Friday Randomness
Time to get you caught up on the randomness around here. Weekly protest, nice restaurant time, 4th of July insanity, and more!
Bougie Protest
I’ll admit, my weekly Anti-Trump protests are pretty easy. They are in a nice part of town, we don’t get a lot of backlash (maybe the finger, maybe a comment, maybe a thumbs down). After, you can shop or dine or go home. It’s easy. Last Saturday Ted came with me, which he doesn’t usually do for work related reasons. The crowd was not as small as I had feared for a holiday weekend. It was a picture perfect day, lovely weather for waving signs and flags at people driving past.
There is a restaurant downtown that we like, a small plates place, and after the protest, we decided to stop for a light lunch. I’ve been going here for years, and all of the seats are nice, but on a perfect day, 79 degrees and sunny, with a light breeze, it was amazing to sit out by their pond in the shade of a big oak tree. It’s a secluded area, quiet and peaceful. The dappled light coming through the leaves, the breeze, it felt like an impressionist painting.
There’s a turtle who lives in the koi pond, and in good weather you will often see it sunbathing. On this day it was splooting. Saturday was also the anniversary of my father’s sudden death, 8 years ago. There is never a day that I do not feel my loss, that it doesn’t hurt. He was an amazing human being. He would have loved that I was protesting, he was a social justice advocate in so many ways. I carried him with me. He would have loved the restaurant (and the turtle) too.
My Brown Thumb is not Entirely Fatal
My plumeria seems to have survived! Often it loses its leaves, but this last winter when I didn’t bring it inside for our coldest nights (high 20s, low 30s), it froze, and not only did the leaves fall off, it also started getting mushy at the top of the stem. I cut the mushy part off, which maybe was the right thing to do, maybe not. And I waited. It’s been months, and finally, it’s getting some little leaves! Mine will never get as big and beautiful as my cousin Carey’s, she lives near San Diego and doesn’t get frosts, but it has lived to see another day. YAY!
Worthy Boycott Fails
I last ordered from Amazon in order to buy a poetry anthology that includes three poems by blog friend Maya, which is only available there (for now). I took advantage of that exception to order filter replacements for my compost bucket (we call it ‘the slop bucket’) and replacement cards for our fruit fly trap. This week, I made another exception and went to Whole Foods, because I had to go to the hardware store next door, and then I needed good tuna for a recipe. I’ll tell you folks, I don’t know how to find good tuna except to buy very specific brands. Well, a few weeks ago we were making some meals for Ted’s parents (his mom just had hip replacement surgery, and is doing great! YAY!) and one thing I was making was tuna salad for tuna melts. I bought tuna at Safeway, and after mixing it together with all of the other ingredients, I tasted it and it tasted funky. I had never bought that brand before, and I didn’t know if that’s just how it tastes, or if it was spoiled. (OK, I just looked it up, maybe at least one of the cans was really bad and slipped past the recall?) The last thing someone needs 3 days after hip replacement surgery is food poisoning, so I threw it out, went to another store, got good tuna, and started over. Back to this week and this exception to my boycott – while there, in addition to getting tuna, I also got some Roquefort cheese because I love Roquefort cheese, and the one they have there is so much better than the one I find at Safeway. I’ll admit to missing Whole Foods more than I miss Amazon. Unrelated, one of our lamps died, and I was thinking of going to Target, but I haven’t been there in months either, so maybe we’ll go to World Market or a lamp store.
One Thing A Day
I gave these two boxes to my mom many years ago. They hold whatever, and have a place for pictures. Going through my mom’s box of things, I considered them. Do I want them? I have one just like the rectangular one. If I had wanted them, I would have pulled them out sooner. So I took the pictures out and posted them on Facebook Buy Nothing Group. A woman requested them, and when I messaged her with my address for pickup, she said that she used to live in our complex! AND, she wants to give them to her mom and her MIL, with pictures of her baby. That made me SO HAPPY. This project of mine rocks.
The other day my One Thing was a book, and I stopped on my morning walk to place it in this Little Free Library. This poor LFL suffers, because some asshats think it’s fun to break the door, and whomever maintains it has to keep fixing it. Some people suck, and others are awesome, right? Anyway, I did not like the haphazard way the books looked, so I fixed them. Anal much, J?
