The Education Meme (Part 1)
Feb. 17th, 2026 05:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitused_songs posted this meme, and I thought it would be interesting to have a go. Because I've decided to answer for myself (Me), our two adult kids (TS/TD) and my granddaughter, aka Mini Hobbit (MH), I'm splitting it into three parts over the next few days.Adults responsible for your care actively helped facilitate your early learning. (Reading at bedtime, playing educational games, going to child-friendly museums...)
Me: Yes - I was read to, played card games etc, and was taken places although child-friendly hadn't really been invented then. I do remember one gallery in the Science Museum in London with knobs to push and twist which was very exciting.
TS/TD: We always read to the kids, and they had educational games to play, which we played, and we went to various places, including seeing the mammoth in the National Museum Cardiff.
MH: Her parents have always read to her, played games and they go places like St Fagans National Museum of History
You had a library card.
Me: Yes. My mother would take me to the library in the town and once they built a new branch literally down the road from us and I was a bit older I took myself.
TS/TD: Yes. We either visited the mobile library which came to the village or we drove up to the nearby branch.
MH: Yes. TS takes her to their local library.
Adults in your life involved you in tasks that involved mathematical skills.
Me: No idea, but probably. Both my parents were accounts clerks so were used to working with numbers. I doubt they specifically considered that we did things involving mathematical skills, more that these things came naturally.
TS/TD: Again both husband and I worked with figures, so we tended to use them automatically rather than specifically.
MH: I don't know. But she's doing fine with numbers at school so I presume she does.
If you started falling behind in school, you received help from a private tutor.
Me: I didn't, and if I had that wouldn't have been possible.
TS/TD: It turned out that both were better at practical skills than purely academic ones. So we encouraged them in those areas. Their basic skills were fine so we never felt the need to push, which since both were very determined, wouldn't have worked anyway. When I saw a teacher to discuss TD's post-16 prospects he asked me what grades she needed to get for her GCSEs. I told him and he said, 'and that's what she'll get'.
MH: As far as I'm aware she isn't. The school have provided extra support for her handwriting. (When TD had poor handwriting I resorted to bribery to get her to practise, which worked.)
You went to a well-funded school.
Me: I had standard state funded primary school, so have no idea. I do remember they had a rebuilding project at my first infant school (in north London). They knocked down one wall and we all had to stand on the other side of the playground - it was a while ago. Secondary was well-funded.
TS/TD: Yes. Their secondary school was well-funded and popular, which no doubt helped.
MH: Yes. She's due to go to the same secondary school as TS.
Stuff I Love: Top Ten Edition - Challenge 3 (Music)
Feb. 15th, 2026 02:51 pmsmallhobbitWeek 3 of the Top Ten of Stuff I Love, as promoted by dreamersdare This week it's music.
Most of what I really love is western classical music, so I'll begin with composers:
1. Ludwig van Beethoven
My favourite composer, both for his symphonies such as the Fifth the Pastoral, the Choral, his concertos, such as the Emperor, and his sonatas.
2. Johann Sebastian Bach
With a wide selection of works both sacred and secular
Onto a selection of classical pieces:
3. Saint-Saens - Carnival of the Animals
Just great fun
4. Saint-Saens - Symphony No 3, the Organ Symphony
Makes the floor vibrate
5. Rachmaninoff - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
A piano concerto in one movement. The 18th variation is the famous one.
6. Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
With the brilliant clarinet opening
7. Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique
Telling a gripping story in music, including the march to the scaffold
8. Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man
And the awesome drum and trumpet opening
My favourite group:
9. Queen
I owned an LP of A Night at the Opera in my teens
And lastly my favourite hit song
10. Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody
Can't have Christmas without it
dreamersdare This week it's music.Most of what I really love is western classical music, so I'll begin with composers:
1. Ludwig van Beethoven
My favourite composer, both for his symphonies such as the Fifth the Pastoral, the Choral, his concertos, such as the Emperor, and his sonatas.
2. Johann Sebastian Bach
With a wide selection of works both sacred and secular
Onto a selection of classical pieces:
3. Saint-Saens - Carnival of the Animals
Just great fun
4. Saint-Saens - Symphony No 3, the Organ Symphony
Makes the floor vibrate
5. Rachmaninoff - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
A piano concerto in one movement. The 18th variation is the famous one.
6. Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
With the brilliant clarinet opening
7. Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique
Telling a gripping story in music, including the march to the scaffold
8. Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man
And the awesome drum and trumpet opening
My favourite group:
9. Queen
I owned an LP of A Night at the Opera in my teens
And lastly my favourite hit song
10. Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody
Can't have Christmas without it
Lash Larue
Feb. 14th, 2026 12:27 pmkelly_chamblissWay back in 2008, when I was pretty new to LJ and didn't quite know how it worked, I saw that I had a friend request from someone named lash_larue. I didn't know them, but the name intrigued me, because only an old movie buff (like me) would even have heard of Lash Larue, and only a funny and interesting person would choose LL as their pseudonym.
So I friended lash_larue back, and it was one of the best fandom moves I ever made. In addition to being a fine writer and a stalwart supporter of all her friends' LJs and fests and fics, Lash was a wonderful human being, kind and generous, who became a close and valued friend.
You've probably taken note of my use of past tense above. I'm so very sorry to report thatlash_larue died of complications from COVID and other conditions on Tuesday, February 10. Her beloved wife P was with her when she passed peacefully in the hospital.
I can't tell you how much I'll miss Lash. She was so damned funny, so refreshingly outspoken, so considerate, so larger-than-life, such a vivid presence both on LJ/DW and in RL. She'd call me periodically, and we'd bemoan the state of the nation, but she never failed to have me laughing by the end of the conversation. She was always there with emotional support and wit and wisdom, and the loss of her is huge.
I met Lash once in person, in Florida at an HP fandom gathering she organized at a rented house we called "Crone Manor." "Fun" doesn't begin to describe it. She went all-out to make sure everyone had a wonderful time, and we did. Just one of her many lovely gestures: I had mentioned on LJ that I love flower-flavored foods, and Lash made me an utterly delicious rose-flavored cheesecake. That's just a tiny example of her exuberant generosity.
And did I mention that she was funny? Outspoken? Read the opening paragraph of her description of herself on her LJ profile. It's the essence of the Lash I knew and loved.
Just a human being who occasionally steps through the looking glass. I am WAY over 18. I have socks over 18. I was born in the USA and right now I'm not too proud of that. In the 1950's, barely, like early. Just now I'm not very proud of that. I wrote a crack!fic about Kennedy and Kruschev in third grade and got detention for it. I haven't changed much.
If you are one of Lash's online friends, or if you ever read and enjoyed one of her many excellent stories, or if you had the pleasure of meeting her in person, you'll know just how much both the fandom world and our real world have lost.
