This is such a lovely idea! Care packages are so necessary and welcome right now. And Stjarna! I spent a summer during university learning Spanish in Guatemala. The family I boarded with had pet turtles and they were the most wonderful companions, curious, easy going, always basking in the sun watching the world go by. How fortunate you are to have Stjarna in your life!
Greg, I see you lived in Bagno a Ripoli. We stayed in an apartment there, as part of larger villa, for a couple of nights (with olive orchard, of course) during Italy section of bike tour last fall. Truly spectacular ! Dangerous roads though.
Hi Glen! Isn't it a beautiful area? And yes, the roads are terribly dangerous, especially the way the locals drive on them. Our evening walks were not without some dramatic tension!
What a delightful idea! I thank you and your clever turtle for packing such goodies. I think one could apply the elimination game to the circular debates one has inside one's own head, too! And wow, that sunset. Gorgeous eye candy.
What a terrific idea! We all need a bit more care, compassion, humor and beauty in our lives. My greatest compliment to you is my intention to imitate this gift for my Substack readers. Thank you!
Hello Stjärna! 🌟 I sometimes use the elimination game by myself, to decide which one of a number of equally important tasks to do first. Dunno if that counts.
First of all, lovely Stjarna! How do you pronounce her name? (No idea how to get an umlaut on my keyboard).
One of the very fabulous benefits of being single is no need to play the elimination game. I do what I want to do, and eat what I want to eat, when I want to, when I'm alone.
And it's interesting that when I'm with friends and family we don't get decision paralysis either. Here's a real example of WhatsApp messaging between me and good friends about getting together, which took about a minute:
J and S: Lunch this week?
S (Me): Absolutely. Thursday?
J and S: Let's do it. How about...? (picks one of many lovely eateries in town.)
S (Me): Great. Book it and I'll come to your place about 10 minutes beforehand to walk over.
Hi Sally! I'm glad you liked the package. Stjärna is pronounced a bit like "Hanna", but with more frication on the H. (I'll write something longer sometime.)
Not having to compromise with others is indeed a benefit of being single—no question. But on the other hand, I'd say, sometimes it's nice to have someone else that you can allow to make decisions from time to time. Sometimes my ex would say "I'll make dinner tonight, so you don't need to think about it", which was lovely.
You seem to have found a no-nonsense group of friends, which is great. One day I'll write about what it's like arranging social events here in Portugal. But not today.
You’re so right on the need to make every decision. It can get exhausting every day, yes. Looking forward to the post on organising social events in Portugal!
We had our friend Paul to dinner last night and I greeted him, Norm! Funny to have that come up twice. Love the help from your turtle. That Tuscan photo! Wow. Finally, I’ll choose Bream every time, at least for now. No game necessary 😃
This is such a lovely idea! Care packages are so necessary and welcome right now. And Stjarna! I spent a summer during university learning Spanish in Guatemala. The family I boarded with had pet turtles and they were the most wonderful companions, curious, easy going, always basking in the sun watching the world go by. How fortunate you are to have Stjarna in your life!
Thank you, Jody! Yes, little Stjärna is a better companion than I ever would have imagined. She's pretty lousy at chess, though.
Greg, I see you lived in Bagno a Ripoli. We stayed in an apartment there, as part of larger villa, for a couple of nights (with olive orchard, of course) during Italy section of bike tour last fall. Truly spectacular ! Dangerous roads though.
Hi Glen! Isn't it a beautiful area? And yes, the roads are terribly dangerous, especially the way the locals drive on them. Our evening walks were not without some dramatic tension!
I love this idea! What a treat!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Oh how nice. I’ve been riding the emotional roller coaster and it’s little surprising bits like this that can be so comforting. Thank you, Gregory.
I’m happy to offer a bit of comfort, Caroline!
What a delightful idea! I thank you and your clever turtle for packing such goodies. I think one could apply the elimination game to the circular debates one has inside one's own head, too! And wow, that sunset. Gorgeous eye candy.
Thank you very much, Amy! Let me know if you find that the game can be played by one!
Best stats joke I've heard all day! 😂
Thanks! How many stats jokes do you hear each day… on average?
The care package is a great idea. I got a lot out of this, especially the elimination game. I'll be using it. I love Stjarna too!
Thanks, Tina! I hope the elimination game will work well for you. Stay tuned for more pictures of little Stjärna in the future!
What a terrific idea! We all need a bit more care, compassion, humor and beauty in our lives. My greatest compliment to you is my intention to imitate this gift for my Substack readers. Thank you!
Thank you, Sue. I'm glad you like the idea. Feel free to tell your readers where you got it. 😉
Of course, I recommend 5 five new-to-me substacks each month and yours is one of them.
Thanks, Sue! That’s great! 🙏
Obv didn't get the bar/beer one. I'm 73. 😵💫🤯
OK, let me give you two clues. The joke hinges on the word "average", and for proper appreciation requires a familiarity with a certain TV show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXED2AVlbR0
I see… I will research🙂↕️
Don’t fret it! There are way better things to think about. 😊
Tan lindo!!
I love that you have a turtle
So does she! 😂
What an excellent idea to send such care packages! I liked the elimination game and will start playing it immediately.
Thanks, Claire! Let me know how it goes.
Hello Stjärna! 🌟 I sometimes use the elimination game by myself, to decide which one of a number of equally important tasks to do first. Dunno if that counts.
🐢👋 That makes sense to me. Though it’s less of a game that way, perhaps.
Ah, this made me smile - thank you!
First of all, lovely Stjarna! How do you pronounce her name? (No idea how to get an umlaut on my keyboard).
One of the very fabulous benefits of being single is no need to play the elimination game. I do what I want to do, and eat what I want to eat, when I want to, when I'm alone.
And it's interesting that when I'm with friends and family we don't get decision paralysis either. Here's a real example of WhatsApp messaging between me and good friends about getting together, which took about a minute:
J and S: Lunch this week?
S (Me): Absolutely. Thursday?
J and S: Let's do it. How about...? (picks one of many lovely eateries in town.)
S (Me): Great. Book it and I'll come to your place about 10 minutes beforehand to walk over.
No drama, all done!
And I'll send you a "Cheers" for Norm.
Hi Sally! I'm glad you liked the package. Stjärna is pronounced a bit like "Hanna", but with more frication on the H. (I'll write something longer sometime.)
Not having to compromise with others is indeed a benefit of being single—no question. But on the other hand, I'd say, sometimes it's nice to have someone else that you can allow to make decisions from time to time. Sometimes my ex would say "I'll make dinner tonight, so you don't need to think about it", which was lovely.
You seem to have found a no-nonsense group of friends, which is great. One day I'll write about what it's like arranging social events here in Portugal. But not today.
You’re so right on the need to make every decision. It can get exhausting every day, yes. Looking forward to the post on organising social events in Portugal!
Aw! The pic of Stjarna and the care package! That was gift enough! This idea is so thoughtful. Care packages are good for the soul. 😊🙏
That’s the reaction I was hoping for! Thank you, Karen!
We had our friend Paul to dinner last night and I greeted him, Norm! Funny to have that come up twice. Love the help from your turtle. That Tuscan photo! Wow. Finally, I’ll choose Bream every time, at least for now. No game necessary 😃
Eliza, I'm with you on grilled fish, but not the game—we can be the Bream Team! 🐟