Not the answer to life, the universe, and everything but vital nonetheless

Before we went on our Alaskan cruise, I scoured the interweb looking for data to help me determine whether it was worthwhile to take a tripod along, but I found very little advice one way or the other (apparently one of those rare topics that does not cause controversy, wars, and divorce on social media).  The only other topic with so little extant web knowledge that I have yet discovered is a certain brand of guitar they quit making in the late '60's.  So for those of you dying to know whether you should take a tripod on your next sailing adventure, I will try and fill in the gap of knowledge and thereby earn my place among the pantheon of those who place a cornerstone of knowledge online that google might dig it up randomly and bequeath it to needy minds.  So whether you need a tripod for your camera, your spotting scope, or as a date (since your significant other dumped you right before your special trip), here is the final verdict: it depends.

Yes, there you have it, the final answer on all things tripodal and nautical.  Which is exactly the verdict I reached from the available data ere setting forth.  If you want to use a spotting scope at all, by all means bring it along.  If you want a few pictures of you and your special somebody and don't want to ask any old Dr. Jekyl or Mr. Hyde to snap it, ditto.  If you have extra room in your luggage, go for it.  If you want someone who is quiet and listens and obedient to your every demand, go for it.  If you want someone who can dance, I'd skip it, as the thing sometimes has 3 left feet.  If you aren't an avid photographer or bird watcher, skip it.  If you are already strapped for room or weight, skip it.  There you have it.  I had room and brought it along and used it for a few shots of me and the hubby all dressed up and used it on deck a few times to try and get a view of something far away with the spotting scope (every pirate needs a telescope, right?) but I probably would not have missed the thing.  But as far as roommates go, the thing won't snore, so there is that to consider.  And if you dress them right, that tall, lean look is attractive, right?:

Bored?

I used to think housewives must get really bored with nothing to do but wipe noses and fold laundry.  I once almost panicked at the thought of such a fate, as I was spending some time with a friend who had gotten her master's degree only to turn mother and wife; I could almost feel her 'bower closing in about her, a hutch to trammel some wild thing in.'  But that was before I had kids and at the very start of my career.  Then I had a career and a kid.  Then just a kid.  Now I wonder how I ever thought a career was what life was all about.  My problem was I wasn't looking at a stay at home mom as a talented, useful person; I saw the laundry and the baby and assumed that was all there was to the story.

I was reflecting the other day on a 'typical' day around here: get husband's car unstuck from snow bank, pull a calf, pretend we're in a Star Wars movie, go get groceries...and that's just before lunch, nope, life is anything but dull!  Actually I've had far longer and more boring days at work than I've ever had at home.  As G.K. Chesterton says, 'an adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered,' so whether you're at home or abroad, go have an adventure or two and enjoy your day!

As ye sow

My parental antics have come back to haunt me and I couldn't be more proud.  I came home the other night and thought everybody was downstairs so I proceeded to the bedroom, only to shriek in terror as two nameless persons, one not yet five years old, leapt from behind the bed and yelled boo at me.  Worse, the instigator was the five year old!  I've been jumping out and surprising the poor kid since he was old enough to walk and now he's repaying me in kind.  Be careful what you teach their kids, intentionally or unintentionally, because it won't be long and they'll be doing the exact same things.

Xingu

Last week on my book blog, I gave you a reading assignment consisting of five short stories recommended by a certain webzine.  I read them myself, and while each was a good story in its own way, my favorite was by far Xingu by Edith Wharton.  Take a peek, if you haven't, at this witty and amusing read.  It certainly beats anything on cable or at the theatre.  Enjoy!