NGC 6888: The Crescent Nebula
Nov. 28th, 2025 06:26 am![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
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NGC 6888, also known as the Crescent Nebula, is a
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Portrait of NGC 1055
Nov. 28th, 2025 06:26 amapod_feed
Big, beautiful spiral galaxy NGC 1055 is a dominant member of
Hey, Look, I Baked Something For Thanksgiving
Nov. 28th, 2025 03:10 amscalziwhatever_feed
Unlike other members of my family, it has been literally years since I’ve baked anything, and even longer since I baked anything more complicated than a frozen pizza. But for this Thanksgiving, I will feeling a little ambitious, and I saw a recipe on the Dessert Person YouTube channel that looked good, so I thought I would give it a shot.
And what do you know, I pulled it off! Please see above my 7-layer holiday bars (pre-bar form), most prominently featuring cranberries and coconut. It turned out pretty well, and my family did not have to pretend to like it just to humor me. We have learned that I can follow directions, at least in the form of a recipe. This is good news. I’ll include the video I got the recipe off of so you can try it for yourself.
If you’re a person in the US, I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one if you chose to celebrate it, and for everyone else, I hope you had a pretty good Thursday.
— JS
If there's a God up in heaven, he has a Silver Thunderbird
Nov. 27th, 2025 07:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rolanniSo, Thanksgiving.
Went to work early and wrote, eh, 700ish words on the story that woke me up yesterday. Closed that and wrote another 800ish words on the WIP.
Made a fancy dinner -- two chicken breasts, stuffing, gravy, asparagus, San Pellegrino Limonata with a splash of Pinot Grigio. I had dessert on hand, but I went back to write some more, at which point, there was a BOOM! that shook the whole house and the windows in their frames. The cats leapt up. I leapt up. Honestly, I thought a tree had hit the house, and ran outside -- but all was well. Did a quick tour of the house, including the basement -- all was as it should be.
Turned out that a propane tank had exploded in Oakland (Maine) about 5 miles from my house. People on the neighborhood list on Facebook were saying they heard the BOOM! in Winslow, across the river -- call it 8 miles away. The house was reduced to flinders and flame, one guy was lifeflighted to Portland. A dog was found in the area, badly burned; people passing by took him to the emergency vet. Fire departments from at least five towns were called in. It's a right mess, and I'm glad I was no closer than five miles, because it was plenty scary right here.
Tomorrow morning, Sarah's due to clean. After, I intend to devote myself to My Art for the rest of Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
I do still have one burning question to resolve today, which is!
Do I want to have a chicken sandwich for dinner?
Hope everybody had a good day, whether or not it was a holiday.
Today's blog post title brought to you by Marc Cohn, "Silver Thunderbird"
12 Thanksgiving Cakes To Make You EXTRA Thankful
Nov. 27th, 2025 02:00 pmcakewrecks_feedJohn and I actually had our Thanksgiving dinner with family on Monday, and we had ham instead of turkey, but it was still totally Thanksgiving dinner because we used cloth napkins and the phrases "What's that supposed to mean?" and "No, YOU'RE wrong!" were used. YAY HOLIDAYS.
If that doesn't already make you feel more thankful, then here are twelve wrecks to remind you just how blessed you are to have a phone with Internet access so you can look at goofy cake pictures while your family argues politics. (Yeah, I know you're out there. Welcome!)
"Bad news, sir: the tiny phalluses have us surrounded.
"Also, you're on fire."
It's the original Thanksgiving streaker!
(But what in the name of Stovetop is that "stuffing" made of?)
This bird is here to PUMP... *clap!* ...YOU UP!
"HURRRG! Watch me flex, ya!"
And this:
...is an EX-turkey.
(I can't help it; those stiff little legs crack me up every. single. time. And then I start pining for the fjords...)
Aw, don't cry, little fella! I'm sure all turkey cakes have visible bowels.
Or at least the ones around here, anyway.
This cake doesn't need commentary; it needs a sound effect.
Something like, "BLTTHHHHPPPPPPPPPP. THPP."
As a proud geek girl, I usually use the word "shiny" as a compliment.
Not this time.
Also, that "cake" is butted up against real raw potatoes. You know how I know they're real potatoes? Because they're the only thing on that platter that looks like the thing they're supposed to be.
A lot of people have complained about Christmas decorations creeping in alongside all the Thanksgiving ones this year, but I didn't think it was so bad 'til I saw this:
YOU'RE NOT FOOLING ANYONE, GINGERBREAD MAN.
