Randoming on May 18, 2026 π¨π±π₯βοΈπ’π³
Random thoughts too long for a Mastodon post, but not long enough for a full-blown post.
- π¨π± I have returned from the New Mexico vacation, which included an unexpected and unwelcome one-day extension into Texas. The sports site Defector has a running joke about how flat and brown Lubbock is, but their wisecracks still werenβt enough to prepare me for the flatness nor the earthiness. As for Dallas, I know itβs a huge sprawling city, and that areas near airports generally arenβt so great, but first impressions tend to last and mine arenβt great. When time allows, Iβll explain more about the bonus trip.
- π₯ When I opened my work email after my vacation, I was greeted with over 700 messages sent during my absence. I was a bit shocked as I expected over 1000, especially since Epic was updated last weekend. Unfortunately, Teams was where the real communication mess occurred. I finally caught up with messages around 3 PM today, which leaves less than 2 hours of actual work time.
- βοΈ To be honest, I expected today to be something of a wash, but not in the form of constant rain from the skies. I have seen more rain fall within the last 6 hours than I saw during the entire trip in New Mexico (and Texas). So THATβS what it looks like!
- π’ I appreciate a well-thought gag, so seeing that someone has published "books" that write out a Googolplex amuses me a great deal. I'm sure it's a dull read, though.
- π³ A redbud tree resides in front of my office window. From a couple of its branches, Iβve hung a birdbath and hummingbird feeder, both of which I neglected to update prior to the trip. Yesterday, after our late arrival home, I spent nearly a half-hour cleaning up both items, filling the bath with fresh water, then swapping out the older nectar for a fresh batch. My efforts were rewarded this morning when both L. & I spotted a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeder! Unfortunately, an hour or so later during the initial onslaught of rain, this happened (EDIT: No damage to either feeders or the neighbor's Jeep, but definitely worrying as it may be a sign the tree is not long for this world):
