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finn-m-corvex · 6 months

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Whumptober Day 19: Floral Bouquet

Day 19! This one is a continuation from Day 18, and honestly it's kinda more fluffy than whumpy because it's hard to do whump with a 'floral bouquet' without straight up shoving someone into a rosebush SO! Finn got creative, as I tend to do. Still had fun with this one though!

Taglist: @splinnters @abigailxoxo @tornoleander @mondothebombo @ghostwalloper @toastingpencils37 @lightning-chicken

Words: 2.4k

“I feel awful,” Nya said, sitting at the lunch table with her food in front of her, uneaten and going cold. The others were shooting her concerned looks over their own food, not paying attention to the empty spot next to Cole where Jay would’ve sat. Jay’s mom had picked him up only a little bit after Nya called her, and she walked him down to the curb and watched them drive off with a pit in her stomach.

Cole looked up from where he was eating his sandwich. “It wasn’t your fault. How were you supposed to know that the kid was carrying a bat? What were you supposed to do?”

“I knew that he was anxious,” Nya said, “and I shouldn’t have walked off with just him. Maybe there was something I could’ve said, or—”

“If it is any consolation,” Zane spoke up, putting down his fork, “I agree with Cole. There was nothing you could do. You were taken by surprise, and could not have known how the other party would react. Jay didn’t even realize you were being followed until you were too far away to come back and get us.”

None of that made Nya feel any better. Kai bumped shoulders with her on her other side, looking worried. “Hey, it’ll be okay. He’s fine, I’m sure he is.”

“He was bleeding!” Nya exclaimed.

Lloyd linked arms with her, finding her hand and squeezing. “It’s not the first time Jay’s been hurt, Nya. I’m sure he’s okay; he’s probably just resting at home, which is better for his anxiety anyway.”

“Anxiety that he wouldn’t have had if we had just said something to him,” Nya sighed. “We should’ve texted him as soon as we noticed that he wasn’t here. Maybe then he wouldn’t have been so nervous.”

“I hate to tell you, sis,” Kai said, “but I don’t think there’s much we can do for his anxiety. He’s always anxious, and there’s only so much we can do to accommodate it.”

For some reason, the comment rubbed her the wrong way, and Nya was surprised at the rush of protectiveness that shot through her. She knew that she needed to get out before she did something she regretted; Kai may not have been wrong, but it wasn’t fair to Jay either. “I need some air.”

They watched her go, and part of Nya felt saddened by the fact that no one tried to pull her back. Jay had talked to her before about how much it stung to be left to your own devices; your friends not giving you any sort of feedback to work with, leaving you to make your own decisions with biting indifference that only made him more nervous. She tried to give him as much feedback as she could, because she couldn’t imagine how hard it was to thrive in that kind of sensory-deprived environment.

If this was even a taste of how Jay felt whenever he was having a bad day, then she was going to try so much harder.

Luckily the outside of the school was pretty barren, as everyone was inside and eating their lunch or heading out to class, so Nya was enjoying her nice little stroll through the school gardens. It was an area that she hadn’t ever really explored before, mostly because they didn’t go outside (preferring to be close to their lockers in case Garmadon decided to attack), but maybe she should make an effort to come out here. Jay would’ve liked it, maybe he would walk with her sometime.

Jay definitely would.

The flowers were beautiful, just starting to bloom and show their true colors. Nya had never been a flower person, but Jay was, and she listened to more than one of his rants about different types of flowers and their meanings as he would show pictures of each individual one and explain what his favorite thing about them was. He looked so excited whenever he would start talking about them, and even now Nya could recognize a few of them: roses, of course, but also daisies and carnations and orchids and even some lilies across the way.

“I didn’t think you would be out here,” said a voice behind her, and she wheeled around with her fist ready to throw a punch. Cole caught her hand easily, raising his eyebrow at her tensed position.

She had already been jumped once today, he should’ve known better than to sneak up on her. “What are you doing here?”

“Finding you,” Cole said, almost in a bored tone, but Nya knew him well enough to detect the hint of worry in his voice. “The others were worried.”

“If you were so worried, then why didn’t you stop me?” Nya asked, putting her hand down and continuing to walk down the path. Cole followed behind her, keeping up easily with his hands in his pockets and his signature headphones being pulled down from around his ears.

“Because you needed the space, and I can respect that,” Cole said. “I wasn’t expecting you to come out to the garden though.”

“I was thinking about Jay,” Nya said, and she was surprised at how easily his name rolled off of her tongue. “He would love all the flowers.”

“He does love them,” Cole said, bending down to pick up a fallen rose petal from under one of the many bushes. “He likes to come out here and sketch them when he’s nervous.”

Nya never knew that, even after all of this time. “Really? Why didn’t he ever say anything?”

Cole sighed, letting the petal fall to the ground. “Jay is…complicated. He needs his space, but he needs people in his space or else he gets sad. But there has to be at least one space that he gets all to himself, because that’s his decompression spot.”

“And the garden is the decompression spot?”

“Yup,” Cole said, stopping at one of the benches. Nya wanted to keep walking, but she sat down next to him instead. “He’s a lot, but he’s worth it.”

They were quiet for a few minutes, and Nya was well-aware that they had missed the start of the next period, but Cole didn’t seem very bothered about it. She picked one of the daisies sprouting on the left side of the bench, twirling the stem around in her hand. “You’re really special to him, you know.”

And it was true. Cole and Jay were a pair that could never be separated; you never had one without the other. Nya thought at first that they had been blood brothers as she watched the way they acted with each other, and how protective they were. Looking at them, you wouldn’t think that Jay could be protective over Cole, but it was true. That was how Kai and Nya had first met them, trying to stop Jay from punching someone’s lights out because the person smashed Cole’s old headphones. Jay had come in the next day holding Cole’s repaired headphones, having stayed up all night to fix them, and that’s when Nya knew that the two’s relationship was something else. Special, just like Jay.

“You are, too,” Cole chuckled, tossing his leg up. “He likes you a lot, it’s honestly kinda cute.”

“Oh please,” Nya said, blushing. “I’m sure he falls for any pretty girl that looks his way.”

“He doesn’t,” Cole said, turning to face her with a serious expression. “Jay isn’t like that. If he’s wanting to spend more time with you and putting in the effort to get to know you, he’s sticking with you. Probably wants to get married.”

“Married?!”

Nya was a bit disgruntled when Cole laughed, messing up her hair and grinning at her pouting face when she tried to fix it. “Married. He’s a dreamer.”

“We haven’t even started dating!”

Cole raised an eyebrow. “Would you want to start dating?”

She…she wasn’t sure, actually. Nya had never considered it before, never really thought about Jay like that. But now that she was, she felt all of the butterflies start to come alive: she loved seeing him smile and hearing him talk, and spending time with him never felt like it was a bore or like she was wasting it. Hearing his compliments or even one of his dorky attempts at (poorly disguised) flirting made her heart squeeze with affection. The flirting was bad, but she appreciated the effort nonetheless. Not like she had ever really tried to flirt, so maybe it was harder than she thought.

“Oh shit,” Nya groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Have I been leading him on?”

“It’s only leading him on if you don’t actually have any intentions of dating,” Cole said, but Nya still felt the guilt start to bubble up to the surface. She couldn’t stop thinking about all of the signals that she missed, all the signs that she walked past without a second thought; Jay must’ve been so upset. How could she say that she was doing everything to try and make him happy and then do something like that?

Noticing her growing distress, Cole reached out to rub her arm, a gentle smile on his face. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re starting to get the same look that Jay does when he’s overthinking.”

“You must be so angry with me,” Nya said, leaning back against the bench. “I can’t imagine how much I must’ve hurt him by now.”

“I’m not angry,” Cole assured, and Nya tried to take comfort in his words. “Here, we’ll talk about something else. What happened before you guys got jumped?”

She had already given a very watered-down version of what happened to the others before now, but she supposed that she could give Cole a few more details. “I was telling him about math class, and he was offering to help tutor me which was great because I could really use the help, and he said he would do it as long as we would go out for milkshakes afterwards. He didn’t tell me the place but that’s not super important—”

“So he’s already asked you on a date.”

Nya’s brain short-circuited.

Oh First Master.

First Master she was so stupid.

“And by your reaction, I’m guessing you didn’t say yes.”

“I didn’t know!” But she should’ve known, should’ve thought about it a little more.

Sighing, Cole went to pinch the bridge of his nose. “I swear, between you and Kai and Jay I’m going to drown in your obliviousness. Come on, I’m going to help you fix it.”

Jay was miserable.

Sitting at home was boring, but there was nowhere else to go. The trip to urgent care had only taken around twenty minutes, where the doctor reassured his mom that he didn’t have a concussion and that he would just have to rest over the weekend so he would be good as new on Monday. But that also meant that his mom had confiscated all of his electronics and banished him from working on any of his and Pa’s projects, already knowing exactly how Jay would’ve kept himself busy.

Even though she technically wasn’t home so she would never know if he did some work or played video games for a bit, Jay didn’t have the heart to disobey his mom.

He had tried texting Cole to see if his best friend would have anything to keep him occupied, maybe even just have a conversation, but he only received short one word texts until Jay gave up on trying to text anymore. The idea of texting Nya floated around in his head but he quickly dismissed it; he had already made enough of a fool of himself today.

Now he was standing over his stove and a ruined batch of scrambled eggs that he had left cooking for too long; Jay didn’t even like scrambled eggs! That’s just how bored he was!

But now he had ruined a couple of perfectly good eggs when money was already low this month, and he was alone so there wasn’t anyone to reassure him that it was fine, and he already knew that Cole wouldn’t text back if Jay tried to say anything about it but he couldn’t text Nya or the others because if they didn’t want to see him this morning than why would they want to hear from him now—

“Dammit,” Jay whispered, hand going to his chest as he fought to get his breathing back under control. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Phone at his ear and ready to call his Pa, Jay jumped when there was a knock on the front door of their small house, and he waited like a deer in headlights for the person to go away.

He needed the person to go away.

“Jay! It’s me!”

Shit, it was Nya. He couldn’t just leave Nya out there, especially when she knew that he was home. Why couldn’t the urgent care visit have taken longer?!

Nya was probably so upset with him. She had finally figured out that he had fumbled his attempt at asking her out on a date, that he was stupid and that it was a stupid idea and that he was the worst person in the history of people to probably ever ask her on a date—

“Oh, hey Nya,” he greeted, as if the sound of her name didn’t make his head spin, “what are you doing here?”

It was the first time he had ever seen Nya Smith look nervous, shuffling her feet and hiding something behind her back. She was biting her lip, looking him up and down as if she was trying to see if something was there. Was she checking for injuries?

“I’m okay,” he said, taking the shot in the dark. Nya relaxed, and Jay silently patted himself on the back for guessing correctly.

Suddenly, something was thrust into his hands, and Jay looked down to see a messy bouquet of pink roses and various carnations, and his face grew hot when his brain finally kicked into gear and he remembered the meanings of the flowers. She remembered that he liked them.

Jay was silent as Nya started talking. “I-I know this is a little sudden, but Cole helped me get those together for you. I know they’re not perfect and they’re really basic and I probably got some of the colors wrong—”

“Nya,” he said, stopping her ramble. Was she always this cute when she rambled? “They’re perfect.”

“Perfect?”

“Anything you would give me is perfect.”

“Then in that case,” Nya gave him a shy smile that had his heart dripping with affection, “Jay Walker, would you go out with me?”

#ninjago #ninjago jay #finn's writing #ninjago nya #whumptober day 19 #whumptober 2023

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mamamittens · 2 months

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For all Your Troubles

Commissioned by @raptures-finest

Warnings: Murder, off screen violence, blood, and implied yandere behavior.

Featuring Andy (OC)/Koala/Kaku very lightly.

Word count: 7,002

There was a chill that hung heavy over Andy’s blankets despite how close he tucked the thick fabric to his chin. The bunk house creaking ominously as leaves rattled over the roof tiles. Soft snores and sleepy shuffles absently registering to his muffled senses.

Something woke him up.

The shuffle of feet on carpet and wood. Blankets shifting as a hand pressed over his shoulder. Shaking him gently.

A breathy call of his name.

“Andy! Psst! Andy, wake up!” Blearily, he cracked open his eyes, squinting against the darkness surrounding his bed. Faint moonlight cutting past curtains on the far wall. Casting soft beams of light up the rows of bunk beds. Catching on soft, golden hair and piercing blue eyes. “Andy, the heat is out but it smells funny. Something is wrong!”

