At the Farmer's Market on Saturday I bought a jar of honey. After I paid, I asked the young man who processed the transaction, "So what does a pound jar of honey cost these days?" I often don't look at prices, I buy what I want. I packed and sold thousands of pound jars and honey bears as a teenager that we sold for between 50-cents and a $1 each, I know they are a lot more expensive today, and I also know how much work and risk goes into filling that jar. I just wanted to know the price.
His response was, "I don't know, that is a question for Eli, do we sell pound jars of honey?" I pulled the jar out of my bag, showed him that it was 16 fluid ounces, he seemed surprised that was one-pound. I then said, it is about 1/4 of a liter, about 250 milliliters. Water is 8 pounds to the gallon, honey is 12 pounds to the gallon. The vacant look on his face, told me that he didn't have a clue. Kind of made me wonder about our education system. He is studying engineering and working in a factory that builds cranes.
Buy the way, a 1-pound jar of local honey was $12. Expensive, but I know who produced, and where, and that it is an important part of sustainable agriculture.
On the way to the market I had a National Public Radio station on, they were interviewing experts about vaccines, and the current disaster in the US Federal Government. Leadership who either don't understand science carefully proven over the past 150 years, or simply deny that it applies. It kind of makes be wonder.
There are times, when I am glad that I am old. It is likely that I will be dead before it all comes crashing down around us. Kind of makes me wonder how soon it will catch up with the world.
Worst case: We’ll still be alive (unfortunately?)
ReplyDeleteI was talking with a neighbor the other day, who is working on forecasting how soon most of Florida will be underwater. I hope it starts with some golf courses in south Florida.
DeleteTheir education may not be what ours was, and quite different, but have faith in young people for the future, even if we won't be around to see it. Who would have thought renewable power and batteries would have come so far as they have in such a short time.
ReplyDeleteOne. of my grandmother's was very concerned that no one knew how to harness a horse anymore.
DeleteI have been thinking the same thing lately. I'm glad I'm old and won't be here that much longer. It feels like things are going to get rough.
ReplyDeleteand my ability to endure is stronger than it was
DeleteKids learn different things these days and they have technology to answer their questions about measurements...
ReplyDeleteI amazed someone one day by describing how to calculate how many gallons of water you displace. Take your weight in pounds, and divide by 8, as simple as that. If you now how many gallons of water overflow the hot tub when you get in, you can calculate your weight by simple multiplication.
DeleteYou are just pretty amazing, David!
DeleteSo snippy and grumpy! Hahahahaha! Actually, I too try to calculate how likely it will be whether I am safely dead before everything goes to hell in a handbasket. I certainly hope so.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy each day, and worry less about tomorrow.
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