Preface to the Gift
In August of 2001, just before his freshman year of high school, my son, Joe called me to share that he had just made the cross country team. Continue reading The Gift of the Magi Redux
Category Archives: General Talk
Good Luck. Bad Luck.
Do you believe in luck? I don’t. But sometimes you have to wonder.
A couple days ago I posted about getting into, and staying, in hiking shape. Right after I posted that, I went rollerblading. Now I am not an expert skater by any stretch of the imagination. But I have been skating since I was a kid, both quad and inline skates. I have had my share of spills, but nothing serious — just minor scrapes and bruises.
Well that changed on Friday. Continue reading Good Luck. Bad Luck.
Getting (and staying) in Hiking Shape
The best way to get and stay in shape is to hike often – preferably every day. However you may want to consider this alternative fun method. If you are easily swayed by your peers, seek approval from your friends, worried about what others think about you; then this is probably not for you.
But if you are your own person the…
Continue reading Getting (and staying) in Hiking Shape
LET’S BLAME OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS FOR TODAY’S PROBLEMS
Being “Green” AND kind to the environment.
What’s Up With That?
Continue reading LET’S BLAME OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS FOR TODAY’S PROBLEMS
How to Tie Shoelaces
Regrets
One would (or should) be truly happy if they went through life without any regrets. To never feel remorse or sadness for any action they took, or not squandering any part of their life already lived — leaving only excitement for what the future will bring.
Boat Story
I had never owned a boat or watercraft (surfboards don’t count). I had never really thought about owning a boat. Maybe a canoe or kayak But a boat usually requires a motor, and a motor means work; or at least maintenance. Many of my friends have owned boats. And as one told me, “The second happiest day of your life is the day you bought your boat; the happiest is the day you sold it.” Seems that there is a lot of angst during the boat owing period.
Solo Backpacking: Crazy and Dangerous?
What’s Up With That?
I must start by saying I usually hike alone. And by hiking alone, I mean going to places where I do not expect to see other people. That is a prime consideration for most of my trips. Now, I do not want to give the impression that by doing a lot of solo hiking I am especially brave or skilled. When you break it down, backpacking is just walking with your house on your back. Sure you need some skills, but it is not a big deal. Lots of people backpack. Mankind has been hiking since the dawn of time. It is nothing special – other than knowing when and how to avoid trouble.
Backpacking with a Camera
Recently I read a couple blog posts about the pros and cons of bringing a camera into the wilderness on hiking or backpacking trips. A few years ago I wrote about the enjoyment of not taking a camera (when I found the battery was dead at the trail head).
NYC Sugar Ban!!
What’s Up With That?
New York City Bans “Sugary” Drinks!
On Thursday September 13, 2012 the NYC Board of Health banned the sale of soft drinks that contain sugar in any container that is larger than 16 ounces. Nine members of the board approve the edict with one member abstaining.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg says this will be a huge blow to obesity.
(I Hate) Texting
What’s Up With That?
I love technology and often am an early adapter. Some things I have owned include: Continue reading (I Hate) Texting