T.M. Baumgartner

Writer of SF/F (T.M. Baumgartner) and cozy mysteries (Tess Baytree). Formerly software engineer, veterinarian. Completely unable to follow directions.

"Could a vampire policemen enter my house if they had a warrant?" Theoretical Magic, out NOW! books2read.com/TheoreticalMagic

2025-07-22

The new boy has been more energetic and opinionated today and found his appetite (though not the ability to eat on his own — he's not really weaned). He's now officially Sebastian, named after the hermit crab.

Eating is hard work (editor's note: It doesn't actually have to be as hard as he makes it!), and must be followed by a nap.

#CatsOfMastodon #FosterKittens

Photo of a tiny tabby kitten with white feet, chest, and nose. His name is Sebastian and he is sleeping deeply.
2025-07-22

@solearther Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!

2025-07-22

I have a space opera book coming out next week! Woohoo! <throws confetti>

Rose piloted spaceships… until she crossed the wrong owner. Now she's stuck in the Oligarchy because without a cardinal crystal, the hyperspace drives are useless.

When she finds an outlaw AI with a synthetic crystal, Rose promises to smuggle the AI back to the Independent Federation for the reward.

It's perfect! If her ship doesn't fall apart. And if they can escape the people chasing them.

books.tmbaumgartner.com/indepe

Cover of Independent Flight by T.M. Baumgartner. Image shows multiple spaceships near an exploding star.
T.M. Baumgartner boosted:
Tom Seideldesater
2025-07-21

Hello history lovers! I’m Tom, the developer of the daily game in which you guess a year in 4 attempts with the help of historical events. Afterwards, you'll get links to interesting podcasts and articles.

It’s popular in the German-speaking Fediverse and now it’s available in English! 🟩

A lot of love goes into this project. If you like it, please share or invite friends to play. it really helps.

Play here: pastpuzzle.de

Me (Tom) sitting at a desk and showing my smartphone into the camera. PastPuzzle is opened and you can see English text. I am smiling and I look quite happy. There is Text added to the picture: "Daily history puzzle" and a dotted mark to the smartphone. Subtitle is: "Guess the year in 4 attempts"
2025-07-21

@Lojie Both seem to have improved. The dog is limping less, and the kitten seems more active this morning!

T.M. Baumgartner boosted:
2025-07-20

TIL: PBS has a streaming service called Passport that you get access to for as little as $5 donated to your local station per month. It's good! Lots of great documentaries, some foreign language shows, usual PBS stuff.

2025-07-20

My 14-year-old dog is limping badly on his hind leg this morning, which is bad news for a dog who already has moderate arthritis slowing him down.

Also, the new kitten is still in a holding pattern, which is increasingly concerning after two days.

This is the way of things. The dog won't live forever, though I hope he still has some time. And the kitten may be too ill to save, though I'm not ready to give up on him yet.

I can accept both things and still be a little sad.

2025-07-20

@pfernandes Congrats on inducing seasickness in less than 3 seconds!

2025-07-20

@arisummerland The paid version of inoreader might be able to do it. I can't confirm since I'm still on the free version, but I should look into it so I can finally dump FB for good.

2025-07-19

@Grupetto Thank you!

2025-07-19

@Jasperthecat This kitten is too cute for words!

2025-07-19
2025-07-19

The new baby is still with us, and he gave me a little attitude when I was shoving food in his mouth, which is a positive sign.

I don't think he's out of the woods yet, but hopefully the meds will make it easier for him to breathe soon.

#CatsOfMastodon #Caturday #FosterKittens

Photo of a small tabby kitten sitting like a loaf in a towel ring. He has face-planted into his bedding, probably because he is so weak. Under the blankets there is a heating pad.
2025-07-19

The monthly author newsletter! Kitten pics and videos, jokes about problems when writing, a new release, and more! And you can see it without signing up:

eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=

#AuthorNewsletter #IndieAuthors #ShamelessSelfPromo #Newsletter

2025-07-19

Keep your fingers crossed for this little boy. He's not in great shape at the moment, but I think we still have a chance.

#FosterKittens #CatsOfMastodon

Photo of a tabby kitten draped over a rolled up towel ring. His eyes are closed.
T.M. Baumgartner boosted:
Terence EdenEdent
2025-07-16

This fake photo is doing the rounds again. Here's my guide to how you can quickly use simple tools to spot takes before sharing them.

shkspr.mobi/blog/2018/04/tools

2025-07-15

@pfernandes Ha ha, no.

2025-07-15

Last week, I contacted Escali, who made the scale I've been using to weigh kittens for 20 years, to see if they have replacement footpads (I lost one at some point and the scale wobbles) or know where I can buy them.

They no longer make this model, but they sent me a 4-pack of footpads to replace the ones I had. No questions, no cost. It's nice to deal with companies like that.

If you foster kittens (or bake, which is what this is really for), get a gram scale.

Photo of a digital gram scale with a letter envelope from Escali and a tiny slip of paper with self-sticking rubber footpads.Photo of a tabby kitten with white markings and a dirty face sitting in a plastic container base balanced on the Escali scale. The picture is from a few years ago because it's not easy to find a kitten willing to sit around long enough to take a picture.
2025-07-15

@quincypeck Thanks! I find those panels so useful! Depending on the number of kittens and how much space I have, I grow and shrink that area as needed.

2025-07-15

This is what I see every time I turn around. Eggnog refuses to stay in the playpen, but nobody else follows him out, so he gets lonely.

Ridiculous kitten.

#CatsOfMastodon #FosterKittens

Photo of a clear plastic kitten containment unit (playpen) set up in an L-shape with three kittens inside (where they are supposed to be) and a black kitten huddled outside, next to the playpen. One might think he would learn his lesson, but I have put him back inside four times this afternoon and he keeps jumping out.

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