And another "if" -- If you have the chance this weekend, lift a glass of your favorite whatever in memory of our dear, irreplaceablelash_larue.
lash_larue. I didn't know them, but the name intrigued me, because only an old movie buff (like me) would even have heard of Lash Larue, and only a funny and interesting person would choose LL as their pseudonym.So I friended lash_larue back, and it was one of the best fandom moves I ever made. In addition to being a fine writer and a stalwart supporter of all her friends' LJs and fests and fics, Lash was a wonderful human being, kind and generous, who became a close and valued friend.
You've probably taken note of my use of past tense above. I'm so very sorry to report that
lash_larue died of complications from COVID and other conditions on Tuesday, February 10. Her beloved wife P was with her when she passed peacefully in the hospital.I can't tell you how much I'll miss Lash. She was so damned funny, so refreshingly outspoken, so considerate, so larger-than-life, such a vivid presence both on LJ/DW and in RL. She'd call me periodically, and we'd bemoan the state of the nation, but she never failed to have me laughing by the end of the conversation. She was always there with emotional support and wit and wisdom, and the loss of her is huge.
I met Lash once in person, in Florida at an HP fandom gathering she organized at a rented house we called "Crone Manor." "Fun" doesn't begin to describe it. She went all-out to make sure everyone had a wonderful time, and we did. Just one of her many lovely gestures: I had mentioned on LJ that I love flower-flavored foods, and Lash made me an utterly delicious rose-flavored cheesecake. That's just a tiny example of her exuberant generosity.
And did I mention that she was funny? Outspoken? Read the opening paragraph of her description of herself on her LJ profile. It's the essence of the Lash I knew and loved.
Just a human being who occasionally steps through the looking glass. I am WAY over 18. I have socks over 18. I was born in the USA and right now I'm not too proud of that. In the 1950's, barely, like early. Just now I'm not very proud of that. I wrote a crack!fic about Kennedy and Kruschev in third grade and got detention for it. I haven't changed much.
If you are one of Lash's online friends, or if you ever read and enjoyed one of her many excellent stories, or if you had the pleasure of meeting her in person, you'll know just how much both the fandom world and our real world have lost.
And another "if" -- If you have the chance this weekend, lift a glass of your favorite whatever in memory of our dear, irreplaceable
lash_larue.Wednesday reading
Feb. 11th, 2026 07:07 pmredbirdJanuary was rereading, and not much of that: Paladin of Souls, by Lois McMaster Bujold, and Sorcery and Cecilia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer: the latter was a read-aloud, with Cattitude and Adrian switching off depending on which character the letter was from.
I also bounced off a couple of rereads, and read news and other articles online.
Just finished:
Grown Wise, by Celia Lake: another of her Albion historical romances, set in a fantasy Britain with a middle-sized community of people who use or are aware of magic. This one is set a couple of years after World War II, and people are dealing with both individual loss and trauma, and the war's effects on the land. I enjoyed this, but I don't know whether it would be confusing as a starting point. (It's the first in a new series of these books, which might help.)
I also bounced off a couple of rereads, and read news and other articles online.
Just finished:
Grown Wise, by Celia Lake: another of her Albion historical romances, set in a fantasy Britain with a middle-sized community of people who use or are aware of magic. This one is set a couple of years after World War II, and people are dealing with both individual loss and trauma, and the war's effects on the land. I enjoyed this, but I don't know whether it would be confusing as a starting point. (It's the first in a new series of these books, which might help.)
Update on legal cases: one new victory! :) One new restriction :(
Feb. 10th, 2026 03:03 pm![[staff profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user_staff.png){kind=small}
denise posting in ![[site community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/comm_staff.png){kind=small}
dw_newsBack in August of 2025, we announced a temporary block on account creation for users under the age of 18 from the state of Tennessee, due to the court in Netchoice's challenge to the law (which we're a part of!) refusing to prevent the law from being enforced while the lawsuit plays out. Today, I am sad to announce that we've had to add South Carolina to that list. When creating an account, you will now be asked if you're a resident of Tennessee or South Carolina. If you are, and your birthdate shows you're under 18, you won't be able to create an account.
We're very sorry to have to do this, and especially on such short notice. The reason for it: on Friday, South Carolina governor Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Age-Appropriate Design Code Act into law, with an effective date of immediately. The law is so incredibly poorly written it took us several days to even figure out what the hell South Carolina wants us to do and whether or not we're covered by it. We're still not entirely 100% sure about the former, but in regards to the latter, we're pretty sure the fact we use Google Analytics on some site pages (for OS/platform/browser capability analysis) means we will be covered by the law. Thankfully, the law does not mandate a specific form of age verification, unlike many of the other state laws we're fighting, so we're likewise pretty sure that just stopping people under 18 from creating an account will be enough to comply without performing intrusive and privacy-invasive third-party age verification. We think. Maybe. (It's a really, really badly written law. I don't know whether they intended to write it in a way that means officers of the company can potentially be sentenced to jail time for violating it, but that's certainly one possible way to read it.)
Netchoice filed their lawsuit against SC over the law as I was working on making this change and writing this news post -- so recently it's not even showing up in RECAP yet for me to link y'all to! -- but here's the complaint as filed in the lawsuit, Netchoice v Wilson. Please note that I didn't even have to write the declaration yet (although I will be): we are cited in the complaint itself with a link to our August news post as evidence of why these laws burden small websites and create legal uncertainty that causes a chilling effect on speech. \o/
In fact, that's the victory: in December, the judge ruled in favor of Netchoice in Netchoice v Murrill, the lawsuit over Louisiana's age-verification law Act 456, finding (once again) that requiring age verification to access social media is unconstitutional. Judge deGravelles' ruling was not simply a preliminary injunction: this was a final, dispositive ruling stating clearly and unambiguously "Louisiana Revised Statutes §§51:1751–1754 violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution", as well as awarding Netchoice their costs and attorney's fees for bringing the lawsuit. We didn't provide a declaration in that one, because Act 456, may it rot in hell, had a total registered user threshold we don't meet. That didn't stop Netchoice's lawyers from pointing out that we were forced to block service to Mississippi and restrict registration in Tennessee (pointing, again, to that news post), and Judge deGravelles found our example so compelling that we are cited twice in his ruling, thus marking the first time we've helped to get one of these laws enjoined or overturned just by existing. I think that's a new career high point for me.
I need to find an afternoon to sit down and write an update fordw_advocacy highlighting everything that's going on (and what stage the lawsuits are in), because folks who know there's Some Shenanigans afoot in their state keep asking us whether we're going to have to put any restrictions on their states. I'll repeat my promise to you all: we will fight every state attempt to impose mandatory age verification and deanonymization on our users as hard as we possibly can, and we will keep actions like this to the clear cases where there's no doubt that we have to take action in order to prevent liability.
In cases like SC, where the law takes immediate effect, or like TN and MS, where the district court declines to issue a temporary injunction or the district court issues a temporary injunction and the appellate court overturns it, we may need to take some steps to limit our potential liability: when that happens, we'll tell you what we're doing as fast as we possibly can. (Sometimes it takes a little while for us to figure out the exact implications of a newly passed law or run the risk assessment on a law that the courts declined to enjoin. Netchoice's lawyers are excellent, but they're Netchoice's lawyers, not ours: we have to figure out our obligations ourselves. I am so very thankful that even though we are poor in money, we are very rich in friends, and we have a wide range of people we can go to for help.)
