not really silly

It isn't really silly but I think this plant, doing so well, in that spot, is impressive. It is near my optometrist. We're going to Blue Lagoon. You shouldn't wear glasses at Blue Lagoon because if they get wet they'll be damaged by the silica. I now have a set of contact lenses. I also now have non-prescription sunglasses! I won't be able to read, but I won't get a headache from going w/o vision correction.  

I thought air conditioning was what I was most grateful for. I'm grateful for bifocals!!! 

I just could not stop smiling at the optometrist's. 

On the way home one of my newer friends called. He thought I was already in Iceland and was expecting to hear how beautiful everything was. Oh!
"Michael! It is a mountain! And it is next to a beach!
MICHAEL! The beach is BLACK!!
Wait, what time is it in Iceland?
Michael! There is green   IN    THE   SKY!!!"

So now I'm all prepped for if he calls again. 

I packed some more. The thing about luggage and space is that the stuff you bring will fit the space you have. Once you've decided you have to have a check-in bag, you are going to fill that check-in. It is like getting an extension on a proposal or a paper. If you get a five-day extension, it will take you five days. If you get a ten-day extension, it will take you ten days. I can't tell you how many times I have cursed getting an extension. 

Tomorrow I'm going to learn how to use the GoPro. 

Poor Samuel likes to sleep in nowadays, but he knows something is up so as soon as he realizes I'm not in the bed he wanders the house to find me. 

This morning's delicious avocado toast was not with honey, although I hope to try that tomorrow. I was about to begin that recipe when I looked at all my cherry tomatoes that need to be eaten. 
Lemon juice, garlic powder,  cherry tomatoes, and FETA, because feta is one of the best things, in addition to AC and bifocals, ever invented. And indoor plumbing. 

Germany is taking control of the Russian-owned refinery. They began changing the laws months ago when it became clear it might be needed. The German subsidiary of Rosneft was placed under trusteeship on Friday so now the regulator has control over the refinery that provides fuel for Berlin. 

The symbolism of Russia's troops fleeing in Kharkiv while Putin boasted of a giant Ferris wheel at a theme park was too much. Russians flooded social media with sarcastic or angry comments. 

Britain began flying weapons before the invasion. They continue to, but now land in Poland. The UK will send 1,600 more anti-tank weapons in the coming weeks along with drones. The UK has sent 82,000 helmets, 8,450 sets of body armor, and over 5,000 night vision devices. The UK has launched a major training operation with the potential to rain up to 10,000 soldiers. 

Ukraine is now attacking military targets in Russia in towns along the border. They can't use donated weapons to hit inside Russia, but they are so close to the border that they can use their own. 

Ukraine's Defense Ministry tweeted that they had "received thousands of tons of ammunition as a "gift" from Russia over the past week. They promised the "gift" would be returned. 

The Institute for the Study of War sad Ukraine has reclaimed 3,475 square miles since August 20. 

The UK Ministry of Defense said Russia left behind high-value equipment, emphasizing the disorganized retreat. 

Meanwhile, in the south, Ukraine is moving forward. They struck Russia's admin HQ in Kherson, probably with HIMARS. 

A Ukrainian collaborator who assumed the position of chief of police under Russian occupation was caught attempting to flee. He faces prison. 

Putin enjoyed the power trip of making other leaders wait for him. He made Obama wait. He made the pope wait an hour. Now, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan, he waited for the leaders of Turkey, Azerbaijan, India, and Kyrgyzstan.