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mythandlaur · 4 years

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Burai here on anon, rip Side-blog personal blog. Anywhoo-- The Will of the Swarm, Children of the Archives, Light Unseen, and are ya winning the tournament son. If you don't mind.

The WIP Tag Game

@buraidragon You should know these--you were involved in at least two of them.

Lots of text under the cut!

The Will of the Swarm (working title only) - Spiral Knights - 2018

A collaborative project with friends Burai and apprenticeNerd; a roleplay adaptation that would’ve made for a multichapter fic. Knight-Elite Ixtharion and his protégé, the slightly pyromaniacal Ashoza, are called on for a cryptic rescue mission in the Wildwoods, only to find the person they’re rescuing is none other than Parma, reconnaissance specialist of the lost Alpha Squad, who bears worrying information from the Core and evidence of her claims in the form of a dark miasma that appears to have eaten away her right arm. Ix has some knowledge on prosthetics, and takes over the effort to get Parma set up with one, facilitating interaction and camaraderie between the trio--and it’s them who chase after Parma when she delves back into the deepest layers of the Clockworks upon word coming back of the fate of the Alpha Squad’s technician...consumed by the Swarm and working for Herex.

I still really enjoy this concept tbh??? Like I don’t know if I could WRITE write it but if you guys still wanted to poke at it after all this time I’d be game. I don’t have a snippet, but I do have some nigh-incomprehensible notes from a document dated August 2018

Events:

Parma needs to recover a little bit, explore Haven when she can (her arm’s definitely going though)

Ix dinner party

Discussion of important things/she lets them in on what she found

Vanguards find Shadow Rulen in the depths and Parma immediately runs off looking, Ix and Shoza having to follow after her

Other ideas and stuff:

Scout slowly becomes a Seraphynx

Drunk Ashoza happens at some point

Concepts:

Shadow Rulen/Technomancer Rulen:

Is possessed/corrupted by the Swarm and taken in by Herex

Speaks in the plural in this state

Creates a very large mech (possibly named “Omega” something for irony?)

Swarm turret gatling gun

Shard bomb launcher

Tears out bits of the world and slams them down on enemies

Weak to overheading

Last ditch attempts to escape deeper into the core

Potential concept of Rulen losing his body to the Swarm and becoming a spirit who possesses/manipulates technology

Grantz’s Sword:

This dude took his oath way too seriously and stuck around even after dying, possessing his sword which remains around the core

Doesn’t realize he’s dead

Inadvertently possesses whatever knight holds the sword

---

Children of the Archives - Hollow Knight - 2019

Another collaborative project between the same trio, an AU affectionately referred to as “Monomom”. There isn’t so much a plot summation for this as there are a bunch of concepts; basically, in this verse, a very large amount of Vessels find their way out of the Abyss and into the Teacher’s Archives, becoming mainstays around there long before the Infection starts to take hold. Though Monomon still fulfils her duty, she isn’t happy about it or the Pale King’s plan, and Quirrel stays behind to take care of the Vessels after she’s gone, though becomes infected as a result. Several events in the game go differently, partially because Hornet is aware of the vessels and is more open with Ghost because of that awareness. Was meant to probably be a verse with a lot of domestic nonsense going on overall.

I don’t have a snippet, but there’s a doc with a lot of concepts, including about three pages’ worth of Vessels created between the three of us. Have some favorites:

Trio - Early model, has three arms. Acts like the older brother to other Vessels. Probably has three small Nails.

Ase - Broken Vessel, stoic leader, mature, has been wandering longer than the others, cares about siblings more than themself - Insists they’re strong and independent and don’t need help, try to get to the void, fail, several others from the Archives sneak out to drag them back to the Archives badly injured and scare the living daylights out of Quirrel

Lantern - Likes putting lumaflies in their head. Yes, the eyes glow depending how many there are. Theoretically if they Consume the shock ones, they could have laser beam eyes?

Vault - Taller and thicker vessel that likes storing stuff inside of them. Not a fighter. They fight by flinging stone writings at people and running.

Spite - Seven horns, is upset about that, breaks one off that forms the core of their nail, always down to fight. Will probably stab you if you insult a sibling.

Ink - Gets really good at making ink, their shell’s always stained, loves learning, pesters the students. Probably carries brushes instead, and would hang around Sheo for art.

Legion- One Shade spread over five Vessels. They act as a collective within a collective. If threatened will pile into a very stable tower and initiate a five-tiered Loom. Highly skilled in combat, as you need to take all five of them out within a short time period to fully incapacitate them. You might find one of their Shells roaming Fog Canyon, too keep a scout’s eye out for any potential dangers. If nothing else, they’re bouncing off of jellyfish because it’s fun. Each Shell of Leigon’s has a pentagon inked onto the back, with a dot in each corner responding to which Shell it is. Legion’s shade is as large as Hollow’s.

Smith: Slightly-large Vessel, missing a leg, really wants to be a Nailsmith. Alters between studying under The Nailsmith and practicing Nailcrafting on sibling’s blades. Keeps them in shape, if nothing else. Has a metal peg-leg they are perfectly willing to take off and smack you with if they’ve lost their nail.

---

Light Unseen - Destiny 2 - 2019

A backstory oneshot for Kaira, a blind Guardian only capable of seeing traces of Light where it’s present, and her Ghost, Nel, who acts as her guide. This particular bit of writing was meant to be Kaira and Nel’s first meeting, and Kaira’s first (and second) revival, as Nel tries to figure out how to accommodate her and help her escape from a Cabal ambush in the EDZ, eventually assisted by more experienced Guardians Irina and Elara-4, who become Kaira’s good friends.

I really, really love this character and I really, really want to do something more with her, but D2′s writing has gone in the crapper since Forsaken and I don’t agree with basically anything Bungie’s done with the game in the last year, so I’m in a bit of a pickle. I do have a snippet, though. Trigger warning for a brief description of an extremely long-dead corpse/skeleton.

Other Ghosts do this for years, he’s heard. But for him, it only takes a few minutes.

Sticking out of some bushes, the Ghost finds a leg. Not much of a leg, of course; the flesh has long since rotted away, and the elements have left just the barest scraps of fabric from the deceased’s clothes. As he delves into the bushs, branches scraping and poking at his shell, he sees the rest of the remains tangled inside are similarly skeletal. The skull is the worst, mangled and caved in around the eye sockets. He wonders how they’d come to be in a place like this, in a state like that. Had they fallen? Had someone, or something, tried to hide their body?

There’s no way for him to know, and he doubts he ever will. But it doesn’t matter, because what he does know is that this is it.

He doesn’t know in any logical capacity, but he knows because he can feel something inside of those bones reacting to his presence, like a pair of magnets drawn to each other’s polarities. He feels...warm, and whole, and his shell is buzzing as if with errant electricity, except it is not electricity, it is Light, his Light, the Light the Traveler had given him with the sole purpose of passing that wonderful gift on to another.

Their body isn’t really in an ideal position for resurrection, and he can’t do much about that given his lack of both size and limbs. But that doesn’t dampen his growing excitement, as he looks at those bones and wonders not for the first time what they’ll be like, what sort of adventures they’ll go on together.

There’s only one way to find out, he knows.

The red-shelled Ghost hovers there, relishing this moment of anticipation for a few seconds longer. And then, he can’t contain it any longer.

He opens himself up to the gift of the Light, and it all but consumes him; his form expands, a little blue sun with little metal planets orbiting around it, and every mechanical sensor cuts out. The part of him that isn’t mechanical reaches out, and from the tiny floating solar system comes a beam that bathes the lost bones in Light.

Flesh reforms itself in the wake of shimmering waves, and clothes over that. The skull rearranges its broken, twisted parts and knits itself back together. After what feels like an age to him, his sensors come back online as his shell wraps around him again, and he drifts back to check his handiwork.

They wear the cloak, hood, and mask of a Hunter, hiding their face. Their shape is vaguely feminine--he’s going to assume until they tell him themself. Her chest rises and falls slowly with her newly-restored breathing, as if she’s not yet fully awake, and she doesn’t seem to realize the fact that she’s lying in a bush.

“...Guardian?” He quells his excitement, trying to keep his voice soft as he flies in closer to her face--then quickly back as he realizes he may be too close. The branches rustle with a slight movement of her arm, and her head turns sluggishly. “Guardian, wake up. I’m sorry, I couldn’t move you--you’re going to have to get up.”

She tilts her head slightly upwards towards his voice. For a moment, there’s no other reaction, but then the words seem to register and she starts pushing herself into a sitting position. Branches snap and crack as she pushes against them, struggling, before she seems to realize a better way and starts sliding her feet along the ground, dragging herself out with her knees little by little until she can sit up unhindered. Once she’s up, she crosses her legs under her and sets her hands in her lap, chin dropped towards her chest as he hovers around her to make sure she’s all in one piece.

He can hardly believe it. His Guardian, living and breathing once again, right here in front of him. The Ghost flies around to hang in front of her face. “How do you feel?” No response, no acknowledgment. He guesses she’s still a little rattled. “Not much of a talker? Okay, you don’t have to talk right now, but we do need to get moving, there’s--”

The Hunter abruptly raises her head, and he stops talking. In the silence, a loud rumbling can be heard, gradually growing louder. Seconds pass, and he turns his eye upward to see a shadow in the sky above the trees--a very familiar shadow, as he’s seen several of these during his scouting missions.

“...Maybe they’ll pass us.”

The dropship stops in the air, almost directly overhead. The side of a wing is all he can see, but he can hear grunts and shouts all too close nearby, feet hitting the ground hard.

So, he’d been quite lucky to find his Guardian so quickly and easily. But apparently, he’d used up all that luck at once, and now a Cabal scouting party is here, for whatever reason.

“You know what I said about moving? We’re going to need to start on that right now.” The Ghost quickly disappears in a shimmer of light, still keeping an eye out around them. “I’m still here. I’ll explain everything later, I promise, but right now we’ve got to run. I’ve got a marker up for you, just follow that and don’t stop. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”

The Hunter stumbles to her feet, holding her arms out to steady herself. The Light is still waking inside of her; she probably doesn’t know how to control it, and without a gun, running is their only chance. She glances about wildly, and then takes off--not exactly in the direction of his marker, but he trusts she’s got a plan. If she’s a Hunter, she’s likely got impeccable instincts.

---

are ya winnin the puyo tournament son (doc name) - Puyo Puyo - October 2020

You know I had to do it. This is a oneshot based in an AU where Sig’s ancestor, Ajisai, is reconstituted by the deus ex machina duo themselves, Ecolo and (much to their chagrin) Satan. After spending a few weeks living in the middle of nowhere, Ajisai hears about an upcoming Puyo tournament and decides to participate in the festivities, using it as an excuse to endear themself to varying degrees to the students and visitors. Eventually, they confront Satan about his unacceptable behavior, and get a hint that Satan’s actions may be a bit more tragic than merely pathetic.

Basically this is just ‘what if Ajisai lived because I want to write more for them and I want to see how they’d interact with more characters’. It’s mostly just me goofing in 15th anniversary’s style and I don’t know if people would be interested, but I’m getting some enjoyment out of it.

Looking down on Primp Town from the ridge is rather like watching a beehive--except instead of honeycomb, the excited bees are rushing about building a network of colorful streamers and decorations hanging between buildings.

“You certainly have a lot of celebrations here, don’t you.”

Sig gives the barest of shrugs, not even bothering to glance up from the caterpillar that’s made itself at home on a finger of his claw. “Guess so. It’s fun, though.”

“What is it this time? The Primp Festival wasn’t too long ago. It can’t be that again, can it?”

“Puyo tournament. The school’s running it.”

“Ah, I see.”

“They did it last year, too. Bunch of Arle’s friends showed up.”

“You do realize I was there for the last one, yes?”

Sig finally looks over, and they patiently wait for him to arrive at the realization. “Oh, yeah. Right.”

Ajisai chuckles quietly under their breath as their descendant goes back to admiring the caterpillar. It is easy to forget that they’d been present during many of the major events in Sig’s life, if only because they look and act so different now that they have a whole body to themself again. It’s a small price to pay for their freedom, of course, and they owe Ecolo a great deal for the service.

Well, not just Ecolo, they suppose. There had been...others involved.

“It’s different playing in it yourself, though,” Sig continues after a pause. Ajisai shakes their head to dislodge the loose thoughts before turning back to him.

“Are you going to be joining in this year, then?”

“Yeah.” A tiny smile comes to Sig’s face, though he still doesn’t look up. Nothing more needs to be said, so a comfortable silence stretches on between them, as Sig watches the caterpillar climb his arm and offers his right hand to crawl on instead so he doesn’t lose the little thing. Meanwhile, Ajisai can’t help but glance back down towards the frenetic party preparations, slight fangs poking at their lower lip in thought.

They’ve been alive and well for at least two weeks now, and only four people even know about it; they’ve either been staying at Sig’s house rereading the collection they’d passed down to him or wandering about the Forest of Nahe aimlessly, occasionally slipping into town at night to have a look around before quickly leaving again. But...they’d like to go into town, if only to visit the library. There are so many of Sig’s classmates they’d never gotten to meet properly, too. After so long isolated, they finally remember what it’s like to feel a need for companionship.

There’s only the question of if they deserve it. If they’ll be welcome there.

Ajisai takes a deep breath. “Is this tournament only for the students?”

“No,” Sig replies without missing a beat, “Bunch of other people are probably gonna play. Arle’s friends, Ringo’s friends, the space guys, Ally…Dunno who’s coming, but I’d be surprised if those guys didn’t.”

“Hm.”

“You wanna play too?” Sig takes his attention from the caterpillar, looking over at them with half-lidded, questioning eyes and pursed lips. “You’re really good.”

“Well…” Leave it to their ‘nephew’ to see right through them. Ajisai looks away, hair flicking in slight agitation. They’ve picked up a thing or two about Puyo over the years, it’s true--they’ve even given some of Sig’s classmates a run for their money in the past. Though that only brings up the circumstances of those battles, which were...less than ideal. “Do you think they’d be willing to have me?”

“You’d have to ask Ms. Accord.” Typical Sig--doesn’t even notice their internal struggle, or perhaps he does and doesn’t think it’s an issue. He points down at the town with a clawed finger. “She’s probably down there helping set up.”

Ajisai narrows their eyes, considering it. They suppose the worst that can happen is them being told no and having to go back to the forest, but the idea of just walking into town as they are is a bit unnerving. Still… “Would you mind if I went down there now, then?”

“Go ahead,” Sig says, focus returning to the caterpillar. They can’t help but chuckle a bit under their breath at their nephew’s fascination, the same all-consuming interest that they had for books and stories.

Ajisai stands, shaking the grass out of their cape before resting a hand on Sig’s left shoulder and squeezing slightly. “Don’t go running off,” they say with a wry smirk, fully aware that Sig will probably still be watching the caterpillar twenty minutes from now.

Sig knows it too, and huffs a little, amused snort through his nose. “Yeah, I’ll try not to.”

