10 of My Favorite Things

We've heard of sporks, combination spoons and forks. A knork is a top combination of a knife and fork that is extremely useful. I skip over regular forks in order to find one of the two knorks we own.

I paid just $1 for this thing, but I use it multiple times a day. I'll wash it off to use it rather than get one of the other perfectly good plates out of the cabinet. I think it's because it's the only one like it in the house, so it's mine. Plus, it's nice and heavy, feel good in my hands as I'm carrying stuff.

I also use this multiple times a day. I use it for both hot and cold drinks, carry it with me everywhere. When I use it for iced coffee, I'm amazed that it's still cold 24 hours later. The 18-ounce size works perfectly for me.

I live in the South. We've had an infestation of gnats in the house. We've had this electric fly swatter racket for years, and it has not only been useful, but (I hate to admit it) fun. I hate these little bugs in the house, and it gives me guilty pleasure when I swing this thing like a tennis racket and they make tiny flashes and popping sounds. Take that, you bug! The one we have is old enough that I couldn't find it online, but if and when our current one breaks, this one is almost identical.

This is a truly amazing invention that we all take for granted. It turns out George Washington Carver did NOT invent it despite what you've heard. But it was a life-saving innovation as people began to live longer and lose their teeth. I started eating it in seventh grade when I couldn't stand the school cafeteria, and pretty much every single day I took a Velveeta cheese sandwich and a peanut butter and apple jelly sandwich to school. I've hardly missed a day since, and just like those old folks Dr. Kellogg marketed to, I will just eat the stuff with a spoon.

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This is not about Android vs. iPhone. Just the utility of what James Altucher accurately calls my pocket computer that has a phone app. I'm truly not addicted to it—on those occasions when I'm out in the boonies with no cell service, I'm perfectly happy as long as I have a book (see the next entry). But it can do so many things that used to require separate, expensive tools!

Books. Just about any book. Even telephone books are interesting. Books are one of our oldest technologies. I recently visited a physical book store for the first time in a long while (can you say pandemic? I knew you could), and the sensory experience left me breathless. I had forgotten the distinctive smell.

Speaking of smell: sometimes that first sip is the best part of the whole day. It's amazing to think of how many systems come together to provide me with that wonderful cup. It makes me believe in sorcery: every morning I drink a brew made from magic beans and it brings me back to life. I'm fortunate to live in the same town as the producer of the best coffee in Tennessee.

I have an old navy blue cardigan made from sweatshirt material. It has to be at least 30 years old, and it has never so much as lost a button. I've had other sweaters over the years, mostly received as gifts. I keep going back to this one that a friend calls my Mr. Rogers sweater. It is likely to outlive me.

My son bought my first Tilley hat. When it disappeared, I was devastated. Bless him, he bought me another one. I actually have several favorite hats, but this one tops them all (no pun intended). Incredibly durable and incredibly comfortable, it keeps off the rain and the sun. I've now had the Endurables Air-flo for years, but I'm thinking of getting an Outback for winter use.