Author: Derek

Ward Manor Happenings – 09.25.25

September 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Ward Wagon Happenings – While I was helping The Brother move, The Wife called to inform me the Ward Wagon’s tire pressure light was on. While we haven’t had a cold snap, there are plenty of environmental factors that could cause it. Except it wasn’t. The culprit was a nail. AAA was called and the donut was put on. Here’s the thing – we dislike the closest Subaru dealerships and really like the service department at the dealership where we purchased the Subies. The only downside is our preferred location is seventy miles away.

Since we were on the donut, neither of us wanted to take the highways. So, we took a leisurely drive. It was interesting because the route went through parts of Tampa and Hillsborough county I haven’t been through in quite a while. Even after eight years, it’s still shocking to see “my home” change.

When we got to the dealership, we settled in to wait. We ended up talking with a nice lady for most of the time. The service rep came out to inform us that the tire couldn’t be patched, but it was covered under road hazard. As was the other tire they found a bolt in. Those were already in the process of being swapped out. Since the Ward Wagon is AWD, the rep recommended we replace the remaining two tires. That matched with everything I knew about AWD cars, so we agreed. Chatted for a while with the nice lady. Service rep comes back. Um, yeah, we don’t have two more of those tires, and he didn’t recommend swapping out with a different brand. So, we get to go back up, but this time we’re also bringing the Wardmobile, as it’s time for it’s service as well.

Weight Happenings – Last weigh-in: 278.6; First toll-gate: 275

Derek’s Mildly Useful Reviews – Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

September 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Wife and I are fans of Downton Abbey. So much so that we have physical media so we can watch it if we lose internet. As a fan, the movie hit a lot of the same notes. In many ways, the movies seem less grand spectacles and more “very special episodes.” Which has its good points and its bad points. While I enjoyed the movie, there was a certain flatness when I put on my writing hat.

The main plot surrounds the passing of the torch from the elder characters to their younger counterparts. Once again, scandal surrounds the eldest daughter and presumed heiress Mary. A small quibble here is that it’s a case of “in late, out early,” but in some ways, we come in far too late. This, I fear, is the case of telling the story over a two hour film and not an eight-ten hour episode arc. In some ways, the various plots and subplots are rehashes of themes and issues that were previously done in the episodes. But, there’s an endearing quality to that as well.

It is a fitting end to the entire arc of the Downton Abbey saga. While I may have some quibbles from a writing standpoint, as a fan, I was immensely pleased to seeing these characters one last time. And feeling the touch of

I’m Kinda Done

September 22, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I’m just so fucking done of watching both sides slouching their way to what they think is their preferred authoritarian regime.

I’m tired of the chattering classes and their sycophantic watchers on social media playing fucking musical chairs of what is just and right and what is deplorable.

I’m fucking done of one side bringing a new hammer to hammer down what it perceives as its enemies, and the other side decrying it – until it’s their fucking turn with the hammer. I’m fucking done of no one thinking it’s time to put the fucking hammer down.

The Wife, bless her, is not political. She doesn’t follow things like I do. I’m really thinking I need to emulate her. Just focus on the things that make me happy. My writing, my guns, my anime, my geek culture.

At this point, I need to take a step back. I’m snoozing some folks on FB and trying to spend less time there. My “chattering class” podcasts I will ignore for a bit. While I may scan headlines, about the only politics I want to follow these days is local. Keep an eye on local issues because – and I know someone is going to give me shit for writing this – knowing how my county voted on trash collection has much more impact to my life than someone famous being murdered.

I’m fucking done. Time to go watch a kawaii rom-com while cleaning my Bren and listening to Sabaton.

Ward Manor Happenings – 09.18.25

September 18, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Cat Happenings – EBC has been throwing up a lot lately. One of his particular spots to vomit is our bed. My side of the bed. I think we changed the sheets more in the last month and a half than we have in the past year or so. He’s always been our bulimic cat, but it’s kicked up significantly. We make the vet appointment and run him in. On the car ride over, EBC decided to take a dump in his carrier. Fortunately, it was not diarrhea and it was contained to the blanket. But damn, does it stink up a car.

Anywhoo, the vet thinks it’s a GI infection or some sort. Possibly lymphoma, but we’re starting treatment as if it’s an infection. Which requires all sorts of new food for EBC. And new kibble for the cats. Expensive food. That line item on the budget just exploded.

I’d complain more, but EBC hasn’t thrown up in the week since. We’ll deal with the expense if it means we don’t have to clean up cat vomit every other day.

Laptop Happenings – The work laptop decided to lock up and not reboot. Called the help desk. As soon as I got off the phone with them, of course it booted right up. Damn thing’s been finicky for a while. Also out of warranty, so it was not surprising when the IT tech IM’d me and asked when I can come in and swap out for a new laptop. We made an appointment for the next morning.