In cases where Netchoice filed the lawsuit before the law's effective date, there's a pending motion for a preliminary injunction, the court hasn't ruled on the motion yet, and we're specifically named in the motion for preliminary injunction as a Netchoice member the law would apply to, we generally evaluate that the risk is low enough we can wait and see what the judge decides. (Right now, for instance, that's Netchoice v Jones, formerly Netchoice v Miyares, mentioned in our December news post: the judge has not yet ruled on the motion for preliminary injunction.) If the judge grants the injunction, we won't need to do anything, because the state will be prevented from enforcing the law. If the judge doesn't grant the injunction, we'll figure out what we need to do then, and we'll let you know as soon as we know.
I know it's frustrating for people to not know what's going to happen! Believe me, it's just as frustrating for us: you would not believe how much of my time is taken up by tracking all of this. I keep trying to find time to updatedw_advocacy so people know the status of all the various lawsuits (and what actions we've taken in response), but every time I think I might have a second, something else happens like this SC law and I have to scramble to figure out what we need to do. We will continue to update dw_news whenever we do have to take an action that restricts any of our users, though, as soon as something happens that may make us have to take an action, and we will give you as much warning as we possibly can. It is absolutely ridiculous that we still have to have this fight, but we're going to keep fighting it for as long as we have to and as hard as we need to.
I look forward to the day we can lift the restrictions on Mississippi, Tennessee, and now South Carolina, and I apologize again to our users (and to the people who temporarily aren't able to become our users) from those states.
We're very sorry to have to do this, and especially on such short notice. The reason for it: on Friday, South Carolina governor Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Age-Appropriate Design Code Act into law, with an effective date of immediately. The law is so incredibly poorly written it took us several days to even figure out what the hell South Carolina wants us to do and whether or not we're covered by it. We're still not entirely 100% sure about the former, but in regards to the latter, we're pretty sure the fact we use Google Analytics on some site pages (for OS/platform/browser capability analysis) means we will be covered by the law. Thankfully, the law does not mandate a specific form of age verification, unlike many of the other state laws we're fighting, so we're likewise pretty sure that just stopping people under 18 from creating an account will be enough to comply without performing intrusive and privacy-invasive third-party age verification. We think. Maybe. (It's a really, really badly written law. I don't know whether they intended to write it in a way that means officers of the company can potentially be sentenced to jail time for violating it, but that's certainly one possible way to read it.)
Netchoice filed their lawsuit against SC over the law as I was working on making this change and writing this news post -- so recently it's not even showing up in RECAP yet for me to link y'all to! -- but here's the complaint as filed in the lawsuit, Netchoice v Wilson. Please note that I didn't even have to write the declaration yet (although I will be): we are cited in the complaint itself with a link to our August news post as evidence of why these laws burden small websites and create legal uncertainty that causes a chilling effect on speech. \o/
In fact, that's the victory: in December, the judge ruled in favor of Netchoice in Netchoice v Murrill, the lawsuit over Louisiana's age-verification law Act 456, finding (once again) that requiring age verification to access social media is unconstitutional. Judge deGravelles' ruling was not simply a preliminary injunction: this was a final, dispositive ruling stating clearly and unambiguously "Louisiana Revised Statutes §§51:1751–1754 violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution", as well as awarding Netchoice their costs and attorney's fees for bringing the lawsuit. We didn't provide a declaration in that one, because Act 456, may it rot in hell, had a total registered user threshold we don't meet. That didn't stop Netchoice's lawyers from pointing out that we were forced to block service to Mississippi and restrict registration in Tennessee (pointing, again, to that news post), and Judge deGravelles found our example so compelling that we are cited twice in his ruling, thus marking the first time we've helped to get one of these laws enjoined or overturned just by existing. I think that's a new career high point for me.
I need to find an afternoon to sit down and write an update for
dw_advocacy highlighting everything that's going on (and what stage the lawsuits are in), because folks who know there's Some Shenanigans afoot in their state keep asking us whether we're going to have to put any restrictions on their states. I'll repeat my promise to you all: we will fight every state attempt to impose mandatory age verification and deanonymization on our users as hard as we possibly can, and we will keep actions like this to the clear cases where there's no doubt that we have to take action in order to prevent liability. In cases like SC, where the law takes immediate effect, or like TN and MS, where the district court declines to issue a temporary injunction or the district court issues a temporary injunction and the appellate court overturns it, we may need to take some steps to limit our potential liability: when that happens, we'll tell you what we're doing as fast as we possibly can. (Sometimes it takes a little while for us to figure out the exact implications of a newly passed law or run the risk assessment on a law that the courts declined to enjoin. Netchoice's lawyers are excellent, but they're Netchoice's lawyers, not ours: we have to figure out our obligations ourselves. I am so very thankful that even though we are poor in money, we are very rich in friends, and we have a wide range of people we can go to for help.)
In cases where Netchoice filed the lawsuit before the law's effective date, there's a pending motion for a preliminary injunction, the court hasn't ruled on the motion yet, and we're specifically named in the motion for preliminary injunction as a Netchoice member the law would apply to, we generally evaluate that the risk is low enough we can wait and see what the judge decides. (Right now, for instance, that's Netchoice v Jones, formerly Netchoice v Miyares, mentioned in our December news post: the judge has not yet ruled on the motion for preliminary injunction.) If the judge grants the injunction, we won't need to do anything, because the state will be prevented from enforcing the law. If the judge doesn't grant the injunction, we'll figure out what we need to do then, and we'll let you know as soon as we know.
I know it's frustrating for people to not know what's going to happen! Believe me, it's just as frustrating for us: you would not believe how much of my time is taken up by tracking all of this. I keep trying to find time to update
dw_advocacy so people know the status of all the various lawsuits (and what actions we've taken in response), but every time I think I might have a second, something else happens like this SC law and I have to scramble to figure out what we need to do. We will continue to update dw_news whenever we do have to take an action that restricts any of our users, though, as soon as something happens that may make us have to take an action, and we will give you as much warning as we possibly can. It is absolutely ridiculous that we still have to have this fight, but we're going to keep fighting it for as long as we have to and as hard as we need to. I look forward to the day we can lift the restrictions on Mississippi, Tennessee, and now South Carolina, and I apologize again to our users (and to the people who temporarily aren't able to become our users) from those states.
My Own Netflix and Chili*
Feb. 8th, 2026 01:08 pmauthor_by_nightdreamersdare | Stuff I Love: Top Ten Edition Challenge 2
Make a Top Ten list for your favourite series and tell people exactly why you love it. This can be in any format - tv series, book series, radio plays, movie sequels, something else not mentioned here. Your series can be as short as two vaguely linked pieces of media and as long as... well, the sky is your limit. Whatever you like!
