Maria Langer VOTED

writer • silversmith • jewelry artist • boat captain • commercial helicopter & drone pilot • traveler • maker • weather nerd • independent thinker Don't blame me; I didn't vote for him. I TRY to maintain a No Politics Zone. I have a low tolerance for bullshit. I want to follow interesting people who share stories and images from their own lives. Original quality content rocks. Make some. .

Personal Blog: http://www.AnEclecticMind.com/
Boating Blog: https://www.MyGreatLoopAdventure.com/
Helicopter YouTube Channel: https://www.YouTube.com/c/FlyingMAir/
Jewelry Site: https://www.MLJewelryDesigns.com/

Public Key

npub10vr7rt6avkrzx0p0jpvuq9k48safeyp59p0ajz7lmemnwf80xqxsz8a88z

NIP-05 Address

mlanger_at_mastodon.world@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs8kplp4awktp3r8sheqkwqzm2ncw5ujq6zsh7ep00auaehynhnqrgpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsk02kw9

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub10vr7rt6avkrzx0p0jpvuq9k48safeyp59p0ajz7lmemnwf80xqxsz8a88z

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Last Notes

2026-10-30 12:33:12 UTC

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I love upcycling done right.

2026-10-29 12:01:33 UTC

If you can tolerate the interviewee's uptalking (🙄), this is an informative discussion of California's trial of (finally) putting solar panels atop open canals. California and Arizona should be doing this as quickly as they can to reduce evaporation and increase power generation. I've flown extensively over both states at low level and have seen hundreds of miles of canals there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89uDjx32BQY&feature=youtu.be

2026-10-26 14:11:30 UTC

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I'm so jealous that other people got stickers. I think they should've put stickers in our voting packages so we could wear them after voting.

2026-10-20 13:28:27 UTC

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I'm halfway through this and it's an excellent read. The middle part makes good, valid arguments against what AI proponents are saying. I am particularly offended by the claim that folks who do not dive into AI are Luddites. I made a living as a tech writer for more than 20 years and am in favor of tech that can actually improve our lives. I don't see that with what people are calling AI.

2026-10-14 17:42:33 UTC

US healthcare! You gotta hate it!
It just took me more than 20 minutes to make an appointment for an MRI of my hand. The soonest appointment I could get was 6 AM on November 12, about a month away. #FuckThisShit

2026-10-03 13:04:39 UTC

More stuff I learned: flying first class is so much more than a bigger seat with more legroom and free drinks and food.
1) special short line with smiling people to check your bag
2) two bags up to 70 pounds checked free; my bag weighed over 50 pounds but she didn't even look
3) TSA Pre Check* for fast security without removing your shoes or anything from your bags. They even let a water bottle through. And no backscatter machine. (1/3)
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2026-10-01 17:16:35 UTC

Here's a money saving tip to anyone who needs to bandage/re-bandage a wound or a splint with the stretchy stuff that sticks to itself. You can go into Walgreens and buy 2 yard rolls for $7.99 or you can go into the local feed store and buy 5 yard rolls of vet wrap for $2.99. And the vet rep comes in cool colors.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/117/366/783/386/947/793/original/93fa8725aa963f32.jpeg
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2026-09-29 15:36:54 UTC

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That's a long time ago. I bought my first domain in 1994. I don't really use it, but I still have it.

2026-09-29 15:28:01 UTC

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Dang! 🤣🤣🤣
But it is so fitting. And I've been seeing it more and more these days. It's actually pretty insulting when young people assume I'm stupid about tech. Holy crap. I bought my first domain name in the 1990s. I still compose blog posts in HTML. I spent more than 15 years on Twitter and Facebook.

2026-09-29 15:21:13 UTC

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Really? Someone else came up with it, too? Dang! Always late to the party.

2026-09-29 15:09:47 UTC

Did I just coin the word "kidsplaining" for when a young person tries to explain something to an older person because they think we're idiots because we have gray hair?

2026-09-19 14:08:48 UTC

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I like the way he's trying to put a positive spin on it. A true optimist!

