizes the word 'concludes’ and makes a shooing gesture to everyone out in the field after he finishes.

"Congratulations, Katniss," Peeta whispers, his joy expanding to her as he holds her.

“Congratulations, Peeta,” Katniss murmurs against his chest. Her ear rests over his heart, listening to every beat it makes. “We did it.”

Gingerly, they break away from each other, slowly letting go of the other with closed eyes. Their families find them amidst the rowdy crowd, and they all take obligatory pictures, reluctantly setting aside the closeness they had only seconds ago.

Wheaton holds the camera, and everyone smiles at the count of three. Always the fun-loving one, Rye demands that they all say 'cheese buns' instead when Wheaton takes their photos.

Peeta shoots his brother a death glare.

“I’ll see you all for dinner at our house at eight,” invites Mr. Mellark. Mrs. Mellark stands beside him, surprisingly in a good mood. She must have been a fan of Bruce Springsteen.

"We'll be there with some soup and cider," Mrs. Everdeen replies, then gives Peeta and Katniss a final congratulatory hug.

Everyone then piles out to attend to their regular work. The Mellarks have tons of cakes and pastries to deliver, and the Everdeens have patients to attend to.

“You ready?” Peeta asks Katniss once everyone is out of earshot.

“Ready,” she replies, a lopsided grin on her face. “Let’s go!”

Their plan had been forged since they were in freshman year. They promised each other that when they graduated, they'd take selfies in all their favorite spots in school. But since Katniss is leaving for university, they've expanded the plan to taking photos around the district as well. It’s easy, all they need to do is ride on Haymitch's bus. The D12 stops in all their favorite places, except the park. They will just take Peeta’s car later to go there.

The first stop in school is in front of the bust sculpture of the Committee of Education's Chairman Coriolanus Snow. Many despise him for his overly intellectual and competitive revision of the curriculum, which slashed the art budget by half. Peeta positions his index finger to pick Snow's nose while Katniss scowls and puts a whole cabbage on top of his head. They take three shots, switching positions and snickering like naughty children while making funny faces at the bearded old man.

Next is their usual lunch table in the cafeteria. Producing a marker from his suit pocket, Peeta quickly draws a bow and arrow and a loaf of bread underneath. Symbols, no doubt of themselves, they’ve claimed the orange table. They spent many conversations on this worn-out furniture‒lots of friendly banter, catching up on homework, and planning for shelter events or foster care.

A picture of their lockers follows, which thanks to Peeta's silver tongue was never changed for four years. Katniss' was locker E518, and Peeta's was M314. They slip a thin note inside for the next freshman who will inherit the green metal compartments. It lists invaluable tips for surviving high school in Panem.

#1. Respect Mr. Cinna.

#2. Don’t sit in the first row of Mr. Flickerman’s class…unless you want a shower!

#3. Mr. Flavius always gives a pop quiz on the first Wednesday of the month, so study up!

#4. Library. SC-081-019-62. Best book ever!

#5. A friend that gives you a loaf of bread is a keeper.

#6. Eat breakfast. Seriously, it’s the most important meal of the day :)

…

#12. Volunteer at the animal shelter. You’ll find good people there.

Their last stop in school is Mr. Cinna's art studio. It's been their quiet space for four years. When the school crowd became too much, they often retreated there, either alone or together, for some peace. A spacious room meant for free expression and creativity, Mr. Cinna never once locked the doors, so anyone wanting to express their feelings on a blank canvas could. Not once was the room vandalized or taken for granted by any of the students in Panem High. They all respected and loved Mr. Cinna.

"Remember this window, Peeta?" Katniss asks as she stares out across the school's field. "You loved sitting here and watching the sky change color."

I also loved watching you from here when you trained for archery. I often melted like ice cream from your awesomeness.

"Do you still have some artwork here?" Katniss walks away from the glass window and scans the nearby wall filled with sketches from students. It's a nifty wall, really. Anyone who appreciates art could get lost in the many works students have left throughout the years.

Peeta walks toward the other end of the vast wall, joining her as she tries to identify one of his works. Truth be told, he had already taken every one of them down, except for one. He purposely left one for her to find. Today.

Just a little bit more to the right, my love. I hope you’ll like it.

A not too subtle "Oh” escapes Katniss' lips. She covers her open mouth with her palm, clearly in awe of the painting in front of her.

Peeta holds his breath.

"What do you think?" he finally asks as he stands beside her. Katniss' index finger brushes his. Courageously, Peeta takes her hand, interlacing his calloused fingers with her slender ones. It feels so natural, so perfect, like the easy swirl of fresh paint on canvas. Not one of them dares to let go.

