Gates Palissery
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gateskp.bsky.social
Gates Palissery
@gateskp.bsky.social
930 followers 990 following 3K posts
Quietly queer writer on the road to publication & AMMR9 mentee. Actually Autistic. Huge Geek. Marathon runner. PhD doing science policy work. She/they 🏳️‍🌈
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gateskp.bsky.social
Today I took a mental health day and discovered the joys of World Market, a store with vegan gummy candy I've never seen outside the EU/UK. I'm excited about this. They also had better-than-Nutella (palm oil free), which was my primary motivation for venturing forth in the first place.
A jar of Bonne Maman peanut chocolate spread next to a jar of Bonne Maman hazelnut chocolate spread next to a pile of mini pretzels
November 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
I grew up in Luzerne County and this is STUNNING.
Luzerne County Council race The 11-member council had seven Republicans and four Democrats heading into the election, with five seats — all held by Republicans — up for grabs. Democrats claimed four of the five openings in the countywide at-large race, according to unofficial results with all 186 precincts reporting: Williams (D) — 38,280 John Lombardo (R) — 37,374 Steven Coslett (D) — 36,053 Chris Belles (D) — 35,986 Dawn Simmons (D) — 34,478 On the Republican side, incumbent councilmembers Brian Thornton (33,136 votes) and Greg Wolovich (31,872) appear to have failed in their efforts to win second terms. Two other Republicans, Jackie Scarcella (33,852) and former councilman Stephen J. Urban (32,872), also failed in their bids to win seats. Tony Perzia (31,973) was the only Democrat who did not win a seat.
November 5, 2025 at 1:36 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
*stares in "named after Star Trek"*

Obviously the many, MANY years I spent watching Star Trek didn't happen. And definitely never met anyone from the show. No, that must've all been in my imagination.
A photo of a photo from a Star Trek convention in 2013. I am standing on the left, my dad is standing on the right. Between us stands Gates McFadden, who played Dr Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
October 25, 2025 at 11:40 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
It was inevitable: the mouse is no more, my cat proved she is truly an apex predator.

...and now she's playing with it.
A brown tabby cat under a yellow poang rocking chair. She is batting at the mouse, which is dead. I must now clean it up.
September 13, 2025 at 1:34 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
FINALLY someone is doing her JOB and earning her keep
A brown tabby cat staring directly at the very small space between the silver metal refrigerator and the wall in my kitchen. The mouse was there. Moments before the previous photo was taken. A very blurry low quality photo of a brown tabby cat trying to squeeze herself into the space between the refrigerator and the wall. Her rear end and back paws are visible. Not audible (because this is a photo): the scuffle between cat and mouse, with mouse squeaking and cat trying desperately to get it.
September 13, 2025 at 1:07 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
""apex predators"" pffft
A black cat sitting in the sun on a set of pet steps next to a tabby cat lying on a green pillow on my bed in the sun. Their cat tree is behind them. Sun shines through the open window to the left of the bed.
September 12, 2025 at 8:31 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
I've had this book for 15 years. The pages are yellowing and it smells of book. It's moved with me through college, work, grad school, and now fellowship because it lives rent free in my head even though I haven't read it in years.
Me, an ambiguously brown person with dark hair wearing a blue hoodie, holding Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, a paperback volume whose cover is 1/3 a silhouette of soldiers in Vietnam, 2/3 black with the title on it
August 28, 2025 at 12:27 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
Get yourself a best friend who will get you a Pride croissant from your favourite bakery and save it for you until you come home 🥹
A croissant made with rainbow striped dough. It is a Pride croissant
July 5, 2025 at 12:30 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
This is Pistachio. He likes chewing on toes and phone chargers. He thinks he can get away with it because he's so cute.
An orange kitten lying on his side with his body stretched out behind him. He looks at something beyond the camera. He is very cute and has big yellow eyes. He's about 3 months old, he was a foster kitten that my mum couldn't give back.
July 4, 2025 at 10:52 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
I YEARN to explore Virginia by train 🥲
Screenshot from Amtrak email with a photo of people in colonial garb waving at a passing Amtrak train. Text reads: Let Amtrak Virginia take you through History From July 4, 2025-July 4, 2026, we will be highlighting historic sites and events accessible via Amtrak Virginia. With our Amtrak Virginia Anytime Discount, getting there is affordable every day! Save 15% on travel within Virginia and to/from D.C. Anytime! Check out the events happening along our routes this summer: Events - Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration - VA250
July 1, 2025 at 6:41 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
So, so glad I kept the blackout curtains closed, blinds drawn, and AC and fan on today. The apartment is tolerable.

My sister's response to this:
Suppose it's warm enough to brew some tea
In the harbour
Bc it's so hot
The water is boiling
Screenshot of the Garmin fitness tracker app. I have been awarded a new badge: Toasty. This badge is awarded when you record an activity when it's 100°F (38°C) or hotter. I earned this badge on 24 June during Cambridge Cycling (aka my commute). Related badge: Frosty, earned when you record an activity when it's below freezing. Screenshot of my weather app. AccuWeather days it's 101°F in Boston, MA. RealFeel: 104°. The area is under an extreme heat warning.
June 24, 2025 at 8:51 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
I was fostering kittens and my mum took over and failed. 3 kittens went up for adoption, 1 kitten did not. He seems to be getting along with the dog and other cats, he's so cute it's unreal.