Now for a quick etiquette lesson:
This is why you should always chew with your mouth closed.
And also why you should never confuse your TP with TNT. (Ouch.)
Which reminds me: anyone else think this turkey is mooning us?
Or is that too much of a stretch?
(HEYO!)
So in conclusion, allow me and the Ghost of Turkeys Past here to wish you a very Happy...
..."Itanksgiving."
Or, as most of us know it:
"Gooble Gooble Day."
Thanks to Kimberly H., Craig, Katrina O., Sam K., David G., Michael H., Sara G., Ardin A., Susan F., Deborah B., Travis S., & Carolyn H. for the Thanksgiving thankfulness.
******
P.S. Remember, it's never too early for Christmas decorations... in your beard:
BEARDAMENTS Beard Lights & Baubles
Even if you don't have a beard - or know someone with a beard you could convince to wear these - I highly recommend checking out the customer photo gallery, haha. "RH" in the red shirt has an especially majestic display. :D
*****
And from my other blog, Epbot:
A Nice Instrumental Cover of Adele For You
Nov. 27th, 2025 02:31 amscalziwhatever_feedNormally when I do a cover I sing on it, but it turns out it’s hard for me to sing Adele songs! At least without some considerable reconfiguration. So, I’ll keep working on that, but in the meantime the instrumental track I made for “Someone Like You” is nice and calm and soothing, and I thought y’all might like it. Enjoy.
— JS
Smol update
Nov. 26th, 2025 07:01 pmrolanniI would have told you I didn't write anything today, but in fact, I wrote about 1800 words, so there's that.
I played around with my glass for an hour or so, straightened up the house, and weighed the livestock, to wit!
Rook weighs 13 lbs
Tali weighs 12.6 lbs
Firefly weight 12 lbs
The coon cats have just had Happy Hour and after I finish this smol update, I will pour a glass of wine and open the mail.
Everybody have a good evening.
I played around with my glass for an hour or so, straightened up the house, and weighed the livestock, to wit!
Rook weighs 13 lbs
Tali weighs 12.6 lbs
Firefly weight 12 lbs
The coon cats have just had Happy Hour and after I finish this smol update, I will pour a glass of wine and open the mail.
Everybody have a good evening.
"Takes Direction Well"
Nov. 26th, 2025 02:00 pmcakewrecks_feedEver feel like you've lost your direction in life?
Do you find yourself wandering aimlessly through bakery aisles and back alley icing parlors*?
* I don't actually know if back alley icing parlors exist, but a girl can dream.
Are you stuck in the hangar bay of life, waiting for the pod bay doors of opportunity to open up and spit you out into the sucking black void of PURPOSE?
If the answer is yes, maybe, or "huh?", then have I got the job for you!
That's right, my friends, the time has never been riper to be a Wreckerator! Or a person who likes to mix metaphors badly, like a withered, overripe tree in space.
But let's focus on the wrecking thing for now, shall we?
We're looking for a few good pairs of hands (preferably attached to still-functioning torsos) that can follow directions TO THE LETTER.
And by "we" I mean "me."
And if you see something grammatically wrong with that statement, then I'm afraid you're already disqualified. Kindly collect your complimentary "Prefessional Baker" buttons at the door and show yourselves out.
Now, for the rest of you, just LOOK at all the exciting things your future could have in store!
The glamor! The excitement! The satisfaction of giving a customer EXACTLY what they ask for!
But the REAL cherry on top? Someday you, too, could write, "cherry on top" on one of your orders!
Consider this something to work toward.
Now, who here failed Biology?
Ah, excellent!
Because next up: baby shower cakes.
Thanks to Inge D., Stephanie S., Emily S., Stephanie H., & Sargam M. for being the wind beneath my leaves. Except there's no wind...IN SPACE.
*****
P.S. I found a book right up our wrecky alley:
A Wizard's Guide To Defensive Baking
I don't even need a synopsis. I'm sold.
*****
And from my other blog, Epbot:
(no subject)
Nov. 26th, 2025 06:13 amapod_feed
What did Comet Lemmon look like when it was at its best?
Anh Gets Something
Nov. 25th, 2025 08:28 pmquestionable_content_feed
she's a smart* cookie
*not actually smart
Survivalism PSA and writing report
Nov. 25th, 2025 04:33 pmrolanniPSA RE: (1) Survivialism/Survivalist (2) Cancer Survivorship Program
. . . on account of I'm tired of answering the question "What is a Survivalist?"
