Category Archives: Uncategorized

The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is a few blocks away from Chez Canoelover.  When I need a fix of outside, it’s a little more convenient than driving an hour or two to get really out of town.  It’s hardly wilderness, … Continue reading →

Looks like a bee, flies like a…well…a fly. Batesian mimicry is an awesome biological phenomenon, wherein harmless species (flies) take upon themselves the look at feel of harmful species so that predators are either momentarily or permanently confused.  Makes sense. … Continue reading →

Interesting day. The shop was busy, of course, but there was a little time here and there to take some pictures.  We’re right on the cusp of massive amounts of emergent life.  An occasional mayfly, a few teneral damselflies and … Continue reading →

Once the varnish is dry, it’s back to the rack for the paddles until they’re needed, except for a few of them.  I wanted to add leather wraps to some of the paddle shafts where they often rub against the … Continue reading →

I’m never quite sure why or when or how, but at some point a ganglion is activated in my limbic system*, the reptilian part of my brain over which I have no control.  Once that little cluster of nerves goes … Continue reading →

Jeeves is a wonder.  A marvel. What a brain. Size nine-and-a-quarter, I should say. He eats a lot of fish. – Bertie Wooster, in P.G. Wodehouse’s Thank You, Jeeves. Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors.  We all wore cool shades. Last … Continue reading →

Kicking around in rural Appalachia is a treat. It requires a different mindset, especially for Yankees. If you’re in a hurry, go to New Jersey. They expect that, and you’ll fit right in.  Sorry, New Jersey. There are significant problems … Continue reading →

To say that I am a bit of a gear junkie is sort of like an alcoholic saying he likes an occasional nip of brandy. I am incorrigible.  Those who have seem my garage are appalled, while I am simply palled.  I am … Continue reading →

So I get this phone call from a guy who says he has this great new technology that can run a live chat during off hours, so no one has to staff the website overnight.   I am skeptical.   … Continue reading →