HIPPYVALLEY

Low of 45°F

51/45 Had to close the most of the windows.

Yeah, the new stuff is not cheap. if she’s into newer artists on vinyl it’s hard to find that stuff used anyway. Classic stuff is pretty easy to find used but there aren’t really many stores I can think of out near you. It’s been a few years but I believe “That’s Entertainment” in Fitchburg has a decent new and used selection.

Yes that is certainly true. Of course, plenty of bands are still doing complete concept type albums but that’s not really a formula for success in sales. As far as I can tell most people don’t even have full size stereo systems in their house anymore. It’s all Bluetooth through a sound stick. I’ve always been a low budget audiophile so we still have the full set up in the living room. We still have a ton of CDs and of course my record collection and listen to both frequently. Yes, of course we also will listen to Pandora and Spotify at times because of convenience. As far as digital files go, I only have “lossless” files on my hard drive and a lot of those are 24-bit that I play through a DAC from my computer to my stereo When people say they can’t tell the difference between streaming/MP3 versus higher quality formats they are either not trying or not interested in better sound. That’s fine, as long as they’re happy with their music.

Records go for a lot of money these days. A friend of mine owns two used record and cd stores and he can’t find enough vinyl. New vinyl is also very high demand because there are only a few pressing plants in the US. He said lots of young people buying them because you can pick up $80-$100 turntable at Walmart or Target. I’d recommend spending 3 - 5x that if you like your vinyl but you get the point.

Uhg. I’ve been through scout camp outs like that. Bone dry here overnight.

So, a friend of mine is an in demand, high end finish carpenter. He makes good money and he’s never hurting for work. He told me yesterday he is transitioning out of carpentry and is going to refurbish pinball machines full-time, which has always been a hobby of his. Apparently he will be making more money than with cabinet building because pinball machines are so in demand right now. Crazy world!

Partly cloudy 72° Dry em’ out.

Enjoy, we picked up .75” in about 90 minutes.

At least tomorrow looks like a gem here. Low 70s full sun.

I am so tired of rain. I just want a week or two of dry weather. I’m sure that’s probably coming in January.

Absolutely pouring here. .25 past 30 minutes.

Used prices are insane right now. Brutal.

Awesome. Now I will also need your Italian tomato gravy recipe.

Great, I have no interest in turning my heat on or running the wood stove until after Halloween.

I use an old-school rain gauge. I also always double check my mercury thermometer against my low end weather station.

70/66. Not exactly crisp fall air.

It’s interesting because myself and others around here have noted a distinct lack of yellow jackets this year. Maybe it’s just particular to this area but you never want to see a pollinator species thin off, even if they are jerks with wings.

Red meat is my favorite land based meat. Grilled to perfection with grilled veggies and potatoes. Side salad. Yum! All things in moderation. Meanwhile 58/54. Hoping rain and showers are minimal out here the next few days. Enjoying the drier days.

Years ago, when I was more involved in the study of Chinese and Japanese healing arts and to some extent martial arts, I ate a lot of interesting things at "family and friends" dinner gatherings. It was a huge insult to turn your nose up or dismiss something based on appearance or what you thought it was. Most of what I tried was delicious or at least palatable. A few things were a complete gag reflex. I was naive at the time but now I consider myself fortunate to have had traditional meals with Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian families. I was at dinner party in Kyoto Japan, eating amazing Sashimi and then the chef/host brought out huge live shrimp that he cracked and cut down the middle and handed us with a delicate smear of wasabi and soy. I threw back a shot of Shochu rice liquor, closed my eyes and politely ate something that was moving a few seconds before. It tasted fine but took some fortitude. I can't remember the Japanese term but they are called "dancers' due to the moving legs as it's handed to you. Chinese jellyfish salad was an interesting experience in terms of texture. Some of the Korean vegetable and egg ferments I've tried have been intense. Not good if you have a date the next day. Overall, in terms of Asian cuisine, Japanese is my favorite. Also very healthy food outside of the fried delights from the street vendors.

I'm in my 50's, work at a brewery and drink beer daily. I just try to keep to a reasonably healthy diet, maintain a relatively low emotional and mental stress level and get out in nature. My doctor says it seems to be working for me. IMHO stretching is really important as you get older. Take time to chill out and stretch your connective tissues.

@HimoorWx Great pictures! Hoping for an England and Ireland trip next year with my wife and child.

Nice Monday morning SmackDown in the markets.

They also eat fewer processed, preservative laden foods, have less stress, eat enzyme rich fresh fruits and vegetables and get outside in the sun and fresh air more.