Rebirth Of The Red Lantern: Volume 2, Chapter 10

WHAT’S ON MY MIND

Traveling. I’ll visit Callaway Winery twice in June. Once with Artoria for my wine club pickup next week, and then with Miku for a one day event a couple of weeks later. Bert can’t tag along for the latter, so don’t be shocked if I book a one night stay at SpringHill Suites for it.

However, I have the extra challenge to eat right while dining out. My itinerary and meal choices will be slightly different than normal. More to come.

WHAT BOTTLE I OPENED THIS WEEK

2022 Emerald Creek Muscat Canelli ($22, Dudley’s) It’s not quite as good as I’m A Charmer, but it’s still worthy of my fridge. Check out the 2025 Wines page for the deets.

WHAT I BOUGHT

I broke another Zutto carafe over the weekend but sadly no one sells a replacement. Rather than spend $75 on another Zojirushi coffee maker, I bought a bare bones Mr. Coffee 5-cup model for half the price. I’m very pleased with this space saving purchase.

WHAT COFFEE SURPRISED ME

I’m usually disappointed with the more expensive coffee beans found on market shelves, but Blue Bottle’s espresso was a pleasant surprise. It’s strong and smooth — just the way I like my breakfast coffee.

WHAT SACRED TEXTS I READ

• The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Dubois (in progress)
• Date A Live (light novel), Volume 14 (in progress)
• Slow Life In Another World (I Wish!), Volume 8
• A Couple of Cuckoos, Volume 23

Also from J-Novel Club:

• The Poison King: Now That I’ve Gained Ultimate Power, The Bewitching Beauties In My Harem Can’t Get Enough Of Me, Volume 5
• My Tiny Senpai (manga), Awaiting Volume 2
• An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups: This Gyaru Is Head Over Heels For Me!, Awaiting Volume 11
• The Villainess Is Dead! Long Live The Empress! Redoing The Story After A Poisonous End, Volume 2
• Notorious No More: The Villainess Enjoys Feigning Incompetence, Volume 1
• Blade Skill Online: Crushing The Competition With My Abysmal Stats, Useless Class and Garbage Weapon! (manga), Volume 1
• Make It Stop! I’m Not Strong… It’s Just My Sword! (manga), Volume 1

WHAT I’M WATCHING

YouTube videos that enhance my Grand Theft Auto Online gaming experience. I’ve learned to do heists in quicker time, how to run my PS5 “away from keyboard” so my businesses make passive income, and learned which cars are worth buying or keeping.

THE SIMON BENOIT SUPERMAN PUNCH GOES TO…

The officiating for the ongoing Padres - Giants game is absolutely horrid. The umpire crew and the replay booth screwed both teams on Monday and Tuesday nights.

A FIST BUMP GOES TO…

I’m nearly three years into retirement and somehow I’m still doing better financially than I did when I walked away from my last job. Does the fist bump go to me? My financial advisor? Both of us? All I know is we make a good team.

WHAT’S UP WITH MY WRITING

I’m in a rut where I don’t feel like editing. I completed Chapter 11 in a two hour Sunday morning session but that’s all I did this past week. Perhaps I’ll start Chapter 12 on Thursday.