This week Ariel posited the same thing I did: Would this book work better if we weren’t reading it over 10 weeks?
Lake Huron is looking good, though.
Loved One Not Built for Slow Reading?
Drafting the Mouse Headband
It being July and warm, I opted to not wear a mask for my mouse costume; instead, I found instructions for a cute headband on the internet. As we are creeping closer to the party, I thought it best to make a test run in paper that could then be used as the pattern.
It looks like it will be okay. Now, I just have to make it. Before the party. On July 18.
Library Demerit System?
I think we can correctly guess that this letter writer is a prompt returner of library items.
The Multnomah County Library hasn’t had fines for a few years now. (Given my loose grasp on the passage of time, it could be anywhere from three years to fifteen.)
While I did enjoy the low-key pressure to renew or return my books to avoid fines, I similarly enjoy that I get an email when a book I have checked out has a bunch of people waiting.
I bet you can guess that I would do well in this demerit system.
Heloise Is Like, So Old!
The Oregonian has gifted us with a Hints from Heloise column a few days per week (or maybe all days?) This Heloise is the daughter of the original. I know this because readers often say something like, “I have learned many tips from your mother and from you over the years.”
I don’t know how old the daughter Heloise is, but I’d guess ancient. It’s a very old-fashioned column. This one, in particular, tickled my funny bone on a few levels.
“It’s boring but very helpful” (!!!!) Sheesh John S., Way to sell the fun that is diagramming.
As you know, I’ve been learning to diagram sentences over the past year. I can say that it has no effect on how many times I say “like” in a sentence. You’ll note that Heloise didn’t even bother to address that odd little tip, she just went for the jugular of “like.”
I read your column in the Portland, Oregonian. (That’s how many people sign off.)
SKS from Arcata via F. Stettheimer Postcard
Sara expresses surprise that it’s already July!
She congratulates us both on getting through our various June trials.
Roasted Radish (free!)
Friend S. North has a friend who runs a CSA, so she often gets excess produce. I was visiting her house as she was going through a bag, and I scored some fresh radish, which I promptly roasted.
I then took this picture for S. North, as she was not familiar with roasted radish.
Tiny Bunny Sighting
The tiny bunny is a bit bigger.
It’s a very fast bunny; hard to get a picture of. It likes that I haven’t weeded between the pavers. Food for the tiny bunny!
Loved One Postcard
Ariel reports that she’s increasingly annoyed by Elizabeth. (I was too, at that point.)
She also was pondering how we think we know someone, but someone else knows them differently in ways that highlight our intrinsic isolation.
Books Read in June 2026
Bolded means favorite
Grownup Fiction
Over Easy by Mimi Pond
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Wreck by Catherine Newman
What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama and translated by Alison Watts
Enjoyable collection of interwoven short stores united by a unique librarian. I did find myself distracted by wondering what size clothing this “very large” woman wore. I’m guessing she’s a 16.
Grownup Nonfiction
You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy by Trisha Pasricha
Funny Internet Things June 2026
Algae in the reflecting pool:
This makes me laugh. But also, we’ve been making trickle down jokes since the 80s, yet our economic policy is still trickle down economics. I think it’s the rich people who are really laughing.
The president did his level best to make the celebration of the USA’s 250th birthday un-fun.
I wonder if people bought the shirt on the left?