Learning how to save, seven years later

For the first time in several years, I have the ability to contribute to a 401(k) plan through Sincerely’s new parent company, Provide Commerce. There were only two index funds available among the predictably limited mutual fund offerings: the Spartan…

The Lost Coast

Over Labor Day weekend last September, Stephanie and I backpacked the Lost Coast. Incredibly, it was our first true backpacking trip—you know, the kind where you carry a tent, a sleeping bag, and enough food to stay alive—in five years.…

Sabino Canyon

Last Thanksgiving, like the one before it, Stephanie and I made our annual pilgrimage to the desert. We spent this one in and around Tucson, Arizona—sort of a do-over of our initial visit (when Stephanie fell ill en route to…

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

As part of our Thanksgiving desert pilgrimage, Stephanie and I drove down to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the border with Mexico. The park protects the desert wilderness surrounding the northernmost range of the organ pipe cactus. We had…

Oaxacan Dog

I figured there was a chance I might be able to squeeze in a Sonoran hot dog during our return trip to Tucson, but it just didn’t seem to be in the cards. It wasn’t until we were on the…

Olive picking, encore

It happened back in November. This time most of the olives were black—which made them much easier to spot against the copious green leaves. Unfortunately a fair number had been infested by the olive fly—which we had to sort out…

Merry Christmas! (a month late)

Is it too late to wish everyone a Happy New Year?

Golden Gate Bridge Triptych-Diptych

Smooth waves

Golden Gate Bridge and Land’s End

This one didn’t quite fit into the triptych-diptych mold of the last post, but I liked it far too much to pass up. All these bridge photos were taken on a sunset sailing cruise that Stephanie and I took just…

Return of the Workcation

At the beginning of the month, Sincerely returned to Maui for a weeklong “workcation”, much like the year before. On our last day there, I organized a group hike up the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail—on the east side of West Maui.…