2026-09-15 22:54:26 UTC

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One if by land?

2026-09-14 15:47:54 UTC

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Oh, I'm not tempted. But when there's cash involved, I will consider it. I once got $150 for a single link to a product already mentioned in a blog post. My blog is NOT high traffic so I'm not sure what they were thinking.

2026-09-14 12:45:37 UTC

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Have you read "The Wager"? I read it not long after it came out (which was recently) and it reminded me a lot of of the Caine Mutiny. A whole lot of stupidity.

2026-09-14 12:43:40 UTC

Just got an offer for a "content partnership" on my Great Loop blog. They want me to link to articles on their site in exchange for them linking to articles on my site. While I understand reciprocal linking, my site is not a commercial endeavor and theirs is. I told them I would be interested in a sponsorship that included paid links to their content, but only if their content was relevant to my target audience and not AI generated. I doubt I'll hear from them again. (1/2)

2026-09-14 12:43:40 UTC

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I pretty regularly get requests from people who want to be a "guest blogger" on one of my sites. My main site, An Eclectic Mind, clearly states on the contact page that I'm not interested in guest blogging. But the automated systems that are sending out these requests probably aren't reading the page with the form they're using to contact me.🙄 And I seriously doubt that what they send would be written by a real human, anyway. I just delete those. (2/2)

2026-09-14 03:09:40 UTC

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These days, that's a terrifying thought.

2026-09-13 12:33:30 UTC

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I'll try to post more pictures during the week. I've got some time at home to recover from this before I do 3-day art show in Leavenworth later in the month. Then I've got a weeklong trip to Georgia where I'm taking a lapidary class. Then I'm back at the marina with my truck and boat trailer to haul the boat over to Snohomish for ceramic coating and a solar upgrade. With luck, I'll have it stowed in the garage by the end of October and can take a break.

2026-09-13 12:09:11 UTC

Leaving Roche Harbor today, heading back to Anacortes. I pick up a new training client on Monday. I'm not looking forward to it. I'm tired and need a rest from socializing. My hermit-like existence is pleasant and having to spend large blocks of time with strangers is not. I'm glad this is my last multi-day teaching gig for a while.
I'm hoping to get my shit together enough to record some video while traveling today, but I suspect I won't. Feeling very run down and blasé.😔 Need a pep talk.

2026-09-06 18:06:40 UTC

Quick note about a dream I had yesterday. I dreamt I was at some kind of a seminar in an auditorium, sitting right in the front row. One speaker finished and they announced the next speaker, JD Vance. He spoke for less than 30 seconds when people started getting up to leave. I was the second one to go. 🤣🤣🤣

2026-09-06 02:47:50 UTC

The sun is setting out of view but we've got some nice pink clouds to the northeast. That's Bellingham in the far distance. You can see my crab trap buoy in the foreground, off to the right. #sunset #boating #PNW
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2026-09-05 12:41:37 UTC

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Yes! I can imagine not being able to do that while on the trail.
Every horse has a different mouth. For example, my ranch horse, Jake, could neck rein and did not like when the reins were pulled tight. He didn't need it. But my paint horse, Cherokee, required short reins all the time. He was clueless about neck reining. I actually used roping reins on him. Worked perfectly. Maybe Dusty was a horse like that who needed you to be "in his mouth" all the time to keep him under control.

2026-09-05 11:50:51 UTC

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This conversation is really making me miss my horses! Two winters ago I went on a trail ride in AZ. It was terrible. It was a typical dude ride, dusty and hot with horses walking nose to tail on a narrow trail. No freedom to stop and take a break, or take the horses into a trot or a lope in a wash. I won't do that again.
Neighbors about 2 miles away have horses and they often ride down my road. There's a horse trail that cuts through my property and I like to see them ride through.

