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Altaira
Superuser
Nov 24 2023, 5:11pm
Post #1 of 70
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Welcome to a post-Thanksgiving Fiesta!
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Greetings, friends!
Indeed, yesterday was the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. of A.
B.G. and I actually celebrated on Wednesday at my brother's house due to medical students' busy schedules, so yesterday for us was all about leftovers. Yum! I'm looking out the window at our first real snow (other than in the mountains). It's still that slushy, early-season snow that's already threatening to melt before it needs shoveling. This weekend we'll be watching sport, as usual, and I'll be perusing Black Friday deals for a new laptop (and who knows what else I might find.  )
Did our other U.S. sibs have a good feast yesterday? Lots of leftovers? How about everyone who didn't celebrate a holiday this week? How did your week go? Any plans for the weekend? Shopping? Grab some sweet potato pie, stuffing, or nice, hot veggies from the buffet, and order up your favorite libation from the bar, and let us know!
*kicks juke box* play us a tune to ease us into the holiday season!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!   
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Annael
Elvenhome
Nov 24 2023, 5:34pm
Post #2 of 70
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I'll have a cuppa with a healthy slug of brandy in, please!
I went to friends' for the feast and had a lovely time, especially chatting to the newly-married son of one couple and his truly delightful wife. The grand-daughter of our hosts insisted that we all make apple turkeys
https://lawtonpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/...pple-turkeys_24.html - supplies were all laid out on a table in the family room, so we all did that. We also played the game where you have the name of a famous character (real or fictional) stuck on your back and you have to ask yes or no questions to guess who you are. I got "Julia Child" fairly quickly; we were amazed by our host who got "Moby-dick" in about three guesses; but by the time I left neither our hostess ("Dracula") or my friend who had "George Bailey" had guessed theirs. Fun game! Great food of course. I was still fairly knocked back from my surgery on Tuesday, which took 6 hours all told and was followed by an even more tiring drive home that took twice as long as usual thanks to car crashes on the route. And why can't people accept that traffic is slow instead of trying to find the magic route through it by cutting in and out of lanes? Anyway, I left early - with a Tupperware full of leftovers!
Slept really well, took my bandages off today and everything is looking good. Got inspired and made pumpkin bread.using this recipe:
https://smittenkitchen.com/2016/10/pumpkin-bread/. (Did I post that already?) Best I've ever had. I amped up the ginger and clove a bit.
Tomorrow friends & I are headed to the college town north of us which has a delightful "old town" section full of shops & restaurants. There's a "maker's fair" going on at the depot, so we'll hit that after walking along the waterfront trail, part of which is on a trestle. We are still enjoying our extended Indian summer with clear (but cold!) days and that's supposed to last another 4-5 days. Usually November is our rainiest month, but not this year!
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
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Altaira
Superuser
Nov 24 2023, 5:42pm
Post #3 of 70
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Those apple turkeys are the cutest things! Sounds like a really fun gathering, and equally fun plans for the weekend.
I'm sitting here eating pumpkin pie for breakfast, so as good as it looks, I'll wait a few week before trying that recipe. I'm all pumpkin, dressing, and turkeyed out, lol.
Have an amazing weekend!
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 24 2023, 5:59pm
Post #4 of 70
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I did the cooking for Thanksgiving this year. Got it all put together and done here at home then carted it to my local daughter's place where her son, she and I did some real damage to the spread :)
I have to admit, the whole time I was thinking about what to do with the leftovers! *slaver slurp* Normally, I'd leave all behind, but her younger son and his fiance were due in the early evening with their leftovers. So there's bountiful aluminum foil and storage containers all over the place! It was a great day :D My eldest and her family in Baltimore were celebrating her 53rd b'day on Thanksgiving Eve then turkey yesterday... so we were on the phone a LOT over the past few days. Still... lots of laughter!