Those who have been with me for a little while know that back in 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer and had my left breast removed. Just about a month ago, after about 5.5 years, my surgeon declared me "cancer free," and cut me loose from her care.
This makes me a Cancer Survivor (also, apparently, "a warrior"; make of that what you will).
At the Lafayette Cancer Center in Brewer, Maine, when one has achieved 5 years cancer-free, one is given over to the Survivorship Program, which files under Oncology.
The head of the Survivorship program has been called in my hearing the "Survivalist." At the Lafayette Cancer Center, this person is a Certified Nurse Practitioner; there is also a Nurse Navigator attached to the program, and of course the backing of the entire Oncology Department.
The mission of the Survivorship Program is to provide education and support to help cancer survivors maximize their health and quality of life after having had cancer and treatment for cancer. The program is individualized, and covers such things as a yearly examination -- physical, mental, and emotional -- referrals to other specialists sometimes needed by surviving warriors, such as psychiatrists or nutritionists; connections to social services, and support groups. Advice about diet, exercise, and all those other tiresome things is available.
The Survivorship Program also keeps track of my mammograms and orders the next one for me; and is just another cord in what is, in Central and Northern Maine, at least, a Very Thin social health network.
You now know everything I know about Survivalists, Survivorship, and Survivalism.
Here ends your PSA. We now return you to your irregularly scheduled flights of fancy.
#
Managed to trim +/- 2,000 words from a section of the WIP which probably needs to lose some more words. There's an "obvious" bit that I can rip out that will lose me another 500 words, but I'm ... reluctant to do that. It's more than I just like the bit (though I do, and "kill your darlings" is not Eternal Wisdom, so nobody go there, 'k?), so the bit gets to stay.
For Now.
Did a little bit of house straightening this afternoon and will shortly be heading out in the Stygian Darkness of 4:30 pm to go to needlework.
Tomorrow will be writing in the morning, some more straightening of the house, and a bit of playing with glass.
I'll say goodnight for now, and see y'all tomorrow.
Stay safe.
Here, have a picture of Rookie overseeing my shoddy impersonation of a working writer:
scalziwhatever_feed
Well, this is lovely: When the Moon Hits Your Eye made it into the final round of this year’s Goodreads Choice Awards, in the category of science fiction, along with the other works you see here. This is a very nice peer group to have, I have to say.
If you feel like voting for Moon, or, indeed any other book in this finalist group, here is the link for you to do so. If you vote for Moon, hey, thanks! If you choose something else, that’s cool too.
I’m actually very happy with Moon making the final cut here. It’s an unusual sort of book, both structurally and in subject matter, and it wasn’t 100% clear to me that readers would take to it. Getting to this round is encouraging. Let’s see where it goes from here.
In any event: Go vote!
— JS
Pan-Demonium
Nov. 25th, 2025 02:00 pmcakewrecks_feedToday's post is a little different, and doesn't quite fit my standard definition of a wreck - but it's just too darn funny not to share.
Today's post is also probably NSFW, and unless you want some really uncomfortable discussions with your children, NSFK, either.
So, assuming you're at home and have no kids around, YOU MAY PROCEED.
*****
In the spirit of Pan-Tastic, we here at CW want you to get the most mileage out of your shaped cake pans. To that end, allow us to present....er, this:
IT'S A LIGHTHOUSE.
Juuuuust a lighthouse.
("Be a beacon?!")
(If you get that reference, I will personally award you one million geek points.)
And also this:
Old Macdonald had a farm.
Which was clearly compensating for something.
Of course, your pan may be a slightly different model, so there's also this option:
Those pesky UFOs - always taking off to the right.
Or this:
I'm coocoo for COCONUTS!
(Coconuts. Seriously. THESE JOKES WRITE THEMSELVES.)
By now I'm sure you're wondering where all these brilliant designs came from. Well, would you believe there was a whole website dedicated to finding alternative uses for that most distinctive of shaped cake pans? 'Cuz there was, and I think you'll agree that blogger/baker Holly was a veritable WIZARD at making me bust a gut laughing:
You'll never hear a reference to Mr. Wizard the same way again.
And here's one final option, spotted at an actual baby shower:
There's something ironic about using this particular pan for a baby shower cake. Or is it appropriate? Ironically appropriate? Whatever. IT'S FUNNY.