"You did this for me?" Katniss marvels at the painting of her aiming her bow and arrow in the field. "It's beautiful."

“You’re beautiful,” Peeta follows smoothly. For once, his thoughts of her now have a voice. “And I have always loved you all these years.”

A companionable silence stands between them, then a few tears escape Katniss’ eyes. Her other hand hovers over the canvas. “You have?” she asks, lips quivering from the rush of emotions flooding her.

Peeta smiles and meaningfully bobs his head in answer. The twinkle in his eyes is clearly visible from the joy of finally letting his heart out. "Since we were five…took me thirteen years to finally muster up the courage to tell you. But yeah …" Peeta turns to Katniss, unafraid and determined to hold her gaze now. “I love you, Katniss Everdeen.”

"Oh, Peeta," she breathes out, and he tenderly brushes away the tears falling down her rosy olive cheeks with his thumb.

"I only have four weeks to win your heart…make you fall in love with me. I don't want to waste any more time being afraid or doubting myself. I'm running out of time to make you love me as more than just your silly old best friend... I know, I'm not perfect…”

"You don't have to ...," Katniss cuts him off, placing her trembling fingers over his lips. She surely feels the rush of air he takes from her unexpected gesture, then the warm breath he steadily exhales after. Slowly, Peeta takes her hand away from his tingling lips and slides it down to a distinct place on his torso‒over the muscular organ pumping blood throughout his body.

The one that beats only for Katniss Everdeen.

"You already won my heart, Peeta," Katniss follows, ghosting her index finger over the thumping in Peeta's chest. "It has always been yours." She then moves her gaze from his chest to his handsome face. The bluest, gentlest eyes meet her. She smiles at him, softly and a little playful. "But I always thought yours belonged to Delly Cartwright, so ..."

"Oh, Katniss, I'm such a fool..."

"Maybe," she snickers, then pauses. "Now…are you gonna kiss me, or should I wait a couple more years?"

Laughter bubbles up in Peeta's chest. He can't believe this is all happening. He had only hoped for a chance, yet here is Katniss giving her heart to him in return.

Her heart to me. Peeta Mellark.

"So?" Katniss scowls from being made to wait again. Peeta beams.

"Come here."

Their lips meet in a sure kiss, taking each other's breath away. Greedily, they seek more before slowing down to take their time. Katniss wraps her arms around Peeta's neck, tickling him as he pulls her closer. They chuckle between kisses as Peeta confesses about all the cheese buns he’s shoved her way. He’s all too endearing, and Katniss can’t help but fall in love even more with her best friend.

Woof! woof! woof! The loud barking of Driver sounds from the field outside the window.

"I don't believe it," Peeta says, pulling his mouth away and leaving Katniss mid-kiss. Sometimes he really can’t help but become a tease.

"Peeta, what?" Katniss breathily complains, eyes closed and confused but still feeling like she’s in a fairy tale.

"Driver's here, love."

Hmmm, love. I can call her that now.

"I guess it's time to go to the park," Peeta follows and rubs the back of his neck.

Together they meet Driver in the grassy field, peppering him with hugs and getting slobbery kisses. They take Peeta's car to the park, the tune of Bruce Springsteen's “Glory Days” echoing from Peeta's cassette player. With Driver leading the way and Katniss and Peeta holding hands while stealing kisses, they find the evergreen tree where they first got "married" as children. Around the "K+P" Peeta carved out when they were seven, Katniss adds a perfect heart around it, sealing it with an arrow for good measure.

I love that my cheese buns and I are not the only cheesy things around here.

Kisses then follow ‒ lots of them ‒ punctuated with adorable wet licks from Driver. All is perfect under the evergreen tree and the silky orange sunset on the horizon as Katniss and Peeta finally give their hearts away. To each other.

“My shelter,” Peeta coos.

“My shelter,” Katniss repeats with a kiss.

-- The end --

.……………

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this little fic.

#thg #everlark #dandelionlovesyou writes #my shelter #Paprika's story is loosely adapted from a real life rescue #adoption #foster #cats and dogs #I'd love to see your fur baby =D

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bleachbleachbleach · 3 years ago

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29 hours

Every couple months I come back to this (or some variant of this), but like... Do you ever wonder what the heck Hitsugaya and Matsumoto did for 29 hours?

