Silversprite
@silversprite.bsky.social
Researcher and student: Planetary Boundaries, biodiversity, apples, orchards, and sustainability. Also interested in climate change, European heatwaves, Deep Ecology, GCR and ER, and impacts of novel chemicals. Also judges cake. Elsewhere: Wordshore.
Reposted by Silversprite
Most of my wild apple trees this year struggled in the drought and made little to no fruit but Matilda Dodge’s trees on the Oakland U campus—downhill from a vast irrigated lawn—had their best year since I’ve lived here. I picked these in the wind and rain, they’re heirlooms and they are delicious
November 6, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Most of my wild apple trees this year struggled in the drought and made little to no fruit but Matilda Dodge’s trees on the Oakland U campus—downhill from a vast irrigated lawn—had their best year since I’ve lived here. I picked these in the wind and rain, they’re heirlooms and they are delicious
Startled at the weather forecast for tomorrow, which contains the first use of * for this season.
Now wondering if I should get the saddle out of the attic, for putting on the tauntaun before venturing to Aldi in the morning.
#Worcestershire #Hoth #SlightExaggeration
Now wondering if I should get the saddle out of the attic, for putting on the tauntaun before venturing to Aldi in the morning.
#Worcestershire #Hoth #SlightExaggeration
November 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Startled at the weather forecast for tomorrow, which contains the first use of * for this season.
Now wondering if I should get the saddle out of the attic, for putting on the tauntaun before venturing to Aldi in the morning.
#Worcestershire #Hoth #SlightExaggeration
Now wondering if I should get the saddle out of the attic, for putting on the tauntaun before venturing to Aldi in the morning.
#Worcestershire #Hoth #SlightExaggeration
Professional video by a commercial operation in Sweden - latitude 64° north - who use the -30°C/-22°F winter climate in their process of making strong cider/apple wine.
(this is somewhat different from home or farm made scrumpy in 1970s/80s rural Worcestershire)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eVS...
(this is somewhat different from home or farm made scrumpy in 1970s/80s rural Worcestershire)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eVS...
The Ice Cider Year - Wine making in the far North
YouTube video by Brännland Iscider
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Professional video by a commercial operation in Sweden - latitude 64° north - who use the -30°C/-22°F winter climate in their process of making strong cider/apple wine.
(this is somewhat different from home or farm made scrumpy in 1970s/80s rural Worcestershire)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eVS...
(this is somewhat different from home or farm made scrumpy in 1970s/80s rural Worcestershire)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eVS...
Current reading: Why we thrive beneath a northern sky - genomic signals of selection in apple for adaptation to northern Sweden (2024) by Skytte et al.
Much information on genetic testing of apples, and viability of cultivar growth in climate-affected high latitudes.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Much information on genetic testing of apples, and viability of cultivar growth in climate-affected high latitudes.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
November 17, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Current reading: Why we thrive beneath a northern sky - genomic signals of selection in apple for adaptation to northern Sweden (2024) by Skytte et al.
Much information on genetic testing of apples, and viability of cultivar growth in climate-affected high latitudes.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Much information on genetic testing of apples, and viability of cultivar growth in climate-affected high latitudes.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Your last saved meme is your moral philosophy
November 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Your last saved meme is your moral philosophy
Collecting some of the eclectic stationary and pens from various drawers, with a quiet determination not to purchase any more for a while. At least.
I accept this resolution will inevitably fail.
I accept this resolution will inevitably fail.
November 16, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Collecting some of the eclectic stationary and pens from various drawers, with a quiet determination not to purchase any more for a while. At least.
I accept this resolution will inevitably fail.
I accept this resolution will inevitably fail.
Wondering what the cat is destroying downstairs at {checks} 5:33am, but too sleepy comfy to get out of bed to find out.
So long as the cat hasn't yet levelled up to starting house fires (give it time) I'll deal with it during daylight.
So long as the cat hasn't yet levelled up to starting house fires (give it time) I'll deal with it during daylight.
November 16, 2025 at 5:36 AM
Wondering what the cat is destroying downstairs at {checks} 5:33am, but too sleepy comfy to get out of bed to find out.
So long as the cat hasn't yet levelled up to starting house fires (give it time) I'll deal with it during daylight.
