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.
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
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.
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*.
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".
(3/3) One pub chain is serving Christmas dinners, seasonal TV ads are on, Mariah Carey and George Michael have been heard, and many people are "feeding" their festive cake.
But still, hoping for more good weather days, nights, and bonfires before this strangest of years is dragged out of the house.
But still, hoping for more good weather days, nights, and bonfires before this strangest of years is dragged out of the house.
November 13, 2025 at 4:12 PM
(3/3) One pub chain is serving Christmas dinners, seasonal TV ads are on, Mariah Carey and George Michael have been heard, and many people are "feeding" their festive cake.
But still, hoping for more good weather days, nights, and bonfires before this strangest of years is dragged out of the house.
But still, hoping for more good weather days, nights, and bonfires before this strangest of years is dragged out of the house.
(2/2) Christmas Day is suddenly only 6 weeks today, and 2026 a week beyond that.
More pertinent, for those who set store and mind by the natural calendar, the earliest sunset here (13th December, also St Lucia Day) is only 30 days away.
After, sunset gradually shifts a little later, day on day.
More pertinent, for those who set store and mind by the natural calendar, the earliest sunset here (13th December, also St Lucia Day) is only 30 days away.
After, sunset gradually shifts a little later, day on day.
November 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM
(2/2) Christmas Day is suddenly only 6 weeks today, and 2026 a week beyond that.
More pertinent, for those who set store and mind by the natural calendar, the earliest sunset here (13th December, also St Lucia Day) is only 30 days away.
After, sunset gradually shifts a little later, day on day.
More pertinent, for those who set store and mind by the natural calendar, the earliest sunset here (13th December, also St Lucia Day) is only 30 days away.
After, sunset gradually shifts a little later, day on day.
(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.
(2/2) I stopped myself from the seductive purchase of 50 slices of Gouda cheese by making a displacement purchase i.e. buy something which is both healthier, and a pleasant distraction, instead. Psychology for the win.
Voila: I am now the owner (till it's eaten) of a Fondue with Swiss Cheese kit.
Voila: I am now the owner (till it's eaten) of a Fondue with Swiss Cheese kit.
November 13, 2025 at 11:24 AM
(2/2) I stopped myself from the seductive purchase of 50 slices of Gouda cheese by making a displacement purchase i.e. buy something which is both healthier, and a pleasant distraction, instead. Psychology for the win.
Voila: I am now the owner (till it's eaten) of a Fondue with Swiss Cheese kit.
Voila: I am now the owner (till it's eaten) of a Fondue with Swiss Cheese kit.
(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.
It's off to an engaging start, and wondering if Pluribus will emerge as the cerebral dark humour sci-fi TV of this decade.
November 11, 2025 at 9:34 AM
It's off to an engaging start, and wondering if Pluribus will emerge as the cerebral dark humour sci-fi TV of this decade.
And dream of catnip.
November 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM
And dream of catnip.
(3/3) it is time for cake. Perhaps it is always time for cake?
Bearing in mind there is an uncertain quantity of mince pies back at base, selected a small cake topped with nostalgic sugary sweets. Swizzels Fizzers for the win.
Sugar with the addition of a small quantity of flour. Never change.
Bearing in mind there is an uncertain quantity of mince pies back at base, selected a small cake topped with nostalgic sugary sweets. Swizzels Fizzers for the win.
Sugar with the addition of a small quantity of flour. Never change.
November 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM
(3/3) it is time for cake. Perhaps it is always time for cake?
Bearing in mind there is an uncertain quantity of mince pies back at base, selected a small cake topped with nostalgic sugary sweets. Swizzels Fizzers for the win.
Sugar with the addition of a small quantity of flour. Never change.
Bearing in mind there is an uncertain quantity of mince pies back at base, selected a small cake topped with nostalgic sugary sweets. Swizzels Fizzers for the win.
Sugar with the addition of a small quantity of flour. Never change.
(2/3) Taking the day off, dropping off to check where I am with life things, check in with the team, write cards, buy a cardigan, and a couple of lattes while listening to the regular barista tell anecdotes from her unusual life outside of the 8 to 4.
But now, with cat, first coffee in the library.
But now, with cat, first coffee in the library.
November 6, 2025 at 7:08 AM
(2/3) Taking the day off, dropping off to check where I am with life things, check in with the team, write cards, buy a cardigan, and a couple of lattes while listening to the regular barista tell anecdotes from her unusual life outside of the 8 to 4.
But now, with cat, first coffee in the library.
But now, with cat, first coffee in the library.
(1/3) Nearly dawn; peering out of the library window. The spider I've named Toby lurks, weblingering.
Overnight email has brought very good news. I can finally wind down a side project of several years administrative wrestling.
And begin another which has been prowling 'round the back of the mind.
Overnight email has brought very good news. I can finally wind down a side project of several years administrative wrestling.
And begin another which has been prowling 'round the back of the mind.
November 6, 2025 at 6:54 AM
(1/3) Nearly dawn; peering out of the library window. The spider I've named Toby lurks, weblingering.
Overnight email has brought very good news. I can finally wind down a side project of several years administrative wrestling.
