Last week Winnie and I took a two-night RV trip up to Damascus, Virginia, and rode our bikes. The ride, on the Virginia Creeper Trail, was on one of the most beautiful “Rail-to-Trail” lines I’ve seen. It also was the longest one-day bike ride I’ve made. Winnie and I ended up a bit sore afterwards, but it was well worth the trip.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
My first kayak was a Trophy 126 fishing/recreation kayak. I didn’t know anything about kayaks at the time, but this was advertised as an “easy learner,” and had the added advantage of included fishing rod holders. So, we (Winnie and I) bought it and started our love affair with kayaking.
I hadn’t done a review on this boat as the original manufacturer went out of business a few years after I bought it. But, I recently discovered that a new company is manufacturing this same boat, still with the “Trophy 126” model name. So, here is my long-overdue review.
And the days go by, one at a time. I’m not in the “another day’s useless journey spent” as per “Days of Future Passed.” I am into learning one day at a time how to be really retired. How to schedule my time, focus on what is important for any given day, and work on little projects that before, I’ve always felt too rushed to do.
Most importantly, after working and earning my own money since I was thirteen, I’m in a position to do things that are fun. This is perhaps the best thing I can learn.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
This past weekend our lovely Queens City of Charlotte had a close encounter with winter. Being a nominally “southern city,” this is not the place people expect to see snow. As a matter of record, Winnie and I chose to retire here partially based on believing we’d see less wintery stuff than in Woodbridge, Virginia.
However, snow has now come to Charlotte. It’s not nearly as exciting as that may sound.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Being an officially a retired person conferrs a lot of free time. Which means I no longer have excuses reasons for not doing a lot of projects I’ve been putting off for, well, most of my adult life.
One particular project is building my home workshop. After fits and starts and early iterations in previous homes I’ve lived in, I’m finally building my dream workshop.
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Today is another Christmas. A day that rolls around once each year to remind us of peace and joy and goodwill to all mankind. Also another day to gather with family and friends to exchange gifts, eat, drink, and have lots of family fights… No scratch that “family fights” stuff…
Anyway, since I’m still not feeling inspired to write much, I thought to share a bit of Christmas holiday music from one of my favorite groups.
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
I’ve been in a state of transition over these past several months since retirement. One result has been my complete inability to write anything in this humble blog. Not because there’s nothing going on, but because there’s too much. These times overwhelm me with the relentless pounding of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
So, in an effort to break out of my writer’s block I’ve decided to reflect with a bit of music for these times.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
And so, it finally happened. After over a year of false starts and running up a down escalator. Last week, Friday August 29, my office held a small but pleasant retirement ceremony for me, then I was gone.
I am now officially retired from full time work and back home in Charlotte. I guess, let the fun begin?
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
“To be in public office right now is to constantly ask yourself, how do I make sure that we’re standing on the right side of history? There’s a simple answer. The wrong side of history will always tell you to be afraid. The right side of history will always expect you to be courageous. Expect courage from people around you, and it will show up. Expect fear, and fear will rule the day. “
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
Today we have new profiles in courage in opposing the Trump regime.
Sympathy for the Farmers?
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
I recently answered another Quora question that has received pretty strong positive response. This question related to farmers who are now facing foreclosures and loss of their farms due to Trumpian policies. The kicker, of course, is that Trump swept most rural communities in his 2024 election victory.
My answer is pretty harsh against a community of professionals I once had great respect for. Such is the life in Trump’s America.
Opinions & Commentary Quora Re-Posts
Family Farmers quora trump