Daily Happiness
Jun. 10th, 2026 08:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
torachan1. The car charger arrived today so I confirmed with the electrician and he'll be out tomorrow morning to install!
2. When Carla was out running errands today she happened to be near Uncle Tetsu's Cheesecake and there was a board outside with some new seasonal items, including black sesame tarts, so she got a couple of those for us to have for dessert tonight. We haven't had them yet, but I cannot imagine them not being delicious. I love pretty much any black sesame desert!
3. She also got some yummy rolls for us to have with the last of our tuna salad tonight for dinner. They made such good little mini sandwiches.
4. Jasper!
2. When Carla was out running errands today she happened to be near Uncle Tetsu's Cheesecake and there was a board outside with some new seasonal items, including black sesame tarts, so she got a couple of those for us to have for dessert tonight. We haven't had them yet, but I cannot imagine them not being delicious. I love pretty much any black sesame desert!
3. She also got some yummy rolls for us to have with the last of our tuna salad tonight for dinner. They made such good little mini sandwiches.
4. Jasper!
6/10/2026 Inspiration Trail
Jun. 10th, 2026 06:33 pmmrkinchWhen I woke at 3:45 I didn't feel great so I took Vitamin I and curled up with the cat (Siamese male, very possesive) for an hour and a half before heading up the hill. Thus I started my list a half-hour after sunrise and while I doubtless missed fun stuff I still got a good list. Both California Thrashers were singing, although one of them had moved off a ways, as were both MacGillivray's Warblers. Surprises in the sense that they should be here but haven't been lately were Red-tailed Hawk, possibly a first year bird, and a Downy Woodpecker. Always fun to hear all five resident woodpeckers. ( The list: )
Another day with no sounds of Canada Geese or Wild Turkeys in the distance. OTOH, it's been a very long time since I've heard as many Pygmy Nuthatches as I did today.
Another day with no sounds of Canada Geese or Wild Turkeys in the distance. OTOH, it's been a very long time since I've heard as many Pygmy Nuthatches as I did today.
before you was born, dude, when life was great
Jun. 10th, 2026 05:03 pmwychwoodI served four Masses in 24 hours at the weekend, which may be a personal best (or worst?), and has left me with some residual soreness of the knees, but Confirmation and First Communions both went relatively smoothly, and though it was rather exhausting scheduling, I did prefer it to spreading them out over several evenings.
Sunday was very much a flop day as a result; I woke up (as has sadly become customary) at 04:45, but did go back to sleep, and did not in the event leave my bed until after noon.
And I needed it, because it's been go-go-go since then. I said to Miss H that I was actually relieved earlier to realise that it was only Wednesday, because there is so much to get done this week! Not that that is helping me focus my mind, of course.
And last night was choir, tonight is choir, and all day Saturday is also choir, so I'm looking forward to an evening?? at home??? tomorrow. I have nearly a week of washing up to catch up with*, so that'll be a fun time for sure. Then into the office on Friday, and the treadmill does not stop!
I have been reading quite a lot though. Some day I will have time to write up my booklog, but that day is not this week.
* Obviously I should have done it earlier, but when I was inspired to try yesterday in a few free minutes, the hot water wasn't working - a different problem from last time! The plumber texted me back this morning with a description of the basic mistake I had made and how to fix it, so I'm back up and running now... kitchen looks extremely sad though.
Sunday was very much a flop day as a result; I woke up (as has sadly become customary) at 04:45, but did go back to sleep, and did not in the event leave my bed until after noon.
And I needed it, because it's been go-go-go since then. I said to Miss H that I was actually relieved earlier to realise that it was only Wednesday, because there is so much to get done this week! Not that that is helping me focus my mind, of course.
And last night was choir, tonight is choir, and all day Saturday is also choir, so I'm looking forward to an evening?? at home??? tomorrow. I have nearly a week of washing up to catch up with*, so that'll be a fun time for sure. Then into the office on Friday, and the treadmill does not stop!
I have been reading quite a lot though. Some day I will have time to write up my booklog, but that day is not this week.
* Obviously I should have done it earlier, but when I was inspired to try yesterday in a few free minutes, the hot water wasn't working - a different problem from last time! The plumber texted me back this morning with a description of the basic mistake I had made and how to fix it, so I'm back up and running now... kitchen looks extremely sad though.
Daily Happiness
Jun. 9th, 2026 05:25 pmtorachan1. I drove the new car to work today. There's some stuff to get used to (I don't like that climate control is touch panel only!) but overall was a very smooth ride and only used about 5-10% of the battery (I can't remember exactly where it was this morning or where it was when I got home but it was definitely in that range of usage).
