Still the Same Old Questions!

As you can see from the time that's elapsed since my introduction, I am not a serious Blogger. My little writing goes into a science fiction amateur press association called Slanderous Amateur Press Association, SLANapa for short. And even that's pretty thin.

When I was young, I wrote a lot, primarily to clarify my views. At age 61, my views are all clarified (to me). Don't misunderstand: that doesn't mean that I have answered all the questions, it is just that I pretty much know which questions are answerable and which are not.

I am still wrestling with the problem of having too much stuff. My life is awash with things! I did foist off my fanzine collection to the University of Iowa. I sold my book collection and filled two boxcars with books bound for Pennsylvania; I made the mistake of blundering into modern mysteries and collecting them ~~ so my mass is back up again. I sold my collection of amateur radio equipment some ten years ago, but it has proliferated since then so that I have about sixty radios to get rid of. Thank goodness for eBay!

We spent six months remodeling the basement. We theoretically did it so we could re-wire and re-plumb the house; I did it because I get the basement space for my fort. We moved walls around, sheet-rocked and painted the whole thing and now I am gradually moving back in. What a delight!

Part of the 'moving back in' project is building bookshelves. I have not had real shelves ever; it's always been bricks and boards. I have built two 34" sections so far. These were a trial set, out of pine; I am getting Oregon maple from my cousin for the 'good' shelves ~~ beautiful wood!

This project has got my old interest in woodworking rekindled. I have the Shopsmith that I inherited when Dad died, and a radial arm saw, and lots of hand tools. I am pleased with woodworking as a hobby; it's very satisfying, even though I am not very good at it.

I still wonder why we are here. At my age there is no keen desire to live longer. The world seems to be gradually slipping into a nightmare and I don't think I want to be part of it. The only thing positive is having a new grandson (my first grandchild); I'd like to stick around until he becomes cognizant. I have much to tell him.

Introduction

Mike Horvat here. I am a retired commercial printer in my late fifties. I am an accumulator and collector who is having problems coming to terms with being of an age wherein one should rid oneself of collections and accumulations. I have sold my book collection, which was mainly history, and filled two railroad cars with it. I have sold my communications equipment collection (shortwave receivers and transmitters etc) and waved good-bye as the three 24 foot U-Haul trucks pulled away. I still have my stamp collection. I like the philosophy that less is more; this concept has set up a tension within me that is very strong.

I have a fine wife of thirty-plus years and three children who give me much pleasure and satisfaction. I live in a small town in Oregon.