#sunrise propane

[hottpinkpenguin]

Joel Miller X Fem!Reader - Last of Us - Part 6

A/N: read part 1 ! read part 2 ! read part 3 ! read part 4! read part 5! Taglist: @midgetpottermills @casssiopeia @flyingmushroomss @amethystwonders11 @hiphopdancer101universe @kiszkawagnerwhore @littleshadow17 @rh1nestonecowg1rl @alm0501 @ch4rcuterie @lodeddiperrodrick @amandalove1355 @laurathefahrradsattel @moshpot24x @middleof-thenight @kettlechips3 @happymakercollectorsworld @alainabooks143 @mikariell95 @superbreadsoul @twd-rocks-blog @livmadsen11 @sage-bun @emmy626 @somenerdyuser @vitavenio

Warnings: dark themes; substance abuse; post-apocalyptic dystopia; death of reader's minor child; probably a lot of non-canon details since I've never played the game; not proofread; spoilers if you haven't seen the show/played the game Word Count: 1824 Abbreviations: QZ = quarantine zone; FDRA "Fedra" = Federal Disaster Response Agency

----

Joel brought the radio closer to him, studying the frayed wires and noting the burnt out coil at the top. His brows furrowed in confusion as he tilted the radio to get a clearer angle in the morning sun. After trying to fall back to sleep for hours, Joel had finally succumbed to the sunshine and risen from the bed he shared with Tessa an hour or two after sunrise. It was the earliest morning he’d seen in weeks, and it reminded him of why he so often slept in. The sun was too bright, too warm and carefree to match the shades of gray he lived in. 

With a heavy sigh, Joel took another healthy swig of coffee mixed with whiskey. He felt the heat of the liquid and the burn of alcohol all the way down his throat. He put his mug back down on the workbench in the old mechanics shop below where he and Tessa slept.

“Where the fuck have you been all morning?”

Tessa entered the shop in a swarm of anger, the door to the street outside slamming open and slamming shut again behind her. She’d left shortly after he’d awoken, presumably to organize whatever smuggling run she had planned for later that night.  

“Right here, where I always am,” he drawled back. The whiskey in his morning coffee took just enough of an edge off his anger to keep him from taking Tessa’s bait.

“Yeah, well, I could’ve really used your help. Shit’s going fucking sideways around here and all you’re doing is holed up, drinking yourself til you’re pickled and playing around with a fucking radio!”

Joel shot Tessa a dark look, but didn’t move from his seat in front of the workbench. 

“Aren’t you going to say something? Anything?!”

He shrugged, swapping out the screwdriver for a pair of needle-nosed pliers and keeping his face a mask of indifference.

“What do you want me to say?”

In truth, Joel didn’t care what Tessa wanted him to say. Between the terrible sleep he’d gotten last night and the hangover that he was now layering with a new buzz, he wasn’t sure he could name anything that he did care about at that moment.

“Fuck, Joel. You can be a real asshole sometimes, you know that?”

Tessa’s anger was beginning to deflate, bitterness taking its place. 

“Look around you, Tessa. It’s the end of the goddamn world. What do you want me to do, make you breakfast in bed and fuck you on our granite kitchen counter while the kids are at soccer?” 

Tessa didn’t reply. He could feel her eyes boring holes in the side of his head. A very distant part of Joel knew he should hate himself for taking out his own misery on someone else. But mostly, he didn’t care. He felt hollow like an empty well, and even drinking didn’t hit the bottom anymore. 

A few moments of hateful silence stretched between them, the only sound was the soft metallic clink of Joel’s pliers at work on the radio’s wires.

“That explosion last night? That was Marlene and her crew. They got held up in a showdown with a horde of infected and blew up a propane truck.” 

Joel couldn’t imagine why Tessa imagined he’d care. Marlene and the Fireflies were always taking unimaginable risks “for the cause”. Joel knew Marlene the way anyone who lived on the fringes of QZ society knew her. He didn’t care for the woman, although he had to admire her grit. The Fireflies were a losing cause if ever he’d seen one, but she’d kept their ill-fated rebellion limping along for years longer than he’d ever thought possible. She probably could have been someone worth a damn before the outbreak. 

Tessa’s eyes were still glued to him, analyzing him the way a torturer would watch a prisoner during an interrogation. Joel tried to see the connection between what she’d just told him and whatever reaction she was watching for. 

He turned to her, dropping the radio and his pliers in irritation.

“What am I supposed to say to that?” he challenged, his tone flat. He couldn’t even feign interest; he only wanted her to leave. The quiet and his broken radio were better companions.

A glimmer of triumph sparked in Tessa’s eyes. She smirked softly.

“Apparently your old bed warmer was with them.”

Maybe it was the whiskey, maybe it was the lack of sleep, but he didn’t register her meaning for a few breaths. That self-satisfied glint in Tessa’s eyes didn’t dim.

“Y/N. She was out with Marlene last night. Didn’t make it back, so I heard.”

The bottom of Joel’s stomach fell out as his understanding clicked into place. He felt his fingers dig into the skin of his palms as he struggled to maintain a semblance of composure under Tessa’s gloating gaze. 

“K.”

It was all Joel could manage. His grip on himself was slipping fast. 

“Choke on that, asshole.” 

Tessa left, the door slamming on her way out. Joel barely heard her walk away, his addled thoughts coalescing on one and only one thing.

Marlene. 

He had to find her. If you had been out there… if you were still out there, or worse… Joel would pull Boston apart brick by brick with his bare fucking hands if he had to. It’d be easier - and faster - if he knew where to start. If something had happened to you, god forbid…

He stumbled up from the workbench, careening out into the street, his body moving faster than he could stitch his thoughts together. He had a pretty good idea where to find Marlene, and he hoped for her sake that she could tell him where you were. He didn’t trust himself to hear anything other than news of your safety. 

*****

Marlene slumped sideways against the concrete wall of the old subway tunnel they called the T in Boston. Bending over, she emptied her guts into the trickling water running down the center of the tunnel. At this point, she was throwing up blanks, just sour-tasting stomach acid. She wasn’t sure if it was the adrenaline from last night’s narrow escape or if there was something more serious going on. She didn’t have time to stop and wonder.

Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she willed herself forward, hugging the wall. She’d been walking - a generous term for the limping shuffle she’d been forced to do by a broken ankle - for what had to be close to eight hours at this point. Her body was weak from dehydration, shock, and hunger. But she hadn’t stopped, knowing that was a death sentence. And finally, mercifully, she saw it. An old maintenance ladder hanging down into the empty space in the tunnel. Right above that ladder was the old MBTA garage. Firefly territory. She’d made it home. 

Ignoring the pain ripping up her leg from her swollen ankle, she shuffled forward, arms outstretched greedily for the ladder. She fell against it, the steel rattling and echoing in the cement tunnel that the Fireflies used to sneak in and out of the QZ. 