He--who was he? He knew this boy, but what was his name?—was right. There was a gross, rotten egg smell filling the room. But it was hard to think. Maybe a prank? Wouldn’t be the first. But—what was his name? He has a name and Andy knew it by heart—thought it was important so he reluctantly shuffled out of bed. Socked feet hitting the cold floor as he was led by a cold, soft hand through the dark to the radiator. Metal pipes silent save for a soft hissing sound.

Huffing, Andy shuffled over the area rug and went to poke at the dial that the camp counselors warned them not to mess with—

IT WAS SO SUDDEN.

IT WAS BURNING.

HE WAS BURNING AND SCREAMING AND WHERE WAS SA—

Andy gasped, his lungs curling into a sob. His hands fisted into the bedding, dragging it close as he sought comfort. His skin itching and burning at the nightmare.

At the memory.

Andy shivered despite the warm room, crying softly as he rode out the shock and phantom pains. Drenched in cold sweat.

It was… a very long time ago. He didn’t have many memories of that summer or anything before it. Flashes of playing in a creek. Laughter as they chased minnows through the mud, catching frogs and letting them leap from their hands. Campfire songs drifting on the wind. Burnt marshmallows on sticks oozing between a broken chocolate bar and graham crackers.

He spent a long time in the hospital after that. The old radiator had a leak and, to the best of the investigation’s findings, it was only a matter of time before it blew. Andy just had the misfortune of carrying a static charge when he tried to look at it. The other boys were also hurt, but luckily no one died. The entire campground had to be renovated after that, closed for two whole years as they worked.

When it reopened, Andy was the first to show up.

Despite not remembering well, he had the sense that they changed a lot. Gone were the old metal radiators for centralized heat and air conditioning. Though most of the nice amenities were in the main house, the segregated bunks for the kids weren’t left wanting for much. They still had a building with bathrooms and showers, separated by gender of course. Close by the bunk houses, in fact, so it was now less of a walk. Though it did go past the counselor’s cabins.

There were even a few small cabins for housing special guests or certain occasions. Someone got married out by the lake one year, catered by the camp and every camper helped out. Receiving a piece of cake for their efforts. But usually the cabins were for inspectors, repairmen, and officials who had business over multiple days. It was easier than driving the two hours from the nearest city or camping in the woods.

The main house was a massive building, built to accommodate the campers for meal times and special events with a stage out back for any performances. A large fire pit ready to warm them up during cold, windy nights. Head office and med bay for official business and emergencies. Room and board for staff also provided so they could have peace from noisy children at all hours.

Safety devices outfitted to every building. Lights, sign postage, emergency phones, intercoms connected to the head office, and detectors for smoke and gas. And all of it was carefully reviewed by state inspectors every year before camp opened for the summer.

So, with all that, Andy knew his ‘accident’ was unlikely to happen again. But that didn’t change the hard time he had sleeping the first few nights. His parents had assured him he didn’t need to go back—but he wanted to. First as a junior camper, then a counselor, and now a head camp leader.

He loved this place. All the memories. Even with the pain, he was always drawn back to this place. If he could, he’d live here year-round. But he can’t so almost year-round would have to do.

Andy was first to volunteer when the owners of Camp Crescent asked for help keeping the place in check until first snowfall. Teens and homeless folks alike tended to leave a hell of a mess during the off season. Break things, graffiti buildings, and just generally leave more cleanup for the spring team to handle. The owners didn’t want anyone here during winter—too much risk for insurance purposes—but for the month and a half between the last campers leaving and average first snow was prime time.

Andy squeezed his eyes shut and took in a deep breath.

They were all in the main house. The other cabins shut down to keep the cost of heating and electricity to a minimum. It was also just safer in case wildlife migrated through the camp at night to their usual homes in the national park a few miles away. That and, to be frank, no one wanted to walk in the frigid autumn air from the showers at any time of day.

After a long moment, Andy squinted at the bedside table where an alarm clock sat. The time stung his eyes.

4:38 AM.

Gross.

But he wasn’t going back to sleep now. So, with great reluctance, Andy got out of bed. Mindful of his roommate, Koby. Koby continued to sleep as Andy stripped his bedding and retreated to the adjoined bathroom. The water took a minute to heat up but in short order, Andy was clean of any residual sweat and his nightmare mostly behind him.

He threw on a loose sweatshirt and joggers, camp logo blazoned on the front and down the side of his pants in bright yellow and an earthy green. His bare feet chilled slightly as he crept out of his shared room. But he didn’t mind it, finding the contrast comforting while he made his way down the thick, wooden staircase to the kitchens.

Andy perused the pantry, taking his time to plan a meal. Most wouldn’t be up for another few hours, so he wasn’t in any rush. And any hunger he felt was assuaged by a comfort snack of peanut butter and sugar on saltine crackers.

The kitchens were renovated last year on the advice of an inspector. Stainless steel appliances now ready to serve upwards of three hundred people on short notice with a full staff. Fridges stocked with the leftovers of the last campers and some fresh groceries for the next few weeks. Anything left behind after that will be given to the park rangers ‘nearby’.

Parentheses on ‘nearby’ because even by road it would take almost an hour to get to the nearest station. Hiking would be over two if you knew your way and didn’t mind the rough terrain.

But there were only six people present, so Andy didn’t foresee any trouble keeping them all fed until it was time to leave.

Looking out at the dark, almost foreboding cafeteria beyond the pony wall, Andy considered turning on the radio. It would lessen the spookiness of his early morning breakfast chore, at least. Though the radio stations available were few and only because of a special receiver on the roof to ensure the staff could know the weather report and nay major incidents.

Supposedly, next year, they were adding a satellite connection or something like it to afford internet and phone access to privileged individuals.

But for now, their only communication was a few radio stations and the transceiver to the park rangers nearby. If anything happens, they’re to call them first and they will organize help from more official channels depending on the need. With no cell service this far out, it was the best they could do. Truthfully, Andy could only recall a few times over the years that It’s been needed.

A few near-drownings that needed to be checked by medical professionals. That one time a rowdy kid found an old barbwire fence and needed a tetanus shot. There was, of course, the kids that cried and had to be sent home but didn’t really count. In those cases, staff would pack them up and drive to a signal spot and call the parents. Sometimes a phone call was enough and they’d come back but other times parents would meet halfway with a partial refund for their troubles.

It happens and Andy was usually more than happy to talk to the poor kids. Homesickness was a bitch.

Decided, Andy turned towards the pony wall and the hidden cabinet underneath where the sound equipment was hidden. It could be used to announce things or just play soft mood music. After some messing around with the buttons and ensuring the volume was turned way down, he had early morning radio filling the kitchen space. Just soft enough that he could still hear it over his cooking but not disturb the rest of the house. Hidden speakers carrying top hit radio as he rolled out dough for cinnamon rolls.

“—and that’s it for our ad break. In today’s news, local Roronoa Zoro has been missing for three days. Last seen at the visitors center in Crescent Moon National Park with his friends. Five ten, tan, green hair, and a scar over one eye. If found call the hotline for missing adults or local authorities. This is the eighth disappearance in the area over the last three months, though based on personal accounts, it’s doubtful that this one is connected to the prior missing cases. Close friend, Monkey D. Luffy seemed unsurprised and cheerful about his friend disappearing. Other friends corroborate this with anecdotes of getting lost in other such places. Here’s to hoping the young man is found safe and sound with another humorous story for those that love and miss him.” The radio host regaled with a light, humored tone as Andy put the tray of cinnamon rolls in the oven to bake.

Smiling, Andy snorted. Having personally met Zoro and agreed that he was likely fine. The man could get lost in a hallway with one exit. How none of his friends hadn’t put a backpack leash on him to prevent this sort of thing was a mystery. Andy made a mental note to purchase one when Zoro was found and gift it to the man. He’d likely get punched for it, but it would be worth it to stop stressing out the energetic group.

Prepping a skillet for sausage and bacon, Andy bobbed his head as the regularly scheduled music started playing again.

The kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage, and eggs by the time the first person stumbled into the kitchen. Paulie yawned widely, waving blearily to Andy as he started a pot of coffee. Stained shirt hanging loosely over his broad shoulders.

“Mmm, smells good, Andy. Thought it was Koala’s turn to make breakfast?” Paulie asked as the pot filled slowly.

“I co—”

“It was!” Koala protested, coming around the corner with a sleepy scowl, fluffy pink robe tied around her waist. Andy grinned sheepishly, waving a spatula at the oven.

“They’re almost done if you want to ice them. I just… couldn’t sleep is all.” Andy explained softly. Koala’s scowl softened as she huffed.

“Fine. But next time you cut into my cooking, I’ll serve you for breakfast, ya hear!” Koala threatened, searching for oven mitts. “Showing me up—honestly!” Andy grinned to himself as he turned his attention to the bacon. Removing them to a plate with a paper towel on it when they were done.

Koala was a decent cook, really, but when you have hours of prep time and a home recipe for cinnamon rolls… well, the competition can have a hard time measuring up by such standards.

Koby finally stumbled into the kitchen, much more awake than the others, Valentine and Bonney behind him.

“Ooo~!” Valentine cooed with interest. “A man that cooks, what a sight!” she playfully winked, pouring herself some orange juice. The early morning light pouring into the cafeteria from behind the trees. Just beyond them was the lake, only visibly by the flashes atop gentle waves in the distance.

Koala slammed down the trays of cinnamon rolls with a huff.

“Jeez, did you really need to make this many? There’s only six of us here and these things are almost as big as my face!” Koala complained, though her tone was light. The rolls perfectly baked and pipping hot. Andy… may have gone overboard. But, in his defense, he could eat three of those face-sized rolls by himself. It was a bit of a weakness of his, really.

There was a light chime of the front door and Koby perked up.

“I’ll get it!” He volunteered and took off, Paulie frowning at his retreating back.

“Who the hell is all the way out here at this hour?” He asked softly. Andy shrugged but the question was answered soon enough. Boots clicking over hardwood and carpet.

“My! That smells delicious! Oh—should have known it was your cinnamon rolls, Andy! Mind if I join?” Kaku asked, his uniform lightly rumpled from the trek outdoors.

“Uh, sure thing, ranger Kaku. Plenty for everyone!” Andy stammered, a bit surprised to see the ranger at the camp. Usually, rangers didn’t come out here. Their main interest the park as opposed to the privately owned campgrounds. Kaku beamed, eagerly washing his hands and retrieving a plate, his eyes lingering on the cinnamon rolls despite grabbing plenty of bacon and eggs.

Seemed that Andy wasn’t the only one with a soft spot for cinnamon rolls!

They all set their plates down around the island table, barstools already set up for the small group. Milk and juice passed around for whoever preferred it. Andy served himself a hearty amount of bacon and eggs with a plate dedicated to a single cinnamon roll, though he fully intended to have at least one more. The soft dough falling apart on his fork as it unravelled, generous icing dripping over the crisp skin and thick cinnamon insides.

It was hot, naturally, but that didn’t deter anyone. Conversation broken into pleased compliments and inquiries about sleep.

The radio music paused for another break, but instead of an ad for car dealerships or lawyers, it was the host.

“Good morning, folks! Looks like we’ve got a line of storms rolling in just before sunset with wind gusts of up to fifty miles per hour. We’re going to have a downpour until tomorrow afternoon with plenty of lighting and a chance of hail after midnight! Well, that’s what the weather report tells me, at least. Looks like I’ll have to postpone mowing—again! Missus won’t be happy but them’s the breaks, honey!”

Kaku cleared his throat, licking a smear of cinnamon and icing from his lips.

“Mm! That’s actually what I came out here to tell you guys about!” Kaku cheerfully replied. “You probably won’t be able to call until the storm passes and I wanted to check in. Let you guys know to close the shutters and all that.” Kaku scooped up some eggs and ate it with a smile.

“Well, looks like you came all this way for nothing!” Kaola teased, Kaku glaring at her playfully. Andy knew they had met but never had the impression they got on quite this well before.

“I got delicious cinnamon rolls out of it, didn’t I?” Kaku challenged, reaching for another one. Koala smacked his hand with a glare and Andy snorted, quickly scooping up one to give to the man before dropping another on his own plate.

“Ack! Andy! Don’t encourage this mooch!” Kaola protested with an exaggerated pout.

