IbuMichele
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ibumichele.bsky.social
IbuMichele
@ibumichele.bsky.social
1.6K followers 1.1K following 15K posts
IT geek since the 1980s. Trailing spouse, art person, childless cat lady, Mandarin language student, writer, baker, quilter, and more. She/her. In Taiwan

https://www.votefromabroad.org

https://www.thecenzers.com
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ibumichele.bsky.social
Describe your cat's personality with one photo
A chunky white cat with orange markings is lying on a carpet. He has completely flopped flat and is eating kibble out of a bowl. His head is only lifted enough to get the kibble into him.
November 9, 2025 at 1:26 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
I made a new friend today
What looks like a very large fluffy sort of Siamese colored cat with large paws, but it turns out most of it is fluff. She was so happy in my arms that she purred and purred, and was upset when I put her down even though I put her softly in her bed scratcher. She later came over to the cashier and demanded I pet her while I paid for catnip.
November 8, 2025 at 3:29 PM
ibumichele.bsky.social
An orange and white tabby snuggled on a bed looking like he couldn't possibly be bothered
November 5, 2025 at 2:04 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Ours as taco cat and pumpkin cat from a bunch of years ago. You can see where the treats are ...
An orange and white tabby dressed as a taco cat sitting on a table next to a pumpkin An white cat with orange markings dressed as a pumpkin sitting on a table next to a pumpkin
November 1, 2025 at 3:11 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
I voted from Taiwan!
I voted from Taiwan sticker
October 30, 2025 at 2:02 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Troll to block
Amias Channer @amias.net White Americans are the dangerous crazy people who were too obnoxious to be tolerated in Europe. But when it happened in Europe in the middle ages we learned not to do it again, you are still doing it and calling yourselves civilised. October 27, 2025 at 5:57 PM
October 27, 2025 at 10:36 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Snoopy and Simon here with extra snuggles
A mostly white cat with orange markings and a mostly orange cat with white markings are snuggled up on top of a bed on top of a comforter
October 24, 2025 at 2:05 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Agreed. It can be so bad at idioms no matter what you do, though.
Bing translator suggesting that "pauvre chou" in French is "poor cabbage" in English. Its meaning is more like "you poor thing" or "poor baby" or "my poor love", depending on context
October 17, 2025 at 5:44 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Yep
A screenshot of my iPad’s photos, searching for the word cat. It shows 2357 results and while most of them are my cats there are memes and friends cats even in the top.
October 17, 2025 at 5:19 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
A cartoon of white man in a buttoned shirt and khakis with a belt is leaning out of a window in what looks like a suburban neighborhood. He is shouting “help! Someone help! I’m being held accountable!“
October 15, 2025 at 2:22 PM
ibumichele.bsky.social
I have made a bunch of friends, many who have stayed friends in real life. I've joined political causes and made a difference.

I've learned a lot about so many things

If we go all the way back to listservs, I even got a free dog and my in-laws got a different free dog.

