This has not been a great week for me. I'm stressed out, feeling scattered, and finding myself trying really hard not to get snappish and cranky with people. I'm hoping to take some time to reset this weekend because next week probably isn't going to be any better.

As of this morning, Starbucks workers across the country are officially ON STRIKE. And we're prepared for this to become the biggest and longest ULP strike in Starbucks history. Say #NoContractNoCoffee with us: DON'T BUY STARBUCKS for the duration of our open-ended ULP strike! $SBUX

Art Show Applications will open today 11/12/2025 at NOON CST!!! This is not a drill… and we thank you for your patience while we explained things to the Villains. 🎨 To apply, visit here: www.furfest.org/vendors/art-...

Do I know anyone local with a color printer and a laminator? (or a non-local friend who might help me out?) I've got a new art badge and I wanted to have it ready for MFF.

With the sudden dip in temps I realized that for the last 15 years, I've had to go out in all kinds of weather, from 105°F and humid to wind chills of -40°F, because the dogs needed their walks. Now, if the weather is bad I just...don't go out. Which is normal for most people, but so weird for me.

As expected, the overnight lake effect snow patterns were pretty wild. At least in Lake County (north of Chicago), they got 10" of snow on the lakefront. Meanwhile I'm 17 miles away on the western edge of the county and barely even got a trace of snow. It's gonna be a wild winter.

No spoilers from me, but the final for this season of Great British Bake Off was *so* good. I will always love how wholesome this show is, and how all of the contestants cheer each other on.

What's that you say, Bookbub? Kaje Harper just released another prequel to her Hidden Wolves series? *instabuy* If you like your werewolves sexy and gay and with compelling plotlines, I can highly recommend Harper's series. It's one of my favorites.

Achievement unlocked: pet someone’s dog at a brewery without bursting into tears. At that moment, anyway.

Well, that is certainly an interesting branding choice: “Come to Fat Rosie’’s, where you can get white-girl wasted!”

Chicago is firing up that lake effect snow machine! For non-locals: this happens when wind blows from the east across Lake Michigan. The fun part is that it's extremely localized, and is entirely dependent on wind direction. One area may get 6" of snow while someplace 5 miles away gets maybe 1".

With the weather turning colder, I need to make another batch of Robin Ha's Korean Chile Chicken Stew. Fortunately NPR's article on their cookbook includes that recipe! www.npr.org/sections/the... Let's see if I can make it without blowing my head off with the spice level (again) 🙂

From the top rope

Roof repairs are happening! Tomorrow, they'll be by to replace the sheetrock on the garage ceiling.

Shoutout to whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com for the most concise obituary of the day.

Welp, I knew this was a possibility. The abutment for the tooth implant I started the process on 8 months ago didn't seat well. So it got pulled, and more bone graft applied. Now I wait 4-6 months before we try again. I may actually have a upper second molar again by July 4th next year.

I adore my eye doctor, even though we only see each other once per year. We've spent the last 8 years commiserating, as both of our husbands passed away around the same time. When I saw her today, she said she was having a tough time because her dog recently passed away. [1/2]

Hey @furryrefuge.bsky.social - I got signed up to your email list and I can't unsubscribe unless I log into an account that I do not have and never created. Are you going to help me unsubscribe or do I need to start following up with your service providers reporting that you are spamming people?

It's that special moment on the calendar where everyone pauses and looks at the clock curiously. "Huh. I thought it was later than that."

Dinner tonight: Baked ziti with Parmesan cream. Made with a homemade tomato sauce. I’ll wind up freezing off about half of this probably.

You find the damnedest things going back through old files, including 20-year-old convention publications. 1drv.ms/b/c/ca4ea801... This was pre-Yelp, etc., so hopefully it was a useful resource. I hadn't quite hit peak snarkiness when writing the reviews, but I did have some fun with it.