Ahh, let's see. I feel like I've gushed about a lot of these before, so I'm going to use a template. I'm including "things you might like" specifically because so often, "watch these similar shows" lists tend to be random shows that have nothing in common with the one being talked about. I've tried taking a more critical approach. We'll see how that worked.
( Read more... )
3. Heartstopper.
Discovered: Um... 2023? 2024?
Why I love it: The first two seasons made me smile. The third season is darker, but I appreciated it for what it was. Also, as someone who was disabled, neurodivergent and acearospec in high school, I can relate to certain elements of the show. Sitting in a classroom eating lunch with your teacher, anxiety eating at you... yeah. I know that one.
Did I Fic It? I tried writing one. Couldn't get into it. I've read a few.
Favorite Pairing: Nathan Ajayi/Yusuf Farouk.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Nick and Tori, though Nick and Tara are a close second. Maybe even a tie.
Random Headcanon or Meta: None.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend would pair well, mostly for the mental health aspect. And many Heartstopper fans came from Schitt's Creek. (Myself included! *Waves*)
4. Schitt's Creek
Discovered: Technically whenever it was on Netflix in the US, but like many people, I gave up after one episode. I rediscovered it in 2020 when I'd exhausted the other quarantine shows. (If someone had shown me the Open Mic episode, I would've been hooked instantly. What is wrong with the people in my life? SMH.)
Why I Love It: It's funny, but has a serious edge to it. As a Millenial who came of age late in life, David, Alexis and Stevie spoke to me. (Although I disliked them at first for that exact reason. Projection's one of hell of a drug.) And it has a wonderful queer love story.
Did I Fic It? And how. I actually thought I was done with the whole fandom thing until I started watching SC. I risked spoilers by looking it up on TV Tropes while I was watching, and saw there were fics for it. So I finished the show as fast as possible so I could read the fanfic. LOL. Back then, there were so many fics. Sadly, the fandom's dwindled quite a bit. I miss when fandoms lasted longer.
Favorite Pairing: David and Patrick. They're a queer pairing that's open and affectionate, and their sexuality isn't really the focus. There's only one Coming Out episode, and it's very well done. They're a loving couple that actually acts like they not only love each other, but like each other. (I mean, there is a bit of teasing, but it's affectionate, IMHO.)
I'm also going to squeeze in Johnny and Moira. (RIP Catherine O'Hara.) After all, they are David and Patrick's mirror in many ways, and I also like seeing an older couple that still loves each other. (And older characters who aren't silly for still having dreams and aspirations.)
Favorite Platonic Relationship: David and Stevie. But I think Moira and Alexis are a close second, for their evolution.
Random Headcanon or Meta: I don't think we have all day.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Heartstopper, Heated Rivalry, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Good Place... not sure what else. Maybe Parks and Rec, if you watch for the small-town humor.
Speaking of which...
5. Parks and Recreation
Discovered: I'm not really sure. 2011ish?
Why I Love It: It's funny. Makes me happy. However, I haven't seen it in a while, and... with everything going on in the US, I'm not sure I would still enjoy it. OTOH, it might make for a nice reprieve. See Headcanons.
Did I Fic It? Not really. I think I wrote one or two fics.
Favorite Pairing: Ben and Leslie, who were to me then what David and Patrick are to me now, for some of the same reasons. "I like you and I love you."
Favorite Platonic Relationship: At the time, it was Leslie and Ann, but I think on rewatch, I decided it might actually be Ron and Leslie and April and Leslie. Ann and Leslie are sort of the "fantasy" BFFship, I think, whereas with Ron and April, we really see the complicated evolution friendship can be. Maybe it's the difference between friends you make as young person and friends you make when you're older, even though I don't think Leslie ages that much.
Random Headcanon or Meta: It takes place in the same universe as Schitt's Creek and Red White & Royal Blue. Leslie worked under President Ellen Claremont and was lowkey obsessed with her. Also, Pawnee and Schitt's Creek are sister cities.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Schitt's Creek, The Good Place.
6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel the Series)
Discovered: I mean, I'm a Millennial, so Buffy was always around. XD But I didn't really start watching it until c. 2007. We watched it in a English class after we read Dracula - we watched Buffy versus Dracula specifically. My friend at the time almost cried when I told her that was my first episode.** I struck a deal with her: I'd watch Buffy properly if she watched Firefly. Neither one of us ever looked back.
Why I Love It: I love the character dynamics, the found family, fighting the good fight.
Did I Fic It? I think I started a few fics for it. I never really found a fanfic community for it. Otherwise, I absolutely would've.
Favorite Pairing: Tara/Willow, and maybe Buffy/Faith.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Giles and Buffy. I also think Anya and Giles are a little underrated. Over on Angel, I wish we'd gotten Fred and Cordy. We didn't.
Random Headcanon or Meta: There's a version of Tara and Willow thriving in another dimension, with Cordy's help. (Actually, in Schitt's Creek, there's a joke about "farm witches". I kind of want Tara and Willow to be the farm witches.)
Also,I think Buffyverse and The Good Place could be in the same universe. I don't want to say too much so as not to spoil, but if anyone's interested in a more detailed entry, let me know. If you took away all the comedy in The Good Place, I think you'd get something way closer to Angel, or at least Buffy.
**I don't think Buffy versus Dracula was as much a bad episode as it was a bad episode to introduce someone to. It's very camp and almost a parody OF the show. I definitely thought my negative impressions of the show were confirmed. It's like introducing someone to Jane Austen by showing them the BBC Pride and Prejudice, except it's just Mrs. Bennet screaming.
7. The Good Place (since I can't seem to stop talking about it)
Discovered: 2015? 2016?
Why I Love It: Ethics and philosophy, afterlife, found family... the show has it all. It also constantly changes the status quo. Constantly. I love it.
Did I Fic It? Not really.
Favorite Pairing: Chidi and Eleanor, as well as Janet and Jason.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Tahani and Jason. Also Janet and Michael.
Random Headcanon or Meta: See above.
Other Things Fans Would Like: In addition to what I've said, Man on the Inside feels like a spiritual successor, even though it's thematically quite different. They make frequent nods to The Good Place, after all. Just be aware that it does deal a lot with grief. I'd also recommend Ghosts - I've seen the U and the original BBC, and I think both work, although the US version is a bit sillier. (I actually kind of wish Michael Schur had adapted Ghosts for the US. I think it would be a lot closer to the BBC.)
8. Man on the Inside
Discovered: 2024.
Why I Love It: It has a bit of mystery, found family, people working together.
Did I Fic It? I have an idea at the back of my head.
Favorite Pairing: Julie/Didi.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Emily and Charles. I also love Charles's relationship with his grandsons.
Random Headcanon or Meta: I have this theory that Charles is a reincarnated version of Michael from The Good Place. I'm not alone in that.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Probably any Michael Schur show? It's very Schur, though less The Office. I think The Office was Michael's training wheels. Not saying it was a bad show, I just think that his later shows are more demonstrative of Michael Schur as we know him. Blah. Sorry for the ramble.
(Only two more? To think I didn't know how I was going to list ten when I started.)
