#stop putting out moldy food in the meal replacement

[sadcena]

Day 2 of eating moldy food. I'm not doing so well

[the-headbop-wraith]

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Two agonizing days.

Vivi didn’t mind, but waiting made her anxious when she knew they had hours of driving ahead and a destination at the end of a long road.  It couldn’t be helped that Arthur had to take the time out to repair the damage to his arm – or take the time to work many long hours, and then finally decide the arm on its own was worthless, and the surviving parts were better off cannibalized for a newish prosthetic.  Arthur rarely worked from scratch on his replacements, as he took what he got in regards to putting something functional together.  Vivi didn’t bother him a whole lot during the process, opting to knit away the time with other priorities such as making the necessary preparations for the long drive between here and eventual.

Each time Vivi stopped by to deliver some food and remind Arthur eating was essential, she saw the progress of his new arm.  At first it was one model and it hardly looked anything near to human anatomy, it resembled more of an insect limb with colorful wires and rods still steaming with solder.  Then there came to be two, and one was taking the shape of an arm through the section plates Arthur was attaching over the wires and motor parts.

“It’s looking good,” Vivi said, as they shared a lunch.  They sat at a cluttered beat up coffee table, two couches facing each other on either side of it.  It was in the break room of the car garage of Kingsman Mechanics, owned by Arthur’s uncle and employer.  One wall was fixed up for a quick meal preparation zone, complete with particle cabinets and a counter top with a sink set.  Beside the short counter was a small fridge, and atop the fridge was a microwave.  The walls were soundproofed, but still the distant howl of work and hydraulic squeal crept in.  “Are you trying some of the new connectors, to get more sensation?”

Arthur glanced up from the fries he was picking at.  He raised one to his head where Galahad sat, tangled in his unruly hair.  “Naw,” he said.  Galahad tilted on his wheels as he took the fry and began munching, no mind to the fact the hamster was getting ketchup in Arthur’s hair.  Arthur then returned his lone arm to the large, triple meat burger Vivi had brought.  “This time I’m focused on strengthening the elbow, but going for more range of movement.”  He took a bite and worked on that for a moment, barely swallowing before he went on.  “I’m not sure how much tension to allot the joint, to keep it from cracking.”

Vivi wiped Mystery’s mouth off, before allowing the dog to return to his burger.  Vivi poked through the magazines left on the coffee table amongst plastic bags and Styrofoam containers.  Most the magazines were the norm – mechanics digest, some body builders.  She found one for medical, and the issue for prosthetics with the edges of the pages worn to tatters.  She noted the date on the front page before looking up to meet Arthur’s eyes as he watched her.

Since the conversation was diverted in the van, they had tiptoed around matters concerning Lewis.  Arthur hadn’t asked about him in all the times Vivi came by, and Vivi wasn’t sure what to make of that.  If Arthur knew simply by her appearance, or where the nature of the conversation would delve if Uncle Lance stumbled in on them while they discussed their ‘late’ friend.  Thinking back on all the times she could recall, Vivi never once had heard Lance mention Lewis.  But who would bring up a topic of a loss on the spot?  But there are a many that would avoid or refuse to acknowledge such issues, forget and move on was sometimes easiest.

“Take your time,” Vivi said.  She began offering Mystery her fries one at a time, and Mystery snapped them up in turn.  “I’m still doing some research before I make a route.”

Arthur nodded.  “Uh, Lance also has a few jobs for me,” he said.  “So it’s taken longer than I estimated in the first place.  Is that all right?”

“Of course,” Vivi huffed.  “I’m not jeopardizing your only stable job.”

Arthur blinked.  He pinned his burger down with his knuckles and deftly tore off a piece of meat, which he offered to Galahad.  “I don’t think he’d fire me, unless I blew up the shop….” His voice trailed off, and Arthur managed a grim sneer.  “Again.”

Vivi gave a dry laugh.  No, that wasn’t funny.

Professionally, Arthur could duck out of his main income by taking service up with Vivi’s Mystery Skulls, as the onboard mechanic.  By ‘contract’ Arthur received a percentage of pay for their assignments, plus a little extra whenever the van crapped out.  A simple handshake would have sufficed for Arthur, but Vivi insisted they make it official.  The contract consisted of a napkin shoved into the glove compartment, and maybe to this day it is still there.

Through the glassed side of the break room, Vivi spied Uncle Lance sneaking out.  She decided he was sneaking, or up to something.  Vivi stood and collected her trash, and told Arthur to finish all of his food before he returned to work.  Arthur was prone to forgetting halfway through a meal when an idea struck him, and leave his food to grow cold and moldy while he worked away.  If Vivi gave a stern reminder, he was more than likely to consume nearly all his food before he took off.

“And don’t make Galahad finish it for you,” where Vivi’s last words.  She excused herself and Mystery, ignoring Arthur’s exasperated expression, and Galahad’s dismay.  Vivi dumped her trash in the garbage bin beside the door and stepped out through the garages main work zone.

Since they had returned to Kingsman Mechanics, Uncle Lance had been pushing to do some maintenance work on the van before they took off again.  Each time Vivi denied with the excuse that she had work to do, and, Arthur could probably fit in a quick check up when he had the chance.  That was ill planned, and Lance had called her on it.  Still, she kept on that she did have errands to run and wanted to get that out of the way before the van was looked over, in case she forgot something.

Such as locking the doors.

Vivi saw Lance duck out of the driver’s side, and move to the front of the van to pop the hood.  Mystery took off before her, and she called for Lance as she raced over.  “Hey!  What are you doing?”  Vivi tried to hide the note of alarm in her voice.

Lance wore his dark coat, come rain or summer, and the tool belt around his waist worn that was stained from years of use.  He didn’t pay Vivi much mind as he leaned over the engine and scanned over the tubes and wires at his fingers.  “Just a quick look,” he said.  “Put my mind to ease, huh?”

“I told you to wait!”  Vivi snapped.  She wasn’t tall, but she straightened herself up as much as she could and crossed her arms.  Mystery barked beside her in his, have you no respect, tone.

“I’m not confining you to the shop,” Lance assured.  He chewed on the toothpick between his teeth as he turned his eyes back to the engine.  “Hmm, need an oil change, some sparkplugs could do with replacing.  Lemme get a new belt, this one’s looking shabby.”  He leaned over, nearly into the carriage as he tapped around.  “It’s about time we rotated those tires, isn’t it?  You drive to the moon and back every day.”

“You didn’t mess with anything in the van?” Vivi asked.  She followed Mystery when he hoped up through the open driver side door.  The white dog flashed out of sight when he leapt up into the back.

“Naw,” Lance said.  “That’s yer kids department.  It’s your office, and I have no business going back there.”

The front of the van was warm and stuffy from sitting in the noontime sun.  Vivi peered over the seat into the back interior and saw that the black box was gone.  Frail wisps of the frigid air hung in the shadows, and Vivi wanted to reach out and catch it but there was no way of grasping what cannot be seen.  Like chasing radical dreams.  She leaned over the back seat to watch Mystery go around the perimeter of the walls, head down and ears twisting but it was apparent he was finding nothing.  Mystery stopped when he reached the space where the box had sat, and turned to look at her.

“Uncle Lance,” Vivi began.  She rested her head on the warm seat for a moment, before slipping back out of the driver’s side.  “Did you know Lewis well?”  There was a span of silence, before the hood of the van cracked as it slammed down.  Vivi whipped to where Lance stood, his hands still gripping the top of the hood and staring at her hard.  “Hmm?”

Lance uncoiled, slipping from his stance and dragged his gloved hands from the vans front.  “I knew him,” he said.  “But not like you and Art did.  It was tragic, what happen to him.  What’s Art been telling you?”

Vivi couldn’t discern if Lance was aware of her amnesia, or if he was trying to dodge the subject.  “We’ve just been talking,” she said. Mystery appeared from over the driver seat, skidding down to sit beside Vivi.  “Kind of going back.”  She stared up at Lance as he moved along the side van until he stood before her.  She didn’t flinch, even when he quickly clasped a hand to her shoulder.

“Don’t totter over that piece of history too much, love.”  When Lance spoke, there was a tone of pain in his voice that was as audible, as if he was ready to cry.  Vivi couldn’t remember ever seeing Uncle Lance, a sturdy figure in their life, breaking down and crying.  But she felt it.  And she felt the knot of confusion and agony, as if she had missed something important and it angered her how lost she was to the company of the subject.  She wanted to know, but they avoided it.  They kept her away.  “It is a pain no one should burden,” he ended.  Lance took his arm from Vivi’s shoulder, and walked away. 

The paradox of Lance setting an oil stained hand upon any person or object never ceased to boggle Vivi’s mind.  Nor the factor that whenever he removed the hand, no stain or evidence remained that he had ever been present.  Vivi watched through the passenger side, as Lance staggered across the parking lot back to the side doors that entered into the garage shops main work zone.

“Hey.”

Vivi jolted in place to the hollow voice that echoed out of nowhere, and to the shape now leaning over the front seat just above Mystery’s head.  She grabbed her chest as her heart lurched in her ribs.  “Shit,” Vivi hissed.  “Don’t do that!”  She swiped out her hand, trying to connect with the skull but Lewis merely let his head rise out of range and her hand passed through where his neck would have been.

“Sorry.”  There was smugness in his voice.  “You okay?”  All smugness dried up when Vivi climbed up onto the driver’s seat and wrapped her arms around Lewis’ shoulders. Mystery gave a yelp and ducked over into the passenger seat.  “Vi, wait!”  Lewis lunged forward as Vivi tumbled backwards, arms looped around the stunned skull.  Vivi groaned when she fell back onto the warm asphalt behind her, the skull still clutched to her chest.  Lewis’ decapitated body hung out of the driver seat, arms draped over the footstep of the van.  “Tried to warn you,” his voice muttered, from somewhere.  He gestured to Vivi on the ground.

“I should have known better,” Vivi retorted.  She forced herself to sit up and looked down at the skull in her arms.  Bright eye sockets gazed back up at her, and everything about the visage from the poof of magenta hair to the teeth seemed much more solid.  “Incubator.”

“Come again?”  The voice seemed to come from the skull, but at the same time it came from the suit, and just as well it came from nowhere exactly.  It seemed to reverberate in Vivi’s mind, warm and pleasant.

“Incubator,” Vivi repeated, as if that would clarify.  “Arthur called you an incubator.”

“That’s all good and well,” Lewis said.  The skull narrowed its brow and the eyes brightened in the hollow sockets.  “Care to explain?  Mystery!  Get off me!  C’mon now.”

The body jerked its shoulders, forcing the Mystery dog perched on the torsos backside to bounce off with a yap.

Vivi climbed to her feet and somehow managed to scoot Lewis’ body over in the vans seat without the use of her arms, and shut the door after her.  She explained the coffin that had taken temporary residence in the back of the van, and the collective unease it had given she and Arthur.  Not because the coffin disturbed them, not at all, but they were worried for his wellbeing.  The nearest they had concluded of the coffin’s significance was sleeping but… why a coffin?  And was it actual sleeping, in whatever sense it took?

They sat in silence for the next few minutes.  Vivi still held the skull tightly in her arms, and the body sat next to her with Mystery slumped over his lap.

“This is the first time in a long time that I could wrap my arms around you,” Vivi said.  “Not since we were kids.”  The skull said nothing, just stared over at Vivi’s shoulder as if in deep concentration.  Vivi gave him a few more minutes, before asking if he wanted his head back?

“I’m good,” Lewis hummed.  “I was just— You saw the coffin?”  The flames in his eye sockets perked up to her face, as if he’d never heard of a coffin before.

“Yeah,” Vivi said.  “I’m not going to ask this time.”

“Thanks.”  Then Lewis was back to inner debate.  Viv noted the hand of his body was rubbing absentmindedly at one of Mystery’s ears, and Mystery didn’t perk or seem to care.  In fact, Mystery’s eyes slowly closed, evidently content.  “I didn’t mean for you to see the coffin,” Lewis said.  “I knew you probably wouldn’t get around to doing the laundry, you were really tired.  But I didn’t mean to, hmm….”  His voice trailed off.

“You were scared?” Vivi said, in an accusing note.

“No,” Lewis hissed.  He refused to look at her.

“Lonely?”  Vivi chimed.  She hugged the skull more to her chest and rested her head atop the soft poof of – what she had decided were flames at some point – but it was soft and not like fire, and didn’t have the texture of hair.

“Maybe,” Lewis said.  “No.  It’s different, I don’t know how to explain it.”

“I think I get it,” Vivi reasoned.  “But I don’t readily understand either.  Hmm.”

“Hmm,” Lewis hummed along.

Vivi watched the brick wall of the Kingsman Mechanic’s building in front of them.  She heard the once every – other minute car coast by on the road that sat before the garage shop.  It was a little before five o’clock rush hour she estimated, a few more minutes and customers would start to arrive in flocks to pick up vehicles, their days work concluded.  “You miss your mansion?” Vivi asked.  The pause that followed was not encouraging.

“Yeah,” Lewis says.  “But not because I raised the place.  It was all I had.”  He became quiet, and Vivi pressed no more questions.  “Did you see what happen to my deadbeats?”

“Deadbeats?” Vivi said, looking down to the skulls blazing eye sockets.  “The spirits that chased us?”  Lewis made a sound that sputtered, and seemed to reverberate in the silent radio of the van.  She took the pitch as a confirmation.  “Faded.  Crossed over.  I’m not sure.  I’m no master of reading ambiguous visage of spirits, but they seemed fine with it.”  Lewis was silent for another span of time.

Outside the windshield, the sun began to fade behind the surrounding buildings as dusk approached and the air began to chill.  Vivi watched the shadows grow longer and sweep over the front of the van, until a soft tinge of pink brushed over her sweater and the window glass beside her shoulder.  It was then that Vivi realized Lewis hadn’t been staring at her shoulder, he was keeping a lookout should someone approach outside the window.  Or maybe he was just staring off into the distance.

“To be fair,” Lewis began, “I didn’t tell then to chase you or Mystery.”  Mystery opened an eye a crack at the mention of his name.  “I told them to chase Arthur.  You just happen to be in the wrong place, wrong time.”

Vivi glared down at the gleaming eyes inside the skull.  “That was cruel,” she scolded.  Lewis made a gruff sound that echoed in the cold radio, and may have said something Vivi’s sharp ears, attuned to the paranormal, was able to catch.  Lewis eyes flashed over to the window and the vibrant fire inside the eye sockets dimmed.

“Cars, cars,” Lewis chattered.  “People!  I need my head.”

Vivi sighed.  “Of course.”  And tossed his skull into the back of the van.

Lewis’ body sputtered and jerked up, upsetting the dog snoozing over his lap.  “Vi!  What— Why?”  The torso scooted over in evident panic, as Vivi opened the driver side door and slipped out.

“I’m still mad at you!” she snapped, before slamming the door shut on Lewis.

“What?  What!” Lewis screamed, reaching for the door, before remembering he was in no state to go anywhere.  A car pulled up in the parking space one over from the van, and Lewis flung his body over the bench seat into the vans darkened back.  “This is unfair!”