2. We're having some warm days this week but it's supposed to start going back down over the weekend and be cooler next week.
3. Ollie looks like such an angel here!
2. We're having some warm days this week but it's supposed to start going back down over the weekend and be cooler next week.
3. Ollie looks like such an angel here!
2631 / Fic - The Pitt
Jun. 9th, 2026 12:27 pmsiriaScore Big
The Pitt | Jack/Robby | ~600 words
(Also on AO3)
( It was serendipity that Robby had seen the flyer for ADAPTIVE/AMPUTEE SOCCER — Ages 12 and up. )
The Pitt | Jack/Robby | ~600 words
(Also on AO3)
( It was serendipity that Robby had seen the flyer for ADAPTIVE/AMPUTEE SOCCER — Ages 12 and up. )
Daily Happiness
Jun. 8th, 2026 07:33 pmtorachan1. I decided to work from home today, originally because we had an appointment to take the new car to the dealership so they could put some sort of protective coating on it and I thought I might go with Carla and then take the opportunity to walk back home as my midday walk, but then in the morning I heard back from one of the electricians I'd emailed yesterday and he was able to come by to do an estimate this afternoon, so I'm glad I had already decided to stay home! (I ended up not going with Carla after all, but I did take a nice bike ride in the afternoon instead.)
2. The prices the guy quoted were very reasonable and he's just charging based on the distance to run the wires, not that plus another fee, as some other places were, so I decided to go with him. He helped me pick out a charger and I ordered that and it will arrive on Wednesday, so we set an install date of Thursday. The car still has over 50% charge, so even if I drive it to work tomorrow and/or Wednesday, as I think I might, I shouldn't need to use a public charger before we get our own installed.
3. Molly's such a sweetie girl.
2. The prices the guy quoted were very reasonable and he's just charging based on the distance to run the wires, not that plus another fee, as some other places were, so I decided to go with him. He helped me pick out a charger and I ordered that and it will arrive on Wednesday, so we set an install date of Thursday. The car still has over 50% charge, so even if I drive it to work tomorrow and/or Wednesday, as I think I might, I shouldn't need to use a public charger before we get our own installed.
3. Molly's such a sweetie girl.
6/8/2026 The Nature Area
Jun. 8th, 2026 05:19 pmmrkinchWe had a nice morning in the Nature Area, colder than expected, getting quite warm, and then cold again. Sigh. Everyone is busy nesting and no one unusual appeared, although there was one new arrival, Brown-headed Cowbird. We heard both Western Wood-pewee and Olive-sided Flycatcher, the latter just called once I assume because U wanted to hear one.:) It has been weeks since we've heard a California Scrub-jay down in the Canyon; we've been told that once they nest they become extremely skulky but U and Chris spotted one today, completely silent. Kind of spooky when you are accustomed to the racket they usually make. ( The list: )
I wait for them on the bench on the west side of Jewel Lake and we usually sit for a while. There are some very chill Song Sparrows that always come out to be seen, and today several Violet-green Swallows were flying low over the Lake and dipping into the surface, though whether for insects or water or both we could only wonder.
I wait for them on the bench on the west side of Jewel Lake and we usually sit for a while. There are some very chill Song Sparrows that always come out to be seen, and today several Violet-green Swallows were flying low over the Lake and dipping into the surface, though whether for insects or water or both we could only wonder.
2026 Disneyland Trip #17 (4/11/26) Tokyo DisneySea
Jun. 8th, 2026 05:36 pmtorachanI woke up around six and had breakfast in the hotel, then walked to the monorail station around seven and got to the park at 7:20 to line up. As with previous DisneySea trips, I made sure to get in the far right line so that Carla could easily find me when she joined me later.
( So many pictures, but not quite enough to break into two posts! )
( So many pictures, but not quite enough to break into two posts! )
Daily Happiness
Jun. 7th, 2026 09:02 pmtorachan1. I rode my bike to the store this morning and decided to stop at See's Candies while I was out. I have a gift card from Christmas, but couldn't remember if I'd used it at all or not, and it turns out I hadn't! So I not only got free chocolates today, but still have $8 and change left on the card for another time.
2. Carla made tuna salad for dinner and we had it on some delicious fresh ciabatta bread from the Italian deli that we picked up yesterday. Theirs is pretty much the only ciabatta I've ever liked.