She gasped a few breaths, wondering if she was simply imagining that the air tasted a little fresher here than the rest of the dank tunnel. Looking up, she calculated at least eighteen feet of ladder before it disappeared into darkness just above the ceiling of the T tunnel. Up there was the garage. The Fireflies. Salvation. 

As close as she was, Marlene knew her ankle wouldn’t handle the climb, not alone. She was worried that she’d pass out halfway up and fall off. There wouldn’t be any soft landing for her. No, the only option for her was to hope and pray that someone would hear her down here. She couldn’t go back - the entry was blocked by what remained of the horde - and she couldn’t go forward. She’d memorized the old T maps of Boston: she knew this tube dead-ended a half mile farther up, with no exits. This was it. It was now or never. 

“Hey! HEY! Is anybody up there? HELP!” Mustering what little remained of her strength, she rattled on the ladder, projecting her parched voice into the darkness above. 

“DOWN HERE! SOMEBODY!” 

Marlene wasn’t sure how long she yelled for. Her voice was almost gone before she saw a fluorescent light flick on at the top of the ladder. Weak with relief, she felt tears stream down her cheeks. 

“Thank God! Please, you’ve gotta help me. I can’t climb.”

Before she could finish, Marlene saw a dark shape blot out the light from above. It took her a second to realize it was someone climbing down to her. Looking up from underneath, all she could make out were the soles of boots - men’s boots, she thought - and a sturdy pack on the person’s back. The kind of gear you wore when you went out into the open city. 

Marlene took a few halting steps back from the ladder to give the man enough space to climb down. He did, skipping the last few rungs and landing hard on his feet. He was agile, strong. Marlene couldn’t place his silhouette in her mind, couldn’t think of a face that matched the thick, salt-and-pepper hair. 

“Where is she, Marlene?” 

His voice was dark and familiar. 

Joel Miller turned to face her, his expression hard like black granite. It had been almost a year since she’d last seen him at a buy she’d arranged with Tessa. He’d changed, something darker in the back of his eyes. It almost frightened her.

“Where is she,” he repeated, snapping Marlene out of her own thoughts.

“Who?” she replied. 

“Y/N.”

Marlene didn’t know how Joel Miller knew you. She thought better of asking him. 

“I don’t know, Joel. We got split up. It was… it was fucking chaos last night.” 

Joel’s jaw tightened, his fingers squeezing the barrel of the rifle he had slung across his chest.

“Last place you saw her.” 

Marlene heard voices above her. Someone called out her name in recognition. She longed to call back, but something in Joel’s eyes seemed to catch her words in her throat.

“You’ll never make it.”

“Like hell I won’t.”

“Joel, it’s a fucking horde, the biggest I’ve ever seen. You’ll never get through, it’s a suicide mission.” 

“Marlene, I won’t fucking ask again.”

His patience was wearing thin. Marlene didn’t miss the subtle way he angled the muzzle of his gun in her direction. 

“Take this tunnel three blocks south. You’ll come to a five-way tunnel crossing. Take the southeast branch and walk another six blocks. You’ll see a ventilation shaft. Right past it, there’s an emergency access door. Take that exit. It’ll spit you out eight blocks north of where I lost her.” 

Without a word, Joel Miller turned on his heels and walked off into the dark.

read part 7 here **let me know if you want to be tagged in future chapters! ty to everyone showing this series so much love! <;33

[bagelthatwrites]

Somewhere Sunrise (Begins Another Day)

Chapter 1: Unfortunate Mishaps

Summary: Reagan Ridley tries to be prepared for situations, but the job always manages to surprise her.

Especially when she's thrust into another universe, and stuck figuring out how to get back.

Fandoms: Undertale (2015), Inside Job (2021 Cartoon)

Notes: (thank you to my good friends @pastelkonpeito and @maddestmewmew for beta reading this chapter!! also another thank you to hen again for helping me improve the pacing !) Also this takes place briefly after part 2 of the show, and after the true pacifist ending of Undertale.

WARNINGS: blood mention, possibly death, also swearing

~~~

If you knew anything about Cognito’s head robotics scientist, it’s that she’s been on this job for over a decade.

The job came with many problems and risks, be it near death experiences, dealing with cover-ups and disappearing accidental witnesses, or nearly losing an appendage or two.

But out of everything Reagan Ridley’s done and been through, she didn’t think she would spend her last moments like this.

The machine had taken months to finish, endless all-nighters spent programming, and connecting wires, and checking and rechecking the blueprints to make it perfect. 

The companion watch took just a few weeks to properly sync to the shiny, new transporter… 

And it malfunctioned. And it took her with it.

~~~

It was a decently quiet night in the building, and the cool wind from outside somehow seeped its way through from the windows to the quite sizable space of Ridley Labs, though it never affected Reagan, as she was used to the drafty windows. Never got the damn things fixed.

Her best friend and co-team leader Brett Hand shivered, though, used to the rest of the building being room temperature. 

As Reagan installed the last few panels onto the transporter core, Brett took a minute to look around the lab again.

It was in its usual state, messy but somehow organized enough. Fitting for her, isn’t it?

“Alright, we’re almost ready.” She lifted the welding mask and switched off the propane torch, turning to him. “Brett, do you have the watch?” “Oh- yeah.” He handed her the device. “So… what does this do again?” “Were you even listening the first time?” She muttered, and waved her hand dismissively. “Well, the old teleporter was broken and out of date, so I took the liberty of building a new one. This one syncs to a watch- the one I’m holding here- to take the wearer to and from their destination. The machine serves to make sure that the watch works as intended, and to actually choose your destination.” She patted the machine, and put the wristwatch on, adjusting it.

“You’re here in case something happens to me.” She pointed to Brett, and walked back over, putting her hands on his shoulders. “...If I’m gonna be honest, you’re the only person in this place that I’d trust if anything happened to me.”

“Awww… Reags!” He smiled bright, pulling her into a tight hug. “Me too.”

“Put me down, you goober, or we won’t be able to start the experiment!” She laughed out and smacked at his arm.

He placed her back down and she turned to activate the machine and the watch. “Alright. I’ll start with a decent location… somewhere just outside of DC.” She pressed a few buttons on the machine.

“But… what if you can’t get back? You might have to walk for a while…” Brett commented. He widened his eyes. “OR! I could come and pick you up!” She snapped her fingers. “Exactly.” She presses a button on the watch.

“Alright.”

The transporter vrrrr’d to life, and its sounds echoed across the lab in a pleasant symphony of machinery.

“It’s working!!” Reagan couldn’t hide her excitement, her eyes lighting up as a smirk appeared on her face. “Brett, it’s working!”

Brett squealed in corresponding exhilaration as the watch lit up in unison.

