That's Gneiss! #199 ~ In which I am happy to report...

Hello friends!

I am happy to report we got our updated bivalent Covid boosters on Monday, along with our flu shots. Neither one of us felt funny, other than sore arms. We know this won’t stop Covid completely, but we’ll be able to get out a little more.

I’m thrilled to report that the big project I was working on at work was finally approved to see the light of day and I was able to send an email out about it on Friday. That was one of the most satisfying “hit send” moments of my library career. I immediately left on a one-week vacation so if people hate it they can’t bother me right away. Heh. I don’t think they will, but I know that there’s always somebody who isn’t happy.

I’m delighted to report that if you like Shakshuka, then you’ll probably enjoy Green Shakshuka as well. SO GOOD. I’m really enjoying the new dishes Michael is cooking for us. If you’re a meat eater, this Black Bean Soup is also very tasty. No meat? Try this Palak Paneer. We’d gotten into a bit of a rut with food, and are happy to have some new meals in our rotation.

I’m elated to report I have found a new, higher quality video of Hurra Torpedo performing Total Eclipse of the Heart, a song that I really, really dislike. Immensely. Every so often I see mention of the original song, and am immediately compelled to seek out my palate cleanser of a cover song. If you’ve not watched the 2005 video of this live performance, do so now! If you’ve seen it before - watch it again!

If, like me, you can’t get enough of this hilarity you’ll enjoy this version too - the lads have fresh haircuts and a few new “instruments” - is that a Pulaski I see? Still sporting those dashing blue tracksuits! Barely. Such tension with the buildup, and what a finale!

You’re welcome.

Are there any cover songs you like much better than the original?

---

Bolt Creek Fire update

I’m happy to report the fire didn’t settled down and now sits at just over 10,000 acres - that’s big! Thankfully it didn’t grow larger and further threaten the two nearby towns. People have been allowed to return home in most of the evacuation areas. The highway is still closed with no estimated time of opening.

The smoke started clearing up here Sunday afternoon, but that morning was really bad and we skipped our usual walk. I learned that my cousin and her daughter and son-in-law had to evacuate and did so safely (though into a zone that could have to go at any time). I was thinking about them but didn’t know exactly where they lived and if they were in harm’s way. I was happy to hear they are safe.

As of Sunday evening, the fire had grown to 7,600 acres. Only about 50% of the people in the mandatory evacuation zone had left the area. The people that refuse to leave are foolish and ultimately putting more people in danger if they need to be rescued.

On Saturday a pair of hikers on Baring Mountain were trapped by the fire. They had no idea there was a fire nearby when they set out, and it was almost too late by the time they realized their predicament. They posted a video about their escape from the fire - it’s pretty harrowing. These guys seem pretty experienced, which is probably what saved them as they had to find an alternate route to get back to their car. Yikes!

---

I’m tickled to report the first signs of Halloween are here. The overzealous folks in our midst have given in to the urge to summon spooks to their yards. I approve - whatever makes you happy!

I’m overjoyed to report I’ve been working on a lot of art lately. I’ll devote the next newsletter to that, as I have a lot to share. Here’s a friendly octopus that turned up in my sketchbook. I’ve really been enjoying using a Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, I get an entirely different look with it.

I hope you’re enjoyed this roundup of good news today. It’s nearly time to take the dog out for his afternoon walk, so off I go!

Until next time - cheers!

~Anne