Warming Spices

A conversation inspired this, and I thought more people could use it, so I'm putting this in its own post.


Believe it or not, there's a practical reason for the modern fad of Pumpkin Spice Everything in the cold season, and it's a very old one. "Pumpkin spice" and its synonym "apple pie spice" are both warming spice blends. The recipe is nothing more elaborate than a cinnamon base with several other warming spices added to diversify the flavor. The name isn't a joke: these spices actually warm you up. They can be used in many ways.

While I doubt that most people chasing the fad are aware of its deep history -- both ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine use these to combat cold weather -- the effects can be observed and enjoyed by anyone paying attention to their body. Probably not everyone notices that either, but they do seem to swarm on Pumpkin Spice Everything as soon as the weather cools, and lose interest in spring. If someone gets chilled, don't offer alcohol, offer a hot beverage with warming spices.

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Birdfeeding

It's a beautiful fall day out, clear and crisp.

I fed the birds.  Large flock of dark-eyed juncos today, probably 1-2 dozen, plus cardinals, mourning doves, sparrows, a Bewick's wren, a downy woodpecker, and a squirrel.  :D

I raked leaves off the tulip garden, hopefully removing some of the weed seeds, and I hauled two trolleys of them to the firepit.

While I was working, I heard something going "whee-aw, whee-aw."  I walked toward the prairie garden and flushed a hawk. I suspect it's a juvenile, given the babyish voice.  So many baby birds this year!  \o/ 

Go Citi!

I almost never pay attention to ads, but this one snagged my attention: "If you are trans or non-binary, let's update your first name on your eligible Citi-branded credit card."  That company paid money  to promote inclusion and reach out to its customers who are probably frustrated by every other paperwork-holder dragging their feet over the same change.  Someone is a marketing genius.

Do you have a service that uses customer names?  Make sure people know how to update their names if they change presentation, get married, etc.

Self-Awareness Question: Attracted

Folks have mentioned an interest in questions and conversations that make them think. So I've decided to offer more of those. This is the current list on self-awareness.

56. Are you attracted to a specific type of person?

LOL yes and no.  There are specific things that turn my head -- including but limited to red hair, alternative sex/gender dynamics, intelligence, and competence -- but I like such a wide range that I don't really have a single "type."  My sexuality is a tesseract.