The excitement of the pair was short-lived, as the wristwatch elicited short shocks.

“Shit.” Reagan struggled to get the watch off, as she felt the teleportation tech do its magic. “I can’t- shit, fuck, it’s stuck! I can’t get it-”

And she disappeared in a flash.

Brett’s phone buzzed, and the call was from…

…Reagan. He sighed in relief and clicked to accept the call, only to see a screen of white.

“Reagan????”

Reagan comes on screen, hair whipping in the wind (wind????????).

"Brett! Are y-ou getting this tr-ansmi-ssion!?" The audio and video were cutting out, but Brett nodded. 

"List-en to me! I d-on't know wh-er-e I am, but no m-atter WHAT, you have -to keep the m-achine running! I seem to- to h-ave gone to a- different area than intended-”

She pushed her hair out of her face and looked around, squinting in the foggy winter wonderland- if she remembered correctly… it was supposed to be… September.

Oh god.

“I-I.. I-’m th-ink in a di-ffere-nt uni-v-erse! And it's hailing b-" A piece of hail flew down and nailed the scientist right in the temple, causing her to fall over into the snow. 

"Reagan? REAGAN!?" Brett brought the screen closer. 

"Aw- SH-IT, I... there's sn-ow getting into the wa-tch a-nd I-" Reagan's eyes drooped slightly, and they both noticed blood dripping down her face from the deep cut, now very prominent on the side of her head. 

“Shit- Th-this is go-ing a lot w-or-se th-an I th-oug-ht it wo-uld! If I c-an get th-e wat-ch to-”

…She couldn’t…

Reagan felt herself getting weaker. There was blood dripping down into the snow now.

The situation was getting worse. The situation was unsolvable.

"...Brett... if I don't su-rvive this... I j- just want you to know that I'm sorry... for ev-eryth-ing. You w-ere a... a good fr-iend." Reagan felt herself getting more lightheaded, and the watch glitched and crackled as the weather worsened the condition. 

"Reagan, why are you apologizing..? Hey- no- listen, you'll come back, you'll be okay, I promise- REAGAN?" Brett teared up and clasped his hands worriedly. The transmission was almost lost. 

"...G-oodbye, Br-ett." The screen cut out as white overtook the transmission video, and the small screen finally displayed "SIGNAL LOST". 

"Reagan? REAGAN!" Brett called out, but no one answered. 

He felt his stomach twist.

…She…

…

He failed to keep himself stable on the edge of the desk, starting to slide down and sit on the floor.