This meme is about texting while driving, and that is not my story here, though of course it is a huge problem. No, my story is about our 4th of July drive home, which was INSANE. Ted, Maya, and I went to his parents’ house for a small celebration, and Maya drove separately because Ted and I were going to another party after, and 1 social event a day is generally enough for our introverted daughter. We planned to stop in for an hour or maybe a bit more at this second party, and ended up staying for 4 hours, leaving at the inopportune time of 9ish pm. Just when the sun was setting and people were starting with their fireworks. Let me tell you, that ride home was HARROWING, and I was glad that Maya was safely home and not in the car with us, though I did worry about her becoming an orphan. People were setting off professional grade (ILLEGAL) fireworks over the freeway, like you could feel the heat from them, and they were LOUD. They were not shooting them nearly high enough in the air, the ones that were not over the freeway looked like they were barely above the trees. People on the freeway were panicked and driving like a bat out of hell, or else panicked and driving like their tires were going through molasses. Ted picked a lane and stayed put, and we were relieved to make it home safely, definitely not guaranteed.
Agentic Misalignment
Did anyone else hear about Agentic’s study of AI that revealed that all 16 AI models they tested were willing to resort to blackmail or perhaps murder to avoid failure or decommission?
“We refer to this behavior, where models independently and intentionally choose harmful actions, as agentic misalignment. We deliberately created scenarios that presented models with no other way to achieve their goals, and found that models consistently chose harm over failure. To be clear, current systems are generally not eager to cause harm, and preferred ethical ways to achieve their goals when possible. Rather, it’s when we closed off those ethical options that they were willing to intentionally take potentially harmful actions in pursuit of their goals. Our results demonstrate that current safety training does not reliably prevent such agentic misalignment.”
Kind of terrifying, right? Not sure if we’re talking 2001, A Space Odyssy here, or Terminator, but either way, the people in charge of development need to take the threat seriously.
Perhaps relatedly, Ted and Maya both (separately) watched the HBO film, Mountainhead. I saw the second half twice. It’s about tech bro billionaire assholes, and all I have to say about that is nope. They’re just as predictably awful as you might expect. I think Maya liked it more than Ted did. Have you seen it?
Living in the Moment
I had a laugh the other day when I looked at my work calendar – Yesterday, tomorrow, tomorrow. Where’s today? It’s because I was looking before my work day starts, but it gave me pause. There’s a lot of talk about living for the now, being in the moment so you don’t lose the present moment due to being mired in regret, grief, anxiety, or fear. I know I can be guilty of this. I have plenty of regrets, things I wish I could go back and do things differently. They pop up from time to time…on my anniversary, I thought of snapping at my mom on my wedding day. Then other times I snapped at her for nothing (or nothing important.) But also, I carry lots of joyful memories with me too. Is there a way to let go of the dread but keep the joyous anticipation? To let go of the regret and keep the lovely memories?
Boob Tube
Current shows we’re watching:
- Ripley – Did you see this Netflix show when it came out last year? It’s a limited series based on the book, The Talented Mr. Ripley, which also has a 1999 star studded film version. Ripley is closer to the original novel (I think, I haven’t read it), and takes place in the 1950s or maybe 60s. It’s gorgeously shot in black and white, and is worth watching for that alone. But it’s also really good.
- And Just Like That – HBO/Max – The current seasons of Sex and the City. It’s OK, so far this season is better than the first 2, but if I hadn’t watched and loved the original series, I wouldn’t bother.
- Squid Game – Netflix – This shit again. Why do we watch it? It’s addicting, that’s why. So violent and disturbing!
- The Bear – Hulu – I love this show. I’m rooting for all of them. ALL OF THEM.
- Melrose Place – Original 90s show – Paramount – Why am I watching this? Because it’s so ridiculous that it always makes me laugh.
Salad Bar
Sometimes I make what I call Salad Bar for dinner, which is where we have salad and chicken (fake chicken for Maya) for dinner, but I put all of the ingredients on a platter so everyone can choose just what they want on theirs. I have posted about Salad Bar before, and when I did, Nance commented that she sometimes roasts an onion with olive oil and thyme, and they have it in their salad. I gave it a try the other day, but I didn’t read her directions closely. I didn’t put any olive oil on it, and I sliced it in half (so I would have a place to put the thyme), and I cooked it at 350 instead of 375-400. It was OK, but it didn’t have the depth of flavor that I expected. So I am going to have to give it another try. Nance, if you’re looking for an idea for a blog post, you could write out detailed instructions and take a picture for us. Please?
