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What’s on your mind?

maflynn said:
Maybe not a big deal for some, but I'm deathly afraid of heights.

So off my bedroom (upstairs), I have a deck, its 20 feet off the ground, and last year a wind storm ripped off some of the flashing that was covering the bargeboard. the pitch of the roof is about 10 feet up from the edge of the deck that is 20 feet off the ground by the way.
View attachment 2615507

So I got my step ladder moved it to the very edge of the deck, climbed up, stretching to reach the bargeboard and put the flashing back up and nail it in place. Did I mention the deck is 20 feet off the ground and I'm up on a ladder? I got her done and I hope it stays in place but it was a nerve wracking experience that I really don't want to repeat.

Maybe not the most masculine thing to admit but afterwards my legs were shaking. My fear of heights is at a phobia level. So much so, I'm not comfortable about being on the deck in the first place, never mind climbing a ladder stretching as far I could just to reach it. I probably would have left it there if I hadn't noticed birds were nesting in the soffit under the bargeboard - I had to so something.
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I'm old enough to remember when we had to get up there, rub down the woodwork, fill the rotten bits and paint it all. I don't mis those days one bit!

These days I live in a bungalow. I can get to one gable end from the garage roof. The other is a bit dicy as that's the end where the electricity joins the house. But I don't have any need to get up there as its all PVC.
 
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maflynn said:
Maybe not a big deal for some, but I'm deathly afraid of heights.

So off my bedroom (upstairs), I have a deck, its 20 feet off the ground, and last year a wind storm ripped off some of the flashing that was covering the bargeboard. the pitch of the roof is about 10 feet up from the edge of the deck that is 20 feet off the ground by the way.
View attachment 2615507

So I got my step ladder moved it to the very edge of the deck, climbed up, stretching to reach the bargeboard and put the flashing back up and nail it in place. Did I mention the deck is 20 feet off the ground and I'm up on a ladder? I got her done and I hope it stays in place but it was a nerve wracking experience that I really don't want to repeat.

Maybe not the most masculine thing to admit but afterwards my legs were shaking. My fear of heights is at a phobia level. So much so, I'm not comfortable about being on the deck in the first place, never mind climbing a ladder stretching as far I could just to reach it. I probably would have left it there if I hadn't noticed birds were nesting in the soffit under the bargeboard - I had to so something.
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My neighbor's wife is a nurse at the local hospital. She says she regularly sees patients come in from 2-story falls from ladders doing things llke gutter cleaning, minor roof repairs, etc. Some injuries are very serious. I'm hesitant to get up there myself. Good thing it worked out safely for you.
 
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Puccini: Turandot - Nessun Dorma (and, for those of us who remember it, this was a spell-binding and utterly unforgettable use of opera, opera as it should be used, - the BBC (and Des Lynam) used it as their theme during their coverage of the world cup - opera that invites the public to partake of a public spectacle, in this instance, the wonderful Italia 1990 World Cup, which was hosted by Italy).
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
Puccini: Turandot - Nessun Dorma (and, for those of us who remember it, this was a spell-binding and utterly unforgettable use of opera, opera as it should be used, - the BBC (and Des Lynam) used it as their theme during their coverage of the world cup - opera that invites the public to partake of a public spectacle, in this instance, the wonderful Italia 1990 World Cup, which was hosted by Italy).
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I remember it well. One of my favourite World Cup’s for sure.
 
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Apple fanboy said:
Two very important football games tomorrow are on my mind. A welcome distraction from feeling unwell. First time I’ve been sick in years.
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I'm full of cold. Started sneezing and coughing in the office on Wednesday and still full of it today.. Thought it might be hey fever but think it's office + lack of air (no windows open. Hope you/we feel better soon.
 
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Picked up four amazing CDs at a book store in Santa Fe, Big Star Books. It’s a little house basically. Would recommend going if you’re in the area—always a fantastic selection of music there (and presumably books, although I don’t look at those).

IMG_4408.jpeg
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
Puccini: Turandot - Nessun Dorma (and, for those of us who remember it, this was a spell-binding and utterly unforgettable use of opera, opera as it should be used, - the BBC (and Des Lynam) used it as their theme during their coverage of the world cup - opera that invites the public to partake of a public spectacle, in this instance, the wonderful Italia 1990 World Cup, which was hosted by Italy).
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And here's another version --

 
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rm5 said:
Picked up four amazing CDs at a book store in Santa Fe, Big Star Books. It’s a little house basically. Would recommend going if you’re in the area—always a fantastic selection of music there (and presumably books, although I don’t look at those).

View attachment 2615648
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This act (namely, tracking down, finding and buying CDs) and image (of actual CDs) gladdens and lifts my heart.
 
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So the past couple of Marchs I start watching certain types of videos - living vicariously through them. - Appalachian trail hikers.

These folks start hiking in Georgia, and complete it in Maine on Mt. Katahdin. About 2,200 miles give or take. The difference AFAIK between this and say the Camino in Europe is that you're backpacking in the wild, often eating meals you carry with yourself, and of course going the bathroom in the woods, lol.

So hiking 2,000+ miles typically takes 6 months, and the costs 5,000 to 10,000 dollars. Its such a commitment both financially and time means I'll never do it but I do love following these hikers journey's through the woods.
 
