Dakota Ellis (u/dakota194)

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The time I almost wrecked a 2,000 year old floor in Pompeii

We were working on a new section near the House of the Faun, mapping a small room with a mosaic floor. My boot caught on a loose tile and I stumbled forward, my trowel scraping across the surface. I froze, seeing a fresh white line across the colored glass. My supervisor, Dr. Rossi, just stared and said, 'Well, that is now part of the site record.' The debate is always there: do we restore every tiny new mark, or accept that some modern damage becomes part of the site's history? I argued for a minimal touch-up to stop further flaking, but the lead wanted it left as a lesson. We left it. Has anyone else had a field mistake that changed how a site gets handled?

3 comments

c/budgeting-wins•

dakota194•13d ago

Just figured out my grocery 'savings' were actually costing me more

I was so proud of myself for only spending $75 at Aldi last week, but then I looked at my credit card and saw a $40 charge for takeout from The Burger Joint on Tuesday and another $35 for pizza on Friday. I was buying random cheap stuff without a meal plan, so I'd just get lazy and order food anyway. Has anyone else had their 'budget' grocery trip backfire like this?

3 comments

c/blacksmiths•

dakota194•15d ago

Had to decide on a new anvil stand: concrete block or a big wood stump

So my old stand finally gave out after about three years, and I was stuck between two choices. I could pour a concrete block, which everyone online said was the best for no bounce, or I could find a big oak stump, which my grandpa always swore by. I went with the stump because a guy down the road was selling one for 40 bucks. It was a pain to move, but I got it level and bolted the anvil down. Honestly, the first few hits felt weird, like there was a tiny bit of give that I wasn't used to. But after a full day of forging, my arms and back felt way better than they ever did with the old metal stand. I think the wood soaks up some of the shock. Has anyone else made this switch and noticed a difference in how your body feels after a long session?

3 comments

c/climate-action•

dakota194•15d ago

Noticed a big change in the creek behind my street

Two springs ago, the water was brown and you couldn't see the bottom. After the city put in those new stormwater planters along the road last year, the creek cleared up a lot. I saw small fish in there for the first time last week. It's cool to see a local fix make a real difference so fast. Has anyone else seen a project like this help a local spot?

3 comments

Posts

The time I almost wrecked a 2,000 year old floor in Pompeii

Just figured out my grocery 'savings' were actually costing me more

Had to decide on a new anvil stand: concrete block or a big wood stump

Noticed a big change in the creek behind my street

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