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It’s my dad’s birthday today - he’s 87! Happy birthday, Dad!
Summer has finally landed and stuck. After one last drizzly fizzle last week, we are looking at a long stretch of weather with some days reaching the 80s. To those of you sweltering in hotter weather, I know that sounds pretty nice. We’re just happy to see blue skies and sunshine instead of the gloom.
It was an exciting week here in Everett. A few days ago while walking the dog, I noticed smoke over to the west a bit. I thought it was a few blocks away, but the cloud kept getting bigger and bigger and blowing our direction. It turned out to be a huge, hot fire in a partially finished apartment complex down at the waterfront.
I could smell the smoke before we got home from the walk, and later that evening we couldn’t open our windows. Once I saw photos on the news, I understood why. Yikes!
Embers from the four-alarm blaze damaged two houses on the bluff above the waterfront, and even blew as far as our house about two miles away. I’m sure they weren’t warm by the time they arrived in our yard. But still.
Otherwise the week was fairly uneventful - I work, walk the dog, read, make art, and try not to despair over the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. The unwillingness of Americans to do something so simple as wear a mask to start turning this around is heartbreaking.
Many states now have mask mandates. In some areas, the local law enforcement have refused to help enforce the mandate, leaving it up to business owners and employees. This article in the Washington Post made me sad, and also outraged at the jerks across this country who throw tantrums like bratty children. A 63-year old store clerk in North Carolina describes what it’s like to go to work every day and deal with people who refuse to wear a mask.
The customer’s always right. We grit our teeth and try to accommodate the customer. We offer them free masks, even though they cost about a dollar. If the mask makes them uncomfortable for whatever reason, we say they can wait outside and we will be happy to provide curbside service at no extra charge. If that somehow offends them, we apologize and suggest they shop somewhere else. Then it’s: “My rights, my rights. Why are you trampling on the Constitution?”
She and her coworkers have found a solution for dealing with the situation - I encourage you to read to the end of the article and find out what they’ve done.
If you’re out and about doing things that bring you into contact with workers, please be kind to them. And if you can avoid being out and about, that’s even better.
The mosquitoes have been eating me alive this year.
Maybe we’ll finally be able to see the comet tonight.
I just heard an ice cream truck go by, and it was playing “Deck the Halls.”
Huh.
Dispatches from Idaho (and surrounding areas)
Nolan and Mia have perfected the art of social distancing. Their jobs with Idaho Fish & Game keep them mostly away from people, and on their days off they’ve been heading to the remote mountains of the surrounding areas. Today he sent me some photos from the top of a mountain in Utah, where they were hiking in the Bear River Range.
Lovely! Nolan has been documenting many of his plant finds on @botanists_in_paradise (Instagram), and also on his iNaturalist account, fern_friend.
Some Aquilegia flavescen - Yellow Columbine
Geranium viscosissimum - Sticky Geranium (and some spectacular mountains)
Agastache urticifolia - Nettle-leaf Giant Hyssop
Even their views at work are pretty decent! They spent time at the Snake River recently and saw some interesting geology.
And finally, the plant that Monarch butterflies rely on, Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed.
Tidbits
This made me smile
I’ve been reading a lot about “superspreaders” this week. It’s fascinating how as we learn more about the virus, we realize how little we know
Coronavirus contract tracing: Woman infects 71 people in 60 seconds - sometimes even doing the right thing doesn’t work
Reading: Neuromancer! I will get to the end of it soon. I have also been plugging away at One Square Mile and will also finish it soon.
Recently eaten: we just had some of the lasagne Michael made with ground lamb. So good!
Making: the Index Card a Day challenge will be coming to an end on July 31st. That doesn’t mean I won’t stop drawing and painting or whatever I feel like doing. I’m quite enjoying the line work (still), but like to toss in some bright markers now and then too!
Eye Candy Corner
Today I’ve got two totally different artists to share with you. Thanks H.P. and J. To check our more, or share your favorites head over to the Eye Candy open thread.
For some reason the original video shared on the Eye Candy post is now getting an error when I try to play it, as is the “How to Waste $70 on a Pencil Sharpener” video (which I really want to see). No matter, as there are many more mesmerizing videos of Peter drawing. He tells stories while he draws, which adds to the soothing quality of watching. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the tale of Concrete the teddy bear while Peter draws.
If you’re a fan of surreal art, then the work of Chris Austin is for you. The yellow raincoat-clad adventurer encounters swimmers of the sea in the forest, animals glow with bright light, and fires rage in many of his beautiful works.
Video of the Week
Is it safe to go to Disney World? Let’s ask the employees…
Question of the Week
If you feel like answering the question, hit reply to this email. Answers will be shared in next week’s newsletter - anonymously. Don’t be shy! General public commenting is available too at the end of this post.
Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child?
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ざるそば
Zaru Soba
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I've been cooking a lot of Japanese food during the shelter in place. My go to resources of which I highly recommend is Just One Cookbook. Their Instagram feed is very inspiring as well.
The most refreshing meal on a hot day is a Greek salad! And a couple slices of chilled watermelon is the best hot weather snack!
One of my faves is the prosciutto, basil, avocado, and fresh mozzarella open-face sandwich we eat now and then. It’s loaded with fresh garlic and olive oil, and is so good on a hot summer day!
Current Temperature: 70.7 F (21.5 C)
Current Humidity: 73%
Wind (max gust): 12.5 mph
Precipitation: 0.00 in