#buraidragon #Anonymous

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renegade-is-in-my-blood · 6 years

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Hey. I have always been kind of sentimental and had hard time throwing out stuff. Over the years I managed to stock bunch of useless stuff with great emotional value to me even though my young age. I put all of my material memories up on my wall into my memory collage and here I’m about to give you a sneak peek of memories I’m most fond of.

There is this letter my dear friend Elizabeth wrote me when I was around 5 years old. I used to live in USA from age 2-5 in Highland park NJ with my fathers colleague from work and his family. They had 2 daughters Elizabeth few years older than me and Claudia few years younger. When my youngest sister was born we moved back to Slovakia for good and as there was no Facebook back then all me and my american friends had were this cute letters.

Underneath the letter is taxi number of a cab me and my friends drove on our goodbye dormitory night. I used to live at all girls dormitory for 4 years and there were plenty of strict rules, we couldn’t go out late, we had to keep our room clean, turn of the lights at 10pm and many others that made breaking rules even more fun. On our last year all of the other girls prepared this cute cultural program, they danced, recited, sang and made us dinner as a goodbye to our time at dorm. At this evening we had free pass or night out – meaning we could stay out late all night ( but we still had to go to school the next day) so me and my girlfriends went to disco and drove this cab in the morning so I saved the card for the memories.

I saved my flying tickets from 2 years ago when I returned back to America for summer. Me and my cousins drove to Vienna , flew to London a from there to Newark airport. All of the tickets are up on my wall and if you want to read about my america travel experiences feel free to check out some of the articles I wrote.

I saved the baby bottle made out of paper with my name on it that I got on my first day on my high school dorm from older students as a welcome gift. We had this big party where we had to play bunch of embarrassing games as newbies to sort of see what is students life really like. I saved the pharmacist bottle with my name on it that I got from younger students as a goodbye gift on my last day at school – graduated pharmacist assistant.

On my first birthday after I moved to Czech republic my parents send me flowers and champagne to my new university dorm as a birthday surprise and I kept the card they send me. I remember this old delivery guy knocking on my door with huge bouquet of roses and champagne in other hand looking for miss Natalia. I got so freaked out cuz night before me and my friends spend the night out as most of first year university students do – drinking. I had some blank spaces in my memory from previous night and I got so scared I hooked up with this old men and now he’s bringing me flowers. Thank god he was just a delivery guy.

I kept my red cross membership card I had for 4 years. I kept my rehabilitation access card I used to write all my rehab terms on as a reminder of really terrible times I went through.

I kept the coach pass card me and my firs university roommate got and pretended to be cheerleader coaches for czech cheerleaders championships. Her mum was actually a coach and gave us the tickets for free.

I kept all of the maps and pocket guides from my USA trip. I also kept Dresden map we were all receiving in a bus of our christmas trip to Dresden – I actually went on a same trip 2 times but I only kept one map.

When I was in Washington D.C.me and my cousins went to Holocaust museum.

All of the tourists were receiving this identification card of one jewish person who died in holocaust and their story. As we travel through museums floor we would find out how and why person in our card died.

Mine was a girl named Julie she was polish and she got caught and killed after she gave food to jewish children she met on the street.

I kept so many tickets from almost every country I ever visited. I kept ticked from tour Montparnasse in Paris from New years even in Paris and also the ticket to Eifel tower. I kept ticket from Venice Campanile di San Marco from when me and my girlfriend made a weekend trip to Italy. I kept subway ticket from Vienna when me and my friend went to Christmas markets there. I kept subway ticket even from Prague when I was firstly visiting with my friends as we went to paramore (our favourite band) concert almost 6 years ago. Who knew I would be moving to live in Prague soon. I kept ticket from wax museum Grevin in Prague and also from wax museum Madame Tussaud in London. I kept ticket from my firs live hockey game I watched. I kept ticket from Wildwoods water park from 2 years ago. I kept cinema tickets and I even kept waiting number I got at police station from when I was picking up my driver’s license.

I kept a guitar pick I caught at a rock concert in my hometown from band called Guano apes. I kept a ribbon from my prom night and also small piece of broken glass from same night ( but that just can’t go on a wall).

There is so many more stuff I just keep in my drawer and when I feel like it I just go through it all and relive it all. I always assumed I would forget those memories by now but when I hold each item I can clearly see the day got them and how I got to own them.

I’m just 22 years old and I already store bunch of “craps from my past” so I guess I will need much bigger drawer or bigger wall in a years to come.

I just love keeping the memories alive.

Thank you so much for your attention

xo Natalia

Down memory lane wall Hey. I have always been kind of sentimental and had hard time throwing out stuff. Over the years I managed to stock bunch of useless stuff with great emotional value to me even though my young age.

#art #collage #memories #memory #nostalgy #personal #photographyticket #traveling #travle #wall

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dreamsanddreams88 · 5 years

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Was friends with the girl who played luna lovegood, she had just met this guy who, as children, was at same surfing camp or smthn as babies in the caribbean? Both were named after it i guess, all her fans telling her to give him a chance and date him. Then i was in weird, rendered world that had portals. Like ocilus rift game. Portals went to elemental worlds kinda like spyro, water n forest n stuff. Each one had sprites or faerie girls, i tried to seduce one. Also smthn with brian n jose n my parents, we were in some decrepit house and there were creepy tunnels in the ceiling?

Smthn in the Empire of sand universe, very upsetting. Then was in sandman universe and he was tryna kill amun and the mystics. Then smthn bout sarah and being in a big cafeteria of people, and then an auditorium. Like high school

Was eating dinner with whole entire family, errbody went out to smoke n invited matthew out too even tho he doesnt smoke, but didnt invite me. Started crying. Then i was packing to move, mom tryna help me. Then i was Void from incredibles 2, running away from someone. Run into hugh jackman, we go have sex in his dingy apartment, he ties me up, its gr8. Nosy neighbors open door, i tell em im busy go away. Then after, i have a crisis because im myself again and dating alex, freak out that i cheated on him with hugh jackman. Then in a mystery where dad and his old friend group caused an old shopkeeper to be electrocuted long ago when they were teens. Then i was a suspect, blonde college girl in house with other suspects

Was harnessing up to pull ivy on these huge redwoods, then we were in thailand or somewhere? Dude driving us around, i was embarassed i didnt remember what country or town we were even in. We stopped at a store, i wanted to buy cutesy things to fit in. Found nail polish that turns rainbow colors

Sleeping on wildwood rd, hiker girl also behind dumpster. Dude tryna steal car, alarm goes off, call cops. He chases us, then its me and kat running from alex. We hide in rando apt of guy we knew. Then in owens house w lots of ppl and a bunch of cows broke into yard and one came in the house. Also dogs there, had to make them like me, really scared. Then i was balding, had gross peely itchy scalp, tryna moisturize it and peel the dead skin off

Snuck onto tims computer and saw a bunch of dirty emails to somebody. Then i was in It Follows. Lived with 2 abusive roommates, escaped and handcuffed myself to hotel bed. Then escaped that and drove 2 waterloo house, but knew It would come for me. Came looking like kenzie but walking in the field, ran out to car and drove away n woke up

Was roommates with tathariel, she was watchin a movie and i wanted to watch with her but she was really standoffish. Sooooo unbelievably pretty tho

Went to movie at house party where ppl were smoking crack, claudia IP was there. Wanted to go back to flirt with her or sleep at her place, it was in sequim/cf. Try to drive there with my family in the car behind me, on wildwood, but i get pulled over by flirty annoying young cop who only pulled me over to talk. He starts mansplaining traffic rules and shit.

Snuck into owens backyard, it was super steep hill with 2 streams. They came back from church and caught me, hung out w his kids like a babysitter but i felt ashamed of trespassing

Was reading an alice in wonderland book then it became real, on top of mountain, needed a tame lion to light a fire otherwise this curse would cause the mountain to catch fire and a bunch of young kid characters had already been killed off from that? So i got this lion and was trying to untame it by acting crazy, it was very scary

In big house with lauren and family, going to work pulling scotch broom in sequim but left lunch stuff at alex's, tryna text him but phones at 1% and wont charge. Then had to time travel to get morgan freeman n convince him to trust me, he was at some family reconciliation where everyone was crying

Cool oufits i was taking 4 free? Crop tops that look like sailor scout uniforms, with cool red high waist shorts and suspenders

Xander, lucas, luis, n folks were sposed to go with jenna to france to get her ears pierced for the wedding, everyone bailed last minute so i go to airport to tell them off, me and ashlyn couldnt go. Accidentally walked across canada border w/o passport and they wouldn't let me back, crying a lot

In alien spaceship with thanos and orc-lookin fuckers, could get to light speed real quick, super fun

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avalonianrising · 6 years

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I’m in a weird mood, apparently--so I’m gonna’ do a little Factions: 101 post, I think. This might (might, hahahAHhAHa) get a little long, ‘cause I wanna’ outline a bunch of stuff (for both my own personal use, and your enjoyment!).

Avalon’s Faction Guide: 101

The Clan in the Mists:

My main faction, the founding basis of my lore. A mysterious clan shrouded in a dense unnatural fog called ‘The Shrouding Mists.’ Located in a massive cavern with multiple levels and entrances that can house hundreds of dragons at a time. Home to all of the elemental leaders: The Ambassadors, the Commanders, and the Keepers. Also home to all of the Beastclan Ambassadors. A haven for all Flights, even though it isn’t common within the Viridian Labyrinth.

Leaders: Lockwood and Cecelia

Notable Places:

The Emerald Locust Tavern - Situated on the very edge of the clan’s territory, on a well-traveled road. Run by Iavor, his mate Iilene, and their son Fleetwood--along with a small group of employees and volunteers from the clan. Beloved, and welcoming of any weary travel who doesn’t start trouble.

Raxka’s Laboratory - Located in the middle of the Emerald Locust Tavern’s grounds, a neat little laboratory in the shape of a massive bubble dome--and haven for the Lightning dragons craving a little taste of home. If needed, this is where the clan’s security can come into play through a series of communication devices tailored by both Raxka and D.E.U.S.

Vasilios’ Grave - Expressly off-limits to almost everyone in the clan--save for just a handful. His massive skeleton, rivaling even that of an Imperial’s, lies on a small bit of land in the middle. Surrounded by a swirling force-field of multiple types of energy conjured by Grimshaw, and strong imbued totems via Sinann, some might even find it hard to be around such a chaotic energy. Only one small path of stepping stones leads up to it--and the angrily staring shade of a broken bastard prince inside. Here, he shall stay--having escaped only once before. Sometimes, his whispers still leak out into the surrounding area--take care not to listen to them if you draw too close.

The Clan Library - Run by Myrrdin, an echo of the past--and what may have originally been located on the clan grounds. It was spruced up heavily, reinforced, and now houses as many books as folks care to get their hands on. And with four hands, Myrrdin is definitely winning, so far!

The Clan Hot Springs - Tapped into by Eirik and Vashon, a joint project to thank the Golden Firefly Dance Troupe for everything they’ve done. Everyone is welcome! Bring a towel! ...or, you know. Don’t. Whatever floats your boat, depending on what time of day it is! :’) Haha.

The Golden Firefly Dance Troupe

A traveling dance troupe founded out of the Clan in the Mists--dedicated to Hakon, whose visions of golden fireflies were the direct inspiration behind the name. As time passed and they learned of The Water Gardens--a massive ring of illegal brothels with their own armies of brainwashed Guardians, they became dedicated to freeing the Children of the Water Gardens all over Sornieth. Many of the Golden Fireflies today are liberated Children, who use their learned skills to bring joy--and information--to work towards bringing down the original and largest of all the Gardens. With Shesha, a former Gardener Lieutenant--and Iolaus, a former top performer from this Garden behind them, the future for all the lost Children looks as bright as the fireflies that surround them when they dance.

There are many acts included in this traveling troupe: a water show lead by Iolaus, an ice show lead by Haimah, and an ‘After-Hours’ show whose incredibly pricey and sought-after tickets go directly towards the liberation of Gardens everywhere/the care of Children once they’re free.

Leader/Founder: Haimah | Co-Leader: Hakon

The Wildwood Dryads

A newer faction of dryads with exceptional shapeshifting ability. The silent protectors of the Clan in the Mists, they raise Wildwood Owls as messengers when there are more than just a few letters to be sent. Not much is known about them, or even their leader, but they have more than proven their love and loyalty to the clan and its members.

Matriarch: Brienne

The Emperor Elimination Task Force

A massive operation hidden deep in the Reedcleft Ascent, whose mixture of traditional arts and more modern technology make them a fierce opponent against any Emperor who rears their ugly heads. A live fast and die hard bunch lead by an elder of each element, they are heavily influenced by martial arts and magical arts alike. Made up of hundreds of teams with multiple members on each team, there are many different types of forces that one could find within their ranks.

These ranks include ground forces, mounted ground forces (that include prized Warcats and Bamboo Phytocats for the higher-ranking squad members, and sky forces--which employ the use of Rocs, used only by the top five squads. They’re bred for battle, and often rival the size of Imperials themselves. To see the sky full of them heading towards battle is considered a good omen, full of hope--fear, but hope.

Each Roc is carefully tended by Talonok and Longneck during flight while (to allow their handler to focus), who the Task Force have incredible beneficial ties with. Fierce warriors, the Task Force consider them brothers and sisters worth every bit of the love and respect they show one another.

The Shrouding Mists - This is the birthplace of the beloved skill learned by Lockwood and some of his adept clan-members. The Wind Elder was first to create this invaluable skill, passing it down to his children--and their children, until his untimely death. His great grandson, Masato, is currently the strongest user of this devastating power--and is currently leader of Squad 1 of the Task Force along with Abra--the Mother of Many, his Roc matriarch.

Squad 1, the most powerfully ranked, is made up of an unprecedented ten members (normally fifty strong) with the most freedom out of any member in the Task Force. Currently, they are semi-based out of the Clan in the Mists due to circumstances involving Renshaw and Ranell. None of them seem to mind, and they return to the home shrine often (mostly without Renshaw and Ranell) to resupply/catch up.

Leaders: The Elemental Elders

The Archivists’ Legion

A secretive group of countless dragons with an insatiable thirst for rare knowledge. Hidden deep underground somewhere behind the Sundial Terrace’ forest, it takes someone with knowledge of the area to actually get you through the three levels of ‘security’ to the deepest part of the city--and the beloved Infinity Library. Any dragon willing to do anything for their pursuit of knowledge are welcomed with open arms--giving rise to a specialty tomb-plundering, black-market-surfing group of folks to gather the rarest of texts they can manage. It will take a lot of digging, but opportunity may knock if you search in the right places...

Grandmaster and Founder: Wereth | Leader/Figure-Head: Riordan

The Patron Spirits of the Archivists Legion - two recognized, and one forbidden spirit who many of the Archivists pray to for guidance.

Eron and the Path of Light - Located in the Marble Temple - Leads the righteous, the pure, and those who wish to make the best of themselves and the world around them.

Efah and the Path of Darkness - Located in the Obsidian Temple - Leads the ones whose way is clouded or lost, and the ones who do what they believe is for the greater good--even if their means lead them further from the light.

