Scotty and Sophie came to town for the NOFX farewell show. I quite enjoyed seeing live music again, the first time since January 2020.



We finally replaced our sticky, floral, ancient entry door. The 42" single door (with sidelight) is a big improvement on the 30" double door. The new trim is thinner so we have some drywall and stucco touchup to do, but we're very happy with the outcome.


KO has been investigating electric motorbikes and rally-look Subarus (namely CrossTreks).


In my day, I'd grab the STI (or RalliArt or TRD or Nismo...) catalog and hit ebay. Apparently the Crosstrek has neither STI parts nor a wealth of aftermarket options. A search for rally CrossTreks doesn't have a lot to look at and, well, the few real rally cars aren't especially ostentatious. But I stumbled upon a rally-look Crosstrek in a parking garage:


Let's evaluate:

• Offroad tires and wheels with some offset. Tires amount to like 80% of the form and function of performance driving, so full marks here.
• Lower trim deletes, since ground-hugging plastic doesn't do well against rocks.
• Tow hook.
• Aftermarket grille.
• Bespoke skid plate. This is where STI could really help us out with something rugged, attractive, and drive-tested.
• Mud.
• The ride height doesn't look standard, but I didn't peek under the fenders.

The kilroy recommendations:

• If you're going to take the Dremel to the rear bumper, don't use the stock exhaust.
• A more serious roof rack, ideally with a full-size spare.
• Rallying is all about lights. Repositioned fog lamps aren't as good as grille-mounted lights and/or a light bar.
• Bedliner from the waist-down brings form and function though, full disclosure, this is more offroad-y than rally-y.

Sure you could do a roll cage and carbon body panels but that can get a little pricey.


Zac used Midjourney to generate an avatar for RyanButBetter. He's even reading a potato magazine. I updated my imagery from that weird cyber potato.


Weekends have mostly been yardwork - preparing to landscape the upper terrace. Dani saw a wheelbarrow full of dirt and characteristically said, "I could ride that". So the evolution of child transport continues:

1. Wrap/front carrier
2. Backpack
3. Shoulders
4. Wheelbarrow

After nearly five years, The Unnatural Ones finished the last of our Gloomhaven quests.

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