The next morning, I went to the main campus to the office where I always got my laptops. My office is off-site about five miles from the main campus. Not too bad of a drive, but annoying. Actually run into an old boss of mine on my way to the IT office. Get to the office and find out that no, they moved the laptop techs to their off-site office. Across the street from my office.

I was worried that setting up the new laptop would be arduous, but fortunately, that went smoothly. The new one has a second USB-C port. Which means I can hook up my portable monitor. I finally have four monitors again. Although getting them arranged has taken some doing.

Moving Happenings – Last weekend we moved a lot of The Brother’s big things from his place to Mom’s. He’s moving in there for a bit. The Brother rented a U-Haul and hired a couple of folks from Task Rabbit to help out. A lot of heavy labor putting the heavy stuff in. It didn’t help The Brother injured his knee while getting into the U-Haul. It resulted in me having to drive the U-Haul over to Mom’s. I dislike driving big vehicles, which makes me cautious. I think it was the first time I’ve driven the speed limit all the way from The Brother’s place to Mom’s.

Toy Show Happenings – Last weekend, The Wife and I went to a toy and collectible show they were holding at the new hotel next to the convention center. It was a bit crowded – kind of gun show density. I saw a couple of things that spiked my interest. One booth had an unboxed G1 Jetfire and a G1 Powermaster Prime with the second bit of armor. Another booth had an old Matchbox SDF-1. Unfortunately, I couldn’t justify the prices they were asking. Still, it wasn’t a complete bust. The Wife found a Cabbage Patch doll she really liked. She has fond memories of the one she had as a kid. Plus, I can’t wait to see the outfits they will crochet. Just outside the Toyfest, the hotel was hosting its first little market. Kind of like all craft markets, but on astroturf.

Weight Happenings – Last weigh in: 279.8; first tollgate: 275. Getting so close.

September Anime Recommendations

September 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I would say this is a solid fantasy romance with an interesting hook.

The best description of this one is “John Wick in a sitcom.” It doesn’t take it self seriously, and you shouldn’t either.

This one is kind of an isekai that goes both ways. Weird, I know, but cute.

I like this one because of the concept. There’s something about the master from an out-of-the-way place coming “to the big city” that I find appealing.

Promise to the Magic Heart – Chapter 13

September 15, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Every lord with an eligible son has paraded him before the illustrious Crystal Blood, in hopes of a most advantageous match. Indeed, whispers abound of a looming engagement between the Crystal Blood and the dashing Hero Pallus Parn. One cannot help but ponder, however, why the Crystal Blood has so resolutely turned away every proposal. Rumor has it that the vigilant Lady Sonya has steadfastly refused to present any suitors to the Crystal Blood, citing the Blood’s well-known volatile disposition. Yet, hushed voices speak of a more sinister reason — a reason tied to the mysterious vanishing of the valiant Hero Acciaio. – Anonymous source, as reported in the “Aponte Hill Whispers” tabloid

RIN

Rin was grappling with what was happening inside of him while Illana and the ambassador talked. Rin wanted to be angry at Illana. When he walked into this room, he wanted to unleash a decade’s worth of pent-up anger and rage at her. She even gave him the perfect opportunity with her attitude when they first walked in. Except when her blue eyes met his, all his anger melted away. In its place, Rin felt something reopen with Illana. The same connection that opened the day they found her under that mountain. He could feel Illana in his mind like a warm comforting glow. Rin wished everyone would leave so he could deal with the sudden whiplash. So that he could just talk with Illana. Then the Chancellor stormed into the room.

Rin instantly recognized the man. The man who deftly manipulated Rin down to the docks to go back to Marei. Rin didn’t understand what was happening back then, but as the Chancellor talked, the memories flowed back. Looking at what the Chancellor did with the eyes of a ranger – and having talked with his friends – Rin understood. Just as Rin made the realization about his past, he also realized something else. He could feel Illana’s hatred of the chancellor in that part of his mind where her warm glow resided. It startled him enough that he barely registered when Sasha announced that everyone else was leaving. And he would be alone with Illana.

The room fell silent as Illana and Rin just looked at each other, neither sure what to say. Moments stretched into minutes as the two walked around the room, warily eyeing each other. There was so much Rin wanted to tell Illana. Words were never his strong suit. It was why he was always on the losing end with Pallus. Worse, he was scared if he said the wrong thing, their sudden connection would vanish. He looked at Illana, but he couldn’t read her expression. Part of him wished he was back in the Badlands. At least he understood the dangers there. Finally, Illana broke the silence.

