I did! Just a few days ago. I like how it turned out, so I guess the huge needles were worth it.

I wonder if it’s a Gaillardia species or something related to an oxeye daisy - the leaf clasping a “branch” as it shoots off the stem reminds me of them

Did you buy it as seeds or a plant, or did it come up on its own? You are right, this don’t appear to be an Asclepias species, which typically have single leaves that come directly off the stem.

Your hard work paid off, these look really nice! I have a U shaped garden and used stone pavers to make the path in the middle, but the grass is still growing in between. Maybe I’ll plan to switch to mulch.

Sounds like your clocks aren’t set to cat time. Better check if they’re on the right time zone or if they need new batteries.

Uh oh. Were you 1 minute late with dinner again?

Half of the fun is in making things, and you can only have so many sweaters before you have to start giving them away anyways.

I’ll knit something for anyone, so this is exactly how I feel too. But for others (non-knitters) there seems to be this feeling that knit/crochet/quilted things should be treated as precious family heirlooms. Maybe because not as many people do these hobbies now? And/Or it’s still seen as something grandmas do, and things from your grandma should be treasured?

I’ve heard of it but don’t know anyone who’s experienced it. That said, a sweater is not usually an easy or quick knit. I could see someone being uncomfortable accepting one if they’re not sure about the relationship as a whole.

I like the visual interest those red leaf plants add

Look at that sweet innocent face! I just want to boop his widdle pink nose

That’s really smart! And probably less stressful for you and her. My cat used to play fetch on the stairs when he was younger. Now at 17 he just watches it roll down the steps, then stares at me until I go get it.

I didn’t mind the projectile part, probably because they never got me. It is pretty acidic and eventually stains an area no matter how much you clean.

When dry the feathers feel smooth, but not really oily. If you’ve ever pet a duck it’s pretty similar.

I did have an African penguin almost knock me into the pool once. It was nesting season and he tried to take my radio’s antenna. While it was clipped on my belt and I was crouched down scrubbing the edge of the pool. Luckily I regained my balance and he found a real stick to take instead.

Yeah they definitely look worse for the wear during the molt. Also, having taken care of penguins before, they have waaay more feathers than you think they would.

Not owl-specific, but interestingly penguins go through what’s called a “catastrophic molt” where they replace all their feathers in a short period of time (a few weeks to a month).

This is because they need their feathers to insulate them in the water. Typical bird molting, which lets most birds replace feathers without losing their ability to fly, would be like swimming with a leaky wetsuit for the penguins. This would force the penguins to burn too many calories just to stay warm. Instead they eat extra food leading up to the molt, then mostly stay on land and live off their fat reserves until the molt is finished.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading my bird nerd tangent lol

TLDR plant-based junk food is still junk food.

I find myself wondering why this study happened. Looks like it’s to actually have proof of something we’d assume is true?

a new study authors call “the first” to show ultraprocessed plant foods are associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

You don’t say

That smile made me smile

“Who dares disturb my slumber?”

It’s like an i spy book

And more penguin species live outside the Antarctic region than in it

I find the school’s claim to be a lazy cop-out. My child’s school is K-12, and I recently had to go through a whole paperwork process to give my 3rd grader permission to check out middle school level books.