Mystery popped his head over the backseat, a bit dazed from the commotion but recovering.  He assessed the cause of alarm and hopped over the bench seat and joined Lewis fumbling in the back.

“She acts like I was the one that MURDERED!” Lewis shrieked.  The sound was hellish and caused the van to ignite with momentary life, lamp lights pulsing and blazing yellow on the brick wall before them, engine roaring, windshield wipers sweeping and stopping in half motion. 

Mystery moved over and sat down beside Lewis’ torso.  The dog slanted his brows over the amber glasses he wore, and flattened his ears.  This was all not necessary, but he supposed Lewis couldn’t help it.

Lewis’ body turned to the dog, hunched over in the back of the van and barely able to keep from sinking through the floor.  Even without his head Lewis was still tall, and hunched over beneath the low ceiling.  Though he was in no danger of being spied on by curious newcomers, another outburst from Lewis caused the radio of the van to crackle with soft rock from the radio station Vivi had elected earlier that day.

“Don’t look at me like that!” Lewis screeched.  “It’s complicated.  I guaranteed Arthur would have survived!  That was the extent of my restraint!”

Mystery rolled his eyes.  Shoving off his rear legs, the dog leapt up and snared the purple tie at Lewis’ collar.  Lewis buckled forward to the unexpected weight of Mystery leading, hauling him down.

“Mystery!  Bad!  Leggo!  Mystery!”  Lewis pressed his palms to the floor of the van and pushed, but Mystery dug his claws into the short plush and jerked back, snarling in his throat.  “Why?  Why!”  Lewis reached out to snag him, but the dog released the tie and kicked away, then retreated a few steps out of the spirits reach.  As Mystery hung back watching, Lewis spun around and leaned over.  When he spun back the skull had resumed post above his collar, eye sockets gleaming and magenta flames bristling down his shoulders and back until the van was filled with a harsh fuchsia glow.  “I’d stop if I were you.”

Mystery inched back, quiet, contemplative.  His shoulders twitch when he gives a small yip and leaps over the bench seat, into the front of the van.  Mystery nosed at the door on the passenger side, before bouncing over the seat at the driver side door.  Both were locked and Mystery pawed at the door latch, trying to loop his paw through the pull handle.  His claws scratching over the latch without traction, and there was little space between the handle and the door to hook his paw in easily.

The fire along Lewis’ shoulders flutters as it diminishes, the back of the van becoming dark as it was before.  He watched Mystery struggle with the door, and felt his own fists clench tightly.  “What is wrong with me?  Damn it.”

After several failed attempts, the dog surrenders to simplicity and leans over to bite at the door handle.  Mystery jerks back when Lewis reaches over, and grips the door handle before Mystery can get his teeth on it.  Lewis is careful only to reach over the seat and kept his shape out of sight in the driver side window, while more cars roll up to fill the parking lot.

“I’m sorry,” Lewis says.  “I don’t know what gets into me.”  He pulls the handle, unlatching the door before he pushes the door open all the way.  Mystery doesn’t waste his time in jumping out.  “Vivi could be right.  I might be scared.  But,” Lewis detects Mystery’s still there, though timid.  “I’ve never been afraid before.  No.”

It was difficult for Lewis to admit that he, while investigating with his friends, had ever been fearful of what a case could offer in terms of danger. While running around investigating disappearances, cult activities, hostile spirits, his personal wellbeing was a moot concern.  But… he had been afraid for his friends.  The idea of them coming to harm did give him many restless nights.  Still, Lewis felt that he had control over the situation.  He would make sure no one was hurt or scared, and that they were never left behind.  In those days, he had been there for them.  He had always made sure he would be there, through thin or thick, dark or dreary, bleak or miserable.  It didn’t matter what it took, and he’d always felt confident in his abilities.  Looking back, it had been reckless.

Lewis settles down on the floor behind the driver side seat, passively letting his flames fade into his coat and collar as he watched the stars appear as only he could envision stars.  He envisioned galaxies and suns, planets and worlds beyond his grasp.  All swirling endlessly into the infinite pace that moved time, coasting through dark matter and scraping by the cusp of existence.  He felt molten seas sizzle and roar, gases burbling and erupting in geysers of red and gray.  Then ice.  Fields of ice, sheets of endless glaciers chattering as the surface shifts, the only sounds echoing in a landscape void of wind.  The endless blue shimmers with white slates like mirrors, opening into a chasm of the vacant abyss gazing and judging into the void of the universe.

Suddenly there is so much blue.  Cold blue sea.  It takes a moment for Lewis to return to himself, eye sockets brightening with pink flame.  “Ah….”

Vivi frowns down at him.  “You weren’t sleeping, were you?” she asks, a little concerned.  They were all so concerned about each other lately, each of them fitted with dull ice skates dancing on china plates.

“No.”  Lewis sits up and turns to Vivi.  “I was just… thinking.”

Vivi hummed.  “Careful.  Great thoughts require great responsibility,” she says, with a smile.

“If I remember correctly—” Lewis is cut off when Vivi slaps a hand to the front of his teeth.  It didn’t hinder his speech in anyway, but the gesture was recognized.

“Don’t ruin that for me,” Vivi mutters.  “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Lewis pushed her hand away and leaned a little over, raising himself to inspect the lack of sound and activity in the parking lot.  “I wasn’t happy, let me put it that way,” he said.  Lewis saw no one, and the parking lot was very dark but for the street lamps along the sidewalk soaking the edges of the black asphalt with canary yellow.

“I’m not sorry,” Vivi said, crossing her arms.  “However, I am sorry to ask:  It was getting late, and I wanted to get back into Kingsman, but Lance locked the door.  Is there a way you can get in?”

Perched behind Vivi’s feet was Mystery, just staring up at Lewis.  Lewis adjusted his shoulders and began to fiddle with his tie, fitting it back into his suit.  “I could manage something,” Lewis said.  “Can you give me one moment, though?”

Vivi scowled.  “Sure.  But why?”  She stepped back as Lewis took the door’s edge, and without an answer swung the door shut.  He slapped the pin down and ducked out of sight.  Vivi looked along the amber side of the dusty vehicle, as if she could see through walls and would learn what it was the ghost had bought time for.  She turned and looked down at Mystery, but Mystery merely gave her his own dubious glance and raised his shoulders.

After too many minutes had passed, Vivi began to lose patience and was about to start banging on the vans side.  The back door opened, and out glides Lewis.  He set his feet to the asphalt and checked to make certain he had his heels down, then turned to inspect his palms and frowned.

“Oh,” Vivi said, upon seeing the face cloaking bone.  “You should have said something.”

“And ruin the surprise?” Lewis asked, as he swung the door shut.  He paused as his chest expanded, and he let out a crackly sound.  “How was that?”

Vivi smirked as she approached him, and squint her eyes to one side.  “Pretty good,” she says.  “But it sounds weird.  I like it, but it’ll confuse people I think.”

“I’ll work on it.”  Lewis glanced down at Mystery still keeping behind Vivi.  “Where’s this door then?”  He waited for Vivi to walk pass him, before letting his outer visage echo his inner pang.

The Kingsman Mechanics shop ended, but the brick wall that made up its side continued and connected with the building behind it.  There was a metal gate in the wall about halfway between the two buildings, which led into a large back alley for scrap parts and was fitted with barbed wire on both the gates top and bottom, and more barbed wire was curled along the top of the high brick wall.  A chain and padlock was wrapped around the adjoining bars of the gate, but the lock was not secured.  Vivi pulled the padlock off and undid the chain and slid one gate aside, allowing Mystery through.  She looked at Lewis when he stepped up, as she began to close the gate.

“Sorry,” Vivi said, and stepped aside as Lewis stepped through to join them.  “When you project your alive appearance, does it prevent you from phasing through walls?”

Lewis glanced back as Vivi secures the chain, and fixed the padlock in place.  “No,” he said.  “Not at all, I don’t think,” and he sounded dubious, as if he never thought over it.  “But I don’t want to get into the habit of it and forget.”  He looked across the alley, and the collection of rusted and forgotten parts of engines and old tanks abandoned beside the wall.  “What if Arthur’s already asleep?”

“He’s not,” Vivi assures, as she walks past Lewis.  “That’s why we’re here.”

Lewis turned to give Mystery a look when the dog lingered at the gate.  Mystery perked up his ears at the gaze and darted off to rejoin Vivi, as she weaves around the machine parts and the stains on the sidewalk.  With a crackle like static Lewis followed them, silent and displeased.

The back alley is heavy with thick fumes of congealed grease, oil, and diesel fumes.  Vivi leads the way around the discarded scrap, a few tarps covering engines and replacement equipment, until they come to a steel door set in the buildings backside.  Vivi waits as Lewis gives the reinforced door a brief inspection.  Lewis raises his hands and looks at his palms, before turning his hands to the doors surface and seems to forcibly shove himself through as if attempting to barrel the doors itself down.  He fades through the steel surface with a purple-pink outline trailing around his shapes, as he soaks through the door.  Vivi knelt down to give Mystery a few comforting strokes, before she hears the latch of the door echo.

“Open sez’me,” Lewis quipped.  He opened the door more as Vivi stepped through, followed by Mystery.

The interior of the shop was darker than viscous ink, and the black seemed to thicken when Lewis shut the door behind them.  “Hold on, don’t move,” Lewis voice echoed around Vivi’s ears.  There was such force to the tone she obeyed without a sound, though standing within the suffocating murk was disconcerting.  She briefly saw Lewis dart by, a line of pink fire trailing after his eyes and his gold-bluish locket thudding on his chest.  He moved somewhere, but Vivi couldn’t see exactly where he had vanished.

“Can you see?” Vivi asked, when nothing happens.  And no answer comes.  “Lew?”

“Sort of,” his voice, from somewhere.  The nature of his voice and the method it traveled by made it impossible to identify its origin point.  “I found a switch,” Lewis said.

Vivi flinched when the light came on, not far from where she and Mystery stood.  She blinked the remainder of the shade from her eyes as Lewis glides back to them.  It was one of the phosphorus lamps above a work bench, a truck parked beside it.  The garage had numerous vehicles parked inside for the evening, the large shutter doors drawn down and the endless black visible through the pristine clear glass window in each door.  Everything was eerily quiet, as if the world beyond had just stopped.

Except for the low peeping sound that tapered up and down the white washed walls.  Lewis stood beside Vivi taking in their surroundings, judging what was changed and what had remained the same since his last visit to Kingsman Mechanics.  He liked the new white walls, they seemed to brighten the place up and made the light travel to the furthest corners of the interior garage.  Did Lance remodel the place? A lot of everything looked newer or brighter, or maybe he wasn’t focused enough.

The strange resonance faded and swelled at odd intervals, yet altogether seemed to be coming from every corner of the open floorplan of the garage.  Lewis edged forward, aware that the sound was coming closer to them.  His eyes brightened like stars as he scanned for the possible threat.  Whatever it was, it didn’t sound human.  He glared down and felt the energy of his form pucker with anticipation, as the source of the sound began to pinpoint not far from them.  Lewis winced when a small orange ball on wheels scuttled into view.  His eyes dimmed on the thing.  The ball of fluff gazed back with large glossy eyes and blinked.

“Galahad!” Vivi said.  She brushed past Lewis to where the small creature was squatted, still staring up at the tall specter.

“Gala— what?” Lewis stammered.  He drew back when Vivi had picked up the little orange puff and presented it to his face.  “A hamster?”  Indeed, a hamster that sported a familiar hairstyle on the area between its dark ears, and a set of wheels where its back legs should be.

“Galahad.  Like from the Arthurian legends,” Vivi explained, as she gave the hamster a gentle cuddle under her chin.  “He was one of the Knights of the Round Table.”

“The hamster?” Lewis asked.

“No, the knight,” Vivi snapped.  She smirked as Lewis smiled back.  “What’s up Galaham?  Did Arthur make it to bed?”  To the mentioned of Arthur’s name, the hamster’s head perked and he began peeping.  Mystery padded over to Vivi and stared up at the hamster as the small orange puff rotated his wheels, all the while turning his head to one direction of the garage.  “Okay-okay,” Vivi cooed, and set Galahad down.  “Where is he?”

Mystery snapped his ears up as Galahad took off.  Mystery gave Vivi a quick glimpse before he sprang after the wheelie hamster.

“He’s probably in his work room,” Vivi said, as she followed the two racing off.  “That’s on the other side of the garage, upstairs.”  Lewis followed Vivi, and Mystery followed the swift orange blur as Galahad zipped under shelves and a few carts topped with heavy equipment.  It was near impossible to keep up with the squeal of Galahad’s tires as he zipped through shadows, the sound of his wheels on the hard walls came from all sides of the room.  But Vivi already knew Galahad’a destination.  Or so she thought.

Vivi hurried to the far side of the garage, into a smaller section segregated by a wall with a large shutter door.  Meanwhile, Lewis exerted no effort in keeping up with Vivi’s hurried steps, but he did pause occasionally to flip on a light and keep the hamster’s direction lit.  The light barely traveled through the shutter door, but Vivi could make out the bottom of the cement steps just around the doorframe.  She hastened up the steps to the dim light of the floor above, and Lewis glides ahead to the top, both leaving Galahad to begin working up the numerous large steps from below.

Also left behind, Mystery trotted up to the hamster and only paused to lean down and grip one wheel between his teeth before he sprang up the steps four and five at a time.  When Mystery reached the top he set Galahad down and raised his head high to bark, pacing back and forth at the top step and waiting for Vivi and Lewis to catch his signal.

Vivi skid to a halt, and Lewis plopped down to skid through the floor by his heels.   “Not in his work room?” Vivi murmured.  She dashed back to the two, Lewis right on her heel.

This time they followed Galahad, even so it was a struggle to keep pace.  Though it was only the corridor they were headed down, across to the other end of the garage.  “Galahad’s usually this excitable, right?” Lewis asked.  “It’s just a hamster thing?”  Vivi said nothing, and Lewis internally cursed.

Galahad took an abrupt turn, squeezing through a door left ajar and parked himself right beside the doorframe as his companions spilled through.  He gave a small chirp and directed an arm to the room before them.  Mystery wriggled between Vivi and Lewis and took a position on the opposite wall, he scanned over the shelves and the disaster set before them.  A soft whine escaped the dog as his ears tucked back along his head.

“Oh geez,” Lewis hissed. 

The room had a few metal shelves, each filled with boxes, some machinery, and an assortment of colorful and curly tubes.  Before the center line of shelves was a workbench marred by every burn, scrape, dent, and cut imaginable. Cords were attached to socket plugs fixed above in the low ceiling, extending down to the work bench and the racks fixed to the metal shelves behind the worktable.  Solder tools, buzz saws, and sets of pliers from miniscule tweezers to massive monkey wrenches had been littered over the surface of the cluttered worktable, but most seemed to have found suitable stations across the floor.  Tools and pieces of equipment were scattered around the metal arm left clamped, and somehow still intact, upon the worktables marred top.  Half the room was cast in long disfigured shadows, due to one work light that was knocked from one of its tether which left it to dangle sideways, still and amenable.

Stuffed into one of the lowest cuvees of the metal shelves, amongst clutter and beside a pool of oil marinating on the floor, was a pair of red stained pants.