“C’mon Koala, it’s not like we’ll be able to eat it all ourselves!” Valentine giggled, batting her eyes at Kaku who winked in response.

“Well, I just might!” Paulie declared, retrieving more sausages and eggs, leaving Koby to scramble to claim more of his own.

They all laughed as Andy unraveled another cinnamon roll for his own enjoyment, his chest tight with happiness.

It felt good to have everyone enjoying a meal together like this.

Kaku didn’t hang around long after that.

“Don’t forget to call and let us know you guys made it out of the storm alright! No power loss or anything! Oh, and if you happen to see Zoro stumble into camp, his folks are worried sick!” Kaku bid them goodbye, snagging one more cinnamon roll for the journey back to his station.

“Jeez, if Zoro wandered all this way, I’d be more impressed than anything. That’s like, what? Five hours hike through dense bush and assorted forest bullshit? Straight?” Valentine mused to herself.

“Something like that!” Koby affirmed. “The start of the park is quite a ways off with no trail straight to here.”

Paulie volunteered to do the washing up so everyone else could get a head start on preparing for the storm. No one wanted to be running around when the rain started, and it easily fit into their usual walk around anyway.

Koby paired up with Andy as they headed to the boat house to make sure everything was still stored properly and the boat was tied up. The canoes were still neatly stacked away, along with the life preservers, oars, med kit, and the speed boat tied to the dock inside the boat house. One last check to make sure the old wooden doors were locked shut and they made their way to the boys cabins.

The cabins were still as they left them, tidy but growing a light layer of dust. Windows closed and shutters locked. A stray sock was stuck under a bed but neither of them bothered to retrieve it, disinterested in the dirty fabric or touching it with their bare hands. They locked the doors behind them as they went, rattling the handle to ensure it stayed that way. They even checked the further cabins that are meant to house guests.

Still locked and uninhabited as intended. The mini houses quite cute—if he ever won the lottery, he’d want to buy one. Assuming the owners would let him.

“Well, that’s this side taken care of. Ready to head back?” Koby asked brightly, pushing up his glasses. Andy nodded.

“Yep. I doubt anyone will try and break in tonight but I guess we’ll still have to check in case of damage.” Andy shrugged as they made the leisurely trek back to the main house. It was nearly noon and clouds were already rolling in. Koala and Valentine still out checking the girls’ side.

“Hey, slowpokes!” Koala waved from the amphitheater, poking at a low fire in the fire pit. The heat was welcome as Koby and himself took a seat. There was a pack of hot togs and an open cooler set out. “Figured we’d have a simple lunch and make a big dinner later tonight.” Koala winked, handing him a thin rod. Andy looked over and saw more hot dog supplies, including snack packs of chips, and laughed.

“Sounds like a plan to me!” Andy speared the unfortunate wiener and held it over the fire. “Where’s Paulie and Bonney?” he asked. Koala shrugged.

“Dunno. They should be back by now.” Andy narrowed his eyes and waved his hot dog at her with a smile.

“You don’t think they’re up to something, do you? You know we’re not supposed to be doing that~!” Andy chided with a grin, aware of the lewd joke he was unintentionally making by pointing his food at her. Koala rolled her eyes.

“Those two? Doubt it! They’re probably eating snacks like the black holes they are!” Koala denied.

“Someone say snack!?” They yelped as Bonney jumped down to join them, snapping up Andy’s hot dog.

“Bonney!” Valentine snapped, glaring at the young woman. “You scared the shit out of us!”

“C’mon, Bonney, what are you doing snagging a man’s meat like that?” Paulie chuckled, handing Andy another rod as he slipped in beside Andy. “For shame~!”

Bonney rolled her eyes, grabbing another hot dog to warm over the fire as a cold breeze whipped by, leaved rattling over the wooden stands and concrete stage.

“Big deal! It’s not like he was eating it yet!” Bonney protested, lowering hers till the skin bubbled, almost charring it. Andy sighed but restarted his own hot dog.

“What took you guys so long?” He asked. Bonney’s nose wrinkled.

“Ugh! Something got into the bathrooms and dragged toilet paper everywhere. Might have been a racoon or something. Thought the door was locked but it looks like the lock’s broken. Won’t lock. I put a big rock in front of it but we’ll have to check after the storm.” Bonney supplied helpfully.

“I hope you washed your hands before coming back.” Koala asked, mildly disgusted.

“Hey, it wasn’t used! It was literally like someone grabbed the roll and pulled, stringing it up everywhere! You know they empty the trash cans before they leave.” Bonney huffed, tossing her long pink hair back. Every let out a relieved sigh.

“Thank fuck for that!” Paulie barked, smirking as he drowned his hot dog in mustard and ketchup.

Those preparations done, they all enjoyed what little sunshine was left. And, exactly as was foretold by the radio host, the rain came in just barely an hour before sunset. A light sprinkle of cold rain that quickly turned into a downpour as they shrieked and ran for the main house.

Bonney pressed her face to the glass as the rain fell in sheets, rapidly darkening the skies and obscuring anything mere feet from the building.

“Wow… really coming down, huh?” Bonney mused over the muffled roar of rain.

“Yeah. Really is.” Andy mused, frowning as he realized the rain sounded louder than it should have. There was the rapid beating of water all around them, but notably even louder somewhere behind. Andy investigated curiously, walking quickly through the cafeteria, pausing every so often to determine where the sound was coming from. Totally ignoring the voices calling after him.

“What are you looking for?”

“Pft, he looks like a dog. Yo, Andy! What is it? Timmy stuck in a well?” Paulie teased, following Andy to the front entrance.

Andy paused, his eyes fixed on the open doorway.

“Huh… did Kaku not close it?” Andy asked out loud, the others coming up behind him.

“Uh… I don’t think that’s it, Andy. Look.” Koby pointed out, gesturing to the floor. The welcome mat was damp—something Andy was ready to dismiss as rain blowing in. But that didn’t explain the damp, muddy footsteps leading into the house. Andy walked over and closed the door, their group following the footsteps to the stairs where they disappeared completely on the carpet runner.

“Who the hell could that be?” Valentine asked. Koala stooped down low.

“They look like men’s boots. Wide too.” She looked down at everyone else’s shoes. “Not any of ours, we just came in from the kitchen… HEY! WHO’S IN HERE?!” She yelled suddenly, startling everyone.

Obviously, no one spoke up from upstairs.

“We’re not mad! Is that you, Zoro?” Andy called out, but didn’t receive a response either. He looked to his friends in confusion. “Split up into groups and check it out?” Andy suggested cautiously, receiving worried nods as thunder cracked above.

No one found anything.

No doors were open. Nothing had been moved.

Nobody answered their calls.

They ended up reconvening in the kitchen.

“…so… what now?” Valentine asked nervously. “I mean, obviously, someone’s here. They couldn’t have gone back out!” She gestured to the far windows in the cafeteria, a hazy world of shadows and rain so thick it was like watching static. Lighting ripped through the skies and cast sharp cuts of light across the landscape every so often.

“Well, maybe they’re scared?” Koby asked, voice small and uncertain. When this was met with clear skepticism, he shrugged. “I guess there’s nothing left to do but wait until the storm clears and call Kaku. And don’t go anywhere alone until then. Either this is a big misunderstanding or… Just, don’t be alone, okay?” He asked, squaring his shoulders like anyone would challenge the suggestion.

“Alright. Sounds good to me. Let’s just… make dinner and go to bed. Lock your doors. We’ll figure this out in the morning.” Andy affirmed, giving Koby a small smile which was returned with relief.

Paulie huffed but nodded.

“… how does pizza sound? Maybe it’ll smell so good our new friend will stop hiding!” Bonney suggested brightly with a wide grin. Andy snorted and Koala rolled her eyes.

“Pizza sounds good. Let’s do it.” Koala agreed despite her exasperation with Bonney.

It was a messy but cheerful affair. Flour may or may not have been dumped onto Andy’s head at one point, though Paulie claimed it was an honest mistake. His own hair hardly changed by the liberal addition of flour due to it’s blond hue. Sauce was spilled onto the floor. Toppings scattered across their personal pizza’s like it was a crime scene.

Clean up was horrendous, but for a while, Andy forgot about the storm outside and the possible intruder inside.

But they all remembered as they turned off the lights behind them and made their way up the stairs to their rooms. Andy watched as Bonney peered from outside the door into their rooms anxiously. Paulie and Valentine acting nonchalant but there was no mistaking the tense way they looked back at Andy after glancing into their own rooms.

Koby and Andy were no exception. Leaving the door open as they looked everywhere for an intruder. Andy even kneeled down and looked under their beds, noting that it would not be a comfortable fit for any grown adult. Even the dust bunnies looked a little cramped. In the end, they closed their door and locked it. Preparing for bed in relative silence. Showering away the remnants of the pizza war as rain poured overhead.

Andy let Koby go first, watching out the window anxiously as the occasional roll of thunder followed a flicker of lighting. The shower barely audible as he fixated on the faint tree line bordering the main camp area. The trees swaying with the turbulent wind gusts that howled loudly.

“Your turn.” Koby’s voice cut like a knife and Andy almost yelped. Jerking his attention to his friend.

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” Andy stammered nervously, grabbing his clothes and heading into the shower. The water didn’t need time to warm up but Andy found himself constantly distracted. Ears pricking at every foreign sound he could barely hear over the water pounding the shower curtain.

It was a very brisk, short shower.

Andy shared a tense look with Koby as he checked the bedroom door again to ensure it was locked.

It was. And all there was to do was wait until morning. Wait until the storm passed and they could call for help.

Hopefully it was nothing. And they could have a spooky story for the kids next summer. Or maybe it was Zoro and the man found an unlikely place to sleep off his exhaustion. But regardless, it was time to sleep.

“D-Do you think… we could share a bed? I-It’s just—I’m right next to the door a-and—“ Koby asked nervously and Andy smiled, secretly relieved Koby brought it up.

“Sure!” Andy agreed readily, throwing back his blanket and scooting to the side. The bed wasn’t exactly made for two, but with how tense they were, neither was going to turn down cuddles. Koby glanced at the door and quickly grabbed a chair, shoving the back rest under the doorknob. Nodding affirmatively to himself before flicking off the light and quickly sliding in next to Andy.

Andy noticed Koby was shaking but said nothing, throwing the blanket over Koby and pulling him closer.

Sleep came a lot easier with someone next to him. Even the howling winds and booming thunder seemed just a little further away than before. Just after ten, they had about twelve hours before the storm was gone.

The scream was piercing though, hounded by a roll of thunder so vicious the windows rattled. Incredibly loud and practically right in his ear.

Instantly, Koby and Andy were up. Scrambling to investigate, the alarm clock showing it was just past three AM.

The chair was tossed aside and the door thrown open. Paulie and Valentine already out of their rooms as Koala stumbled from hers, tugging on her shirt. Her eyes wide as she looked out at them.

“Where’s Bonney?!” She gasped, their eyes cast downstairs where a faint light slipped into the front from the kitchen.

They all ran, nearly tumbling down the stairs. As the only one barefoot, Andy managed to not slide on the hardwood floors when he rounded the corner. Stumbling back with a strangled scream.

Bonney lay prone on the floor in a pool of blood in her pajamas. Butcher knife in her stomach as she gasped for air, the makings of a sandwich spilled onto the floor. Her eyes locked with Andy’s, tears slipping free. Lips curling around faltering words as she jerked to life.

“K-K-kkk…” Bonney gasped wetly, choking on blood. Andy stumbled over, falling to his knees as he tried to do… something? Anything?! His hands shaking as he pressed around the knife, barely aware enough to know better than to remove it. “—oooooo…” Her lungs rattled wetly as she collapsed, chest falling still. Her hot blood still gushing around Andy’s fingers. Slipping under his toes and knees.

“B-Bonney! BONNEY!” Andy screamed, vision blurring in a smear of blood and pink. Hands pulled him away from her body as he found it hard to breathe. None of his sobbing gasps deep enough to satisfy his lungs, eyes fixed on her lifeless ones. Bloodstained hands reaching out to save what was already gone.

“—dy! Andy! Andy, listen, she’s gone!” Koala cried out into his ears, barely audible over the ringing. His gaze torn away by Koala turning his head into her shoulder. “Someone get something to clean his hands!”

“O-On it!” Koby stammered, crying as he stepped past Bonney to get a wet rag. Gentle as he crouched in front of Andy, blocking the bloody scene from view with a soft, wet smile. “H-Hey, Andy. C’mon, l-let’s get you cleaned up, huh?”

