Porthole

Laments, culebras, serpientes...

Most of my serenades are laments... but not moving laments. I need to think more about that.

I really hope my place cools over night.

My recent prompt-poll has 30 views and 8 responses. I may have to be content with that. My puppy poll has had thousands of views and almost 100 responses.

64 cooling (but not inside) degrees at midnight.

Thai TV series have the dreaded episode #11 (next to last when there are 12). "Deep Blue Kiss" was no exception. It was triggering me. But instead of lingering on the crisis it was quickly resolved. Thankfully.

Sunshine. Should be windy this afternoon.

55 at 8:18.

Just had 'fun' responding to Andy: "Oh, I get to be picky! Is that a sign of being pedantic?

If the young person is <25 they are probably Gen Z and not millenial. Millenials were born before 1997 (cut off dates are silly imho but they are what they are).

Being precise can be important. Rhubarb is poisonous? Half-true. Half-false. At least it's not venomous! But... rhubarb leaves and roots are poisonous. Rhubarb stems are edible. Many house plants are not edible but that doesn't mean they are poisonous. Regardless, I don't eat my houseplants.

In Costa Rica it is extremely important to know two words: culebra and serpiente. If you scream that you were bit by a culebra... who cares? Like all the snakes in Ireland it will not kill you. (Culebras are not venemous.) However... a serpiente = immediate medical care and a prayer. English call them both by one word "snake". Tourists beware!

In CR it's also important to understand the difference between aggressive and non-aggressive animals and insects. The oropelo (golden pit-viper) is highly venomous. Just leave it alone, don't step on it, don't get too close, don't poke at it or put your finger in it's mouth. It is known to hang out in trees like a gold necklace. Beware... but don't be stupid. However, a terciopelo (velvet snake, fer-de-lance) is very aggressive and may decide to attack. They are found on the ground, inside, and also on bushes and trees.

The oropelo is more venomous; the terciopelo is more dangerous.

So yes, I'm pedantic. Not knowing what can kill you and how is one of the keys of survival.

...like being in the Balkans where speaking the wrong dialect of Serbo-Croatian can get you killed. Hint... when in doubt speak English."

65 degrees at 10:10 and perfect weather to walk to the farmers market.

Bought a Syrian pastry (coconut, pistachio) for $2. An orange-vanilla milkshake for $4.50. Chatted with various people including a Lithuanian selling sheep cheese and my red-haired artist Nancy. I was good getting out.

72 breezy degrees at 1:38.

Recent poems:

"Night seizures [113]" 
"After the break-up [114] ...do not weep for the Bard" 
"As Seen On TV [115]" 

69 degrees still breezing from the west. My place is cooling off... finally.

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