So long as the cat hasn't yet levelled up to starting house fires (give it time) I'll deal with it during daylight.
Reposted by Silversprite
The training orchard I volunteer at loaded me up, a lot more than what’s in the picture , I only got 1 this year from my baby tree but otherwise locally seems to be a good year.
November 16, 2025 at 3:06 AM
The training orchard I volunteer at loaded me up, a lot more than what’s in the picture , I only got 1 this year from my baby tree but otherwise locally seems to be a good year.
Recently re-read Clive Barker's Weaveworld (1987).
If fulfilled, this - and some other AI products, but especially this - is Shadwell's coat. The inside lining reveals that, or whom, you lost and most grieve for, returned to life.
Manipulation to the deepest increment of depravity.
If fulfilled, this - and some other AI products, but especially this - is Shadwell's coat. The inside lining reveals that, or whom, you lost and most grieve for, returned to life.
Manipulation to the deepest increment of depravity.
November 15, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Recently re-read Clive Barker's Weaveworld (1987).
If fulfilled, this - and some other AI products, but especially this - is Shadwell's coat. The inside lining reveals that, or whom, you lost and most grieve for, returned to life.
Manipulation to the deepest increment of depravity.
If fulfilled, this - and some other AI products, but especially this - is Shadwell's coat. The inside lining reveals that, or whom, you lost and most grieve for, returned to life.
Manipulation to the deepest increment of depravity.
Reposted by Silversprite
I think we need an addition to the human right act; the right to STAY DEAD. All these AI incarnations of dead actors and people is totally unethical on the level of our very souls
November 15, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I think we need an addition to the human right act; the right to STAY DEAD. All these AI incarnations of dead actors and people is totally unethical on the level of our very souls
Rewatching "Thirst Trap: A Corporate Love Story" (Simpsons 35:4) a parody documentary of the Elizabeth Holmes / Theranos story.
So many good lines; the one about the owner of Twitter having to sell it "after his self-driving rocket crashed into the International Space Station" is *chef's kiss*.
So many good lines; the one about the owner of Twitter having to sell it "after his self-driving rocket crashed into the International Space Station" is *chef's kiss*.
November 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Rewatching "Thirst Trap: A Corporate Love Story" (Simpsons 35:4) a parody documentary of the Elizabeth Holmes / Theranos story.
So many good lines; the one about the owner of Twitter having to sell it "after his self-driving rocket crashed into the International Space Station" is *chef's kiss*.
So many good lines; the one about the owner of Twitter having to sell it "after his self-driving rocket crashed into the International Space Station" is *chef's kiss*.
(1/5) Unimpressed with retro #totp this week, so spinning an alternative.
Tell Me Why (The Riddle): Paul van Dyk and Saint Etienne, with Sarah Cracknell of the group on vocals (2000).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJSD...
Tell Me Why (The Riddle): Paul van Dyk and Saint Etienne, with Sarah Cracknell of the group on vocals (2000).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJSD...
Paul van Dyk - Tell Me Why (Official Video)
YouTube video by Paul van Dyk
www.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:32 PM
(1/5) Unimpressed with retro #totp this week, so spinning an alternative.
Tell Me Why (The Riddle): Paul van Dyk and Saint Etienne, with Sarah Cracknell of the group on vocals (2000).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJSD...
Tell Me Why (The Riddle): Paul van Dyk and Saint Etienne, with Sarah Cracknell of the group on vocals (2000).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJSD...
Reposted by Silversprite
Sayonara, Japan. Thanks for all your kindness, your sento, your seafood, your fast trains and your warm toilet seats.
November 14, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Sayonara, Japan. Thanks for all your kindness, your sento, your seafood, your fast trains and your warm toilet seats.
Reposted by Silversprite
I get this doing tours of our collection for kids and you have to explain what a photographic negative is because none of them have any idea.
November 14, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I get this doing tours of our collection for kids and you have to explain what a photographic negative is because none of them have any idea.
Just helped cousin's Gen Z son do his homework, by explaining Green Shield Stamps.
The homework title is "Historical ways of buying goods in England".
I feel 104 and am returning to my desert cave, if anyone else requires more information from "bygone ages".
The homework title is "Historical ways of buying goods in England".