The weekend is taking down Thanksgiving/Fall decorations inside and out and replacing them with Christmas things. I'll be doing a lot of exercising and food regulating as I try real hard not to lose all the momentum I've gathering over the past 3 months of intense dieting. I'm afraid it's a constant (at times futile) battle; but my recent checkups (both dental and physical) had my drs doing a jig... so I'm very lucky in those areas :)
All my Christmas shopping is done. Now just the wrapping and sending to do.
I'll grab a slice or two of that turkey to build a sandwich tomorrow :D THANKS ALTAIRA... and thanks for taking such great care of us :D Enjoy your weekend!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 24 2023, 6:05pm
Post #5 of 70
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That is EXACTLY what you needed! Lots of fun and distraction and GREAT FOOD! :D
That's a long time for the surgery; but hopefully everything is resolved and you won't have to worry about it anymore. I'm glad it didn't keep you from your coming adventure! I wish we had more of those activities around here; but being a college and casino town, the energy and organizing for multiple fairs like those just aren't there. *sigh*
I hope you have a fantastic weekend and week :D
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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Altaira
Superuser
Nov 24 2023, 6:10pm
Post #6 of 70
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Of course! I'd forgotten about that. Can you get it all done in one weekend? It usually takes me a few days longer than that. We donated our old tree a few years ago and I'd dearly love to get a new, smaller one. Who knows, maybe that will be one of the things that drops into my Black Friday checkout cart this weekend, lol.
I'm so glad to hear you had a wonderful few days, and hope the wonderful-ness continues into the weekend, and beyond! 
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ElanorTX
Tol Eressea
Nov 24 2023, 6:11pm
Post #7 of 70
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Skipped yesterday's festivities, as I felt too much like the old aunt that someone has to include. Tonight I am going out for TexMex with friends.
It's about 2 years since I've posted here, and I hope that all you TORNsibs have had happy, or at least uneventful, lives.
Live long and prosper,
ElanorTX
ps. Any other secret Swifties here?
"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."
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Altaira
Superuser
Nov 24 2023, 6:22pm
Post #8 of 70
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How wonderful to 'see' you here!
Oooohh! TexMex is one of my favs, and nowhere does it quite like Texas. Those would be leftovers I'd never get tired of.
Hope life is treating you well and hope to see you here more often!
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Annael
Elvenhome
Nov 24 2023, 8:24pm
Post #9 of 70
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Fortunately for me, the gathering I was invited to had several "outliers" like me attending - I would qualify as the old aunt, but there was also an old uncle and a spare grandmother!
I am beginning to get into Taylor Swift. I can't say her music is all that memorable (but I love "Shake It Off"), but what she is doing with her fame and money is most impressive.
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
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Nov 24 2023, 9:17pm
Post #10 of 70
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Something refreshing please, madam barkeep!
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I was up early this morning to catch a flight home from Wellington and I'm feeling it around the edges, even though it's only 10am. (It was a hairy landing in NP, due to crosswinds, so I'm glad to be home rather than flying to a 3rd city to catch a bus back.)
I was in Wellington to catch a show by Irish comedian Dara O'Briain, then stuck around another day to do touristy things (Zealandia, Museum Wellington and Te Papa). It's nice to have a small break away before the pre-Christmas crunch as everyone at work tries to get their projects squared away by the 25th - and if I can do that while seeing my favourite comedian live for the first time, so much the better! (Dara had the audience in the palm of his hand right from when he compared flying into Wellington's notoriously windy airport to the trench run in Star Wars.)
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
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Kimi
Forum Admin
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Nov 24 2023, 9:50pm
Post #11 of 70
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There's something so satisfying about serving up something yummy with no (recent) effort required.
I have good news on the apartment carpet! On Thursday they phoned and said they could install on Friday (yesterday) if convenient. Of course we made sure it was convenient. It's installed and looks really nice, and the rooms look twice as large as they did (the old carpet was quite dark and gloomy, as well as being worn in places).
