That's Not Cool

I was back in the State of New York last week and took a drive up to the Croton near Somers. On my way I passed by the empty site of the fly shop in Cross River. Sadly gone and done! Small shops disappearing. But the biggest shocker was the news from Orvis, closing half their retail stores. Victims of those beautiful  tariffs. LL Bean prices are resembling those of Ralph Lauren and Gucci. The world economy is based on trade and the premise of someone overseas will be paying them is crazy. you and I are paying them. So don't throw out those old shirts. 

The Year of Losses

In my world this year is the year of losses, more friends have passed away and each and everyone of them left a hole in my soul. I will eventually fill that space with new adventures, make new friends, new experiences and as my grandchildren grow they will fill that space.

Death seems to come in waves. As a child I would meet a great aunt, uncle, cousin twice removed only to be taken to their wake. As a young adult, both my grandmothers passed within a year of each other. They were followed by a great uncle who was the man who introduced me to the love of the outdoors; fishing, archery, how to use a firearm and row a small boat. along with an sundry of skills like feeding the ducks and chickens, egg gathering and picking the best corn from a field. My aunt (his wife passed a few years later), could turn most wild game into a palatable meal. In my middle age I buried both parents and watched their siblings, pass as well as their wives. Death took a holiday till this year.

I don't fear death and I understand the cycle of life. Experience life and enjoy it now!