Nika Smith Auld

Always remember to keep the feets out for temperature regulation during sleep

I would love to see a new Indiana Jones series starring Pedro Pascal. He has the charisma, strength, and wit to play every face of Indy well, and I think he could make some squirm in their seats with certain scenes.

Ted is such a happy boy lately. Here he is entertaining me while I take a break from dinner prep.

I used to do research for television advertising so I love watching Super Bowl ads every year. This year has largely been lackluster, until the breast cancer awareness ad with Wanda Sykes. Fuck YES, great job turning the conversation upside down with a very captive audience.

Things have been a bit difficult this week so tonight I made one of my favorite special meals: steamed crab with garlic-chili butter, sauteed pea vines, and rice. Enjoy the small moments when you can.

I made the viral NYT Cooking creamy spicy tomato beans and yeah, it's as good as the internet crazies say. Go make it with some garlic bread on the side and enjoy your evening like I did.

The cold crisp weather is very odd for here, but Ted is really enjoying getting some sunshine today.

Ted is getting ready for a little snooze. Although it's been hard to lose his brother, Ted has really come out of his shell since becoming a solo cat. He follows us around and always wants to be where Mark and I are, instead of hiding. Always and forever my familiar 🐱

Blue oyster mushrooms are considered one of the easiest to grow and they are very satisfying because they double in size every day. Do it!

Just experienced my first noticeable earthquake since moving to the PNW 16 years ago. It wasn't huge but was enough to make me look around and evaluate my surroundings. This year has already been long and exhausting, so I'm feeling a bit on edge for what's next.

Second batch of blue oyster mushrooms are coming in! This has become a fun little side project, and I'm excited to set up my official indoor greenhouse so I can experiment with other methods of growing culinary mushrooms.

Ted is begrudgingly hanging out downstairs while Mark cooks and I watch the Ravens game. He wants to be the center of attention but the plushie cat isn't abiding.