My thanks to Thomas S., whoever it was that originally sent me the link to Holly's site, and the rest of you for not yelling at me in the comments about how these aren't professional or at ALL appropriate. I KNOW.
But to be fair, neither am I. ;)
*****
P.S. It is possible our obsession with gnomes has gone too far?
Gnome Refrigerator Handle Covers, Set of 8
... or not far enough?
*****
And from my other blog, Epbot:
White bird dreams of the aspen trees
Nov. 25th, 2025 08:48 amrolanniTuesday. Chilly and dim. Trash and recycling at the curb.
Breakfast was cold pizza. A milestone. I had what I believe to be my first pizza since Steve died on Sunday night, post-interview. It would have been something we might have done. This being so, I had cold pizza for breakfast, also for the first time in more than a year. ... It was good. Pairs well with Scottish Morn tea.
Woke up this morning with a short story in my head, so I need to map that out before I hit the WIP.
I have finished writing the Holiday Letter; it is now cooling before I reread and (probably) revise. Firefly helped me find the cards, and then we all had to sit around and explain to Rook about cards, and let him sniff them. He got green glitter on his nose.
Still reading The Thursday Murder Club (yes, yes: slow reader). One of the things I'm especially enjoying is the acknowledgement that all of the club members had Done Stuff -- even a lot of stuff. They did not just manifest one day as Old People, their pasts either irrelevant or a blank.
And of course, it's wonderful to see them manipulate the "clueless and helpless old people" perception.
I'm a little scared of Elizabeth, though.
So! This evening is needlework. This morning is writing.
I'm gonna need more tea.
What's on your schedule today?
Today's blog post brought to you by David and Linda LaFlamme, "White Bird"
DO NOT DISTURB THE POND WITCH
Nov. 25th, 2025 01:47 amscalziwhatever_feedMan, the things you see at local parks.
— JS
There are stars in the southern sky...
Nov. 24th, 2025 05:55 pmrolanniMonday. Bright and cold.
Breakfast was two eggs scrambled with leftover cauliflower and broccoli, with sausage, and a piece of whole wheat toast. A Big breakfast, but it's a biggish morning.
Trash and recycling are in the garage, preparing themselves for tomorrow's journey to the curb. Dishwasher is doing its thing. Cats suspect that Something Is Up.
I'll be getting on the road to the cancer center and my chat with the Survivalist as soon as I finish my second mug of tea. I'll be early, but I don't have Steve's genius for split-second timing, so better early than late.
I'm having a lot of fun with the Thursday Murder Club, and having never seen the show, only read complaints about how it "did not live up" to the books, despite the excellent cast -- I have Some Thoughts About that.
The voice of the book -- aka "the narrator" -- is hysterical and unless the show (again, never seen it) has a voice over telling you what, oh, Ian's thinking, and how he's thinking it, viewers are missing an important facet of the story, and expecting the actors to carry the whole weight themselves isn't really fair.
. . . and that's my second mug empty, so I'm off.
I hope everyone's having a good morning. I'll see you on the flip side.
Back, having gone the long way home -- through Bar Harbor. I had somehow expected the town to be open. I mean, people live on the island. To be fair, some things were open, for instance the Village Green Cafe, where I got my lunch (grilled ham and cheddar on multigrain with blueberry ice tea), but I hadn't expected the relative emptiness.
Also, I had not come dressed for ocean-side chill, so my window shopping was limited. However, I'm glad I did not just go Straight Home like a Good Do-Bee. And, besides, I need to keep in practice with driving longish distances (that was, eh, 220 miles on the day). She said virtuously.
The Survivalist is a dream. We have a yearly check-in plan in place, as well as an agreement that I may call upon her for various things, and reassurance that I had NOT screwed up by wearing my compression gloves when my hands hurt. And I got points for asking a good question.
I believe I have all my Stuff for Thursday in-house (well, except flowers. I forgot flowers. Oh, well.), so that's good. I haven't gotten a wreath, either, because I just can't make myself buy a wreath before Thanksgiving. It's just ... wrong.
The cats inform me that I missed three -- or possibly four -- check-ins today and that they are not disposed to be lenient. I was immediately tasked with rubbing Tali's ears, and scrubbling Rook's belly, and picking up Firefly for an All-Grown-Up Hug. I draw the line, however, at moving Happy Hour up by an hour and a half.
What did y'all do today?
Today's blog post title comes from The Eagles, "Seven Bridges Road," which I can never resist singing along with the acapella parts, though I really ought to always resist singing.