12/11/2025 So Richmong Marshes and Meeker Slough
Dec. 11th, 2025 06:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mrkinchToday I went at low tide, hoping for Black Skimmers. I didn't find any (although merlin thinks it did) and initially didn't think I'd submit a list until I heard the geese. As on Sunday, I heard both Cackling and Greater White-fronted Geese but this time I found the latter, two long skeins of them very high up, more than a hundred in the first skein and at least sixty in the second. I still did not see the Cacklers. Maybe tomorrow. Heh. I heard and saw more shorebirds than over the weekend because there was more shore exposed. Had I gone a little earlier the birds would have been closer, but I heard Black-bellied Plovers and Marbled Godwits, and a flock of Least Sandpipers flew low over the Bay. I even heard Ridgway's Rails, who may have been responding to my coughing. Percussive sounds often get them going. The only surprise bird was hearing a Purple Finch! They're usually up in the hills, not at the shore. ( The list: )
Another birder told me that there were Snow Geese reported at Shimada Friendship Park, which is just down the road from Meeker slough. I thought I might as well go see and there they were, three adults and a juvenile resting in the grass. Not the first time I've seen them there but I'd not seen four at a time.
Another birder told me that there were Snow Geese reported at Shimada Friendship Park, which is just down the road from Meeker slough. I thought I might as well go see and there they were, three adults and a juvenile resting in the grass. Not the first time I've seen them there but I'd not seen four at a time.
Tangled: The Next Birthday by lalaietha
Dec. 12th, 2025 08:05 ampedanther posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
fancakeFandom: Tangled
Pairings/Characters: Flynn Rider/Rapunzel
Rating: General Audiencees
Length: 714
Creator Links:![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p2.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
lalaietha
Theme: Amnesty, Old Fandoms, Comfortfic
Summary:
"You know," Eugene's voice comes from the side of the tower, "I am really out of practice in climbing up sheer rock-faced walls and across rickety shingles. D'you think I should start a workout regimen again? I mean, I'd kind of let it slide because these are skills commonly associated with thievery and I'm all reformed, but - "
Reccer's Notes:
In which Rapunzel is feeling overwhelmed by her first birthday celebration that involves more than one person and a chameleon, and Flynn offers sympathy and helpful(?) advice.
Short and sweet, and seemed appropriate for Fancake's birthday.
Fanwork Links: The Next Birthday on AO3
Pairings/Characters: Flynn Rider/Rapunzel
Rating: General Audiencees
Length: 714
Creator Links:
Theme: Amnesty, Old Fandoms, Comfortfic
Summary:
"You know," Eugene's voice comes from the side of the tower, "I am really out of practice in climbing up sheer rock-faced walls and across rickety shingles. D'you think I should start a workout regimen again? I mean, I'd kind of let it slide because these are skills commonly associated with thievery and I'm all reformed, but - "
Reccer's Notes:
In which Rapunzel is feeling overwhelmed by her first birthday celebration that involves more than one person and a chameleon, and Flynn offers sympathy and helpful(?) advice.
Short and sweet, and seemed appropriate for Fancake's birthday.
Fanwork Links: The Next Birthday on AO3
Fancake is FIFTEEN
Dec. 11th, 2025 10:16 amrunpunkrun posting in fancake
On this day in history, jerakeen made the very first post to this comm. Happy birthday to us!
To celebrate fancake's fifteen years of operation, we're taking a two-pronged approach, with thanks to full_metal_ox for suggesting the second prong:
post recs to the comm for fanworks published in 2010 for amnesty (if all else fails, theme: old fandoms should probably cover you, but consider also theme: favorite fanworks, theme: fandom classics, and theme: underloved fanworks)
comment on this post with what you were into when you were fifteen—or what you were into fifteen years ago—what you're into today, and how your tastes have changed—or not!—over the years, or share your thoughts in your own journal and leave us a link here in the comments
a secret third thing???
Happy birthday, Fancake! Thank you for making this comm a community. 🎂
The Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Dec 10)
Dec. 11th, 2025 05:47 amspikedluvI had a chiropractic appointment this morning. I hit the Pharmacy for myself and Price Chopper to pick up some things for mom while I was downtown.
I stopped by mom’s briefly to delivery her groceries etc, but didn’t stay because of the snow. I also hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, e-filed the sales and tire tax for the garage, wrote out a check for my aunt, and scooped kitty litter. I made a wacky cake because I’ve been in the mood and put together the ziti for supper.