They get this jigokuchou email when they’re watching over Hinamori, after their brief altercation with Ichimaru. “29 hours” initially seems very arbitrary (not that I could expect the Council of 46, real or imagined, to not be arbitrary), but Ukitake seems to insinuate that it just lines up with noon the next day:

Which implies that the jigokuchou would have gone out at ~7AM. I buy that. The morning of the execution also begins “5 hours before the execution,” so maybe 7AM is just the start of the regular business day in the Seireitei. A budget meeting and then a brown bag execution during lunch!

Hitsugaya tells Matsumoto they should use these hours to “stop the execution.” But like...

24+ hours later:

That is not... That plan does not seem any more developed than it was the day before, lol?? I’m just really curious about what it is they were up to.

Once they reach the Council of 46 (and apparently they had something else to do that morning because it also doesn’t seem like they leave for the Council of 46 until the execution is literally beginning, and there’s some wiggle room in between 7AM and that, since other people are busily getting into skirmishes and Byakuya is off killing Renji), Hitsugaya informs the readers that:

the Council of 46 would not be swayed by a single captain’s objection

they forced their way into the chambers, so it’s not like they were waiting for an invitation to be there. (Not that they would have received one.)

So after a full day of brainstorming, was their plan to... ask for something that they knew would certainly would not be granted and then just show up at the door uninvited to ask for something they knew would not be granted, to see if that would work?

We do know what Ukitake did with his 29 hours:

Appeals unsuccessfully to the Council of 46, as anticipated

Un-seals big powerful Shihouin shield thingy

Some options I’d like to propose for how the 10th spent those 29 hours:

sent a Comment or Complaint thru the Council of 46′s online portal

refreshed that page multiple times

waited

“But it says our feedback is valuable and they’ll get back to us as soon as possible.”

snacks

sleep (in fairness, they were at least one all-nighter in already, and it had been a long day of Aizen being brutally slaughtered and then failing to keep Hinamori in jail)

Change.Org?

realized they’d failed to spend any time actually doing their jobs re: emergency mobilization re: ryoka, a thing they do not appear to care about at all, ever, the entire arc, had to go make some work assignment charts and hold a bystander intervention training (rando 10th people do show up to the post-execution kerfuffle, so...?)

more snacks

wrote ICHIMARU on a blackboard many times

Matsumoto had to fix Haineko, which Shinsou cracked, so I guess that’s important

open MS Word / blinking cursor / close MS Word

“Fuck it, we have a four-hour commute; we’re bound to figure something out on the way.” (Narrator: They did not.)

Maybe Hitsugaya had to go attend to the fact that he’d released shikai but had no ryoka to show for it, or explain Aizen’s bonkers letter. But it seems like everyone except Hinamori continued to be unaware of/ignored the accusation because it was too bonkers.

ALSO, while we’re here, I definitely forgot that not only did Aizen say Hitsugaya had killed him, he also said that Hitsugaya was the one who’d arranged for Rukia’s execution so he could steal the Sougyoku and destroy Soul Society. Which sounds ridiculous, because Hitsugaya is way too boring to have thought up that plan. XDDD (On the other hand he 1) was mysteriously absent for the “emergency measures” captain’s meeting, 2) at no point engaged the ryoka, 3) attacked a Captain, and 4) broke into the Council of 46, which all actually does look sus af, lol.)

Whatever. I love them. Amazing. Excellent contribution to the stopping of the execution. As long as the execution in question is the execution of their own plan. 😅<3

#i'm sure they tried very hard and it was all very complicated #if man if they were chagrined at their complete lack of plan #they did not show it #maybe they teach positive affirmations at shinigami academy #BE the change you wish to see in the world #SPEAK your truth and make it true #hitsugaya: 'i'm going to kill you!'#universe: no :)#hitsugaya: 'i'm going to kill you 2.0!'#longpost #hitsugaya toushirou #matsumoto rangiku #soul society arc #bleach manga #bleach

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insanitysilver · 4 years ago

Text

Great for commutes/while doing chores/etc. Also great for proofreading your own stuff! I made version 1.0 in 2015, but the program I recommended has since switched over to a monthly subscription-base model (boooo). So, here’s my new, still free, 2020 method:

1. Choose and Download Your Fanfic:

AO3 comes with download options, and of them HTML tends to play the nicest. Viewing then downloading the fic using AO3’s ‘Entire Work’ option will save you some time. Copy and pasting the entire body of the text will works too. For FFN, you’re going to either have to a.) use a third party site to download fics (sketchy) or b.) install a userscript that reenables copy-paste (more labor intensive).