9. Community
Discovered: 2009?
Why I Love It: It's meta AF.
Did I Fic It? No.
Favorite Pairing: I don't think I really shipped anyone, except lowkey Britta and Troy.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Abed and Troy.
Random Headcanon or Meta: Part of me thinks that the show is actually Abed's show that we see in season one, and it's a slightly exaggerated version of everything that really happened. But only slightly, because it's still Greendale and it's still the Study Group. :)
Other Things Fans Would Like: .. I don't know. I think any "nerdy show" would probably be appealing. 30 Rock was very similar, actually, in that it had a lot of pop culture references and a lot of what I'll call "crack episodes". ETA: Actually, Stranger Things would work. It's a fantasy with a lot of 80's pop-culture references. Abed would have LOVED Stranger Things.
10. North of North
Discovered: 2025.
Why I Love It: I appreciate that it focuses on indigenous characters. There's lots of Canadian humour (it takes place in Nunavut). And again, people trying their best.
Did I Fic It? No.
Favorite Pairing: None, really. I think the romantic elements of the show are actually a bit cliche and weak. Sorry.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Bun and Neve. :)
Random Headcanon or Meta: I don't want to spoil too much, but I think that Neve sees Bun as another daughter, which is why she's so quick to help take care of her.
Other Things Fans Would Like: This is tricky. I might recommend Little Mosque on the Prairie, actually. It's another Canadian show about a small community in Saskatchewan, in this case focusing on Muslim characters as they form a Mosque in the basement of an Anglican church.
*I first read the phrase as "Netflix and Chili". I think I like mine better.
Make a Top Ten list for your favourite series and tell people exactly why you love it. This can be in any format - tv series, book series, radio plays, movie sequels, something else not mentioned here. Your series can be as short as two vaguely linked pieces of media and as long as... well, the sky is your limit. Whatever you like!
Ahh, let's see. I feel like I've gushed about a lot of these before, so I'm going to use a template. I'm including "things you might like" specifically because so often, "watch these similar shows" lists tend to be random shows that have nothing in common with the one being talked about. I've tried taking a more critical approach. We'll see how that worked.
( Read more... )
Why I love it: It's a musical with amazing songs, the humor is great. They're very daring. They go much darker places in season three, and I wasn't sure about that, but I feel they did it well.
Did I Fic It? I've only written one. I've read a few, but not many.
Favorite Pairing: Heather/Hector.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: I know everyone stans Paula and Rebecca, but I think I'm giving it to Heather and Rebecca. Heather goes from seeing Rebecca as this chaotic spectacle to respecting her to loving her. I would actually compare it to Stevie and David in Schitt's Creek, in terms of their first meetings going from "what the hell is this" to "oh, I actually care about you and want to be your friend".
Random Headcanon or Meta: None.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Maybe Schitt's Creek, since Rebecca's kind of a combination of David, Moira and Alexis, and it's also about a town changing your life, and good-if-flawed people trying their best. The Good Place is also good for the latter, and there's a lot of character growth.
3. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Yes, they know it's a sexist term. The show's a lot more nuanced than that. :)
Discovered: 2015 or 2016.
Why I love it: It's a musical with amazing songs, the humor is great. They're very daring. They go much darker places in season three, and I wasn't sure about that, but I feel they did it well.
Did I Fic It? I've only written one. I've read a few, but not many.
Favorite Pairing: Heather/Hector.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: I know everyone stans Paula and Rebecca, but I think I'm giving it to Heather and Rebecca. Heather goes from seeing Rebecca as this chaotic spectacle to respecting her to loving her. I would actually compare it to Stevie and David in Schitt's Creek, in terms of their first meetings going from "what the hell is this" to "oh, I actually care about you and want to be your friend".
Random Headcanon or Meta: I think I would get rid of the whole New Greg thing, but have Rebecca and Greg cross paths years later.
AND SPOILER: I also wish we'd had Rebecca's journey in songwriting be the plotline of season four, instead of the final episode. I don't really see the point of "Character Chooses Herself" when you don't see the character choosing herself.
AND SPOILER: I also wish we'd had Rebecca's journey in songwriting be the plotline of season four, instead of the final episode. I don't really see the point of "Character Chooses Herself" when you don't see the character choosing herself.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Maybe Schitt's Creek, since Rebecca's kind of a combination of David, Moira and Alexis, and it's also about a town changing your life, and good-if-flawed people trying their best. The Good Place is also good for the latter, and there's a lot of character growth. END SPOILER
3. Heartstopper.
Discovered: Um... 2023? 2024?
Why I love it: The first two seasons made me smile. The third season is darker, but I appreciated it for what it was. Also, as someone who was disabled, neurodivergent and acearospec in high school, I can relate to certain elements of the show. Sitting in a classroom eating lunch with your teacher, anxiety eating at you... yeah. I know that one.
Did I Fic It? I tried writing one. Couldn't get into it. I've read a few.
Favorite Pairing: Nathan Ajayi/Yusuf Farouk.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Nick and Tori, though Nick and Tara are a close second. Maybe even a tie.
Random Headcanon or Meta: None.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend would pair well, mostly for the mental health aspect. And many Heartstopper fans came from Schitt's Creek. (Myself included! *Waves*)
4. Schitt's Creek
Discovered: Technically whenever it was on Netflix in the US, but like many people, I gave up after one episode. I rediscovered it in 2020 when I'd exhausted the other quarantine shows. (If someone had shown me the Open Mic episode, I would've been hooked instantly. What is wrong with the people in my life? SMH.)
Why I Love It: It's funny, but has a serious edge to it. As a Millenial who came of age late in life, David, Alexis and Stevie spoke to me. (Although I disliked them at first for that exact reason. Projection's one of hell of a drug.) And it has a wonderful queer love story.
Did I Fic It? And how. I actually thought I was done with the whole fandom thing until I started watching SC. I risked spoilers by looking it up on TV Tropes while I was watching, and saw there were fics for it. So I finished the show as fast as possible so I could read the fanfic. LOL. Back then, there were so many fics. Sadly, the fandom's dwindled quite a bit. I miss when fandoms lasted longer.
Favorite Pairing: David and Patrick. They're a queer pairing that's open and affectionate, and their sexuality isn't really the focus. There's only one Coming Out episode, and it's very well done. They're a loving couple that actually acts like they not only love each other, but like each other. (I mean, there is a bit of teasing, but it's affectionate, IMHO.)
I'm also going to squeeze in Johnny and Moira. (RIP Catherine O'Hara.) After all, they are David and Patrick's mirror in many ways, and I also like seeing an older couple that still loves each other. (And older characters who aren't silly for still having dreams and aspirations.)
Favorite Platonic Relationship: David and Stevie. But I think Moira and Alexis are a close second, for their evolution.
Random Headcanon or Meta: I don't think we have all day.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Heartstopper, Heated Rivalry, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Good Place... not sure what else. Maybe Parks and Rec, if you watch for the small-town humor.
Speaking of which...
5. Parks and Recreation
Discovered: I'm not really sure. 2011ish?
