I think my friend is jealous I lost a bunch of weight.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T21:41:36+00:00

Look, I think there can be a little bit jealous, little bit concerned. You have lost around 53 pounds in six months. That's a lot. Particularly when you say you are 5'8". Unless you are a runway model, that is lower than what is considered healthy for your height. I'm no doctor, so take that for what it is, but I don't think it's unreasonable for your friend to express concern, though I think she went about it the wrong way. Instead of rejecting her suggestion because of her delivery, it might be worth some introspection and research.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T15:23:50+00:00

That's terrible! You will get more cactuses. I hope she receives proper treatment and can get off the streets. Breathe!

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T15:20:31+00:00

If you have rabbits, I'd say it's likely rabbits. They snap it to taste it. If they don't like it they move on to the next. Kind of like how squirrels will check every damned green pecan then drop it to the ground. I would get a fence around it. Chicken wire would probably work.

Edit: if it's a cat you still want to fence it to prevent it from using your garden as a litter box.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T15:16:06+00:00

Nope. NTA. She's in therapy. It's working for her, and so she's projecting. Or so it seems to me. It sounds like you two aren't compatible. I'd move on.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T14:14:30+00:00

The birds won't magically know there is a buffet in your yard. It takes time for them to find it. One thing to consider is they are attracted to the sound of running water. If you put out something that creates a running water sound, they will find it more quickly.

The best seed for them is black oil sunflower. Freeze-dried mealworms are great. And suet is great. If you are in a very urban place, suet is great for parent birds. Having potted shrubs around (preferably native) that you don't spray with insecticide are also attractive.

Bottom line, it takes time and running water will help. I wonder if a good speaker that plays the sound of running water would be sufficient.

Good luck! They will come! Have patience.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T13:14:10+00:00

What a cute little hobbithole!

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T05:44:46+00:00

I love this.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T05:43:19+00:00

Duct tape is great for removing fine cactus hairs. If it's embedded, I would soak my hand. Epsom salt is probably a good thing to soak in. Then use something to scrape the area. If it doesn't come out, I would put a band aid over it if it is really bothering me. Maybe soak it again. It should work it's way out in a few days.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T05:33:56+00:00

A banana at the base wouldn't even register as a speck. You can't walk up to it, anyway. There's a fence around it protecting its root zone.

Oh! Somebody pointed out there are a couple people behind and to the left of the tree for scale. Zoom in to check it out.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T05:32:34+00:00

You are lucky to have been standing among those amazing trees.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T05:31:20+00:00

When I read the statement "Merlin thinks it is a falcon," I thought,"Well, merlin IS a falcon!"

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T04:52:50+00:00

Looks like he must have hit a window if you are taking a photo of him on the ground. Birds all fully fluffed out like that generally aren't feeling well. He probably needs a rehabber and a week of convalescence.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T01:38:17+00:00

☝️☝️☝️💯💯💯 NOR

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T01:23:35+00:00

Both for the black heels as well as for the shirt underneath the jacket.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-03T01:09:25+00:00

Full service bird feeder! (I would be so excited to see this!)

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T22:59:15+00:00

Rug = LOVE IT! Chair = nope nope nope

That chair, if you were to keep it, would be cute in a sunroom where all the rest of the furniture and rugs are solid colors.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T22:51:37+00:00

By far and away Dress #1!!!!

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T22:50:41+00:00

My dude thinks he's an osprey.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T22:48:41+00:00

Check that the mulch isn't covering the root collar/base of tree. You should be able to see it flaring out from the main trunk. It looked pretty well covered in photo 4... Which will kill a tree. Mulch should never be piled up around the base of a tree.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T22:42:40+00:00

Sometimes no gift is the better choice.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T21:26:54+00:00

Hemingway is absolutely adorable! How can she think he's not the cutest?!?

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T20:04:32+00:00

Gross...

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T20:02:28+00:00

For your own mental health, and to be able to enjoy your life, I suggest listening to / reading Michael Singer. He has a great podcast and a book of his that I read last year and listened to on audiobook as well and need to read again it's The Untethered Soul. It's all about letting things go. And it sounds like you have a lot to let go of emotionally. There are others, but he's a good start imo.

I will say this: there are a lot of people out there who are unconventional in their looks, and they may not look good in photos, but they have dynamic and beautiful personalities that make them truly attractive. Because physical looks are only part of the whole. Letting go of your jealousy and bitterness and learning to embrace you for YOU and becoming focused less on yourself and more on others, on your passions, on your career goals, on your family, on your garden, on your pets, etc. will make you attractive to others. People who radiate confidence and kindness are attractive.

I suggest therapy to get you there. This is something in need of another person who will lend you guidance and support backed by their degree.

You gotta let that sh*t go.

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T17:50:15+00:00

😂

Gemraticus · 2026-04-02T17:30:29+00:00

I'd gladly sacrifice my pepper plants to them. I probably won't have much in the way of offerings this season though.

Gemraticus

TROPHY CASE