Ezhno and the Path of the Forged - The forbidden spirit, whose mention can get an Archivist into terrible trouble, due to the scarce information about him. Located in the mysterious and unconfirmed Amber Temple. Leads those who choose their own path, who believe not in destiny or fate, but create it themselves in the spaces between dark and light.

The Amber Temple

An unconfirmed, but very real place located within the Blacksand Annex, which no dragon has ever found...so they say. Those who have gone looking have never returned. The entrance is small and unassuming, guarded closely by a Guardian named Aharon--who founded the temple from the ground up. Seeing him guarantees that you are close...though whether you get in or not is entirely up to him. Make your way down into the heated earth, into a crypt, and look very closely...the answers lie where the patient can find them. Deeper and deeper you go, passing obstacles--and very real beings along the way. Should you hear a voice guiding you to the Pools of the Nameless, it is advised you turn away immediately--as you have been deemed unworthy of him.

On the Amber Throne, Ezhno waits...for what, is unclear. There may be someone there to explain, but it will take a great feat to bring him from the darkness.

The appearance of a great Harpy known as the Amber Queen may be the first test...and you’d best be ready.

The Nightspear Company

On a tiny island between Nature and Shadow territory, is where they reside: a group of dragons with questionable, but seemingly honorable methods. Follow your nose, and the flowers--and avoid the terrifying Scarlet Janustraps that dapple the land. Should you enter a grove that looks like eternal Autumn, pray your intentions are kind, and turn back immediately--praying that he doesn’t find you. In the Nightspear Company’s greenhouses, they specialize in poisons and toxins of many kids--brilliant scientists and assassins that take on jobs that they deem worthy of their time. Run by a brother and sister duo and their small but beloved group of associates, it would be best you find yourself invited...rather than try and find them by yourself. Along the Janustraps, you’d best be on the lookout for other things that scurry in the dark of the woods...above you. Mind the spider webs.

Leader: Locksley | Co-Leader: Skelbrooke

The Paragon Foundation

A sinister place, set in a sinister portion of the Foxfire Bramble. They prey on the tiny starving village that clings to life there--posing as a group that is meant to cure their ills. In reality: they are there to collect and experiment, running a multi-tiered laboratory in what seems to be a ‘run down’ an unassuming hospital on the outside...but it is far from it below. Something often scurries in the dark, planting seeds of fear in the hearts of those who have nowhere else to go. Figures lurk, and voices laugh...but whose? Do you really want to know?

The Paragon Foundation seeks to create perfect beings of all elements, though they heavily favor those of Arcane origin. Their experiments are harsh and unheard of, their ‘lab rats’ hidden away in the darkness, praying for relief...or something else. The arch-enemies of the Nightspear Company, they seek to reclaim two seemingly very valuable experiments that they lost when they were only just starting out...by any means necessary.

Founder: Harkonnen | Head Physician/Figure-Head: Mephisto

#The Clan in the Mists #The Golden Firefly Dance Troupe #The Wildwood Dryads #The Emperor Elimination Task Force #The Archivists' Legion #The Amber Temple #The Nightspear Company #The Paragon Foundation #HOLY CRUD THAT TOOK FOREVER I GOT A LITTLE INTO THAT #HELLO YES THIS IS WHAT I DO WITH MY TIME

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several-very-small-eggs · 3 years

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Tell me about your FFXIV character, please!

Apologies for the late response, I had to actually decide on a lot of stuff I'd not figured out firm ideas for! (And get a bunch of screenshots.)

Octave Marceaux Chastain, Octave Chastain ingame and often simply shortened to Oct. He is 26-28 or so over the course of the story. He is a bi trans guy, and like a lot of first rpg characters, is not so loosely based on myself. He lives on Famfrit, and is part of an FC with people I mostly consider friends.

Name lore, since you can't stop me: French, following the elezen name trend. Octave referencing his start as a bard. Marceaux, which I think I made up? from 'mars' referencing the fact that you fight everything. Chastain meaning 'chestnut' referencing his brown hair and origin in the foresty Black Shroud.

He is a Wildwood Elezen, born on the 9th Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon [ie, March 9th]. He is 6'6, and I imagine him a little more gangly than the game really allows.

Something that I can't really show ingame, he's got top surgery scars and no nipples. The no nipples thing was originally a joke about the ken doll body model, but I got attached to it. And he voluntarily had the scars not get magically healed, he's proud of it.

I would consider my main classes to be Dark Knight, Bard, Dancer, and Red Mage, not in any particular order aside from that's how they're listed in the classes list.

(I have a problem. Yes, every single class is over 50. I really needed to clear out my Armory Chest. And I still do.)

I've dipped my toes into fashion a little, here's what I've got, and I'm somewhat proud of it.

DRK - Went a little Dark Souls, with the veil and very spiky everything.

DNC - Cheerleader! I'm still not quite satisfied with the shirt though. :(

MCH - Cool biker/bad boy kind of look?

RDM - I just like putting him in suits, and I got very attached to the look of the Shire casting gear, so I kept his RDM in a suit.

DoL - Hipster Oct! He was gathering before it was cool. (Except not, since I've only been playing since November.)

Wedding! Fancy fancy boy.

As mentioned above, I started playing in late November, and I've already put over 1300 hours into Octave alone. (Help.) I've also got a bunch of alts, only one of which has really gotten particularly into the plot, and even then, he's only in post-ARR rn.

Pinning down his personality is a little difficult since he's mostly just an idealized version of myself, and I have no idea where the lines are. Generally kind and helpful, but tends to lose himself in his hero duties? Often takes on too much work and needs someone to remind him that he's a people too, not just a hero. Incredible soft spot for kids and people in fucked up situations, eagerly accepting ex-enemies as friends. But goes a little Warrior rage mode if someone threatens or hurts people he cares about. Often a Little Shit to his friends, annoying them for his amusement.

Backstory, still in development, but here's what I've got:

Born in Gridania to Miounne and Jehantel, wanted to be an adventurer when he was young, but didn't act on it immediately? Realized he was trans mid-teens or so, but didn't come out before he left home. Ended up travelling to Sharlayan around 20 or so and studying there for a while - during which time the 7th Umbral Calamity occurred - but didn't receive his Archon marks. Major undecided. Working idea is that he didn't want a fantasy doctorate, he just wanted a fantasy bachelors degree. He also transitioned physically there, because magic. But studying there brought forward his childhood desire to be an adventurer, especially after the Calamity when there was so much discord, and he could help with that! So he put down his books, picked up a bow, and moved back home to Gridania. Initially, he didn't tell his parents of his true identity, fearful of their reaction both to his transition and that he didn't tell them about it. But once things got really serious, like mid-Shadowbringers or so, he took a trip back to Gridania to set up a dinner and reveal everything to them. He couldn't handle the idea of dying before getting a resolution to the whole situation.

After first arriving back in Gridania, he got embroiled in all sorts of shit, and feels a responsibility to see it through because he's really the only person that can do it, being the Warrior of Variable Luminosity. (Read that title once and it's stuck with me ever since.) Don't get him wrong, he's happy to help, but sometimes he has to get Fray to come yell at people to give him a break, y'know?

(His original joke backstory is that he was adventuring to pay off student loans, and was also on parole, as an explanation for the Free Trial limitations. I did not decide what he was on parole for. Probably either assault or unsafe aetherial experimentation.)

Heavy ShB spoilers, skip over the blue text.

After learning Emet-Selch's story of how Zodiark and Hydaelyn came to be, he's got some serious doubts about whether he's doing the right thing, fighting for Hydaelyn and the light. Certainly, he doesn't want the Ascians to keep killing everybody, but beyond that, it's really shaken everything he'd taken as fact before then. Everything is a primal, the god who's name you've been fighting in fucked the universe, and the evil shadow figures are just trying to bring their loved ones back. (Ends certainly don't justify the means, but still.)

He is currently married to my irl bf's character, Hikaru! They're very cute together.

Miscellaneous bits, his favorite color is green, his favorite animals are furry noodles (ferrets, weasels, otters, etc), he has a weakness for trashy novels (if soap operas exist, he's into those too), and he falls a little bit in love with every hot person that becomes his friend. (I don't think I could list everybody. It's extensive. We have a lot of love to share, okay.)

#somehow getting the screenshots from my playstation to my phone was the hardest part of this #this forced me to actually think up a backstory for him so thank you! id been meaning to get around to that #ffxiv stuff #Octave Chastain #he gets his own tag now :)#other stuff: i currently plan to get 4 shb Relic weapons and get my mains iLvls up to 520-530. drk gets the 530 everything else gets 520.

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travelingtheusa · 4 years

Text

NEW YORK

8 Sep 2020 (Tue) – We spent yesterday getting ready to move. We drove to the lawyer’s office in Port Jefferson to sign a temporary Power of Attorney for Travis. Since we won’t be here for the closing on his house, we are giving him authority to sign for us. That was debacle! First, the secretary asked for ID with a picture and our address on it. We gave her our New York driver licenses. They have our Texas mailing address on them. She said that was no good. She then instructed us to send her copies of our passports. When we got back home, I did that. She said Paul’s passport said New York but mine said New Jersey. I had to explain that there is no residential address on a passport; that the states are where we were born. She then asked for a Costco card or some other ID that had a picture and New York address on it. When we couldn’t provide any, she mumbled something about having to do a tax form for Texas. We are certainly hopeful that Travis & Sam don’t have to pay taxes to Texas!

After the lawyer’s office, we drove into Port Jefferson and had lunch at one of the many restaurants in this charming port town. The waiter gave us the menus, stated that he was the only one working today, and he would come when called. The tables were set up outside on the parking lot. There were about 6 tables he had to serve. The service was very slow but the meal was good.

We invited Caiden to come over for dinner. He enjoyed it. Unfortunately, we got a message saying my nephew’s funeral will be on Saturday. We were expecting it to take place next Saturday. We were going to camp in PA for a week, then drive to Rhode Island/Massachusetts. Now, we had to call campgrounds and move things around. Fortunately, we were able to get 5 days at a Navy campground in Newport, RI, as well as move the days we were going to PA. Whew. Otherwise, we would have lost our deposit at the PA campground.

6 Sep 2020 (Sun) – It’s been a busy week. Kenny went to the clinic and had his arm looked at. The doctor said he has a second degree burn but didn’t do anything with the injury. Just told him to keep it clean and dry.

I started physical therapy on my Achilles tendon. I went for therapy on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. They start with heat and stimulation, then I do some exercises, and it ends with ice and stimulation. They also do some ultrasound. The place is big and it kind of feels like an assembly line operation. Oh, well. I won’t be there for long.

Miranda’s car had the thermostat and rheostat replaced as well as three coils in the engine. It cost $900. Our next door neighbor, Dave, owns an auto body shop and did the work for us. We brought the car back to Miranda and Kenny and told them that’s it. No more money will be spent on that car. Dave suggested we put it in a lot, douse it in gasoline, and set it on fire. It’s basically shot.

We took Caiden and went over Susan & Bill’s house on Saturday. It was our last swim for the summer. He had a great time. We are all a little sad to see the season end. Earlier in the week, Susan and I went to West Hampton for lunch. They recently renovated the town and she wanted to look it over. It was very new looking.

After church today, we went over Travis & Sam’s. Today is Travis’ 39th birthday. We enjoyed a barbecue and ice cream cake. We gave him a storage device with all our photo albums scanned on it. Hope he likes it.

30 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. Attendance is still sparse but the way the pews are chained off, it’s probably for the best. After church, we stopped at Bagel Boss for bagels. The deli counter had 6 people on line and the bagel line only had 1 person so I opted for the bagel line. What. A. Mistake. The girl who waited on me was so new that she had to ask another worker what a rye and garlic bagel looked like. She was sooooooo slow that everyone in the deli line not only went through but several people after where I would have been had I gotten on that line. Serves me right for being in a hurry.

After church, we drove to Travis & Sam’s, stopping at a couple of furniture stores on the way to look for new recliners. We are limited by the size of the space that the recliners would fit into. The kids are growing fast. The baby is such a happy little guy. Big smiles and laughs all the time. Paul and I picked up KFC chicken for dinner. It was a nice visit.

Miranda borrowed the truck at 7:30 to go pick Kenny up at work. Their car is not working right now. There is some kind of blockage in the cooling system. Caiden and I played a few games. When Kenny got home, Miranda changed the dressing on his arm from the scalding he took yesterday. He has a very large blister and a lot of redness on his arm. Miranda and I convinced him to go to the clinic tomorrow. He probably should have the blister drained and get put on an antibiotic.

29 Aug 2020 (Sat) – We went to church today to attend a memorial service for June Wertz, a friend of ours. Her husband, Bob, invited us to join their travel club some years ago. One of the members of their club had passed away just before the small group was going to camp out at Wildwood State Park. They invited us to take his camping spot. During the 8-10 years we camped with them, it was always on Long Island. The members were all up in years and didn’t go off-Island to camp. It was a fun group and I wish we could have known them in their younger, traveling days. At any rate, we certainly enjoyed the time we spent with Bob & June and the rest of them.

Miranda and Kenny had a serious incident yesterday. They were at KFC when they noticed smoke coming from the engine. They popped the hood, looked around, and opened the radiator cap. Both of them were scalded, Kenny pretty badly. They are monitoring his condition to determine whether his burns are bad enough to seek medical help.

28 Aug 2020 (Fri) – I drove to Ronkonkoma to visit with my cousin, Claude, today. He has been experiencing medical issues for a while now. He has gone from 220 lbs. to 175 lbs. He is looking old and sick. I fear for his well-being. I visited for about an hour then the nurse came in to see him so I left.

Paul spent the day repairing the steps to the back deck. He poured some concrete at the base a few days ago and had Caiden put his name, date, and footprint in it.

27 Aug 2020 (Thu) – I drove out to Southampton today. It was almost an hour and a half drive. When I arrived for my 10:30 a.m. appointment, the receptionist told me I was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. The dentist didn’t get me in until almost 12 noon. I was seeing him for a consultation. He is an endodontist who specializes in root canals and oral surgery. He didn’t see anything that needs immediate attention. Furthermore, he said that he conforms to the recommendations of the American Dental Association and doesn’t believe that metal in the mouth or root canals are inherently bad. He suggested that I leave everything as it is unless I am in pain. It was a disappointing consult.

I stopped at CVS to pick up my prescriptions from the dermatologist, the neurologist to get copies of the test results for my records, and at Shop Rite for some groceries. I got home in time to put everything away and turn around to make my 4:00 p.m. appointment for physical therapy. That was also a somewhat disappointing experience. I was brought in, asked a bunch of questions by someone who said she was a physical therapist, and advised that I would get some exercises to do. Today’s appointment was just heat and stimulation. An aide put the electrodes on my foot and wrapped it in a hot towel. She said the therapist would be in to turn on the stim. After 15 minutes, I flagged down a passing therapist to see if she could find the gal that was supposed to turn my stim on. After 5 minutes, she came in and said she thought the aide would turn it on. They seemed very disorganized and uncommunicative. I am scheduled for physical therapy 3 days next week. We’ll see how that goes.

