Not So Gruff, Please! - 19 January 2022 - Plague Journal Day 678

Micah 6:8
Song of Solomon 4:1
Yes, your life matters.

Some of you are still sheltering in place, but fear not: I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

Today is Tin Can Day! Billie would appreciate this one, the little goat.
Probably the top Christmas gift of the year was the Emergency Goat from Archie McPhee (slightly less disappointing than other stores). Billie is fascinated, and we have fun with the different goat noises - especially the screaming goat. We're also extremely optimistic that we're about to have three animals who all get along and even like each other here chez nous!

It's also World Quark Day, so it's time to make some zwiebelkuchen - or even a quiche. I used quark in the custard of a quiche one time and it was extremely delicious. I'm going to have to watch for quark in the market again! If you're lactose intolerant (shouldn't we all try to be tolerant these days?) or lactose insurgent (as I like to say), or even lactose indifferent (as my Dad used to say), you could always celebrate Quark Day by having the smallest possible sip of beer. James Joyce would be proud of you.

Even more fun! On 19 January 1915, Georges Claude patented his neon discharge tube: Neon lighting soon became popular for outdoor advertising as well as lighting bars and taverns with that welcoming glow. Bien fait, Georges!

Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our insane lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.