I got more Christmas stuff done: I placed two orders and made a list so I could make sure I was on track with GC purchases. The big thing will be if I get things wrapped or bagged ahead of time. I also watched some HGTV programs.
ETA: I forgot to tell you about a poll I saw on Tumblr today. Thinking about my answer to it made me chuckle. It was the last song you heard as a tattoo. I've been listening to the Top Gun CD so the last song I actually heard was the instrumental theme song, which would not make a good tattoo. But I got thinking, it would've been cool if it had been 'Danger Zone'!! And then I thought, it would have been appropriate if it had been 'Playing With the Boys', since that's what I do here on DW. *g*
Temps started out at 30.2(F) and reached 36.3. The snow started about 7:45am, but the roads were coated by the time I left downtown and picked up the dogs (on the way home so I didn’t have to make another trip). It was basically over at 3pm and we only got about 4 inches (out of a possible 8, so that doesn't hurt my feelings). The first time I shoveled the snow was pretty light, but by the second time it had gotten heavier, probably because the temp went up a bit.
Mom Update:
Please see this post for today’s update. I’ve since put in a cut for those who won’t want to read it when scrolling.
I stopped by mom’s briefly to delivery her groceries etc, but didn’t stay because of the snow. I also hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, e-filed the sales and tire tax for the garage, wrote out a check for my aunt, and scooped kitty litter. I made a wacky cake because I’ve been in the mood and put together the ziti for supper.
I got more Christmas stuff done: I placed two orders and made a list so I could make sure I was on track with GC purchases. The big thing will be if I get things wrapped or bagged ahead of time. I also watched some HGTV programs.
ETA: I forgot to tell you about a poll I saw on Tumblr today. Thinking about my answer to it made me chuckle. It was the last song you heard as a tattoo. I've been listening to the Top Gun CD so the last song I actually heard was the instrumental theme song, which would not make a good tattoo. But I got thinking, it would've been cool if it had been 'Danger Zone'!! And then I thought, it would have been appropriate if it had been 'Playing With the Boys', since that's what I do here on DW. *g*
Temps started out at 30.2(F) and reached 36.3. The snow started about 7:45am, but the roads were coated by the time I left downtown and picked up the dogs (on the way home so I didn’t have to make another trip). It was basically over at 3pm and we only got about 4 inches (out of a possible 8, so that doesn't hurt my feelings). The first time I shoveled the snow was pretty light, but by the second time it had gotten heavier, probably because the temp went up a bit.
Mom Update:
Please see this post for today’s update. I’ve since put in a cut for those who won’t want to read it when scrolling.
12/9/2026 Inspiration Trail
Dec. 9th, 2025 07:19 pmmrkinchI got up there at 10(!) hoping to avoid the fog, and I mostly did. So it was sunny, the trail was tolerably dry, and I got to the north end as I did not last time. Unfortunately there were chainsaws going up on the ridge and I suspect they discourage bird activity. Perhaps not, but the only mixed flock I came upon was around the point and away from the noise. Anyway, it was not a particularly birdy morning, no Warblers, and again very few Winter visitors: a lot of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, as usual, one Hermit Thrush, but three Golden-crowned Sparrows! It's strange to be relieved to see three Golden-crowns. The mixed flock was fun and added substantially to my list. ( The list: )
The Golden-crowns were part of the delightful mixed flock I found in the big oak out at the point, probably eating bits of green as they love to do. They devastate U's newly planted garden every Spring unless she puts down netting.
The Golden-crowns were part of the delightful mixed flock I found in the big oak out at the point, probably eating bits of green as they love to do. They devastate U's newly planted garden every Spring unless she puts down netting.
Default deadline passed (and deadline change reminder)
Dec. 10th, 2025 03:10 pmyuletidemods posting in yuletide_adminThe default deadline has passed! Defaults after this date will require a New Year’s Resolution fic before you can sign up again. See more info about defaulting at our FAQ.
Original assignments and pinch hits #1-96 are due in a little over 6 days, at:
9pm UTC, 17 December
See when that is in YOUR timezone
See countdown
This is an international exchange, and deadlines are given in UTC/GMT. This deadline is also at a DIFFERENT TIME OF DAY to deadlines we've used in recent years. Please click the links and check when the deadline is for you. We appreciate it!
Good luck to all writing, and especial thanks to everyone tackling pinch hits! Check outyuletide_pinch_hits for requests currently in need of writers.
Schedule, Rules, & Collection | Contact Mods | Participant DW | Participant LJ | Pinch Hits on DW | Discord | Tag set | Tag set app
Please either comment logged-in or sign a name. Unsigned anonymous comments will be left screened.
