Kimberly KG avatar

I noticed today that when the sun was shining the bees were out, but when the sun was hiding I couldn’t find any bees.

Being at the ATmosphere Conference, spending time with intelligent, passionate people in real life, was like a breath of fresh air. Gratefully, the feeling lingers.

Videos are here for future reference.

Finished: The Expanse

Finished reading: Leviathan Falls by James S. A. Corey 📚

I suspect it was about a year ago (probably more) that I started this series at the recommendation of a neighbor. He suggested it one evening at trivia and then showed up at my house with the first 3 books the following day. He was pretty serious about the recommendation.

I rather hope that we, as a species, survive long enough to get to a point where it’s feasible to live in space long term and explore beyond our solar system. Beyond the thrill of imagining the possibilities and empathizing with all the struggles they face, stories that include well-intentioned people with kind hearts stumbling through life’s challenges pull me right in.

I’ll make a plan to watch the show soon. The same neighbor that dropped off the books said he may have enjoyed the show more.

I’m looking forward to reading something different though. I’m rejoining my old book club and I’m already behind on the reading for this month.

A dark evening

Yesterday evening, we had only our second storm this winter. This one came in the form of an atmospheric river along with some wild wind. We (the neighbors and I) anticipated losing our power and indeed we did. With above ground power lines and tall trees, the wind does that apparently.

A dark evening: kimberlykg.com/2025/02/2…

Yesterday evening, we had only our second storm this winter. This one came in the form of an atmospheric river along with some wild wind. We (the neighbors and I) anticipated losing our power and indeed we did. Wi…

This little guy has become such a constant companion that I’ve begun naming him. Lately, he’s Robbie the Ribbiter.

I’ve never seen him, but sometimes I’m fairly certain he’s inside with me. This was recorded in my basement.

This little guy has become such a constant companion that I’ve begun naming him. Lately, he’s Robbie the Ribbiter.

I’ve never seen him, but sometimes I’m fairly certain he’s inside with me. This was recorded in my basement. kimberlykg.com/2025/02/2…

My youngest is thriving in college but he’s so busy that we haven’t done a family call in a couple weeks and the last text from him just said “wonderful, thank”.

He’s coming up so we can see a play this weekend though, so I guess I’ll let it slide. Ha!

PDX Winter Light Festival

Last Saturday, Matt and I went to the Portland Winter Light Festival. I hadn’t been before and didn’t know what to expect. My takeaway: A nighttime Maker Faire meant to cheer you up in the dead of winter. There are installations spread around Portland, but we went to just a couple locations. Tonight is the final night for this year.

World Trade Center

There were many fun and interactive exhibits here, both inside and out. This is just a small subset.

Auto-generated description: People gather in a vibrant outdoor space with colorful purple and blue lighting, featuring art installations and illuminated decorations. Auto-generated description: A glowing, tall artificial flower with bright petals and three round leaves is illuminated in a dark room. Auto-generated description: A colorful, geometric light installation with swirling patterns and concentric circles is on display in a dimly lit indoor space. Auto-generated description: A decorative, illuminated structure with colorful lights stands near a modern glass building at dusk.

The dragon on the south waterfront was very cool. The fire was hot from where we were standing, I wouldn’t want to be standing right underneath it.

Auto-generated description: A large, illuminated dragon sculpture breathes fire in front of a crowd at night, with decorated trees and a bright fireball in the sky. Auto-generated description: A vibrant, illuminated dragon sculpture is set against a dark, wooded background.

Pioneer Courthouse Square

This was probably my favorite installation. The lights subtly changed colors. Auto-generated description: People are gathered around brightly lit, colorful artificial trees at a night event.

A water scene projected onto a large building over a forest made of light. A large art installation with flames in the center but with lights that changed in time with music.

I love the community spirit in Portland. I didn’t take any good photos of individual costumes, but people are lovely and creative.

Auto-generated description: A large crowd gathers in a brightly lit urban square at night, surrounded by tall buildings and festive lighting. Auto-generated description: A child wearing a winter hat sits on someone's shoulders, watching a performance with flame jugglers at an outdoor event.

Another display here was a door that had a different scene behind it every time you opened it. Sometimes you were looking at a beautiful nebula and other times, there was a dinosaur running at you. My photos didn’t do it justice though.

Creativity, color, fire AND community. What’s not to love?