Andy felt numb, the wet rag feeling hot on his cold hands as Koby wiped the blood away.

“S-She… B-Bonney…” Andy cried softly. Koby’s eyes softened.

“I know. I know…” Koby responded, his voice a little dull. “…W-We should hunker down in the same room—the head office. Block the door and call first thing when the storm breaks.”

The head office had the transceiver. It was the best course of action now that they knew their uninvited guest had bad plans.

“Right. No more going off on your own. No one.” Paulie demanded. “Gather some bedding and we’ll make a pallet in the floor if we have to.” Paulie grabbed two knives from the kitchen block. Koby and Koala helped Andy stand up, careful to not let him see Bonney again as they led him out of the kitchen.

They moved as a tight group, Andy taking until halfway up the stairs to find his own footing. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Bonney.

All that blood…

Hot between his fingers. Shuddering breaths under his hands…

His mouth watered and Andy wrenched away, running into an open room to the toilet. Bile ejecting into the bowl as footsteps followed. Gentle hands stroked his back.

“I-It’s okay, let it out, Andy.” Koby reassured him. “Y-You guys get the stuff ready.”

Andy gasped, gripping the cold porcelain in his hands.

“K-Key! I-In my room—b-bedside---ugghhh!” that was all Andy managed before a fresh wave of nausea overcame him. All his attention on what was left of a good meal. Utterly wasted.

Ruined like Bonney in the kitchen…

“I’ll get the key. You two grab bedding. Make sure to piss if you need to before we go in—I have no plans on leaving that office until the cops come.” Koala hissed, storming off as Paulie protested.

“—What did I just say, woman?!” he followed her out.

“…I’ll grab blankets.” Valentine sounded meek as she walked away, Koby barely acknowledging her.

“Just throw them in a pile and we can drag them down the hall.” Koby advised, rubbing Andy’s back anxiously. “You’ve stopped for a while… how are you feeling, Andy?” Koby asked softly.

“H-Horrible! B-Bonney… she’s dead!” Andy cried, blindly fumbling for the handle. The water swirling away with a loud rush under his face.

“… I know. C’mon. Let’s wash up and join the others.” Koby murmured, helping Andy stand up.

Reluctant to venture back to their room to brush his teeth, Andy settled for aggressively gargling mouthwash. The minty flavor burning away the taste of bile. He noticed the blood on his pants and shucked them off, leaving only his boxers. Koby had to stop him from scrubbing the bottom of his feet raw from the blood. This time, he was able to walk on his own. Koby hovering at his side anxiously as they made their way to the head office where Koala was arguing with Paulie.

“—get it, really, but we can’t fucking run off right now!” Paulie hissed, gripping the knives anxiously.

“The faster we get our shit, the faster—Andy!” Koala gasped, her attention instantly on him. “Are you alright?” she asked softly, Paulie huffing before looking at them with worry.

Paulie frowned.

“…Where’s Valentine?”

Andy felt his blood run cold and he whirled around. Valentine wasn’t anywhere to be seen. They all ran down the hall, turning to the corner to find a pile of blankets just outside of Koala and Bonney’s shared room.

“Oh!” Andy sighed in relief, Koby walking just ahead of him. But when Koby got to the doorway he froze, paling sharply.

Andy tried to look past him but was shoved away.

“DON’T!” Koby screamed, startling them. With trembling hands, Koby stepped back and closed the door, barely touching the knob. He then gripped the edge of the blanket pile and quickly started to drag it, hysterical sobs bubbling up.

Horrified but unwilling to see two of his dear friend’s corpses, Andy picked up the other side and helped Koby quickly carry it away. Paulie glanced at them as they passed and seemed to think better of something.

The head office was a generously sized room. A large oak desk with a map of the surrounding area just behind it. The transceiver and an intercom transmitter on the shelf under the map. The large bay windows flashing as the storm raged on. The door was locked firmly, the guest couch shoved firmly against it.

Andy and Koby fussed with the blankets, trying to decide where to best put them all. Near the couch, where they could brace closed the door in an emergency? Or behind the desk, where it felt safer? Koby was still crying and Andy hadn’t really stopped since finding Bonney.

“C’mere. We’ll move the desk in front of the couch and sleep where it used to be.” Koala suggested.

They liked that idea. All four of them moving the desk into position. It was a better plan anyway. The area rug the desk used to stand on thick and helped make up for the lack of bedding.

“… what happened?” Andy asked softly as they took pillows and leather couch cushions to make a head rest. Koby gave him a long, mournful look.

“… choked with a shirt.” He finally said after a long moment.

Andy didn’t know what he was expecting. The answer hardly made him feel better, after all.

Nothing Koby said would have.

They all curled up close under thick blankets, anxiety in every movement. Every shift for comfort on the barely cushioned floor making someone startle. Andy found himself furthest from the door, his back to the shelf with the equipment. Koala in his arms and Koby just behind her.

Paulie settled with his back to Koby, eyes fixed in the door, knife under his pillow and one in his fist.

Andy was certain he’d never fall asleep. But somehow he drifted off, a warm hand rubbing over his back, his nose buried in Koala’s hair.

It seemed damp in places.

Andy woke with a jerk and a crackle of the radio. His arms still holding Koala as daylight poured in. The sudden absence of rain jarring to his senses.

“—this is Camp Crescent, can you read me?” Paulie asked urgently, his voice husky and rough with lack of sleep.

“This is Ranger Kaku—I see you guys made it alright! Heck of a storm, you know—”

“They’re dead. B-Bonney and Valentine were murdered last night. S-Someone came in a-and we d-don’t… fuck!” Paulie shook, Andy looking up at his friend with tears in his eyes. Paulie glanced down and they shared a wobbly smile. “J-Just get the cops here, Kaku. W-We don’t know if they’re still here.”

“Shit.” Kaku cursed softly. “I’ll call it in and head on over. Is… is everyone else safe?” he asked gently.

“Safe as we can be. Holed up in the head office. Barricaded the door.”

“Good. You guys just hang tight, alright? Don’t go nowhere. Boys in blue will want to investigate everything exactly as it is. That means no snack runs, ya hear?” Kaku joked but it did little to break the tension.

Kaku pulled up less than thirty minutes later, he looked high and low before turning up outside the office. It took a bit but they pushed the desk and couch out of the way, cracking open the door.

Kaku looked relieved to see them more or less alright, opening his arms for an embrace that they all accepted. He also looked like he barely slept.

“I’m sorry you had to see that—shit what a mess.” Kaku sighed, rubbing Andy’s back as they all waited for the cops. Andy buried his nose in Kaku’s jacket, noting that it was a bit damp and smelled like cleaner.

One of the officers shook his head, muttering as they were lead out to the ambulance for shock blankets. All of them drifting off under the reassuring weight, particularly Paulie, who definitely didn’t sleep at all.

“Place looks damn spotless. You’d think there’d be a blood trail from the kitchen at least.” Andy looked up in confusion.

There’d been footprints into the house. Hell, he’d definitely left bare footprints from the kitchen. No one had time to clean that before they bunkered down.

And… thinking about it now, Andy didn’t remember seeing any footprints when they found Bonney either.

Like it had been cleaned up before they got there.

Andy’s gaze fell to Koala’s pajama pants. It was definitely different from the ones she wore the day before, a pair she had professed dislike to since they were apparently itchy.

The gurneys rattled as they were pulled out of the house with black body bags and Andy squeezed his eyes shut. Taking in a deep breath before letting it out.

He didn’t want to think about it anymore.

Andy didn’t want to think about any of it anymore.

Kaku jogged up to them with a soft smile.

“Well… good news. Zoro was found just before the storm broke. Scared the shit out of a hunter and nearly got shot for his troubles. Maybe this will keep him from wandering off, huh?” Kaku chuckled weakly. Andy smiled, sharing a commiserating look with Koby.

It was doubtful but…

“I guess we can only hope… did they… find anything?” Koby asked faintly. Kaku frowned, shaking his head.

“No. ‘fraid not. No signs of forced entry or exit. It’s like they just… disappeared.” Kaku sighed.

Paulie swallowed hard.

“You showed up quick—thanks.” Paulie whispered tiredly. Kaku shook his head and smiled. “Called as soon as the storm broke.”

“Hey, what are friends for? I was on my way to check anyhow.”

Andy frowned, faintly sure he’d briefly woken up several times as Paulie tested the system, trying to get a call through. The storm stopping all at once suddenly being partly responsible for waking him up.

“Must have been hard to drive through.” Andy muttered with a weak smile.

“Worth it!” Kaku declared with pride.

The rain hadn’t let up once until Paulie managed to call.

Andy sighed, feeling a bit relieved he had such good friends willing to brave such weather.

Still… Andy would have thought at least Kaku would have left a trail into the house with how much mud was out here… His boots looked pretty dirty.

Koby yawned widely and leaned against him, Koala half asleep against his other side.

“M glad… been a long night.” Andy sighed, feeling the night’s events weigh heavily on him.

It’ll all make sense tomorrow, surely.

#one piece #one piece oc #sabo cameo #op kaku #op koala #jewelry bonney #paulie one piece #miss valentine #koby one piece #murder mystery #suspense #one piece yandere #tw: vomit #tw: blood

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daisiesonafield-blog · 11 months

Text

Info for Faith In The Future World Tour COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - JUN 17 2023

With special guests THE SNUTS & ANDREW CUSHIN!

Important Times:

6:00 PM - Doors Open

7:10 PM - Andrew Cushin

8:00 PM - The Snuts

9:00 PM - Louis Tomlinson

Parking always open

Times are all approximate and subject to change.

General admission (pit tickets):

THE WHOLE VENUE IS GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY.

Stir Concert Cove is an outdoor, standing room only, venue.

Rain and thunderstorms expected, prepare accordingly!

OVERNIGHT CAMPING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED!

8AM: WRISTBAND LINE PERMITTED TO FORM AT MAIN GATE. WE WILL HAVE 2 LINES: REGULAR GA (YELLOW) AND PARTY PIT/DECK (PINK)

9AM-11AM: SEQUENTIALLY NUMBERED WRISTBANDS WILL BE PUT ON GUESTS' WRISTS UPON ARRIVAL ON A FIRST/COME FIRST/SERVE BASIS FOR THE FIRST 600 GUESTS (PER LINE) OR UNTIL 11AM. GUESTS MUST HAVE A VALID TICKET TO RECEIVE A WRISTBAND. ALL GUESTS IN THE PARTY MUST BE PRESENT.

4PM-5PM: GUESTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RETURN AT 4PM TO QUEUE FOR ENTRY USING THE SAME LINE AS THEY DID FOR PICK-UP! SECURITY WILL HONOR WRISTBANDS FROM 4PM-5PM.

AFTER 5PM, GUESTS WILL JOIN THE LINE ON A FIRST/COME FIRST/SERVE BASIS.

If you arrive to park before 8am, please stay in your vehicles. No overnight parking.

Subject to change. Check the venue’s socials for updates!

⚠️ HYDRATION REMINDER ⚠️

Hydrate before the show, while waiting in line and during the show

For optimal hydration drink something with electrolytes such as Gatorade or LiquidIV

Rain and thunderstorms expected, prepare accordingly!

Eat well!

Here are important policies:

Anyone under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times

Parking: Parking is free and located North of the venue. Handicap parking is available West of the venue near the Harrah's main entrance.

ADA: You will only need a general admission ticket and may enter prior to the public through the VIP gate. We have a handicap section on the east side of the venue at the end of the walkway to the left of the stage. Ask any employee for help. For ADA accommodations, please email Stir Concert Cove at [email protected]

Cameras: No professional cameras with zoom lenses are permitted inside Stir Concert Cove. This applies to any video cameras as well. No flash permitted.

Chairs and blankets allowed but subject to search.

Ponchos/Rain Coats allowed

Binoculars allowed

NO umbrellas

NO picnic blankets

NO smoking or vaping inside the venue; you may smoke outside the gates in the Smoking/Vaping area.

NO outside food or beverages

NO Animals (except service animals)

NO Marijuana or any cannabis products

NO drugs

NO Coolers

NO Glass, Metal, or Hard Plastic Containers

NO knives, firearms, Brass knuckles, Tasers & mace/pepper spray or weapons of any kind

NO Fireworks

NO Laptops

NO Selfie sticks

NO Laser Pointers/flashlights

NO In-line or Roller Skates, Skateboards, Scooters, Bicycles

RE-ENTRY: you must use the exit only gate and re-enter the venue through the entry gates. Upon exiting, you must have your ticket scanned out to be able to re-enter. You must have a ticket to re-enter.

