pskidmore’s Recent Comments

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  carless in a small town OR big city

  I disdain driving, except for adventure.  I've often wondered where this sentiment came from - lord knows it is not mainstream.  In twenty years of commuting, I have never commuted by car. By design, preference, or luck, I have not had to, and simply vow never to have to.  Ten of those years in a small town in Montana (well, small by most standards except Montana standards) - I walked or biked. Even when it was 20 below - with studded bike tires, ski goggles, and Sorels on my feet.  Now I am in Seattle, a relatively small big city, and still I walk, bus, and bike to work - with rain gear and reflectors and flashing lights.  It doesnt occur to me to drive.  And maybe that is because my parents never did.  They rode subways, and walked to the subway.  Not because they were environmentalists - more likely because of their spartan, miserly disposition.  I'd rather be in Montana too, walking everywhere with a view of the Big Sky. But for now, I'll weave my way through the cars with my kids in tow, on my bike.  It'll be interesting to see what they choose to do about driving, walking, and principled existence, when they get their licenses in 15 years.  I wonder if they will consider me an environmentalist - or whether, by then, they'll think of their father as mainstream.On How my father taught me to leave cars behind posted 3 years, 5 months ago 1 Response

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  bamboo floors - not what you hope they'll be

  I also installed bamboo floors.  Our local dealer in Seattle assured me they were twice, thats 2x, as hard as oak according to lab tests.  Well I am here to tell you they are fragile, dent and scratch easily.  Beautiful, yes, until you drop something on the floor.  We have fir floors next to bamboo - no comparison, even the relatively soft fir is superior to the bamboo by far.  Further evidence is my gym's yoga studio - bamboo floors - all scratched and dented.  What could possible scratch and dent a yoga studio floor.
  Think twice before you put bamboo in any areas where you will be active, or if you have a dog, or in any traffic areas.On Umbra on flooring options posted 3 years, 9 months ago 7 Responses