rustle

I figured mine deserved retirement after 208k miles. It still ran like a scalded dog, but it looked like one, too.

If you want to meet somebody for the long term, join a group that does things you like to do, and meet folks who share your interests. No guarantee you'll get laid out of it, though.

I've got 5 different brands of jeans in my closet right now, and 8 brands of shirts. I drive a Honda Fit because it carries my dogs and gear best, and gets reasonable mileage. I traded in a GMC Envoy I loved 'cause of gas mileage. Columbia outdoor wear is great, as are Asolo hiking boots. Eureka tents are reasonably priced and have good workmanship. I've worn the snot out of my Wenger daypacks and they still look great. For pocket knives and multitools, I like Leatherman, CRKT, Case, Puma, Boken, and Gerber. My favorite store is Home Depot. No, wait, it's REI. Home Depot's just where I find myself most often. My favorite boat is Old Town. Brands are a starting point. I still check out workmanship and materials, try it on, and look at the competition. Gotta keep an open mind, 'cause quality varies within a brand over time, and there's always another company coming up that might be better. Like a lot of older folks, I've found myself wearing the same styles until they're long out of fashion, so I make an effort to look around more.

Just as a guy can be attracted to only one girl, and have no interest in others, he can also be attracted to only one guy. What we find attractive in a partner is a very personal and individual thing. Is it his smile, her eyes, the open friendliness, smell? I don't think most people know what they're looking for until they find it. And then, neurons firing, the little head often takes over, and many of us never give it a second thought. Is knowing why we want going to change anything? Probably not. We just know we want. How many times have you known a guy to say he only likes blondes, then ends up with a brunette or redhead? He's figured out he likes blondes, but finds something in the redhead that overrides his fixation on blondes. To some extent, we can open ourselves up to find something we like, and we can ignore outside stimulation when we find someone.

The GOP will not forget, but neither will a number or voters who saw Christie work with Obama to help with recovery from Sandy. They also won't forget him calling the Republican House out for gross dereliction of duty and lack of human decency. Votes from his constituency will trump the support of a toothless national party. He won't get the Republican nomination for the Presidency? I think he'll find happiness in doing the right thing, and staying in NJ. "Have you done nothing in your life that was worth risking everything?"

When dinosaurs roamed the earth, in my youth, 18 was legal to drink, and I had a taste for bourbon. Clubs played discoor country, so I went to bars. Didn't like them, but believed it was where guys met. Uh, yeh, if they just wanted to hook up. They were too noisy for a conversation, too dim to see if I'd need a paper bag for the guy who had his tongue down my throat. Drank too much, played some pool or darts. Decided it wasn't my thing.

Are you doing anything for yourself in these relationships, or are you so focused on reading another's wants and needs that you neglect your own, and fail to enjoy the moment? Are you more attuned to your partner's needs than he is, so he doesn't even realize he wants something before you serve it up on a platter? Is Yang on the right track? Relationships involve giving and receiving, both. Did your partner give good head?

My in-laws are cooking, so I don't know what's on the menu, but I'm stopping by the liquor store for Jameson's and Crown Royal.

I've lost a lot of people over the years. Family, friends, acquaintances. Finding out about Roan got me thinking. I found myself drifting, thinking about Roan, and started having a one-sided conversation, out loud, telling him all kinds of things. I knew he wasn't there, but I just kept talking, as if he could hear. I realize I've done this for years - talking with those who are no longer with us. Sometimes in a the cementary, sometimes not. I read this described as an Irish trait. It gives me some comfort, kinda like a pressure release valve. Long way around to a question, but, do any of you find yourself talking to people you've known who have died, or have you heard of this before?

from Roan's profile: Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. - Dr Seuss G'bye, mate. Thanks.

Thus begins the slow decline into dotage. I'm picturing Yang in 5 years, pants pulled up to his chest, yelling at the kids to get off his lawn.

Never heard of imaginary numbers?

Every city employee is required to take this training, and there's a machine on every floor of every city building. I'm considering a DNR order (do not resuscitate). Just kidding, Kase.

Care to share one? For you who don't remember Ian Anderson's early work, look up Jethro Tull on youtube.

This may be the only way a guy's ever gonna drool over me. Thank god. Drool is gross.

I recommend Blue Bell Southern Blackberry Cobbler.

Tell Ebby I know which one is the evil twin. All the best, as always, and check your email. oh, and happy berfday

Damnit, I'm always late getting to a party! Happy Birthday, guy. I hope it was the best, and you got lots of gunk under your fingernails, followed by copious amounts of your favorite whatever. All the best, young'un. love, rusty

I recommend The Ninth Gate. Not only does it keep me on the edge of my seat, not only is it a Roman Polansky film, but Johnny Depp is sexy as HELL in it.

I don't care if it is your birthday. I don't care if you're another year older. I don't care if you squirm if I call you boy or kid; I'm going to, anyway. I luv ya, Mark, and wish nothing but good things for ya. May the fences fall, the gates crumble, may you finally see yourself clearly in a true mirror, and realize just how special you really are. All the best, stud. happy birthday rusty

Happy Birthday, darlin'! I hope it's better than any before, and not near as good as the ones to come.

Nate, does he seem competitive about it, or just insecure? Does he do this when you're not around? If he's competing with you, maybe you can love him through it. Reassure him. If it's insecurity in general, you have to get to the root of it. Honestly, most folks don't give a rat's ass how elite your school was, or how good your grades were. But they care how easy you are to be around. Maybe he could spend some time with some old hippie, earth-mother types, and learn something they don't put in books, or teach in class. Good luck to you both. You deserve good things in life.

I'd say yes, 'cause 22 years ago, I remember my first glimpse of my current partner. Of course, that's a memory, viewed through the lens of time.

TO ALL IN THE PATH OF THE STORM: PLEASE POST A STATUS UPDATE AS YOU CAN. LET US KNOW YOU'RE OK. WISHING YOU ALL WELL.