VIEW VENUE MAP

VIEW SEAT MAP

*This list is not exhaustive. Items not appearing on the list may still be prohibited at the discretion of Security

For more details click here and here

Bag Policy:

Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags permitted after search.

Anything above a 4.5x6.5 clutch must be clear

Small or clutch-sized purses or wallets, not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long

One-gallon, clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar).

No large purses, bags or backpacks will be allowed inside Stir Concert Cove.

Banners, signs and flag policy:

Flags smaller than 18x24 in are ok

PLEASE NOTE: this venue was impossible to contact and provided minimal information online. If I have more info I will update this original post. Check back for updates, or ask the venue in person if you have more questions.

Contact:

For additional questions please call the venue at 712.329.6000. You can also access their website. Email: [email protected] Check their IG here or Twitter here or Facebook here for updates. Address: Stir Concert Cove-Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel. 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

#fitfwt council bluffs #venue info #venue policy

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karaloza · 27 days

Note

What kind of food is served at your theme park?

Short answer: What kind do you want?

Long answer: There are a variety of restaurants and snack stands located throughout the park, so whatever you're hungry for, we can probably accommodate it. If you just want something you can munch on the go, try the carnival-style food stands in the Castle Town area. There's barbecue in Epona Ranch (Chateau Romani Milk Bar & Grill), sushi in Zora's Domain (Rockin' Rolls), the hottest of hot wings on Death Mountain (Magma Munchies), salad bar in the Skyward Realm (Light Lunches), and if you're craving a slice of pizza, the Dark World can hook you up at The Fire Pit!

For something more elegant, the Royal Banquet Hall on the upper floor of Hyrule Castle is a nice sit-down restaurant with a complete menu of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. At the other end of the scale, little snacks to keep you going can be found all over the park, in fun forms like hard candy "rupees" and "Triforce" corn chips.

The question is less "What kind of food is served in this theme park?" and more "Where in this theme park can I get <fill in the blank> to eat?"

#loz theme park #food

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justawfulxmenart · 1 year

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This is a "sneak peek" to my upcoming fic. In it, Scully's pregnancy symptoms make Mulder afraid that her cancer has come out of remission. I hope you enjoy…

Kinnikinnick Lake, Oregon, April 1, 2000

Hey, Scully! Supper's ready!" Mulder calls.

Scully heaves the ax to her shoulder. Perspiration stands out on her forehead. She feels that peculiar catch in her chest. She's been feeling it off and on for the past two weeks alongside sudden bouts of dizziness.

Anemia, was her knee-jerk prognosis. But the cause of it? Along with the nosebleed that woke her up three nights ago? It causes a pit of dread in her stomach.

But the petite redhead turns to put on a smile for her fiance. Mulder is waving to her from the door of their tiny cabin deep in the Oregon back-country. The blue Cascades are beautiful on this fresh Spring day. The air seems tangy and sharp with the first hint of the balmy weather to come. The aspens in the grove circling the cabin whisper intimately to one another with their new coats of silvery-green leaves.

Scully hefts the ax and brings it down on the chopping block. Mulder returns her smile. He teases her about her insistence on doing the wood-chopping chores. And she teases him right back, saying she can't grow too soft, letting him do all the manual labor around their new home. Their banter is in good fun, but Scully notices, with a pleased glow, how her biceps ripple under the sleeves of her t-shirt.

Mulder disappears inside the low door over which are, spanning almost six feet, the impressive antlers of a bull elk, a sort of "housewarming gift" to them from their adult daughter. As Scully passes the mudroom, pulling off her brogans, and enters the kitchen, she smells Abbey's latest kill roasting in the oven of the wood burning stove. Scully inhales deeply: pheasant…

Abbey has a family of her own now, but she never forgets her mom and dad. She's shown her aptitude as a huntress almost since she was a baby and her parents have never been short on fresh meat.

Scully feels a twinge of guilt. She doesn't want to take food from the many hungry mouths in Abbey's pack, but telling the girl to stop dragging game back to her mom and dad is like telling the sky not to rain. Secretly, Scully loves it. Especially now that she has an inexplicable craving for pheasant, something she only had a passing liking for before.

The woman's mouth waters at the tantalizing scent of the roasted bird. Mulder is a self-taught chef. It's a skill born and honed from necessity as a stay-at-home home dad with a demanding toddler with a voracious appetite. Cooking is something Mulder both loves doing and takes great pride in. And, although both of them are competitive with each other, Scully has never felt any rancor over her man being the better chef.

"I saw Old Eli at the hardware store," he says.

His back is turned to her as he stoops down to pull the bird from the oven. Mulder always seems to be stooping here - ducking to walk through the low doorways, struggling to accommodate his tall lanky frame to these rather cramped quarters. The cabin is exactly three rooms, with a privy and a cache out back. It has electricity run from a generator and a hand pump in the kitchen, but no flush toilet or central heating. But it was hard for Scully and Mulder to find a better place in this area on such short notice. Besides, during the past three years they've lived at far more inconvenient places.

"Yeah?" she replies. She's breathing heavily now and struggling not to let it show.

"Old coot said we're 'in for some weather,'" Mulder continues, still facing the oven.

Scully notices appreciatively how his shoulders bunch powerfully beneath his t-shirt, made damp from the heat of the woodstove. She isn't the only one being kept in shape by living rough.

"What does that even mean? Weather happens all the time!" he says. "Weather is happening now; look out the window!"

He turns to her. Mulder's hair is so long now Scully often teases him about his clean-cut style during their days in the FBI. His Grizzly Adams beard is now well past his clavicle. But his greyish-green eyes still spark with the same mischief she fell in love with all those years ago. Fox Mulder's charm is still intact - and his sarcasm too.

Then his grin vanishes as he sees her pale appearance. Shit, Scully curses herself as another fit of lightheadedness takes her. She can't hide it from her lover. She tries to grip the corner of the kitchen table for support, but the room sways and she stumbles sideways.

Her ears buzz loudly and black spots dance in front of her eyes. She, however, falls against Mulder's chest. She takes deep steadying breaths, drinking in the scents of woodsmoke and her partner's own distinctive smell clinging to his sweater. She takes comfort from it.

"...Need to quit that day-drinking, Scully," Mulder says as the buzzing in her ears subsides.

His joking, however, (Scully allows herself one glass of red wine per week) belies the worry shining in his eyes. His forehead furrows into lines as he tucks her sleek auburn head under his chin.

Scully finds herself up in his arms. It half-annoys her how easily he can lift her. Now, though there are few things she can stand less than Mulder fussing over her, she feels so drained she hardly cares.

She's been feeling this way more and more - fatigued, long before her day is through, her eyelids fighting sleep, her limbs almost as useless as sticks, her feet struggling to put one in front of the other. At six o'clock in the evening, all she wants to do is sleep. Sleep until her alarm clock goes off at five-thirty. And then she's practically propping her eyes open to stay awake.

Scully feels herself sinking down onto a soft nest of cushions by the fireplace.

"Tell me what's going on," Mulder murmurs as he gently lays her down.

Mulder picks stray locks of fiery hair out of her face. His eyes, as wide, gentle and dark as a collie's, search her face. They are trusting eyes. For all his bluster as a young cocky FBI agent, Scully almost immediately discerned his true gentle nature when she, a headstrong young doctor herself, walked into his basement office seven years ago.

The woman sees plainly the undercurrent of fear in his soft gaze.

"I'm fine," she says.

She hates how raspy, weak and unconvincing her voice sounds. The sounds around her still seem muffled and muted.

"I'm just tired," she adds and gives him one of her quick reassuring smiles.

He nods slowly, but his eyes never leave her face. Scully has known this man in many ways - as a partner, as a friend, as a lover. Three years ago, he agreed to co-parent a child with her, no questions asked. And when she got down on her knees a month ago and asked him to be her husband, his agreement was swift and enthusiastic.

Scully knows there is no fooling him.

A wave of utter exhaustion overtakes her, so great she can barely focus her eyes on his face. Mulder covers her with a heavy quilt. Then he curls his big warm body around her. Her small ass fits as perfectly against the curve of his crotch as a little spoon fits into a larger one. His great sinewy arms wrap around her tiny form. They'd been made strong by the demanding exercise during his years in the FBI. Now their rusticated lifestyle kept them fit and toned.

Perhaps on the surface Scully loathes his fussing, but when she's this exhausted, it's wonderful to feel his body against hers. She turns her head to press it against his chest. His big loving heart beats steadily and strong against her skull. Her last sensation is the warm dry brush of his lips against her cheek…

***

She's trying to hide it from him. But Mulder hears her coughing fits during the wee hours of the morning; he sees the specks of blood on her pillowcase when he goes to change the bedding. And now there's Scully's sudden faintness, her spells of fatigue that take her so suddenly.

She says she's tired … but Scully never gets tired.

She seems to have an inexhaustible amount of energy. In their years as FBI agents, during the three chaotic years of raising their daughter, in times of privation and hardship while they were on the run, Scully served as a protector, a provider, a beacon of strength Mulder rallied around.

Mulder watches her sleep curled in his arms like a cat. Her mussed hair is longer now than it's ever been since he's known her. He secretly loves the kinky curliness of it, the way it spreads across his chest like a red blanket. Scully's mouth hangs slightly open the way it always does when she's fast asleep. With a smile, he sees that she's drooling a little.

She's such a strong, powerful woman. With her alabaster skin, proud curving nose and wide flashing blue eyes, Mulder thinks she has an almost otherworldly goddess-like quality of beauty.

She's always been fighting, fighting for the victims she's advocated for, fighting against the injustice of evil men, fighting for survival itself - survival for her man, her daughter and herself.

It's in moments like these, however, when he realizes just how light she feels in his arms, how delicate and birdlike her bones are. He knows in these quietly terrifying moments how fragile her life truly is. How she could be taken from him in a flash, in just a moment.

Since that horrible fall of 1997, that fear of losing her forever has haunted Mulder. And he hasn't since then, not even for a second, taken his beautiful woman for granted.

That awful time, during the better part of 1997, she acted in the same way she does now: inexplicable coughing, nosebleeds, sudden crushing exhaustion. He'd even awoken in the inky darkness of 2 a.m. this morning to hear her retching as quietly as she could.

Mulder had feigned sleep as she vomited. As he lay there in their bed, the blackness pressing against his eyeballs, Mulder instinctively felt as Scully did … It was as if he and her relied on the same superstition. If they didn't draw attention to her abrupt change in behavior, then they could deny the crippling fear in both their hearts.

This was how it was when Scully was diagnosed with brain cancer four years ago. And Fox Mulder is terrified that his very greatest fear is coming true … that her cancer has come out of remission.

#msr #txf #fox mulder #dana scully #the x files #mulder and scully

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hannahiscosmic · 11 months

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Sun and moon drop x reader (medical condition addition )

Finding a job can have some challenges with the conditions you have. You can’t really be standing around because you know damn well your legs will give you a painful time as soon as you get off of work. But you don’t really want a job where you're always sitting, not because it’s boring but because your body hurts from sitting for a while too! You would use a wheelchair but most places you go to they don’t really allow accommodations...

but holy Freddy fazcrap you just found a perfect job at Freddy Fazbear pizza plex!!

you will be working in the daycare. It’s perfect you have a whole desk to yourself and a comfy rolling seat to chill in while you watch the kiddos and you can get up and help clean the daycare when your body starts hurting from sitting. Plus free food and drinks? Hell yeah!

You decide to place your wheelchair in the car just in case. And boom you're ready to go!!!

This is it! This is the day you find your perfect job. your you're ready to make friends with coworkers and to eat some junk food. After hyping yourself in the car and giving yourself the confidence to actually go into the building, you exit your car to see the large bright colorful sign with e various cartoon characters who are in the plex. You take one deep breath and walk in..

A few minutes into your entry you discover Fazbear himself greeting new guests into the plex. You decide not to ask him where to go since he looks busy and heads to a desk with an odd looking robot standing there...

“Hey there!! Do you think you can help me get to where I’m going? I just started working here...”

“ Welcome to the pizza plex, please enjoy your stay.” The bot responds..

“Uh thanks but I need to get somewhere and don’t know my way..”

“ Welcome to the pizza plex, please enjoy your stay.”

Wow, what great help. you back away from the desk and start heading elsewhere before you could, you bump into something. Like a hard metal. You jump slightly and turn around to discover Freddy standing in front of you.

“Oh hello! I couldn’t help but notice you having trouble with finding where you're going?”

“Oh- yes I was gonna ask this guy but he doesn’t seem to want to tell me haha.”

“Yeah these bots aren’t really as sentient as we are. But don’t tell anyone I said that, Fazbear corporation does not have any opinion on the sentience of the animatronics they create.”

“Yeah I won’t say anything... but can you help me get to the daycare?”

“Oh sure!”

Freddy proceeds to walk you to the daycare doors and hands you a keycard to enter as well as other supplies you may need working there. He also gives you... a hat that resembles the sun? Interesting... but either way you thank him and enter.

The daycare was HUGE and I don’t mean huge. I MEAN HUGE. This is nothing you were expecting. Not that you didn’t like it. If you were a kid you sure as hell would wanna be here then any other daycare. There was also a large golden statue with two characters, both resembling jesters but with differences. One gave off a bright happy go lucky vibe and the other seemed...off. You walk past the statue without a thought and look at the slide with a sign that says “slide into fun!” Of course you are gonna listen to the sign and not enter the “employee” walkway. I mean where’s the fun in that? Plus it’s not like there’s anyone else here. The plex definitely lacked human employees. And ain’t none of those robots are gonna judge you. So you slide.

Swoosh! OW

You land somewhat painfully into an area full of colorful plastic balls. The slide wasn’t what hurt you but landing into hard plastic balls did. the condition you have gave you a very sensitive touch to things so that was not good.

“OW!!! Damn ball pit...”

“language!” A voice called out.

you look up from where you sat to discover a very tall animatronic that looks much alike to the one in the statue except now full of color and less golden. He had yellow and red striped pants that looked quite comfy. As well as red ribbons around various parts of his body like his hips and wrists as well as his ankles. Each ribbon had a very large bell attached to it making every movement he did jingle and jangle. He also had funny looking jester shoes with a bell on the tips of it. His look and size was somewhat overwhelming but you didn’t mind.

“Now what do we have here then?” He proceeds to scoop you up under your arms as you are raised high above ground.

“um..hello! Im y/n a new daycare employee”

“ *GASP* A NEW FRIEND!!! I’m so happy to meet you!! It’s been quite a bit since I had an assistant here!”

His voice was sweet and very enthusiastic. He had a warm smile too. However your arms were starting to hurt from the way he was holding you.

“It’s nice to meet you as well! But if it’s okay can you put me down please? My arms hurt a bit”

“ OH GOODNESS I'M SO SORRY ARE YOU OKAY DID I HURT YOU?!?! OH NO NO NO I'M SO SORRY-“ he places you down and starts panicking like crazy.

“ WOAH WOAH. It’s okay, please don’t get upset! I mean it’s not your fault!”

You hand him a medical card that explains the condition you have. You carry these around just in case.

He carefully scans the card up and down and you can see his face light up slightly and you can tell he’s calm down.

“ Oh you poor thing. thank you for telling me I’ll keep that in my memory chip!”

“Yeah it’s no problem I was more worried about how you were freaking out..”

You say with a slightly awkward giggle

“Ah, don’t worry about me, I'm quite alright darling. Now- OH silly me I haven’t properly introduced myself! My name is Sun and I’m the daycare attendant.”

He reaches his hand out to greet you and shakes your hand gently.

“That’s a cool name. Do you like nicknames like sunny or something”

“Sunny’s good too if you would like!” He says while his rays were spinning like a fan.

“Now that introductions are out of the way do you mind showing me the ropes?

“ Oh of course! Right this way!”

He shows you where you will be most of the time and shares how things go on in the daycare. He also tells you about all the kids and their interests and their hates. He also warns you of the local Karen’s that like to just enter the daycare uninvited, which

makes you feel bad for the attendant but he seems to not mind. Maybe he has a protocol for Karen’s in his head. He also proceeds to tell you a hour-long lesson on the rules of the daycare

and the pizza plex all together. Most of the stuff he explains seems pretty normal besides stuff like the protocol for chicas garbage eating and something with the lights... you were starting to zone out.

“ ANNNND THATS IT! that’s pretty much all of chapter one of the plex protocols do you have any questions before you start your first day?”

“Hmmmm.. who’s the other guy?”

“....pardon?”

“Like the one in the statue? Over there!” You point to the statue. his rays shrink...

“... no idea what you're talking about love! Now do you mind getting some cleaning supplies for me before the kids come? These barrels won’t wash themselves you know!”

“oh... sure! I’ll be right back..” that was weird. Maybe he has some secret brother he doesn’t want to tell you about yet. Or maybe they are just the same robot just with different clothes. Who knows!

On your way to the closet you notice a familiar face in the food court. It’s chica! She appears to be trying to get some food from.. the vending machine? She looked really frustrated so you walked over to see if you could help.

“Umm hello! Do you need some help?”

Chica appeared to be sqwauking loudly at the machine before she turned to you.

“ sorry honey I can’t take pictures at the moment.”

“Oh I’m not a guest I’m an employee!”

She looks you up and down. “OH! I’m sorry I didn’t realize. I’m just trying to get some chips from this STUPID MACHINE” she says literally punching the machine. You notice the crinkled dollar in hand and take it away from her.

“ here. This will work better.” You place the dollar in your wallet and switch it for a nicer looking dollar with less crinkles in it, you place it in the machine and it successfully works.

“HUH?! Oh thank you so much little chick!! you have no idea how happy I am!!”

Before you can respond she picks you up and gives you a hug. These animatronics seem to be very touchy. But at least she’s nice.

“OH. your welcome chica let me know if you ever need to borrow a dollar! as much as I’d love to stay and chat, I have to grab something for Sunny.”

“Please do tell sun that I said hi! He's such a nice guy!”

You nod in response and head to the closet to grab wipes and spray bottles for cleaning before you head back to the daycare....

And that’s it for the day. I know it’s short but I just started writing and I don’t have much skills. Also I’m sick :(. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and let me know if you have any suggestions with writing this! I thought I could give a different perspective on things when your someone like me with a medical condition that can greatly affect your life.

#fnaf sun #fnaf moon #fnaf security breach #moondrop #fnaf daycare attendant #fnaf sb #fnaf dca #y/n #fnaf fandom #fnaf au #glamrock chica #fnaf glamrock #I have no idea what I’m doing #please give me ideas or something or suggestions I don’t know how to write :(

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cinnaki · 2 years

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TFA Lockprowl 1

Lockdown tries to be vulnerable.

Warning: We playing LOOSE with canon here. :) AU where Prowl didn’t die because Cartoon Network cancelled the show over not getting a cut of movie toy sales. Also kind of based on their AU for the ship.

Comm for @rules-and-protocol

A hunt had not gone this smoothly in years. But still, Lockdown would not relax until his mark was safely tucked away in a cell right next to that Sparkeater he picked up a while back. "Pretty sure I fed them this week." Lockdown smiled darkly when the target began to panic, clearly taking the bait.

Prowl, however, stayed outside the ship, watching the leaves of a thorny tree flutter in the wind. Suddenly, a lilac-colored rodent of some sort ran past, leaping from one branch to the other. It was quickly followed by two more of the elongated arboreal animals dashing after it, screaming the entire time. He expected the others to attack it. But, a soft smile returned to him, frame relaxing at the sight of play, rather than panic. One of the assailants jumped from their friend to another branch, chittering loudly, and the chase began anew.

"Alright, he's packed up. Not happy with his accommodations, but what can you do?" Lockdown commented, almost appearing behind Prowl, startling him. "What?" Lockdown asked when Prowl shot him a look.

Prowl sighed, "Chainbolt's locked up tight?"

"Please don't say his name."

"Why not?"

"It's pathetic."

"How is a name pathetic."

"Chainbolt? It's a terrible name. What does it even mean?" Lockdown threw up his arms, turning back towards the ship. "Speaking of dumb things. We're heading out to a place we've been meaning to go to for a while."

Prowls optics flicked up, though it could barely be seen behind his visor. "Oh?"

"Yep." Lockdown stepped up the loading platform. "You wanted some parts for your uhh...meditation area, right? Junk is on the way, so I thought we might stop--" he noticed Prowl deflate. "No, not junk as in a space field, Junk as in--"

"I know, thank you." Prowl replied politely, forcing a smile.

Lockdown stared blankly at his partner, then rubbed at his neck plating awkwardly. Prowl expected someplace else to be on his processor. "Look, I can't go--"

"I know," Prowl repeated, softer this time. He stepped past Lockdown, only for the larger mech to place a servo on his spinal strut, forcing the smaller mech to sit down with him.

"No, I need to say this. It's not hard to tell you're missing your old team. You've been pining at random animals again." Lockdown began.

"I said it's okay before, Lockdown." Prowl tried his best to shut the conversation down. "You don't want to go near Cybertron again."

"That's not what I said, and I don't need you to convince yourself that you're okay with it." he paused, trying to think his words over. "As I was saying, I can't go back there yet. I know you said that kid--Optimus, was going to change things, but I don't see how. Old bots don't change."

Silence stood between the two. Lockdown did not want to say it, but--he would not hold Prowl here... even if he never wanted the mech to leave him again. In truth, Cybertron held too many regrets to count for him. But he also knew Prowl had ties he wanted to keep alive, as much as he wished this new partnership to work.

"You did." Prowl broke the silence.

Lockdown raised an eye ridge.

Prowl responded by raising both of his knowingly.

"Nah."

"As much as it shocks me to say, you have. Three solar cycles ago, you were the slag pit. I wanted you dead to avenge Yoketron. But now...?" his servo gently bumped against Lockdowns, the older mech curling a pinky around Prowls. The two cyber ninjas leaned just a bit closer. When they were cut off by a blood-curdling scream from the Deaths Head.

"....That contract said dead or alive, right?" Lockdown asked, turning to face the sound as Prowl facepalmed.

#macaddam #lockprowl #transformers #TFA #TFA Lockdown #TFA Prowl #my writing #commission #rules-and-protocol

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namolosanu · 4 months

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Elevate Your Space with Home Landscape Architecture

Embracing modern landscape design is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle enhancement that marries form with function in your very own backyard. Today, landscape architects intersect the beauty of nature with the newest design techniques to construct sustainable outdoor spaces that are not only environmentally conscious but also deeply personal. These innovative outdoor areas extend your living space beyond the confines of four walls, encouraging a more harmonious and healthful way of living.

Key Takeaways

Modern landscape architecture combines personal style with eco-friendly designs.

Multifunctional outdoor spaces enhance the quality and utility of your living area.

Sustainable practices in garden transformations promote environmental stewardship.

Thoughtful landscape design can reflect and accommodate lifestyle preferences.

Home gardens offer a powerful conduit for personal well-being and connection with nature.

The Principles of Landscape Architecture for Home Gardens

When considering the enhancement of your home garden, applying foundational garden design principles can significantly influence both the form and function of your outdoor sanctuary. Knowledgeable landscape architects underscore the essence of these principles to craft gardens that are not only eye-catching but also serve the homeowners' desire for an outdoor space that is both practical and pleasurable.

youtube

Understanding the Basics of Design in Landscaping

In the realm of landscape architecture functionality, design basics such as scale, balance, and unity are more than mere aesthetics. They create a cohesive visual narrative that guides the viewer's eye and establishes a sense of order and harmony within the natural environment. Consider the scale of your outdoor elements, ensure that there's balance between soft and hard features, and aim for a unity of style that reflects your personal taste yet blends with the surroundings.

Harmonizing Functionality and Aesthetics

Enhancing the usability of your garden while maintaining its beauty is a delicate balance. Recent case studies have shown how the integration of functional elements like seating areas, pathways, and outdoor cooking spaces can be seamlessly interwoven with aesthetic aspects like color schemes and planting arrangements. The result is a space that not only serves multiple purposes but does so with style and elegance.