Photo of one dog for proof
A small black and tan English Cocker Spaniel with huge paws sitting on a sidewalk
October 9, 2025 at 6:45 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
We had a lovely sausage and broccoli pasta for dinner. Now, it’s morning here and I’m snuggling Simon
A very sleepy cream colored cat with orange splotches
September 30, 2025 at 1:02 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Post something random or you’ll have an awful October!
A person is holding tofu in front of a camera. The tofu is in a wrapped plastic.
September 30, 2025 at 12:57 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
With alt text
Several of us watched Cardinal Dolan's recent FOX interview, where he referred to Charlie Kirk as "a modern-day St. Paul." The Cardinal praised Mr. Kirk's conviction and willingness to speak about the Lord and for being a model for young people looking for meaning in their lives. We grieve every loss of life and unequivocally condemn the killing of Mr. Kirk. What Cardinal Dolan may not have known is that many of Mr. Kirk's words were marked by racist, homophobic, transphobic, and anti-immigrant rhetoric, by violent pro-gun advocacy, and by the promotion of Christian nationalism. These prejudicial words do not reflect the qualities of a saint. To compare Mr. Kirk to St. Paul risks confusing the true witness of the Gospel and giving undue sanction to words and actions that hurt the very people Jesus calls us to love. Just last week, Cardinal Dolan joined us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the canonization of our Foundress, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Elizabeth's legacy is not one of exclusion or hatred, but of radical welcome, tireless service, and unwavering love of neighbor. Many of Mr. Kirk's words stand in stark contrast to the charity and compassion that defined those of Elizabeth Seton. For generations, the Sisters of Charity of New York have cared for immigrant families arriving with nothing but hope. While our direct service has changed, our commitment to those families endures. They deserve true examples of discipleship, not false prophets. In this moment, we reaffirm our mission: to walk with all people who are poor and marginalized, to welcome immigrants and refugees, to defend the dignity of LGBTQ+ persons, and to labor for peace in a world saturated with violence. These are the marks of authentic discipleship. These are the qualities of saints. We urge our Church leadership, including Cardinal Dolan, to lift up witnesses whose lives truly reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ - lives of humility, justice, compassion, and peace. We will continue to pray for Mr. Kirk, his family and for all who mourn his loss. Leadership Team, Sisters of Charity of New York Sr. Donna Dodge, Sr. Margaret O Brien, Sr. Mary Mc Cormick, Sr. Mary Ann Daly, Sr. Sheila Brosnan, Sr. Margaret Egan
September 26, 2025 at 3:27 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
I need to remember not too often to despair
Prayers. Grant us, Lord, your vision of a renewed earth in which heaven comes to rest; and even now, while we too often despair of healing and wholeness, to hold fast to your promise and commit again to active hope; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. - Collect for Season of Creation
September 22, 2025 at 10:51 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Quick scrolling found this. "I thought tariffs were lower" hurt
Customer Seeking Help Being charged 103$ in brokerage fees for a 25$ item from Japan to US i thought the tariffs were lower is it possible to negotiate the brokerage fees or avoid paying them
September 4, 2025 at 7:01 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
With alt text
In 1902 / was a Conservative. I believed privilege could only be justified by service, high taxes on very high incomes were necessary to prevent an entrepreneurial economy becoming a rentier economy, and Keynesian growth would finance public service improvements and a welfare state that steadily reduced inequality. I was suspicious of ideologically driven, large-scale change. These were the mainstream policies of the Macmillan government at the time. In 6o years I have moved from centre right to hard left without changing my opinions. Dr Stephen Watkins, Oldham, Lancashire
September 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Simon does this to his tummy and his neck. Allergies
A chubby white cat lying on his back, exposing his belly licked hairless
September 3, 2025 at 6:22 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Simon is very sure that he is dying of starvationness
A large cream kitty with orange markings is lying on his side, looking up at his human with sad, huge seafoam green eyes. Just a second ago he was attacking her feet which are covered in light purple socks.
September 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
I really loved this cake vending machine because it was real cake from a real bakery walking distance from where we lived. You just didn’t have to bother to go in.
A vending machine in Japan with beautiful cake
September 1, 2025 at 11:02 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
It’s possible that Taiwan won the vending machine contest
A vending machine of jewelry labeled “Wedding Code”. It is filled with jewelry with the Disney logo on the bags. Most are what look like solitaire engagement rings. There are some necklaces too. The most expensive sells for NTD45,700 or approximately US$1500. It claims that it’s platinum and all of the expensive ones have IGI folders. The cheaper rings say they’re silver and are about $100 US.
September 1, 2025 at 9:57 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
Not sure which cat shapes these are
An orange and white tabby cat lying on a bed with a yellow-cream blanket. The angle makes him look like all sleepy head A large, mostly cream cat with orange markings sitting on a cream-colored sofa with his paws crossed in front of him. He is looking downward, pensively
August 27, 2025 at 1:26 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
You can get one for $10 in Japan. They have some slightly more expensive ones but nothing like 130 whatever dollars.
A screenshot of the Rakuten website with a AM/FM battery powered radio for ¥1480
August 25, 2025 at 11:08 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
I don't know how to type out circus music, but you can hear it in your head looking at this picture
A small toy circus bandwagon in bright colors with clowns playing all sorts of instruments
August 25, 2025 at 4:09 AM
ibumichele.bsky.social
DuckDuckGo knows ...
A screenshot of searching for "red envelope" in DuckDuckGo showing it's for monetary gifts
August 22, 2025 at 4:42 AM