We snagged one unplanned Black Friday bargain when we were out and about. Mr Kimi had planned to hire a water blaster for the rather mossy patio at the apartment. While we were at the hardware store, I noticed they had a *large* price reduction on an electric one that looked just the right size and is a well-reviewed brand. When we checked out the appliance hire web site, it would have only been about $10 less to hire an equivalent one for half a day, with all the attendant inconvenience of pickup and return. So now we have one that we can also use around the house, and it did a very nice job on the patio. Not the most exciting purchase, but a satisfying one.
Now that my sewing machine is humming along so nicely, thanks to Mr Kimi's superhero repair job, I did a satisfying little project, taking apart an old wraparound skirt that has pretty fabric but which I haven't worn in years, and remaking it into a tablecloth for the conservatory. It looks good there, and I actually get to see the fabric, which I bought in Singapore decades ago.
It's fine and cool this morning, after a run of gloomy days, and I have several loads of washing flapping on the line. I've just been tying up my tomato plants, which have grown tall enough to need a second row of ties. A few flowers already, too.
Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
(This post was edited by Kimi on Nov 24 2023, 10:22pm)
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Kimi
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Nov 24 2023, 9:53pm
Post #12 of 70
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So nice to see you again, Elanor!
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Just this week I was wondering how you were, and hoping you might make an appearance.
I'm not really a Swiftie as far as being very aware of her music, but I do find much to admire about her. Unless you meant Tom Swifties? Those I try to avoid (she said evasively).
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
(This post was edited by Kimi on Nov 24 2023, 10:03pm)
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Kimi
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Nov 24 2023, 9:57pm
Post #13 of 70
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A fun gathering with nice people, good food (and leftovers!), and surgery that went well. Lots to be thankful for indeed.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
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Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
Nov 24 2023, 10:01pm
Post #14 of 70
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There's talk of snow and below-freezing temperatures in the far north, but this corner of the Shire is unlikely to see much more than a grass frost for a while yet. I hope I don't regret saying that! I caught up on a little Christmas shopping today, a day of cold wind and bright sun, a knife-sharp horizon with the wind turbines twirling and twinkling out to sea; I don't feel quite as ill-prepared as I did. At home there's a certain amount of chaos. I have left-over bags of unused woolly tree wraps, pompoms etc cluttering up the kitchen (we put the village decorations up earlier this week) and in the living room is an unruly pile of bags and boxes of hand-knitted (or in some cases crocheted) blankets, hats, mitts, toys, decorations etc ready to load into the car for our fund-raising stall on Sunday. It's a mess, but it's in a good cause and this time next week it will be gone, one way or another.
Mmm,stuffing... it's very under-rated! I think I might have to cook some very soon, whether or not there's a roast to go with it. With good stuffing, gravy can be enough. ~slurp~
Relax, do some snacking and enjoy 'My Parties' by Dire Straits - a bit dated and (I hope!) very tongue-in-cheek but swings along very agreeably. Cheers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SfJ-GVUId8
(This post was edited by dernwyn on Nov 25 2023, 2:00am)
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Kimi
Forum Admin
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Nov 24 2023, 10:02pm
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Enjoy the decorating. We generally do ours around the beginning of December, so probably next weekend.
Huge congratulations on the weight loss (and the even harder task of keeping it off). Over the last few years I've managed to first get and then keep mine in the healthy range, but it takes Constant Vigilance (and I'm married to one of those appalling people who's naturally slim. It's a good thing I love him).
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
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Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
Nov 24 2023, 10:04pm
Post #16 of 70
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I am definitely stealing that apple turkey idea for my grandsons! They're all vegetarian so it's the closest they'll get to a turkey. I'd better stock up on vegetarian mini-mallows!
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Kimi
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Nov 24 2023, 10:06pm
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What with one thing and another, we haven't been for several years, but are hoping to manage a short visit some time next year.