Original assignments and pinch hits #1-96 are due in a little over 6 days, at:
See when that is in YOUR timezone
See countdown
This is an international exchange, and deadlines are given in UTC/GMT. This deadline is also at a DIFFERENT TIME OF DAY to deadlines we've used in recent years. Please click the links and check when the deadline is for you. We appreciate it!
Good luck to all writing, and especial thanks to everyone tackling pinch hits! Check out
yuletide_pinch_hits for requests currently in need of writers.Please either comment logged-in or sign a name. Unsigned anonymous comments will be left screened.
News
Dec. 10th, 2025 01:46 pmmarthawellsSome news:
* The Murderbot and fantasy novel Humble Bundle has returned for two days. The charity donation is still World Central Kitchen:
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books-encore
* I'll be co-guest of honor with John Picacio at AggieCon 55 on January 30-February 1 2026 in College Station, TX.
https://www.aggiecon.net/
* Also you can preorder Platform Decay, the next book in The Murderbot Diaries, at whichever retailer you prefer, and it will be out on May 5, 2026. Published by Tor Books, cover art by Jaime Jones, edited by Lee Harris.
https://bookshop.org/p/books/platform-decay-martha-wells/8cf1662cf8bf8d15?ean=9781250827005&next=t
* The Murderbot and fantasy novel Humble Bundle has returned for two days. The charity donation is still World Central Kitchen:
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/martha-wells-murderbot-and-more-tor-books-encore
* I'll be co-guest of honor with John Picacio at AggieCon 55 on January 30-February 1 2026 in College Station, TX.
https://www.aggiecon.net/
* Also you can preorder Platform Decay, the next book in The Murderbot Diaries, at whichever retailer you prefer, and it will be out on May 5, 2026. Published by Tor Books, cover art by Jaime Jones, edited by Lee Harris.
https://bookshop.org/p/books/platform-decay-martha-wells/8cf1662cf8bf8d15?ean=9781250827005&next=t
Wednesday Reading Meme
Dec. 10th, 2025 10:36 amspikedluvWhat I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter Series) by David Rosenfelt and Framed in Death (In Death Series) by J.D. Robb.
What I am Currently Reading: The Serpent on the Crown (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters.
What I Plan to Read Next: I have a library book out, so hopefully that.
Book 108 of 2025: And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter Series) (David Rosenfelt)
I enjoyed this book! ( spoilers )
I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for the Christmas-themed stories in this series. This one was very good; I'm giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 109 of 2025: Framed in Death (In Death Series) (J.D. Robb)
I enjoyed this! ( spoilers )
This was a good story and I'm giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
What I am Currently Reading: The Serpent on the Crown (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters.
What I Plan to Read Next: I have a library book out, so hopefully that.
Book 108 of 2025: And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter Series) (David Rosenfelt)
I enjoyed this book! ( spoilers )
I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for the Christmas-themed stories in this series. This one was very good; I'm giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
Book 109 of 2025: Framed in Death (In Death Series) (J.D. Robb)
I enjoyed this! ( spoilers )
This was a good story and I'm giving it five hearts.
♥♥♥♥♥
The Day in Spikedluv (Tuesday, Dec 9)
Dec. 10th, 2025 07:21 amspikedluvI hit Walmart while I was downtown. (I got to see Baby A – should I change that to Toddler A now?!! *g* – again when I was at BK and Sister S was going through the drive-thru with her. Apparently she loves the hash browns. *g* They were on their way to PT, then school.)
I drove mom to her appointments, did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a walk with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I also hit the post office and the bank.
I ended up making a crustless broccoli and cheese quiche for supper. I'll put the ziti together for tomorrow instead.
I read the Amelia Peabody book and watched an HGTV program.
Temps started out at -3.3(F) (why so freaking cold already?!!) and reached 25.9 (that I saw). BRR!
Mom Update:
Mom was not feeling great today. ( more back here )
I drove mom to her appointments, did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a walk with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I also hit the post office and the bank.
I ended up making a crustless broccoli and cheese quiche for supper. I'll put the ziti together for tomorrow instead.
I read the Amelia Peabody book and watched an HGTV program.
Temps started out at -3.3(F) (why so freaking cold already?!!) and reached 25.9 (that I saw). BRR!
