A post about moving and downsizing may seem mundane to readers, but our recent move to Media has been a mindful testimony of my attempt to transition to living a simpler life. (more…)
July 21, 2013
June 2, 2012
Quehanna Trail — “backpacking wonderland” or FRACKING “…that endangered life and property.”
We’ll be on the Quehanna Trail in the Moshannon Strate Forest in three days. Described in Backpacking Pennsylvania (Mitchell) thusly – “This region epitomizes expansive isolation with deep forests, wetlands, beautiful streams, open meadows, and scenic glens…This is a backpacking wonderland.” BUT… (more…)
March 15, 2012
In return for enough money, we’ll name a building or program after you or your family.
I have an issue with these feel good ceremonies for naming buildings and programs after wonderful wealthy donors. I’d be okay to name buildings and academic chairs after truly exceptional people, as role models. But giving a large sum of money does not put you in that category, even when you are a very nice person (more…)
March 10, 2012
Informing my family that I have met someone — Fran. (Our meeting is described elsewhere on this blog.)
I called my older sister in Connecticut in late June 2002 because I always visit family in New England in August and needed to prepare her well in advance that a friend would likely be joining us. My sister is very cautious/traditional in this area, and also protective of me; it would require a delicate touch. (more…)
November 5, 2011
Oops, you’re dead. Then what?
With the development of civilization and technology, simple burial evolved into elaborate burial with embalming for apparent preservation. Folks in the U.S. today often think it more appropriate to opt for cremation by a crematorium. But cremation requires high temperatures for an extended period, consuming much energy that is increasingly in short supply on this planet. So maybe we should go back to simple. Fran says she wants a shroud burial and be eaten by the worms and recycled, as opposed to consuming excessive energy or lying around useless while you decay slowly and take up precious space.
November 3, 2011
March to the White House for GMO Right to Know
Fran and I spent Villanova fall break (Monday 10/10/ – Sunday 10/16) hiking more than 100 miles (camping at night) with the Right2Know marchers. Marchers arrived at Lafayette Park (opposite the White House) (more…)
September 18, 2011
China (the place setting, not the place)
We are currently downsizing, in preparation for a move to smaller quarters. This is the time to pass family heirlooms and collectibles to an appreciative younger generation ready to carry on the tradition of storing past treasures. Except – (more…)
September 8, 2011
Confidence
My confidence with my values derives heavily from my family, both from experiencing their moral values directly and also from the value they placed on educating oneself and forming/holding one’s own moral values.
My confidence with others (more…)
July 30, 2011
Weight, health, life style, and why do we have friends who are like us?
There are substantial individual differences among people in regard to weight and health. Significantly, folks tend to associate with groups that share their particular issues in this regard. We interact with those who (more…)
April 26, 2011
MONEY MATTERS for dating, etc. etc.
What happens when the financial resources and financial expectations differ significantly for those dating? Who pays for what? Can it really work, (more…)