Continued to marvel at the difference between our respective body temps. I require a jacket, pants, and an electric blanket year round and struggle whenever the portable AC gets turned on prompting the semi-regular and exasperated, “How are you so cold all the time?!” from Brian.

Enjoyed the PBS Documentary channel, our favorite purchase from Amazon Prime Days. So far enjoyed? Planet California and a doc on the Donner Party. What can I say? I’m nostalgic for home.

Received official confirmation from The Scientist’s former boss that the paper on their project was submitted to the Journal of Biological Chemistry. My contribution of, “Oh, that sounds like an important one” was met with an eye roll and uncomfortable giggle.

Interrupted a porch drop scaring all parties involved. She thought I was coming to say hi and I thought I was just checking the weather. Cue startled shrieking and numerous apologies.

Celebrated Christmas in July by making my family’s infamous cookies, drinking mimosas, listening to a truly excellent Spotify Christmas in July playlist, watching Die Hard, and reading a holiday romance. Was going well until it was discovered that a key ingredient was two years expired. Will always refer to this episode as Powder Sugar-Gate. Instacart was discovered as a consequence.

Was informed ever so causally by Brian that a second paper for another project was ready to be submitted as well. This time had to wait while he signed a submission release confirming his contributing authorship.

Empathized with a friend recovering from COVID that this variant’s symptoms were different and in some ways, worse. Ah, for the variant of yesteryears.

Unconsciously used movies to give each other pumped up morning goodbyes. Mine? A variation of The Help’s “You is kind. You is smart. You is Important.” His? Cool Runnings’ “I see pride! I see power! I see a bad-ass mother who don’t take no crap off of nobody!”

Watched in amusement as Mr. Pickle Hater himself ordered a pickle based sandwich and two days later brought home a dill inspired salad mix. He had a 50/50 track record and many kudos were given to him for trying new things.

Got invested in a Tale of Two Cats: The Bobcat and the Kitten That Lived courtesy of The Scientist’s ever interesting lab happenings. We were all pleased that the bobcat was not rabid and therefore the kitten was spared twice. Must be one resilient feline.

Learned through scientific osmosis that if you want to ensure that the bat you need tested will be DOA, don’t just assume it will suffocate in the Tupperware you sealed it in. Or The Scientist and his lab partner have to problem solve.

Me? I’m just paying the consequences of not lifting with my legs after sorting and packing boxes of books.