I’m sitting at Whole Foods enjoying a pastry and Vietnamese coffee while waiting on the Apple Store to replace my cracked iPhone screen. It feels like a very bougie morning.

"Eh? Ah, no. I'm not the librarian"

Huh guys, there is a werewolf at the party

He wants your candy Happy Halloween everyone! Art by @mawfulme.bsky.social

Seasonally-appropriate, I suppose: I've stumbled across the very specific genre of cozy queer werewolf romances. These are low-angst, character-driven stories. Not a ton of action, but who cares? I enjoyed both of these.

Speaking of music, here is some excellent music for the season! "Is he the predator, am I the prey? Is it love or is it black magic?"

Happy Halloween! (And almost Dia de Muertos...) Need a spooky read? Ward's story covers both, and then some. www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTV2GVZL

Some Friday morning fun music: "Stranger" by Dirtwire youtu.be/M9ZAle73g_8?... Who knew the combo of banjo, harmonica, sax, and trombone could have that much funk? (Also, jfc Mission Ballroom is freakin' huge.)

Happy Take Your Fursuit to Work Day!!

Another round of physical therapy today. They’re using dry needling once per week, and while it’s uncomfortable, the results are pretty amazing - walking without pain for two days afterward. Now I’m enjoying the cozy leg burrito (heating pad).

Hm, I'm pretty sure that's not supposed to happen. Two good things about this, though: First, it's over the garage in an area where there's nothing in the attic; Second, it's not my problem - it's the Homeowners' Association problem. One small benefit to living in a townhouse.

Thank you so much, @fuzzyfin.bsky.social. You’re the absolute best ❤️

The plaster cast of Charlie’ paw print showed up today, along with a clipping of his fur. I guess I need a good long bout of ugly crying today. I’ll be OK. That was really fucking rough, though.

Braved the crowds of Salem on Halloween week to hoist a pint by Charlie's Couch Dog photo. Bartender was very sad to hear of his passing, but also delighted to ditch the bar and help me locate our flop-eared gent

OK, I've vacuumed all the carpets, and the dog accessories and crate has been stored. I still have a bunch more housework to do before I feel I'm back to a good baseline, but it felt good to start in on the list.

I got a lemon knot and a chocolate hazel-knot. They were pretty good! What? Why are you looking at me like that?

Me: "For the first time in a very long time I'm going to sleep in on a weekend!" Also Me: *wakes up at 4:30 AM and can't get back to sleep* Welp. Guess I'll try again tomorrow.

spotify.link/qIkC9RgFJXb @duncandahusky.wolfhusky.org

For Chicago-area pet owners: After several days there and seeing their treatment areas in action, I can say that if you ever need emergency care or specialized treatment, Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn is the absolute best. Their kind and caring staff made all the difference.

Charlie was one of the sweetest and chill dogs ever. Such a really good boy! And even though he couldn't really see, he was always so happy to meet new people!

I suppose it's something that while I gather up all of the dog stuff (bowls, leashes, toys, etc.) and wash dog beds, my intention is to store it all for now and not give it away. Sometime in the future I am certain I will have another canine companion, though I'm not sure when.

While I only got to meet Charlie once, it was so clear that he was loved. Hell, he's gotten to travel more of the US than anyone I know, person or dog. Sending you my love, Duncan.

Will miss Charlie…you were a good boy…

I'm realizing that between my husband Takaza, and then Nora and Charlie after he passed, it's been over 25 years since I didn't have someone to come home to each night. That is going to be rough, and take some getting used to.

Charlie was an incredible loving goofy dog. He was a highlight to my Midwest visits and words cannot begin to describe how much he will be missed. Much love and healing hugs to you, @duncandahusky.wolfhusky.org 💙

Charlie was such an amazing boy, loved by so many. An absolute sweetheart to his core and he loved cuddles and pets more than anything. Until he heard the treat bag rustle that is. He will remain forever in my, and many of our hearts. Thank you for the love you gave us all, Charlie. ❤️