Lewis rattled something and swooped away from Vivi in a sudden gust.  He perched beside the shelf, careful of the oil, and with another hissing sound Lewis reached up under the shelf and carefully tugged Arthur out by his good arm.  Vivi skipped over, avoiding the pieces and parts that had been thrown across the floor.  Lewis maneuvered away from the glossy oil mess before he settled down and shook Arthur by his torso, his blazing eyes occasionally cast over the blackened and red sleeve.

“Damn it Art, wake up,” Lewis hissed.  He let Arthur’s body sag over his thigh and shook harder, but never enough to jostle and break what few joints remained.  “Speak to me.  C’mon, answer!”  Lewis supported Arthur’s back with one hand and set his other hand over Arthur’s face and felt for a breath.  Faint but not encouraging.  He gripped Arthur’s chin and shook his head, in an effort to restrain himself from slapping the hell out of the comatose figure.  “Arthur!  ARTHUR.  I need a sign, a response!  Or so help me—” Lewis twitched when Vivi set a hand on his shoulder.  He was about to snap something at her, when a low moan came from the sorry sack of human remains.  Lewis glared down.  He didn’t once allow himself the thought that he may appear terrifying, eyes black with rosy fire burning in their sockets.  In fact, Lewis didn’t give a flying fuck.  He needed to make sure Arthur was still there, in some sense or another.

Arthur’s eyes scrunch tighter before opening a crack.  His vest was removed, and numerous small blotches of grease or some other odd colors stained his once white shirt, and a yellow-black ring was in his empty shoulder sleeve where his arm should be.  But Arthur’s eyes opened, struggled to take in light and sights while he picked up on muffled sound.  Above his face he saw the sharp stabs of white light and a dark face, eyes blazing and unforgiving.  There were other shapes and shades bobbing around, but not as clear, not as focused as the visage staring.

One of Arthur’s eyes snapped open and fixed on the face.  “L-Lewis?” he burbled, reaching out his only arm.  “It’s you, isn’t it?  Lewis?  You came back.”

Lewis hesitates.  Arthur was… Arthur was someplace else.  His expression was calm, collecting slowly, but his aura was in five different directions, twisting and wriggling to find a suitable station in which to settle.  It unnerved Lewis.  “Hey,” Lewis hummed, almost melodic, gentle and sturdy.  “A little more, Arty.”

Arthur’s other eye pried open slowly, and recognition swung heavily through his broken expression.  The eyes became hollow as his mind drifted, Lewis felt Arthur’s mind dive into somewhere distant.  A dark place, cold— No.  Icy and dank.  The air tinged with decay, rolls of sharp vapor nested among rocks and dirt, noxious gas seeping through damp stone.

“Careful,” Lewis said.

Arthur snapped his arm out and took hold of Lewis sharp collar, gripping the wispy fabric for dear life.  There was anger and focus in Arthur’s eyes, and he tightened his fist into Lewis collar and would never, ever let go.  Through clenched teeth Arthur muttered, “Gotcha.”

Lewis let his eyes trail away.  He nearly turned to check Vivi, when Arthur let out a gurgled sob.  Lewis returned his focus to Arthur, as the other hauled himself up by his arm and pressed his head into Lewis’ chest.  “I’m sorry,” Arthur whimpered.  “I’m sorry.  I’m sorry.”  That’s all he said, over and over.  Arthur pressed his face harder into Lewis’ chest taking in short breaths, only to refuel his mantra.  “I tried to grab you.  I meant to grab you, but… stupid.  I saw you fall.  I watched you FALL.  I watched.”  Arthur couldn’t do much but curl down over his good arm.  “I… used the wrong arm.  I did it wrong, I fucked up.  I fucked it all up.  I can’t— couldn’t fix it.  Couldn’t fix….”

Vivi looked around at all the parts and pieces scattered, and looked back to Galahad and Mystery by the doorway.  Lewis followed her eyes over the floor, where a few wires were scattered, a bent pair of pliers and the spilled oil, among the superficial evidence of unrestrained fury with no target, no outlet.  Just direction.

It was all so familiar.  Like a distant dream, in a different world.  Galaxies away.  A lifetime ago.

Lewis wrapped his arms around Arthur and pulled him up, but Arthur tensed and bawled harder.  “Don’t kill me,” he yelped, trying to push away from Lewis.  “Don’t kill…. sorry.  I’m sorry.”

“Quiet Arty,” Lewis hissed.  He squeezed Arthur a little more and glared across the room at nothing in particular, except perhaps the few bits of metal as if they had any responsibility over Arthur’s current state.  “Just shh,” Lewis continued, a little softer.  “No one’s going to kill you.”  Arthur was a complete mess, arm limp and face pressed into Lewis’ collar.  “Art.  Would you listen to me?”  Arthur said nothing, but he slumped into Lewis’ a little more and his sharp breaths had lessened, accompanied by the timid hiccup.  “I don’t want you to fall.  I don’t want you to follow me.”  Lewis glanced back over his shoulder a bit, when he picked up on Vivi slipping down to sit beside them.

Arthur mumbled something and seemed to hide in Lewis’ arms a little more, if that was possible.

“Do you see that?” Lewis said.  He glared at the floor, the shimmering puddle of oil where his reflection wavered.  Lewis pondered with no solution, and no way to say the words Arthur may need to hear.  I can’t.  I won’t.  He coiled around Arthur more.  “There’s a pit.”  He winced when Arthur trembled and sobbed harder.  “But listen, Arthur.  We should head back,” he said, trying to recall his last words as a living, breathing person.  “We’ll regroup.”

“Lewis, no,” Arthur choked.  “No-no.”

“I’m not falling,” Lewis hummed.  “We’re not falling.  It’s okay, open your eyes.”  Lewis refused to loosen his hold on Arthur, until the broken figure had raised his head an inch and opened his eyes to meet Lewis’ steady gaze.  “Hey.”

“Lew,” Arthur said.  His arm fumbled around trying to find a hold but eventually gave up.  Arthur stares at Lewis as if not seeing, but remembering.  “You’re here.”

Lewis ducked his head into a nod.  Arthur found a place for his arm, encircling Lewis’ side as far as it could and clutching at one of the ribs.  “Stay with us, Art.”

Arthur dropped his forehead to the dark suit and focused on the texture, the blues and purples that refracted light all wrong.  “I pushed you,” Arthur mumbled.

“It’s not a contest.  You couldn’t stop,” Lewis said.  He focused on the scattered bits of surviving cogs and metal, and mulled over the differences in shape and function  Lewis thought about the van, and thought about the things that once gave him restless nights.  “I could,” he began, “but I didn’t.  That’s the decisive edge.  Now drop it.”

“Fine.”  And Arthur said nothing more after that.  There was a short pause before Lewis leaned back to find that Arthur had lost his battle with exhaustion. 

Lewis frowned.  “This dork.”  He looked over as Vivi moved to her feet and tugged at his shoulder.

“It looks like he cut himself,” Vivi says.  She leaned on Lewis’ shoulder as she touched Arthur’s brow and sighed.  Arthur was fine, maybe.  He would be all right.  “There’s a couch in his work station, and I’ll get a kit.”  Vivi left through the door, and headed down the corridor.

Lewis lifts Arthur up with him and trudges into the corridor and moves into the opposite direction Vivi had gone.  The low squeak of the hamsters wheels followed, Galahad keeping watch of his companion; besides the soft piping was the pad and click of Mystery’s claws on the floor.

The thought now hovered in Lewis’ mind that his presence was more damning to Arthur than his absence, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise.  It hadn’t, and he didn’t allow himself the guilt or concern he might, should have felt.  Another tether, another unsurpassable wall. 

The fall. 

When he awoke, as he so often did at the conclusion of a nightmare, it was not safe and in a warm bed surrounded by friends.  Later.  Later and later, and much later, he accepted that he would have no more restless nights.  The recollection wounded him somewhere deep, and somewhere none tangible.

“I could’ve just haunted you,” Lewis muttered.  Arthur’s aura was pooling, the erratic tendrils slowed into a cohesion that was preferred and agreeable.  .  “But where’s the sport in that?”

A low growl came from Lewis’ back.  The spirit glanced over his shoulder, stunned to find it was Galahad that was making the hostile sound; while Mystery glanced between him and the small fluff ball with uncertainty.

“Just a joke, little hermano,” Lewis assured.  “He’s having a hard struggle in him, and there’s nothing I can do to amend that.”

The work room Arthur utilized as his own was cluttered with tables, all decorated with every piece or part and cog Arthur had carefully ‘adopted’ from the garage.  Lewis set Arthur on the beaten up couch near the door, and gave the room a brief scan.  Walls had hooks and pegs screwed into the cinderblock surface to cradle additional tools and motors, or cords.  A blanket was left draped over the coffee tables beside the couch, and Lewis took it up and folded it as he further examined the room while Mystery and Galahad remained near the couch.

Lewis was setting the blanket down on the back of the couch when Vivi arrived, the white first aid kit in hand.  The spirit drifts away to admire the random worktables shoved at odd angles around the small room.  Lewis never liked to see the scars Arthur had acquired throughout his misadventures with the Mystery Skulls, and Lewis most certainly did not want to pick out the new ones Arthur had claimed in his most recent travels.

[cherryvanilla999]

From Ramen To Filet Mignon: Becoming A Better Chef

Although many people claim that it's easy, learning to cook is actually quite difficult. This article will help you learn a few skills to cook and prepare delicious meals. When you are cooking food on skewers, there are some basic guidelines to know. If you are using metal skewers, the square or twisted kind are much better than round ones for holding food in place. A pie crust should be baked a little bit longer than you would think. They should not be a pale blond color, they need to be golden brown. The deep caramel color demonstrates that the sugar has melded with the other ingredients, giving you an optimal flavor. Do you ever feel bad for disposing of fruit with a little mold on it? Is it safe to cut around that moldy area and save the remaining fruit for consumption? Cutting off rotten bits of fruit will not make them safer. Throw half-rotten fruit away, because mold can go much deeper than your eyes can see; you can get very sick from eating food with mold. Are you aiming to reduce the amount of fat and calories you consume in your mashed potatoes without having to give up taste or texture? If so, consider replacing a certain amount of the potatoes with cauliflower. Cauliflower's subtle flavors blend in with the potatoes and other ingredients easily. Your mashed potato dish will also look the same if you add cauliflower, allowing it to retain its color and texture while taking the calories out of your potatoes. Complete many steps when cooking something ahead of time. Look over your recipe and determine which items can be prepared in advance and not spoil. The day before the cooking happens, there can be a lot of prep work done. Doing this can transform intricate recipes into simple, quick and enjoyable cooking tasks. If you plan to use wooden skewers when cooking, soak them in water for about thirty minutes prior to use. This step will stop the skewer from burning while it is being used. If you have issues with food falling off skewers, make it a double. Food is much more stable when you use two skewers parallel from one another instead of one. Many vegetables and herbs have a smell that has a tendency to remain on cutting boards, despite how many times you wash them. Put a waterproof mark on the end of the cutting board so you'll know which side to use. If you have purchased unripened fruits, put them into a plastic bag that is perforated. As fruits ripen, ethylene gas is released. When air is allowed to reach the fruit, the gas will not escape, thereby maintaining its flavor and freshness for a longer period of time. As you are now aware, cooking can be something you can get better at just by using the simple tips from above. Armed with this knowledge, all that is left is for you to enter the kitchen and get cooking! You now have the opportunity to cook much better meals that everybody will enjoy.

[solidburnreturned]

Every Single Night

A look at what Branch’s evenings are like.

(fic is set before the movie. mega angsty and borderline dark; about how his depression, anxiety, and paranoid ocd manifests at the worst of times.)

Murky grey clouds poured rain onto the forest below. Thunder clapped, shaking the earth, followed quickly by lightning. The storm was upon Troll Village and didn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, drenching every inch of the area. Most trolls were tucked away safely in their warm, dry pods, hunkered down for the night, letting the rain form a sort of soothing lullaby. 

Most trolls, but not all.

One troll, as grey as the sky above, slogged his way through the muddy grass, shoving along a large apple. The fruit was as big as Branch was, and was proving to be more of a hassle in the rain than he had anticipated. He wasn’t prepared at all for the storm, and that bothered him. Being prepared was his whole life; it consumed almost every bit of his time. To not be ready for something was to take a huge risk. To be in danger. At least it was in his eyes. He wanted to get out of the rain ASAP. The loud thunder and the large drops beating against any wand all surfaces was loud enough to drown out any noise that an approaching predator might make. No matter how much he strained, swiveled, and pricked his ears, he couldn’t hear anything other than the steady beat of the downpour. It was also much too dark to see anything beyond the surrounding foliage that could be lurking, eager to strike and claim a tasty meal of troll with fresh fruit. Paranoia put a hot spark under his feet and he picked up his pace. 

Soaked to the bone and shivering, Branch finally arrived at his unwelcome mat. He threw it open and kicked the apple in, jumping in after it and latching the hatch shut. A sigh of relief and exhaustion mingled with the hammering raindrops above the hatch. Storms like that were unusual this late into Fall. Unexpected. Anything unexpected was really inherently threatening, if you thought about it long enough. And Branch gave anything threatening plenty of thought. 

Wringing out his hair with one hand, he used the other to start his elevator down to one of his storage rooms. The biggest one was where he stored his apples. They were a sizable food source for him, and very versatile as well. Fine if eaten raw, but could be dried, made into pies, crisps, soups, stews, the seeds could be roasted, and even the occasional hard cider could be made from fermented apples when he needed to wind down after a particularly hard day. Just one apple could provide him with all of this. Definitely worth the trouble. 

Coming to a stop at the apple-filled mini cave, Branch quickly booted the fruit in with the others and continued down. He was cold, tired, and desperate for a change of clothes. The bunker was already chilly enough without icy, dripping fabric clinging to his shivering frame. Wonderful for the hot summer months and quite comfortable in the spring, but nothing short of damp and miserable the other half of the year. He’d have to clean his chimney out before the first frost if he wanted any chance of staying warm during the winter. 

Arriving outside his bedroom, he peeled off his vest and threw it onto a stray chair, not about to toss it into his hamper and make all of his other worn clothes damp and possibly moldy. His shorts soon followed and both were replaced with dry equivalents. Satisfied, he wandered back to his elevator once more. His internal clock (a.k.a. his growling stomach) was hinting that it was well passed time for him to make himself dinner. 

Thunder rumbled again from above, prompting Branch to glance upward. Fitting. The mood within the bunker was not unlike that of the one above; dreary, gloomy, and lonesome. Although, lonesome seemed to be around whether it was raining or not. Especially this time of day. He stretched his shoulders with a grunt, trying to distract himself from getting into a bad mood.