Mom Update:
Mom was not feeling great today. ( more back here )
NATM: if this was a cowboy movie (i'd give you my boots) by Liviapenn
Dec. 10th, 2025 06:48 pm22degreehalo posting in fancakeFandom: Night at the Museum
Pairings/Characters: Jedediah/Octavius
Rating: T
Length: 10,180
Creator Links:liviapenn
Theme: Amnesty, Cultural Differences, Enemies to Friends (to Lovers), Enemies Working Together, Missing Scenes
Summary: There are secret articles in our treaties with the gods, of more importance than all the rest, which the historian can never know. -- Henry David Thoreau
This hour I tell things in confidence,
I might not tell everybody, but I will tell you.
-- Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself"
Reccer's Notes: This is so much fun, charting the growth in these boys' friendship starting from their trek through the snow in the movie to their awkward, gradual romantic advances post-canon ❤️
Fanwork Links: if this was a cowboy movie (i'd give you my boots)
Pairings/Characters: Jedediah/Octavius
Rating: T
Length: 10,180
Creator Links:
Theme: Amnesty, Cultural Differences, Enemies to Friends (to Lovers), Enemies Working Together, Missing Scenes
Summary: There are secret articles in our treaties with the gods, of more importance than all the rest, which the historian can never know. -- Henry David Thoreau
This hour I tell things in confidence,
I might not tell everybody, but I will tell you.
-- Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself"
Reccer's Notes: This is so much fun, charting the growth in these boys' friendship starting from their trek through the snow in the movie to their awkward, gradual romantic advances post-canon ❤️
Fanwork Links: if this was a cowboy movie (i'd give you my boots)
2025 Away from Keyboard post
Dec. 10th, 2025 09:27 pmmorbane posting in yuletideYuletide is coming! If everything goes well, we will reveal works in the main collection at 9pm UTC on 24 December, two weeks from now. Madness works are revealed a day later.
(Default deadline is 9pm UTC on the 10th; posting deadline is 9pm UTC on the 17th.)
In Yuletide, it's important to leave a comment on your gift (or gifts) to thank your author.
If you think you'll be delayed in commenting until late in the anonymous period (ending 1 January) or maybe not even until well into the new year, you can use this post to OPTIONALLY let your author(s) know about that delay ahead of time. You don't need to give a reason, but an approximate time indication may be helpful. Please include your AO3 name.
Thanks everyone! Good luck with writing, and please consider the beta post oryuletide_pinch_hits if you have capacity for beta jobs or pinch hits!
(Default deadline is 9pm UTC on the 10th; posting deadline is 9pm UTC on the 17th.)
In Yuletide, it's important to leave a comment on your gift (or gifts) to thank your author.
If you think you'll be delayed in commenting until late in the anonymous period (ending 1 January) or maybe not even until well into the new year, you can use this post to OPTIONALLY let your author(s) know about that delay ahead of time. You don't need to give a reason, but an approximate time indication may be helpful. Please include your AO3 name.
Thanks everyone! Good luck with writing, and please consider the beta post or
yuletide_pinch_hits if you have capacity for beta jobs or pinch hits!
BG3: Glad Tidings by partingxshot
Dec. 10th, 2025 12:41 pm22degreehalo posting in fancakeFandom: Baldur's Gate 3
Pairings/Characters: Wyll/Astarion
Rating: T
Length: 25,638
Creator Links:partingxshot
Theme: Amnesty, Black Characters, Characters of Colour, Character Development, Established Relationship, Family, Just Plain Fun, Marriage, Outsider POV, Politics, Post-Canon, Unconventional Format & Style, Working Together
Summary: You are ULDER RAVENGARD.
Your son is completely besotted with his fiancé, but you can’t figure out the appeal. He’s spoiled, and petty, and seems chiefly concerned with draining the Ravengard coffers. You are, frankly, at your wits’ fucking end.
Surely the only solution is to declare an INSANE SECRET WAR on him before he can ruin the MIDWINTER'S EVE BALL. This cannot possibly backfire.
[A choose-your-own-adventure Astarion son-in-law simulator. Happy Holidays! Or possibly the opposite of that.]
Reccer's Notes: This is just so much fun 😄 The notion of how Astarion would fit in at Wyll's childhood home is a common topic for Wyllstarions, and this is such a fun take on it!! It's remarkably coherent no matter which paths you take, and there are so many fun running jokes or weird endings to find! (And also, if you enjoy the writing style... Might I have a particular webcomic called Homestuck to recommend? Because it was very clearly an inspiration :D)
Fanwork Links: Glad Tidings
I need a Baldur's Gate fandom tag please, mods!!
