I lived in a neighborhood that was not far off from some open nature (a lost deer was in the rose garden last month). I went through a period where I had a ton of close encounters with skunks. I mean, no one has been up close with skunks this much in a suburban area without getting sprayed.

Once, I rounded the corner of my house and was face to face with one heading the opposite direction. We both ran from each other. Another time, I was outside smoking in the narrow space between my place and a fence between me and the next building late at night. A skunk casually walked by me from behind me. I couldn’t believe it; the space was about two and a half feet and it was practiacally brushing my leg.

And there was the clan of skunks raiding a trash bin one time. And the skunk walking through a neighbor’s yard early morning. Just skunks all the time. That’s not even counting the almost-certainly-rabid skunk that chased me and a friend, snarling (we saw it out during daytime a day later, so for sure rabies, according to animal control).

I eventually started jingling my keys in my hand any time I was walking around after dusk. I haven’t run into a skunk since.

Hope you feel better.

I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough time today Lady. Depression sucks 🤍

Hopefully this pic of my parents’ floof monster will put a smile on your face!

seeing how many people replied warms me also depressed heart.

I’m putting myself in they list of you want to chat. take care mate

I exercised for the first time in like 4 years today, 30 minutes on an elliptical machine, and I’m mad about it because i enjoyed it, and now I’m sore. I’m probably going to have a fantastic night of sleep because of it too.

grumbly curmudgeon noises

I hope it’s passed, and you are feeling better now. Elbow have a new album out, it’s pretty good. It finally started raining here, our dry season was too dry and it’s so good to have the rains most days now.

Coming to this fairly late, so I hope that means things have eased up for you.

But, fwiw, I’m happy when I see a post you’ve made, even one like this.

Sorry to hear your feeling that way. I hope it’s not do something crazy level depression. I had a bout of that yesterday. I packed my bags told my family I was going to the laundry mat, actually did that, then drove 150 miles across my state to get a bottle of water and a Slim Jim. I was dead set on driving across the country but it was raining hard for hours. I stopped and spent 2 hours crying in a rest stop. I decided to turn around. Didn’t get home until 3 something this morning.

My life is garbage and I’m struggling to keep a roof over my head. Want to trade stories?

Reading words of sympathy from people I don’t know has never made me feel good. Listing grievances against reality to randos on the internet is a lot more amusing in my opinion.

it was hot and humid overnight, the apartment was horrible… it’s raining now, but alas, the strong wind keeps me from opening the window in the bedroom for a fresh breeze, there’s too much rain coming in. but at least it is raining, I love the sound of the rain.

I’m laying in bed writing this and my voidfloof came to lay with me - I guess he isn’t bothered by my body heat lol

The cat continues to not understand going into the bath is dangerous when the human is also there. I stopped her this time but lord. You’d think she’d be more nervous after going in once. Weird cat.

I’m trying to find a method of meal prep that doesn’t do my head in. I only have energy sometimes so it’s frustrating. I have next week planned so we’ll see how it goes.

Also depressed, feel trapped by reality.

I’m lying in bed waiting for my partner to finish in the bathroom before we pass out together. It’s late.

Tomorrow someone is coming to pick up a washing machine I’m giving away. I hope they ask about the free fridge as well. I hope they’re not weird.

Fly halfway across the country in a couple days to our new digs. Looks boring af. I’ll have to go scouring the neighbourhood for props to lift so I can get some indoor plants going.

A few days ago I was sitting in a public park. There were no other people close to me in the park. The sun was shining in a mostly cloudless sky and some of the taller trees were casting shadows on the grass. A gust of wind would blow through and the sounds of all the leaves from the trees made that pleasant rushing sound before ebbing away with the retreat of the wind. The smell of Earth was strong, like freshly turned soil. There were birds and insects, unseen, but loudly calling to each other oblivious to me in the park with them. I heard a commotion from the underbrush not far away, and see three squirrels chattering and giving chase to one another. It was very pleasant!

I wish I could have packaged this moment in the park in a bottle and give it to you to experience right now. A bottle of peace and contentment, as long as you don’t mind the chatty squirrels.

Old cat on the left (Buttons, 16y) and new cat on the right (Mizu, approx 1y) getting along… sort of.