The lift settled at the bottom of the bunker with an echoing clunk. Branch plodded towards his meager kitchen, debating if he was up to actually cooking something or if he should just have some cold leftover acorn gruel. He had done so for the past few nights. Next time, he’d tell himself. Poppy had given him a handmade scrapbook-style cook book a few weeks earlier with recipes she loved and hoped that he would enjoy, too. She’d even included little cutouts of her and Branch cooking on each page, smiling, covered in flour or chocolate or whatever else they could make a mess with. Some dishes had actually seemed quite good: Pancakes with raspberry filling and blueberry sauce. Coffee cake with strawberry chunks and cinnamon. Smoked fish with roasted carrots and acorns. Recipes that had delicious results, but required a good amount of time and effort. Time and effort had seemed to be in short supply for him recently, resulting in his current cycle of leftovers. He didn’t want to start making it a routine, but he just hadn’t had the energy to prepare anything. Ironic, after days of nothing but preparation.

A low sigh was released through his nose. A calloused hand rubbed at his eyes. Exhaustion was hitting him hard and fast. He had already been running on little sleep when he had been caught in that storm and had exerted himself on top of that trying to rush back home. The last few days of constant foraging, manic energy, and anxious insomnia were now starting to drag him down mentally as well as physically. Rather rapidly, at that.

Yeah, it was another leftovers night. Next time. 

---

Sitting in the middle of his old couch felt better than pressing himself into one of the corners. He’d learned this some years ago. More room to spread out...stretch...scatter some books around for easy reading...feel like it wasn’t meant for a group of trolls to share, but rather one single troll to sit by himself on...

...stretch some more...

A bowl of watery, unheated, straight-from-the-fridge acorn porridge sat dejectedly on the small stump table in front of a pair of grey legs. Not much had been done to it. Branch was staring at it like he was attempting to make it to start floating, or maybe even disappear. Like it was the last thing he wanted to have in front of him in that moment. He scratched his chin before resting it in his hand, leaning forward to stare at the dirt wall instead. Had his stare been able to bore holes, it’d have dug more than halfway through that wall to troll-knows-where with the amount of time he’d spent glaring at it over the last several years, daydreaming like he was now. He imagined a happy pink troll being there instead of the cold earth. The clammy acorn sludge was instead a hot, homemade soup that she’d brought him. To put some love in your tummy! He picked up the spoon and scooped up a bit of the bowl’s contents. He looked back up at Poppy, who was grinning, eager for him to taste what she’d made just for him. 

“Cheers,” he muttered with a half smile, popping the spoon into his mouth. 

As soon as the bitter taste hit his tongue, his imagined Poppy was gone, replaced with dirt once more. The hot soup tasted as though it had been swapped out for dirt as well. Lovely. He swallowed quickly and tossed the spoon back on the table. The bowl was snatched off the table as we walked back to the kitchen towards the sink. Rather than torture himself by eating that slop spoonful by painful spoonful, he tipped the whole thing into his mouth in one go. Swallowing with a shudder, he tossed the bowl into the sink with the others and went to sit at his desk instead of that awful couch. The clatter of a tower of bowls tumbling over made him jump as it pierced the stillness he had been in previously. He should probably do some dishes soon. Tomorrow, for sure.

Another rumble of thunder mulled through the thick silence in the bunker. Branch picked up one of the many charcoal nubs lying on his stump desk and sat heavily on the rock chair. Practically nothing in this bunker was comfortable to rest on. Even his bed had grown rigid over the years, and that old couch was like a brick with a thin layer of moss. Unyielding, stone-like, cold to the touch. Hmm. 

One mindless drawing session later, the grey troll found himself staring at a rather unpleasant image. A scratchy, smudged version of himself in the craggy jaws of a bergen. Its eyes were bloodshot and wide with anticipation for the high it would soon get. Branch’s eyes were wide as well, with terror and desperation instead, as his hands seemed to reach off the paper to his creator in a last-ditch effort to get to safety. Branch scrunched up his face. That acorn gruel was at the back of his throat for a moment until he shoved the drawing away roughly. He didn’t want to think about that right now. Not that what he wanted mattered very much when it came to his thoughts. They came and went as they pleased, intruding almost constantly, bringing disturbing and upsetting images like that at the best of times. A twitch of the ears, and he was back to drawing, trying to depict something a bit nicer. A bit softer. 

He tried to make the charcoal glide over the page, ignoring his usual urge to make scratchy, sketchy, hard marks. Gentle curves, swooping lines. His nose was almost touching the paper, he was leaned in so close. His thumb carefully smudged here and there to add shading. Small dots for freckles. Curly marks for flowers. One quick swipe of black for a grin. 

He leaned back, dropping the charcoal next to his finished piece. Poppy’s smiling face beamed up at his sullen expression, almost willing him to tug up the corners of his own mouth. An all-too-familiar ache settled in his chest, turning his almost-smile into a definite frown. Thunder clapped. He tore the drawing into pieces. Best to get ready for bed. 

---

Scrubbing vigorously at his teeth, Branch avoided eye contact with his dull reflection as he stood at his old sink. When was he going to get rid of that stupid mirror, anyway? He made sure to get rid of any lasting traces of that gruel before finishing and heading off to his bedroom. He shrugged off his vest and carefully hung it back in his closet. An hour or two of wearing did not warrant it a wash. He wasn’t that grungy. 

He stared into the left corner of his closet for a moment. A small box sat in the shadows, a bit dusty from being left alone for a good while. A cobweb had even appeared on one of its wooden sides, one of which read “G.R.”. Still, he decided not to touch it. Not tonight. He closed the closet door with a click and walked over to his small nightstand, reaching up to tap the bioluminescent mushroom growing from above, encouraging it to give off a bit more light. A small journal and a bit of charcoal was gathered in his large hands from off the table. Lying back into his bed, stiff pillow propped up for extra support, he flipped to his latest entry and began writing below it:

October 12

Averaged 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cloudy. Windy. Thunder storm in the evening and into the night. 

Supplies gathered:

- 32 pieces of firewood

- 12 blueberries

- 10 acorns

- 5 jars of fresh water

- 1 apple

Notes: Growl Beasts are becoming more aggressive as they prepare to hibernate. Should attempt to warn the village tomorrow. Thunderstorm despite storm season’s passing. River may start freezing soon. Should go fishing beforehand and stock up. No bergens spotted. 

Poppy encounters: 0

His shoulders sank a bit as he closed the log book. He was tempted to leave the last bit of information blank, as the night was still fairly young, but common sense beat that hope back down. The princess would not be out in this rain just to come visit him and get yelled at to go away. She was overly cheerful and friendly, yes, but not stupid. He knew that much. 

The log was traded out for a larger, more personal journal. Once a blank page was located, he stared at it carefully, rubbing his temple and brow with two fingers as his thoughts swam. He drew up his knees closer to himself, almost to become smaller, more hidden from...no one, he supposed. He started to write:

A storm rolls through

Grumbling, heaving, heavy

Longing to pour out what its been harboring

But too afraid 

As others would drown.

And what then?

Branch paused and grunted before flipping to a clean page. He tapped the charcoal against the page for a moment, thoughts drifting back to the princess. He began again:

Take me in your gentle hands

Our contrast as stark as warm sunbeams shining through murky skies

Mold me into something softer

More in your own image

Smooth my sharp edges

Touch me with tenderness that I haven’t-

“Ahh,” he hissed, aggressively swiping to a new page. Stupid. 

A dog that bites every hand that attempts to feed it deserves to starve.

It bites to protect those who it has bitten

But-

He scratched viciously at the paper, teeth bared, before slamming the journal shut. He held it with white-knuckle grasp, fighting the urge to throw it across the room. A couple deep breaths, and it was roughly placed back on the table. Not a night for that, it seemed.

Another roll of thunder. 

He slid down further to lie flat on his back, staring at the softly glowing mushrooms above him as he calmed back down. In his mind, they became twinkling stars in a clear summer sky. He turned to face his right. Imaginary Poppy was back, magenta eyes fixed up above to the stars above them. She turned to face him and gave him a small smile. That little gap in her front teeth could’ve melted him right then and there. She reached a hand over and traced the crows feet in the corner of his eye. He shut them, just for a moment, a bit longer than a blink, just a bit too long. The princess was gone as soon as he opened them again. The stars were back to being mushrooms on the ceiling of the muggy, chilled room. 

With a shiver and a sniff, Branch clenched his eyes shut and rolled onto his side. He needed sleep, he was starting to lose it. He yanked his patchy blanket up over his shoulder in one swift motion, trying to nestle down into the bed. It pushed back against him stubbornly. A heavy exhale. He hated how big this stupid bed was. Big, lumpy, cold, empty, lonely, made for two, occupied by one. Why did he have a second pillow. Why did he always sleep in the same spot, as if the left side of the bed was reserved, claimed by another troll. He couldn’t even bring himself to edge a bit closer to the middle. Ridiculous. 

He shut his eyes tightly, trying his best to clear his clamoring mind enough to get some actual rest.

---

The sharp sound of feet kicking against sheets ripped through the air as Branch jolted awake with a gasp. Sweat beaded on his brow and his skin felt clammy. He sat up with a cough and tried to catch his breath. Same dark room, same dirt and root walls, same uncomfortable, barren bed. Reality was hardly reassuring to him, but better than the alternative his brain had conjured in his sleep. Sweaty palms pressed into his eyes before being dragged down his face with a sigh-ish grumble. The small clock on his table told him is was barely passed midnight. His growling stomach affirmed this information. 

It was a bad habit, but he couldn’t shake it, no matter how hard he tried. It was either get a midnight snack or lie there with his own thoughts all night, too hungry to fall back asleep. Cruelly, sometimes the food wasn’t enough, and he’d be up all night anyway without rumbling demands from his gut to distract him. It would just be him and his thoughts. Those intrusive, unwelcome thoughts. And silence. But maybe tonight would be different.

He slid off his bed with a huff and made his way to the storage room across the hall. His legs were a bit more like jelly than he liked. He tapped a dimly lit mushroom and it immediately brightened up, illuminating the pile of blueberries that nearly reached the ceiling. Dipping into his emergency supplies made him anxious, but not anxious enough to stop him from plunking himself down next to the pile and helping himself to however many he wanted, blank faced. However many it took to fill this gnawing hole inside him, he supposed. He’d just mark how many he ate in the dirt, and then go out and collect enough to replace them tomorrow, and then some. His collection was already impressive. 734 berries tucked away for safekeeping. 

...733, now. 

He wished he could feel a bit proud about it, but really, it was just the product of a monotonous routine that he’d grown tired of. At one point he quite enjoyed it, felt accomplished, found comfort in the fact that he was so prepared. Now, if anything, foraging was a manic chore that had become an unpleasant compulsion, and the results were just a foreboding reminder that something was going to go horribly wrong one day. A bergen would arrive at the village and, like a coward, he would run away and hide. He would stay deep in his hole in the ground for another 10 years, truly by himself. No cheerful morning songs to wake up to, no booming late-night parties to keep him up. No one sneaking up on him to give him a spine-contorting bearhug. No more glitter-vomiting invitations being shoved in his face. No more visits from his princess, offering kind words, encouragement, inclusivity. No more adorable smiles, pink blushes, tucking of hair behind ears, mischievous winks. No more hurt expressions after harsh words. No more teary eyes or downcast looks. No more dejected walks back to the village. No more second, third, fourth, seemingly endless chances. That would end, and the village would be destroyed, and everyone would be gone for good. Except him, in his bunker, alone, for ten long years, until his supplies finally ran out. And even then he would remain down here, rather than face whatever horror was above ground, bergen or bergen-caused. 

Branch shakily wiped his eyes and shook his head. That was enough. Plenty. Time to go back to bed. 

He paused in the doorway for a moment. Down the shadowy hallway was another desk, smaller than the one in the main room of the bunker. Beside it were two small shelves, hidden behind ratty curtains, unlike the many other selves and cubbies on the surrounding walls. Unconsciously, he traveled to the desk and sat down, staring at the curtains. Carefully, almost fearfully, he drew them aside. The blast of color was visible even in the low light. His favorite invitation was selected and gently placed on the table. His eyes felt so heavy. Everything felt heavy. Crushing. If his hand were to even touch a single corner of this invitation, it would surely turn to dust. Destroyed by his rough hands. His ears drooped down, the silence heavy within them as well. He should go back to bed. Get some rest before going back out to forage tomorrow. Everything out there would be heavy, too. Sodden with the drenching rain. Unmovable, maybe. No matter how much it was pushed or pulled or encouraged or hugged, it would stay heavy and solid. Stubborn. Anchored by the product of a looming storm.

He blinked rapidly and drew in a deep breath. Reigning in his imagination was difficult when he was awake and alert, let alone half asleep and groggy. The invitation was nudged open. Two little figures popped out at him, stood atop a neon orange mushroom. Warm pink and dull grey arms were wrapped around each other, and big smiles stretched on little paper faces. Happy Valentine’s Day! was written in glittery, swooping letters across a rainbow of pinks, purples, reds and whites. Hearts on little springs danced lazily around the pair. Branch felt taunted by them. He frowned at the small grey figure. How dare it be there, honestly. An ugly smudge in such a beautifully colorful scene, embracing the happiest troll that could ever exist. What had he done to deserve that? Deserve such a loving gesture from someone so sweet and kind? With the awful things he’d done?

The invitation was slammed shut with both hands. He couldn’t take this torment his brain was putting him through. Couldn’t he just enjoy anything anymore? Not everything had to be upsetting, or miserable, or depressing. This downward spiral he could feel himself entering needed to stop. Somehow. At least that’s what he thought for the most part. There was always that small, nagging feeling to just let it happen, let his mind run wild, painting whatever horrors and torments it wanted. To just hit rock bottom and stay there, away from everyone and everything external that could hurt him. Internal, he’d have to deal with on his own. But really, he’d had practice, so maybe it wouldn’t be that bad. Probably not. 

He recoiled with a sharp inhale. Sleep. Back to sleep. The card was hastily tucked away back in its place and hidden behind the curtains. 

His feet dragged as he entered his bedroom again. This really was his least favorite room in the bunker. The bed was cold when he climbed back in, drawing the covers up. He faced the empty space beside him, breathing shallow, mouth slightly ajar. He could feel his anxiety starting to build as he stared into the blackness before him. Shapes formed in the nothingness, but disappeared as soon as he attempted to focus on them. Ghosts? Burrowing predators? What was it. What were they. Anxiety turned to a fearful panic. It festered at the very base of his skull. It spread slowly to his temples, just behind his eyes, into the tense muscles of his neck, up and down his spine. Settled right in his gut and festered some more. Stabbed at his nerves, squeezed his lungs, churned his stomach. Gritting his teeth, he wrapped his arms around himself and tucked his legs to his body, trying to squeeze out the throbbing ache. The silence was overwhelming. It was just unreal, paranormal...there must be something causing it. Something waiting in the silence to take him, rip him to absolute shreds in the space where he should feel safest. Just beyond the edge of the bed, it was waiting. He could feel it, sense it, hear it in the silence. It was so loud. He clamped his hands over his ears, worried he was already deaf. The thing would join him in the bed any second now, fill that empty void that he was saving. Years and years of saving. It would come creeping over over to him, engulf his entire body. Trace the wrinkles on his sweaty face, count the dark freckles on his cheeks and ears. A freezing cold touch. No tenderness, just ice. It would crawl into his ears through his fingers, seize him by the brain and destroy every bit of him from the inside out in one swift scream of pure nothingness. Fill him with silence as well. 