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maflynn said:
So the past couple of Marchs I start watching certain types of videos - living vicariously through them. - Appalachian trail hikers.

These folks start hiking in Georgia, and complete it in Maine on Mt. Katahdin. About 2,200 miles give or take. The difference AFAIK between this and say the Camino in Europe is that you're backpacking in the wild, often eating meals you carry with yourself, and of course going the bathroom in the woods, lol.

So hiking 2,000+ miles typically takes 6 months, and the costs 5,000 to 10,000 dollars. Its such a commitment both financially and time means I'll never do it but I do love following these hikers journey's through the woods.
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I used to love hiking! I should go out and try it again sometime.
 
boswald said:
I used to love hiking! I should go out and try it again sometime.
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I day hike, and that's enough for me, but the allure starting a hike in Georgia, and ending in Maine is strong. I can't see leaving my family for 6 months, or spending 5,000 dollars just to walk in the woods.
 
maflynn said:
I day hike, and that's enough for me, but the allure starting a hike in Georgia, and ending in Maine is strong. I can't see leaving my family for 6 months, or spending 5,000 dollars just to walk in the woods.
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Me neither, but I would love to be able to get back out there and walk again. Hopefully when I drop these last 40 pounds I'll be able to. Back surgery from 6 years ago is trying it's hardest to keep me from doing it, though.
 
I did backpacking trips in high school, which were really fun. They ranged from four days to a week, and we'd carry everything with us. It was a bit stressful at times, but I really enjoyed it. They also led kayaking, bouldering, and skiing trips, though I never did those. We were lucky that my high school's outdoor program had a pretty big budget, so students only had to pay a $75 fee basically to do these trips - students didn't have to buy anything. The school had all the gear, and some pretty nice stuff I will say.
 
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Mrs AFB is back from work. It’s a big adjustment for her going back to work after 20+ years of being at home.

Also a big adjustment for me. I really miss having her around when she is gone.

But I’m really proud of her for giving it a go and supporting her in any way I can.

She’s off until Tuesday now.
 
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maflynn said:
I day hike, and that's enough for me, but the allure starting a hike in Georgia, and ending in Maine is strong. I can't see leaving my family for 6 months, or spending 5,000 dollars just to walk in the woods.
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Sometimes the idea of a venture can seem more wonderful than what the reality of it would be? Not sure where we'd be as a species if that sentiment had been taken to heart from the get go, though.

I suppose one could do the entire 2200 mile length of the trail in some other form or fashion, and may have already done so just in our day to day. I've probably climbed Everest just using the loo.
 
M4th said:
Sometimes the idea of a venture can seem more wonderful than what the reality of it would be? Not sure where we'd be as a species if that sentiment had been taken to heart from the get go, though.

I suppose one could do the entire 2200 mile length of the trail in some other form or fashion, and may have already done so just in our day to day. I've probably climbed Everest just using the loo.
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Oh there's some significant downsides to be sure. For me, once I hike close to 15 miles its not as fun as it was starting out and the fact is that you do that, sets up camp, only to do that the next day, and so on and so forth.

First off, the risk of Norovirus is real. There's a thing called the bubble a cluster of hikers that move northward and what happens every year is the stomach bug hits. Can you imagine being in the woods and struck with the Norovirus? The best bet to avoid that is to leave before or after the traditional starting dates of the hike

Another downside is the weather, trudging in snow, or rain never drying off until you can get to a town and wash/dry your gear. Showering is something you do wihtout for stretches, and so I'm sure things get very aromatic lol

I can romanticize it (and I do), but there's definitely some less savory aspects to the long hike
 
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Good luck to those who like hiking, and derive great enjoyment from it.

As for me, it is not just that I prefer urban settings to anything rural, (I especially adore ancient city centres), and tend to revel in the feel of asphalt beneath my feet, but the appeal of hot showers, and, of even greater importance, the glory and joy of indoor plumbing mean that any communing with nature will always take the form of a brief encounter.
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
This act (namely, tracking down, finding and buying CDs) and image (of actual CDs) gladdens and lifts my heart.
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I don't actively search for CDs--at least not for anything specific--but I do always check the on-going Fiends of the Library sale each time I visit the library (which happens several times a week). It's hard to resist, given what turns up, plus the low prices. I recall getting one CD which could have been featured at a local audio dealer's small CD section (the label was audiophile, tied to a brand he carried) for probably $20 in 1990. The Friends charged only a quarter. I also regularly look at CDs at my favorite thrift shop, and sometimes also the locsl Goodwill.

It's funny, because I was late to CD. I stuck with the LP through the 90s. I only bought into it as a secondary format. I would not have expected the CD collection I have now, but prices are so low now, I can't say no.
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
those who like hiking, and derive great enjoyment from it.
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Scepticalscribe said:
the appeal of hot showers, and, of even greater importance, the glory and joy of indoor plumbing
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Heh, I can relate to that. While I have plenty of backpacking experience, I currently like hiking a lot more than camping. So, for example, if I was planning to go to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in Peru, I would choose a day hikes-plus-nights in lodges trip over a sleep-in-tents trip.
 
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