Kim has a pair of the Elkskin Ropers for gardening. They are a tough, stiff mess. Like you say, get them wet and that’s it. My gloves are deerskin from LL Bean with an insulated lining. They’ve been through some rainstorms and are still soft and flexible though the leather is beginning to split on the surface. Not sure why they are so different than the Ropers because they look exactly the same.

So far sugar is not my foe. I’m hoping diet and weight control keep me on the good side of sugar.

Hah!

I’ve looked at that story about eating an orange in mindfulness. I have to confess I do little mindful eating. I’m more of a wolf it down quick guy. Mindfulness comes from other places. So I’ll have to live in fear and anxiety while eating in forgetfulness…

I’ve forgotten a piece of fruit in the topcase. It’s not pretty.

I enjoy apples but lately I’ve leaned toward oranges. And a banana sneaks in every so often. Watermelon in summer and grapes too.

I read about your broken saddle and the thief. That just sucks. Check on the ModernVespa.com site for a seat. I know there are people who swap out that two piece seat for a conventional one. You might find on sitting around in a garage.

All table manners are off while riding. Juice is wiped directly on riding pants, gloves, trees, or whatever. Sticky hands — all the better to attract dirt. If you have the right pocket knife and technique you can manage an orange without sticky mess. It’s an art.

The ziploc bag approach is the best — no peeling to interrupt the eating.

You have friends when you have fruit trees or vines, a pick-up truck, or an extension ladder. Something everyone is always looking for.

Tangerines fresh from the tree — that would be nice.