And begin another which has been prowling 'round the back of the mind.
Overnight email has brought very good news. I can finally wind down a side project of several years administrative wrestling.
And begin another which has been prowling 'round the back of the mind.
Halloween sunset 10 years ago, across the toposcope on Beacon Hill, Leicestershire.
Wishing you health, warmth, and good food, in the year ahead.
May you quietly thrive, succeed in that which matters to you.
And journey with kindness, a friend to flower and tree.
Wishing you health, warmth, and good food, in the year ahead.
May you quietly thrive, succeed in that which matters to you.
And journey with kindness, a friend to flower and tree.
October 31, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Halloween sunset 10 years ago, across the toposcope on Beacon Hill, Leicestershire.
Wishing you health, warmth, and good food, in the year ahead.
May you quietly thrive, succeed in that which matters to you.
And journey with kindness, a friend to flower and tree.
Wishing you health, warmth, and good food, in the year ahead.
May you quietly thrive, succeed in that which matters to you.
And journey with kindness, a friend to flower and tree.
Am I the only person who finds it unnervingly distracting to be watched while I'm trying to read a book?
October 29, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Am I the only person who finds it unnervingly distracting to be watched while I'm trying to read a book?
Irresponsibly posting my location on social media
October 29, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Irresponsibly posting my location on social media
Sainsbury's going optimistically heavy on the Christmas all butter mince pie stock. This display is also three layers deep.
October 28, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Sainsbury's going optimistically heavy on the Christmas all butter mince pie stock. This display is also three layers deep.
Deeply into re-reading The Quincunx, but already want to travel back in time and reality, meet the protagonist, shake him and shout STOP BEING SO NAIVE.
When finished, returning to MR James. It's the time of year for unsettling, creepy, ghosts-which-aren't short stories. 'The Mezzotint' especially.
When finished, returning to MR James. It's the time of year for unsettling, creepy, ghosts-which-aren't short stories. 'The Mezzotint' especially.
October 27, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Deeply into re-reading The Quincunx, but already want to travel back in time and reality, meet the protagonist, shake him and shout STOP BEING SO NAIVE.
When finished, returning to MR James. It's the time of year for unsettling, creepy, ghosts-which-aren't short stories. 'The Mezzotint' especially.
When finished, returning to MR James. It's the time of year for unsettling, creepy, ghosts-which-aren't short stories. 'The Mezzotint' especially.
When the weather permits, and the rapidly shortening hours of daylight allow, it's a colourful season to wander around the village a'while.
October 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
When the weather permits, and the rapidly shortening hours of daylight allow, it's a colourful season to wander around the village a'while.
The sprawlingly huge garden centre I wandered round earlier, even had a "Chocolate Library".
Not even @cilip.bsky.social has a chocolate library. Perhaps it should?
(I'm not sure if food librarians are a thing, and defer to the expertise of @bookishjulia.bsky.social on such matters)
Not even @cilip.bsky.social has a chocolate library. Perhaps it should?
(I'm not sure if food librarians are a thing, and defer to the expertise of @bookishjulia.bsky.social on such matters)
October 25, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The sprawlingly huge garden centre I wandered round earlier, even had a "Chocolate Library".
Not even @cilip.bsky.social has a chocolate library. Perhaps it should?
(I'm not sure if food librarians are a thing, and defer to the expertise of @bookishjulia.bsky.social on such matters)
Not even @cilip.bsky.social has a chocolate library. Perhaps it should?
(I'm not sure if food librarians are a thing, and defer to the expertise of @bookishjulia.bsky.social on such matters)
Tried to find my way back to the cafe. Had to ask.
Her: Go past the Barbour, turn left at the footwear, then keep going and it's on your left.
She was right, though my brain kept screaming THIS IS A GARDEN CENTRE EVERYTHING IS WRONG.
Her: Go past the Barbour, turn left at the footwear, then keep going and it's on your left.
She was right, though my brain kept screaming THIS IS A GARDEN CENTRE EVERYTHING IS WRONG.
October 25, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Tried to find my way back to the cafe. Had to ask.
Her: Go past the Barbour, turn left at the footwear, then keep going and it's on your left.
She was right, though my brain kept screaming THIS IS A GARDEN CENTRE EVERYTHING IS WRONG.
Her: Go past the Barbour, turn left at the footwear, then keep going and it's on your left.
She was right, though my brain kept screaming THIS IS A GARDEN CENTRE EVERYTHING IS WRONG.
In the garden centre. It is shockingly huge and seems to sell everything. Toys, foods, furnishings, a bakery, Christmas tat, farm shop, possibly even plants (not got to that part yet). There is a big restaurant and a cafe, both already crowded.
Looking at one of the many Christmas displays.
Looking at one of the many Christmas displays.
October 25, 2025 at 10:03 AM
In the garden centre. It is shockingly huge and seems to sell everything. Toys, foods, furnishings, a bakery, Christmas tat, farm shop, possibly even plants (not got to that part yet). There is a big restaurant and a cafe, both already crowded.
Looking at one of the many Christmas displays.
Looking at one of the many Christmas displays.