The Spread of the 2-Body Problem

Academics have long been aware of the 2-Body Problem, when both partners have a career with limited opportunities. Apparently it's a much wider problem for young people today, where more couples have two careers. In order to support both, they're crowding into job-rich, transit-rich neighborhoods of metroplexes. This causes a number of problems, from income segregation to housing shortages.

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Hellen Keller Doll

For those of you collecting accessibility toys, Mattel has released a Hellen Keller doll, complete with Braille labeling.  \o/ 

Birdfeeding

Today is mild and gray with a light breeze.

I fed the birds.  I've seen doves, house finches, and cardinals today.

Before lunch, I planted flower seeds in the septic garden.

After lunch, I pulled grass out of the wildflower garden.

The first irises are blooming in the wagonwheel garden.  The poppies are already done.

EDIT 5/18/21 -- I planted Pale Purple Coneflower and Clasping Coneflower (yellow) in the wildflower garden.

EDIT 5/18/21 -- I pulled more grass from the wildflower garden.

EDIT 5/18/21 -- I planted a mix of Shortgrass Prairie Flowers in the wildflower garden.

EDIT 5/18/21 -- I planted several more wildflowers in the wildflower garden.

Grapes Make Plasma

... when microwaved, and now we know how.  :D  I love geeks so much.  A jock will microwave grapes to watch things catch fire.  A geek will wonder why  things catch fire, and then devise experiments to find out.  It was likely a jock who first captured a wild flame, but it was certainly a geek who figured out how to keep the damn thing alive.

Basement

Copious water is gushing in the basement. My partner Doug thinks that the hose for the sump pump is disconnected. I measured the standing water at 7 1/4" and we're going to check it again later to see if it's rising rapidly. I suspect that it will, indeed, continue to rise as the fields are flooded and the sump is not doing its job, but I don't know how fast it will rise.

EDIT 5/18/21 -- The part of the house on the same circuit as the sump has lost power. >_< That's the dining room, living room, and my office. So it's turning into a real pain in the ass. Fortunately the refrigerator and freezer still have power. But I'm typing with a camping lantern in my office, which is awkward.