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Afterword

Notes

What exactly is the “style” upcharge for a men’s haircut, anyway? Put gel or pomade in it?

The party is over.

Il Consiglio dei Ministri approva modifiche alla legge sulla cittadinanza “ius sanguinis” – Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale

Accidentally snapped a photo of a levitating child.

People and a dog are walking along a sandy beach with waves in the background.

This ain’t Florida. #oregoncoast

A cloudy beach scene features scattered driftwood along a sandy shoreline with gentle waves in the distance.A child in a hooded jacket stands on a beach next to a large, weathered log with sea foam and waves in the background.A few people walk along a quiet, overcast beach, with distant houses and hills in the background.A woman and a child are walking on a sandy beach, carrying toys and dressed warmly.

Ah, yes. Spring break on the Oregon coast. High winds, 51°, 95% chance of rain.

A tranquil beach landscape features rough surf, grassy dunes, and scattered driftwood under a cloudy sky.

California really is on another level with their legalization.

A roadside sign marks the "Weed Rest Area" managed by the California Department of Transportation, surrounded by rocks and greenery.

Drove by last Blockbuster in the country. Bend, Oregon.

A Blockbuster store is seen in a parking lot with several cars nearby on a sunny day.

View of the Sacramento River looking west from the Sundial Bridge on a beautiful day in Redding, CA.

A scenic view of a calm river flanked by lush trees, with a bridge and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Surprisingly decent family fun at the Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding.

A man is holding two children wearing sun hats on a bridge, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

Shasta Dam.

A woman and two children wearing hats are posing together on a lakeside walkway with mountains in the background.

Shasta Lake with Mt. Shasta peeking out from behind.

A serene lake is set against a backdrop of tree-covered hills and a distant snow-capped mountain under a partly cloudy sky.

86° today in Shasta Lake, March 25.

Bend is the Traverse City of Oregon.

As much Pete Buttigieg as we’re seeing, you have to wonder if he’s plotting a run for president. I’ve never seen a former Secretary of Transportation so visible.

A nice drive over Santiam Pass today, heading through the Cascades. Plenty of snow around, complete with a magical fog that emanated from it. #pnw

A winding road runs through a dense forest with tall trees on both sides under a clear blue sky.

First stop on the 2025 Spring Break Tour. Pilot Butte, Bend.

A family of four is sitting together on a stone ledge with a scenic view of a city and mountains in the background.

How very Bend, Oregon of you to take your cat on a hike up Pilot Butte.

A person wearing a backpack is walking along a forest trail while carrying a small cat.

An article from a few years back that I still think about sometimes as I grind away in the rat race and on the hedonic treadmill:

The activities that make people happiest include sex, exercise and gardening. People get a big happiness boost from being with a romantic partner or friends but not from other people, like colleagues, children or acquaintances. Weather plays only a small role in happiness, except that people get a hearty mood boost on extraordinary days, such as those above 75 degrees and sunny. People are consistently happier when they are out in nature, particularly near a body of water, particularly when the scenery is beautiful.

While I don’t agree with the children piece (they bring me a lot of joy), it’s just a good reminder to touch grass, move your body, and spend time with people you love.

The Rich Are Not Who We Think They Are. And Happiness Is Not What We Think It Is, Either.

Sometimes it’s still hard to believe a place like Forest Park is only about 15 minutes from my house.

A tranquil forest scene features a shallow stream flowing under a moss-covered fallen tree and surrounded by lush greenery.
A narrow street lined with parked cars leads towards a city skyline under a cloudy sky.