Why I Love It: It's funny. Makes me happy. However, I haven't seen it in a while, and... with everything going on in the US, I'm not sure I would still enjoy it. OTOH, it might make for a nice reprieve. See Headcanons.
Did I Fic It? Not really. I think I wrote one or two fics.
Favorite Pairing: Ben and Leslie, who were to me then what David and Patrick are to me now, for some of the same reasons. "I like you and I love you."
Favorite Platonic Relationship: At the time, it was Leslie and Ann, but I think on rewatch, I decided it might actually be Ron and Leslie and April and Leslie. Ann and Leslie are sort of the "fantasy" BFFship, I think, whereas with Ron and April, we really see the complicated evolution friendship can be. Maybe it's the difference between friends you make as young person and friends you make when you're older, even though I don't think Leslie ages that much.
Random Headcanon or Meta: It takes place in the same universe as Schitt's Creek and Red White & Royal Blue. Leslie worked under President Ellen Claremont and was lowkey obsessed with her. Also, Pawnee and Schitt's Creek are sister cities.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Schitt's Creek, The Good Place.
6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel the Series)
Discovered: I mean, I'm a Millennial, so Buffy was always around. XD But I didn't really start watching it until c. 2007. We watched it in a English class after we read Dracula - we watched Buffy versus Dracula specifically. My friend at the time almost cried when I told her that was my first episode.** I struck a deal with her: I'd watch Buffy properly if she watched Firefly. Neither one of us ever looked back.
Why I Love It: I love the character dynamics, the found family, fighting the good fight.
Did I Fic It? I think I started a few fics for it. I never really found a fanfic community for it. Otherwise, I absolutely would've.
Favorite Pairing: Tara/Willow, and maybe Buffy/Faith.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Giles and Buffy. I also think Anya and Giles are a little underrated. Over on Angel, I wish we'd gotten Fred and Cordy. We didn't.
Random Headcanon or Meta: There's a version of Tara and Willow thriving in another dimension, with Cordy's help. (Actually, in Schitt's Creek, there's a joke about "farm witches". I kind of want Tara and Willow to be the farm witches.)
Also,I think Buffyverse and The Good Place could be in the same universe. I don't want to say too much so as not to spoil, but if anyone's interested in a more detailed entry, let me know. If you took away all the comedy in The Good Place, I think you'd get something way closer to Angel, or at least Buffy.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Our Flag Means Death and The Good Place have similar themes of found family and fighting the good fight, plus what I said above. And Stranger Things, which is set in the eighties, so it references a few of the same tropes Buffy initially referenced. Plus, it's also about young people fighting the Big Bad.
**I don't think Buffy versus Dracula was as much a bad episode as it was a bad episode to introduce someone to. It's very camp and almost a parody OF the show. I definitely thought my negative impressions of the show were confirmed. It's like introducing someone to Jane Austen by showing them the BBC Pride and Prejudice, except it's just Mrs. Bennet screaming.
7. The Good Place (since I can't seem to stop talking about it)
Discovered: 2015? 2016?
Why I Love It: Ethics and philosophy, afterlife, found family... the show has it all. It also constantly changes the status quo. Constantly. I love it.
Did I Fic It? Not really.
Favorite Pairing: Chidi and Eleanor, as well as Janet and Jason.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Tahani and Jason. Also Janet and Michael.
Random Headcanon or Meta: See above.
Other Things Fans Would Like: In addition to what I've said, Man on the Inside feels like a spiritual successor, even though it's thematically quite different. They make frequent nods to The Good Place, after all. Just be aware that it does deal a lot with grief. I'd also recommend Ghosts - I've seen the U and the original BBC, and I think both work, although the US version is a bit sillier. (I actually kind of wish Michael Schur had adapted Ghosts for the US. I think it would be a lot closer to the BBC.)
8. Man on the Inside
Discovered: 2024.
Why I Love It: It has a bit of mystery, found family, people working together.
Did I Fic It? I have an idea at the back of my head.
Favorite Pairing: Julie/Didi.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Emily and Charles. I also love Charles's relationship with his grandsons.
Random Headcanon or Meta: I have this theory that Charles is a reincarnated version of Michael from The Good Place. I'm not alone in that.
Other Things Fans Would Like: Probably any Michael Schur show? It's very Schur, though less The Office. I think The Office was Michael's training wheels. Not saying it was a bad show, I just think that his later shows are more demonstrative of Michael Schur as we know him. Blah. Sorry for the ramble.
(Only two more? To think I didn't know how I was going to list ten when I started.)
9. Community
Discovered: 2009?
Why I Love It: It's meta AF.
Did I Fic It? No.
Favorite Pairing: I don't think I really shipped anyone, except lowkey Britta and Troy.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Abed and Troy.
Random Headcanon or Meta: Part of me thinks that the show is actually Abed's show that we see in season one, and it's a slightly exaggerated version of everything that really happened. But only slightly, because it's still Greendale and it's still the Study Group. :)
Other Things Fans Would Like: .. I don't know. I think any "nerdy show" would probably be appealing. 30 Rock was very similar, actually, in that it had a lot of pop culture references and a lot of what I'll call "crack episodes". ETA: Actually, Stranger Things would work. It's a fantasy with a lot of 80's pop-culture references. Abed would have LOVED Stranger Things.
10. North of North
Discovered: 2025.
Why I Love It: I appreciate that it focuses on indigenous characters. There's lots of Canadian humour (it takes place in Nunavut). And again, people trying their best.
Did I Fic It? No.
Favorite Pairing: None, really. I think the romantic elements of the show are actually a bit cliche and weak. Sorry.
Favorite Platonic Relationship: Bun and Neve. :)
Random Headcanon or Meta: I don't want to spoil too much, but I think that Neve sees Bun as another daughter, which is why she's so quick to help take care of her.
Other Things Fans Would Like: This is tricky. I might recommend Little Mosque on the Prairie, actually. It's another Canadian show about a small community in Saskatchewan, in this case focusing on Muslim characters as they form a Mosque in the basement of an Anglican church.
*I first read the phrase as "Netflix and Chili". I think I like mine better.
Stuff I Love: Top Ten Edition - Challenge 2 (series)
Feb. 8th, 2026 02:26 pmsmallhobbitContinuing with the challenge dreamersdare made, here are more top 10 series. This time I've gone for crime fiction books, and again in no particular order:
1. Malabar House series by Vaseem Khan
Set mostly in Bombay just after Independence, these are stories about Persis Wadia, the first female Indian detective, who's shunted off to Malabar House to keep her out of the way. Nevertheless she gets involved in a number of high profile cases and becomes better known. Vaseem Khan is a British writer, who spent 10 years in Mumbai. The series is ongoing and I'm currently reading the latest The Edge of Darkness which is set in the Naga Hills in north-east India. There's lots of details about the time, and gripping stories. I've also enjoyed the Baby Ganesh series, which sees an ex-detective inspector in Mumbai who is sent a baby elephant by an uncle, and the crimes he solves.
