“Chicken Curry” Cedar Park, 2026
I made Sri Lankan chicken curry the other day, and we just finished the last of it tonight. Day 3 curry is so tasty! 🍛
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
“Chicken Curry” Cedar Park, 2026
“Chicken Curry” Cedar Park, 2026
Remarkably Bright Creatures (Movie)
“Sally Field” Cedar Park, 2026
I read Remarkably Bright Creatures last year, so when I heard a movie adaptation was coming, I was already interested. What I didn’t expect was to find it available so soon. I put it on with a little extra excitement.
It was really good! I only vaguely remembered the details of the story, but Sally Field as Tova was a standout. She brought that character to life exactly the way I imagined her from the book. Just incredible. There were a couple of cheesy moments here and there, like when Cameron sang at the bar, but overall it was a warm, fun watch that absolutely pulled on the heartstrings. 🎬 I highly recommend it, especially if you liked the book.
Better Motorcycle Videos with an ND Filter on the DJI Osmo Action 4
I’ve been experimenting with an ND filter on my DJI Osmo Action 4 lately, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. The filter cuts down the light coming in, which forces a slower shutter speed and adds a natural motion blur to the footage. It gives the video a much more cinematic look, the kind that matches more closely to the feeling of actually riding. 🎥
I’ve got a short clip posted if you want to see the difference for yourself. Have a look and let me know what you think! Vroom vroom! 🏍️
Yuzu in the Evening Light
“Yuzu” Cedar Park, 2026
A nice light this evening!
Piazza San Marco, Gondola, and Pizza
“Espresso” Venice, 2026
Today was a good day. We started with espresso and cappuccino at a nearby cafe, grabbed a light breakfast, and then made our way to Piazza San Marco to meet up with our walking tour. Just stepping into the square kind of stopped me in my tracks.
Back in university I took a class on Venetian Art, so I had seen the photos and studied the architecture. But seeing the Doge’s Palace in person was a completely different thing. It was one of those moments where you realize no photo really does it justice. 😊
The guided tour took us through the palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. The artwork inside the palace was stunning. I could have spent hours just staring at the ceilings.
After the tour we grabbed a drink at one of the cafes right on the square. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, it was worth every euro. Hey, you pay for the view and the ambience! We walked to lunch at Antiche Carampane after that, which was really delicious. The seafood carpaccio was excellent. Definitely recommended.
A little stroll, a rest back at the hotel, and then out again for tiramisu. We then decided to hop on one of the classic gondolas, and went for a sunset cruise. It was awesome! Then small canals were so peaceful and quiet. And then we made our way onto the Grand Canal to finish the outing. Amazing!
One the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a restaurant for some seafood and pizza. Super-delicious. Venice, you did not disappoint today! 🇮🇹
“Cappuccino” Venice, 2026
“Saint Mark’s Basilica” Venice, 2026
“Piazza San Marco” Venice, 2026
“St Mark’s Campanile” Venice, 2026
“Doge’s Palace” Venice, 2026
“Doge’s Palace” Venice, 2026
“Doge’s Palace” Venice, 2026
“Refreshments” Venice, 2026
“Grand Canal” Venice, 2026
“Carpaccio” Venice, 2026
“Gondola Ride” Venice, 2026
“Gondola Ride” Venice, 2026
“Rialto Bridge” Venice, 2026
“Grand Canal” Venice, 2026
“Pizza Rustica” Venice, 2026
“Mixed Seafood” Venice, 2026
Arrival and First Day in Venice
“Water Bus Tickets” Venice, 2026
We made it to Venice! The flight landed around 9:30 am and customs was surprisingly smooth. I had no idea you could take a water bus straight from the airport, but for 18 euro a ticket it dropped us right off at Rialto on the Grand Canal. What a way to arrive. 🚢
After checking in we grabbed a drink and a snack at a nearby bar. It was mostly locals on their lunch break, and everyone was so warm and welcoming toward us. Later in the evening we did a sunset walking tour focused on the food and history of Venice, and it did not disappoint. We ate and drank so much, and learned a ton along the way. Our guide Lorenzo was fantastic. By the time we got back to the hotel we were happily exhausted. What a first day. 😊
“First Snacks” Venice, 2026
“Fountain” Venice, 2026
“Desserts” Venice, 2026
“Fried Goodness” Venice, 2026
“Street” Venice, 2026
“Gondola” Venice, 2026
“Canal” Venice, 2026
Bound for Italy
“On Our Way” 2026
We’re heading back to Italy! 🇮🇹 Two years ago it was Puglia with a gastronomy tour led by our friend, and this time we’re off to Northern Italy with much of the same group. But first, Mariko and I are spending a few days in Venice before everyone meets up. We’re flying straight in, so that works out perfectly.
It’s a long haul flight, so we’ve got movies, books, and vino to keep us company. Saluti! 🥂
“Window Seat View” 2026
“Cloud Carpet” 2026