2026-09-05 11:45:08 UTC

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Dude horses are notorious for testing their riders. Most riders fail. That's what happened with my sister on that Grand Canyon mule ride. She let the mule do whatever it wanted.
And grain is a high energy feed so it's not surprising that he was energetic. Obviously energy is a good thing to have on a demanding ride. (1/3)

2026-09-05 11:45:08 UTC

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I was taught a trick for dealing with a horse that doesn't want to obey. Pull one rein or the other to force the horse to walk around in a tight circle. Do maybe two circles. Then let the horse decide if he's going to listen. If he doesn't, do it again. I don't think this would work with neck reining; you'd have to literally pull the rein and bit in the horse's mouth to get his head nearly over to your leg. (2/3)
@npub1ttg…v0xy

2026-09-05 03:19:45 UTC

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Also, Jake was a great horse despite his sway back. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with people. But once you put a halter and lead rope on him or saddled him up, he would do whatever you wanted him to do. He was an amazing horse. I bought him for my wasband to ride.
Photo shows a picture of my two horses at my 40 acre property.. Cherokee, the expensive and idiotic paint quarter horse, was who I rode. He taught me how to fall off horses, I taught him how to behave.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/117/216/272/951/993/483/original/05a5bca0a2a84ef6.jpeg

2026-09-05 02:58:55 UTC

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Wranglers call inexperience riders "dudes." It's not a complementary term. Every time a rider gets on a horse that has multiple riders, it tests the rider to see what it can get away with. If you let it get away with stuff, it'll do it throughout the ride. Horses are a lot smarter than people think. When I did a mule ride down into the Grand Canyon with my sister, her mule was incredibly misbehaved because she let it. Mine wasn't. She thought the problem was the mule. It was her.

2026-09-04 12:53:22 UTC

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That's pretty funny!
A lot of people who don't really know horses and cowboys think that hobbles are cruel. They are not. The ones I've seen were always padded so they would be as comfortable as possible. Horses get used to them quickly.
One of my horses had been a real ranch horse earlier in his life and he could be "ground tied." That means simply dropping his reins on the ground. He would just wait until you came back and picked them up. Not be an overnight solution, though.

2026-09-04 12:30:49 UTC

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Thanks for all of this! Mark it's very informative.
As you may have figured out by now, I'm pretty much interested in almost everything.

2026-09-04 12:30:10 UTC

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Oops. I missed this before I asked my question. I've seen horses move pretty quick with hobbles on, but not too quick to be caught.

2026-09-04 11:54:22 UTC

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How did they feed the horses on the trip? Was there enough grazing or did they need to pack pellets? Or had they pre-stored feed at destinations? I'm assuming there was enough naturally occurring water for them, or was there? The photos are beautiful, but I'm always interested in logistics.

2026-09-04 04:49:39 UTC

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Death Valley?

2026-09-02 00:08:57 UTC

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I am enjoying the irony with Schadenfreude.

2026-09-01 22:16:31 UTC

Did some wire framing today. Beautiful glass cabochon by @npub1has…ysfx. Sterling silver. #jewelry #IMakeStuff
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2026-08-30 13:44:06 UTC

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I love when people share beautiful photos like this that they made and can share information about. Original content rocks!
Also, you know that I'm a sucker for reflection photos, right?😊

2026-08-24 23:45:33 UTC

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Have fun!

2026-08-21 14:30:04 UTC

While I had my #drone up, I sent it to take some relatively close-up shots at the #basalt cliffs south of my house. This is the column that worries me. I can see it clearly from my house and I don't think that if it dropped it would get as far as my house, but I certainly would not want to be below it.
I had to toggle the settings for the drone to get it up this high. Even though it was less than 400 feet off the ground where it was (legal), it was more than 400 feet above where it took off.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/117/133/974/122/715/143/original/0e9a9c5d7844b7e9.jpeg

2026-08-18 19:45:48 UTC

OK, what the hell is going on with #Siri #dictation on my phone? It is definitely adding words that I did not say.
For example, I said "Jones of Washington tasting room" and it typed "Jones Of Washington at Pybus." Pybus Market is the name of the building but I did not say this. It's obviously looking up information as I dictate. And yes Apple Intelligence is turned off.
I want dictation to type the words I say and only the words I say. #FuckAI

2026-08-16 19:57:15 UTC

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We can't have nice things. Unfortunately, that's been proven over and over in this country.😔

2026-08-14 16:40:11 UTC

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The place is massive and it's only partially built out. They have bribed our community by giving us $50 million to upgrade our water system. The local water company swears up and down that we won't run out of water, but they are also digging three new wells.

