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As recently as a few months ago, my attitude towards "RV'ers" was one of disregard.. those lumbering highway behemoths clogging the roadways on their way to some crowded "campground".  Especially in light of our (very) past history of week-long backpack trips throughout the entire Big Sur range and most of the Sierras, plodding about in an RV seemed as only remotely connected to the great outdoors. That was before our multimonth-long sequestration at our home due to Covid-19, and the prospect of many more months to come of the same.  It was these driving factors that prompted us to take ...
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With the Covid-19 pandemic upon us, the specter of a possibility any one of us could be dead in literally two weeks, gives rise of thoughts of legal preparation in case of that horrible prospect.  Dorothee and I have had wills for years, but the recent experience of a nearby neighbor and cherished friend sounded the alarm for us.  Her husband suffered an unexpected heart attack in December 2019 while out on a field trip, and passed away on the spot.  Although title to their home was shared jointly, it turns out that real property, even if held jointly, is ...
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These are times where a bit of extra effort is required to find the "silver lining" in the Covid-19 situation.  Nevertheless, in spite of all the horrible things occurring in our nation, saddled with the worst President ever, we have been able to find many rays of light here on Hidden Hills Drive. Being sequestered on our little two acres isn't so bad.  It has encouraged me to spend more time on the patios, just contemplating life and appreciating the beauty all around us.  Dorothee has been relentless in her stewardship of our property.  Every year she plants hundreds of ...
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I've always been a sucker for a perceived bargain.  Time and time again, I've chased after a promising "deal" (car or motorcycle), and just as surely have suffered the rude reminder of the old adage "you get what you paid for".  Yet, in spite of years of "lessons learned", I seem to persist in pursuing my unattainable quest. My most recent "steal" came about somewhat by accident.  During a routine browse through the motorcycle section of eBay, I spotted a classic(?) Moto Guzzi listing for which bidding seemed to be languishing at a value I judged to be sub-par.  I'd ...
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Reaching 75 years old seemed like some impossibly far off prediction just weeks ago, but, here I am, 75 (May 3, 2020) and still breathing. This whole coronavirus 'thang' has certainly put a damper on traditional birthday celebrations (you know, dinner and drinks out at a fancy Austin restaurant, etc). Nevertheless, My 75th was just about as perfect as a guy could wish for. My leisurely morning began with greetings from my "girls", Chloe (left) and Sadie, always eager to share some love and activity around the house: Then Dorothee "surprised" me with a lovely present (well, thanks to a ...
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