2. Maigret by Georges Simenon
There are about 75 Maigret novels. I started listening to them as audiobooks, bought a few hard copies, and am currently working my way through all the books available in our county library. The series starts in 1931 and while Maigret is based in Paris, he's fairly often in different parts of France, or visiting countries nearby. I enjoy the atmosphere and the strong sense of time and place, as well as the variety of crimes Maigret is faced with.
3. Bradecote & Catchpoll series by Sarah Hawkswood
Set in the 1140s and based in Worcester and the surrounding area, so a similar time period to Cadfael, Hugh Bradecote is the Under-sheriff and therefore a representative of the authorities in solving crimes, and he works with the vastly experience Catchpoll who is the Sheriff's Sergeant and Walkelin, the serjeanting apprentice. I like the main characters, who are very human and seek to do their best for those around them, in what can be very difficult times. The next book Act of Betrayal is out in September.
4. Jackman & Evans series by Joy Ellis
I listen to these on audiobooks. DI Rowan Jackman is a modern day detective in the Fenland of Lincolnshire (Joy Ellis' home territory) and is assisted by his sergeant, Sally Evans. There's a team of recurring characters and some interesting crimes, darker than some of what I read. Black Notice is the latest, which came at towards the end of last year.
5. Inspector MacDonald series by E C R Lorac
I've only read the books which have been republished in British Library Crime Classics, but have enjoyed those. The series begins in the early 1930s and runs through to the 1950s. I like MacDonald, who is competent and thoughtful. Most of the books are set in England, with a number in the Lake District. Once more the description of place is excellent - I'm not inclined to read through long descriptions, but these are written so that the reader feels themselves there, rather than simply admiring the view from a distance. They also give an incidental view of life as lived by most people at the time.
6. The Su Yin series by Ovidia Yu
Originally called the Crown Colony series, but with the passing of time this has become inappropriate. The first story is set in Singapore in 1936, when Singapore was under British rule, and the series moves through the Japanese occupation, and has now reached the late 1940s, with the strong demands for independence from the returning British. Su Yin isn't in the police force, but frequently (other than during the war years) works with Inspector Le Froy. The next book The Tembusu Tree Mystery is out in June.
7. The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy
Two late middle-aged school dinner ladies become unexpected amateur detectives in a series of cozy-ish mysteries. Lighter fare than most of the above, but I have a soft spot for the two, who are married to each other. Entertaining with plots relevant to the small town they live in. Implausible, but it all makes sense. A Curiously Convenient Device is out next month.
8. Follet Valley Mysteries by Ian Moore
These stories are not to be taken seriously, but are great fun. The murders happen in bizarre ways, and the main protagonist and foil is Richard Ainsworth, an English proprietor of a French guest house, who has pet hens who he has named after classic film stars. The latest in this series of books set in rural France is Death and Boules.
And lastly, two classics:
9. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
The original stories. Some are better than others, but the characters of Holmes and Watson are enduring.
10. Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
An overlooked older lady with a very sharp mind and a real knowledge of how people think and behave.
Finally, an honourable mention to Discworld by Terry Pratchett. Here, I shall simply quote the Librarian, "Ook!"
dreamersdare made, here are more top 10 series. This time I've gone for crime fiction books, and again in no particular order:1. Malabar House series by Vaseem Khan
Set mostly in Bombay just after Independence, these are stories about Persis Wadia, the first female Indian detective, who's shunted off to Malabar House to keep her out of the way. Nevertheless she gets involved in a number of high profile cases and becomes better known. Vaseem Khan is a British writer, who spent 10 years in Mumbai. The series is ongoing and I'm currently reading the latest The Edge of Darkness which is set in the Naga Hills in north-east India. There's lots of details about the time, and gripping stories. I've also enjoyed the Baby Ganesh series, which sees an ex-detective inspector in Mumbai who is sent a baby elephant by an uncle, and the crimes he solves.
2. Maigret by Georges Simenon
There are about 75 Maigret novels. I started listening to them as audiobooks, bought a few hard copies, and am currently working my way through all the books available in our county library. The series starts in 1931 and while Maigret is based in Paris, he's fairly often in different parts of France, or visiting countries nearby. I enjoy the atmosphere and the strong sense of time and place, as well as the variety of crimes Maigret is faced with.
3. Bradecote & Catchpoll series by Sarah Hawkswood
Set in the 1140s and based in Worcester and the surrounding area, so a similar time period to Cadfael, Hugh Bradecote is the Under-sheriff and therefore a representative of the authorities in solving crimes, and he works with the vastly experience Catchpoll who is the Sheriff's Sergeant and Walkelin, the serjeanting apprentice. I like the main characters, who are very human and seek to do their best for those around them, in what can be very difficult times. The next book Act of Betrayal is out in September.
4. Jackman & Evans series by Joy Ellis
I listen to these on audiobooks. DI Rowan Jackman is a modern day detective in the Fenland of Lincolnshire (Joy Ellis' home territory) and is assisted by his sergeant, Sally Evans. There's a team of recurring characters and some interesting crimes, darker than some of what I read. Black Notice is the latest, which came at towards the end of last year.
5. Inspector MacDonald series by E C R Lorac
I've only read the books which have been republished in British Library Crime Classics, but have enjoyed those. The series begins in the early 1930s and runs through to the 1950s. I like MacDonald, who is competent and thoughtful. Most of the books are set in England, with a number in the Lake District. Once more the description of place is excellent - I'm not inclined to read through long descriptions, but these are written so that the reader feels themselves there, rather than simply admiring the view from a distance. They also give an incidental view of life as lived by most people at the time.
6. The Su Yin series by Ovidia Yu
Originally called the Crown Colony series, but with the passing of time this has become inappropriate. The first story is set in Singapore in 1936, when Singapore was under British rule, and the series moves through the Japanese occupation, and has now reached the late 1940s, with the strong demands for independence from the returning British. Su Yin isn't in the police force, but frequently (other than during the war years) works with Inspector Le Froy. The next book The Tembusu Tree Mystery is out in June.
7. The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy
Two late middle-aged school dinner ladies become unexpected amateur detectives in a series of cozy-ish mysteries. Lighter fare than most of the above, but I have a soft spot for the two, who are married to each other. Entertaining with plots relevant to the small town they live in. Implausible, but it all makes sense. A Curiously Convenient Device is out next month.
8. Follet Valley Mysteries by Ian Moore
These stories are not to be taken seriously, but are great fun. The murders happen in bizarre ways, and the main protagonist and foil is Richard Ainsworth, an English proprietor of a French guest house, who has pet hens who he has named after classic film stars. The latest in this series of books set in rural France is Death and Boules.
And lastly, two classics:
9. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
The original stories. Some are better than others, but the characters of Holmes and Watson are enduring.
10. Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
An overlooked older lady with a very sharp mind and a real knowledge of how people think and behave.
Finally, an honourable mention to Discworld by Terry Pratchett. Here, I shall simply quote the Librarian, "Ook!"
