Birdfeeding

Today is cloudy and cold. It snowed a little last night, just a light dusting. The temperature got down to 7°F.

I fed the birds. I've seen a large flock of starlings, a flock of sparrows, several mourning doves, and a pair of cardinals.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 2/18/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

I put out extra seed for the birds. I've seen two male cardinals.

I am done for the night.

Halloumi Recipes

My partner Doug found a small block of halloumi, so I looked up possible recipes for it. Rubbery when cold, this cheese is typically pan-fried or grilled then served hot and gooey.

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Exoplanets

Science Newsfrom research organizations

'Out of science fiction': First 3D observations of an exoplanet's atmosphere reveal a unique climate
Astronomers have peered through the atmosphere of a planet beyond the Solar System, mapping its 3D structure for the first time. By combining all four telescope units of the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT), they found powerful winds carrying chemical elements like iron and titanium, creating intricate weather patterns across the planet's atmosphere. The discovery opens the door for detailed studies of the chemical makeup and weather of other alien worlds.


This sounds like what one worldbuilding book called "rigorous chemical conditions." It's challenging to visit ... but the more complex and active an atmosphere is, the more I start thinking about how life likes environments where lots of things are happening. With metallic clouds, it'd be "life not as we know it" but this really makes me want a closer look.