Where I Live and How (or Blame It On Henry)

Like many others of my generation, my development was warped by the lunatic ramblings of Henry Thoreau. Simplify, he said. And I listened. It's been over a year since I quit my job and entered an early "retirement." Since the sound of that word can be grating for so many reasons, I'm going with  the oh-so-more mellifluous " jubilación." Every word is sweeter when spoken with Romance speaker would.

Thoreau had it easy. All he had to do was find a bit of land to squat on and build a cabin. I bought a house 8 months ago. If Henry had had to get a mortgage, he'd have couchsurfing at Emerson's place. Lucky I saved. They take a dim view of that squatting thing nowadays. I did build a cabin shed for my garden tools and mower. His was likely larger, but I have a house and he was probably a better carpenter.

One of my goals for my jubilación is to develop new skills. Admittedly, I did have a contractor do the renovation on the bathroom. My criterion for making the effort to acquire a new ability is whether I'll use it on a regular basis. I don't plan on doing a lot of plumbing, so why learn it? Seeing a need for curtains in my new house led me to purchase a sewing machine, though. I have finished window treatments (as we pros say) for my bedroom and living room so far. It may have been more economical to have bought them, but I want slipcovers once my sewing proficiency improves. Furniture from the Salvation Army is comfortable enough, but not always attractive.

This year I learn to garden, as well. Got a late start in 2013. At the end of the summer, I did get several frames built for raised beds and a few cold frames. Have amassed a huge pile of leaves for compost. What I've noticed is that during the Summer there's a lot of grass trimmings, but no leaves to combine for good decomposition. In the Autumn, there are leaves and no grass. This year it's all coming together and I put Thoreau's beans to shame.

Like most people affected by the winter, I'm hunkering down and waiting for Persephone to come and bring Spring (and farmer's markets) back to us mortals. Enjoy the rhythm of the Winter while it's still around and try to avoid quiet desperation. Be well.

Rebuilding

Hobbes is absolutely right. This is like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on.

First, I would like to thank Kind and Gentle Truth for the stirring eulogy. It made me almost ashamed to be still alive.

Second, I would ask not to be put on blog lists. I don't expect to add a lot of fresh content here. I, likely, won't be adding you to mine. I have put a link to American Nihilist in my sidebar. Repsac has assembled a blog list there that is second to none.

Third, the explanation for the title of the blog is from the description of Glens Falls, as Hometown USA, by Look magazine in 1944. A bit before my time, but I believe they were saying all you other hometowns aren't quite cutting it. We're number 1! USA! USA!

Fourth, the problem with a fresh, white sheet of paper is deciding what to put on it. I expect it to be mostly a lot of doodling, pretty much like the previous blog.

It's A Brand New Day

I had three pieces of limestone on my desk, but I was terrified to find that they required to be dusted daily, when the furniture of my mind was all undusted still, and threw them out the window in disgust. –Thoreau (Walden)

This blog is resting on the ashes of Deranged Leftwing Baker. Long live Hometown USA. This blog is to be apolitical. I tried to turn DLB back in that direction. Things get out of control, though. And when they do, a good immolation is in order. Thanks to all those at American Nihilist, Reppy, Truth, Bio and Octo who provided comradeship in the struggle to destroy all that is sacred and good about the United States. Keep up the good fight. If I see the welcome mat out, I’ll try to stop by now and then.

Thanks to Donald Douglas at American Power who provides a stunning example of the psychosis that can infect those who take blogging too seriously and think it actually makes a difference. I don’t want to stick around to see him finally snap. Don’t think it will be pretty.

Special thanks to Repsac for allowing me to be part of the American Nihilist scene for a short while. It was a fun sojourn. I don’t expect to post here much due to terminal laziness. But, maybe now and then.