We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
Light-weight sneaker-style footwear seems to be the thing these days. Makes sense to me.
Also, I do not want waterproof. It does not work.
Also, I am never hiking with a 40+ lb. backpack.
I do enjoy bouldering and that sort of rocky thing where the old-style heavy leather boots work well, grip like ticks, but I see kids around me bounding like Mountain Goats on boulders in sneakers from Target. Probably not necessary.
(Yes, Mrs. BD and I are preparing for a 9-day hiking trip - no steeps but plenty of rain probably. A hilly 9-12 miles/day, but nights in Scottish-style "luxury".)
My Mom called me The Little Lemon-eater. I still like to eat lemons, whether slices or quarters, skin and all. Apparently some people like to put some salt on the pieces too. I need to try that.
The best lemons I have ever had were in Sicily, just off the tree. Larger than supermarket lemons, but thinner pith.
After they have been cooked with something they are good too, maybe even better. With some fish of course, roast chicken, and also veal scallopini or, back to Sicilian food, roast piglet. Piglet + lemon is a good combo. Try it sometime if you have a spare piglet around.
My theory is that it is best to tip people, always.
Barber, delivery guy, food service person, lawn guys, garbage guys. And the Dunkin Donuts staff. It makes everybody feel good.
That applies to the US. It's different in Europe, where they often apply a service fee. Who knows who gets that money? In Europe, tip like a miser even if you feel otherwise.
1:2 Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
1:12 I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem,
1:13 applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with.
1:14 I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
2:18 I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me
2:19 --and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity.
2:20 So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun,
2:21 because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
2:22 What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun?
2:23 For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.
Best way to eat this grain. I like to grill it with the husk on until the husk is burnt, but the Central Americans tend to grill it with husk off. Done right, no butter needed - but salt always.
This grain was genetically-engineered in Central American centuries ago. Agronomists have made it sweeter now.
Females of many species of Orb-Weaving Spiders (common in gardens) consume their mates following a romp in the web.
Same thing goes for many species of Fireflies. I am seeing lots of them in the morning darkness. Delightful beetles doing their courtship dance in the moonlight.
Crossfit programs are for any level of conditioning because you do the things at your own ability and pace. Their sessions include heavy weights, cardio, and calisthenics.
My problem is that, regardless of brand, adjustments, etc., the pain in my injured shoulder destroys any pleasure with a backpack, or even a lighter daypack.
I don't like to look like a dork, but even worse is being like the Aussie hikers (sorry for the stereotype): the women herd the kids and carry the backpack, and the men just carry a beer or three, and the cheese sandwiches.
"...there are plenty of writers, actors, musicians, etc., whose politics I deplore but whose talents I enjoy. Erasing them from history doesn’t serve much of a purpose."