#87: Nerdflix and Chill

 This past week involved something called "spring break" at the college. I vaguely remember what that is supposed to be about; however, I opted to visit a friend in Montana rather than the stereotypical "run to the beach" or whatever you youngin's seem to want to do. It was a comfortable, relaxing week filled with some rain, and a tiny bit of snow (that melted in a couple hours), and several days of springlike weather. I have to say I enjoyed being "getting out of Dodge" for a few days. 

Lest you all think I let my brain go to waste last week, here are some interesting articles I found while hanging out in Montana. I'll call this "Nerdflix and Chill", kinda like "Netflix and Chill", except instead of movies you're watching science-y shows and documentaries. 

Apparently, spider silk can be adapted to fight cancer.

If you're in the market to adopt a bunny, and you live near Orlando, Florida, now's your chance. They've overrun the neighborhood, and the local folks need help in finding them homes.

Down in South Carolina, they've discovered a new, as yet unnamed species of trillium. Plant nerds unite! 

Back to Florida, Gainesville this time, to see a "one in a million" bird--a yellow cardinal.

The Carolinas and other southern states have a new ally in the fight against a dreaded tree enemy: Pennsylvania is now phasing in a ban on bradford pears.

Hopefully, after looking at all this science nerdiness, you'll feel more intelligent than whoever owns this vehicle. We all have brain farts....... Wouldn't your check engine light come on though?

Spring is right around the corner here in badhairland. Still cold, with occasional snow. But it's not bitterly cold any more. Hoping I can put my heavy winter jacket away soon. Remove the snow shovel from the back of the car (Don't laugh, it works when you get a little stuck). Put away the heavy winter boots that the zipper rubs my left ankle every time I wear them after a long absence. The changes are already starting to show: upon leaving work last night, it wasn't quite as dark as it has been that time of the evening. I'm sure the time change last weekend had something to do with this. Still, it's nice to not have to fumble to my car in the dark.

Not sure whether or not to hope gas prices stay high. On the one hand, it's rough, especially for you folks who need to get somewhere and don't have a lot of green to go around. I hear you. 

On the other hand, maybe if the prices are elevated, we'll have less chaos here over the summer--people will stay closer to home. Don't get me wrong; you tourists did a wonder for the economy here (although it didn't help with the lack of affordable housing for the folks who actually live here....). But by the end of the summer when we were ready for you all to go home you were still here, trashing the very things you came to enjoy. Tourist season typically winds down labor day; yet mid November you were still here crowding up the place. We were tired. We'd had enough. We were all inwardly screaming "for the love of GOD GO HOME." Hoping to not have as much of a repeat here this summer. 

Looking forward to the end of May--the Renaissance Faire in Lead was such a smashing success last summer they're looking to do it again. Currently gathering together a "sunflower" theme this year (as a nod to the folks fighting over Ukraine). I managed to find a yellow shirt and some fake flowers to make into a garland at some point. Trying to decide if I want to put "fairy lights" on it somehow. And do I want to bother with my ears this time? So many questions. Stay tuned!

Busy as a bee!
Aye,
Kraneia

here, have a random gif of a dude
in a bee suit, dancing.