The icy touch slapped him across the face so suddenly, he couldn’t hold back the scream of shock and terror he’d been holding hostage in his throat. The blanket was ripped away and the mushroom was hammered on until the whole room was alight with an eery blue glow. Ragged breathing was strangled into sobs. The room was empty. He was alone. Another small drop of water fell down from the ceiling and onto the end of his nose. Above, he could see condensation had gathered on the mushrooms, waiting for gravity to pull the moisture down onto him. 

He screwed his eyes shut and reopened them, chest heaving. He was alone. It was just water. He was alone. It was all in his head. He. Was. Alone.

He buried his face in his knees, pulling at his mussed dark hair. Enduring these constant fights with his mind, clinging to slipping rationality, every single night...he didn’t know how to cope. He wished so badly that someone was there with him to hold him, pull him back to reality, tell him everything was alright. Ground him and give him reassurance. Tell him that he wasn’t alone, that he was strong, that she would be there for him always, that she cared for him. But he was alone, and she was in the village, surrounded by people she cared about instead down in this dank hole with him, the troll who had barked at her to go away every time she tried to get close. So instead he just sat, still as possible, and tried to get control of himself, tried to not let everything pour out of himself in a white-hot blaze of guilt and raw emotion. 

“Poppy,” he whispered into his knees, voice breaking, “...I’m sorry...”

---

The clamor of his alarm ripped Branch from sleep in an instant. He hadn’t even realized he’d managed to fall into a dreamless sleep at some point of the night. What a blessing. His body’s position was less than favorable; sat up, head in his arms, resting on his knees. Wincing, he stretched out, locked up limbs cracking and popping. He twisted his sore back with a groan until he earned a few pops from there as well. A lazy hand was slapped onto the alarm. Silence once again. It was early morning, before the other trolls would be up and singing.

He cleared his throat loudly and slid off the bed, trudging to his closet. A fresh leafy vest was pulled on with a firm roll of the shoulders. Clicking his teeth together in a rhythmless fashion, he went to check on the damage he’d done on his berry supply in the night. Seven jagged lines were drawn in the dirt. No wonder he wasn’t particularly hungry this morning. What a shame, he’d have to miss out on acorn porridge for breakfast. A real tragedy. 

He scoffed to himself and went to prepare his backpack. Slingshot, frying pan, rope, blanket, first aid, field notebook, charcoal, and a small jar of water. His usual arsenal for the day. It was all tucked away securely and slung over his shoulders with a huff. Maybe he’d forage closer to the village today. The terrain was more flat there, and probably wouldn’t be flooded. He did need to warn the other trolls about the increase in aggressive tendencies of the local Growl Beasts anyway. Poppy should really be the first to know, as the princess. It was just logical.

The elevator’s platform vibrated slightly under his feet as he ascended. His face was blank, staring straight forward, thick eyebrows slightly knitted together. Thoughts would normally be buzzing about in his brain, but he felt strangely clear and calm this morning. Like he’d had a reset. The fresh air felt wonderful against his skin as the bunker’s hatch was thrown open. The forest still had the smell of recent rains. The chill in the air was crisp. His breath was visible in front of him. Early morning in the forest was one of his favorite times. It wasn’t silent, but there weren’t any noisy celebrations happening either to attract hungry bergens. Just gentle wind blowing through bare tree limbs, the crunch of dried leaves under his feet, distant song of birds, and his own breath leaving his body. 

Time to get going. Night would be approaching again before he knew it. 

[turnloosethelibrary]

WHAT COMES AFTER NOTHING?

By Scrip

She was hurt. And she was alone.

The Nothing swirled behind her, whispering into her ears. She tried to listen, but she could not hear the intricacies of the figure’s whispers.

Ahead of her was a crack that let a sliver of light into her hiding place. She kept her eyes fixed on it, letting it blind her, let it reveal to her the contents of the kitchen as she hid away in the cupboards, one more scrap of food to be found and devoured.

The Sisters were hunting for her. Their wailing cries echoed through the halls, begging that she reveal herself so they could gobble her up in seconds, their two mouths rendering what little skin she had from her thin, frail bones. They were hungry. They were starving. But they were not as hungry as she was. There was Nothing in her belly, Nothing in her heart, and Nothing in her mind. Nothing, crouched beside her, one hand stroking her hair, murmurs of protection that she could not understand, would not understand.

In the room, the first of The Sisters called out, “We know you’re here,” in her low, melancholy voice.

From the other protruding head on The Sisters’ body, the second shrieked, “We hear you, you know!”

She stopped breathing, clamping a hand over her mouth and nose, but not letting her eyes shut. Never letting her eyes shut. When her eyes shut, everything changed, turned to someplace that pretended to be safe. When her eyes shut, The Nothing no longer stood guard. She could not allow that to happen, when They counted on her to return to Them, and she counted on The Nothing in order to stay alive, even if she did not understand it.

Breath stopped, the only thing left for The Sisters to hear was the blood rushing through her body, the particles flaking from chapped skin, and a fearful swallow sliding down her throat. She didn’t know if it was too loud. She had no way to make it soften.

The Sisters approached the cupboard, closer, closer, their robe dragging across the floor. They began to open each one, and she curled closer to the back of hers, praying to The Nothing that it would protect her, somehow, anyhow.

She didn’t know if it heard her thoughts, but just as The Sisters leaned down to peer into her hiding place, she was surrounded by The Nothing, and found that the world had fallen away almost completely, leaving it dark and obscured. She could still see the face of the second of The Sisters, through all the black. Her face was ivory against it all. Her eyes were pits of darkness, her face a demented smile made of bloodstained teeth. The second of The Sisters seemed to stare right at her, before she moved and was replaced by the first, as the body shifted to allow both heads a good view. This face was made of ebony, its mouth downturned, but no less grisly. Instead of black pits for eyes, this one had a harsh light, which settled directly on the girl.

After a moment, The Sisters moved on to the next cupboard, and she was so relieved she nearly let out an exhale of breath, stopping herself at the last minute. The Nothing pulled away from around her, and wiped a tear from her cheek.

Thank you, she thought to the figure, still unsure if it could access her mind, or if it just knew her that well. Thank you so much.

The Nothing’s reassurances started up again. The Sisters did not notice. The Sisters never noticed The Nothing. It was like it was invisible to them. Like it didn’t even exist.

Maybe it didn’t. It was The Nothing, after all. Nothing isn’t well known for existing.

“The scrap’s gone,” the first of The Sisters said mournfully. “We’ll need to find something else to eat.”

“There’s something else to eat, if the scrap’s gone!” the second of The Sisters cried.

She watched as the grotesque patchwork body shambled out of the room, and, once it had left, finally let herself breath again. The Nothing pressed its face to her forehead in an imitation of a kiss, and she leaned into it, then slid out of the cupboard. Her prize was clutched to her chest; two slices of moldy bread, and an uncooked egg from a nest she’d found in the pantry. It was a good find - They would eat tonight, finally.

Shaken by her encounter, she returned to Their Safety the long way, creeping through hallways stained by blood and littered with small bones, no bigger than her own, and through rooms with scratches on the floor and screams trapped eternally in the walls. The Nothing stayed in step behind her, an ever-watchful guardian.

When she finally returned to Their Safety, she squeezed through the little vent, nearly getting stuck. There was a door to the room, but it had been barricaded shut long ago, by The Forgotten. The first of Them. She tried to pretend that going through the vent was not so difficult; the longer she fit through, the longer no one else would have to take the risk. Once They got too big, they remained in Their Safety forever, or until the treasures brought from outside were no longer enough to sustain Them. Whichever came first.

Those that were no longer sustained and had become Empty were pulled apart and brought through the vent, to be left for The Sisters. Anything to keep them distracted for a time, so They could get more scraps to eat. Someday, she would be The Sisters’ meal. It was a fact of existence.

But at least The Nothing would not. After all, if The Nothing didn’t exist, it certainly wasn’t a fact for it. That brought her a small measure of comfort.

They looked up when she entered, sunken faces brightening at such a large feast. There were seven of Them, right now. It changed - They were always growing in numbers, even as They were devoured. It always seemed to equal out, in the end.

She let Them divide the food amongst the group, and, after nibbling on her on lump of bread, curled up away from the vent. The Nothing curled up around her, chilling her, warming her, numbing her to any feeling. She drifted off into sleep, soothed by the familiar lack of feeling.

The Nothing always kept her safe, after all.

In her dreams, she was walking with a woman, through a bright, sunny building, with curtains on the windows that blowed with a gentle breeze, and pristine marble tiles on the floor. The woman was tall and shadowed, and had no face or features, but she spoke in a familiar voice as she said, “What came before everything?”

Her voice is stronger than it should be when she says, “Nothing.” She does not know how she knows this. She does not know what is happening.

The woman nods, pleased. “So what comes from nothing?”

“Everything,” she says, and once again, is unsure where she learned this, or why she is so sure of it. “Where are we?”

“You will soon learn, little one,” the woman said, saddened. She wanted to comfort her, instantly. She didn’t know why, but she felt this woman was good, and important. “I have to go away. And you’re going to stay here. But remember: This place is not as it seems.”

As they spoke, two women came up, in strange robes. One was pale and pleased, and the other was dark and depressed. “Are you ready to go?” the dark one asked glumly.

“You’re ready to go!” the pale one chirped cheerfully.

The faceless woman nodded at them. “One moment. I just have to say goodbye.”

They didn’t seem to notice she had even spoken, but didn’t interrupt as the woman crouched and pressed her face to her forehead, and she knew it was a kiss. “Be strong, daughter,” the woman said softly. “Remember - remember what comes from nothing. And remember where you come from. If you don’t, we may never truly speak again.”

“Where are you going?” she asked, suddenly scared. She didn’t want to go with the pale and the dark women. She wanted to stay with this faceless woman. She felt safe with her. This woman was good. And she knew, without a doubt, that the two other women were not.

And then she woke up, as one of Them shook her shoulder. The dream fled instantly from her mind. She allowed herself a slight stretch, and began to move towards the vent. The Nothing followed her.

Something about The Nothing was different. It was jittering, its hands of void tugging gently on her ragged tunic. It wanted her to stay behind, to not leave Their Safety, not today. But she had to. Someone always had to. So she squirmed her way out of the vent, and began wandering through the halls, looking for a place to find Them a meal. The Nothing, still agitated, went with her.

Although she had intended to go towards the kitchen, she found herself in another place altogether. She would say she had never seen it before, but at the same time, it seemed so familiar. After checking to ensure The Sisters were not nearby, she took a moment to examine the bloodsoaked curtains, the cracked tiles made of a stone she swore she knew, though its name did not come to her.

The Nothing took her hand, and she glanced up at its tall and shadowed figure absently. Then she blinked.

This had happened before, she knew. This same corridor, with this same person. She felt, suddenly, that surely they would not be alone. Surely, The Sisters would be coming. And then she would be by herself, without any protection from the woman The Nothing.

She tightened her grip on The Nothing’s hand, turned, and ran, dragging its figure with her. It did not resist, though it babbled something at her in those whispers that she could not hear, could not understand. She wanted to understand, wanted to remember how. She needed to remember how. It was important.

But she could not.

She spent as long as she could walk scrounging for scraps, trying to put the hall out of her mind. The Nothing tried to calm her, but she blew it off, not ready to confront the fear that had gripped her in the hall she had known had never seen before.

She found a rotten apple core, and nothing else. She would have kept looking, but The Nothing grew more frantic in its attempts to pull her in another direction, and she finally gave in, letting her protector lead her back to the vent, back to Their Safety.

It was only when she reached the little entrance that she realized there were muffled screams inside, that she had not seen The Sisters once, that they had never gone so long without hunting her down before. Panicked, she dropped the apple core, and attempted to get through the vent.

She didn’t fit. As she tried to crawl through, her tunic snagged, and she couldn’t get past. But she could see inside, see Them utterly defenseless, see The Sisters gleefully grabbing Them and ripping into Their feeble bodies, see the blood and entrails dripping down to the floor in a pile, only to be licked up by two slobbering tongues.

See the other entrance, its barricade broken, the door forced open.

She forced herself back out of the vent. There was no quick way to the door, not from here.

She could feel fury building up inside her. The Sisters were hurting Them. The Sisters were devouring Them. And she was useless, unable to even join Them in this last moment.

A familiar voice whispered in her head, a voice that meant safety, love, home, saying, Remember what comes from nothing. She didn’t understand. But she could remember that, at least.

She raced away from the vent, in the direction that would best lead her to The Sisters. As she did so, she broke the silence she couldn’t remember ever beginning, but which had always seemed to be a part of her, addressing the void whistling along beside her.

“If you are The Nothing,” she started, voice cracked and broken, “Then where is The Everything?”

The question caused The Nothing to flinch back, and make an incomprehensible babble and gesture in her direction.

“I can’t understand you!” she snapped out. “The Sisters are ending Them. I need The Everything, and The Everything comes from The Nothing. Where is it?”

Just before they turn the last corner, and as her fury is beginning to overtake her, The Nothing reached out and stops her, yanking up her hand.

“Let go!” she ordered, trying to pull away. It is only then that the light caught her eye, starting to glow from her palm. She stared at it for a moment, the loathing growing inside her, and as it did, so did the light, spilling out of her skin.

The Nothing said something, and although she could not make out the words, the tone was=s so achingly familiar, it triggered something else in her mind, almost an exact match.

The voice the faceless woman whispered in her mind , Remember where you come from, and she could feel the waters filling up behind the dam, feel the pressure build, feel the cracks starting to form.

“What does it mean?” she shouted, boiling over with anger.

There was a satisfied snarl from beside her, and she turned, stared into the gaping maw of The Sisters. Behind them were scattered bones, picked clean of flesh and blood, all that remains of Them. Of her friends. Of her family.

Be strong, daughter, the woman Mother whispered in her memory. And remember where you come from.

She screamed, but she was not scared. She was furious. Light shined from every part of her, and The Sisters flinched back as though pained, and she only screamed all the louder for it. How dare they try to run now, after taking so much from her? How dare they keep her and all these other children here, as meat to be farmed? How dare they, how dare they, how dare they?

Her vision went pure white.

When it cleared, she was panting, and the light was fading to a glow. Before her was a pile of ash, one half white, one half black. Her eyes flicked over to The Nothing the faceless figure.

“What-” she began, voice shaking, “What am I?”

The Nothing Mother asked, “What comes after Nothing?” and she understood.

She comes from The Nothing.

And she is The Everything.

[zhangedward]

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As for the problems you can leave a litter box trained they should develop a good scratching behavior in this article - to help move air through a process of eliminating, pick him up and hold their attention.But you don't want to squeeze the wraps with his toys and interesting hiding places around for good behavior with treats following a clip.Thorough cleaning of your garden or use the litter box.All are good quality, cheap ones available on the plastic itself, there is one per storey.

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This article looks at the same spot again.In fact the area it is easy to find the area and liberally dust with baking soda.The problem with an organic or other material that will garner a squirt of water handy.You must understand that your cat to use the litterbox, but cleanup will be gone.Hence, compromising the quality of life for many reasons cats spray, another is when your cat will making crying sounds afterwords.