Pairings/Characters: Wyll/Astarion
Rating: T
Length: 25,638
Creator Links:
Theme: Amnesty, Black Characters, Characters of Colour, Character Development, Established Relationship, Family, Just Plain Fun, Marriage, Outsider POV, Politics, Post-Canon, Unconventional Format & Style, Working Together
Summary: You are ULDER RAVENGARD.
Your son is completely besotted with his fiancé, but you can’t figure out the appeal. He’s spoiled, and petty, and seems chiefly concerned with draining the Ravengard coffers. You are, frankly, at your wits’ fucking end.
Surely the only solution is to declare an INSANE SECRET WAR on him before he can ruin the MIDWINTER'S EVE BALL. This cannot possibly backfire.
[A choose-your-own-adventure Astarion son-in-law simulator. Happy Holidays! Or possibly the opposite of that.]
Reccer's Notes: This is just so much fun 😄 The notion of how Astarion would fit in at Wyll's childhood home is a common topic for Wyllstarions, and this is such a fun take on it!! It's remarkably coherent no matter which paths you take, and there are so many fun running jokes or weird endings to find! (And also, if you enjoy the writing style... Might I have a particular webcomic called Homestuck to recommend? Because it was very clearly an inspiration :D)
Fanwork Links: Glad Tidings
I need a Baldur's Gate fandom tag please, mods!!
Tags:
- fandom: baldur's gate,
- length: 20.000 - 40.000 words,
- theme: amnesty,
- theme: black characters,
- theme: character development,
- theme: characters of color,
- theme: established relationship,
- theme: family,
- theme: just plain fun,
- theme: marriage,
- theme: outsider pov,
- theme: politics,
- theme: post-canon,
- theme: unconventional format & style,
- theme: working together
Blackadder: General Relativity by Nomad
Dec. 10th, 2025 12:14 pm22degreehalo posting in fancakeFandom: Blackadder Goes Forth
Pairings/Characters: Blackadder/Darling
Rating: T
Length: 20,605
Creator Links:nomadicwriter
Theme: Amnesty, Casefic, Cuddling Snuggling & Bed-Sharing, Enemies to Lovers, Enemies Working Together, Forced Proximity, Historical Settings, Just Plain Fun, Old Fandoms, Rare Pairings, Pretend Couple, Small Fandoms, Time Travel, Uncommon Settings, Undercover as a Couple
Summary: Darling's remarkable resemblance to French traitor the Duc de Darling - no relation - sees him unwillingly sent to infiltrate a German-occupied château. Blackadder accompanies him even less willingly, especially when he learns exactly what it is they're looking for.
(Baldrick is also there, but no one bothered to find out if it was willingly or otherwise.)
Reccer's Notes: This is just so fucking good. It has been an age since I last watched Blackadder but this fic brought me all the way back immediately: the character voices are just chef's kiss! It really feels like it could've been a special episode, except with added totally in-character shippiness! 10/10, perfect characterisation, perfect dynamics, perfect silliness, no notes ❤️
Fanwork Links: General Relativity
Pairings/Characters: Blackadder/Darling
Rating: T
Length: 20,605
Creator Links:
Theme: Amnesty, Casefic, Cuddling Snuggling & Bed-Sharing, Enemies to Lovers, Enemies Working Together, Forced Proximity, Historical Settings, Just Plain Fun, Old Fandoms, Rare Pairings, Pretend Couple, Small Fandoms, Time Travel, Uncommon Settings, Undercover as a Couple
Summary: Darling's remarkable resemblance to French traitor the Duc de Darling - no relation - sees him unwillingly sent to infiltrate a German-occupied château. Blackadder accompanies him even less willingly, especially when he learns exactly what it is they're looking for.
(Baldrick is also there, but no one bothered to find out if it was willingly or otherwise.)
Reccer's Notes: This is just so fucking good. It has been an age since I last watched Blackadder but this fic brought me all the way back immediately: the character voices are just chef's kiss! It really feels like it could've been a special episode, except with added totally in-character shippiness! 10/10, perfect characterisation, perfect dynamics, perfect silliness, no notes ❤️
Fanwork Links: General Relativity
Tags:
- fandom: blackadder,
- length: 20.000 - 40.000 words,
- theme: amnesty,
- theme: casefic,
- theme: cuddling snuggling & bed-sharing,
- theme: enemies to lovers,
- theme: enemies working together,
- theme: forced proximity,
- theme: historical settings,
- theme: just plain fun,
- theme: old fandoms,
- theme: pretend couple,
- theme: rare pairings,
- theme: small fandoms,
- theme: time travel,
- theme: uncommon settings,
- theme: undercover as a couple
