snousle

February saw a little shopping.

A 3/4 ton cargo van:

Verdict: A necessary business investment that doesn't quite provide that satisfying retail glow. We did get a good deal, though - $14.4K out the door, with 20K miles and still under factory warranty. In truth, I don't even like driving it, and backing up is terrifying, although I LOVE packing and unpacking for events now - so easy! I can't believe how long we held out, cramming stuff on the roof rack of the CRV. What a drag. Mostly, when I look at it, I am reminded of the pressing need to make it pay.

A travel knife kit:

I was looking at knife rolls at Castino when I saw that there was also a number that came complete with knives. I realized I actually needed a couple of them, they felt good, and looked like a decent buy. I've been unhappy about having to pack up the kitchen knives, and it occurred to me that I really ought to have a separate travel set. Verdict: WAY HAPPY. A much overdue purchase. These things have super-grippy handles that are are a pleasure to hold, and they just rip through the prep work. I feel like a samurai in the kitchen.

Snowboard:

Pure financial recklessness. When I was a teenager, I lusted after hot snowboards like others lusted after hot cars. The sport was in its infancy - I actually owned a Burton with a swallowtail and a little metal fin on the bottom, a design that has since completely disappeared - so it was kind of exciting. A beautiful board still seems like an unattainable dream, yet since that time they have become much more affordable. This whole rig was mine for $600 (not including boots) but emotionally I feel like I just bought a private jet.

(BTW, I'm planning a snowboard odyssey, heading up the coast range and ending in Vancouver, starting about April 1. If any of you readers up there want to offer a place to stay, ride together, or just hang, let me know and I'll see if it can work. Some of you I've already chatted with and will be getting more specific about dates soon, I promise!)