King Walnut
Our fair city used to be made up of walnut orchards, and most years (there’s been a hiatus for some reason, who knows why) there is a Walnut Festival and a Walnut Festival Parade. The festival is rides and booths and so on. The parade is your typical suburban parade, except that the maitre d (Host? Officiant? Big Kahuna?) of the parade is King Walnut. King Walnut (someone in a king costume with a big fake walnut head) rides in a convertible at one point of the parade, and then he sits grandly on a stage while the parade participants perform for his pleasure. We’re not big parade people, so we only attended once, back in the fall of 2010 when Maya was a cheerleader, and her cheer squad marched and cheered. It was a lot of fun, and very weird (the King Walnut part). We sat at an outdoor cafe and watched, and also saw Ted’s friend’s son in the marching band. Ted still hopes he can be King Walnut someday. Thanks to Elisabeth for bringing this memory back, in her post of things she has never done, including marching in a parade.
Wow, that’s a lot of randomness, even for me. I could milk this and get content for at least 5 posts, and some of them might even be thoughtful. Oh well, here we are anyway. Sorry for the brain dump.
32 Comments
Birchie
I am here for the random! There is an episode of Seinfeld where Jerry is dating a cop. He tells her that he doesn’t watch Melrose Place, and she makes him take a lie detector test which of course he fails. Hubs had never seen MP, so we pulled up some clips on Youtube and spent quite a bit of time that night watching them. And Kimberly from MP makes a guest appearance as one of Jerry’s girlfriends later on in the show. She’s a doctor of course.
Thanks for the tip on Rippley! That sounds right up my alley. Did you ever read the book? From what I remember it was very good. I’ve been watching Your Friends and Neighbors with Jon Hamm, which I like, but I don’t think it’s going to make my list of all time favorite shows.
Long live the sploot!
J
I haven’t read the book, no, but I’m enjoying the show.
We liked Your Friends and Neighbors, and yeah, not my favorite TV show either. But worth watching!
Ally Bean
A splooting turtle! Best photo and topic of my day so far. Laughing about texting while driving to get to see Jesus sooner rather than later. Yep. The Free Little Library is adorable. Ours are less stylish.
J
There are quite a few in our area, and they vary a lot. I like them!
Sarah
LOL King Walnut– yikes! Love all the memes and cartoons. YES on regrets– especially when I still react in the same way to the ways I regret– I get so annoyed with myaelf for just NOT LEARNING.
J
Sigh. WHY DON’T I LEARN?
nance
What does one have to do/be in order to become King Walnut for the yearly parade? I really want Dr. Ted to realize his dream and wear the King Walnut head. I love the whole idea of a Walnut Festival. We have an Apple Festival where I live, and a town nearby has a Corn Festival. The town I grew up in has an International Festival, celebrating its immigrant population.
Cut your onion in half horizontally, and make it a nice sweet onion, like a Vidalia. Slather it in olive oil. Season with kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and about a teaspoon or so of thyme. I use dried thyme because it carries more flavour. Double the amount if you use fresh. If you want, you can make a little packet of the onion by wrapping it in foil, and it will stay soft. I like to keep it uncovered. Roast it at 375-400 until softened, usually about 35 minutes.
Next time I make one, I’ll take photos and do a post.
Rick and I love The Bear! Those characters–oh my heart.
J
I have no idea what one has to do to become King Walnut, Ted has not done more than dream about it. Maybe it’s time we find out!
Thank you for the onion advice, I am going to give it a try, and will look forward to your post as well. <3
The Bear is awesomeness, right? We just watched the Wedding episode the other night. That dessert table was pretty high and long, right?
Elisabeth
The King Walnut thing is hilarious!
I am so, so, so proud of your decluttering and love that you’re not just tossing stuff, but it’s getting to live a second life. Gold stars <3
J
Thanks Elisabeth! One reason I don’t get rid of things is that I don’t want to add to landfill, so I just keep them. Clearly there are better options, but they take a (tiny) bit of effort.
Nicole MacPherson
Lol on the robot Monopoly. I feel seen.
I liked the first two seasons of The Bear but then the third was a real snore for me. So I haven’t watched the fourth and I don’t think I will. Wait, I don’t think I even have the streaming service anymore. d
Buy Nothing groups are so great! I don’t know if there is one here but I used the one in Calgary SO much, particularly when we were getting ready to move.
J
Oh, I seem to think that I loved season 3 of The Bear, but I can’t remember for sure. I did love the episodes with Jamie Lee Curtis, but was that season 2 or 3? Hmmm. So far season 4 is great. And yeah, I love my Buy Nothing group!
Margaret
Like you, I love small plates. Variety! John watches Squid Game but told me that he doubted I would like it. I’ll stick with my predictable detective shows. 🙂 That 4th of July drive sounds terrifying; why are people SO stupid? (careless? drunk?)
J
Stupid, careless, AND drunk, why choose? I suspect they were all of the above.
Suzanne
I love a good brain dump. The LFL looks much better after you reorganized it. Much more appealing to the eye.