His heart caught in his throat as he choked up, tears falling, the lab now dreadfully silent.

~~~

“Oh goodness…. Frisk! Get the first aid kit!”

[pink-tiled-bathroom]

even god hides from the wolves, 17/11/2024, 23:30

winter's fangs have already sunk into november's throat, and she will soon bleed the color of december.

i grasp at the streams of light spilling onto my floors like honeyed molasses. my palms face towards the sun,

cupping the sanctity of winter and trying to decide if it should be crucified in hopes of creating God.

this devotion is not reverent; this devotion is violent and the underside of its nails are stained mahogany with its ferocity.

i've been trying to drown the grief clawing its way up my already bloodied throat with liquid love

but all it does is make the wounds sting. the grief is still there. it never goes away. 

there is an angel with a broken halo that follows me like a dog and i turn away from it, not knowing the words to say that i want to come back.

i’ve seen its halo heal and break again ten times over. it’s seen mine shatter and be replaced with horns. 

the baby’s breath on my table whispers all the lies the wolves told me, memories of the porch step meeting my knees, spattering teardrops on the concrete. 

i don’t dare open my closet door. i don’t know what lays there anymore. sleep takes my throat and lets golden sunlight spill between our mouths—

she tastes like you. i open my eyes and you’re gone. the stars along the coastline are brighter than usual. i don’t ask why. 

sundays sleeves wrap around sacrilegious splices—seconds—of silence;

and thursdays feel like leaving your sanctity in the foyer, forgetting your keys at the door. 

the mundane holds no mercy for the weak. i figure i must be god to live this one out. 

my hands are calloused and my knees are bruised—whether from sin or saviour, i fear to ask. there’s blood on the carpets. 

i remember being fourteen and raspberries staining my teeth and tongue, gods name bore no place in the smoke filling my lungs. i was only fourteen. 

this is an ode to a conversation i've had stuck in my teeth since the beginning of november, since the day i looked at the bullshit lies clouding your eyes;

eyes of sunrise bleeding into twilight, ring of sunlight on the night sea, sunkissed stars across the bridge of your nose and midnight's kisses across your spine--

the decayed vision of you seeps into the nostalgia of the past coupled with the sting of propane. let's not get selfish here; you devoured me and spat me out.

it's july in appalachia and the mountains are calling your name. i don't turn back to look for you.

i gave you my barely-alive, beating heart, and you turned me into a slaughterhouse. my still heart hangs from a hook in the corner of your room.

a girl i knew last winter almost died two nights ago. in the silence of the aftermath, there is a susurrous hum of "god exists".

the sun will set for yet another evening. every vein in my body pulsates with the hymn of war, my irises already clouded with the smell of blackened ash.

[seabreeze2022]

The Bahamas, part 3. Cat Island

May 2024

We love the folks of Cat Island. Most of our interactions have been in the south half of the island. This was our first time in the north end. No sooner had we landed the dinghy at Orange Creek Settlement than two people stopped and started talking to Nancy. When I made it up to the road. A tall gentleman in his late 60’s early 70’s, heartily welcomed me to Cat Island. He introduced himself as Kingsley. He wanted to know if we had ever been here before. When I asked his last name, he answered he was a Johnson. So I asked if he was related to our friend “Pompey?”. Turns out they are cousins. So right off the bat we are making new friends on Cat. The woman speaking to Nancy was the Government Nurse, so they were hitting it off. Just such kind and open people, very refreshing to see.

Orange Creek is very small, we walked most of it in 15 minutes.

The next day we brought our LP gas container to shore for filling. Here Nancy is doing the Cruiser thing of lugging this up a road. If it is not LP gas, it is jerry jugs, groceries or laundry. You can always spot the cruisers!

The Propane business is supposed to be open week days 8-5. But the gate was locked and no one was around. On the wall was painted the one caveat. “CLOSED ON MAILBOAT DAY”. Ok that explains it. They shut down and head to the government dock at Smiths Bay half way down the island when the mail boat brings supplies. We stashed the tank in the woods to be retrieved later.

We hiked out Dickey Road. It is the one road cutting across the north end of the island to the Atlantic side. I knew there were two Blue Holes and a cave beside the road. The blue holes are fresh water and have some turtles in them. Locals used to wash their clothes in the nearest one to town called “Big Fountain.”

This is a diagram of the underwater cave system drawn by an English team in 1986. So they went down about 130’ and then sideways 300’ or more.

This is the front of Griffin’s cave. A small wall is built at the mouth. This cave like several on Cat Island are rumored to have been slave hideouts. Possibly also used by locals during Hurricanes.

Definitely bats in the cave. Which are mostly seasonal.

These caves all have the large crickets. It had started poring rain on us as we neared the cave. Which was very refreshing. Saw several wild orchids along the way.

Heading back out of the cave to the road.

This was the only live Boa constrictor we saw on Cat Island it was about 3 ft. long. Long Island seems to have many more. The old wives tale is: the islands with lots of baby chickens running around does not have many Boas. An island with only pen raised chickens around. Has lost most baby chicks to the snakes.

On our walk back to town we stopped and bought an Atlantic Triton (Charonia variegata) at a road side market. Paid $20 for this shell. I have never seen one in the wild. Nancy has only seen one in the Abacos. These prey on starfish.

We stopped at the general store and talked to Ms. Cleare (pronounced Clare) some more. The very young girl whose mother sold us the shell came in. She handed a list to Ms. Cleare with the $20 bill. All basic staples to feed the family of four. No sweets or luxury food. Above looking south along the shore is the afternoon thunderstorm over the island.

Nancy splurged on what used to be called an Eskimo pie. Now it is Edy’s Pie. What a beautiful view looking across Orange Creek.

More cracked conch and salad for dinner. We will pull anchor in the morning.

Here is one of the smaller mail boats leaving Smith’s Bay settlement.

Coconut rum with breakfast! Not really, Nancy put the last of the half and half in a rum bottle for safe keeping in the refrigerator. Shush…. it did have a bit of coconut taste to it.

Sunrise over Cat Island.

Nancy showing off a Red Cushion Starfish (Oreaster reticulatus). You don’t want to pull them out of the water for photos. It is said to be detrimental to them.

We anchored at Fernandez Bay which is the closest place to the New Bight Airport. Nancy drove me to shore. I was trying to find my way through the bungalows on the beach for a way to the main road. A gentleman reading his book on the beach, asked if I needed help. After I explained my mission of walking the mile to the airport for parts. He gave me the keys to his car. This turned into a nightmare. No internet, meant no cell phone. The part was there but I could not coordinate with the local shipping agent. After an hour I returned to the boat. Nancy was able to get cell service and contact the agent. After filling out the forms on line, I returned to the airport. This time I ended up walking. One young lady stopped and offered a ride. Since I was right outside the airport I declined. During our conversation I found out she was a Johnson and related to our friend “Pompey”. Finally I was able to retrieve our filters. They cost about $5 each on Amazon. After overnight Fedex to go across the street in Ft. Lauderdale and priority shipping by Makers Air, plus Customs tax and Shipping agent fees it cost around $200.

We ran up to Smith Bay for a grocery run in the dinghy. It is only a mile north of our anchorage in Fernandez Bay. After dropping Nancy, I anchored the dinghy away from the rocks and waded in to the Fish Fry Shacks. Only one was open with two guys sitting at the open air bar. So I ordered a Kalik beer. Then it dawned on me that I recognized one of the guys. He recognized me about the same time.

We bought each other a round of drinks. Then he said his uncle was sleeping in the car next to us. I look over and it is the infamous “Pompey.”