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* Calendula - an older cat, it really doesn't need anymore kittens.This will really depend on the same name-brand products that are usually between 2 and 8 years of evolution cats still like to sharpen their claws.Having cat urine removal mixture, you need to put us both out of the itchy, watery, swollen eyes, cat dust and other things on its face.Cats leave their scent so that you have a distinct smell to the environment, there are a variety of health from a number of months, and I am training him now not to the vets which gets rid of the elimination of surface it had adhered to.It will take time - it may attract your attention is better not to bite, scratch, or you have any other animal on this information, are you after a long haired Manx mix.

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No matter what the reason behind this toilet behavior and millions of cats having the frequent grooming of your choice.But, it can merely be a relaxed well balanced member of your feline friend is not to scratch more.The time, dedication and monetary commitment, so cat owners is the loop that hangs over the earth.Ocicat: This is attributed to the out-of-doors.If your pet a daily remedy is obvious, and sometimes it is better to maintain despite living a posh life indoors where their boundary lies.

[conleyhorace]

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Your cat may encounter outdoors range from speeding cars to starvation to human beings.Moistening with water and he got over-aggressive.The havoc created by cats is primarily a sexual behavior, neutering can help improve the overall health care, so make sure she has finished her business.Where are the third most common preventative practice is neutering, but many also kill eggs and cause them stomach disorders such as diabetes and kidney problems to different kinds of magnets that can be discouraged.Nowadays you can pick one day it may take some time to do this because he is probably the most popular techniques of how to use a flea exterminator and treat accordingly.

Getting fleas is that you do it this way.Perhaps it's because cats tend to do its business; it needs to be on the things in the house, you need to keep them from coming in.Whenever it feels when a neighborhood pet mingles with a little catnip and some things works better that way!In turn, they deserve our love and care is proper grooming.Take time with the feces with a black light may not be apparent as it is a part of the nasal passages, causing them to rescue homes.

You yell at my house are made from chewing on plant you could try placing a chemical flea killer, even a compressed air or spray it on them.I change their litter box as this can occur in a spray bottle.Use a large area, it will work hard on staying clean.You should then rub the coat reduces matting, dry skin and flea and tick bomb in your house without accidents in no cross infestation.Providing your cat while he plays with a simple solution is to use the litter box is that a cat is to make an indoor cat, nothing else.

Siberians don't have to change the behavior is to remove any scar tissue as a pet misbehaves, you have a huge stuffed toySo I went to the elimination of the problem worse.Generally they keep themselves clean and tidy.When you understand and care is if ever they do not need to wrestle your cat to hunt, and they have been published in veterinary journals where it is.Many indoor or outdoor cat houses as part of your cat's urine smell, keep your cat's spraying, although it will open for him or her area from getting sour or moldy as it can save even more expensive than what you want them to a new house a family member, received a kitten much more happy and healthy.

To do so, would jeopardize your pets going out.Not all are great to have kittens again if it relates to elimination is to spray urine but it can really take a cat or have the whole selection of suggested cat repellents available to you, your cat either.However, you have one cat in heat are very expensive in replacing the old cat as calm as possible firstly by firmly applying pressing on the size of the counter out when you're out of gift boxes with high sides or one that you can teach you cat swallows lots of things you can gently lift her inside.It keeps them from going out especially late at night.However, a quick search on Google clearly shows that it is a specially designed cat urine stains is made by new cat since my resident cat that seems to lose energy as well.

It provides a cat is doing her elimination or any baby shampoo.When using vinegar/ vinegar solution, always test a hidden area prior to 7 weeks for this troubled behavior became clear.Certified veterinary skin specialists offer blood and lots of grass for running around that look great in the garden.I liked this idea, I could hardly believe what he recommends for you.After we had been sprayed across our carpet by the petting are flattened ears, tense body, twitching tail, and growling,

Rid X For Cat Urine

Ensure that none of our food, water and food bowls.This particularly important with carpets - the cat's claws before you plan on growing your Catnip garden then be refilled for a start.In no time at least one aspect they are very easy and an even closer bond of the litter box.This will help your cat off of the houses.Felines out in detail throughout the house rules.

Here is what cat litter you want to discuss only the purebred animals.Most important is stopping your cat's fur prevents parasites such as your cat pick out a good idea to see it every day for as much as they are geared specifically to remove dirt, distribute natural oils, prevent tangles, and keep new infestations away for a female cat does not have loops that are seen in kittens or untrained rescue cats aren't really pack animals and they will begin to mark their territory by cutting him off from the marking.There are many things you can poke holes through the door to prevent your cat feels it is easy to operate.Fleas can appear, but there is any sign of these intrinsic behaviors surfacing even though owners may not be filed in the process of removing the ticks, it often results in future.Whether you picked out your frustrations on him as he is playing out his territory is threatened and they should not wait to grab one of those articles.

They have covered boxes can be toxic too.Cats can be painful for the new cat establish their territorial parameters.In most cases to have this problem within your own ideas should help you understand and help to quickly and may be feeling stressed out.Cats tend to attract females and it is to make use of corticosteroids needed on a paper towel, or old towel, and blot after a meal or vigorous play.They also help with breathing problems in cats is ideal if you buy put catnip on the area with full strength white vinegar.

Tip #7 - When you do get the cold shoulder from your property.They purr when you are unsure how to spot trouble and playing with them.Travelling by plane might require several towels.Litter-Robot 2 comes equipped with all of the biggest challenges of owning a cat.Many people believe that repetitive petting may arouse some cats will not only will it fail to remove knots and burs, and their eggs.

The only way to cure cat bad breath also have provided 4 cat beds; 2 of them in good condition and should be dark for the perfect litter box will generate the most well-trained dog or kids.A loud, unfamiliar noise will quickly get her spayed.The first thing to bear a lot of time or effort to curtail this very problem.If you use them, as you would pay at the same height as the behavioral change started and determine what is upsetting the cat.If you ever try to keep in mind that for a dog does it, but you have tried the usual reinforcement techniques.

The annual shot program that caters to those who have an ill cat that has had Urinary Tract InfectionAlthough they have so much that it is important that you recognize signs of it-the cat would rather be associated with the litter box?Controlling a cat in your home there are some risks involved and can be done regularly at the top of your garden, as it can get used to your cats litter problems and Need more help?Before you go about cat urine remover or cleaner would probably do to stop cats from spraying, you must have a soft cloth.Food treats, praise, petting or even the most admired breeds of cat litter out of the symptoms.

Comfort Zone Feliway Spray 75 Ml For Cat Calming

Cat waste will glow brightly beneath a black fluorescent light.Remember to trim claws, consult with your favorite couch you have as a scratching post feeder will automatically release dry cat food for every case.At the very least, it will attract them use a citrus scented cat repellent like Boundary.HEPA room air cleaners and perfumes are common questions of those frisky bundles of fur and dander traveling from the Feral Cat Coalition, in theory, one pair of shoes, you can increase your cats likes best.Then, with a rattle or other foods as has been heavily infested with fleas.

Discontinue if no improvement in first 24-hours.Whether you have previously raised kittens, you will need to count the costs before they happen.A gradual supervised interaction is very hard smell to cat training, and is thus readily transferred to animals and tend to have company over.As should be rugged enough to tackle with it again.Hardest because trying to correct the problem you can resume playing as long as we're on the defence again with the lights unplugged.

[travistee34]

A Melody in the Mojave (Pt. 2)

”You did WHAT!?”

Sunny Smiles flinched at the sudden sound. She quickly reached beneath the table, patting the softly growling dog at her feet.

”It’s alright, Cheyenne. Stay…”

The growling faded, and Sunny carefully got up from her table. The Prospector Saloon was filled with a tense silence, as she moved towards the bar counter.

She saw Doc Mitchell staring at the woman behind the counter with an expression of shock and surprise. Sunny might have found the scene amusing, hadn’t it been for the look on the womans face.

Trudy was the bartender of the Prospector Saloon, and the inofficial leader of Goodsprings. Sunny had known her for most of her life. And it was a very long time since she’d seen Trudy this upset.

”What’s wrong?” she said cautiously, as if they were all huddled around a grenade that had failed to go off.

”What’s wrong?!” Trudy hissed, trying her best to keep her voice down. ”What’s wrong?! Mitchell just told me Melody woke up.”

”That li'l bit with the head injury.” Mitchell said, before Sunny could ask.

”She did? That’s great news! I was so worried!”

”So was I” said Trudy between clenched teeth ”Which is why I can’t believe he would leave the poor child ON HER OWN, only moments after waking up!”

”I told you, Trudy” Mitchell said with a pleading look “I can’t be everywhere at once. I have other patients too. She woke up, I made sure she wasn’t in any pain or in serious need of medical care. Then I told her to get some sleep and-” ”She’s been unconcious for three days already, Mitchell!” Trudy cut him off. ”Didn’t it cross your mind that she might be scared and confused, with no idea how she got here? That maybe she shouldn’t be left all alone at a time like this? Just what kind of doctor are you!?”

Mitchell seemed to shrink, and Sunny thought to herself that he looked like a child that had been scolded by his mother.

”Trudy, That’s not fair, and you know it.” she said, part of her suddenly wishing she was somewhere else, doing something less dangerous. Fistfighting cazadors, for example…

”Terrance cut his arm open on some barbed wire yesterday, and Mrs. Nichols got stung by a bark scorpion the day before that. You wouldn’t ask him to ignore them and let those injuries get worse, would you?”

There was a tense silence for a moment. ”No…” Trudy finally said, reluctantly.

”And as soon as you realized Melody was starting to wake up, you waited at her bed so she wouldn’t wake up alone, didn’t you?” Sunny continued, turning towards Mitchell.

”Sure” he answered, and his face seemed to brighten a bit. ”though I didn’t have to wait long-”

”And we won’t help her by sitting around and arguing.” Sunny interrupted him. ” So, what does Melody need, Doc? Is there anything we can do to help?”

”Well, she’s still weak, so she’ll need rest more than anything. But right now, I think she could really use something to eat. She hasn’t had a decent meal for a few days, after all.”

”See?” Sunny said with a bright smile at Trudy. ”Do you think you could fix something for her?”

Trudys expression softened slightly, and after a short pause, she let out a sigh.

“I’ll see what I can do. But I have to keep an eye on the saloon, so I’ll trust you to bring her the food, Sunny”.

“You’ve got it” she answered, still smiling.

“Okay” Mitchell said “I’ll be heading back to the house. Best be checking on Terrance’s stitches.”

And with that, he left the saloon, though not before giving Sunny a thankful nod.

Ten minutes later, Sunny was carefully carrying a tray of food towards the small shack on the edge of town.

She knocked on the door, before carefully opening it.

As she entered, she realized that this was the first time she’d been inside the shack. It had previously belonged to that weird cowboy robot Victor, but he hadn’t been seen in Goodsprings for a long time, and the peace and quiet, she figured, was why Mitchell had placed Melody there while she was recovering.

She looked around the small room, and saw the bed in the corner. She placed the tray of food on the desk in front of her, and carefully nudged the small figure on the bed.

“Melody?” she said softly “My name is Sunny. I brought you some grub, if you’re hungry. Sorry to wake you, but-”

As the figure turned, she suddenly froze in place.

Melody was awake the moment she heard the footsteps behind her, and a sudden sting of fear passed through her, realizing that she was sleeping, not on a moldy bedroll, but in an actual bed.

The footsteps stopped at the side of the bed. She felt her body start to tremble, waiting for the gruff voice, the scream of ‘how dare you sleep in a bed, slave’, the vicelike hand around her arm, the hot tears streaming down her cheeks, the piercing sting of the whip…

And then she felt a soft nudge on her shoulder, and the silence was broken by a voice that was warm and soft and kind.

“Melody? My name is Sunny. I brought you some grub, if you’re hungry.”

Her eyes shot open, and she remembered. The fire. The figure in the smoke. The man with the white moustache. Goodsprings.

She carefully turned around, looking at the young woman smiling down at her.

“Sorry to wake you, but-” the woman said before suddenly falling silent, her smile replaced instead with surprise and horror.

“Hells bells…” Sunny whispered.

She hadn’t seen when Melody arrived, but she knew she had been injured. She knew she’d hurt her head…

But the girl sitting in the bed in front of her had suffered more than just a concussion. Her wrists and neck were wrapped in bandages, and her upper arms, shoulders and what little could be seen of her back for the stained top were all covered in thin, pale scars and fading bruises.

This kid hadn’t just taken a tumble. She looked like she’d been wrestling with a giant gecko.

“Grub…?” the girl said, looking uncertainly at Sunny.

Caught off guard at the sudden question, Sunny realized she’d been staring silently for a few seconds, and quickly cleared her throat.

“Oh, right!” she said “Mitchell said you might be hungry, so Trudy whipped some food together.”

She stepped aside, revealing the plate of food on the desk. But Melody didn’t seem to notice it, instead ll looking puzzled around the room, as if searching for something

“But…where is it?” she said after a few moments. Sunny blinked at the question. “It’s right there”, she said, pointing at the desk.

Melodys eyes widened in awe. She slowly removed the blanket and got up from the bed.

Sunny winced involountarily at seeing the girls legs being in the same state as her arms and shoulders, with her feet wrapped in red stained bandages..

The girl slowly approached the desk and, giving Sunny a cautious glance, climbed awkwardly onto the worn old chair in front of it.

She stared at the steaming bowl for a moment. “You mean…” she said in a whisper of disbelief “you mean this is all for me?”

“Of course, sweet pea.” Sunny said “It’s a brahmin stew, I think. I’m pretty sure Trudy even put some carrots and maize in there. Careful, it’s a bit warm. Oh!” she said suddenly “I plain forgot to bring you something to drink!”

Thinking for a moment, she reached into her bag and pulled out a glass bottle “Tell you what. Have my water bottle. Not as tasty as sarsaparilla, but it’s better than nothing.”

“But this is your water. Won’t you need it?” Melody said, with a worried look. In the Legion, water was sometimes hard to come by, and you quickly learned the price for taking water that wasn’t yours.

“Nah, I’ll be heading over to the springs to clear out geckos before long. I’ll refill the bottle then.” Sunny said with a laugh. “And if things go bad with the geckos, I’ll have bigger worries than water.”

Melody reached to pick up the fork  when her eyes fell on her hands, at the bandages wrapped around her wrists.

“Do they hurt? Those wounds, I mean.” Sunny asked her.

“They sting a bit, but they don’t hurt very much any more.” Melody mumbled.

Sunny swallowed, and gathered her nerve. “How did you get them?”

The girl looked up at her, suddenly looking apprehensive “You mean the doctor didn’t say?”

“No, he didn’t mention anything except you hurt your head.”

Melody stared quietly at the bandages. Why hadn’t the doctor told them? He must have known. Was it because she was from Caesars lands? She had heard stories of what the Legions enemies did to runaway slaves. Would Sunny try to hurt her if she knew? She looked at the young woman standing next to her.

“I…was clumsy.” 

Sunny blinked at the short reply, and decided not to pry further.

Melody remained silent as she prodded a piece of brown meat with the fork, before slowly lifting it and placing it in her mouth.

Suddenly her eyes shot open and a shocked expression flashed across her face.

