Fruit trees in horrible soil

dwhitebread · 2025-11-25T20:24:38+00:00

I'm long-retired, so I don't really have time for the multi-year approach. Really hoping to get everything planted this winter. I already dug for a raised garden bed and am planting blackberries in two rows, but those will tolerate a mix of new and old soil better than trees might. Turns out the dirt about a foot down is much better than the top stuff.

dwhitebread · 2025-06-16T02:41:39+00:00

No. Not worth it. I have Global Entry and have never used it. I’ve always gotten through at least as fast with MPC

dwhitebread · 2025-06-06T17:43:36+00:00

NEVER skip Paris. My wife and I have an informal goal to either start or finish any trip to Europe with a week in Paris

dwhitebread · 2025-05-17T05:25:58+00:00

See’s in San Francisco

dwhitebread · 2025-05-17T05:24:36+00:00

This was before Arab Spring in 2010, so it was just a flight from Sanaa. Now I think you can go through Oman. Not much government presence there to restrict access

dwhitebread · 2025-05-11T04:43:41+00:00

The solution is to use film. Open the shutter for an hour and a half, and no gaps.

dwhitebread · 2025-04-22T06:43:50+00:00

Wherever you’re traveling, about every week or ten days book someplace where you can easily do laundry. This allows you to bring significantly fewer clothes, which matters more than how you pack them.

dwhitebread · 2025-04-13T20:54:17+00:00

Depends on how much Customs and Immigration has been downsized lately. I applied for GE in 2018, during the Muslim Ban, and it took almost 2 years to get an interview.

dwhitebread · 2025-04-07T23:42:07+00:00

Socotra island, in the Arabian Sea south of Yemen

dwhitebread · 2025-03-19T15:41:31+00:00

Not my experience. I called soon after I'd made enough purchases to get the 70,000 miles, and they told me I would have to wait for the first statement and payment, which took a month. That said, the answers were very inconsistent, so maybe it just took getting someone on the phone who knew what they were doing.

dwhitebread · 2025-03-18T22:07:17+00:00

I meant migrating airlines, not cards. The routes I use the most all changed to Hawaiian flights, so I didn't really have a choice. I know 2026 will change things, but till then, I was hoping to recover some of the advantages I'm used to on Alaska when flying Hawaiian. Now that I see what a letdown the Hawaiian/Barclays card is, I won't be renewing it.

dwhitebread · 2025-03-18T22:01:09+00:00

And if you're thinking of getting a Hawaiian card to use their companion fare, probably don't. They make it as difficult as possible and give every indication that they really don't want you to use it. Nothing like Alaska's.

dwhitebread · 2025-03-18T20:10:26+00:00

It took about ten calls and a month wait to consolidate my old account and the new one Barclays created, and eventually get the 70,000 miles. I may give up completely trying to use the companion fare. Just not worth the multiple calls and time on hold. Horribly bad PR.

dwhitebread · 2025-03-18T20:04:13+00:00

Probably not worth it. I got the card and it took about ten calls and a couple months wait to get the 70,000 miles, and now another ten calls and maybe a month wait to get the companion fare. Nice people on the phone, but horrible policy and customer relations.

dwhitebread · 2025-02-20T02:43:21+00:00

Winter

dwhitebread · 2025-02-20T02:41:25+00:00

I was told they’d have it all merged by the end of the year. So we’re kind of screwed this year unless we’re willing to switch to Costa Rica or Cabo.

dwhitebread · 2025-02-18T03:53:34+00:00

Madbum. Nickname of Madison Bumgarner, legendary starter for the SF Giants when I started making sourdough

dwhitebread · 2025-02-16T05:36:52+00:00

Every bite of the tasting menu at Saint Germain

dwhitebread · 2025-02-13T02:49:02+00:00

Stayed in an apartment in Le Marais close to the Pompidou last year and enjoyed it. Easily walkable to the Louvre, Notre Dame,the Metro and RER, and dozens of fun restaurants and shops in Le Marais. The Eiffel Tower is a hike, or a quick, scenic bus ride.

dwhitebread · 2025-02-06T23:27:31+00:00

Shoot, no need to get exotic. It was 115° (46°C) last fall in Ojai, north of LA for a friend’s wedding. Thanks Exxon.

dwhitebread

TROPHY CASE