Embracing Eco-Friendly Practices in Design

The shift towards sustainable landscaping and eco-conscious gardening practices is gaining momentum. Incorporating native plant species, endorsing water conservation through thoughtful irrigation strategies, and adopting organic maintenance approaches not only bolsters the garden's environmental resilience but also establishes a garden that aligns with nature's own systems for a greener tomorrow.ComponentPurposeExampleNative PlantsEnhance biodiversity and reduce maintenanceSwitchgrass, Butterfly weedWater Conservation SystemsMinimize water usageDrip irrigation, rain barrelsOrganic Material UseEnrich soil naturallyCompost, organic mulch

Transforming Outdoor Living with Creative Landscape Features

Landscape architects are harnessing the elements—earth, water, and fire—to spawn environments ripe for relaxation and entertainment. Imagine tranquil water features that induce a sense of calm, fire pits that gather friends and family for evening chatter, and outdoor kitchens that turn meal preparation into a celebratory event.

Water Features: Fountains, cascading waterfalls, and koi ponds

Fire Pits: Centralized gathering spots, modern fire tables

Outdoor Kitchens: Grills, pizza ovens, and full-service bars

Pioneering homeowners are taking backyard customization to new heights with personalized touches that reflect their lifestyle and taste. They're weaving custom stone pathways through their gardens, establishing thematic spaces that spark conversation, and integrating seating into the natural landscape for uninterrupted enjoyment.FeatureBenefitsPersonal TouchCustom Stone PathwaysGuides guests, adds visual interestChoose materials that resonate with your aestheticThematic GardensInvokes a sense of place or passionThemes can range from Zen to English CottageIntegrated SeatingEncourages relaxation and conversationDesigned to complement the existing landscape

"Our backyard used to be just an open space, but now it's an extension of our home where every corner offers a different experience," shares a delighted homeowner. "The combination of fire, water, and lush greenery has truly transformed our outdoor space."

The key takeaway? Merging innovative landscaping ideas with your personal vision can metamorphose your outdoor space into an idyllic setting for creating lifelong memories. Whether you're outfitting a cozy corner garden or staging a grand alfresco living room, the potential for innovation is as boundless as the sky above.

Integrating Hardscape and Softscape Elements

The magic of a well-designed landscape lies in the perfect blend of hardscaping materials and softscaping design. Achieving harmony in your outdoor space requires a keen eye for landscape architecture integration, crafting an area that's not only visually appealing but also highly functional. In this orchestration of nature and structure, every choice made influences the overall aesthetic and longevity of the landscape.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Hardscapes

When selecting the materials for your hardscape features, consider their durability and compatibility with your environment. Walkways, walls, and patios require materials that can withstand the elements and complement the existing architecture:Material TypeBenefitsBest UseNatural StoneEco-friendly and uniquePatios, pathwaysBrickClassic appearance, strongWalls, drivewaysConcreteVersatile, cost-effectiveFoundations, retaining wallsGravelEasy installation, permeableWalkways, drainage areas

Experts suggest mixing these materials to create interest and texture, which leads to an intriguing and enduring hardscape.

Complementing Structures with Plant Selections

The softscaping design is the soulful counterpart to hardscaping. It provides balance by adding color, texture, and movement to the garden. Here's how you can select plants that accentuate your hardscape elements:

Consider seasonal variations and planting perennial shrubs for year-round greenery.

Integrate flowering species that bloom at different times to maintain a colorful palette.

Use grasses and ferns to soften rock edges and create a more natural transition.

Observing instances of landscape architecture integration reveals the true potential of harmonious hardscape and softscape development. From private residences to public parks, the nuanced interplay of elements constructs an inviting, durable, and sustainable environment. When nature and human design converge elegantly, it's a testament to the vision and expertise of those invested in the craft of landscaping.

Landscape Architecture on a Budget: Maximizing Impact for Less

Embarking on a landscaping overhaul can be daunting, especially when budget constraints loom large. However, with a few strategies suggested by landscape professionals, cost-effective landscaping can yield beautiful and practical spaces. Prioritizing key design elements while adopting a phased approach allows for a gradual yet transformative gardening journey.

Real-life narratives from budget-friendly garden designs show how homeowners have harnessed the power of repurposing materials, selecting native, low-maintenance plant varieties, and doing portions of the work themselves. These practices not only reduce upfront costs but also ensure their gardens are sustainable and inexpensive to maintain.

Reuse and recycle materials for unique garden accents and hardscapes

Invest in perennial plants that return each year, minimizing replacement costs

Choose native plants for a garden that thrives naturally, reducing the need for water and fertilizers

Implement DIY projects such as simple garden beds or water features

Recent studies into affordable landscaping solutions further highlight the importance of smart planning. Thoughtful decisions made at the planning stage can lead to reduced costs over the lifespan of the garden. These research-backed approaches emphasize that an alluring garden does not necessitate a hefty expenditure.

Careful planning, wise plant selection, and embracing simplicity are the cornerstones of budget-conscious landscaping.

Even small changes guided by these principles can lead to significant aesthetic and functional enhancements in your garden space, proving that a shoestring budget does not have to impede the creation of a delightful outdoor sanctuary.

Seasonal Considerations in Home Landscape Design

Embracing the rhythm of the seasons can transform your home's outdoor space into a vibrant canvas that celebrates nature's cyclical beauty. It's more than just planting a few seasonal bloomers; it's about crafting a four-season landscape design that delivers year-round garden interest. This approach not only enhances the curb appeal of your property but also ensures a constantly evolving backdrop that is a joy to behold, regardless of the month.

Planting for Year-Round Color and Texture

Thoughtful plant selection is paramount in sustaining visual vibrancy throughout the year. Landscape architects carefully choose from a palette of evergreens, seasonal bloomers, and foliage plants to create a multilayered display that shifts with the seasons. Incorporating plants like conifers, holly, and ornamental grasses guarantees greenery even when the rest of the garden slumbers in winter. For spring and summer, a mix of annuals and perennials ensures a succession of blooms, while autumn ushers in rich hues through deciduous foliage and late-flowering species. This strategy crafts a tapestry of color and texture that brings enduring charm to your outdoor living space.

Preparing Your Garden for Changing Seasons

Adept gardeners and landscape enthusiasts advocate a proactive approach to seasonal landscaping strategies. Steps such as applying mulch for soil insulation, timely pruning to promote healthy growth, and deploying protective measures against the chill are more than mere maintenance. They are part of a forward-thinking regimen that preps your garden for the demands of the forthcoming season. By following such routines, you not only safeguard your plants' vitality but also prolong their splendor, ensuring that each section of your garden reaches its potential for beauty and resilience, no matter what the weather brings.

#Youtube

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faith-reeves · 5 months

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Belonging

To me, inclusivity is when I feel like I belong somewhere. It's more of how the people talk to me or invite me out; depending on the people I'm with, I feel comfortable and like myself, that's belonging and inclusivity. At OU, I'm at a slight disadvantage; I don't live there and I never have. Being introverted means I have a hard time talking to others. But, there was a class this semester I got very into and felt at ease. Professor Tolliver’s class was one of my favorites because of how welcoming and accommodating she was. Students picked up on it, and they too felt more inclusive compared to other classes I've been in.

For one of my assignments, I wrote about poetry:

“Writing poetry makes me see the beauty surrounding me. It helps me release my emotions and see others' emotions for what it is.

Regarding the robber's cave, I don't think this accurately describes group participation because of the amount of manipulation from the researchers. They challenged the children and pitted them against each other when they never really cared at first whether or not they were in the same area. They only cared when the researchers made them go against each other and participate in activities that caused them to rival. They also manipulated how they became close because of them taking their water supply away. That is incredibly unethical and could have resulted in worse consequences. I understand the concept of the theory, but I don't think it was accurately researched.

I honestly suggest writing to relieve any thoughts or feelings that negatively impact your daily life. Even if you're fighting with someone, writing about it causes you to think more clearly about the situation in an objective way. “

This accurately describes how poetry can also help me feel included. Words have beauty behind them, and if You can see and capture that beauty, life is much more astonishing. Words help me feel like I belong, without beautiful words, I'm not sure I'd feel any sense of belonging.

The next work I'll be discussing is a letter I wrote in this class for my oldest niece. I am extremely close to her, and when I wrote this I began crying because I realized how much she's grown and how quickly it seems to be happening:

Dear Hennleigh,

I see the fear in your face when we’re in public and I want to be sure that you know everyone struggles with it, including me. It can be very difficult at times to navigate your anxiety, but there are many ways to try and calm your nerves. I’m sure you probably got it from me, seeing as no one else in our family struggles with it. I'm sorry you must go through it but know that talking to others helps. May it be in public on the phone while you're shopping, or just taking someone with you. Music also really helps to drown out the constant stress. These are things I do to navigate my day-to-day life and I’m sure they can help you as you grow too.

Love,

Faithie”

The source that stood out to me the most is the does and biographies we looked at about James Baldwin. I have always had a sense of respect and fondness for people who've overcome all odds to do the things they love. "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation" by James Baldwin. The way he writes helps me imagine his situation. I never really thought about how different life is when you are a person of color, so to read about his life and the things he went through was amazing and perspective-altering. He found his sense of belonging a long way from where he grew up. He found what he loved, and he ran with it. A sense of belonging can be things you do for yourself. You need to do something you love to feel like you belong.

One way I think OU can improve its inclusivity is by doing actual dances or parties for students. It makes people go out of their bubbles in a neutral environment where not many people know each other.

#oklahoma #university of oklahoma #school debates

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triplecrownconstruction · 6 months

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Unearthing the Depths: Exploring the Different Types of Excavation in Martinsburg

Are you planning a construction project or any groundwork in Martinsburg? Excavation Martinsburg is a crucial component of the process, and understanding the various types of excavation is essential. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of excavation in Martinsburg and explore the different types of excavation, its works, and its importance.

What are the Three Types of Excavation?

1. Stripping Excavation: Stripping excavation, also known as overburden removal, involves the removal of the topsoil and unwanted materials from the construction site to expose the desired area. This type of excavation is typically the first step in preparing a site for construction.

2. Cut and Fill Excavation: Cut and fill excavation is a process in which earth is cut from one area of the construction site and used to fill another, creating level ground for building. It's a cost-effective method for balancing the site's terrain.

3. Basement Excavation: As the name suggests, basement excavation involves digging below ground level to create a basement for a building. This type of excavation is common in residential and commercial construction projects.

What are the Two Types of Excavation?

1. Topsoil Excavation: This excavation type involves removing the uppermost layer of soil, which is typically rich in organic matter. Topsoil excavation is necessary when the topsoil is unsuitable for construction, and it is often set aside for later use in landscaping.

2. Rock Excavation: Rock excavation is the removal of solid rock from the construction site. It requires specialized equipment and techniques due to the hardness of the material. Rock excavation is common in hilly or mountainous regions like Martinsburg.

What is Excavation Works?

Excavation works encompass a wide range of activities, including digging, trenching, grading, and earthmoving. These tasks are carried out to prepare the site for construction, whether it's for building foundations, road construction, utility installation, or landscaping. The goal is to create a safe and stable foundation for structures and infrastructure.

What are the Main Types of Excavation?

The main types of excavation can be categorized based on their purpose:

1. Earthwork Excavation: This type involves moving and shaping the earth to create the desired landscape. It includes grading, embankment construction, and slope stabilization.

2. Foundation Excavation: Foundation excavation is critical for building stability. It involves digging trenches or pits to accommodate the foundation of a structure.

3. Utility Excavation: Utility excavation is carried out to install or repair underground utilities such as water, gas, and electrical lines.

4. Environmental Excavation: This type focuses on environmental restoration, such as removing contaminated soil or restoring natural habitats.

In conclusion, excavation in Martinsburg is a fundamental step in construction and groundwork. Understanding the different types of excavation and their purposes is key to a successful project. Whether you're planning a residential, commercial, or infrastructure project, choosing the right excavation method is essential for safety, efficiency, and a solid foundation. If you're in need of excavation services in Martinsburg, don't hesitate to contact experienced professionals to ensure your project's success.

#asbestos removal martinsburg #building martinsburg #custom renovations #basement remodeling martinsburg

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mountphoenixrp · 8 months

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We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:

Kwon Yohan, a 26 year old son of Hermes. He is a bookie at The Pits.