2026-08-14 16:29:50 UTC

Here's an interesting thing about the #Microsoft data center under construction in my town. It has SIX air quality sensors that send data to Purple Air.
I'm left to wonder why so many? Are they expecting to generate bad air? #AQI #DataCenter
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2026-08-12 20:33:48 UTC

Google is attempting to get me addicted to AI. They can offer me free AI services from now until Doomsday (which I understand is coming soon) and I won't take them.
Also, the end of this email message makes it pretty clear that this is for a limited time and if I want to keep using the AI services I'll have to pay for them. Like that's gonna happen. 🤣🤣🤣
#FuckAI #FuckGoogleToo
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2026-08-11 14:16:55 UTC

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If this is so important to you, you really need to consider getting a life.
At this point, you are harassing me and I will not stand for it.

2026-08-11 13:30:30 UTC

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Think about it. You should be smart enough to figure it out.

2026-08-11 13:22:58 UTC

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I refuse to argue this with you.

2026-08-11 13:17:15 UTC

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We know better. But we were going to vote for the Democrat anyway.
I don't like far left Democrats, but I'll be damned if I vote for a Trump enabler. But republicans are so terrified of socialism that they would rather vote for a Trump enabler, no matter how much they really don't like Trump now, than vote for a socialist.
They need at least half the votes to win. Some of those votes are going to have to come from Republicans. (2/2)
@npub1hpk…88gd [@LJ](https://sunny.garden/@LJ )

2026-08-11 13:17:14 UTC

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You are only fooling yourself if you think Democrats can get ahead in the midterms by running a bunch of far left or "Democratic socialist" candidates. Republicans are generally idiots; voting for Trump proves it. The regretful ones could be persuaded to vote for a Democrat, but not if the Democrat is wearing a socialist tag. They believe (incorrectly) that socialism equals communism and they have been taught to fear communism. (1/2)

2026-08-10 20:07:14 UTC

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Leavenworth, WA?

2026-08-10 12:10:29 UTC

Another summer power bill. I used to try to save the amount of power I used in the summer, keeping my home warmer than I wanted it to be. But it's really hard to conserve power when it's so freaking cheap. So now I just turn up the AC when I want it. My house is all electric. Heating and cooling is done through a heat pump. The bills are considerably higher in the winter — maybe $80? — apparently my house does a better job holding in cold air than hot air.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/117/071/142/581/447/841/original/88ce69c4819b35bf.png

2026-08-09 21:11:22 UTC

#SilentSunday
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2026-08-09 16:40:36 UTC

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My foot hurts just looking at that.

2026-08-09 16:31:13 UTC

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I was thinking the same thing when I saw it.

2026-08-07 14:52:20 UTC

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#USHealthcare #ER
7:50 AM: I have been in the ER exam room for a full (billable) hour. I've seen 2 nurses, a doctor, and an X-ray technician.

2026-08-07 14:44:26 UTC

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#USHealthcare #ER
7:20 AM The Day Nurse comes in to take blood. She's friendly. We joke and chat about how getting old sucks. She's young and fit and I advise her to stay that way.
An X-Ray tech with a portable machine comes in as the nurse is finishing up. She takes 3 X-rays of my forefinger, including one of my whole hand. She rolls out at 7:38 AM
I wait in my chair. The monitor that I'm not plugged into shows a flat line and beeps softly every 15 seconds or so.
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2026-08-07 14:21:27 UTC

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#USHealthcare #ER
7:10 AM. The doctor comes in. I tell him everything. He does not think it's an infection. He also does not believe the problem started where I think it did because it's not in the same place anymore. It's mostly moved into the knuckle joint for that finger. He's ordering more X-Rays and labs. Looking for inflammatory markers. Spent about 8 minutes with me. Told me to wait. I'm back in the chair.