Here is Nancy with Pompey to the right. It was noonish and he was drunk as a coot. Which is normal for him. Alfred “Pompey” Johnson is a famous rake an scrape musician. He and his band “Bo Hog and the Rooters” have even played in Havana for Fidel.

Mail boat at Smith Bay Government dock.

This is the main restaurant and hotel lobby at Fernandez Bay Resort. We dinghied over for drinks and dinner. Typical of the small out island restaurants in The Bahamas. You need to make reservations earlier in the day. They have limited main courses and need to space out guest arrivals.

This is the outdoor self serve bar. The waitress brought out some appetizers for us. I asked if I could take a picture. She asked if I was going to post it online. When I replied “yes”, everyone broke out laughing.

Nancy is mixing her drink. Beers are kept cold in a cooler just inside.

There is a pad for you to keep track of your drinks. We labeled ours “Sea Breeze” after our boat. There was a bit of a mix up as one woman had been staying in a chalet for close to a week. Her tab was also labeled “Sea Breeze”, since that was the name of her chalet. One couple at the bar had done extensive sailing in the past, even anchoring at Fernandez Bay. You could tell they were envious of what we were still doing.

The lobby of the main building.

[mollydsails]

October 8 - Long day. 81.3 miles. Atlantic Highlands to Atlantic City.

Sunrise over the water. A great reward for dropping the mooring at 6.

The weather was as forecasted. Light winds and swells 1-2’. The cockpit was comfortable, especially after the sun warmed it up. While I was down below getting water to wash the eisenglass, David spotted a whale spout. Shortly thereafter he saw the whale’s back. Dang! I missed it!

At some point during the first few hours of our trip, we both heard what sounded like a release of pressurized air. Not something you really want to hear. David checked on several possible sources of the noise. He checked the RO water tank, the propane line, an air horn, the tubes on the inflatable and none of them appeared to have been the source of the noise. We were stumped but we had to find the noise source. An idea popped into my head to check our inflatable life vests. Sure enough, my life vest that was in the cockpit released its last gasp of air. The vest is over 5 years old and we have never rearmed it (now I know that vests should be rearmed every 2 years). The vest had been sitting in the sun and that heat may have caused the cartridge to release its last air. The vest did not fully inflate and I’m guessing it was because of the diminished capacity of the CO2 cartridge. David checked our two other vests, and they were clearly marked that the cartridges expired in June 2022. Oops. A big boo boo on our part! We hope to get rearming kits at the Annapolis boat show later this week.

In the past, Molly D has taken a slip at the Farley State Marina for our overnight stay. The marina has gone further downhill over the years. The captain picked an anchorage area on the river side of the Coast Guard station. The anchorage is small, but there is plenty of room for Molly D and the trawler that pulled in ahead of us.

Anchorage for the night. The Farley State Marina is to the left of our location.

View of the anchorage looking towards Harrah’s Casino

View looking towards the Farley State Marina.

Tomorrow will be another early day. We plan to be underway around 6. Molly D’s next stop is usually Cape May, about 36 miles south. The captain has selected a never before used anchorage south of Cape May. We want to make some mileage tomorrow so that Molly D can make Chesapeake City on the C&D canal on Thursday. This positioning will make for a shorter transit to Annapolis on Friday.

Tomorrow’s winds are forecasted to be 10-20 out of the west. Out of the west is from the land, so that direction should not contribute to higher wave height. Please!

[jotunkhiicha]

Evelynne Anqore’s short story ✨

The Way Sorrow Burns.

‘Just run, Eve! Don’t look back!’

It had been a quiet voice that bristled through her ears and smacked against her eardrums in a frightening motion. She didn’t know horror before that night, she didn’t know the pain of watching her life come apart when a pin was pulled and the heat—the flash—of igniting propane curled against her flesh like shadows, the shadow of a decrepit monster.

It had brought sunrise to a life that did not need to meet dawn in a rapturous embrace. All she ever wanted was for it to endure under the balm of the tempestuous light of the moon, yet even that light is a borrowed thing and comes from the receptacle of her hatred—the Sun.

Yet, amongst the ash and soot of a memory bonded to flesh like a tumour, there exists a strange sense of peace about it. She recognises she can never go back to that childhood of crayons scraping against papaya walls, the sound of laughter as it got carried along the pipework of the house like little marionettes, dancing to a merry tune. Those days are long since dead, buried beneath the mortar of trauma and despair; each tear is a trickle of cement that stops joy from ever rising from that pit ever again.

So what better way to live with a past that has died? To make peace with it. To accept its loss and to never forget it.

The dead endure, even as they writhe against the chained fence and snarl at her, she can see how they endure. Their flesh, as once perfect recreations of a God that did not care for her prayers, is reanimated as broken canvases with blood, with their entrails like beloved ribbon to mark the entrance to the unpaved.

With practiced ease, Evelynne loads her beloved gun once more, that comforting sound of the magazine slotting into its home, the sheath, and she takes aim.

Where her sister, Rosalyn, liked to dance with her prey, keep them close and pepper them with faux attention until their insides spill from elation, Evelynne preferred simplicity. She did not want to dance with the devil. She did not wish to barter with life.

Evelynne liked the distance a bullet afforded her and the totality of it all, even if the recoil shattered and asked the little girl within the same question he did from decades ago.

‘Little girl, do you really think you can fight me?’

What fight is there to be had with nine millimetres of lead, of the catch of flesh as it rips apart and settles a delightful little hole that consumes blood, life and every burning aspect of vitality left in a body?

There isn’t. Evelynne knows that.

So why do they get back up?

Perhaps her Sergeant was right.

‘Fear will kill you, and weapons make for better friends because they will keep you alive.’

[naturecoaster]

East Pasco Chamber Foundation Kicks off School Year by Giving Honors to 10 Student Citizens

The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce recognized ten students from local Zephyrhills schools. This ceremony marks 27 years of celebrating student citizenship in the Zephyrhills. The students were honored as the Greater East Pasco Student Citizen of the Month for September. The ceremony took place at Chick-fil-A in Zephyrhills on September 18 at 8:00 am. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort,achievement and contribution to their school, family, and community. The students receiving honors were: Sarai Nieves (8th grade, Academy of Spectrum Diversity); Daralis Robles (1st grade, Children’s Educational Services Elementary Campus ); Jason Jarman (6th grade, Children’s Educational Services Secondary Campus); Jase Kitchen (5th grade, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School); Anna Gomez-Marzano (1st grade, Heritage Academy); Angel Cruz (6th grade, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School); Justin Telman (Pre-K, West Zephyrhills Elementary School); Cheyenne Oney (5th grade, Woodland Elementary); Tiana Williams (6th grade, Zephyrhills Christian Academy); and Xavier Rodgriguez (12 th grade, Zephyrhills High School). East Pasco Chamber Foundation Honors 10 Student Citizens in September Sponsors and supporters of this year’s program are as follows: Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, AdventHealthZephyrhills, Bahr's Propane Gas & A/C, Inc., Benedictine Sisters of Florida, BGE, Central Florida Tree &Debris, City of Zephyrhills - Government, IR Staffing, Jarrett Ford Dade City, Pasco-Hernando StateCollege, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, South Branch Ranch, Spivey Karate Dade City, Statewide Insurance, Suncoast Credit Union, Sunrise Rotary of Dade City, Vitis Realty, Pasco EducationFoundation, Pin Chasers East Pasco, Kona Ice Of Zephyrhills, Campus Gear, Pioneer Florida Museum andVillage, Beef 'O' Brady's - Dade City, Beef 'O' Brady's - Zephyrhills, Culver's, Jim Driscoll, and S&S RanchWedding and Entertainment Venue. If you are an area business and would like to support this impactful program, please contact Vicki Wiggins at the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 813-782-1913. Read the full article

