This whole Biden thing since the first debate has been fractally infuriating: from the alt history fanfic disguised as journalism, to the opinions we’re expected to take seriously from Aaron Sorkin and Joe Manchin for God’s sake, to the constant news cycles funded by Taboola, to everybody ignoring the raving maniac who wants to take America back to the ’50s but as an autocracy.

I hope somebody has a fucking plan.

Went to Billie’s yesterday for lunch and new TV setup. Enjoyed the usual summer ferry chaos.

Finished reading On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. Quick and bracing; nothing I didn’t already know, but a good refresher.

Met Mom for dinner in U Village.

Another thing that strikes me about Moonbound is its fundamental kindness and generosity.

Finished reading Moonbound by Robin Sloan. The book started with a banger of a prologue, eased off a fair bit, and brought it back up for the finale. Even though I didn’t quite fall in love with the book, I enjoyed it thoroughly, perhaps because it consistently surprised me.

Walking to the grocery store this morning, I took a bad step, and instead of twisting my ankle I banged my knees something fierce — good road rash, and I presume serious bruises coming. (I can still walk fine though, so it can’t be too bad.)

Tonight’s kitchen victory: salade Niçoise, always a delight, and always guaranteed to trash the kitchen.

Worked with Meghan in the front yard, neatening and trimming.

After Meghan pointed out the mille-feuille of rust in the old grill, along with other structural degradation, we went out to get a replacement that was less likely to catch fire and/or melt. Then we grilled sausages.

It was a little chaotic, but the dude and I baked a cherry pie this afternoon.

Had dinner out in the carport.

The dude had friends over yesterday evening (plus the bambina and a couple of hers), hanging out in the carport and playing games and drinking mulled cider.

Finished reading Lake of Souls by Ann Leckie, a collection of short stories. A handful are set, at least notionally, in her Imperial Radch setting, several are in the setting of The Raven Tower, and several others are their own things. I enjoyed all of them to greater or lesser degrees; The Raven Tower in particular seems perfect for short stories.

Meghan and I got the AC set up at Mom’s, I took care of a couple other tasks, and the four of us had dinner with her.