2026-08-07 14:18:28 UTC

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#USHealthcare #ER #ERGames
6:50 AM. Called into exam room. Explained situation to nurse. He took my blood pressure (high) and temperature (below "normal" but high for me). Said his shift ends at 7 and they like to get everyone in the system before they go. Told me to wait and left.
I moved off the gurney and onto a chair to be more comfortable.
Reminder here: this is not an emergency in the literal sense of the word. But 2 doctors told me to come here so here I am.
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2026-08-07 14:02:56 UTC

Here's a play by play for my ER visit. #USHealthcare
Arrived around 6:45 AM. Described problem to check in. She looked up files from earlier this week. Made me sign papers. Put a wrist band on me. Told me to wait. I wasn't bleeding and I was breathing so I didn't expect a fast entrance.

2026-08-07 12:22:41 UTC

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The only solution to keeping your data private is to pay cash. Don't fool yourself to thinking that Square is the only one that does this.

2026-08-04 17:31:42 UTC

Non-pilots have absolutely no idea of the kinds of hazards they can cause to #firefighting aircraft with their #drones. As a helicopter pilot, I know that a drone strike to my tail rotor would take me out out of the sky and likely kill me. Drones can also hit (and break) aircraft windshields or get sucked into turbine intake ports.
It is against the law to fly a drone in a no fly zone for a reason. Don't be a selfish asshole! @npub1hx9…ym8k https://bird.makeup/users/wadnr/statuses/2084449270636446049

2026-08-03 01:28:10 UTC

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Ocean sunfish! Cool!

2026-07-23 21:03:32 UTC

There are hollyhocks growing in profusion at the entrance to our local Fred Meyer supermarket. They are just past prime bloom and those seed heads down the stalks are calling me. I have hollyhocks at home that grow pretty well, but they are all the same brownish purple color. Ugh. These are much nicer colors. Do you think it would be awful if I went over there and helped myself to a pint size container of seed heads? #gardening #SeedTheft

2026-07-23 01:38:11 UTC

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I got my start as a technical writer by ghostwriting four chapters of a 1991 John C Dvorak & Bernard J David book, "Dvorak's Inside Track to the Mac." Neither John nor Bernard wrote a word of that book, except perhaps the acknowledgments (where I'm mentioned). The first book with my name on the cover came next year; I co-authored it with Bernard and wrote my half while he hired ghostwriters for his. I got my first solo book later the same year and went on to write 80 more.

2026-07-09 05:02:53 UTC

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Me, too. And I'm pretty sure that was what I was suggesting.
I won't ever get into a taxi without a driver. I'm honestly not sure why anyone else would.

2026-07-09 00:43:47 UTC

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Maybe the bigger problem is that taxis should not be controlled by remote operators at all?

2026-06-30 03:12:11 UTC

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A different bear (no cub) just came through. Walked though the back of our campsite, just under my window, and out to the road. I am so glad we're not in a tent. #bears
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/836/867/872/229/027/original/5c45e7d75a5310f2.jpeg
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2026-06-30 01:02:05 UTC

Just finished dinner at our campsite at Newhalem Campground at the North Cascades National Park. I'm glad we were eating inside because my pups started growling and barking. The next thing I know, there's a brown bear and her very small cub at the edge of our campsite. Janet got these photos as they departed. You can just about see the cub in the second shot.
So yeah, my two 8-pound dogs scared off a mama bear and her cub.
#wildlife #bears #NPS
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2026-06-22 11:33:57 UTC

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I waited 18 mos to be able to take just 3 people at a time to Swansea (BLM). The helicopter landing had nearly 0 environmental impact. I only did it once in a year. Not worth it. Meanwhile, it's perfectly legal for me to do a personal flight with friends and land in the same place. A commercial helicopter tour flying back-and-forth over the site would certainly have a greater environmental impact, but a permit was not required. (2/2)
@npub1cej…z4ft @npub1ttg…v0xy

2026-06-22 11:33:56 UTC

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IMO, it's a huge pain in the ass for someone with a very small business. If you're going to take just one or two people out on a hike or a photo day trip few times a month, I can't see it being worth the bother of getting a permit. It's different if you're going to bring a dozen or 20 people out. Or the permit process and fees were reasonable. (1/2)

2026-06-22 01:24:53 UTC

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Humans. Fear the humans. Many inconsiderate idiots and assholes walk among us.