When I came out of the office, I crossed the street to pick up a few things at Best Market that I didn’t get at ShopRite. It was a full day of running around. Whew!

26 Aug 2020 (Wed) – I went to the dermatologist this morning. The oncologist told me that the chemo can cause skin cancer and to get a skin exam once a year. So, here I am at my one-year check. The exam went well and I was given a clean bill of health.

At 1:50 p.m. I went to see the orthopedist that I was referred to by the podiatrist. I have an interstitial tear in the Achilles heel fiber, not the tendon. There are three ways to handle it – by physical therapy, by surgery, or by an experimental program that takes your blood, mixes platelets with it then injects it in the injury site. Insurance will not cover the cost. I opted for physical therapy. He gave me a script and I made an appointment with a nearby therapist.

We went out for dinner to Texas Roadhouse. The food was good. We forgot our leftovers. That must happen at least half the time we plan to take leftovers home. Aaaarrgh!

25 Aug 2020 (Tue) – No doctors today! I ordered dulse flakes from Amazon. Travis called to ask for help. He was turned down for a rental because a credit report stated they had been late on their last 8 mortgage payments. This is incorrect. I went on the webpage and saw that their payments were on time. Samantha called Equifax to correct the report but was told they only reported what the mortgage company gave them. She called the mortgage company and was told Equifax had to correct the record. A big, fat bureaucratic run around!

I spent a good part of the day on the phone with the mortgage company trying to get a letter that simply stated that their payments have been on time all year. The last agent I spoke with told me they are restricted in free-form correspondence because of a contract they have with USAA. They can only send certain forms. He did offer to send a transaction record that showed all payments were made. Unfortunately, it does not say the payments were on time.

In the meantime, I was trying to get an appointment with the dentist and getting a refill for Paul for a medication. I finally landed an appointment with the dentist for Monday and the doctor’s office placed the refill order directly with CVS. I did get to finish burning one box of records. Only 5 more to go!

Travis called later and told me he offered to pay one year’s rent up front and was waiting for the rental agent’s reply. He’s got a job offer and the new boss said he would look into putting the money up until Travis sold the house. If he does that, Travis better give this guy 110%. He doesn’t know Travis from a stranger on the street and is willing to put up $23,000? We will see.

Miranda and Kenny went out tonight. I offered to watch Caiden so they could have a date night out somewhere. It isn't much but I’m sure they haven’t had a chance for private time since this whole COVID-thing started. Kenny’s mother and grandmother are keeping their distance and they have no other childcare set up.

24 Aug 2020 (Mon) – We went food shopping this morning. I did laundry in the house. At 1:45 p.m., I left for an appointment with the biological dentist in Manhasset. On the way there, the office called to say the dentist was running late and to come in at 4 p.m. So I detoured and stopped at Sherry’s Market in Babylon. I wanted to pick up some barley grass juice powder and dulse flakes. They did not have the dulse. The clerk said I might find it in Wild by Nature down the road in West Islip. So I drove down John Street and into the strip mall. They had dulse granules but no flakes. Not sure if that was OK, I didn’t buy it.

Finally, it was time to stop dawdling and drive to the dentist. I got there at 3:50 p.m. and called the office to let them know I was there. They told me to come right up. I didn’t wait 10 minutes (BIG difference from last visit) and was shown into the exam room. The first dentist, Dr. Golden, popped in while Dr. Blum was reviewing my 3D scan. They discussed my case and what they recommended I do. Then they sent the money gal in. She described the procedure they would use – do a root canal on two teeth and put in ceramic posts with a bridge. Giving me a discount on the bridge, it would only cost $12,000. I could buy a frickin’ car for that much money!!! I told her I would think about it and left.

I called my sister to see if I could get in to see her biological dentist. She gave me his number but the office was closed. I’ll have to call them tomorrow.

23 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. Everyone is still wearing masks and the pews are roped off to keep people distanced from one another. After church, we gathered up most of the stuff we have been collecting for the yard sale and brought it back to the church. They are trying to have an outdoor thrift shop sale on the front lawn. We don’t know how that’s going to work. It was all clothes they had outside and anyone shopping would lift the clothes to look at them. Now they’ve been touched. What next?

At 3 p.m. we drove to our friend’s house, Bob. He used to be my brother’s father-in-law (before they got divorced). Bob managed an A&P store in the day and he catered many parties. Any time he’s making a meal, it’s worth going. He’s a great cook. He made ribs, roast potatoes, and corn on the cob. We had a very nice visit.

22 Aug 2020 (Sat) – We gathered up Caiden and drove to my sister’s house. Susan is celebrating her 65th birthday today. As expected, Caiden never wanted to get out of the pool. Our brothers, Dennis and Chris, also came to the party. We gave Denis some old baseball cards we found in the back room during our clearing out maneuvers. He seemed to be pleased with the gift (his birthday is next week). It was a fun day.

21 Aug 2020 (Fri) – We went to the Oconee Diner for lunch then took a ride to Target to get a few things. We picked up some clothes for Caiden and ourselves. After we returned home, we spent the rest of the day cleaning out the back room. I burned more military records. Thirty-one years of military history – GONE! Up in smoke! I was surprised to see that I had every pay record I ever got during my service.

20 Aug 2020 (Thu) – It was a confusing day at the cardiologist. First, Paul went to the office for a 9 a.m. appointment only to be turned away. They said he had an appointment at 3:45 and I had one at 2:30 p.m. When he got home and told me, I stated that the office had called yesterday and confirmed the 9 a.m. time. I also had my appointment time entered in my calendar as 2:15 p.m. Just as we were perplexing over these times, the doctor’s office called to say he was called to the hospital and they had to reschedule our appointments. We managed to get us in at 11:30 and 11:45 respectively. That ensured we got in together.

The doctor was prompt and entertaining. He checked us both over. Reviewed our bloodwork and tests and declared us in good health. My cholesterol is a little elevated so he wants to see me back in 3 months. If the numbers are still up, he will put me on a drug (he thinks).

We drove over to Travis & Sam’s tonight for dinner. Turned out we had to buy the dinner (surprise!). We stopped at Chili’s and picked up 6 meals then drove to Trap’s where we enjoyed our dinner together. Travis got a job offer at a construction company in North Carolina. They will also help them to get into a rental home. It sounds very good.

19 Aug 2020 (Wed) – I went to a biological dentist today to get an assessment of all the dental work in my mouth. I have been reading several books about alternative medicine. One book by Dr. Simon Yu states that disease is the result of 4 causes. The three top causes are dental problems, heavy metals, and parasites. It was 2 hours before the dentist came in to see me and we spent an hour talking about the research and alternatives. She sent me to get a 3D x-ray to see if there are any infections in my mouth. Although there was no “pathology,” she did identify 4 incomplete root canals. She recommended I see the surgeon in the office. I made an appointment for Monday.

On the way home, I stopped by Sherry’s Market, a health food store in Babylon. It was expensive!

18 Aug 2020 (Tue) – I went to the neurologist this morning to get all the electrodes disconnected. I tried to schedule a follow up visit with the doctor but his earliest appointment is October. How do you discuss what they found with all these tests?

I drove to East Islip to the podiatrist’s office to pick up a copy of the MRI report stating I have an interstitial tear in my right foot. The receptionist offered to call the radiology office to see if I could get a copy of the MRI pictures. Then I walked over to their office and got the disk.

Paul spent the day working around the yard. I spent the day burning files. I have so many military files to burn. How in the world did I get so many in my possession???

17 Aug 2020 (Mon) – I went to the neurologist this morning and was wired up for a 24-hour EEG. They attached 23 electrodes to my head and 3 to my chest. I have to wear a machine to register brain activity for 24 hours. All this just to reassure Paul that I am OK and can go hiking in the woods again.

When I got home, Paul went food shopping. I was NOT going out with all the wires hanging off my head. When he got back, we had lunch, then went to work on getting rid of old files and boxes. I have tons of old military books and material that has to be burned. It can’t just be thrown in the garbage. I sat in front of the fire pit for 2 hours and only got through 1 box. I have 5 more to go.

Ford called to say they replaced the fuel pump on the truck and everything seems to be alright. I took the rental car, drove Paul to Sayville Ford to drop him off, drove to Islip Airport to drop off the rental car where Paul picked me up and we drove back home.

16 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We borrowed Kenny’s truck and drove to church this morning. It rained all day. We spent most of the day inside watching TV or working on the computer.

15 Aug 2020 (Sat) – Spent the day working around the property. Kenny went to work at 4 and I went into the house to watch Caiden. He came out to the camper and had dinner with us, then we went back inside and I gave him a bath. We had a pillow fight and played with his transformers. He finally went to bed at 9 p.m. I think that is too late for a 6 year old but his parents are night owls and I guess he’s becoming one also.

14 Aug 2020 (Fri) – The tech from Sayville Ford called and said the diagnostics was telling him the truck needs a fuel pump. No amount of arguing that the last service station messed something up. We finally authorized the part. Maybe they can get to it on Monday. Ugh.

Miranda’s truck was finished at 4 p.m. Turned out to be the alternator. I was going to take the rental car since we have no vehicle but I let her take the truck to Philly given the cruddy condition of her truck. We weren’t sure it would make it there and back. It really is on its last legs.

We were supposed to ride out to Indian Island to join the Long Islanders for camping this weekend. Since we don’t have the truck to pull the camper, we will miss the campout. This was very disappointing.

13 Aug 2020 (Thu) – Miranda’s car suddenly gave up the ghost today. It was clicking, wouldn’t start, and all kind of diagnostic warnings were flashing on her dashboard. She was able to drop it off at the service station. This is really bad timing because she is preparing to go to Philly this weekend to coordinate a concert for her camp. We looked around and was able to reserve a rental car just in case the car isn’t back tomorrow.

Paul and I rode our bicycles to Best Buy this afternoon. It’s been giving me trouble and there’s some kind of program on there that we didn’t load in but keeps trying to update drivers. I had them take it off. They were very understaffed and the tech wasn’t really interested in working with me on anything else. I had wanted help in getting videos off the computer. I’ll have to wait until things get back to normal.

Paul took an Uber to the cardiologist this afternoon for a stress test. They injected him with something and then put him in an MRI machine. He said it was quick and easy.

12 Aug 2020 (Wed) – It was a quiet day all around. Paul picked up the truck. Not only was it making the humming noise, but the dashboard was lighting up like a Christmas tree! Low fuel pressure! Low engine pressure! The service station told us they couldn’t find anything wrong and the noise was gone. Boy, were they wrong. Paul called Sayville Ford and we were able to get it into the service bay today. Hope they didn’t break the engine. L

11 Aug 2020 (Tue) – I went to the radiologist today for an MRI of my right foot. We worked around the property, cleaning out old files and boxes. Sent out for pizza for dinner.

10 Aug 2020 (Mon) – Paul brought the truck back to the service station this morning. They kept the truck and dropped him off back at home. At 1 p.m. I went to the doctor for an echo cardiogram. I had to borrow Miranda’s car to get there and back.

We called the service station at 3:30 p.m. The tech told us that they had to call a friend at Ford to ask about the fuel pump. The guy told them they had to replace the entire assembly, not just the fuel pump. Paul was annoyed! I think we will have to make sure in the future that (1) only Ford does the work and, (2) that the mechanic is a certified diesel mechanic. Hopefully, we will get the truck back tomorrow. They were going to send out for the item, which will cost us over $400. This is after already being charged $170 to put the fuel pump on before they broke it.

9 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. I think it was the most people we’ve seen there since we came back. Everyone is still wearing masks and there are seats roped off. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up around the building. They announce that the thrift shop will open for 2 hours on Sunday afternoon in an outdoor setting. That means folks attending the service will be asked to help bring things outside and set up, then take it back downstairs when done. I hope it works. The thrift shop is a major revenue source for the church and it has really been hurt with the closure.

After church, we went to the Clamside Bar & Grill at the East Islip Marina. The waitress was soooooo slow. Paul ordered Belgian waffles and they came out cold. My food was lukewarm. He sent his waffles back. The next service was also cool. Paul wound up not eating his meal. It was a disappointing experience and we probably won’t go back there for a while.

8 Aug 2020 (Sat) – We gathered up Caiden and drove to Sue & Bill’s for the day. The day started out overcast but the clouds soon cleared away and we had a delightful day in the pool.

7 Aug 2020 (Fri) – I went to the neurologist this morning. The first test was a Neurotrax. It was a cognitive test to see if I’ve had any brain damage from the TGA back in March. Following that, I had an EEG. A technician glues 23 nodes to your head and then has you sit in a chair with your eyes closed most of the time. He flashes a light on your closed eyes, then says “Open Your Eyes” for like 30 seconds then close them again. Weird.

Paul has been working hard in the yard, cleaning up after the storm. The oblivious neighbor did a stupid thing. A tree in his yard came down into our yard. It was straddling the fence with the root ball in the neighbor’s yard and the tree branches supporting the tree in our yard. The neighbor brought his chain saw out and cut the tree. No longer balanced between the tree branches and the root ball, the tree crushed our fence.

I went to the podiatrist today to check out the painful lump on my Achilles tendon. The doctor took an x-ray and said I have a bone spur that could be causing the problem. She also criticized my flip flops, saying I needed more support for my feet. She gave me some heel inserts to wear in a closed shoe. She also sent me to the radiologist to get an MRI. I made an appointment for Tuesday.

6 Aug 2020 (Thu) – Paul brought the truck to the service station to get it inspected. When he got back, he complained that he could hear a humming from the fuel pump. That happened to us once before. A non-qualified mechanic had tried to mount the fuel pump on the rail and broke it. Apparently, a certified diesel mechanic needs to do the job. Paul called and was told to bring the truck back in on Monday.

We brought Bonnie to the vet at 2 p.m. The ultrasound shows she has some abnormal liver issues. The vet wants to do a biopsy but Bonnie has to get a blood test first to see if she has a clotting factor. If so, then she can have the biopsy. If not, then we can’t do it.

5 Aug 2020 (Wed) – I had a check with the nurse at the cardiologist’s office today. They wanted to check and make sure there were no problems with the loop recorder. She said I had a bit of a reaction to the medical tape but everything looked OK. I should just let the tape fall off when it wants.

After the doctor, I brought some containers to Travis. He is now in contract on his house and beginning to pack things up. I brought him 9 containers. Then I drove to Sayville and met my sister, Susan, and her daughter, Shay, for lunch at Cornucopia. It is a kind of health food supermarket with a great deli counter where we all ordered lunch. We then sat outside to enjoy our meal. Following that, we took a walk along Main Street, looking in the shop windows. When we came upon an India shop, we went in. Susan & Bill follow the religion of Ashananda and the shop owner had been to one of their meetings out in the Hamptons. She spoke for a while with the clerks (the shop owner wasn’t there).

We went over Trap’s tonight to sign the contract for the sale of their house. Since we are listed as co-owners on the house, we have to sign the contract as well. While there, Trap dug out the chain saw for Paul.

4 August 2020 (Tue) – Things have been so busy and technology has been so challenging that I have not been able to keep up with the blog. I have an appointment with Best Buy on the 13th. Hopefully, that will get things back on the road.

Let’s see. I have been to the cardiologist and had an internal cardiac monitor (ICM) installed in my chest. It is a device that tracks heart activity and at night, when I am sleeping, it uploads the day’s activities to the doctor’s office. It’s been 5 days and the site still itches like crazy. Ugh.

I had to go to the lab and get a COVID test before getting the ICM installed. The nurse stuck a Cutip so far up my nose that my eyes teared. And I had an earache for the rest of the day. That dam thing was painful! I will not do that again.

We took Caiden to Sue & Bill’s last Wednesday. Their daughter, Shay, and her boyfriend, Pat, are up from South Carolina. We all swam and munched on delicious vegan foods. It was fun.

I went to the doctor’s office to see what is wrong with my heel. The PA saw me (the doctor was busy). He thinks I have a cyst on my Achilles tendon and referred me to a podiatrist.

Miranda was back in Pennsylvania this weekend so we watched Caiden a good part of the time when Kenny wasn’t working.

We got to visit with Travis & Sam yesterday. The baby is walking pretty good now. He’s always so happy. He immediately lights up when he sees you and waves his little hand hello. Trap got an offer on the house and we signed the contract with the realtor. He’s a little freaked out. They have now signed a contract to sell their house. They have to be out in a month. They want to move to South Carolina but neither of them has a job or a place to stay. In addition, they’re not going to be able to keep as much of the money from the sale of the house that they had counted on. The realtor gets $16,400 alone! Wow!

Today, Paul had an appointment with the dentist. This was a follow up to checkups we had two weeks ago where the dentist found a cavity. He went in to day to get it filled. Afterward, we went to WalMart to pick up a few items. Later in the day, Tropical Storm Isaias blew through. Another tree from the neighbor’s yard came down across our fence. Also, one of our trees came down and landed on the deck. It just missed the roof and back doors. This was dejavu! Same thing happened last year when we were here. Paul will have to dig out the chain saw. The entire neighborhood is digging out. Two trees went down on Saxon Avenue, the next block over, and the road was closed. Thousands of people were without power. We lost power on and off all day long but not for very long. Our neighbor a few doors down had a tree go down and take all his electrical lines with it. The fire department came and cut up the tree and pulled it out into the road.

25 July 2020 (Sat) – We went to Nicky’s on the Bay for lunch. The tables were spaced apart. Lots of them were out on the deck. All the wait staff was wearing face masks. Our waitress was very slow and unsure about herself. She might have been new. While we were eating, a waitress came running through the restaurant asking if there was a doctor, an EMT, or a nurse in the place. Apparently, something happened at the marine fuel site out on the deck. We couldn’t see what happened but an ambulance did roll up.

The cost of the meal was very high. It don’t know if it is because Nicky’s is a seasonal place and is trying to make its money during the summer or if they jacked the prices up because they can’t have as many people in the place. Either way, it was over $60 for a wrap and a sandwich. Ouch!

24 July 2020 (Fri) – Finally! A day with no doctors. Whew! Paul got up early and took the truck to WalMart to get an oil change. He said it looks like WalMart is going out of business. The shelves are all half stocked. If you stop to think about it, they get most of their products from China. The pandemic has affected shipments worldwide. In addition, the U.S. is angry with China for keeping the Coronavirus a secret and has instituted sanctions against them. WalMart must really be hurting.

After Paul got home, we went to Home Depot to get a container. One of our two batteries went bad and Paul bought two new ones. Now he wants a container to put them in to keep the area more organized. Home Depot didn’t have much of a selection at all. On the way out, we stopped by the tile area and picked out a tile to do a backsplash in the bathroom. We couldn’t decide, so we picked up three samples to see which we would like best.

When I was entering the costs into the budget, Paul discovered that WalMart charged him for the oil that he actually provided. So he got in the truck and drove back to WalMart to get his $12.47 refunded.

Miranda is teaching in Pennsylvania again this weekend. They took Caiden into Queens to stay with his grandmother. Kenny borrows his mother’s car so Miranda can take their car. I will miss Caiden.

23 July 2020 (Thu) – Today was my visit with the oncologist. It was so disheartening! My appointment was at 4:15 p.m. I checked in then after a brief wait, a tech brought me into an exam room and took my vitals. Thank goodness; no blood draw. Then I went upstairs and checked in with the receptionist. I waited about a half hour before the doctor’s admin assistant came and led me to the exam room. I sat there for another half hour before the nurse came in and went over my case. He spent a lot of time complaining about patients calling and asking for visits or pain medication when they should be going to their primary care physicians. Then he asked me who my PCP was. I felt like it was some kind of criticism. Was I supposed to be going to a different doctor?

The nurse left and it was another 20 minutes before the doctor came in wearing a face mask and a full face shield. He seemed detached and didn’t really hear my complaints. He said the medication sometimes causes blisters on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Was I having any of those? He also said the medication can cause AFIB and that the cardiologist should check me for that. It seems like every visit to the oncologist results in him telling me something else that can happen with this chemo therapy. He seemed preoccupied and in a hurry to get out. I felt like I got the bum’s rush. I came home and started crying. Which is kind of stupid because the CT scan shows that I am responding to the medication very well. All the lymph nodes are continuing to shrink. So what’s my problem?

22 July 2020 (Wed) – I went to the Good Sam Sleep Center this morning. I had to sit in the parking lot and call the office to tell them I was waiting. They called me when the previous patient was done. When I walked into the doctor’s office after checking in, he excused himself and began to dictate the results of his visit with the previous patient. He stated the patient’s name, the issue, and his diagnosis, all in front of me. Hasn’t he been briefed on this whole patient privacy thing? I thought that I should probably step out of the room but with the whole COVID thing, they don’t want people wandering around unsupervised. When he was done, I told him that I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in 15 years. The cardiologist recommended I do a sleep study because poor sleep can affect heart function and weight. The doctor said we probably wouldn’t find anything but said he would do the study anyway. How encouraging is that???

21 July 2020 (Tue) – I went to the eye doctor today. I arrived at 9:30 a.m. When I checked in, I found my appointment was for 10:45 a.m. It looks like I made the appointment while we were in Alabama and my calendar recorded the appointment as central time, not eastern time. So the clerk sent me to sit out in my car till it was my turn or the doctor became available sooner. They called me at 9:50 to come in and brought me right to a test station where they blew air into my eye. Then she took me to an exam room where I sat for over a half hour. The doctor came in, put drops in my eyes, and said I am developing glaucoma. Come back in six months. Then he was gone. No discussion, no explanation, no anything. I complained about some eye discharge and irritation so he prescribed an ointment to put in my eye at bedtime but, again, no explanation or discussion of what the problem is. It was a very annoying visit. The doctor was very dismissive.

Paul put together a 3-minute video of upstate New York. I posted it on You Tube then contacted SMART with the link. They posted it on the website next to the description of our New York caravan.

I went in at 4 p.m. to keep an eye on Caiden while Miranda went to the store. Paul is still grousing about yesterday’s argument. I have to find a way to get him to lighten up. Ugh.

20 July 2020 (Mon) – I had a CT Scan with contrast today. I dropped off a urine sample for Sheba at the vet, then drove to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I checked in at the front desk and asked if my doctor or his nurse was available to see me. The receptionist said she would contact Dr. Rodriguez and see what he said. I then went into the imaging area and had the CT scan. That’s such a weird test. They inject an iodine based solution and it gives a flushed, very warm feeling in the back of the throat and in the crotch. It feels like I wet myself. The test isn’t very long and I was out of the machine within 10 minutes.

I returned to the front desk to see about the doctor. The receptionist said Dr. Rodriguez would change my telehealth appointment for Thursday to an in-person appointment or I could see someone in triage today. I said I would meet with the doctor on Thursday.

I got home to find Paul working around the RV. He was installing a switch for the water pump in the bathroom. The switch on the main panel stopped working some time ago and Paul installed a switch down in the basement. That has turned out to be somewhat inconvenient so he moved the switch up into the bathroom. That should work better for when we have to use the onboard tank for fresh water.

While we were outside, Paul and Miranda got into a nasty fight. That was very upsetting for me. Then we left and went over Travis’ house to help him with some projects. He has finally gotten an offer for his house and the inspector will be over on Thursday. He wants to clear up a few little things before the inspector arrives. Paul and Travis worked on repairing a leak in the kitchen sink and on the thermostat for his burner. I played with the boys then we all enjoyed a meal that Sam prepared. It was a pleasant evening.

19 July 2020 (Sun) – We didn’t think Caiden would be able to sit for an hour in church with a mask on so we didn’t go. At 11:30 a.m. we drove to the Bayside Clam Bar for brunch. Afterward, we walked along the boardwalk and looked at all the boats in the marina. There was a dog at one end that the owner let go down on a little spit of sand. Caiden climbed down and followed the dog around. We took his shoes off so he could step in the water. The dog was an older black lab and very friendly. Her name was Sandy.

After our meal and walk, we returned to the house and I watched Caiden while Paul worked around the house and yard. Kenny got home at 7:30 p.m.

18 July 2020 (Sat) – We got Caiden at 10:30 a.m. and then drove to Sue & Bill’s house in the Hamptons for a day of swimming in the pool and barbecuing. Despite the fact that I put sunscreen on Caiden twice, he still burned. So did I. His mother will never let me take him to the beach again. Aaarrgghh!

After we got back, I stayed with Caiden until his father came home at 10:30 p.m.

17 July 2020 (Fri) – We both went to the dentist today. The chairs in the office were taped off to ensure adequate spacing between patients. It only left 4 chairs to use. The secretary took our temperature and went through a checklist (like the tech did yesterday). Then we had our teeth cleaned and xrays taken. I got an excellent rating; Paul has a cavity and has to come back to get it filled.

We went over Trap’s to visit. We picked up dinner at Chili’s and brought it to the house. Travis was working on painting the counter top in the upstairs bathroom. They are trying everything they can think of to sell their house. They’ve had lots of lookers but no buyers. The real estate market is so hot today, I can’t figure out why the house hasn’t gone. His in-laws put their house on the market and the first visitor bought the house for $5,000 more than they were asking. The only stipulation was that they had to be out in 30 days.

Miranda’s cat was showing some kind of neurological issue today. It was walking against the side of cabinets like its left side was weak and it couldn’t stand by itself. Miranda contacted us while at Trap’s and asked about bringing her cat, Liath, to the vet. We hurried home to help but the vet said it was not life threatening and to wait until Monday to bring her in. Miranda was concerned because she is leaving tonight for Pennsylvania and will not be back until late Sunday. I promised to keep an eye on the cat.

16 July 2020 (Thu) – We both went to the cardiologist today. I was doing a follow-up to my “incident” in March. Paul went because he has hypertension and should be seen by a cardiologist.

When we arrived, we were met at the door by a tech who asked us a bunch of questions about where we’ve been and who we’ve been near. He took our temperature and then let us pass. We walked in and was processed by a clerk. Then we were brought back to the exam room. The PA came in, went over our medical histories, took our blood pressure, and did EKGs on both of us.

Then the doctor came in. I liked him instantly. He is young – in his late 20s/early 30s. He was upbeat and very friendly, touching elbows as a form of hello. He thinks I had a TIA and felt the neurologist was wrong to think I had a TGA. He recommended I get an EEG, an ambulatory EEG, and have a loop recorder inserted in my chest. He feels it is possible that I have atrial fibrillation (AFib) and the recorder will measure my heartbeat and send messages to the office. I would wear it for 3 or 4 years! I said I had to check that one with my oncologist.

Then it was Paul’s turn. The doctor referred him for a nuclear stress test. He also recommended that Paul resume taking the baby aspirin every day (he stopped a year ago because of a medical report that said baby aspirin didn’t help to prevent strokes.

15 July 2020 (Wed) – We worked around the RV until 11:30 a.m. then we took Sheba to the vet. It was over an hour in which the vet’s office displayed confusion and chaos. First, I called to say we were outside for our appointment. About 20 minutes later, one of the vets came out to gather information then went inside. Ten minutes later he came out to get Sheba. Again, the office was not able to get through to my phone and the vet came out to tell me to call them. I called and spoke with Dr. Thode. She took blood and gave Sheba shots. Dr. Thode also said the blood results were back for Bonnie. She has round worm and a low liver value. She prescribed medicine for the worms and recommended an ultrasound for the liver. After waiting 10 minutes, I called the office to see what was happening. They were just finishing up and would send Sheba out. The vet brought Sheba out, went over the highlights of her exam, and said the office would call to get payment. After another 15 or 20 minutes, I called to make the payment. The clerk took my card number three times because the machine wasn’t working properly. Then the vet tech came out with the paperwork. Paul asked about the medicine for Bonnie. They forgot it so she went back in to get it. She brought it out but stated they had forgotten to charge us for the medicine so I had to call again to give the credit card number. They brought the receipt out along with the stuff to get a urine sample from Sheba. We left but I got a phone call about 10 minutes later saying they forgot to charge us for the bloodwork they did on Sheba so I had to call back again and give the card number again. What a debacle!

Late this afternoon, Caiden came knocking on the door. He came in and played for a while then I made dinner for the three of us. He ate a small part of his meal but seemed to enjoy it. I brought the left overs into the house for Miranda and Kenny, or to keep and reheat for Caiden tomorrow.

14 July 2020 (Tue) – I had an appointment with the neurologist this morning. This was the same doctor that found the tumor in my mother’s brain 36 years ago. He has gotten very personable over the years. I liked him very much. He said the incident I experienced in March was most likely Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). Just to be careful, he recommended three different tests but stated that he doesn’t expect to find anything. Apparently, a TGA can happen at any time and never happen again. Or, it can happen again once or multiple times. If it happens many times then you would have to get checked for seizure activity in the brain. Luckily, I have not had any problems since that one time.

I played with Caiden a little tonight. We didn’t get much time together but it was still fun. He loves battle sequences.

13 July 2020 (Mon) – We took Bonnie to the vet this morning. She needed a refill on her flea and tick medicine. She got a checkup and a couple of shots. It was so weird. When we arrived, we called the office and were instructed to stay in the truck. After about 20 minutes, a vet tech came out. He took down Bonnie’s information and reason for her visit then went back inside. He came back about 10 minutes later and took her inside. We sat in the car until the doctor called. We discussed our concerns and what the doctor found and recommended. Five minutes later, the clerk called to get our credit card number for the bill. A whopping $950!!! After about another 15 minutes, Bonnie was brought back out to us. Then we waited ANOTHER 15 minutes for the clerk to bring out medicine and the bill. What a pain in the butt. And we will have to do it again with Sheba.

Kenny was off of work today, so Caiden stayed in the house nursing his sunburn and playing with his parents. Paul worked around the yard and I did paperwork.

12 July 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. They just reopened after holding services digitally on You Tube and FaceBook for months. There were about 30 people in church. We had to wear our masks the entire time and still try to maintain 6’ distance from each other. They didn’t pass the collection plate. Instead, it sat in the back of the church and the minister asked everyone to drop their donation in the plate when they left.

After church, Paul and I drove to the Clamside Bar & Grill at the East Islip Marina. We both enjoyed a salad. The day was lovely – sunny, but not too hot, with a soft, balmy breeze blowing in off the water. The sun glittering on the bay was beautiful.

When we came home, I gathered up Caiden and he and I went to Heckscher State Park. I figured the beach would be closed but we could walk along the shore, throw stones in the water, build sand castles, and wiggle our toes in the water. Boy, was I surprised to find the beach open, complete with lifeguards. There were many people on the beach and in the water but they still were all keeping a decent distance between each other. The water was so warm; like a bathtub. There was lots of wave action and a delightful breeze kept the heat away. I did not have a bathing suit so I stood on the shore with my feet in the water, getting splashed well up the legs. Caiden went in and had a great time. Unfortunately, I forgot to put sunscreen on him and he got burned. His mother yelled at me.

When we left the beach, I stopped at Carvel and got Caiden some ice cream. The perfect end to a perfect day.

11 July 2020 (Sat) – Paul worked in the yard most of the day. I entertained Caiden a good part of the day. At 4:30 pm, we went over Travis’ house. We shared a salad and pizza then spent two hours playing with Noah and Hudson. The baby is on the verge of walking. He has very good balance.

10 July 2020 (Fri) – It was an overcast day with rain on and off. Tropical Storm Fay was pummeling the Jersey coast today but we didn’t get it too badly. Paul and I went shopping at PetCo for pet food and ShopRite for some groceries. Boy. Was the grocery store crowded! And we forgot to bring our own bags so the cashier charged us for 3 bags. Glad we didn’t buy a lot.

Caiden wanted to come into the trailer so badly today but the weather was lousy and I wasn’t going to put Bonnie out. Caiden came out and we stood outside in the drizzle talking for about an hour. Later, I went into the house and we played for about 2 hours.

9 July 2020 (Thu) – We packed up and left Newburgh at 10:45 am. It took almost 4 hours to drive down to Long Island. We were surprised with all the traffic on the road. We came through the boroughs and had traffic and construction that caused us to creep along through congested spots.

Caiden was so happy to see us! He ran out and gave me a hug, then ran back to the porch to watch us park the rig in the driveway. When Paul had the RV positioned well, I had Caiden help finish the set up by pushing buttons to open the slides. After we were set up, we visited for a bit and watched him swimming in his little pool. After dinner, I took Caiden to Carvel and picked up ice cream for him and Miranda (Kenny was working and Paul and I are on a diet). We brought it back home and they enjoyed the treat out on the back deck.

8 July 2020 (Wed) – Just hung around the campground most of the day. We did run out to fuel the truck and get ready for tomorrow’s move.

7 July 2020 (Tue) – We visited with the sales manager here at the campground. We had interviewed him last year and reconfirmed the amenities and costs. The nightly fee actually went down. He also promised to coordinate a bus tour into New York City for us. He offered to pick up our order for bagels and juice and even stated he could arrange a catered meal right here in the campground.

We came back and did laundry then just hung out for the day.

6 July 2020 (Mon) – We started out for West Point but would up sidetracked to the Historic Huguenot District. It was two blocks of old stone houses built in the late 1600s/early 1700s by early French settlers. The visitor’s center was closed and none of the buildings were open. We walked up and down the street, admiring the architecture from the street.

We then continued on to the West Point Military Academy. The visitor’s center was closed, as well as the tour operations office. There was no one to ask anything of. The day was a loss in that regard.

5 July 2020 (Sun) – We drove over to the Mohonk Mountain House today. Thought we’d check them out for the farewell dinner and then take a hike around the area. Unfortunately, they now have a gatehouse to control access to the place. They have us a brochure to look at and a telephone number to call but wouldn’t let us go in.

Then we drove by another restaurant but they were closed. No signs on the door. We couldn’t tell if they were just closed or if they had gone out of business. Cross them off the list.

We made a quick stop at the grocery store so Paul could pick up milk for his coffee then returned to the campground. We got to enjoy another campfire tonight. Two in a row. Wow.!

We drove into Newburgh and took a stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson. It was an old railroad trestle over the Hudson River built back in the late 1800s. It was repurposed into a level concrete walkway that stretched for more than a mile and a third. We walked out to the middle, took a selfie, and walked back. The day was lovely. There were lots of people on the bridge – strolling, biking, walking the dog. Almost everyone obeyed the signs and wore a mask. Some people didn’t. It was very warm and my mask was wet from sweat by the time we finished our walk. It was a good time.

We drove to the FDR National Historic Site to look over the presidential library and home. The visitor’s center was closed.

4 July 2020 (Sat) – We were going to drive to the Mohonk Mountain House today but stayed in the campground instead. We had a small BBQ and sat before a delightful campfire. The campground is pretty full with lots of kids. Bonnie is barking at bicycles, skaters, and walkers. The staff came by yesterday passing out flyers about the pool. It was going to be open today from 10 to 4. They were having people sign up for a one-hour block of time. The pool is limited to 25 people but they were thinking they wouldn’t be able to do that and still have people maintain their distance. We didn’t sign up. It seemed better to leave the time slots to the kids. Normally, they would spend the whole day in the pool. This is like a tease. But I suppose it’s better than nothing.

3 July 2020 (Fri) – Things have been quiet. We have been running around trying to line up restaurants for the caravan next year. We are now at the KOA in Newburgh for a week.

30 Jun 2020 (Tue) – We pulled stakes at 9:25 am. It was a white knuckle exercise in getting out of our site. Paul had to ask the guy behind us to move then he backed up the RV to get out. Trees and other RVs and yard “stuff” in the area made it impossible to pull out from our pull-through site. Paul did it perfectly! He is so good in moving our big monster. It’s almost like it’s an extension of his physical being. Just imagine maneuvering 54’ of truck and trailer. I can’t do it!

We arrived at Shadowbrook RV Resort at a little past 11:30 am (it was a very short drive). This campground only has 18 campsites for transients. Again, we’ve been undone by the seasonal campers. After set up, we drove to four separate campgrounds and all gave the same answer – no room at the inn! The last campground we stopped at recommended the KOA up on Route 20. We’ll try them tomorrow.

We drove by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. They are on a limited opening. I left a business card and someone will call me back. I also sent emails to the tour director for the NY Capitol in Albany and the USS Slater. Communications continue with other venues as well.

29 Jun 2020 (Mon) – We drove to another campground this morning to check it out. It turned out to only have 4 available campsites for transients. The rest are filled with seasonals. Too bad. It was a really nice campground right on Saratoga Lake.

On the way back to the campground, we refueled for tomorrow’s trip and picked up chicken and water. Bonnie has diarrhea again. It just seems to be something that she’s going to go through on a regular basis no matter what we give her.

28 Jun 2020 (Sun) – We left Ticonderoga at 9:20 a.m. It rained a little in the three hours it took us to arrive at Adventure Bound RV Resorts & Campground. The campsite we got was very tight while Paul had to maneuver around a parked van, trees, and lawn decorations. This campground, although very large (over 300 campsites), would not suit our group and many campers are seasonal. The RV next to us hasn’t been moved in years.

As soon as we were set up, we headed out. First stop was at Chili’s for lunch. We both had a grilled chicken salad. Tummies full, we drove to four different campgrounds. Two wouldn’t fit the group, one had no one in the office, and the other took our phone number to give to the owner. It was not a very productive day. Hope things get better tomorrow.

On the way back to the campground, we stopped at Hannaford to pick up groceries. It was a nice supermarket. Why can’t we get any of these grocery stores on Long Island?

27 Jun 2020 (Sat) – It was a light day. We just hung out around the campground today. I made some calls and updated the files on what we’ve collected so far. The poor wifi service here is maddening! Even the cell service is poor. I’m glad we won’t be staying here as a group but I worry the other campground might be just as bad. After all, we are now in the mountains.

26 Jun 2020 (Fri) – We drove into Lake Placid today. It is a small town. The Olympics Museum was closed. We decided to have the group explore the museum then go out about the town on their own. There is a lot to see in this little tourist town.

We then drove to Whiteface Mountain. We wanted to drive up the Veterans Memorial Highway to the peak. Unfortunately, it was $25 per car to drive up. I thought that was too much money to go up there and find everything closed (not that there is that much up there to see other than the view). We turned around and left.

Right next to the entrance for Whiteface Mountain is Santa’s North Pole Workshop. We came up here twice with the kids when they were little. The workshop is still there with the post office that will send off a letter or postcard with the North Pole return address. The park was also closed.

We drove to Ausable Chasm, the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. It was beautiful. We spoke with the sales manager and got information on a walking tour, float trip, and lunch at the center. It will be a nice touch for the group. Up the hill right next to the chasm center is the Underground RR Museum. It is in a beautiful old stone building. It was closed but a woman stepped out of the building to speak with us. The cost to explore the museum is free and the place is very small. Guess we’ll have the group break up into smaller groups to tour the museum.

We also checked out two other campgrounds. The KOA seems like the best option at this point. It would have been nice to stay at the North Pole Hundred Acre Woods Campground but they don’t take groups of more than six rigs. Oh, pooh!

After we got back to the campground, we did the laundry.

25 Jun 2020 (Thu) – Well, we learned today why a scouting trip is so important. We left 1000 Islands CG and headed out to Ticonderoga, 170 miles away. The GPS in the truck tried to route us though Canada. It would have added 100 miles to our trip! Instead, we followed the route on my phone. The trip went through Adirondack Park. We saw mountains but the elevation never got much over 2,000’. The roads were narrow and winding and the driving was slow but we got here safe and sound. The scenery is beautiful with occasional glimpses of the lakes and rivers beside the road.

It turns out that this campground does not have enough campsites for our group – they are mostly for seasonal campers. Paul went through a list and found an alternative campground. In fact, he changed two campgrounds for one and we now have another stop on our itinerary.

After set up, we drove to Brookwood RV Resort and interviewed the owner for a possible stay there. They are a very popular campground and she suggested we get our reservations in ASAP. The only thing we don’t like is that we wouldn’t all be together. Everyone would be spread around the campground.

We drove down the road to another campground owned by the U.S. Forest Service but it was closed. We then drove into the town of Ticonderoga. The Star Trek Museum and Fort Ticonderoga were both closed due to the pandemic. We walked into a luncheonette across the street from the Star Trek Museum to see about a lunch for the group. Our group could go to the museum at 10, go to lunch at 11 (it’s a little early but that’s what they want), then take a tour of the fort. The other option is to wait on lunch until 2 pm, which is kind of late. I don’t like either option.

As we were driving around, we spotted an old stone chapel in a graveyard. We parked and went in to explore it. It reminded me of the Viking church on display in DisneyWorld.

24 Jun 2020 (Wed) – We drove over to Alexandria Bay this morning. We stopped at U.S. Boat Tours which I had emailed to ask about a tour of the Singer and Boldt Castles. We checked at the window to find out what time the shuttles and tours ran. After getting the times, we decided to have the group go to the Boldt Castle at 10 a.m., come back to town, wander the shops, and have lunch. At 2 p.m., we’ll have everyone come back and take the tour to the Singer Castle.

Afterward, we drove around the area, checking out different places. We also drove over to Wellesly Island and looked at the state parks and golf courses there. We also stopped by the ice cream shoppe in front of the campground to find out about an ice cream social. They sell 3-gallon containers of ice cream for $45. The lady suggested butter pecan as an older person’s favorite flavor.

23 Jun 2020 (Tue) – We packed up and left Stow at 9:15 a.m. The drive was easy but took almost 4 hours. When we arrived, the office was closed (we had checked in online), and a note on the door told campers to proceed to their assigned site. After set up, we left a message for the campground manager asking for a meeting.

We drove to Clayton where Main Street was under construction and closed to traffic. We had seen a delightful hotel with a restaurant years ago that boasted the original Thousand Islands dressing had been invented there. Unfortunately, the restaurant went out of business. We spoke with a manager at Bella’s. The restaurant was pleasant but she said they did not want to have a large group in to dine during their peak season. She preferred to cater a meal of assorted wraps, salads and desert and suggested we eat at the Antique Boating Museum.

We drove past both the Thousand Islands Museum and the Antique Boating Museum. They were both closed. I sent emails asking about admission and meals. This is becoming very frustrating. Many of the businesses that I have sent emails to have not answered.

When we got back to the campground, we met with the campground camp host. Whe was very chatty and gave us lots of information about the area. I have to follow up with an email so she can share it with the owner.

22 Jun 2020 (Mon) – We drove to Seneca Falls today, noting the mileage to various areas along the way. Everything we wanted to see was closed. The National Women’s Hall of Fame, although the name was displayed on the front of the building on Main Street, is no longer there. A woman in the visitor center told us it was relocated to a mill across the bridge but the coronavirus had stopped the set-up and opening of the center in its new location. We drove over and saw that it will be 3 stories high and promises to be a good stop. There is also a National Women’s Rights Museum on Main Street and a couple of houses around Seneca Falls that people could tour if they wanted.

Waterloo, birthplace of Memorial Day, is next to Seneca Falls. There is an American Civil War Museum and memorial graveyard in town. I think it would be appropriate to include it in our itinerary but Paul thinks it is too much. If so, we will certainly have to suggest it as a stop on their own.

We stopped at Ventosa Vineyards to see about a group lunch after the Seneca Falls tour. There is a lovely deck area outside overlooking the lake. The woman we spoke with suggested we send an email to the catering manager.

We then stopped at Belhurst Castle. They have a very attractive stone room with an intimate setting for lunch that also looks out at the lake. The man we spoke with gave us a menu and suggested we coordinate with the catering manager. I sent emails out to both managers.

21 Jun 2020 (Sun) – We packed up and left Bath at 9:50 a.m. It was only 95 miles to Red’s Twilight on the Erie RV Resort in Macedon, near Rochester. We arrived about noon. The office was closed. Our registration packet was sitting on a table. As we were preparing to drive to our campsite, the owner pulled up and led us to our place. She was very friendly and gladly agreed to meet with us later.

After set up, we cased the campground while walking the dog (it was too hot to let Sheba out – 90 degrees!) then went to the office and sat down with Barb. She said they would give us 10 percent off for military discount. We were all sitting around the table with our masks on and it got very hot. I was sweating like crazy. I sure was glad when the meeting was over.

We drove into Rochester to the George Eastman Museum. It was closed. We then drove to The Strong Museum of Play. That was also closed. It is a very large museum and looks like it will be fun. We then drove to a restaurant recommended by Barb. It was too far from The Strong to have people walk to it so we will have lunch in the museum then explore the museum. There is a restaurant inside.

On the way back to the campground, we stopped at Wegmans Supermarket. What a huge store! It had to be the largest supermarket we’ve ever been in. And it was neat and clean and attractive. Everyone in the store was wearing a mask and the staff was actively wiping things down and making sure everything was sanitized.