I often think of that wonderful day we had at Te Papa, visiting the LOTR exhibition.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
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Ataahua
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Nov 24 2023, 10:10pm
Post #18 of 70
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I stopped in the Robert Harris Cafe there for lunch and remembered you, Mr Kimi and I having a break there after the exhibit.
Te Papa has a Te Taiao exhibit on, about NZ's unique flora and fauna, and I recommend it if you find yourself in Wellington in the next few months. It's really well done.
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
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Kimi
Forum Admin
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Nov 24 2023, 10:14pm
Post #19 of 70
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That sounds just my sort of thing.
When the current book is finished (and the end is in sight, albeit at some distance), I'll be working on a non-fiction one about events in C19th Wellington, so that will *demand* a visit!
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Nov 25 2023, 1:11am
Post #20 of 70
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To Grandmother's House we went!
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Happy Friday, Altaira! That worked out well for you, coming home with leftovers for Thanksgiving day! First snow? That should help keep the ground moist!
We did a day-trip to the Berkshires to Mom-in-law's house. At 91 she's still living in the house where they raised 5 kids, although a sister-in-law has put her name on a waiting list for an elderly housing place close to her - right now it's at least a 2-hour drive for any of us to get to her in an emergency, and this sis has been overseeing her meds and doctors. So we don't know if this will be the last Thanksgiving celebrated there. There were 13 of us, we had Mom just sit and enjoy great-grandkids while the adults created the feast!
I have only a bit of leftover apple and pumpkin pies...
We picked up our wreaths this afternoon: a long spray of greens for the front door, and a thick circle decorated with pinecones for the porch wall next to the door for our annual house wren couple to snuggle into for the cold months.
Let's see...how about this old favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRFmn_KqfA
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
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Nov 25 2023, 1:25am
Post #21 of 70
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And the best part about that apple turkey, is that it's all edible! (Well, except for the toothpicks.)
Six hours for the surgery? They sure made certain anything "bad" was fully gone! What questions did you ask, that you were able to guess "Julia Child" with little problem?
I'd love it if the police were able to catch all the traffic "weavers". On our way home very late last night, while driving in the middle lane of a 3-lane highway, suddenly two cars went zooming around us on either side - midnight racers. 
Yes, you did post that recipe (it's copied into my recipe file), but good ones are always worth repeating.
Have a fun time walking and browsing tomorrow!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
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Nov 25 2023, 1:34am
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Those'll keep you nibbling for a few days! Isn't it great to get everyone together, whether in person or on the phone!
I put up our 3' tree this afternoon, on a table in our front window, and put the lights on, now I let my guys put on the decorations. I've got many hand-made knickknacks to put around! Do you get a real tree, gramma, and hang stockings from your fireplace?
Congrats on keeping the weight-monster at bay!
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
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Nov 25 2023, 1:45am
Post #23 of 70
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So good to "see" you, I keep wondering whether your house has finally been fully renovated! How are the kitties?
(Actually, you last posted in a Fiesta back in May...so it's been a couple of seasons!)
I'm not at all familiar with Taylor Swift's music, just her local problems with a beach at the base of her Rhode Island house that's actually public property. But that's a constant issue all along beaches in my area. 
A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you, a dinner out with friends qualifies perfectly well for it!
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
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Nov 25 2023, 1:49am
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Wellington airport landings like the SW trench run! 
But great that you were able to get time away before the holiday crunch started, best of luck with getting everything done!
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
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Nov 25 2023, 1:57am
Post #25 of 70
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That is great news about the carpet!
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A Spring sale might indeed be possible now!
Nice snag, getting the water blaster that you can now use wherever. Hm, for watering naughty sheep, maybe?
What a great idea, remaking the wraparound into a tablecloth! Those are just large rectangles of cloth, so you mustn't have had to alter it very much?
And I'm trying to visualize how looong that clothesline must be, to have "several loads" drying on it!
Those tomatoes are zooming up quickly!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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