2026 Photo #3
Feb. 7th, 2026 12:57 pmsmallhobbit
Finally got around to framing my black cat cross stitch. The photo does show the tiny beads sewn on some of the diamonds (not shown the rude words used when attaching beads!). I was very pleased with the result.
The Friday Five: Past, Present and Future
Feb. 6th, 2026 08:05 pmsmallhobbitToday's ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thefridayfive questions
1. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Astronaut
2. What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
Having raised two kids and launched them into the world where they are now productive adults. Having raised a considerable sum in grants for the charity I volunteer at.
Alternatively - I'm still here.
3. What is your dream job?
I'm retired. I no longer dream about having a job.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Maybe here, maybe somewhere else. Definitely not moving as fast.
5. What does it take to make you happy?
Cake
thefridayfive questions1. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Astronaut
2. What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
Having raised two kids and launched them into the world where they are now productive adults. Having raised a considerable sum in grants for the charity I volunteer at.
Alternatively - I'm still here.
3. What is your dream job?
I'm retired. I no longer dream about having a job.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Maybe here, maybe somewhere else. Definitely not moving as fast.
5. What does it take to make you happy?
Cake
snow sneakers
Feb. 5th, 2026 10:33 pmredbirdA few days ago, I ordered a pair of snow sneakers that I thought would probably be too big, because the places I looked online were sold out of everything in my size.
They arrived today, I tried them on after dinner, and they seem to fit. Adrian helped me adjust the fastening so the left shoe isn't too tight around my calf. They fasten with velcro rather than shoelaces, which may be an advantage: the laces on my shoes tend to loosen as I walk, so I have to stop and retie them moderately often. (Flat laces are a bit better than round ones, double-knotting makes no difference, and please don't try trouble-shooting this in comments.)
Apparently I take a men's size 8 extra-wide in LLBean boots, which may be useful: more shoes come in a men's size 8 than size 7, and the selection of wide shoes is larger in men's sizes/styles than in women's.
They arrived today, I tried them on after dinner, and they seem to fit. Adrian helped me adjust the fastening so the left shoe isn't too tight around my calf. They fasten with velcro rather than shoelaces, which may be an advantage: the laces on my shoes tend to loosen as I walk, so I have to stop and retie them moderately often. (Flat laces are a bit better than round ones, double-knotting makes no difference, and please don't try trouble-shooting this in comments.)
Apparently I take a men's size 8 extra-wide in LLBean boots, which may be useful: more shoes come in a men's size 8 than size 7, and the selection of wide shoes is larger in men's sizes/styles than in women's.
Goal Update (Belated)
Feb. 5th, 2026 01:05 pmsmallhobbitSnowflake normally includes a post to share goals, which is when I was planning to do this, but it didn't, so I haven't. However, with three months left of my year, it's about time I look at how things have been going.
26 Photos in 2026
The first two are posted, and the next will be posted on Saturday.
And now I need to start thinking about my next set of goals. I definitely like doing a monthly themed photo post, so will continue with that, although I haven't decided on a theme. And I'd like to have something nature based, but am not sure what as yet. All goal suggestions will be considered, if not adopted.
Goal No 1: Do a Themed Monthly Post
Definitely a good goal and I've enjoyed posting a monthly selection of the view from our bedroom window, together with various bonus windows.
Goal No 2: Accept the Unexpected
Definitely a few of those, but they haven't thrown me badly, even if they have required a change of plans. Our October holiday plans to north Wales were completely remade two days before departure, so we went to south-west Wales instead. The weather when we were due to go to London to see The Red Shoes meant travel was dubious (trains freak at the first sign of a snowflake) meant we cancelled in time to get a credit note and have rebooked for a performance in Cardiff in March. Not to mention the disruption of a quiet evening by The Daughter phoning to say 'how about going to Paddington the Musical' and getting it all sorted within two hours. And managing to crack a rib in the middle of December, which didn't stop me doing most things, but did require certain adjustments.
Goal No 3: To Embrace My Personal Interests
Definitely going with it. Less courses because there's nothing much which appeals, but that's within the personal interests. I currently have 9 books on the go. 7 stitching projects and a jumper to knit.
25 Things in 2025
All finished - hooray!
26 Photos in 2026
The first two are posted, and the next will be posted on Saturday.
And now I need to start thinking about my next set of goals. I definitely like doing a monthly themed photo post, so will continue with that, although I haven't decided on a theme. And I'd like to have something nature based, but am not sure what as yet. All goal suggestions will be considered, if not adopted.
insurance company annoyance
Feb. 4th, 2026 05:03 pmredbirdAfter a lot of time on chats and multiple phone calls, the last person I spoke to said that Dr. Awad is in-network, so I don't need the insurer's "continuity of care" paperwork.
This started with me being told that she was out of network, and that I would need a "continuity of care" form to keep seeing her. The first person I talked to, in chat, said I needed that form, and offered me one to download. When I looked at it, the form he'd sent me said it was for four specific states, not including Massachusetts, and that mental health required a different form anyway. He also told me that I need a referral for psychiatry, and don't need a referral for behavioral health, and didn't understand why I was confused.
I tried again, and got someone who agreed that I needed a special form, and gave me a phone number. I stopped there, showered and dressed, and went out to pick up prescriptions and buy ice cream. That at least worked smoothly.
I came home and called the behavioral health team, which asked a few questions, and told me to call a different number. The person I spoke to this time said that she would need a bunch of information, and I should have the provider call them. I then asked if the doctor's NPI number would help. Yes, it would: according to that, she's in-network for me, because she takes Medicare. I hope that's true, but am not confident of that, or anything related to this.
Separately from that, I have asked Dr. Bershel's office for referrals, including to Dr. Awad, which is why I'd already looked up her NPI number.
This started with me being told that she was out of network, and that I would need a "continuity of care" form to keep seeing her. The first person I talked to, in chat, said I needed that form, and offered me one to download. When I looked at it, the form he'd sent me said it was for four specific states, not including Massachusetts, and that mental health required a different form anyway. He also told me that I need a referral for psychiatry, and don't need a referral for behavioral health, and didn't understand why I was confused.
I tried again, and got someone who agreed that I needed a special form, and gave me a phone number. I stopped there, showered and dressed, and went out to pick up prescriptions and buy ice cream. That at least worked smoothly.
I came home and called the behavioral health team, which asked a few questions, and told me to call a different number. The person I spoke to this time said that she would need a bunch of information, and I should have the provider call them. I then asked if the doctor's NPI number would help. Yes, it would: according to that, she's in-network for me, because she takes Medicare. I hope that's true, but am not confident of that, or anything related to this.
Separately from that, I have asked Dr. Bershel's office for referrals, including to Dr. Awad, which is why I'd already looked up her NPI number.
Minor operations; testing new serving path
Feb. 3rd, 2026 10:25 pmmark posting in dw_maintenanceHi all!
I'm doing some minor operational work tonight. It should be transparent, but there's always a chance that something goes wrong. The main thing I'm touching is testing a replacement for Apache2 (our web server software) in one area of the site.
Thank you!