2. Choose Your Text-to-Speech Software:

First, you’ll need text-to-speech software. There are many options on the market, some free, some not. For this tutorial, we’ll be using Balabolka. A free program made Ilya Morozov in 2010 that he’s continued to update and work on since. It’s Windows-only for now. (Mac and Linux users might want to look into Natural Reader since that’s web-based, though the free version offers less functionality.)

Balabolka Pros:

Can export audio files

Can create multiple custom pronunciation dictionaries!!!

Change pitch and speed of read-aloud voice

Sleep timer!

Very customizable interface

It’s free

Balabolka Cons:

Doesn’t come with additional voices. Only uses default Windows voices + any extra additional ones you’ve installed.

It’s freeware maintained by one man for free, so patches and bug fixes will come slower.

3. Download and Install Balabolka

As of Nov. 17th, 2020, Balabolka’s official website is cross-plus-a (dot) com. Google it. If the site layout changes in the future just check that the bottom still says ‘Copyright © 2006-2020 Ilya Morozov’ so you know you’re in the right place.

Upon downloading, if you’re using Windows 10 you might get this pop-up:

Here Windows is checking the program for an EV Code Signing Certificate. Basically, checking its credentials. Getting and keeping an EV Certificate costs the developer(s) ~$100+ yearly, so bc a program doesn’t have one doesn’t inherently mean its not safe. That’s the trade-off for freeware. No money goes in, so no money can go out to get certified. As always, do your due diligence before downloading any program to your computer, and read up on the benefits and risks of freeware if you’re not familiar with them already. *gets off soap box*

Pressing More Info will allow you to continue installation.

4. Get to Know the Program

Keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle! Upon opening the program you’ll be greeted with this interface. Feel free to open your HTML file or paste some sample text to start playing around with.

Areas of Note:

These are essentially your voice engine options and will vary computer to computer. Click through the tabs to see where your default voices are stored. If you buy additional voices from a 3rd party they’ll show up here too.

Up under View you can change the font settings and the program’s skins. Nifty.

Meet your new favorite button: The Panel of Dictionaries.

5. Fix the Pronouciations (Optional)

Chances are your fic has internet slang like t/n, or non-english words, or fantasy terms, or maybe just an unusual surname that your voice bank refuses to pronouce correctly. Balabolka makes it quite easy to fix that. I have a more in-depth tutorial for this on my blog.

Balabolka can also switch voices within a single document. This could be useful for differentiating dialogue or forcing correct pronunciation of foreign names if you have voice banks in multiple languages and the original characters at your disposal. Tutorial for that here.

6. Convert Your Fic, And You’re Done!

The hardest part is long since past. Now that you’ve got your settings worked out and the pronunciation as good as it’s gonna get, time to press either ‘Save Audio File’ or ‘Split and Convert to Audio Files’:

Notes about File Types

Mp3 – compressed for smaller file size, pretty universally playable

Mp4 – refined compression, (potentially) even smaller file size, widely accepted, but not universal

WAV – no compression, high quality, large file sizes

For multi-chapter fics:

I highly recommend using ‘Split and Convert to Audio Files’, as trying to export a 100k fic as a sound file takes forever (esp WAVs), and is very unruly to navigate as a listener.

10k words roughly equates to an hour of audio

Pick through the options offered for what suits your needs best. For AO3 HTML files I have good luck picking ‘two empty lines in succession’ if you’re trying to divide by chapter.

Next Balabolka lets you preview the cuts you’re about to make. Truly a kind and forgiving piece of software. I recognize my own chapter titles, so it’s easy for me to uncheck anything that doesn’t belong.

Fix the settings to your liking on that and BING! Finished! Oh, and whenever you finish a fic remember to go back and leave a review! Sweet reviews make authors write faster!

End Notes:

So the first time takes a bit, but after that you can convert fics in under ten minutes.

A text-to-speech program isn’t going to beat out a real living, breathing narrator. Not this decade anyway. If you find yourself using Balabolka a lot and crave a smoother voice than Microsoft David’s, it might be time to look into buying a 3rd party voice bank. CereProc makes my favorites, and the personal use licenses cost ~$35. Balabolka + a CereProc voice is still much cheaper than most of the other software on the market and honestly outperforms a lot of it. Also throw a donation Ilya Morozov’s way through his website since he’s maintained this program freely for a decade and helped a lot with accessibility through doing so.

Example text is from ‘The Secret Desires of Buddy Valastro’ by perfectcannolis, and thank you to @bearfoottruck who informed me about balabolka to begin with.

#fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 #fan fiction #ffn #ffnet #fan fic #archive of our own #mine

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