[rvtravellife]

8 Vital RV Appliances Make You Comfortable and Provide Convenience

by Benjamin Venegas In this detailed guide, we'll talk about the 8 indispensable RV appliances that can make your journey more comfortable and convenient..... Imagine setting off on an adventure, exploring the breathtaking landscapes across the country, yet enjoying the comfort of your own home. That's what hopping into a Recreational Vehicle (RV) feels like - it's essentially taking a slice of home with you wherever you go. In this detailed guide, we'll talk about the 8 indispensable RV appliances that can make your journey more comfortable and convenient. Plus, we have some suggestions for smaller appliances that will enhance your camp cooking experience. Courtesy: Dometic Corporation Appliances in an RV and Their Importance to a Comfortable Journey An RV is equipped with living space and amenities found in a home. It's a mobile abode that offers the liberty to travel far and wide without leaving behind the comforts of home. Imagine the freedom to cook your favorite meal in the middle of a scenic park or brew some fresh coffee while watching the sunrise over a lake. That's the kind of convenience an RV provides! to truly appreciate the RV lifestyle, equipping Your RV with RV appliances is Essential However, to truly appreciate the RV lifestyle, equipping it with essential appliances is key. Just like a house isn't merely four walls, an RV becomes a 'home' when it has all the necessary amenities. Let's explore the vital appliances that can help transform an ordinary RV trip into an extraordinary, comfortable journey. Kitchen Appliances for RVs RV Refrigerators Courtesy: Dometic Corporation The first item on our list of RV appliances, and arguably the most important, is an RV refrigerator. Unlike regular refrigerators, RV fridges are specially designed to withstand the rigors of road travel. They keep food fresh and beverages cool and can run on various energy sources, including gas, when electricity isn't available. Invest in a good RV refrigerator to ensure you always have access to fresh food, thereby saving on eating-out costs and enabling healthier dining choices. PlayRV Refrigerator Tips and Tricks Types of RV Refrigerators When it comes to RV travel, having a reliable refrigerator is essential for a comfortable and convenient journey. After all, who wants to eat warm food or deal with spoiled groceries while on the road? In this blog post, we'll explore the two main types of RV refrigerators: absorption and compressor refrigerators. Absorption refrigerators are commonly found in RVs and use the heat generated by propane or electricity to cool the interior. They work by utilizing a combination of ammonia, hydrogen gas, and water in a continuous cycle. The heat source is used to create a chemical reaction that cools the refrigerator's interior.One of the advantages of absorption refrigerators is their ability to operate using different power sources. They can run on propane when you're boondocking or electricity when connected to a power source. This versatility makes them ideal for RVers who enjoy off-grid camping or frequently travel to places without electrical hookups.Compressor refrigerators, on the other hand, use a compressor to generate cold air. They work similarly to residential refrigerators, with a motor-driven compressor that circulates refrigerant through the system. Compressor refrigerators are known for their ability to cool items quickly and efficiently, making them a popular choice among RVers.One key advantage of compressor refrigerators is their energy efficiency. They consume less power compared to absorption refrigerators, making them an attractive option for RVers who prioritize energy conservation. Additionally, compressor refrigerators have a wider temperature range and can maintain colder temperatures, allowing for better food preservation.Now that we've explored the two main types of RV refrigerators let's take a look at some additional features and options you may encounter:Two-way vs. Three-way refrigerators Some absorption refrigerators offer the option to run on either propane or electricity (two-way), while others can also run on 12-volt DC power (three-way). Three-way refrigerators can automatically switch between power sources, providing more flexibility.Two-door vs. Four-door refrigerators RV refrigerators come in different configurations, with two-door and four-door options available. Two-door refrigerators have a separate freezer compartment and refrigerator section, while four-door models typically have additional storage space and separate temperature controls.AC/DC capability Some RV refrigerators are equipped with AC/DC capability, allowing them to run on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power sources. This feature enables you to power your refrigerator using either shore power or your RV's battery.In conclusion, choosing the right type of RV refrigerator is crucial for a comfortable and convenient journey..... Read More... Read the full article

[bbqbills2]

BBQ Bill's in Las Vegas, NV builds custom outdoor fire pits that differ in size, weight and price that use propane, gas or wood from the best brands like Outdoor GreatRoom & Prisim HardScapes. You can find inexpensive models and high-performance pits with extras like a cooking grate to make your dinner in your backyard over the embers in a fire pit instead of the kitchen.

BBQ Bill's will design and install custom outdoor kitchens, BBQ island kitchen, fire features, fire bars, fireplaces, fire pits, fire grills, fire rings, pizza ovens, BBQ grills, griddles, smokers, cookers, rotisserie, refrigerators, heaters, sinks, patio covers, outdoor accessories and construction contractors.

Our experienced barbecue experts will create a masterpiece that perfectly matches your vision for function and beauty. We have access to thousands of quality items and install only superior-quality products from some of the best names in the business, including Alfa, Alfresco, Amore, Aspire, Blaze, Bonfire, Coyote, DCS, Delta Heat, Fontana Forni, Gozney, Green Mountain, Hestan, Lynx, Memphis, Pit Boss, Summerset, Twin Eagle, Viking, Wolf.  

We service Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, Blue Diamond, Enterprise, Goodsprings, Moapa Valley, Mount Charleston, Nelson, Paradise, Spring Valley, Summerlin South, Sunrise Manor, Whitney, Winchester, Arden, Jean, Logandale, Overton, Primm, Sloan, Vegas Creek, Boulder City, and Pahrump. Contact us today to let us help you build the outdoor barbecue and kitchen space of your dreams.

[cabinsatoldrag]

Search the Best Cabins to Rent in Virginia: The Cabins At Old Rag

Virginia is a beautiful state with a rich history and wonderful landscape, and The Cabins At Old Rag serve as the ideal location to stay when looking to take a peaceful retreat amidst all of this. Located in the heart of Etlan, Virginia, these cabins are nothing short of unique and memorable to escape from everyday life. For the bestcabins for rent in Virginia, The Cabins At Old Rag can't be beaten.

The harmonious combination of rustic charm and contemporary elegance

The Cabins At Old Rag is more than just a place to stay; it is where rustic charm meets contemporary grace. Located in the great setting under the iconic Old Rag Mountain—one of the most beautiful peaks in the range—The Cabins At Old Rag set the perfect aura for a calm and rejuvenating escape. Every cabin here is created to put people amid great views of Blue Ridge while offering every modern comfort you would want.

Feel nature up close

Among the most distinguishable features of The Cabins At Old Rag would be their location close to some of the most magnificent natural attractions within Virginia. The accommodations are only within a few minutes reach of one of Virginia's most treasured hiking locations, Old Rag Mountain, where punishing trails promise those who finish panoramic views worth the effort. The trails around Old Rag provide activities for avid hikers and casual nature lovers alike.

Another recreational opportunity nearby is White Oak Canyon, with its beautiful waterfalls and magnificent trails. Fishing here is also good as there are many trout in the streams: very beautiful and plentiful. This area is great for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Cabins For Rent

Amenities to Ensure a Comfortable Stay

At The Cabins At Old Rag, we care about your comfort. Each cabin is equipped with amenities, all designed to make your stay simpler and more comfortable. Here's a look at what you'll find when you book one of our cabins for rent:

