The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Slash Community

I think it's the Small Internet.

I think I spend too much time On It and my default on the small internet (aka my phone), despite being logged in on here on it, is to go on the algorithmically driven socials (usually instagram, sometimes threads) and doom scroll.

I need to break that habit and default to Dreamwidth instead, even on the small internet.

I'm going to go through and try to get caught up on folks's posts and everything. Just know I have not forgotten about you all, I just have to rebuild my habits, you know?

I meant to post photos from the garden tour immediately after, but clearly failed with that. Ooops. I got sidetracked into a new project or two. Firstly, I am trying to focus on being more active and perhaps improving my health numbers a bit. Finally uncovered my various leftover exercise equipment pieces and so have been walking twice daily and doing a bit of strength training. Not that I expect much from these mild efforts, but at my age, I figure anything I do will help. I appreciate especially getting out to walk - my street will do in a pinch but getting out to a park is way more enjoyable. I am finding more local parks.

Secondly, now that I've been in the house for some months I am thinking that it could be better organized for my needs, so I am going through and sorting/organizing and moving things, and yes, decluttering is part of that. Laugh if you will, after all my previous decluttering, but it is a constant maintenance thing. Otherwise things can really pile up, especially after Prime Days, where I bought a number of small but useful things. Still waiting on a couple to arrive.

The kids and I are planning some events for this summer. I particularly want to ride the light rail where it floats over Lake Mercer. It's a one of a kind ride! And also, a whale watching boat tour. I'd also like to go to the Pacific shore for a weekend, of course visit Mt. Rainier, see the replica Stonehenge and at some point see Snoqualmie Falls and up to Leavenworth, the Bavarian village. Their work schedule may mean I have to go on my own for some of these outings, but remain hopeful we can manage a few of these together. Fingers crossed there will still be gas available to take little trips like this.

Met some lovely neighbors who care for a small tribe of feral cats here in the neighborhood so of course I volunteered to help them out with supplies and some money. I've only seen two of the cats - one a Siamese looking male (intact) and a calico female. I'm told there are also two tuxedo females. All three females have been spayed. Since Kayden is hostile to other cats I can't offer food or housing in my own yard, so this is the next best thing.

I was hopeful we were actually going to get summer going last week, when it got quite warm, but it has since cooled down quite a bit and mostly been overcast. I know this is susandennis's ideal weather but if I have to wear sweats and flannels in July, it is too damned cold! I know, it sounds like a dream come true to those of you stuck in this horrible heat dome so I'll not complain anymore. I wish relief to all of you suffering so, especially those in Europe who don't have ways to ease the pain of excessive heat.

All right, on to the garden tour. It was a wonderful day. The weather cooperated and my DIL and I had a great time. She does love her gardens. We did take a lunch break but sadly the tea room I found only does high tea by reservation on Saturday, so we missed out on that. But we found a nice little sidewalk cafe to grab sandwiches instead.

There were two standout gardens. The first one we saw was an incredibly peaceful and beautiful Japanese garden, complete with three ponds, fountains and an amazing variety of plants. It's a small suburban lot but because of the meandering paths felt a lot larger. This was far and away my favorite garden, very cool, densely shaded and very very restful. The couple has been building this yard for over 40 years and sadly, they will be selling next year because the house and garden are simply too much for them now.

The long and winding path through the Japanese garden


One of the garden ponds


Just look at this gorgeous tree, with the branches draping vertically. It masks the fence facing the street.


A dry creek bed


A boulder wall dividing the garden from the neighbor on the high side of the hill.


There were all kinds of adorable sculptures and glass art pieces throughout the garden. I could not resist these two metal cats!


The second garden I loved was 180 degrees different. It was funky and fun and silly. Another small suburban lot, this time flat ground, but the owners' brought their personal flair to it completely. Nearly all the planters are recycled - rusty old bicycles with their baskets overflowing with flowers; an old toilet; a wringer washing machine, an old cookstove and something like 20 old bathtubs. These folks brought a very delightful sense of humor to their yard.

Entrance to the funky and fun garden!


One bathtub of many!


The eyeball corner


A blue toilet!


The patio area


An overview of the yard.


The other three gardens were nice, with beautiful plantings, but lacked the vision and creativity of these two.

And finally, to round things off, here is my personal garden - my son and his wife, enjoying a brisket dinner (I cooked my very first brisket - and it was tasty!).

I think we might be about to lose Live Journal. I've been having issues getting into my journal off and on for the last couple of weeks. But it's been up for most people. Starting this weekend, there have been reports of more problems for others. Then this morning it seems to be down for everyone.

I don't want to lose it, but I'm glad I've got DW for a back up.

Fandoms in this post: The Professionals, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, The A-Team.

Well. I haven't started my Astreiant reread yet, but it was still a long time between my last post and this one. It's been one thing after another lately, and I've been reading less fanfic than usual. I've read more than I'm writing up here, as I've been grazing as well as working on this project. Nevertheless, I feel the lack.

I neglected to take notes on what I read this time. (Did I mention it's been one thing after another?) Consequently, I don't remember all the fics very clearly, and my write-ups may be a little vague. I hope you will enjoy them anyway.

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