2026-06-22 01:23:56 UTC

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This interpretation sounds reasonable. I think the major goal should be (and apparently is) preventing filming operators from damaging park areas or becoming a nuisance to other people enjoying those areas.
I once got a permit through BLM to take people by helicopter to a ghost town out in the desert that got very few visitors. It took 18 months to get the permit, it needed to be renewed annually, and they wanted a percentage of my revenue. it wasn't worth it.

2026-06-18 14:57:46 UTC

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You've been hearing about it in the news? I sure hope it's not permanent because I'm not sure I can tune it out like I tune out my tinnitus.

2026-06-18 13:28:54 UTC

I did not realize that this was a thing, but I am currently hearing it. It woke me up before 4 AM this morning and it has not stopped.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hum
I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the data centers in the area. I'm also wondering if my neighbors can hear it; I'll start quizzing them about it today. (1/2)

2026-06-18 13:28:54 UTC

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This morning it was loud enough that I thought there was something wrong with my HVAC system. I walked all around my house, including in the garage, to track down the source of the sound and could not. I'm pretty sure it's coming from outside. Now that it's full daytime and there are other sounds like birds and the wind, it doesn't seem quite as loud, but I still hear it. (2/2)

2026-06-18 13:08:25 UTC

Do you live near a data center that makes a noise loud enough to bother you in your home? If so, please DM me. Also, please boost this so I get some responses. I need some information.

2026-06-16 00:49:26 UTC

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Honestly, this is not rocket science. Electronic devices such as phones and tablets are distractions. Laptops are distractions and easy ways to find shortcuts and cheat instead of learn. Take these things away and the kids have no choice but to learn.

2026-06-12 20:26:11 UTC

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Slippery surfaces are what will get you!

2026-06-06 13:40:50 UTC

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What part of the park did you spot those in? Do you remember?

2026-06-02 01:20:37 UTC

I'm going to try what I've been told is called "immersive reading." It's when you read a book and listen to the audiobook version at the same time. Has anyone done this?
I just borrowed the audiobook version of "The Artist's Way" from my library and already have a print copy of the book. I think I can dedicate an hour a day to this until it's done. #IAmReading #books (1/2)

2026-05-31 00:29:04 UTC

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Happy birthday! Sounds like a great day!

2026-05-19 19:35:13 UTC

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I'm working on putting mulch down in my garden. I've put down the total of 10 bags so far. Here's the parts that are done and the parts I still need to do.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/602/916/138/017/273/original/b708ec579456a8eb.jpeg
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/602/916/445/379/872/original/5381099c9b5a6be3.jpeg
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/602/916/618/565/531/original/2b7d59d0be60a399.jpeg
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/602/916/816/774/503/original/3b7c0a2b48dc6b0e.jpeg

2026-05-19 14:09:37 UTC

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I shocked the first time I saw the amount of field burning they do in eastern Washington, way out on near Spokane.
Maybe I need to take a trip out there to see for myself.

2026-05-19 13:59:11 UTC

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One of my helicopter friends cleaned he was going to retire to Belize. I haven't been there yet, but I really need to take a look.

2026-05-19 13:55:42 UTC

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I suspect that'll happen when I retire.
Now I know I'm already technically retired but I'm talking about being REALLY retired. Like when I stop doing stuff.
That's if I ever stop doing stuff. 🤔

2026-05-19 13:51:54 UTC

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A lot of folks think I go south for the winter because I don't like the cold or snow. While those are not my favorite kind of weather, I really go south because I cannot stand the dark dreariness of a Pacific Northwest winter.
I usually go to Arizona and California, but I think I'm going to start going further south. A friend of mine goes to Mexico every year and I think he has the right idea.