20 Jun 2020 (Sat) – We drove to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum to meet the Administration Assistant and see the wine cellar where they host catered meals. It is a lovely room and we are sure the group would like it. We would probably have the tour of the museum first (there are 3 floors in the museum) then go to the bottom floor for a lunch.

After meeting with Nancy Wightman, we drove back to the KOA to meet with the Office Manager. We sat outside at a picnic table, all in our masks, and discussed what they could offer the caravan next year. Elaine is pregnant and will be out on maternity leave for a while. This could cause a problem with coordination but we will see how it shakes out.

While driving out and about, we stopped at a nearby fish hatchery. It was closed but they had an observation pool with three kinds of trout in it – brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. What is weird is that the brook trout is the only native species to the area, yet the hatchery doesn’t raise them – only the other two species.

We drove around to check out some other places. There is a VA Center and National Cemetery a couple of miles down the road. We rode around the cemetery looking at the gravestones. We also gathered information about other services in the area – RV dealers, hospital, clinic, vets, foodstore, etc.

We had a campfire tonight. There is nothing more intoxicating that the smell of a campfire.

19 Jun 2020 (Fri) – We packed up and left Chautauqua at 9:30. The weather was good and the drive was pleasant. We arrived at the Bath-Hammondsport KOA around noon. They had sent an email asking us to pre-register/check-in. I did that. When we arrived, Paul stayed in the truck while I went in. The clerk confirmed our information and gave us our map and paperwork. This is a lovely campground. We have been here before and am sure the caravan will enjoy the place.

We drove around town, trying to find a restaurant to have a welcome dinner in. The three restaurants we chose were all too small and two of them were still closed. The thirde, the Stone Timber Inn, does catering. We took the chef’s card and left. On the way back to the campground, we stopped at an American Legion post and took a look at their hall. We asked about renting the hall and the bartender gave us the rental agent’s phone number along with the commander’s number.

The campground is working hard to ensure people are having a good time, despite the spacing restriction from the coronavirus. They delivered a packet to make s’mores with. Folks were invited to make s’mores and post pictures on the facebook page. They also gave us free firewood. It made a delightful fire. They also had a cornhole contest where people who had the game in their rig wee encouraged to play and report their results.

18 Jun 2020 (Thu) – We went to the office at 9:30 a.m. to speak with the campground owner. The doors were locked. Some guy came out in to the hall, looked at us at the door then went back into his office. How rude! I then called the office and the owner answered. We sat at the table outside on the deck and interviewed the guy about the facilities and what he would do for the group. Satisfied, we told him we would send a check and wanted to leave him a book. He said he was in his office. When we told him the door was locked, he laughed and said he forgot to open it then stepped out and took the book.

We drove 20 minutes to the Grape Discovery Center to see what it looked like. It was closed. We parked and walked around, peeking in the windows. It looks like it would be a nice experience for our group next year, so we will include it in the itinerary.

We found a laundromat in a house (ah, country life). We put the clothes in the washer then drove to a Mazza’s Winery and had a flight of wines. Then we returned to the laundromat house and put the clothes in the dryer. We walked around the town of Mayville while our clothes tumbled.

After we collected the clothes, we drove to Jamestown to check out the Lucy-Desi Museum and the National Comedy Center. Unfortunately, they, too, were both closed because of the pandemic. This situation is going to make it hard to develop a budget for the caravan.

Paul located a WalMart and we did some food shopping. We are starting a diet and needed to pick up all the right kinds of foods. I just planned 4 days and the frig is chocked full. I will not be able to shop a week at a time, that’s for sure.

The check-in time for this campground is 6 p.m. (check-out is 5 p.m.). We’ve never seen such a late time for check-in. We asked if the owner would put that aside for us when our group comes next year.

17 Jun 2020 (Wed) – We left Marblehead, Ohio, at 8:20 a.m. It was a long drive today so we left early. The drive was over 4 hours and took us along the lakeshore of Lake Erie, through Pennsylvania and into New York. The campground looks like it was a KOA at one time. Our campsite is a pull through with a concrete surface. The campground is on Chautauqua Lake. The pool, the store, and all group centered places are closed due to the pandemic. You have to wear a mask in the office.

After set up, we drove into Mayville to meet with the operations manager of the Chautauqua Belle paddlewheeler. He was a young man who seemed to be coordinating a group tour for the first time. We went over is suggested schedule and agreed on an itinerary. He will draw up a contract and send it to us.

Then we drove down the road to the Chautauqua Institution. It is one of the stops on the itinerary Mike put together and we wanted to look at it. It’s not very clear why we should take a tour of the place. It seems like a private community with very lovely homes on the lake. The roads are very narrow and seem to wind aimlessly around the neighborhood. There is a beautiful old hotel where he suggested we have lunch. We wanted to get some information about the place but the visitor’s center was closed. I’ll have to send an email.

We drove to Jamestown and picked up food at Pet Smart. Then Paul drove up the other side of the lake to the center where the interstate crossed the lake. We got back to the campground at 5 p.m.

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ecogoth1 · 4 years

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And yes I am well the Gordons are the biggest Scottish clan in America The lone Eagles are pretty big All the other names I hold are pretty big And I am the only one trained and I am the only one to lead you In natural ways that's the only position I want but I'm going to tell all of you right now this goes for the Scottish rite And other groups other survival groups out there give all you can think about is guns and ammo there's something wrong with you you need to know how to survive in natural environments without weapons without reloading without wasting your time doing all that You need gathers as well as you need hunters you need people who are know how to make things you don't need a bunch of people with guns trying to take things you need all your little communities to be self-supporting for their own contributions and not have to depend on any federal government ever this is the only way our country is going to repair itself and survive would you like to learn in this goes for the United States government to and the president of God above the sea President Trump come out with me in the Wildwood film that I think he'd last maybe 2 minutes I'll tell you what I'll put the gauntlet down Give me Lake Henshaw on President Trump here's the bet You go up into the mountains with me with barely any supplies and only what I say you can bring and if you can survive one week then I will support your campaign to the very end if you cannot then I get Lake Henshaw you you buy it for me give it to me to use open the love of God if you guys need anything I put up viral please make this one by reliant putting up the gauntlet for President Trump California sun here is putting out a challenge mr. President can you spend a week with me up in the forest with only the supplies I say?? Don't worry you could pick up at Lake Henshaw out there is a military base and not too far from there that they can watch you and protect you from any other problems I I think you would run home like a whining child after 2 days if you could survive that you will have my ultimate respect and the countries and the world's and I will put you to work you'll have tocollect plants (at Spring, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B--T8t0nhRA/?igshid=156d97luvujtx

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illegiblewords · 6 years

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FINAL FANTASY XIV CHARACTER CREATOR CHALLENGE

LOOK ON MY WORKS, YE MIGHTY, AND DESPAIR!

...

Do not underestimate my weird dollmaking hobby dudes. Put a remotely versatile dollmaker in my hands and I’ll mess with that shit into oblivion.

Because I was absolutely ridiculous and decided to do this on breaks between work, I’m going to set up some challenge guidelines in case anyone else is similarly ridiculous and feels like doing this.

Ten square images, each containing four square busts from a front or 3/4 view so that facial features can be clearly seen. This will mean 40 total images. They will not all come out the same size or proportions (Lalafells, Au Ra males, and Roegadyn males make this literally impossible) but it’s good to attempt consistency so that it’s not too jarring to look at.

Designs should be shown in underclothes to minimize clipping and distractions. Either by editing or cropping, try to avoid showing text in the image.

Natural sunlight should be the background with minimal shadows to give an accurate understanding of palette.

There are 6 playable races in Final Fantasy XIV, each with two subtypes. These are Hyur, Elezen, Lalafell, Roegadyn, Miqo’te, and Au Ra. Minimum, there must be one design for each of these. This takes out 12 designs.

20 male designs, 20 female designs. There should be one male and one female for every subrace.

Minimum hair requirements: 1 blonde, 1 brunette, 1 red, 1 black, 1 unnatural, 1 two-tone, 1 solid.

The natural (reflecting what can happen for humanoids naturally), monochrome (black, white, and grayscale), vivid (using really bright, unnatural colors), and pastel (light and desaturated) aesthetics each need four designs minimum. This is to see different ways players stepping out of their comfort zones while maintaining style!

Stats are race (with subcategories) and gender.

More chatter under the cut, but if you feel like it please let me know if you have any favorite designs out of these! This was fun and I’m curious lol. Also, if anyone does decide to try and do the challenge honestly feel free to tell me! I love seeing how different people's styles come out despite using the same tools. :D

My stats are:

HYUR Midlander: MMMFF Highlander: MFF

Total Male: 4

Total Female: 4

Grand Total: 8

ELEZEN Wildwood: MMF Duskwight: MMFF

Total Male: 4

Total Female: 3

Grand Total: 7

ROEGADYN Seawolf: MFF Hellsguard: MF

Total Male: 2

Total Female: 3

Grand Total: 5

MIQO’TE Seekers of the Sun: MMFF Keepers of the Moon: MF

Total Male: 3

Total Female: 3

Grand Total: 6

LALAFELL Plainsfolk: MFFF Dunesfolk: MMF

Total Male: 3

Total Female: 4

Grand Total: 7

AU RA Raen: MF Xaela: MMMFF

Total Male: 4

Total Female: 3

Grand Total: 7

I tried to experiment with this a lot, and tbh I developed a bunch that didn’t end up in the final. If I noticed I was going more toward one kind of aesthetic, I tried to go in a different direction. In general I mostly tended toward black hair, red tones, and very high contrasts. Blonde and brunette hair I had to consciously build into, same with green or blue palettes. Originally I did not have any blonde men at all. I did way more Hyur Midlanders and Au Ra Xaela than I expected to, Elezen didn’t surprise me. I came up with more Roegadyn than entered the final, mostly had difficulty with the Roegadyn males. I think this was a combination of proportions and having literally one face I actively liked lol. I didn’t want to fall into same-face. Male Hyur Highlanders I appreciated but I think they’re just not my preferred look for dudes. Miqo’te were the ones I struggled to find aesthetics with somewhat tbh. This was especially the case with Keepers of the Moon, namely 8B, namely because I didn’t let myself use the same haircuts over and over and wanted to avoid black hair by then. I did fine with red heads but in hindsight I regret not doing a ginger. It was something I had one design for previously but then I edited it out because I can’t do math and miscounted how much space I had left.

Weirdly, I’m bad at making Lalafells cute when I consciously attempt it. Very proud of raver bee though.

Overall I go for dramatic over subtle, cute/delicate/spooky over muscular or hunky.

Unlike the Dragon Age character creator, in Final Fantasy XIV you can basically do any ethnicity’s facial structure for the most part. Certain races might steer the player differently, but it can be done. Dragon’s Dogma, Bloodborne, and Dark Souls are more detailed in some ways but it’s basically just humans or humans with pointy ears there. Also, tonal differences lol.

#final fantasy xiv #final fantasy xiv screenshots #final fantasy 14 #character creator #ffiv

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flauntpage · 7 years

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Dallas Week: Why Supporting the Cowboys Probably Makes You a Poser

We all know one of these guys:

“Born and raised in Mayfair! But I’m a lifelong Cowboys fan because my dad knew Tom Landry’s uncle.”

“Love the star on the helmet! Used to watch Roger Staubach on television back in ’74.”

“Well I grew up in Idaho, but we didn’t have a team, so I picked the Cowboys.”

All valid reasons to be a Dallas fan, according to Dallas fans. None of them involve being from Texas or ever having visited. “America’s Team” welcomes all front-runners and contrarians.

This topic comes up every season. Eagles vs. Cowboys, it’s Dallas week on sports talk radio and scummy locals crawl out their holes to explain how they grew up in the Delaware Valley but support Jerry Jones, Papa John Schnatter, and whichever asshole tight end is currently roasting the Eagles’ secondary.

Philly is old-school and parochial. You grow up here, you support Philly teams. Eagles games are a family affair. You build memories through tangible experiences, like actually physically being inside of Veteran’s Stadium or meeting your favorite player after the game. You understand the city’s blue collar, non-cosmopolitan roots and why sport is a common thread. The third-shift factory worker who drinks at that shitty lounge on the corner of Aramingo and Norris might not have much in common with the Moorestown lawyer, but both could tell you where they were on 1/23/05.

The reasons really aren’t important. It just is how it is. You probably know someone who has vacationed in Wildwood for 35 years. They could vacation somewhere else, but they don’t. They just go to Wildwood because that’s where they’ve always gone. This intrinsically Philadelphian behavior can be both good and bad, because we’re loyal and committed while being simultaneously myopic.

But I’d honestly say it’s less about how “true” our fandom is. It’s more about how “fake” others are.

If you grew up here, you don’t have an emotional or geographical connection to the Cowboys, the Yankees, or Notre Dame. You just don’t. And don’t tell me that you supported the Irish because you’re an Irish Catholic, you supported them because they won football games and they were always on TV. Are Pennsylvania Methodists beaming with SMU pride? Didn’t think so.

Can you develop a connection to a foreign team over time? Yea, I guess. You can watch the Golden State Warriors on NBA League Pass and share video clips on Reddit and photoshop a Twitter avatar that looks something like this:

You can follow the Warriors in a way that older generations weren’t able to. But you’re not really a fan. You’re not from the Bay Area and you probably didn’t watch the Dubs when Vonteego Cummings was running the point. You jumped on board when Steph Curry showed up, like the Cowboy fan who, of course, felt drawn to the team that just so happened to win a bunch of Super Bowls.

The pretenses of your fandom are fake, and Philadelphia knows it. That’s what’s important here. It’s not your fandom itself, it’s the genesis of it.

There’s a third angle here, and it’s something that I argue about with soccer people all the time, but it also applies to the “four for four” sports. It’s the fallacy that you have to pick a team in the first place.

For example, the English Premier League. What team do I support?! There were a bunch of articles that were written back in the day to help new soccer fans decide what club to get behind. You could go with Tottenham, or Chelsea, or, God forbid, Arsenal.

But just like the Cowboy fan who has never been to Texas, how many Premier League fans have ever been to Liverpool? Not many. I like watching the foreign game as a neutral and enjoying it that way. I don’t relate to the guy who walks around Center City with a Barcelona shirt, but if he also supports the Union, then that works for me.

And if we’re on the topic of geo-shaming here, how do I explain the fandom of a guy who grew up in Glendive, Montana? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe he can pick a team. But isn’t it ironic how those types of people always end up settling on the very best? Nobody ever says, “hmm.. I think I’m gonna get behind the Arizona Diamondbacks.” Nah, they all become “lifelong” Red Sox fans at age 19.

The line of rebuttal usually goes something like this –

“Who does this guy think he is? Who the fuck is Kinkead to tell me who I can and can’t support?”

Well, I’m not really dictating here, I’m just explaining why Philadelphia looks down on “you people.”

I’ll use myself as an example.

