For literature I find 100 years of Solitude to be without equal. An absolute joy to read.

For nonfiction I have learned so much from 1491. It was recommended to me by a friend though I have never heard of it elsewhere. The premise is that basically everything we think about Native Americans before Columbus arrived is wrong. I could go on but here is one tidbit: we tend to think of Native Americans as peoples without government. Now of course there are so many different groups of peoples all over the Americas and across so many eras it’s foolish to even think of them as being this way or that way because who and when are you referring to? But there were many types of government. In fact the Incas were total bureaucrats! Anyway I’m doing a poor job selling it i know but it’s a great read.

For self-help try How to Win Friends and Influence People. I know the title sounds like it’s a guide to manipulation but it’s really not. It’s 100 years old but still holds up so well. Times change, but people don’t, you know what I mean? People 100 years later still appreciate it when you remember their name and look them in the eye and make time to listen.

I’ve been into Staples Tru Red pens. I just wish the clip was a little more grippy.

We went to a bar where she immediately bumped into a friend. They talked for over 30 minutes about old times and friends I didn’t know. I felt so awkward I just left without a word. I doubt they noticed.

I’m reading Discworld series after some Lemmings suggested it. They’re great! Read Sourcerer and Guards! Guards! And just starting Men at Arms

I laughed so much at the Brotherhood scenes in Guards! When the brothers are bickering, and when the guy has to recite the whole long password but the last line is incorrect.

How are you liking F is for Fugitive?

Here you go!

I little email

Some you and me-mail

Haha that’s about as much as I can remember, aside from Trogdor

I spotted my first one this summer! I was by myself at a park. I turned and shouted at the only stranger around. “Cedar waxwing!!”

She wasn’t impressed

Thank you

I’m digging a tiny hole and staying inside forever with occasional peeks outside to see if it day or night. Tell my wife I miss her

I cut in half, and lay the half down flat. Then I cut off just the very end from each side which makes it easier to lift the peel off. Then slice. Usually works, but occasionally there’s difficulty. Isn’t that life?

I’ve been through this so I know how you feel. Here’s what I did with an old router table I inherited. I knew nothing about router tables at all when I got it. I didn’t even know how to set it up or use it. First I watched a safety video about it, and then a longer one about setting it up for use. I got my hands on it and became familiar with the parts while watching the videos. Then once I was aware of how the parts worked together I did a very careful test cut. It worked! And now I had just enough understanding to know which parts I needed, which parts were for safety, and I could now see potential problems like if something is too rusty or not spinning smooth.

Just take it one step at a time is all I’m trying to impress on you. It’s not rocket science- you will figure it out. I’m sure you can still find replacement parts for anything broken or sharpen things or lubricate them.

You can bring your phone into the X-ray room. Unless you’re getting a hip X-ray you can even keep it in your pocket. Keys and wallet too!

All my patients are convinced that a phone can’t be in the pocket and I cannot even convince them otherwise. They don’t believe me!

Good names! They sound original and they could all pass as a country

Wait what now? This sounds like an inside joke that I’m on the outside of

You know what- I’m stating to think there are some funny Australians after all. Sorry to hear about the racist one though

Y’all got some funny Canadians too. That Jared Keeso and his giant neck are something else

Oh no! Are they? Flippin Hole