FC NAME/GROUP: Kim Gunhak „Leedo“ / Oneus CHARACTER NAME: Kwon Yohan, also known as „Yuri“ AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 26.07.1997 PLACE OF BIRTH: Busan, South-Korea OCCUPATION: bookie at the pits HEIGHT: 1,79m WEIGHT: 67 kg DEFINING FEATURES: muscular, pierced ears, a small scar slightly above the bridge of his nose and several other scars all over his body

PERSONALITY: Yohan is a man of few words. He learned early on that speech is silver and silence is golden. As an orphan, he never had high expectations of life and is satisfied with the simple things in life. Privately he is not interested in accumulating wealth, while professionally he always strives to make the greatest possible profit. He's used to putting on a serious/poker face and not showing his emotions, so he may seem aloof or scary at first, but he's actually just a nice guy. True to the motto: hard shell, soft core. HISTORY: Yohan was one of those unnamed children, whose parents were unknown and probably just dumped outside a police station or hospital after birth. He was consigned to care to the Church as all state institutions had no more bed for him. He was raised in an orphanage by nuns in the south of the country in a rural area.

He was given his name at the orphanage using a list of the most common surnames and Christian first names, simply which name was next in line. The nuns were strict, not really affectionate, and there was only little to eat, as the region was one of the poorer areas and the orphanage lived largely on donations. In addition, the orphanage was not exactly welcomed by the villagers, since the children were considered troublemakers.

It was not uncommon for the orphans to steal food or to pick pocket in the village, when they were older. Yohan was a versed pickpocket and lock picker himself, first only the locks of the pantry of the orphanage and later also the locks of grocery stores and houses of the village to steal food for the younger ones. It went well for a while until he was 15 and tried to steal the wallet from the wrong person's pocket. Before he even knew what was going on, he found himself in the car of the local crime boss, who offered him to join the gang so he could use his talent for stealing for their cause.

It was common practice for criminal gangs to recruit orphans as members, as they could often be won over quickly with food and accommodation and had no future prospects for their lives. For Yohan, joining the gang was a means to an end to escape life in the orphanage. At the age of 15 he moved to Busan, dropped out of school, got his first gang tattoo on his back and a new name "Yuri". A psychological trick to bind the orphans even more to the gang. In Busan, he was mainly involved in pickpocketing and trickeries in tourist areas.

As he quickly discovered, the criminal gang belonged to one of the larger gangs in Seoul and at the age of 18 he was sent to Seoul, where he worked as a debt collector for one of the underbosses. Around this time he also took up boxing and weight training, and later martial arts, more out of necessity than interest as Seoul was a tougher place and it was not uncommon for him to become involved in street fights. The boss was quite happy with him and he quickly made a name for himself, but little did he know at the time that he was using his powers to get debtors to pay off their debts.

As his reputation with the boss expanded, so did his responsibilities. Not only did he collect debt, but he was also partly responsible for lending money at inflated interest rates and training gang members. His life was turned upside down four years ago when he was introduced to a woman he was set to start working with. To say they didn't like each other from the start was an understatement. He can't remember exactly when dislike turned into something else, but when they ended up in bed together after one of their usual arguments, it wasn't long before he could only think about her, although he couldn't admit it.

Over time, it quickly became clear that they could neither live together nor without each other. They sabotage each other, but always end up together in the end. You could say their relationship was toxic, but it was also constant. That's why he didn't believe her when she said after a fight on Valentine's Day this year that she would leave him for good and never come back. By the time he realized it, it was too late and he was devastated.

He drank too much, was irritable despite his calm nature, and all too often ended up in a fight he provoked. He was on a downward spiral and when he hit rock bottom he met the person who offered him a way out. He'd never thought there was any chance of getting out of the gang alive, so the offer to try a fresh start in Mount Phoenix sounded very tempting, even if he didn't know what to make of this whole ‚city of gods‘ thing.

PANTHEON: Greek CHILD OF: Hermes POWERS: Nimble and clever, often skilled in business (particularly trade/deals), athletics and stealing. Good at pickpocketing and picking locks. Very versatile and adaptable. Minor belief inducement power. STRENGTHS: calm, highly focused at work, tough WEAKNESSES: no trust in others, cannot ask for help, uncommunicative

#kpop rp #krp #oneus #kim geonhak #oneus leedo #mp; welcome

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thedisneychef · 11 months

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Experience the Ultimate Grilling with Best Pit Boss Grills

Pit Boss is a well-known brand in the world of grilling and outdoor cooking. From gas and charcoal grills to smokers and pellet grills, Pit Boss offers a wide range of quality products that are designed to enhance your grilling experience and take your outdoor cooking skills to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, Pit Boss has something for everyone. Their grills come in various sizes, styles, and features, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. From compact portable models to large high-capacity grills, Pit Boss has it all. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best Pit Boss grills on the market today. We'll explore the top features, benefits, and drawbacks of each model, and help you choose the perfect Pit Boss grill for your next backyard BBQ or outdoor cooking adventure. 1. Best Overall: PIT BOSS PB440D2 Wood Pellet Grill This pellet grill is liked by lots of people because the construction is made of premium gauge stainless steel ensuring the product's durability despite years of use. Besides, its direct and indirect heat system help to make your meat grilled faster. Conveniently, the side shelf/serving tray is removable resulting in ease to clean. The 2 large wheels help it simple to move the grill anywhere that's your party location. Customer Review Additionally, the features contain a digital control board w/LED readout for you to read and control figures while grilling. The cooking grates are coated with porcelain avoiding rusting better. Especially, the grill is equipped a fan-forced convection cooking function, so the hot air can rotate inside the grill. Finally, hopper capacity of 5 LBS and cooking surface of 465 sq inches allows you to accommodate about 22 burgers at the same time. Reason to buy ✅ High durability ✅ Easy to clean and move ✅ Good controlling system Reason to avoid: ⭕ Unstable temperature 2. Best Grill for Big Groups: PIT BOSS 71700FB Pellet Grill, 700 Square Inches, Black This product is undoubtedly one of the best Pit Boss grills and is popular among consumers. The Pit Boss 700FB comes with a standard flame broiler that is easy to use. The machine is attached with a heavy-duty hopper and efficient digital control. You will be able to control the temperature easily, and it can range from 180 to 500 degrees. One thing that is super convenient is that the hopper comes with a pellet clean-out door so that users can get rid of all wood pellet which has not been used yet after grilling. Customer Review Furthermore, the grill's construction is strong and sturdy thanks to components made of hard metal. Especially, the porcelain glaze on the cast iron grill grates helps to retain heat better ans also easy to clean. Lastly, the grilling surface is relatively large and can serve a medium group of people. As the temperature can reach to 500 degrees, you can even grill a pizza on. Reason to buy: ✅ Duarable build ✅ Relatively large cooking surface ✅ Easy to use Reason to avoid: ⭕ Smoke leaks might occur ⭕ Temperature fluctuation within 50 degrees 3. Editor's choice: PIT BOSS 71820FB PB820FB BBQ Pellet Grill and Smoker This Pit Boss grills can fulfill all your backyard grilling needs due to ít both direct and indirect cooking options. You can make every gill dishes according to your creativity from bake, cookies to seafood or pork only with this grill. Noticeably, you don't need to use oil, gas, or charcoal since this grill allows you to use 100% of wood pellet which is healthier for users and also brings your food a fantastic wooden flavor. The cooking area of 820 sq inches can serve food for a big group of people in a friend meeting. Even better, the grill comes with a 19-pound pellet storage capacity keeping a huge amount of pellet, so you don't need to clean it up regularly. Customer Review In addition, a versatile temperature system helps to keep your food between 170 to 500 degrees F for distinct types of food. Also, the model's build is kind of sturdy and durable thanks to the stainless-steel construction. A more so the grill is equipped with 2 large wheels, so you can move it effortlessly without any trouble. The heavy-duty constrcution keeps the product from falling apart. Reason to buy: ✅ Large cooking area ✅ Has a flame broiler so you can opt for open flame searing ✅ Good temperature retain ✅ Even temperature distribution Reason to avoid: ⭕ Lid doesn't seal up completely ⭕ Difficult to open/close the broiler part after the first use because of the grease RELATED: Best Kenmore Grills in 2023 - The Disney Chef 4. Best Durable Smoker: Pit Boss Classic 700 sq. in. Wood Fired Pellet Grill & Smoker The Pit Boss pellet grill 700 Classic has been perfectly designed to be both versatile and practicle. With 8-in-1 grills and a range of 180° to 500°F in cooking temperature, you can easily find a perfect setting for any meat or vegetable that needs robust flavor. Durable porcelain-coated steel allows our durable grills the ability to withstand anything from camping trips or tailgating. Whilst, the grill has got you covered for cooking on the grill or smoker with different features to try. The digital control board will give you a wide variety of possible settings for distinct types of food. This smoker is made from 100% hardwood pellets that produce a superior taste and exceptional flavor that is sourced of only sustainably grown Northwest Hazelnut trees! Customer Review Additionally, the strong design comes with a 21lb hopper capacity designed for more fuel which means longer cooking times. Besides, this Pit Boss pellet smoker has high-temperature powder-coated steel and porcelain-coated wire grids that won’t heat up too quickly, giving you an even cook every time. The stainless steel cooking area with an upper rack gives you space for all your favorites whether it's steak, pizza, or grill seafood, etc. With a digital control board and feature-packed LED read-out showing progress functions, including meat probe temperature for accurate readings on meat and other food items like vegetables, potatoes, or sauces, etc. Own it right today and enjoy your fantastic holiday parties! Reason to buy ✅ Long-life age ✅ High quality ✅ Good hickory-smoked pellets ✅ Great temperature retain ✅ Easy to use and clean ✅ Large cooking surface Reason to avoid: ⭕ No smokestack attached, but it can be purchased separately 5. Extra Large Pellet Grill: Pit Boss Austin XL 1000 sq. in. Pellet Grill w/ Flame Broiler To begin with, an Austin XL weighs right at 179 pounds, and feels solid when you’re working with it. There’s a weight and heft to the grill that makes most of users satisfied. The next thing to say about the Austin XL is that there is 1,000 sq. inches of cooking surface which is the largest one in the list. This super large cooking space is enough room for a lot of food, and for people liking to entertain friends and family, they definitely have enough space to cook for parties in addition to their family. Customer Review Moreover, the Austin XL comes with two temperature probes that connect directly to the control board. Simply place these probes in any food that you would like to track the internal temperature of, and the probe will report your temperature on the front of the unit. One more thing is that the Austin XL has two 6” rollerblade style wheels on the back of the grill that make it incredibly easy to move. There are two 360-degree swivel casters on the front of the grill that make it easy to turn while moving. Reason to buy: ✅ Super large grilling surface ✅ Big weight ensures solid ✅ Good temperature control ✅ Easy to move Reason to avoid: ⭕ Poor customer service 6. Budget Pick: 55.25" Wood Pellet Grill The Pit Boss 72820 Deluxe Wood Pellet Grill uses pellets rather than charcoal briquettes as a heat source that's friendlier to consumer's health. Although the hardwood pellets are expensive, they offer great flavor and a consistent burn for your steak. Cheaper pellets are available; however, they are loaded with fillers and possibly cause a nasty ash build-up in your grill. Customer Review Once your pellets are loaded and burning, you can effortlessly control the heat of this grill with a simple dial. Morevoer, the grill does feature a thermometer display on the lid which can help you watch and manage the ambient temperature. Remember to use a good meat thermometer to make sure meat products have reached safe heat. This smoker features two racks, one for intense heat and one for indirect cooking or as a space to keep warm, so convenient. Besides, there’s plenty of baking space on the top rack for many different baking purposes. Reason to buy: ✅ Dial-in temperature ✅ Adjustable heat shield ✅ Easy to access hopper ✅ Built-In bottle opener and bottom shelf Reason to avoid: ⭕ Thermometer's accuracy can be impacted by wind and humidity ⭕ Power outlet required Conclusion After conducting an investigation, we have concluded that the best Pit Boss grill is the Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill. This grill offers a unique cooking experience that combines the convenience of a gas grill with the flavor of a smoker. It features a large cooking area, versatile cooking options, and high-quality construction. The Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill also features a digital control board that allows you to set the temperature precisely, as well as an auger system that feeds wood pellets into the grill to create a delicious smoky flavor. In addition, the Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill comes with several other useful features, including a large hopper that can hold up to 20 pounds of wood pellets, a built-in meat probe that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat, and a durable, powder-coated finish that resists rust and corrosion. While the Pit Boss Austin XL Pellet Grill is a high-end option, its performance and features make it the top choice for anyone looking for a Pit Boss grill that can handle all their grilling and smoking needs. Its unique design and construction make it a long-lasting investment that is sure to impress any outdoor cooking enthusiast. Read the full article

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