I feel 104 and am returning to my desert cave, if anyone else requires more information from "bygone ages".
November 14, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Just helped cousin's Gen Z son do his homework, by explaining Green Shield Stamps.
The homework title is "Historical ways of buying goods in England".
I feel 104 and am returning to my desert cave, if anyone else requires more information from "bygone ages".
The homework title is "Historical ways of buying goods in England".
I feel 104 and am returning to my desert cave, if anyone else requires more information from "bygone ages".
(1/3) Looking at the short and longer range forecasts (with the usual pinch of salt for the latter), it seems today will be the last autumnal day before we abruptly shift into a wetter, colder, season.
With this in mind, and without waterproofs, clocked up 7 miles strolling round the village lanes.
With this in mind, and without waterproofs, clocked up 7 miles strolling round the village lanes.
November 13, 2025 at 3:34 PM
(1/3) Looking at the short and longer range forecasts (with the usual pinch of salt for the latter), it seems today will be the last autumnal day before we abruptly shift into a wetter, colder, season.
With this in mind, and without waterproofs, clocked up 7 miles strolling round the village lanes.
With this in mind, and without waterproofs, clocked up 7 miles strolling round the village lanes.
(1/2) It was a close call, but I did not purchase the reduced price packet of 50 slices of Gouda cheese.
+ve: It's 50 slices of Gouda cheese. It's (suspiciously) cheap: £5.59 for a kilo of cheese. The use by date is several months away.
-ve: Needs to be eaten within 3 days of opening. Challenging.
+ve: It's 50 slices of Gouda cheese. It's (suspiciously) cheap: £5.59 for a kilo of cheese. The use by date is several months away.
-ve: Needs to be eaten within 3 days of opening. Challenging.
November 13, 2025 at 10:58 AM
(1/2) It was a close call, but I did not purchase the reduced price packet of 50 slices of Gouda cheese.
+ve: It's 50 slices of Gouda cheese. It's (suspiciously) cheap: £5.59 for a kilo of cheese. The use by date is several months away.
-ve: Needs to be eaten within 3 days of opening. Challenging.
+ve: It's 50 slices of Gouda cheese. It's (suspiciously) cheap: £5.59 for a kilo of cheese. The use by date is several months away.
-ve: Needs to be eaten within 3 days of opening. Challenging.
All the cool kids seem to have job or promotion interviews tomorrow, or are hearing news of bids or applications, or are planning to propose marriage.
Hoping everyone gets what they want, need and desire.
(tomorrow I'm going to Waitrose for a rye bread; that's the extent of my short-term ambition)
Hoping everyone gets what they want, need and desire.
(tomorrow I'm going to Waitrose for a rye bread; that's the extent of my short-term ambition)
November 12, 2025 at 10:15 PM
All the cool kids seem to have job or promotion interviews tomorrow, or are hearing news of bids or applications, or are planning to propose marriage.
Hoping everyone gets what they want, need and desire.
(tomorrow I'm going to Waitrose for a rye bread; that's the extent of my short-term ambition)
Hoping everyone gets what they want, need and desire.
(tomorrow I'm going to Waitrose for a rye bread; that's the extent of my short-term ambition)
Been polling various friends and colleagues this evening, and the concept of reading a book with your partner. SO, loved one, FWB et al at the same time has been 100% rejected.
Responses include worst kink ever, silly, fast track to divorce, no they read too slow/fast, & I'd rather have an affair.
Responses include worst kink ever, silly, fast track to divorce, no they read too slow/fast, & I'd rather have an affair.
Couples who say that snuggling up and reading the same book at the same time together is romantic have never actually tried it. It's infuriating. My boyfriend reads so slowly. By the time he finishes one page, I could have read three. Nah, individual reading only from now on.
November 12, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Been polling various friends and colleagues this evening, and the concept of reading a book with your partner. SO, loved one, FWB et al at the same time has been 100% rejected.
Responses include worst kink ever, silly, fast track to divorce, no they read too slow/fast, & I'd rather have an affair.
Responses include worst kink ever, silly, fast track to divorce, no they read too slow/fast, & I'd rather have an affair.
Eight long months, two thirds of a year.
Seasons have come and gone; the days, lengthening then, shorten now.
