is a long story. But today I was reminded of it as the news stated that the temperature on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire was 47 degrees below zero. The wind-chill adjusted temperature was 108 degrees below zero. This is thought to be a record for the lower forty-eight. Okay.
I recently bloggedabout my time in New Hampshire, 50 some years ago. The conditions were severe; and I think, contributed to who I am – a Drinking Writer Man.
Friends
or rivals attach nicknames to you. You don’t get to do that. [However, many in today’s world of social media and self promotion attempt such. But that’s a post for another day.]
My friend (ghosted) assigned the nickname of “Drinking Writer Man” to me years ago.
Then, just today, I saw the temperature data on Mt. Washington. Furthermore, seconds later my bff dm’d me about that. Okay. Yeah, I saw that, too. We were there! And I remembered when …
But my memory wasn’t totally accurate. I’d responded that I’d summited Mt. Washington. Maybe I didn’t.?
Frogs and Korak with a view of Mt. Washington
Memory is sort of like fish tales.
The Point Is
be mindful of your memories and assumptions. In addition, the past does shape who you are.
In this regard, I think Barack Obama was right when he advised, “Don’t do stupid things.” Mt. Washington records more deaths per summit attempt than any other mountain.
Pay attention
to your friends and your environment. I didn’t live this long (73 years) being stupid. Pay attention to how you feel and what you want. Pay attention … and relax. Unless, of course, it’s 108 degrees below zero. In that case … good luck. Or pray?
I’ve always enjoyed your stories of New Hampshire, especially your dish-washing dogs.
Ha! Yeah, I think that contributed to my lifelong robust immune system.