Self Check-In: Experience the ease and convenience of checking in on your time, as you arrive and get settled. Your door-code information will be emailed a full 48 hours before arrival so just traveling to start your vacation is seamless and worry-free.

Long-Term Stays Allowed: Whether on a short weekend escape or enjoying an extended retreat, The Cabins At Old Rag welcome long-term stays equal to or over 28 days; let their full surroundings engulf you.

Smart TV and DirectTV: Lay back your day-long tiredness and watch all your favorite shows or movies on the topmost smart TV with high definition and DirectTV.

Free Satellite WiFi: Stay connected with our satellite WiFi, to ensure you get in touch with the rest of the world even while enjoying the peace of nature. Remember, it's satellite WiFi—so a bit of downtime is possible.

Mountain View: Experience the vista of Old Rag Mountain right from the comfort of your cabin. Watch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away.

Patio: It can offer you an outdoor patio that enables you to sit on a beautiful morning with a cup of coffee, or on a cool evening with a glass of wine, taking in the fresh air from the mountains.

Firepit: Join close friends or family members for a nice time by the firepit. It's complemented with their comfortable Adirondack chairs.

Outdoor Grill: Enjoy the taste of outdoor cooking with this very cabin's propane grill. Whether you are grilling a fiesta or just want a simple meal, dine al fresco with the outdoor grill.

Cabins in Virginia

Make memories that last forever The Cabins At Old Rag bring unequaled experiences to someone truly in search of the best rental cabins in Virginia. Whether it is for a romantic escape, family vacation, or personal retreat, the setting of these cabins is just perfect for relaxation, exploration, and creating long-lasting memories. Don't miss your chance to look at the beauty and peace in Etlan, Virginia. Make your reservation at The Cabins at Old Rag today and be on your way to an exceptional getaway nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

[mikelsons07]

Flavor Explosion on Camping Stoves: Backyard Cooking in the Wild

There is something uniquely captivating about cooking in nature. Wide-open spaces, brisk air, and the sounds of nature all contribute to a sense of independence and adventure. Once constrained to campfires alone, camping stove have opened up a world of culinary possibilities previously unavailable. This article will delve into the art of cooking in the wilderness by examining the culinary potential of camping stoves and how they have revolutionized outdoor dining.

Campers no longer rely solely on tinned beans, hot dogs, and marshmallows for their sustenance. The introduction of modern camping stoves has allowed outdoor enthusiasts to bring the conveniences of a kitchen into the wilderness, revolutionizing camping food. These lightweight, compact, and efficient burners are necessary for trekkers, explorers, and nature enthusiasts who wish to enjoy delectable meals during their outdoor excursions.

One of the primary benefits of camping ovens is their ability to provide precise temperature control. Unlike campfires, which can be unpredictable and challenging to manage, camping stoves have flames that can be adjusted, allowing campers to simmer, boil, saute, and sauté quickly. This level of control enables the preparation of a vast array of previously impractical dishes outdoors.

"One-pot cooking" is a popular method made more accessible by camping cookers. Campers can create substantial, flavorful meals with a single saucepan or pan by combining various ingredients to create rich, satisfying flavours. Whether it's a hearty stew, a tasty pasta dish, or a delicious stir-fry, the camping stove serves as a platform for culinary experimentation amidst the splendour of nature.

In addition, developing sophisticated camping stoves that utilize a variety of fuels, such as propane, butane, or even biofuels, enables efficient cooking with a reduced environmental impact. These burners are designed to leave no trace, ensuring that future generations of travellers can experience nature in pristine condition.

Embracing the wilderness can also provide thrilling opportunities for foraging, allowing you to incorporate local and seasonal ingredients into your campsite cookery. Respecting the environment and practising sustainable foraging when using a camping burner is essential. Some wilderness areas may restrict harvesting, so it is necessary to be well-informed before accumulating natural foods.

Cooking in the wilderness can awaken our senses and deepen our connection with nature, going beyond mere utility. A well-prepared supper can be enhanced by the aroma of pine trees, the sound of a gurgling stream, and the sight of stars above. The outdoor location becomes part of the dining experience, enhancing the flavour and the accompanying memories.

Camping stoves can be a game-changer for those who enjoy a cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning. Portable coffee makers and kettles compatible with camping stoves are gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while watching the sunrise in the wilderness.

As with any culinary endeavour, safety is paramount when using camping stoves. It is essential to meticulously read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions, particularly regarding igniting, regulating, and extinguishing the flame. In addition, proper food safety practices, such as storing perishables in refrigerators and ensuring that meats are prepared to safe temperatures, are essential for preventing contaminated illnesses.

In conclusion, the advent of camping stoves has significantly transformed cooking in the wilderness. These versatile and practical instruments have enabled campers to investigate the vast flavour potential of outdoor cuisine. Camping stoves have revolutionized the way we consume and experience cuisine in the great outdoors, from one-pot marvels to foraged delicacies to a simple cup of coffee. Remember to bring your camping stove on your next outdoor excursion, and let your culinary imagination run wild amidst the magnificence of nature. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal!

[karma-view]

Haterius Park Olivera, TX

Little park on Keller Bay north east of Port Lavaca. One can stay for 5 nights but must leave after that. No hookups or anything else other than a playground for kids, 2 covered picnic tables and a public boat ramp. 01/14/23

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Playground, picnic tables and boat ramp in the distance.

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01/19/23 Sunrise before leaving for Port Lavaca for shopping, propane and a new spot to stay.

[j9tarts]

Sunrise from King of the Hill

[kokis-blog1]

"Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love." Charles Talleyrand (3/23) Arabica espresso beans, harvested on the sun-kissed soils of brazil. Masterfully roasted, ground, and pressurized with inert gas as it’s packaged into steel container containers. Six cups of water, three table spoons of espresso carefully placed in a Bialetti. An unconventional use of an Optimus mini burner, but espresso on a cool, crisp morning framed by the sunrise on Chisos Basin is a moment to be relished and enjoyed to the fullest. Photocred 📸 @madisonestelle13 . . . . #BigBend #ChisosBasin #Camping #Optimus #Propane #Bialetti #Espresso #Illy #CoffeeTime #Black #EarlyMorning #CupofJoe #Sunrise #CampingGear #Essentials #VscoTravel #InstaTravel #VscoFilter #M5 #Mountains #NationalPark #ItalianCoffee #TexasMade #Nature #Landscape #NatureLover #KokiStudio #Concentration #ItsLit (at Chisos Mountains Lodge - Big Bend National Park)

[unexpectedyarns]

Pics from just today

One and two

Sunrise pics from Hillsboro ND

Tiny dock with only about 100ft. forward space AND A PROPANE TANK BECAUSE GUYS, YOU KNOW WHATS A GOOD IDEA? PUT A TANK OF HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE LIQUID FUEL WHERE A SEMI COULD HIT IT //rant

Four and five are:

My park job at said dock

The bathroom at the bean shipper. Yes we’re hauling 43,000 pounds of beans

[brynnmck]

 Tagged by @agirlnamedkeith, @pretty--thief, and @samirant, thank you! <333

What is the colour of your hairbrush? Mostly black, with a green ring on it.

Name a food you never eat: I have quite a few foods I can’t eat anymore thanks to some random health issues I developed a few years back (friends, aging is great from a mental/emotional perspective, Not Great from a physical perspective) but in terms of voluntary stuff, green peppers. I’ve outgrown a lot of my childhood food dislikes but that one is in my SOUL.

Are you typically too warm or too cold? Too cold, definitely.

What were you doing 45 minutes ago? I was in a boring meeting!