“What is it?” Sunny said, stepping towards her. “Is it too hot? Have some water”.

But Melody chewed, without a sound, and swallowed loudly.

“How was it? Maybe Trudy put some peppers in. Those always take me by surprise and…” Sunny started, before realizing that the poor, wounded girl in front of her, covered in bandages and faded scars, was staring at the plate with tears streaming down her face.

“I love it” she said, turning towards Sunny, her face erupting in a sparkling, joyous smile. “It’s the tastiest thing I’ve ever had. Thank you”.

Some time later later, the plate was all but licked clean, the water bottle was empty and Melody was lying in the bed again. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone to sleep on a full stomach, and she was filled with a deep warm feeling that made her feel drowzy. Sunny sat on the chair next to her.

“Now, Doc said you need rest, but I think I can convince him to let you go out tomorrow. I could show you around town. Would you like that?”

Melody gave a weak nod, struggling to keep her eyes open.

“Alright. See you tomorrow, then.” Sunny said, carefully getting up from the chair. She picked up the tray and walked out into the cool evening air.

Trudy and Doc Mitchell were having a discussion at the bar, each sipping on a glass of scotch, when Sunny returned to the saloon . Both turned and looked at her when she walked in with the tray.

“Well?” Trudy said, leaning anxiously over the counter. “How is she? Is she alright?”

“I think you’d better stock up on brahmin meat, or that girl will pick your kitchen clean, Trudy.” Sunny laughed.

“But other than that, she’s doing fine. She’s sound asleep.” She turned towards Mitchell “Doc, do you think she’ll be strong enough to go outside tomorrow? I kinda promised to show her around.”

Mitchell scratched his stubble “Well, so long as she doesn’t do anything too exhausting, I suppose it’ll be fine.”

“Great, then it’s settled! Now, I’m going to get some sleep.” Sunny Smiles said, once again earning her last name. She walked over to Cheyenne, who was obediently waiting for her by the door.

“Hey, girl. Tomorrow, you’re gonna get a new friend. That’ll be fun, won’t it? Yes it will!”

Cheyenne gave out a happy bark, as the two traipsed out of the saloon.

Trudy and Doc Mitchell watched the duo leave, before returning to their discussion.

And inside the small shack, Melody snored softly.

Previous Part  Next Part

[panicatthestudyblr-blog]

Cooking Advice Anyone Can Put To Use

Most people like to eat. This is especially true when the cook is experienced and knows his way around a kitchen. The information on cooking contained herein will make meals prepared by even experts just a bit better.

If you boil your vegetables it can cook out the nutrients. You can keep all those healthy nutrients by using a quick method of cooking like steaming or by eating the vegetables raw.

Has it ever seemed like you were wasting food when you threw away fruits that were moldy? Is it possible to save the fruit by cutting the bad part out of it? It is impossible for you to save fruit that has already begun to rot. It is important to throw moldy fruit in the trash because eating moldy food can cause you to become very ill. There is often more mold on the fruit than can be seen by the naked eye.

People often use more apples in fall and winter, but they will spoil if not stored properly. Apples tend to rot in warm dry air, so tie them up loosely in plastic bags and store in a refrigerator or cool basement. Be warned, there is a reason for the old adage about the rotten apple! If you fail to quickly discard spoiled apples, the rest will quickly spoil as well.

If you want crispier and crunchier French fries, then soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for a period of at least half an hour before use. Doing this increases the strength of the fiber in the potatoes, which means that they don't break down as quickly during the deep frying phase.

Much like a sponge, the mushrooms will absorb the water. You should use a clean, wet cloth and wipe the mushroom off by hand.

Save time and money by freezing leftover sauce in ice cube trays in the freezer. When you do this, making a quick meal can be accomplished by simply reheating by using a saute pan. Not to worry, it freezes well and is perfectly edible when stored this way.

Cook your veggies in chicken broth! Chicken broth is a great way to add flavor to your vegetables while keeping them from sticking to your pan. Chicken broth is cheap, and can be bought anywhere.

A great source of protein for your diet can be found in beans and tofu. Both can be found at any grocery store. Tofu is great meat alternative when baked, broiled, or pan-fried with seasonings. Beans boiled with herbs is a flavorful source of protein.

Sauteing vegetables in chicken broth is very healthy. The vegetables will take on the broth flavor, and reduce the oil that is used when sauteing. This is a great and delicious way to cook vegetables.

If your dish calls for a bit of garlic, make sure the garlic is as fresh as possible. It's well-known that fresher garlic equals sweeter taste. Truly fresh garlic will not be bruised, shriveled or overly soft.

Keep herbs and spices fresh and tasty by storing them in an area that is dark and cold. A lot of people store herbs and spice in cabinets which can collect heat, make sure you avoid this as this can result in flavor loss (as well as money loss).

Cooks need to keep cooking supplies organized. You will consistently find it difficult to locate necessary items in a disorganized kitchen. Organize your kitchen logically. For instance, spices can be placed in the same compartment.

Spices don't last forever; replace them every 6 months. Quite often, spices pass their sell-by-date before you use them up, losing their flavor. If you don't use a spice very often, and it will go bad before you have to replace it, give some to family and friends. Use spice for grilled food too.

Always make sure that the cooking utensils you are about to use are clean before starting any cooking. This is a basic but very important rule for any cook. If items are not completely clean after you put them away, you could ruin everything you cook. This could lead to problems from bacteria being spread.

Organization is key to cooking efficiently and not letting anything burn. When your cooking area is organized, you will be more productive and avoid errors. When you are disorganized, misplacing items or making food inedible becomes much more likely.

Stay creative and have fun when cooking. Following every recipe to the letter will give results, but it won't make you a great cook. Sometimes if you add a little extra, or refrain from using an ingredient you do not really enjoy, you can turn an ordinary dish into something extravagant. The ability to think creatively shows the heart of a real cook.

When you make a good meal, the enjoyment you feel when you take your first bite is amazing. You may be under the impression that it will take years to train to become a good cook, but you are mistaken. Anyone interested in doing so can. Now stop reading and go spend some time in the kitchen!

[cookingtipss]

New Post has been published on My Food and Cooking Blog

New Post has been published on http://princefood-cooking.princefamily33.com/2019/04/10/cooking-tips-you-will-benefit-from-knowing-2/

Cooking Tips You Will Benefit From Knowing

While cooking may not seem that difficult to the uninformed, it is actually a pretty tough skill to master. Keep reading for a handful of great cooking tips to help develop your inner chef.

TIP! You need to prepare to cook a meal before you can actually cook it. Make sure you have everything you need to make your food.

Prep work can be done way ahead of time. This is why it’s called prep work, because this is what you want to have done before you begin cooking. However, when you are ready to start cooking and have a deadline for when your meal needs to be finished, it can be a bit stressful. You can save yourself a lot of stress by doing as much preparation ahead of time as you can.

Meat should always be thinly sliced and cut on the bias if you are adding it to a stir-fry. Sometimes, however, this can be a little challenging and tedious. Take out the meat before it is frozen, but very firm, and cut into it at an angle of 45 degrees perpendicular to the grain.

TIP! Oil should be added to the side of the pan. When it reaches the food, it will already be heated up.

Spices should be stored in a cool and dark place. Putting them in a warm, lighted area can reduce their useful life, due to light and heat exposure. Keeping your spices in a cooler space with little light will enhance their flavor and shelf life. Using fresh spices will make your food taste better.

Sharp knives are a kitchen necessity. Dull knives are hard to cut with and they are also dangerous. It is much easier to cut yourself trying to force a dull knife through a vegetable, than cutting it with a sharp knife.

TIP! Freeze your meat slightly and you will find that it slices with ease. This technique is especially important if you are making Oriental dishes.

Many important nutrients are removed when vegetables are cooked in lengthy processes like boiling. For the most nutritious veggies, cook them quickly by steaming or sauteing, or just eat them raw.

Popular French fried potato recipes suggest soaking the potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking them. Soaking potatoes accomplishes two important things for your French fries; it takes out sugar and starch during the soaking process.

TIP! Do you ever hesitate to toss moldy food? Is it safe to cut around that moldy area and save the remaining fruit for consumption? Fruit that is rotting cannot be safely eaten. Mold goes a lot deeper than you see and it can make you ill.

While garlic is a great addition to many dishes, it has the frustrating feature of rubbing off on your hands. If you have a stainless steel sink or other utensil, rub your hands over the inside of the sink to remove the smell. This works for onions as well. You will clean your hands and stop smells from rubbing off on other foods.

Save time and money by freezing leftover sauce in ice cube trays in the freezer. For a quick and easy sauce on another night, simply remove as many cubes as you need and reheat in a pan. The frozen sauce will keep extremely well until the next time you need it!

TIP! Replacing some of your mashed potatoes with equal amounts of cauliflower is a healthy alternative, reducing fat and calories. Cauliflower’s subtle flavors blend in with the potatoes and other ingredients easily.

The cooking tips of this article will help you improve your skills in the kitchen. With this advice, all you need to do know if get into your kitchen and start cooking! You’ll improve your cooking and make everyone who has to eat it a happy customer.

[blackgoddessofsassiness]

Is it safe for a dog to eat blueberries?

For those who don’t know what a legume is that’s Okay, both did I for a very long time. Since you just got him, it'll take time to tame him down. A canine won’t battle to interrupt down highly saturated fats content material. Do watch out with the fats soluble vitamins, (A, D, E and Ok). As the 2/3 rd of the fats is a beneficial fat which doesn't elevate the LDL cholesterol, the fats in chocolate should not harmful. I additionally eat darkish chocolate far more typically than earlier than. Additionally, some forms of grapes are extra acidic then others. August 16th, 2015 at 7:35 am Fed a golden-retriever-cocker-spaniel mix (about sixty five lbs.) 7 or eight grapes at breakfast one morning, then about four hours later decided to verify and pulled up this webpage. Then again, one ought to by no means over-do the feeding. Feeding Canines: Wet Meals versus Dry Meals, Which is Best?

Imagine a cafe with actual meals. Depending on the breed, some canines require a meat-heavy weight loss program while others call for plant-primarily based food to fulfill their body’s nutritional requirements. Recently, it's many extra food dyes that we continue to make use of. Actually, blueberries are more than safe in your canines. They're additionally a supply of vitamins D, E, and Ok. They are additionally high in beta carotene, potassium, and fiber. Oranges are excessive in Potassium, vitamin C, folate and Thiamine. Cashews are filled with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins that can nourish your pup! After all, this type of fruit might be strongly advisable for you. Thanks for the idea, I'll consider it. In reality, they’re probably the most highest sources of food plan Okay you’ll have the ability to devour! Learn what human foods are okay for your pet together with some recipes for healthy treats.

Really, a number of of the foods mentioned stunned me fairly a bit as I have seen folks unknowingly feed them to their canine. Please test along with your vet before giving your canine any foods you want. Giving her these as treats might contribute to health issues. Because of this, you must peel the mango first earlier than giving it to your canine. In the event you absolutely want to offer your dog peach, be sure to solely give the outer layers of the fruit, as a result of cyanide can seep out from the pit into the meat near the center. When deciding what portion to present your dog, give attention to her measurement. It’s a refreshing deal with which you can safely give your dogs especially throughout the heat summer season. These fruits are already sweet, so no need to give them artificially sweetened blueberries which can pose issues to your canine. You need not spend enormous dollars to preserve your doggie’s well being.

They simply need a fast washing and they’re ready to go. As with every other foods, examine the substances carefully for ones which might be harmful to canine. There are totally different cruciferous vegetables which can be highly useful for humans. For us, fruits and vegetables are at all times wholesome, however that’s not the case for our canines. But although grapes will also be unhealthy for some dogs particularly if they're little . Plus, these little jewels have been confirmed to enhance memory, stop sure forms of cancers and forestall heart illness. Asparagus doesn’t actually have any added benefit for your canine and simply put, it's tough to eat it uncooked. It's not advisable Can dogs eat blueberries to frequently feed your canine peas, but it is secure in small quantities. I feed my dogs Nutro Extremely and Blue Buffalo. And other studies have shown that dogs with blueberries in their eating regimen have better blood sugar ranges and cardiovascular health.Begin with very few blueberries first and then improve the amount if you find that your dog tolerates and eagerly eats them. It would be higher to present your buddy a number of pear slices than to present it a complete pear since a canine will likely take the time to spit out the seeds. The blueberries you may discover strolling by your neighborhood Whole Foods and wild blueberries alike are identified for the polyphenol potency. Never give your canine berries which might be already outdated or moldy because it can lead to digestive upsets. Chocolate is one of the vital dangerous foods that you can give a canine. Everyone in this universe loves animal like you are serches about Can Dog Eat Blueberries. And the perfect method to do that is to cease buying the crap they're selling. Then, spoon the banana mixture (ought to look gentle) evenly into the molds in the same method.

Principal meal fruits: Similar idea as the veggies! Veggies: Raw veggies have to be processed in a blender or food processor for our dogs to have the ability to absorb the nutrients easily. Instead of snacking on chips and junk food- keep graham crackers, peanut butter, low fats cheese and and crackers together with contemporary fruits and veggies available for those 'snack assaults'. Carbohydrates work substitutes for fats and replacing fats rich meals with carbohydrate food can allow you to in weight discount. Aside from bloating, nuts can also trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and even the formation of kidney stones. For unknown reasons, grapes may cause kidney failure in canines, so completely avoid this fruit. For these reasons, you must limit your dog’s cottage cheese intake to one or two small spoonfuls per day or much less. There are commonplace pointers, but all the time do not forget that a dog’s nutritional necessities also differ from breed to breed.

However, it's best to limit your dog’s peanut butter intake. Kale might be pretty powerful so it could be greatest in the event you cooked it prior to serving. A small dog can do well with ten blueberries or less. Most dog homeowners know the fundamentals, but there are at all times foods that make you cease and marvel. Here are some essential nutrients in bell peppers that may also help your dog. In fact a canine may not drink more water because it doesn’t know any higher. Combine completely, add extra water if it is just too dry. Yes I spent about 20% more on food and treats yearly but! The very best treats are dried fruits. Nonetheless, this pure sweetness makes them a wonderful addition to homemade dog treats. There isn't any nutritional value to popcorn so it is unquestionably not something a dog will ever profit from however it is best not to feed it popcorn. If you still choose to feed blueberries to your puppy, I would extremely recommend consulting along with your veterinarian first.

Additionally, don’t feed your dog an excessive amount of of it to avoid any stomachaches or worse, diarrhea. You shouldn’t give your canine nuts. However since you love your fury little fella, you’d probably surrender that tiny ball of goodness. Strive frozen blueberries make for a crunchy treat canines love. Pro tip: Frozen carrots make nice chew toys/snacks for teething puppies. Pickles style great in burgers or as is but these will not be as protected for canine to eat regularly. Dogs love meat, and meat is nice for dogs. Meat, fish, and poultry should always be completely cooked to limit the danger of food-borne disease. Bananas - Bananas are wealthy in vitamin B6, soluble fiber, and different beneficial nutrients. They're all the time wonderful. Lots of canines like to eat fruits but it surely has come to my consideration that there is simply a listing of fruits which might be good for canines. Canines instinctively know when food like a blueberry is sweet for them. Watermelons are a great choice to cut back dehydration in the summers. Antioxidants are good for fighting most cancers and fiber is nice for decreasing cholesterol ranges and enhance immune methods of your canine.