I grew up in Gilbertsville, so I watched the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers with my family. I was a soccer fan, but we didn’t have a MLS team. I could have become a New York or D.C. United supporter, but I’m not from New York or D.C., so why would I?

Age 18, I leave for college in West Virginia. Go Mountaineers. I am a student enrolled in the university and living in Morgantown.

From there, I move to Georgia for two years, but I’m not a Falcons or UGA fan. I would like to see those teams do well because I now have friends who are supporters.

That’s about it. That’s my fandom. I don’t have a connection to the Chicago Cubs, or Duke, or Alabama football, or Fulham.

Actually, that last one is interesting. Fulham… you know, they had a bunch of Americans playing over there. That was always intriguing, and I kept an eye on Fulham, but I didn’t feel the need to become a Fulham “supporter.”

Similarly, Philadelphia loves Mike Trout but are we Angel fans? Nah. I never understood why people felt like they had to “support” a team to enjoy watching sports. Trust me, the less emotion you put into football, the easier it is to get over losing 13-9 to a Dave Wannstedt-coached team.

Here’s an exception to the rule –

I went to high school with James Develin, the Patriots’ fullback. I think he was an Eagles fan growing up, but now he actually plays in the NFL for a different team, so we’ll let Jimmy slide.

So maybe there are a couple of footnotes we can add here, but only in the most extreme of circumstances.

Philly natives supporting the Cowboys receive no mercy. Confess your sins and repent in the name of our lord and savior, Doug Pederson.

Dallas Week: Why Supporting the Cowboys Probably Makes You a Poser published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv

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allcheatscodes · 7 years

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hamtaro ham ham heartbreak gba

http://allcheatscodes.com/hamtaro-ham-ham-heartbreak-gba/

hamtaro ham ham heartbreak gba

Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak cheats & more for Game Boy Advance (GBA)

Cheats

Unlockables

Hints

Easter Eggs

Glitches

Guides

Get the updated and latest Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak cheats, unlockables, codes, hints, Easter eggs, glitches, tricks, tips, hacks, downloads, guides, hints, FAQs, walkthroughs, and more for Game Boy Advance (GBA). AllCheatsCodes.com has all the codes you need to win every game you play!

Use the links above or scroll down to see all the Game Boy Advance cheats we have available for Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak.

Genre: Action, Adventure Developer: Unknown Publisher: Nintendo ESRB Rating: Everyone Release Date: April 7, 2003

Hints

Ham Jam Locations

Here are the ways to get all 10 of the ham jams: 1. Hamtaro Time- This is given to you from the start. 2. Condor’s Wing’s- Stand on the giant bird feather at sunny peak and say hamha. A bird will come and drop the song on your head. 3. Great Springs- After Cappy takes Seedric’s acorn cap, you are able to go into Seedric’s house. Go into the hot spring thing and used digdig to dig up the song. 4. Hidden Riches- After you solve the riddle at Sandy Bay, tack-q the giant music note rock to make the song fall off. 5. Dizzy for You- Talk to the blue hamster inthe same room as Elder Ham. He will give you the song for the dance contest. 6. Go Ham Rangers- Go the the Ham Rangers show twice, then talk to the hamster outside the arena to get this song. 7. Flower Waltz- Fill in all 8 lines at tic-tac-q in Funland. 8. Moonlight- Get this song after the ghost in Boo Manor teaches you how to play piano. 9. Monkey Salsa- Go to Wildwoods and help Bog pick out a name for his pet duck after it hatches out of the hot spring egg. 10. Hamour- After beating spat, talk to the long-eared hamster inside the castle, then talk to the one standing outside with and umbrella to get the song.

The All-Helpful Snoozer

If you get stuck in a certain part of the game and can’t figure out what to do, go back to the clubhouse and talk to Snoozer. Tell him which place you need to know about, and he’ll usually give you very good hints. He might tell you which Ham-Ham to talk to or where to learn a new ham-chat word.

Bad Bird!

After you get Condor’s wings by Hamhaing the feather at Sunny Peak, Hamha the feather again and the bird will fly above you and poop on your head!

Dexter And Howdy

When Dexter gets stuck in the box you have to jam-out on the piano to get him out.

Get Unlimited Sunflower Seeds!

At the start of the game where two hampsters areat the big sunflower. Use Hamlift and you will get20 sunflower seeds each time. P.S. It’s at SunnyPeak and you need to move out of the area and backagain in order to get 20 sunflower seeds again andagain.

Class A Dancing

To win this competition you use the words”Greatachu, Delin-Q, Zuzuzu, Hamtast, Bye-Q,Goodgo, Bloat-T, Blushie, Hamtast, Dazzlie,Lalalala” This will work. In fact the other coupledo this dance except for “Lalalala”. So if youjust watch their dance you can still beat them byjust putting in Lalalala at the end.

Rainbow Key

Okay, after you rescue and save the relationship between the 2 hamster that teach you “Hamlift” Go back to the place where you rescued the hamter from spat. You find Panda working on him bridge he’ll ask you to find 3 boards and a strap. The strap can be aquired by standing on the blanket-handkerchief thing, then the newspaper then the strap. The hamster will complain that you got it dirty and that you can have it. The first board is at Sandy Beach. After you help Barette, and she and the photo guy leave hif-hif the board she was on. The next board is at boo manor. “Go-P” on the hamster in the mirror go in the mirror defeat the ghost and hifhif the board,putput it on the crack,and hifhif it again to have the second board the last board is towards the end of the game when you defeat spat, and talk to boss who is standing in a corner by the rubrub room, he’ll say “Now that the clubhouse is finished I have an extra board do you think you could use it?” You say Yep-P and take all the materials back to panda. After giving him all the supplies go towards the entrance and he’ll “Heyhoo” you go back cross the bridge and you’ll find The rainbow key!

How To Get Silver Key Card At Boo Manner

To get the silver key card: On the first floor go oppisite from the stairs. Go in the last door in the hallway. Next, you will see a bunch of mirrors, go through the second to the last in the back row. Then you will pop out of another mirror and will have to defeat a gohst with stickie. After you defeat him take the silver key card and go to the opening in the floor. off-doff the board and put put it back where it was so you can cross. Then off-doff it again and give it to panda in the sunny peak cave.

The Three Marbles

At sunny peak you will find a room in the cave with what looks to be a sword sticking out of a rock. It is not a sword at all. It is the legendary spoon. There is three round openings on the front of the rock. You need marbles to putput in the openings. One of the marbles is located at fun land. You must get a certain number of points in the sticky note game. Then you will be awarded a green marble. The next marble is located at Sandy Bay. There is a big bucket in the ground, dig-dig under it to get the blue marble. The next marble is located at Wild woods, you have to save the marriage of a couple, after you have done that, talk to the old guy and he will give you the last marble to put-put in the opening. Go back to Sunny Peak and put all three marbles in the holes. Then tuggie at the spoon. After you get the spoon, go back to wildwoods and give the spoon to the inventor which will now let you use the catupalt to get into spat tower.

The Trapdoor

In Boo Maner, when Hamtaro falls into the trapdoor, you must go to the room with the two couches and do hamspar on the fireplace. Then 2 old gohsts will appear and you must do tack-q on them. One will teach you pushie and the other will teach you nok-nok. Then you must go to the empty wall by the starcase and nok-nok on it. Then pushie on the wall and a secret room will open. Hamtaro is in the cage. After you see Hamtaro, go to the elevator where the two other hamsters are trying to open the doors of the elevator, do liber-t on them and they will go to the trapdoor and you must follow. When in the secret room do liber-t on them again and they will open the bars for you. Hamtaro and howdy will come out of the cage and then you have saved another love. (the purple and green hamsters will love each other again.)

How To Get The HAM RED Replacement

First, after going to the bathroom area where Ham Red says your mission is to find a replacement, you go to Boo Manor. When at Boo Manor, go to the room with the sad hamster picture. “Perksie” the picture and the ghost in the painting will talk to you. then, you go find her son (located at the front gate of the Ham Rangers show/performance arena) and say fussfuss to him. When he refuses to come back to his mother, go back to Boo Manor and say gasp-P to the mother. She will then transform into a fake Ham Red and her son will go back with her after the show ends and you have saved another love.

How To Defeat Spat At Fun Land

First you must release Spat’s hostage by using “pakapaka”(Hamchat for bite) on the hamham in the corner of the control room. Then go to the hamham with the Ham-o-Matic and tell him what has been going on in the control room. Ham-o-Matic will not do any thing about it. Then go to the little hamham that is mad and stomping about and say hamha. The hamham will explain what is wrong and you will learn chukchuk (give up). Then go over to the trash can near the enterence and say digdig. Then go to Spat and say chukchuk. Ham-o-matic will take Spat away.

Kill Spat Robot

First get into Spat Tower and you will find an unsolved puzzle, Gogo on the button, solve the puzzle, then talk to the heartbroken hamster guarding the door and go inside, you will find a HUGE flying robot with Spat inside, Get into a nice spot and hit Hamscope, then try to shoot into Spat’s mouth and he will explode (This might take a few tries) Then you will see Spat come out dressed in a Harmony costume!you may laugh and point if you want.Then he will say something and come out with the Ham-Chat pooie, then he’ll vanish and you may keep on laughing until the REAL Harmony come and congratulate you, and blah, blah, blah.

Get Hamour Song

After you defeat Spat, go back to Spat Tower where you will see a reporter outside with an umbrella. Talk to him and he will give you the Hamour song.

Find Bizzaroo

Talk to the treasure-hunting sunbathing ham. Use Tack-Q command.

ID For Boo Manor

Digdig in the pipe at the entrance. At the top, there will be that Ham-Swap character. You can drop the price if you do Blash-T twice then say Yep-P and buy the ID Card.

Arnie’s House

Go to Sunny Peak. Give Arnie the potty he was looking for (that Seamore gave you). Arnie will lead you to his house. Do Sesam-E with Bijou in front of the door and go in. When you get to the room with the sign, go left, down, left, up, and up to get to Arnie’s room.

Rub Rub Room

First, learn how to do the Ham-Chat Rub Rub. You also need to save some of the hamsters. Love so it will give you more jewels when you do your Rub Rub.

Get To The Control Room In Fun Land

When you are looking for the control room in funland, go to the entrance, and take the right path. You should see a cart with ballons tied on it. To the left of the cart there should be some trees cut in the shape of ham-hams (Hamsters). There should be one line of trees coming down,and one going left. Where the “tree lines” meet in the corner, try to walk through it. You will then be inside the control room where Spat is hiding, messing with the controls. Also, in the control room, there will be a Hamster all tied up. Use Packpack (bite) on the ropes. He will then be free. Good luck!

Crying Orange Girl On Island

Go in side the dance room thing were you get the music note. Go talk to the grandpa a bunch. Say heyhoo to him a lot. Than go talk to that crying girl with a scarf and the other orange crying girl. Then they will be friends.

Bijou

Go to the place where you find a ham-ham next to a door, go down the vine south, go down the other vine south, go west, do lokkie, at the other ham-ham, and go back to the boat. do pakapaka, go to the bridges if you know offdoff, and do it and go up, back down, over the bridges, and back to the boat. do putput, and drive the boat to bijou.

The Story

It was sunny and perfect for a nap! While sleeping, Hamtaro had a terrible dream. He dremt that a hamster dressed in a devil costume appeared in Ham-Ham Land Funpark, breaking up hearts of all friends, so the friends would fight with each other. The devil hamster, known as Spat (He has a habit of always saying “Pfpth”.) enjoyed making friends mad at each other, and he could just not get enough!Hamtaro arrived in the Ham-Ham Land Funpark, and Spat looked at him, and immediatly went to break his heart. As Spat was running towards him, Hamtaro awoke to hear Boss calling his name. When Boss went upstairs, Hamtaro told Boss about his scary dream, and what Spat promised to do. Boss wondered if Hamtaro’s dream was a preginition, a dream that can see in the future. Without another word, Boss said he need Hamtaro downstairs to get a favor.As Hamtaro walked downstairs, he slipped on some water and fell straight into a bucket of water, soaking his Ham-Ham Dictionary, and all but a few of his words!!! With little symphony, Boss told Hamtaro to learn from mistakes, and move on with life. He then told Hamtaro that Bijou wandered off somewhere, and Hamtaro had to go look.Where is Bijou, and how will Hamtaro find her? Why does Spat want to ruin hearts? What was the meaning of Hamtaro’s dream? With Harmony (The angel hamster), and Bijou, and Hamtaro, you have to go from level to level, seeking Spat, and trying to stop his tricks, while filling up your love meter at the same time.

Pepper And Oxnard

As you will find out, Oxnard is sitting by that great big tree stump blubbering away. talk to him. Then you will see Pepper if you look further, sitting on a leaf but you cannot reach her yet. If you go to the tree stump by Oxnard and learn how to heyhoo, then go to the hamsters trying to figure out how to get all the sunflower seeds down at once. Hamha them and then heyhoo them. They will teach you to hamlift. You will then use the hamlift to get to pepper and tell her Oxnard is bluhoo (sad).

Sailor And Wife

Get the clue washed up on the beach when barette was saved. It will give you a bunch of stupid words that are usless. so you have have thought. Copy down the entire clue on a peice of paper and also draw a map of the sounds made from the stone when you tack-q them. Then do the order that is on the clue sheet and a big rock willl move to reveal a whole in the beach. Dig down it. The captain will be down there. He is blue. Talk to him and he will offer to take you to the island whenever you want. Enter the hula contest and all you have to win is the C class prize, an orange hibiscus. give it to the sailor to give to his wife.

Barette

Get to the point where Barette is out at sea. No one at the beach can help you, you have to go to the clubhouse and get Seamoore’s help. He’s the only Ham who can swim.

Cheats

Codebreaker Codes

Infinite Sunflower Seeds 8201D0C2 03E7Infinite Acorns 8201D0C4 03E7Infinite Rocks 8201D0C6 03E7The Following Enable Codes May Not Work On All Cartridges Possible #1 0000D435 000A 100004A4 0007Possible #2 0000D435 000A 100004A4 0007Possible #3 0000D435 000A 100004A6 0007Possible #4 0000D435 000A 100004A8 0007Possible #5 0000D435 000A 100004AA 0007Possible #6 0000D435 000A 10009618 0007Possible #7 0000D435 000A 1000961A 0007Possible #8 0000D435 000A 1000961C 0007Possible #9 0000D435 000A 1000961E 0007

Unlockables

Currently we have no unlockables for Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak yet. If you have any unlockables please feel free to submit. We will include them in the next post update and help the fellow gamers. Remeber to mention game name while submiting new codes.

Easter eggs

Currently we have no easter eggs for Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak yet. If you have any unlockables please feel free to submit. We will include them in the next post update and help the fellow gamers. Remeber to mention game name while submiting new codes.

Glitches

Currently we have no glitches for Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak yet. If you have any unlockables please feel free to submit. We will include them in the next post update and help the fellow gamers. Remeber to mention game name while submiting new codes.

Guides

Currently no guide available.

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travelingtheusa · 4 years

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NEW YORK - I had saved my NY postings so here they are. The rest are lost.