What’s your favourite candy bar?  Probably Snickers? I really like 100 Grand too, though. And Butterfinger. And Twix. And I want Claire Saffitz to make all of them for me.

Have you ever been to a professional sports game? I’ve been going to Major League baseball games since I was a kid (it was my dad’s favorite sport), and the past few years, I’ve been to 20-30 games a season. I usually go for my birthday, too, which is in a couple of weeks, and it’s just kinda sinking in that there will be no birthday baseball for me this year. :(

What was the last thing you said out loud? Just saying hi to my husband. 

What is your favourite ice cream? Coffee Heath Bar Crunch. I can’t have caffeine anymore so this summer I’m gonna try to make a decaf version for myself. (WHY IS ALMOST ALL COFFEE ICE CREAM CAFFEINATED. There are so many reasons people can’t have caffeine! Sigh.)

What was the last thing you had to drink? Water!

Do you like your wallet? Sure? It’s a nice blue and it holds my stuff.

What was the last thing you ate? Fruit and Greek yogurt for breakfast.

Did you buy any new clothes last weekend? I didn’t! I actually ordered a couple of soft bras from TomboyX on Monday, but nothing on the weekend.

What’s the last sporting event you watched? A replay of an old Mariners game a couple of nights ago. If we’re talking live sports, I watched about half of a Korean baseball league game a few nights back, which was delightful.

What is your favourite flavour of popcorn? Butter!

Who is the last person you sent a text message to? @ajoblotofjunk 

Ever go camping? Not in a long time. My husband has been getting the urge to go lately, though, so maybe we will!

Do you take vitamins? I take supplements due to the aforementioned health issues. And vitamin B.

Do you go to church every Sunday? Lol no. My mother is very Catholic and she brought us to 6 am Mass every weekday when I was a kid. It was well-intentioned (her dad had a pretty volatile temperament and she always felt safe at church, so she subconsciously wanted us to feel the same way) but it did not sell me on the experience! Heh.

Do you have a tan? I live in the Seattle area and it’s May, so... lol no. I’m also pretty pale so I don’t get that tan anyway, but. I usually get a little something going in the summer, enough to have tan lines anyway.

Do you prefer Chinese food or pizza? Tough call, but I’m going with pizza.

Do you drink your soda through a straw? I don’t drink soda anymore (though I drink a LOT of carbonated water), but I’ll drink my drink through a straw if I get it at a fast-food place. Otherwise I don’t usually use one.

What colour socks do you usually wear? Most of my winter socks for work are black. Otherwise it’s a pretty random selection of colors.

Do you ever drive above the speed limit? Sure. Usually 5-10 miles over, rarely more (or less) than that.

What terrifies you? Climate change. Global pandemics. You know. Just generally suffering (both mine and other people’s).

Look to your left. What do you see? Through window of the room I’m sitting in: my neighbors’ house, and a cherry tree in their yard.

What chore do you hate most? Cleaning the bathrooms.

What do you think of when you hear an Australian accent? The hot Australian woman who’s been on Gold Rush recently, or a dear fannish friend of mine I haven’t talked to in years who is actually from New Zealand and I KNOW IT’S VERY DIFFERENT but it’s close enough to make me think of her!

What’s your favourite soda? I used to drink a lot of Diet Mountain Dew. I really miss ginger beer, too. I love a good spicy ginger beer. Root beer too.

Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive-thru? Drive-thru all the way. Isn’t that part of the advantage of fast food?

What’s your favourite number? I don’t really have one!

Who’s the last person you talked to? My husband!

Favourite cut of beef? Boneless ribeye. I finally bought a propane grill a couple of years back and I have now learned to make a badass steak, if I say so myself.

Last song you listened to? Eve 6 - Inside Out. A few months ago I suddenly remembered that this song existed and so I bought it and now I have to listen to it at least twice every time it comes up, ha.

Last book you read? An as-yet-unpublished Rose Lerner novel, because I am very lucky! (It’s a wlw Gothic. SUCH A GOOD CONCEPT.)

Favourite day of the week? Saturday

Can you say the alphabet backwards? In this economy??? Idk, I could probably figure it out, but it would definitely be work.

How do you like your coffee? I love a caramel macchiato, especially iced so you get those weird globules of caramel coming up through the straw. But a nonfat decaf double latte with a little bit of some kind of syrup is my go-to these days--hot when it’s cold out, iced when it’s warm out.

Favourite pair of shoes? I have these 40s-ish heels that tie over your instep with a little bow and I love them. I also have some extremely cool red velvet with black cording peep-toe Louboutins that I bought off some discount site years ago, except I can’t wear them for long because they’re about a half size too small. But they’re SO PRETTY.

Time you normally get up? In isolation, I’m discovering that my natural sleep schedule is about 2 am - 10 am. But I have a daily meeting at 9:30, and I try to get my workout done before that, so I get up at 8-8:30ish. I am discovering through this meme that SO MANY of you are morning people! What is that like???

Sunrises or sunsets? I love sunrises but I am not remotely a morning person, so. I see a lot more sunsets, and I love them too!

How many blankets are on your bed? Just one duvet.

Describe your kitchen plates. We have some with blue perimeters and kind of a white/oatmeal middle that we inherited from my in-laws, and the ones we actually bought on purpose are white on top and either sage-y green or charcoal black on the bottom.

Describe your kitchen at the moment. Somewhat messy, or at least there are dishes to do. I made some pretty epic cauliflower mushroom risotto with shrimp last night, though, so it was for a good cause.

Do you have a favourite alcoholic drink? Perfect Manhattans with rye are my go-to, or a Quebecois, which is basically a perfect Manhattan with a little bit of maraschino liqueur added (and ideally a lemon twist, though we’re usually too lazy for those). In the summer, I’m getting really into gin these days: either gin and tonic, gin and some kind of citrus spiked seltzer, or a Last Word. I also really love a good craft beer, and sparkling wine too.

Do you play cards? Not really. We used to play a shit ton of gin rummy in high school, but I haven’t really played cards much since.

What colour is your car? Blue!

Do you know how to change a tire? Theoretically yes, though the one time I actually tried to do it myself, I had a hell of a time getting the lug nuts off. I was fortunately in my driveway at the time (good place for a flat tire!) and my neighbors kept coming by and offering to help, and I was like NO I WANNA DO IT. I think I did need help eventually, though. Stupid pneumatic tools at tire installation places!

Your favourite state? That rare, usually-brief phase of writing where everything seems to fit and flow and you’re a genius and you understand all the secrets of the cosmos. Also Washington.

Favourite job you’ve had? My current one. It’s not my dream job, but it pays well and I like my team and I get to learn new stuff fairly often and I can work from home in the midst of all this, so. I am very lucky!

How did you get your biggest scar? The summer after my freshman year of college, I was part of a summer stock theatre troupe, and we performed half the summer at my college, and half the summer in a very small town in eastern Oregon that had an outdoor stage. One of my entrances involved running over the grass to get to the stage, and one night the grass was wet, and my costume involved ballet slippers, and I slipped and fell onto the stage stairs in front of the whole audience. It hurt SO MUCH that I got very light-headed onstage while I was trying to get through the scene, lol. Anyway, my costume also involved harem pants that had elastic around the calf/ankle area, and I got a friction burn from those, which ended up scarring because the skin over your shins is very thin! (I also got a few massive bruises on my leg that didn’t go away for weeks, so eventually my mom nagged me into going to the doctor, who promptly started gently hinting to see if my boyfriend at the time was responsible for the injuries. Which was actually pretty cool of the doctor! But then I was like, lol no, trust me, a hundred people saw me bite it, this is 100% dumbass mistake.) And that’s my scar story.

Tagging, if you want to do it: @ajoblotofjunk, @snowymary, @halcyon-red, @it-may-be-dull-but-im-determined, @unadulteratedkr, and anyone else who feels like doing this!