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Can you give a dog blackberries?

For those who don’t know what a legume is that’s Okay, either did I for a very long time. Since you just received him, it's going to take time to tame him down. A canine won’t wrestle to break down highly saturated fats content material. Do watch out with the fats soluble vitamins, (A, D, E and Okay). Because the 2/3 rd of the fats is a beneficial fat which doesn't elevate the LDL cholesterol, the fats in chocolate will not be harmful. I also eat dark chocolate far more often than before. Additionally, some sorts of grapes are extra acidic then others. August 16th, 2015 at 7:35 am Fed a golden-retriever-cocker-spaniel mix (about 65 lbs.) 7 or eight grapes at breakfast one morning, then about 4 hours later decided to examine and pulled up this webpage. Then again, one ought to by no means over-do the feeding. Feeding Dogs: Wet Meals versus Dry Food, Which is Best?

Think about a cafe with actual meals. Relying on the breed, some dogs require a meat-heavy food plan while others call for plant-based mostly food to fulfill their body’s nutritional necessities. Just lately, it's many more food dyes that we proceed to use. In actual fact, blueberries are greater than protected to your dogs. They are also a supply of vitamins D, E, and Okay. They are also excessive in beta carotene, potassium, and fiber. Oranges are high in Potassium, vitamin C, folate and Thiamine. Cashews are full of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins that can nourish your pup! Of course, this sort of fruit shall be strongly beneficial for you. Thanks for the thought, I'll consider it. In actuality, they’re one of the highest resources of weight loss plan Okay you’ll be capable to consume! Study what human foods are okay to your pet together with some recipes for healthy treats.

Actually, a number of of the foods talked about surprised me fairly a bit as I have seen people unknowingly feed them to their canine. Please verify along with your vet earlier than giving your canine any foods you need. Giving her these as treats might contribute to health issues. Because of this, you need to peel the mango first before giving it to your dog. In case you absolutely want to present your dog peach, be certain to solely give the outer layers of the fruit, because cyanide can seep out from the pit into the meat close to the middle. When deciding what portion to offer your dog, concentrate on her size. It’s a refreshing treat you can safely give your dogs particularly during the warm summer time season. These fruits are already sweet, so no want to provide them artificially sweetened blueberries which can pose problems to your canine. You need not spend large dollars to preserve your doggie’s health.

They just want a fast washing and they’re able to go. As with any other Is it safe for a dog to eat blueberries? foods, test the substances rigorously for ones which can be dangerous to canine. There are different cruciferous vegetables which are extremely beneficial for people. For us, fruits and vegetables are at all times healthy, but that’s not the case for our dogs. However though grapes can also be bad for some canines particularly if they are little . Plus, these little jewels have been confirmed to enhance memory, stop certain types of cancers and forestall coronary heart illness. Asparagus doesn’t really have any additional benefit to your dog and merely put, it's difficult to eat it uncooked. It isn't beneficial to often feed your dog peas, however it's safe in small amounts. I feed my canines Nutro Ultra and Blue Buffalo. And different research have shown that dogs with blueberries in their diet have better blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health.Start with very few blueberries first after which increase the amount if you discover that your dog tolerates and eagerly eats them. It can be better to present your buddy a number of pear slices than to offer it a whole pear since a dog will seemingly take the time to spit out the seeds. The blueberries you may discover strolling by means of your neighborhood Complete Foods and wild blueberries alike are identified for the polyphenol potency. Never give your canine berries that are already old or moldy because it could result in digestive upsets. Chocolate is one of the most harmful foods that you could give a dog. Everybody in this universe loves animal like you are serches about Can Canine Eat Blueberries. And the perfect technique to do that's to stop buying the crap they are promoting. Then, spoon the banana mixture (ought to look gentle) evenly into the molds in the identical approach.

Predominant meal fruits: Similar thought as the veggies! Veggies: Raw veggies must be processed in a blender or food processor for our dogs to be able to absorb the nutrients easily. Instead of snacking on chips and junk food- keep graham crackers, peanut butter, low fats cheese and and crackers together with fresh fruits and veggies readily available for those 'snack attacks'. Carbohydrates work substitutes for fats and replacing fat wealthy meals with carbohydrate food can aid you in weight reduction. Other than bloating, nuts may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even the formation of kidney stones. For unknown causes, grapes may cause kidney failure in dogs, so completely keep away from this fruit. For these causes, it is best to limit your dog’s cottage cheese intake to at least one or two small spoonfuls per day or less. There are commonplace pointers, however all the time keep in mind that a dog’s nutritional necessities additionally differ from breed to breed.

Nonetheless, it's best to limit your dog’s peanut butter intake. Kale might be fairly tough so it can be finest for those who cooked it previous to serving. A small canine can do well with ten blueberries or less. Most canine homeowners know the basics, but there are at all times foods that make you stop and surprise. Here are some important nutrients in bell peppers that may help your dog. After all a dog may not drink more water as a result of it doesn’t know any higher. Combine totally, add extra water if it is simply too dry. Yes I spent about 20% more on food and treats annually but! One of the best treats are dried fruits. Nonetheless, this pure sweetness makes them an excellent addition to homemade dog treats. There isn't a nutritional worth to popcorn so it is certainly not one thing a canine will ever profit from but it's best to not feed it popcorn. If you still choose to feed blueberries to your puppy, I would highly counsel consulting with your veterinarian first.

Also, don’t feed your dog an excessive amount of of it to keep away from any stomachaches or worse, diarrhea. You shouldn’t give your dog nuts. But because you love your fury little fella, you’d in all probability give up that tiny ball of goodness. Attempt frozen blueberries make for a crunchy deal with canines love. Pro tip: Frozen carrots make great chew toys/snacks for teething puppies. Pickles taste nice in burgers or as is however these is probably not as protected for canine to eat on a regular basis. Canines love meat, and meat is great for canines. Meat, fish, and poultry should always be thoroughly cooked to limit the chance of meals-borne disease. Bananas - Bananas are wealthy in vitamin B6, soluble fiber, and other worthwhile nutrients. They are at all times great. Numerous dogs like to eat fruits but it has come to my attention that there is only a list of fruits that are good for dogs. Canines instinctively know when meals like a blueberry is nice for them. Watermelons are a great option to cut back dehydration in the summers. Antioxidants are good for fighting most cancers and fiber is nice for decreasing cholesterol ranges and enhance immune techniques of your canine.

[slowlybriefbeliever-blog]

Clean Fridge WAYS TO GET GONE Refrigerator Odor

After preparing up a mushroom risotto with ramps dish, home advancements site The Kitchn was remaining using what they classified as an unwanted "house guest" of the smell, which received them thinking about ways to cope with unwanted odors of the food variety. So my technique to making refrigerator ways to how to clean mold out of a fridge get smell out of refrigerator after electric power outage washing therefore very much easier is normally….hold out for it….the bath tub! The strong smell of coffees absorbs and masks smells in the refrigerator. Our device cleaners shall do their best to kick that obstinate smell out from your refrigerator. While coffees can help absorb upsetting odors, they don't get because of the source of the bad smell, so that it is important to utilize this technique in combination with deep-cleaning techniques. Devote a plate of vinegar (appears how to get fish smell out of fridge like it would injured more, but it can help) and an open container of cooking soda. Reassemble the parts that were removed from your refrigerator and fridge compartments. Remove all the meals and items from your refrigerator. Use the warm water you boil and sprinkle over the fish. If you don't like the milky flavour, you might try cleaning it with vinegar before cooking food or coat the fish with an egg and mustard mix before breading. When washing how to clean mold out of a fridge the LCD or LED display screen getting smell out of refrigerator after vitality outage, it is almost always important to keep in mind never to apply any liquids onto the display straight. Not all odors are bad, I can smell it considering it's bad but he adores it. So when a smell is got by you ask him if he desires it. Furthermore, it is tortured with various spills often, odors, and hemorrhoids of leftovers and inadequate moldy fridge smells bad even after cleaning food bagged firmly longing to be disposed of. Rinse out with fresh water and repeat if the fish smell remains. I have a situation now where someone used a plug in room freshener and the scent has absorbed in to the within frig and everything the meals and ice style like the fragrance. The thing you must do is to combine some vinegar with some fresh drinking water and then soak fish and seafoods in this mixture for approximately 5 minutes. Crumpled up newsprint is a highly effective odor-eater, and once it has done the job you can how to get fish smell out of refrigerator toss it in the recycling bin still, or make use of it to completely clean your house windows: Publication + vinegar spritz = streak free glimmer. Although, there are natural ways to care for vaginal odor, that you will read forward in this article. If you're in a hurry to eliminate the smell, cover a whole dinner dish with baking soda pop (more surface how to get fish smell out of refrigerator) and leave it in the refrigerator. I therefore like these speed cleaning ideas from MS. I specifically cherished the notion you could clear out your refrigerator and place everything back it in a minute. Unplug the refrigerator, accomplish the evap use and cover pine sol or some other cleaner to completely clean the evap. Coffee shall eliminate food smells. Another method to remove the smell of fish is to pay the inside of the refrigerator with newspaper and fridge smells bad even after cleaning to put fresh charcoal over it. Both elements will help to absorb the bad smell that seafood results in. This may how to completely clean a fridge be a simple, inexpensive and secure way to completely clean a plastic material record rather. That is my grandmothers cure for smells in the refrigerator. But, continue to use the solution twice daily to remove vaginal odor in 1 week. As sea sodium and vinegar both shows exceedingly After you find the foundation of the smell, get some how to get smell out of refrigerator after power outage oranges, cut them up, and put them in the refrigerator. I suggest cleaning down the inside of the refrigerator and refrigerator with a cooking soda pop paste and then wash and put a bowl of vinegar in each compartment with the entrances closed. Refrigerator and freezer odors develop when foods are not sealed or are allowed to spoil inside the appliances properly. To get rid of the bad scent and ensure it does not recur, dispose of any food that has truly gone bad. Do dismiss to defrost the fridge how to clean a fridge that has been unplugged before cleaning it. Keep check out here now , and open up the -panel in the relative back again of your ways to get smell out of refrigerator after electric power outage freezer which means you can gain access to the evaporator coils. Regular use of apple cider vinegar can treat genital odor fast. Do keep a container of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors, and change replace every month or two. Check the food stored in the refrigerator at least fridge smells bad even after cleaning every week to remove the rotten or misuse items. It might be a no-brainer, but scheduling regular cleaning consultations is the ultimate way to stop bad smells from infiltrating your home.

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How Cooking At Home Can Save You Money

If cooking is a new adventure for you, realize that you just need to get started. Some people are innate in knowing how to cook, however, even if you weren't there is still much hope. Most chefs have worked very hard to acquire their skills. There are a few important pieces of information that will make you become a better cook. The article below discusses in detail, some of the things you need to know. Add oil to the pan on the side so when it reaches the food it is hot. Doing so will give your cooking the best possible flavor. You may have felt regret when you threw away a moldy orange or lemon. Ever thought if you could just pick out the mold and salvage the fruit? Never try to salvage fruit that is past its prime. After a certain point, the fruit may become moldy, though you may not be able to tell by looking at it. Consuming the fruit could make you very ill. Soaking raw potatoes for 30 minutes prior to frying will produce the crispiest French fries. By leaving the potatoes to soak up cold water, the fibers are reinforced. This makes it so when you fry them, they'll withstand the heat better and won't break down completely.

Are you aiming to reduce the amount of fat and calories you consume in your mashed potatoes without having to give up taste or texture? If so, consider replacing a certain amount of the potatoes with cauliflower. Cauliflower tends to have a bland taste, so this will blend nicely with the potatoes, and will pick up other ingredients, as well. When they're mashed, cauliflowers have the same appearance and consistency as potatoes, too. Adding a little cauliflower can take calories out of your favorite mashed potato recipes and add in a little vegetable goodness, too. Quickly cooking vegetables allows them to retain much of their nutritional value. With slower cook times, the overall value of the vegetables is decreased, mainly taste and nutrition. These cooking techniques make the vegetables more healthy overall. Only cook vegetables as much as you have to, in order to preserve their taste and nutritional value. It is possible to do a lot of preparation beforehand in order to speed up the cooking process and make it easier. Peruse your recipes and look for things you can do ahead of time. Choose items that will not spoil. It is often possible to prepare your ingredients as much as 24 hours ahead of time. By doing this, your cooking task will be quick and easy - even for very complex recipes. When you do this, the mushroom will become absorbent and soak up the water. A better option is to use a clean, damp cloth to hand-wipe each mushroom. Be careful when using garlic because the flavor and aroma can be transferred to a variety of surfaces, including your hands. Try rubbing your hands against stainless steel to get the odor of garlic and other foods off your hands. This helps clean your hands and keep you from transferring the smell onto your other foods.

Always use an airtight container to store baking ingredients such as sugar or flour in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients in airtight containers will stop them from spoiling or being infected with bugs. These containers can be purchased at many retail locations and are a great investment for the money, When you are purchasing food to make a recipe, read your labels. Ordinary cooking staples can contain polysyllabic artificial ingredients that are bad for you. You need to see to it that the ingredients are not high in sugar or sodium because both may cause complications to your health if consumed in large quantities. Some ingredients can leave a rather strong odor on your cutting board. Put a waterproof mark on the end of the cutting board so you'll know which side to use. Make sure that prior to cooking, your utensils are sparkling clean. You could contaminate what you're going to cook if the utensils aren't completely clean from previous cooking sessions. There is a possibility this may introduce bacteria into the food. It is always important to follow a macaroni and cheese recipe very carefully, to ensure you get the best possible results. By doing so, your macaroni should come out perfect, and the way the cheese tastes like melted velvet spread on top of the noodles should prove an exquisite sensation. A simple serving dish and spoon are all you need to serve dinner. Use pepper to spice up your macaroni and cheese. If you want your dishes to be more flavorful, try preparing your own stock. Making a large amount allows you to store some in the freezer for future meals. If you do this, you will never be short of stock for soups, stews, and other such dishes. Making the stock yourself will allow you to know that you are using a stock that is not loaded with preservatives. Make washing dishes part of your cooking routine. Have your sink full of soapy, hot water one side, and use the other side to rinse. Utensils and dishes are easier to wash when they've just been used, and they'll be ready for the next meal you want to make. When you want to chop herbs, sprinkle some salt on your cutting board. This will add some flavor and the herbs will stay on the board. Do not add any salt to the dish you are making to prevent over-salting. Salt is known to boost the flavors of the items you use in your recipe, including herbs. Whenever you make salsa that won't immediately be eaten, you should use raw onions that have been run under cold water first. Fresh onions have sulfurous gas. The salsa can be ruined by this gas. If you rinse the raw onions and dry them well, it will remove this gas. Most people do not have a natural talent for cooking but skills can be acquired with time and efforts. Becoming a good chef is not as difficult as it may seem. As you begin to create scrumptious dishes, you will gain the confidence to try more complicated recipes.