I named him Pistachio but my mum is trying to change that (it'll never work)
A small orange kitten standing on a grey desk covered in office supplies. The kitten looks down at the floor. Standing beside the desk is a silver lab dog who's staring at the kitten like she's trying to figure out what's going on.
June 22, 2025 at 1:34 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
Sometimes it's nice to get outside and read a book
Photo of the book David Bowie Made Me Gay: 100 Years of LGBT Music by Daryl W. Bullock on the arm of a red Adirondack chair next to a round glass of pink liquid which is a Ghia NA salt and lime spritz. This is all set against the backdrop of green turf on a sunny day. I'm in the outdoor space of a tap from.
June 15, 2025 at 7:34 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
Finally decorated the walls. Pictures of moments with my favourite people who make me smile and feel loved.

I miss them...
A mix of photos printed on canvasses and photos in black frames hanging on a white wall above a couch A mix of photos printed on canvasses and photos in black frames hanging on a white wall behind a TV, side table, and floor lamp
June 12, 2025 at 12:46 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
Happy first day of work to me!

Today I start my new job as the Hellman & Simon Fellow in Science and Technology Policy at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The impostor syndrome is real.
A sign in some greenery that reads "American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 200 Beacon Street"
June 2, 2025 at 12:45 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
My new work mug and tote from @msemilyedwards.bsky.social FBoL shop arrived just in time for Pride 🏳️‍🌈
A white mug and a tote bag both with the words "Protect queer books, queer readers, queer authors" written across a stylised progress Pride flag
June 1, 2025 at 12:21 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
It was the last time I get to see my closest friends for a long time. They made it a really special day for me: I got to spend all day with the most important people in my life. I'll never be able to put words to how much that means to me. How much they mean to me.

My heart is breaking yet full.
Me, with my closest friends, the most important people in my life. We hiked up McAfee's Knob, a mountain in southwest Virginia, which is where we're standing with the sun shining above and the blue ridge mountains stretching behind us Screenshot of my Strava post where I attempt poetry. Text reads: How lucky I am To call such people friends! How lucky I am That they indulge me to no end! How lucky I am They share with me their time, How lucky I am To also give them mine. How lucky I am In the darkness of night, How lucky I am To be guided by stars so bright. How lucky I am That this is my home! How lucky I am They ensure I'm never truly alone. How lucky I am That we all met How lucky I am I shall never forget: Should I fall adrift, How lucky I am To be granted this gift. I wouldn't trade this morning for all the happiness in the world.
May 25, 2025 at 2:45 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
Not sure if a kitten knocked this hat over or if the wind did it, but Chestnut is very cosy right now
A small black kitten sitting inside a blue and white striped hat with a wide floppy brim
May 20, 2025 at 9:21 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
This is my life now. 1 thought in the tiny orange brain cell: summit the mountain (that is my head)
A small orange kitten climbing my head. I'm leaning against a wall with my neck bent forward. The kitten is climbing the back of my neck. He then goes on to nibble on my ear and play in my wet hair (I just showered)
May 19, 2025 at 5:46 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
Macadamia decided there's no such thing as personal space and that I am his favourite. He was waiting for me at the door this morning.
A black kitten climbing on my shoulders behind my neck. My neck is awkwardly bent forward to give the kitten space to move because I'm leaning against the wall (which doesn't matter to him). A black kitten stretched out on my lap, snoozing. My legs are stretched out in front of me and he's settled right in the middle of them.
May 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
Foster kittens enjoying the morning sunshine with me
Four kittens in a rectangular patch of sunshine from a sunlight on a wood floor. A black and an orange kitten wrestle. A black kitten lies down. A black kitten stands and watches the others. Four kittens in a rectangular patch of sunshine from a sunlight on a wood floor. A black and an orange kitten wrestle. A black kitten stands and looks at the camera. A black kitten is about to pounce on the one looking at the camera.
May 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
I am queen of the kittens tonight

(this is truly delightful, I can't really think of a better way to spend a Saturday night)
Me, lying on my stomach on a bed. On my back are 2 black kittens, both standing. On front of me, half out of frame, is a third black kitten.
May 18, 2025 at 1:31 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
I can't tell if the foster kittens are just being cute or if they see me as their food provider or mother figure or what.

But I'm not complaining. I have kittens purring in my ear and being cuddly, it doesn't get better than this.
Photo of a tiny black kitten lying on my back. I'm lying on my stomach on a bed. Photo of a tiny black kitten curled up in the nook of my elbow. I'm lying on my stomach, propped up on my forearms with the kitten snuggled underneath
May 18, 2025 at 1:06 AM
gateskp.bsky.social
This is how a foster kitten Macadamia tells me they need more wet food. They got it immediately, ofc. Then when I left the room, this baby started SCREAMING for me 🥺
May 17, 2025 at 9:48 PM
gateskp.bsky.social
Foster kittens wore themselves out 🥺
Four kittens fast asleep on a white dog bed, curled up around a blue and white blanket. A black one is stretched out along the top of the bed. A black one is curled up in a ball next to her. Another black one is stretched out vertically along the side of the bed with one paw resting on the rump of the orange one. The orange kitten is stretched out along the side of the bed with his head on the black one's back paws.
May 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM