Quite the experience for Richard Hogg. Great Grey Owl landing on his head

https://www.365daysofbirds.com/2026/11/03/great-gray-owl-hunting-platform-my-head/

Got some Coulter's Matilija Poppy seeds a while back from a native seed supplier and I know they are difficult to germinate, so have been looking at various guides. Saw many references to exposing them to smoke from pine needles/etc. Finally came across one that recommended liquid smoke as an alternative (as long as it is just water and "smoke").

Anybody have experience using liquid smoke for helping seeds germinate? (or real smoke)

Always thought this photo of Tobie looked like a detail from a renaissance painting

Heard some guys talking about this...
Assuming you had ample counter space, do you want small appliances - toaster, blender, panini press, etc - out on the counter or should they be put put away in a cupboard after use?

The guys were complaining that their partners wanted everything put away -- even stuff they use every morning like the toaster and blender.

Simon (grey tabby) and Kali Sushi (tortie) found this little bed that was on top of a pile of junk in our garage. Those two were inseparable; Kali-Sushi was Simon's substitute mom and she doted on him constantly.

This crappy collage from 22 years ago popped up in my "remember this day" feed. (probably taken with a motorola flip phone) Which led me to wonder what would be a good collective noun for a group of General Lees...