3. I sent emails to a few electricians today to see about getting a charger installed, so hopefully will hear back soon and we can get that done. Meanwhile, I did download an app to see where charging stations are in the neighborhood. There don't seem to be as many random ones at grocery stores like there used to be, so the only larger ones nearby are Tesla ones. One of them does allow non-Teslas to also use the chargers, so I can use that if necessary. There's also one a couple blocks from work that I could use.
4. Tuxie!
2. Carla made tuna salad for dinner and we had it on some delicious fresh ciabatta bread from the Italian deli that we picked up yesterday. Theirs is pretty much the only ciabatta I've ever liked.
3. I sent emails to a few electricians today to see about getting a charger installed, so hopefully will hear back soon and we can get that done. Meanwhile, I did download an app to see where charging stations are in the neighborhood. There don't seem to be as many random ones at grocery stores like there used to be, so the only larger ones nearby are Tesla ones. One of them does allow non-Teslas to also use the chargers, so I can use that if necessary. There's also one a couple blocks from work that I could use.
4. Tuxie!
Fic: Antivan Nights (Dragon Age)
Jun. 7th, 2026 11:18 pmsettiaiAntivan Nights (1246 words) by Settiai
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game), Dragon Age - All Media Types
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Lucanis Dellamorte/Rook/Spite
Characters: Lucanis Dellamorte, Rook (Dragon Age), Spite (Dragon Age)
Additional Tags: Antivan Crow Rook (Dragon Age), Arlathan Exchange (Dragon Age), Elf Rook (Dragon Age), Female Rook (Dragon Age), Fluff, One Shot, Slice of Life
Summary: It was almost impressive just how quickly everything had gone wrong.
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game), Dragon Age - All Media Types
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Lucanis Dellamorte/Rook/Spite
Characters: Lucanis Dellamorte, Rook (Dragon Age), Spite (Dragon Age)
Additional Tags: Antivan Crow Rook (Dragon Age), Arlathan Exchange (Dragon Age), Elf Rook (Dragon Age), Female Rook (Dragon Age), Fluff, One Shot, Slice of Life
Summary: It was almost impressive just how quickly everything had gone wrong.
6/7/2026 Inspiration Trail
Jun. 7th, 2026 02:10 pmmrkinchThis morning made up for a lot. It was clear, not as cold as I'd feared, and almost everyone was visible or singing. Just the one Lazuli Bunting but two California Thrashers singing in what had to be adjacent territories at the north end, and two MacGillivray's Warblers singing, also in probable adjacent territories in and near the dip. And five flycatchers! three large ones, Olive-sided, Western Wood-pewee, and Ash-thoated, and two small ones, a Western and a surprise Black Phoebe. Pretty good Woodpeckers, too, four out of five and the Northern Flicker did a little drumming on the tower again. I even got to see a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher preening in the sun! I had a wonderful time. Flyovers were a small flock of Redwinged Blackbirds and three Caspian Terns, one with a beakful of something. Biggest surprise was seeing an Allen's Hummingbird, first I've actually seen since early Spring. ( The list: )
As so often I did not hear a Brown Creeper on the Trail, but I heard three through the car window before I got out of the Park.:)
As so often I did not hear a Brown Creeper on the Trail, but I heard three through the car window before I got out of the Park.:)
Daily Happiness
Jun. 6th, 2026 08:59 pmtorachan1. I got some cardamom buns from the farmers market this morning. Tried a sample at the stall and they were delicious, but haven't eaten the ones I bought yet. There was another stall that had really good smelling strawberries, so I got some berries and am planning on having those with the buns in a little bit. I think it will be a good combo!
2. I finished up a puzzle this morning. This was a nice one but not one I think I'll keep.
3. We have a new car!
If you missed my other recent posts talking about what we were leaning towards, it's a Hyundai Ioniq 5. I'm so excited to make the switch to an EV. We've still got the Telluride, which is gas, but we won't be using it as much. I'll use the new car for my commute and when we do longer drives like Disneyland, and leave the Telluride for when Carla needs a car when I'm at work. But with the ebikes as well, there should be less around town driving, too.
Now we just need to get an electrician in to set up a charger at home.
4. Speaking of the bikes, I got some smaller plastic containers to store our Christmas decorations, so that got rid of the giant tub that was sticking out from the shelf in the shed and now there's more room for the bikes in the center.
5. We went to the dealership around eleven or so but of course it took several hours to get through everything, so it was like three when we got out of there and we were so hungry. But it's right near the Italian deli, so we stopped off there on the way home and got sandwiches.
6. And then because buying the car had been emotionally exhausting, even if not physically so, we decided to order dinner rather than cook and got curry from Coco Ichibanya, so today was a very good food day.
7. This may be one of the cutest pictures of Gemma I've ever taken. Definitely one of the cutest!
2. I finished up a puzzle this morning. This was a nice one but not one I think I'll keep.
3. We have a new car!
If you missed my other recent posts talking about what we were leaning towards, it's a Hyundai Ioniq 5. I'm so excited to make the switch to an EV. We've still got the Telluride, which is gas, but we won't be using it as much. I'll use the new car for my commute and when we do longer drives like Disneyland, and leave the Telluride for when Carla needs a car when I'm at work. But with the ebikes as well, there should be less around town driving, too.
Now we just need to get an electrician in to set up a charger at home.
4. Speaking of the bikes, I got some smaller plastic containers to store our Christmas decorations, so that got rid of the giant tub that was sticking out from the shelf in the shed and now there's more room for the bikes in the center.
5. We went to the dealership around eleven or so but of course it took several hours to get through everything, so it was like three when we got out of there and we were so hungry. But it's right near the Italian deli, so we stopped off there on the way home and got sandwiches.
6. And then because buying the car had been emotionally exhausting, even if not physically so, we decided to order dinner rather than cook and got curry from Coco Ichibanya, so today was a very good food day.
7. This may be one of the cutest pictures of Gemma I've ever taken. Definitely one of the cutest!
6/6/2026 Loop Road and Laurel Canyon
Jun. 6th, 2026 05:17 pmmrkinchTIL that going to Tilden mid day is still worthwhile. A Pride in the Park event had the Nature Area and The Meadows jammed with people but on Loop Road it was just Saturday, and once I turned up Laurel Canyon I only encountered four people. Finally I had a good woodpecker day, hearing everyone except a Northern Flicker. Good flycatchers, too, both Western Wood-pewee and Olive-sided Flycatcher as well as a Western Flycatcher and even a Black Phoebe at the Little Farm. I know one lives in that area and always look for it, but today I was lucky. So nothing surprising, but more activity than I'd feared. ( The list: )
On return I noticed activity on a huge log well off the trail. It was a bright male House Finch, dancing around, fluttering, crest up, probably singing though there was so much bird song I'm not sure which was him, holding some indeterminate not-green plant material is his beak that he seemed to be trying to get the female to take. She did not do so while I was watching.:)
On return I noticed activity on a huge log well off the trail. It was a bright male House Finch, dancing around, fluttering, crest up, probably singing though there was so much bird song I'm not sure which was him, holding some indeterminate not-green plant material is his beak that he seemed to be trying to get the female to take. She did not do so while I was watching.:)
aperol spritz
Jun. 6th, 2026 05:19 pmmsilverstarLast year in Northern Europe, I discovered the Aperol Spritz. Ed bought some Aperol for our anniversary (41) and I am enjoying it very much.
2026 Disneyland Trip #25 (6/5/26)
Jun. 5th, 2026 09:19 pmtorachanWe decided to go down to Disneyland tonight for dinner rather than tomorrow. It was a bit more crowded than usual due to grad nite, but not too bad.
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Daily Happiness
Jun. 5th, 2026 08:42 pmtorachan1. Today is National Donut Day. My work schedule just happened to be such that I had time to ride my bike to Sidecar this morning and get us some donuts. I recently signed up for their app and got a voucher for a free donut and drink for doing so, so I used that today, plus if you made a purchase today with their rewards program, you got some sort of free offer, and mine turned out to be another one for a free drink, so I have that to use in the future.
2. We went to Disneyland for dinner today. It was a bit on the crowded side; they've got grad nite going for another week or so and today is a grad nite day so there were more teenagers than usual (grad nite used to be an after-hours event only but in recent years they've added higher tiers that also include daytime tickets plus the after-hours event, so there are large groups of teens throughout the day), but we still had a nice dinner.
3. This morning there was the beginnings of an ant invasion, but I seem to have stopped it in time and we did not come home to more ants this evening, which I had been worried about.
4. You wouldn't think this was the most comfortable bag to lie on, but apparently for a kitty, it's great!
2. We went to Disneyland for dinner today. It was a bit on the crowded side; they've got grad nite going for another week or so and today is a grad nite day so there were more teenagers than usual (grad nite used to be an after-hours event only but in recent years they've added higher tiers that also include daytime tickets plus the after-hours event, so there are large groups of teens throughout the day), but we still had a nice dinner.
3. This morning there was the beginnings of an ant invasion, but I seem to have stopped it in time and we did not come home to more ants this evening, which I had been worried about.
4. You wouldn't think this was the most comfortable bag to lie on, but apparently for a kitty, it's great!