TL;DR: Dad is in the hospital with GI issues and bonus infection, and will be there for at least two more days.

When I walked into his hospital room today, he smiled and said "What a lovely surprise! Who told you?" Because of course he didn't expect M (my pseudo step-sister). to tell me because he's never wanted to worry me and I swear to G-D if I hear that phrase from Dad one more time I may start screaming and never stop.

Anybody have an opinion on gut health and supplements to support your gut biome?

From way back, but my BFF trained as a nutritionist, and is less keen on commercial supplements than she used to be because each persons biome and it's needs are different and you don't know what strains you need vs what's in the supplements. She does recommend taking in a lot of fermented food like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi to balance your gut. That said, I still take one a probiotic supplement (Sisu) and I think it helps with my gut issues.

Thinking of you both, Nilly and Shir.

Has a lightning quick trip to Montreal to see Nick Cave solo (though Colin Greenwood from Radiohead was playing with him.) Was right around the corner from a great dumpling spot and a cafe called Au Kouign Amman (the food of my people) and so we ate a lot of both.

a cafe called Au Kouign Amman

Hah! I just finished a batch of kouign amann and I must report this: I have finally (after 3 years) NAILED it.

Fully baked, very flaky, no burned bits. Perfect.

I had to eat one to confirm, the rest will now go to my niece as her birthday gift.

Amazing. I've only tried to make them once and it was a massive fail.

Yum, and impressive, Consuela!!

I had a lovely day, my sister drove us from Philly to DC and we had brunch with my friends, and then I went to the soccer game with one (sadly the other had to cancel as her kid was sick) and now we are chilling. The only bad part is it’s Sunday night and I have to work tomorrow.

Drew so glad you’re able to go to the funeral. (And t, and anyone else who makes it)

Quick recovery wishes for your dad, Atropa.

Fully baked, very flaky, no burned bits. Perfect.

Most impressive!

Drew so glad you’re able to go to the funeral. (And t, and anyone else who makes it)

Yes. May there be many hugs.

Has a lightning quick trip to Montreal to see Nick Cave solo (though Colin Greenwood from Radiohead was playing with him.)

I saw that show in Chicago!

{{{Jilli}}}

Made it to SF. So tired. I’ve done a couple of months worth of my usual driving mileage in the last couple of days. I don’t know why I thought that would be easy.

My dad did the not tell his daughters about his hospitalization thing. Screaming seems like a reasonable response.

Congrats on the successful baking, Consuela!

Poland may have some good electoral news. [link]

I went to a chestnut festival today. I came home with some goodies—chestnuts and baked goods containing them. They were offering the new, blight-resistant American chestnut saplings, but as I rent I couldn’t take one. If I’d known they’d have them I would have asked my landlords if they wanted me to nab one. Oh well. Still, it’s nice that they’re available. My great grand nibblings may sit under chestnut trees someday.

I will be there in spirit, if not person. David, add my love and wishes to all the others for JZ's life celebration. I will try to follow her fierce tradition of caring and fighting for people with love and compassion.

Shir, Nilly, you and your families are constantly in my thoughts right now. I am trying to avoid hot takes and knee-jerk reactionaries on the internet. My friend here is helping keep me focused on the people and who are suffering and need relief, rather than lash out about politics and culture wars. We don't need more war. We need peace. And a lot of it.

Drew, chicks dig scars. But that said, CAREFUL next time! This isn't Iron Chef!

My heart's aching but it's dull sometimes and I'm working through stuff by focusing on what I can do. Not what I can't.