The grass, such as it is this time of year, is back.
Status:
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The Christmas tree came down today. I’m a full Twelve Days absolutist, because otherwise what’s the point of the song, and am intrigued by people who put their decorations up in late November (which is fine - better to light a candle and all that) but tear them down before NYE even. But then I’ve worked in retail and have long made the distinction between the run up to Christmas, which is hell, and actual Christmas which starts at 5pm on the 24th, is quite nice actually, and lasts for twelve days.
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A few weeks ago Fi read about PFAS forever chemicals and went scorched earth on any scratched teflon in the house, which included the pan in the bread making machine I mentioned recently. The idea of stopping this small but regular activity made me sad, so we got a new one which arrived today. We also have a load of new stainless steel pans and are debating the pros and cons of seasoning vs scouring.
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Last night it was minus five degrees which doesn’t happen very often in Birmingham. I popped out to check the rabbits were OK (they’re fine) and was struck by how cold it didn’t feel. The absence of any wind or moisture meant there wasn’t a chill factor and a couple of friends of ours from the northern American territories confirmed this to be the case. Sure it’s cold, but it’s not unpleasant. As I write this it’s well above zero and raining. I’m staying in.
Overnight listening:
Music:
- Scout Niblett - blimey I’d forgotten how good she is. If you’re not familar, start here.
Reading:
- Molly Crabapple: They tried to smear him as an antisemite – but Mayor Zohran Mamdani walks in a rich Jewish tradition
- Helping strangers access the internet - Doug Belshaw explains how TOR works and its interesting new Snowflake plugin which you can install to help people bypass internet censorship.
Watching:
- Wax or the Discovery of Television Among the Bees (info) 1:33:10
- Recreating an Ancient Pump (with no moving parts) 13:11
- Small Men of History from Hitchcock’s Saboteur. 2:29
Telly:
- University Challenge - really enjoyed the Christmas specials and rather chuffed with the winning team.