“I don’t know whether I hate you or I love you. Maybe both,” Illana said, looking at the fireplace. She whirled to face him. “Nothing to say in your defense?”

“Illana, until I walked in and saw you, I was sure I hated you as much as I do your Empire,” Rin answered. “I’ve had this, I don’t know, ball of anger in me since I left this continent. I thought it was because of how everyone forgot about me when we came back. Then everything changed when I saw you. All of my anger just went away.” Rin wracked his brain for a better way to describe what he was feeling.

“You hated me?” Illana asked, in a small voice. Rin grimaced. Of all the things he said, that was what she decided to hear? After she already said she wasn’t sure if she hated him. How did her mind work?

“Illana, a week ago, I knew everyone on this continent, including you, was happy I left,” Rin explained. “All of you had turned your backs on me.”

“How could you think that? About me?” Illana asked. He felt her pain through their connection. It took Rin a moment before he could speak again. This was going downhill fast. He took a moment to collect his thoughts. How had he talked to her when they were traveling back to Lisandra?

“Illana, what happened when we returned to Lisandra?” Rin asked. “After that first night when we were given these medals, when did we see each other?” Illana visibly stopped her retort. Rin could see her pondering his words.

“Yes, we didn’t see much of each other, but there was a great deal happening,” Illana admitted.

“Except for that night and the one breakfast a couple of days later, we didn’t see each other at all,” Rin replied.

“That can’t be true,” Illana said, her face scrunched up in thought.

“In fact, I think the breakfast was a mistake by the people around you. They certainly made sure it never happened again.” Illana looked like she wanted to object, but instead she sat down in one of the chairs

“Why didn’t I notice we were being kept apart?”

“I’m learning everything I thought I knew about what happened about that time isn’t true. None of the others saw me being pushed aside. They were too dazzled by everything thrown at them. Talking with Kurt, Marteen, and Selene helped me understand what was happening to them. That none of them wanted to see me leave. Still, in the end, leaving was something I needed to do.” Rin flinched at the pulse of hurt he felt echo in their connection.

“You needed to leave me?”

“That wasn’t quite how I meant it.”

“How did you mean that?”

“I needed to prove to myself that I was more than being just part of some prophecy. I needed to find out who I really am.” Rin paused as he collected his thoughts.

“Then, I look at you, and that drive to prove myself is lessened. Not gone, but less. I don’t know how better to say it.” Illana appeared in his lap. Her warm hands stroked his cheeks. An odd sense of peace filled Rin with her touch. He felt their connection fill with a warmth he didn’t know he had been missing. The pain was suddenly far away, and he realized how much he missed being close to Illana. Echoes of old feelings rang through Rin.

“I’ve decided I don’t hate you, Rin,” Illana said, with a familiar, mischievous smile.

“You’ve decided?”

“I have a confession to make. I’m just as confused as you are. Everything you said? The anger? I had it in me as well. Except it made me want to drive everyone away. Everyone was just being so foolish about this stupid political fight or that public appearance. None of it was important, and I wanted all of them to stop bothering me. Then you came back, and it was like a cloud lifted, and I could see the sun again.” She paused for a moment and locked eyes with Rin. She bent down and gave him a very chaste kiss. It sent jolts through Rin.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but at least you’re back home, again,” Illana said. She placed a finger on his lips before Rin could say anything. “You are home. You are with me. That is home.” Rin looked at Illana skeptically but didn’t argue.

“Rin, do you love me?” Illana asked. The question caught Rin off guard. He stopped himself from answering immediately. This wasn’t a casual question for either of them. He dug deep in his mind as he pondered Illana’s question. Was that what he was feeling between them?

“I think so,” Rin admitted. “I want to think that’s what I’m feeling, but my feeling have bounced around so hard in the past hour, I don’t know.” Illana looked regally satisfied before leaning into him. He breathed in the light floral scent of her perfume.

“That’s how I feel too,” Illana said, “There is one thing I am certain about. I am not going to lose you again. The sooner you understand that the easier everything will be.” There was a determined glint in her eye. Rin let out a resigned chuckle. The iron door opened, and Illana jumped off Rin’s lap.

“Are you two done making up?” Sasha asked, striding back into the room. The red-headed regent gave the pair a disappointed harrumph. “Not enough. The princess’s makeup isn’t even smudged.”

“You told us to be on our best behavior,” Rin replied.

“No, I told you to be on your best behavior,” Sasha said. “I expected her to show more initiative.” Illana and Rin traded confused looks.

“We’ll discuss that later. The chief constable sent word he will come here in an hour. Rin, go find something to eat. The princess and I need to talk.” Rin just shook his head in frustration with the minds of women.

Chapter Fourteen