But still, Mr Pigeon struts outside.
And still, the cat is furious at this continuing arrogance, this display.
Seasons have come and gone; the days, lengthening then, shorten now.
But still, Mr Pigeon struts outside.
And still, the cat is furious at this continuing arrogance, this display.
The cat likes sitting on her observation tower, observing all things. Birds, people, posties, a leaf. Everything.
"Mr Pigeon" is so-named as it struts up and down the driveway in an oddly formal manner. Frequently.
The cat is deeply upset by anything on the driveway.
The cat loathes Mr Pigeon.
"Mr Pigeon" is so-named as it struts up and down the driveway in an oddly formal manner. Frequently.
The cat is deeply upset by anything on the driveway.
The cat loathes Mr Pigeon.
November 12, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Eight long months, two thirds of a year.
Seasons have come and gone; the days, lengthening then, shorten now.
But still, Mr Pigeon struts outside.
And still, the cat is furious at this continuing arrogance, this display.
Seasons have come and gone; the days, lengthening then, shorten now.
But still, Mr Pigeon struts outside.
And still, the cat is furious at this continuing arrogance, this display.
Age yourself with gaming
November 12, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Age yourself with gaming
On the subject, if Tesco do run this specific Christmas ad on TV, then ... this is pouring petrol on the bonfire of simmering resentments in some traditional family get-togethers.
First YT comment: "Do you actually understand Christmas is supposed to be joyful?!"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUW...
First YT comment: "Do you actually understand Christmas is supposed to be joyful?!"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUW...
Sticking with traditions… #ThatsWhatMakesItChristmas 🎄
YouTube video by Tesco
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:15 PM
On the subject, if Tesco do run this specific Christmas ad on TV, then ... this is pouring petrol on the bonfire of simmering resentments in some traditional family get-togethers.
First YT comment: "Do you actually understand Christmas is supposed to be joyful?!"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUW...
First YT comment: "Do you actually understand Christmas is supposed to be joyful?!"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUW...
(1/3) As opposed to that Waitrose Christmas ad, Tesco have several short ads focused on awkward family situations. Some of which are on-point.
"It me". First Christmas back from University, using words and pronounciations not usually heard in rural Worcestershire.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJm...
"It me". First Christmas back from University, using words and pronounciations not usually heard in rural Worcestershire.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJm...
Realising you're home... #ThatsWhatMakesItChristmas 🎄
YouTube video by Tesco
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:41 PM
(1/3) As opposed to that Waitrose Christmas ad, Tesco have several short ads focused on awkward family situations. Some of which are on-point.
"It me". First Christmas back from University, using words and pronounciations not usually heard in rural Worcestershire.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJm...
"It me". First Christmas back from University, using words and pronounciations not usually heard in rural Worcestershire.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJm...
The live webcam at the "Santa Claus Village" near Rovaniemi in Finland is showing snow, plenty of visitors, and a temperature of -2:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4R...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4R...
Live @ Santa Claus Village
YouTube video by City of Rovaniemi
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
The live webcam at the "Santa Claus Village" near Rovaniemi in Finland is showing snow, plenty of visitors, and a temperature of -2:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4R...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4R...
Watched the Waitrose Christmas Ad, with Joe Wilkinson and Keira Knightley. It's *4 MINUTES* long.
Styled like a Richard Curtis rom-com. If you're into that then you'll like this.
By coincidence, 4 minutes is also the warning time we get before nuclear annihilation.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWeY...
Styled like a Richard Curtis rom-com. If you're into that then you'll like this.
By coincidence, 4 minutes is also the warning time we get before nuclear annihilation.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWeY...
The Perfect Gift | Waitrose | Christmas Ad 2025
YouTube video by Waitrose & Partners
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Watched the Waitrose Christmas Ad, with Joe Wilkinson and Keira Knightley. It's *4 MINUTES* long.
Styled like a Richard Curtis rom-com. If you're into that then you'll like this.
By coincidence, 4 minutes is also the warning time we get before nuclear annihilation.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWeY...
Styled like a Richard Curtis rom-com. If you're into that then you'll like this.
By coincidence, 4 minutes is also the warning time we get before nuclear annihilation.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWeY...