I have often written that a piece of gear ought to be tested for at least 10 years before doing an in-depth product review. Unfortunately a lot of gear these days is discontinued in just a few years, so there might not be a compelling reason to discuss gear that is no longer made. The Svea has been produced since 1955 and is still sold today.
The Svea 123 is probably the most reliable backpacking stove ever made. It is by far my favorite stove. It doesn’t do any one thing particularly well, but it ALWAYS works. Mine has worked flawlessly for 48 years. Continue reading Svea 123 Backpacking Stove: 48 Year Review→
Recently I wrote about how we got the most money for our “trade-in” by selling it to CarMax. That post explained the condition of vehicles in determining the wholesale value, and that our 2012 Ford Expedition was excellent in all categories. Part of the reason is I had installed mud guards (a.k.a. mud flaps or splash guards) to help protect against damage from stones, pebbles, gravel, and other flying debris. Having been 100% satisfied with our Husky Liners Mud Guards, I ordered a set for out 2020 F-250 Super Duty truck. Continue reading Husky Liners Mud Guards – Long Term Review→
About a week ago I went with Joyce to the grocery market, which I rarely do. I hate going to the market because it is so cold inside, plus I go bonkers when people are in the express lane with twice as many items as are supposedly allowed. We have plenty of food and staples at home. Since we both have been through a couple devastating earthquakes, we keep enough stuff at home to get us through at least a couple of weeks of isolation.
Joyce likes to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
I had read about the panic buying, but was surprised how bare the shelves were after a couple of weeks of public shaming of the panic stricken people who swarm the stores. There was no bread, no canned goods, no cereal, no rice or beans. Not a problem for us. However a big problem for those who need these necessities.
Reflecting on this and the coronavirus, it should be obvious that larges segments of the population lack courage. I want to discuss courage in this post – what it is – and more importantly how we should think and act in this difficult time. If you are expecting I will tell you what to do, this isn’t a post for you. If you want to reflect on how you should live your life, you might find this of interest, or even valuable. Continue reading Courage in the Time of Coronavirus→
Regular readers of this blog know I hate to go to a brick and mortar store to buy anything, preferring to do all my shopping online. Online purchases can save a lot of time, money, and gasoline. My first choice for online shopping is Amazon. Amazon is quick, easy, and almost always accurate. But Amazon isn’t always the best. What follows are a three sites I use and how I use them. Continue reading Online Tools for Buying Automotive Parts & Accessories→