Inspired by today's APOD, and the latest round of silly "Mars spectacular!" emails

Well it's not EXTREEEEEEME, but tonight and over the next few days there's a great opportunity to see Mercury, Venus, and Saturn very close together in the western sky after sunset:

Three Planets Bunch Up in Twilight

Check it out if you can- it'll be pretty low so make sure you've got a nice clear view to the west-northwest (away from the city if you can swing it). The first chart shown is for tonight 45 minutes after sunset (around 9:15pm here in Austin). Mercury is a good challenge- I've been stargazing for about 30 years now and I've only managed to see him a handful of times. He keeps pretty close to the Sun (then again, I've also done the vast bulk of my star gazing from cities). You have to know just where to look, and the charts help- as well as there being other really bright things like Venus to use to guide you.

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I was feeling somewhat blue yesterday so hub decided to show me a pleasant evening. I came home to wonderful stuffed poblano peppers- roasted, filled with corn and Spanish rice, and covered with cheese. Then for dessert we decided to check out the new Whole Foods flagship store downtown and see what all the fuss is about. ( Whole Foods excursion )

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Why am I all phlegmy? I don't feel like I have a cold or allergies or anything, I just have a face full of gunk. I don't think I've had any more dairy than usual either (though I do tend to enjoy a lot of dairy generally). It makes no sense.

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Pfft, why not.

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Anyone want to go to Krause Springs Monday or Tuesday? I've never been, and I plan to make it an all-day thing (leave by 10 or so, back by 5ish).