Season of Spend

This is the first entry since the old computer crashed.  We got an iMac for two reasons.  The first is that it is made with real metal and real glass (regardless of Apple's not-so-hot rating with those that rate such things as environmental sensitivity, the absence of that much more plastic can only be a good thing) and the second is that it is more functional for what we do most of the time (e-mail, online news, music recording, digital photography, blog entries, etc.).  I could get into more about this subject, but such a debate is better left to people with much less to do than I.  

Our good friend from Missoula way stopped in, recently, so we took the opportunity to finally visit the blueberry farm I used to pass on the way to work every day.  We walked out of there with nearly 2 gallons of the finest ericaceous edibles known to man and only paid $15.  Man, if ever there was a way to be sustainable, this would qualify.  All we need is a few such farms (they need not be the 10 or so acres that this one was) in strategic locations (recently acquired county greenspace property?), and we've got the start of a community garden network.  Charlotte was an inspiration in this respect, as we passed one of their gardens a few times during the course of the certification class, and it was at least a few acres in size and full of people and plants.  They were obviously doing something right (perhaps the fence around the garden was locked to keep out those that would ruin such a good thing by stealing food others had grown?).

I suspect the existing greenway in our area would be perfect for this, but I also suspect that there are a few jerks that would ride their motorcycles through the plants, let their dogs crap on the garden, or otherwise ruin it for others.  I don't like to be pessimistic about it, I just know that humans are not the most respectful animals on the planet.  

I think most of our effort will be in the new back yard, especially since I'd like the little ones to have an established garden once their able to help out.

Speaking of the little ones, tomorrow is the expected appointment at which we'll be learning whether it'll be two bruisers or two beauties.  I'd be happy with any permutation, but I'm still expecting the former.    

As for media to consume, I've not been able to peruse much, lately, but I did just read the newest book about turn-of-the-century bicycle racer Major Taylor, and I did just see a great documentary about an inner-city school called "I Am a Promise."  Both worth a look.

Finally, the bicycles I sent for painting are done.  Turns out the Surly probably had rust before the first paint job was applied, which is why I got problems with rust within two and a half years, while the Raleigh I also sent was only having significant problems after 30.  Looking forward to this last big bicycle build-up before the babies come a' bouncin'.  Hopefully, I'll be able to recover some of the expense by selling a few bicycles I've had laying around for some time.  I hate to part with them, but I'm just not using them much anymore, and I'd like to get down to 3 bikes (1 MTB, 1 tourer-commuter, and 1 road race model). 

Hope you all are well, and send me a comment or e-mail when you can (especially you, Costa Rican...I accidentally deleted your e-mail address).