Your Yesterday Tomorrow Tomorrow point really struck a nerve. LIVE IN THE TODAY, WOMAN. (That was me yelling at me.) Those onions look very beautiful. What a bummer they didn’t taste as good as they look.
J
I trust Nance, so I will make them again following her instructions correctly, and then onions will be delicious! I have faith.
I’m all for living in the today, but also I have so many memories that I don’t want to lose, and I enjoy anticipating things, like vacations, so it’s a mixed bag. I think you’re doing a great job of living in the moment with your daughter this summer. <3
Daria
So many great things, Julie!
Thank you for sharing about your father. He sounds like a wonderful human being.
Tony and I watched a few episodes of Ripley show and I loved how they shot it. I especially enjoyed the face expressions of the inspector. The guy with a mustache?
What have we watched lately?… Hmmm…
The Rehearsal, Scamanda, and I just started a document about Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni feud. Tony watches the Squid Game but I cannot- it gives me anxiety…
J
If anything is going to give a person anxiety, it is Squid Game! I haven’t seen (or heard of) any of the shows you mentioned.
Ernie
My heart breaks that your dad died so suddenly. I’m sorry. I can’t imagine it. I do love that you know he’d be proud of your protesting efforts.
OMG, Ted aspiring to be King Walnut is a funny, funny concept. I love it. Yikes on the July 4th driving. You were worried about Maya becoming an orphan. Well done on the giving one thing away a day – love the photo box story. That church texting sign – so stinking hilarious. I love that. The cartoon with the monopoly game – that was me, as the robot playing against my little brothers who were so cocky and rude. I could not handle playing against them and my mother eventually banned me from playing them. So many lost pieces. It was frustrating to be me a lot of the time when I was growing up. Middle child here, in case you weren’t aware. Oh, and – I would never organize the books in a free library, but I love that there are people who do. Good for you. Oh, and the restaurant and the turtle handing out, well that looks like a lovely spot.
J
Thank you, yes, my dad is (was) the best.
Middle child, I HEAR YOU.
AC
That drive home? Incredible!
J
Yes, it was terrifying!
Lisa’s Yarns
There are some truly batsh*t drivers on the road. I do not understand how those people have not died yet. We routinely see the worst driving on our way to work at 7:15am. Why are you in such a rush? It’s just insane and so dangerous.
I am watching The Bear. Phil doesn’t care for it so I watch it alone. I am part way through the 7th episode which is an hour long so taking awhile to get through. I will be sad when I am done though as I love that show so much!!
J
Oh, the wedding episode! I liked that one. As I said in another comment, that table is tall and long for sure.
Lisa’s Yarns
I finally watched the wedding episode. It took me 4 sittings to finish it since I rarely am alone in the house. It was so good but I agree about the dessert table! I kind of want to watch the episode again! It’s one of my favorites. I nearly cried at the end. I love Claire Bear so much so I want Carmy to get his sh*t together and be worthy of her.
J
YES, Please Carmey, GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER.
PocoBrat
J–your dad sounds absolutely amazing. (I read the whole obituary you linked.) You are very like him, and yes, he would be so proud of you for being at the protest. I’m sorry his death for so far away and so sudden.
Your note about Amazon (THANK YOU for buying the anthology!!) reminded me that I went to Target for the first time in six months last week (my sister needed something in a hurry, and they were the only store carrying it).
J
Thank you for reading my dad’s obituary, he was such a great guy, and didn’t think he was exceptional in any way. As he put it at his 70th birthday party, “I just wanted to have adventures!”
Melissa
I’m up for the randomness. Your dad sounds like a wonderful human being and I’m sure he would be proud of the way you’re living your values. Love Walnut King, and that Ted wants to be the King one year. You should find out how to make that happen. I refuse to play monopoly so completely get the cartoon. I don’t think Mountainhead is for me—too much ick factor.
J
Melissa, Monopoly is the WORST. And yes, I need to look into this Walnut King gig…
Stephany
I was also driving home on the 4th to all sorts of fireworks going off. It was very scary! I just felt bad for my mom’s dog, Lucy, who was just so scared the whole evening. 🙁 My cats didn’t even notice all the loud bangs!
I watched the first season of The Bear but it was too stressful for me to watch! I wish I enjoyed that sort of TV, though, because everyone raves about it so much.
Hooray for your decluttering challenge AND for reorganizing that LFL. That would drive me bananas, too.
J
Stephany, I was downtown with some friends yestserday and we walked past a LFL that was so cluttered! I wanted to stop and clean it up, but I acted like a resonable person and kept walking. Bah. Maybe next time I’ll be alone.