2026-05-19 13:29:44 UTC

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Amen to that, brother! For me, the saddest day of the year is the summer solstice because that's the day when we start losing daylight hours.
By the way, yesterday was Hallwayhenge at my house. That's the day when the sun coming in through one of my east windows shines directly down the hallway toward my bedroom. I pay attention to silly little things like that and actually put them on a calendar.

2026-05-09 23:10:29 UTC

And I just made this one. Owyhee Picture Jasper, one of my favorite stones. Sterling silver. Tough to get a good shot without reflections; this stone has a good polish.
I'm not going to display it today. I have three empty pendant displays and I think that's good for business.
#IMakeJewelry #ILikeRocks #SupportArtistsAndMakers
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/547/140/154/774/332/original/710ef6a23639576d.jpeg

2026-05-09 21:19:05 UTC

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OMG. I was singing to classic rock on the radio all the way here today. 🤣🤣🤣

2026-05-09 16:50:10 UTC

I drove my joy machine to Leavenworth this morning. I can't tell you how much better I feel than yesterday and I think an exhilarating drive with the top down is partially responsible.
I did some deep thought about vehicles and EOL downsizing along the way. I DO want the RAV4 plug-in hybrid. It will eventually replace my truck AND my Jeep. It will likely be the last vehicle I ever buy. I'll keep my joy machine until I can't drive stick anymore.
It feels good to have a plan.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/545/644/739/085/298/original/d2974f9b6199b1c8.jpeg

2026-05-08 00:21:51 UTC

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Three hours later, I'm done for today. I prepped four beds and planted four each of eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I also set up drip irrigation to the base of each plant and tested it. They join already planted beds for kale, asparagus, potatoes, onions, and broccoli. The strawberries need to be pulled and replanted, but I'll do that next week. That leaves two raised beds (okra and green beans?) and a space along my chicken yard for dried beans. #gardening

2026-05-07 20:51:26 UTC

OK, enough procrastinating. Time to get out to the garden.

2026-05-07 01:36:02 UTC

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Wow! What a cute boat!

2026-04-29 20:56:51 UTC

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My experience with boating certifications is that they are money grab. Companies create certifications. They charge instructors to get certified to teach them. They charge students to get certified. The source company makes and sells training material of average quality and doesn't make sure that their testing materials have just one correct answer per question. This has been my experience with the power boat division of American Sailing, American Boating.

2026-04-26 13:17:38 UTC

I've been quiet lately because I'm on a job in my own boat. I've got a client on board and I'm working with him to get him some experience in a single engine motorboat. We anchored at Sucia's Echo bay yesterday, hiked on the island, and a reasonably good grilled tritip steak for dinner. This trip is also part of the boat's shakedown cruise, so I'm looking for problems that need resolving before I release the boat to charter guests. #boating #PNW (1/2)
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/471/198/698/795/271/original/20c98f894993048d.jpeg
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/471/198/950/221/364/original/b25b6328b20bd288.jpeg

2026-04-26 11:57:11 UTC

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I would like to try building something like this one day. Not sure how much it would be used, though.

2026-04-22 10:22:02 UTC

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Can you take your family with you on any of these work trips?

2026-04-13 03:19:29 UTC

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You lost me at #5. A murderer is a murderer. You sink to their subterranean level when you make asinine suggestions like this.
Related: emoticons are for joking. I don't see one. And it wasn't very funny anyway.

2026-04-11 02:50:40 UTC

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Thanks! I am a total sucker for reflections.

2026-04-11 02:31:20 UTC

The light is really nice right now. #boating #MarinaLife #BoatLife #sunset
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/383/722/998/500/172/original/ec67faa84d50e7ab.jpeg

2026-04-05 20:52:15 UTC

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Love the lighting on this.