Tempting

 Well, look at what I'll be able to order next month.

I haven't decided whether to get it, but it's definitely tempting.  It's one of the largest sets in terms of pieces and size, so it ain't cheap.

Song of the Week #78

This week's selection, something from the mid-90's.  Is this Britpop?  I think this is an American band with a Scottish singer, and a bit darker than your typical Britpop song, so probably not.  It's a tune that I didn't care much for at the time, but which has grown on me as the years have passed.  Which is in stark contrast to most of the songs from that era. 

Sausage Roll Substitute

They don't quite make up for the lack of sausage rolls, but I have discovered that my local supermarket stocks frozen "Franks in a Blanket".  And they are a godsend.  Apparently in the US, pigs in blankets can also be called franks in blankets or franks in blanks.  And I don't think they are the same as UK pigs in blankets - these are pork sausages wrapped in puff pastry (which is about as close to sausage rolls as you get here).  Aren't pigs in blankets normally wrapped in bacon?  Stupid Americans.  

Fall Color

As I was out for a hike today, it dawned on me how much I miss seeing some decent fall foliage colo(u)r.  Maybe that's something I need to do this month.  Washington state is not really known for it (certainly nothing like NE US), but there are some places you can go for some good views.  And supposedly it is peaking in the next few weeks.  If we get some decent weather, preferably on a weekend, then I need to take a road trip.  Instead, this is how it more typically looks like on the hikes I've been doing over the last few days.

Not long now...

 ... for the best TV show currently out there to return with a new series.

If you've not watched this show yet, you need to.

Changing Seasons

I don't recall how this compares to previous years, but the last few nights/mornings have been the first time I've considered turning on my heating again since before summer.  I've resisted the urge so far, but I think we're close - and close to getting huge electricity bills again!  But I have taken the first steps of storing away my portable fans and portable air conditioning unit, and replacing them with a couple of portable heaters that I have.  Having just experienced the hottest summer ever here, now I predict the coldest winter ever.  Don't you just love climate change.  Now that I have a Dyson fan, I'm also thinking that I might need one of those Dyson fan heaters - even at Dyson's exorbitant prices.  Maybe I can get a cheap refurbished one.  

Plastic Bags

Starting today, our state has banned single use plastic bags.  Which came as a bit of a shock when I went to the supermarket this morning.  I ended up having to buy some paper bags to carry my groceries.  And yes, charging for paper bags is outrageous - even at the grand sum of 8 cents a bag.  If I'm going to be honest, I can't say I approve of this bag ban - rather than simply banning all plastic bags, I'd rather they replaced them with recyclable plastic bags and keep the convenience.  It's not like the supermarkets can't afford it.  The convenience is apparent when you consider that the statewide ban got delayed numerous times due to the pandemic.  Oh well, at least I've already got some reusable bags which I acquired sometime ago.  The city of Seattle had banned plastic bags many years ago, so I've still got some left over from when I lived and shopped in the city.  Though lord knows what kind of condition they're in after all this time unused.